Who was that? “I don’t know. Just one of these people who bother you at this season, looking for some shoulder to cry on I guess.” Well what was he crying about? “I told you I don’t know.” You didn’t listen to him and just dismissed him; are you an inn keeper? “Heh, heh, heh, hold your high horses. He wasn’t bleeding or anything like that, nor did I ask for money from him.” It’s not that inn keeper I refer to but the one who missed an opportunity. Mary was in real need, and that was a time inns were flooded with travelers.She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was not any room for them in the inn Luk 2:7(ISV). The man may not have even listened to Joseph and dismissed him like you.
“Well stop guessing what you weren’t told; and why blame the inn keeper: there was no room. What could he have done?” I don’t know. I just believe it was a missed opportunity. That inn keeper would have had an Obededom phenomenon. “A what?” Obededom’s type of blessing: The ark of the LORD stayed at the home of Obed Edom from Gath for three months, and the LORD blessed Obed Edom and his whole family 2Sa 6:11(GW). Imagine what it would have been like for Jesus to be born in your home.
“Look the ark was dumped by David the King; this guy came on his own. There’s no way I am going to put up strangers for an indefinite period.” So the innkeeper must have said of Joseph; besides you didn’t listen to him so how do you know God the King didn’t dump him? Have you forgotten Gal 2:10(ISV) Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. “I have forgotten nothing; it is you who has forgotten not to assume things not explicitly said in the Bible, and that this is a dangerous season.” Do you think there were no thieves in New Testament times when Jesus taught, no hypocritical liars and con artists? “For heaven’s sake remember But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived2Ti 3:13(KJV). I have vulnerable people here.”
I hope it is not your convenience you were thinking of. Surely if you interviewed him you could have fulfilled 1Jn 4:1(ISV) Dear friends, stop believing every spirit. Instead, test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. “Well you can call him back if you want.” Or better, we can listen well to those who come knocking and at least judge for ourselves how genuine they are. Let’s not miss Jesus by accident.
Sunday 26 December 2010
Saturday 18 December 2010
Trying is not enough Week 51, 2010
“Listen, I have tried to stand alone but it is impossible. You don’t understand where I work. Compromise is the rule of the day; no compromise: no progress.” You can’t be correct. Or are you telling me 1Co 10:13(GNB) is no longer true? Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. “I don’t want to argue with you. If there is a way out I haven’t seen it, nor do I see any one succeeding.”
Would you know that God always reserves for himself a people who are faithful? It is written Daniel first had come to the decision that he would not make himself unclean with the king's food or wine; so he made a request to the captain of the unsexed servants that he might not make himself unclean Dan 1:8(BBE) . This decision is noted before the intervention of Dan 1:9(ESV) And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs. You must first decide and seek to stand and you will see God step in. “Will you stop prejudging me? I tried, but I was refused. My supervisor strictly forbad me. Period. A number of Christians I know do it. What’s wrong with it? Is Okey not a member of your executive committee? Yet he does it.”
Daniel was also turned down by this captain. Unlike you he didn’t give up. He moved on to someone else until he got what he needed. Then Daniel said to the keeper in whose care the captain of the unsexed servants had put Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Put your servants to the test for ten days Dan 1:11,12(BBE). Trying is not enough. Consider David when his brother sought to discourage him from fighting Goliath: Eliab should have taken him to Saul wouldn’t; no one believed in him but he simply refused to give up. He was but one man, in fact a boy. He turned to another man and asked him the same question, and every time he asked, he got the same answer. Some men heard what David had said, and they told Saul, who sent for him1Sa 17:30, 31(GNB). And blind Bartimaeus? He simply shouted louder…
“You won’t give up too, huh?” Not until the Daniel in you comes forth. Keep pushing, there’s a gap in the wall. Enter through it. He won't quit or give up until he brings justice everywhere on earth Isa 42:4(CEV)
Would you know that God always reserves for himself a people who are faithful? It is written Daniel first had come to the decision that he would not make himself unclean with the king's food or wine; so he made a request to the captain of the unsexed servants that he might not make himself unclean Dan 1:8(BBE) . This decision is noted before the intervention of Dan 1:9(ESV) And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs. You must first decide and seek to stand and you will see God step in. “Will you stop prejudging me? I tried, but I was refused. My supervisor strictly forbad me. Period. A number of Christians I know do it. What’s wrong with it? Is Okey not a member of your executive committee? Yet he does it.”
Daniel was also turned down by this captain. Unlike you he didn’t give up. He moved on to someone else until he got what he needed. Then Daniel said to the keeper in whose care the captain of the unsexed servants had put Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Put your servants to the test for ten days Dan 1:11,12(BBE). Trying is not enough. Consider David when his brother sought to discourage him from fighting Goliath: Eliab should have taken him to Saul wouldn’t; no one believed in him but he simply refused to give up. He was but one man, in fact a boy. He turned to another man and asked him the same question, and every time he asked, he got the same answer. Some men heard what David had said, and they told Saul, who sent for him1Sa 17:30, 31(GNB). And blind Bartimaeus? He simply shouted louder…
“You won’t give up too, huh?” Not until the Daniel in you comes forth. Keep pushing, there’s a gap in the wall. Enter through it. He won't quit or give up until he brings justice everywhere on earth Isa 42:4(CEV)
Friday 17 December 2010
I am just one man week 50, 2010
“I cannot make much of a difference. I just get swallowed up by them.” I think you are giving excuses. One man is enough to make a difference. Do you remember Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the LORD brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain. 2Sa 23:9, 10(ESV). “I know the story, those were ideal situations. Besides he was with David the man after God’s heart. Today we work with charlatans and thieves. It makes the going hard.”
When Saul the king had been rejected by God it took one man Jonathan to turn the battle into victory for Israel. God needs just one man to do a lot. That statement "It's just the two of us against all those godless men," Jonathan said. "But the LORD can help a few soldiers win a battle just as easily as he can help a whole army.1Sa 14:6(CEV) " still holds true today. “You just cancelled out your statement: they were two, not one. Besides after this feat they wanted to kill Jonathan.”
Now I see what hinders you: you fear persecution; you fear for your life. Daniel did not fear for his life when a decree was made to punish anyone who prayed to any god or man but the king for 30 days. And because of this one man an indefinite decree was made by the same king: I command everyone in my kingdom to worship and honor the God of Daniel. He is the living God, the one who lives forever. His power and his kingdom will never end Dan 6:26(CEV). “Well I actually do not participate in the evils. Like Daniel I quietly worship my God.” Daniel was not “quietly worshipping God”; he spoke out to the king urging repentance also Dan 4:27. Evil thrives when godly men refuse to speak up.It is not enough that you do not participate in unrighteousness: have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness. Instead, expose them for what they are Eph 5:11(ISV).
And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the fence, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation Eze 22:30, 31(RV)
When Saul the king had been rejected by God it took one man Jonathan to turn the battle into victory for Israel. God needs just one man to do a lot. That statement "It's just the two of us against all those godless men," Jonathan said. "But the LORD can help a few soldiers win a battle just as easily as he can help a whole army.1Sa 14:6(CEV) " still holds true today. “You just cancelled out your statement: they were two, not one. Besides after this feat they wanted to kill Jonathan.”
Now I see what hinders you: you fear persecution; you fear for your life. Daniel did not fear for his life when a decree was made to punish anyone who prayed to any god or man but the king for 30 days. And because of this one man an indefinite decree was made by the same king: I command everyone in my kingdom to worship and honor the God of Daniel. He is the living God, the one who lives forever. His power and his kingdom will never end Dan 6:26(CEV). “Well I actually do not participate in the evils. Like Daniel I quietly worship my God.” Daniel was not “quietly worshipping God”; he spoke out to the king urging repentance also Dan 4:27. Evil thrives when godly men refuse to speak up.It is not enough that you do not participate in unrighteousness: have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness. Instead, expose them for what they are Eph 5:11(ISV).
And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the fence, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation Eze 22:30, 31(RV)
Sunday 5 December 2010
Embrace them first Week 48, 2010
“How, with these rags? She is so badly dressed. And see how dirty he is. Let him wash first. I don’t want to dirty myself.” Beloved they are coming for the first time. If a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in. If you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes … but you say to the poor man, "Stand over there" or "Sit on the floor at my feet,” you have made false distinctions among yourselves Jas 2:2(ISV); we should welcome them first. “Look brother, I don’t despise the poor. God knows. This attire is distracting and indecent. God has a standard that must be kept, even in dressing in His house.” Oh yes He does. Look at the minister’s family: they are an example to follow; but that is not the first thing Jesus taught us to do.
“How, what He teach?” When the lost son was coming home in repentance he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him Lk 15:20(ESV). Despite the rags on him, rags of a filthy life, and rags of clothes, the father embraced him on the way. This welcome was followed by the lad’s confession. It was then that the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Luk 15:22(ESV).
“You like parables… “Show me chapter and verse not so? Okay: Just as Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs and met him. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell down in front of him, Mk 5:2, 6(ISV). This man was naked. Jesus’ first concern was to chase the demons out of him. It was after this that they came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there dressed and in his right mind Mar 5:15(ISV). If all hospitals insist their first timers dress well before treatment how many mentally ill will get well? The church is like a hospital you know.
“It’s okay, I will welcome them today. No word about their clothes, but they must get decent clothes next time to prove their repentance else I rule them out of order.” Thank you my dear; but you haven’t quite seen the picture. In both cases it is disciples that provide the clothes. “Kai! I will note their sizes.” Remember to give not only physical clothes but also instructions on putting on the right spiritual clothes of the new man. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ Rom 13:14(ISV).
“How, what He teach?” When the lost son was coming home in repentance he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him Lk 15:20(ESV). Despite the rags on him, rags of a filthy life, and rags of clothes, the father embraced him on the way. This welcome was followed by the lad’s confession. It was then that the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Luk 15:22(ESV).
“You like parables… “Show me chapter and verse not so? Okay: Just as Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs and met him. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell down in front of him, Mk 5:2, 6(ISV). This man was naked. Jesus’ first concern was to chase the demons out of him. It was after this that they came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there dressed and in his right mind Mar 5:15(ISV). If all hospitals insist their first timers dress well before treatment how many mentally ill will get well? The church is like a hospital you know.
“It’s okay, I will welcome them today. No word about their clothes, but they must get decent clothes next time to prove their repentance else I rule them out of order.” Thank you my dear; but you haven’t quite seen the picture. In both cases it is disciples that provide the clothes. “Kai! I will note their sizes.” Remember to give not only physical clothes but also instructions on putting on the right spiritual clothes of the new man. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ Rom 13:14(ISV).
Though your sins are many Week 47, 2010
Hear the word of God: "Come back, you rebellious people, and I will forgive you for being unfaithful." Jer 3:22(GW). “I’m too far gone; there is no use trying to come back to God.” Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool Isa 1: 18(ESV) .
“You don’t know me, else you won’t say that. I have done wicked things; broken promises, exploited the weak, abused women. I deserve to die.” Though I had said violent words against God, and done cruel acts, causing great trouble: but I was given mercy, because I did it without knowledge, not having faith; 1Ti 1:13(BBE).
“No, my situation is worse: I am the child of a minister; I was brought up in a Christian home to follow God’s law. I had at a point promised to serve God, but I rebelled against my parents and heaven.” You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent. Col 1:21, 22(CEV)
“With my eyes open I sold myself to evil; how then can I be saved? I wanted to taste, nay eat of the forbidden fruit, and gave in to the passions I was taught to control. Now I am a slave to Satan. I believed I could handle it, but see: a wretch am I!” Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children Isa 49:24, 25(KJV).
“This sounds too good to be true. I do want to get back. Will God really accept me? I am unworthy to be a child of Heaven.” I can guarantee that there will be more happiness in heaven over one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts than over 99 people who already have turned to God and have his approval. Lk 15:7(GW).
Why not join me and pray this from your heart; God will answer: Behold, we come to you, for you are the LORD our God. Jer 3:22(ESV).
“You don’t know me, else you won’t say that. I have done wicked things; broken promises, exploited the weak, abused women. I deserve to die.” Though I had said violent words against God, and done cruel acts, causing great trouble: but I was given mercy, because I did it without knowledge, not having faith; 1Ti 1:13(BBE).
“No, my situation is worse: I am the child of a minister; I was brought up in a Christian home to follow God’s law. I had at a point promised to serve God, but I rebelled against my parents and heaven.” You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent. Col 1:21, 22(CEV)
“With my eyes open I sold myself to evil; how then can I be saved? I wanted to taste, nay eat of the forbidden fruit, and gave in to the passions I was taught to control. Now I am a slave to Satan. I believed I could handle it, but see: a wretch am I!” Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children Isa 49:24, 25(KJV).
“This sounds too good to be true. I do want to get back. Will God really accept me? I am unworthy to be a child of Heaven.” I can guarantee that there will be more happiness in heaven over one person who turns to God and changes the way he thinks and acts than over 99 people who already have turned to God and have his approval. Lk 15:7(GW).
Why not join me and pray this from your heart; God will answer: Behold, we come to you, for you are the LORD our God. Jer 3:22(ESV).
Note these 3 things Week 46, 2010
“I can see why the faith is called a fight; give some tips to help.” Every believer has a measure of faith, but it needs to grow. Guard you thoughts: train them to focus on God. Fix your thoughts on His word as you pray in the word. Memorize God’s word. Have you been practicing whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things Phil 4:8(ESV)? “I must confess I haven’t always.” That’s the first thing I want you to note. Memorize this scripture; I find it hard to memorize what I don’t practice.
“I thank God for all you have taught me on faith. Whenever I am in trouble I will activate it.” When in trouble? I fear you may have a hard time. Why? Are you one of these preachers who don’t believe or practice their sermons? Hardly: In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Eph 6:16(CEV). “So why will I have a hard time?” The shield of faith must be on before the evil day comes: take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand in that evil day Eph 6:13(ISV). That’s number two. Cultivate the lifestyle always. Not just when trouble is here.
“What’s the third thing you have to say?” We could go on talking on this subject but in parting I want to remind you to “believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." Lk 1:20(ESV). This is similar to what Habakkuk was told: For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay Hab 2:3(ESV).
I have sometimes forgotten prayers made in agreement only for them to be manifestly answered at a later date; even years later. “So God’s time is the best eh?” I have no better way of putting it. God does seem to set times and seasons for things to come to pass. So do not throw away your confidence, since it holds a great reward for you Heb 10:35(ISV).
You are a child of faith. I know you believe God. I am definite God is faithful to His word. Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it." Jer 1:12(ESV). So I say with the angel And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord Lk 1:45(KJV).
“I thank God for all you have taught me on faith. Whenever I am in trouble I will activate it.” When in trouble? I fear you may have a hard time. Why? Are you one of these preachers who don’t believe or practice their sermons? Hardly: In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; Eph 6:16(CEV). “So why will I have a hard time?” The shield of faith must be on before the evil day comes: take up the whole armor of God so that you may be able to take a stand in that evil day Eph 6:13(ISV). That’s number two. Cultivate the lifestyle always. Not just when trouble is here.
“What’s the third thing you have to say?” We could go on talking on this subject but in parting I want to remind you to “believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." Lk 1:20(ESV). This is similar to what Habakkuk was told: For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay Hab 2:3(ESV).
I have sometimes forgotten prayers made in agreement only for them to be manifestly answered at a later date; even years later. “So God’s time is the best eh?” I have no better way of putting it. God does seem to set times and seasons for things to come to pass. So do not throw away your confidence, since it holds a great reward for you Heb 10:35(ISV).
You are a child of faith. I know you believe God. I am definite God is faithful to His word. Then the LORD said to me, "You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it." Jer 1:12(ESV). So I say with the angel And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord Lk 1:45(KJV).
Sunday 14 November 2010
I don't need those tests! week 45,2010
Will you not do the lab tests? “What for? I am sure I am healed. I don’t need any tests to prove it. The word of God is my evidence.” Which one you deh? Doing the tests will confirm your healing. “I want to prove God in this. Going to do tests is walking by sight and is contrary to faith.” If so why did Jesus send people for tests? “Ah, there were no labs in Jesus’ days. You’re fabricating things.” Am I? Then Jesus said to him, "Listen! Don't tell anyone, but go straight to the priest and let him examine you; then in order to prove to everyone that you are cured, offer the sacrifice that Moses ordered."Matt 8:4(GNB). “Was it not to fulfill the law as a good Jew that He did so?” I believe it was more than that. Remember the blind man brought to Jesus? Jesus took the blind man's hand and led him out of the village. He spit into the man's eyes and placed his hands on him. Jesus asked him, "Can you see anything?"Mk 8:23(GW). Surely no one can accuse Jesus of not walking by faith at any time. The test will prove your faith is real and bring glory to Jesus. How else will the doubter be convinced and the gainsayers silenced when they accuse you of living in delusion or denial? Christianity is an evidence based faith you know. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen Heb 11:1(KJV).
“So what do I do if the lab test says I’m not healed?” I think it is right to see if you have carefully followed all God’s instructions on the matter. Then get back to Jesus for a second touch; Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly Mk 8:25(ESV). “Sometimes after the second touch the lab test still won’t say you are well. What should I then?” Do you remember Elijah? After speaking the word of faith to Ahab based on God’s promise he prayed on in faith until the manifestation of God’s word. "Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain." … And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. 1Ki 18:41-42(ESV). No matter how many times the result came out negative he persevered: And he said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." And he went up and looked and said, "There is nothing." And he said, "Go again," seven times. And at the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea." 1Ki 18:43-44(ESV). Persevere in faith and have brethren support you.
“So what do I do if the lab test says I’m not healed?” I think it is right to see if you have carefully followed all God’s instructions on the matter. Then get back to Jesus for a second touch; Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly Mk 8:25(ESV). “Sometimes after the second touch the lab test still won’t say you are well. What should I then?” Do you remember Elijah? After speaking the word of faith to Ahab based on God’s promise he prayed on in faith until the manifestation of God’s word. "Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain." … And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. 1Ki 18:41-42(ESV). No matter how many times the result came out negative he persevered: And he said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." And he went up and looked and said, "There is nothing." And he said, "Go again," seven times. And at the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea." 1Ki 18:43-44(ESV). Persevere in faith and have brethren support you.
Thursday 11 November 2010
God will build for you week 44, 2010
“You will know when you come” said the police man. I had been summoned to the DO’s office for conduct likely to cause breach of peace. Surely I had no quarrels with anyone. What came to mind was the reallocation of our flat to new tenants. The Enugu State Housing Development Corporation had reassigned the flat we lived in to new tenants, and refused to continue collecting rent. The new tenant had come over to see the flat and we had assured him of our commitment to leave in September which was barely 4 months away. So commited were we that I signed an undertaking at the office of the sole administrator to leave at that time. My wife was heavy with our second baby and had lost weight in the pregnancy due to the incessant pressure. Before our eyes uniformed men would bring out neighbours’ belongings in planned evictions. Once a family’s belongings were thrown out in every one’s glare and another family moved in. A neighbour who worked at the ESHDC alerted us there was a plot to evict us that weekend and urged immediate action. Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me Psa 25:1, 2 (KJV).
Five years before this I had been involved in a rural church building project. The church (to my displeasure) calls out the amount you give at each occasion, and owing to my position I was easily the highest digit giver. Only God knows the highest giver. He said, "I tell you that this poor widow put in more than all the others. For the others offered their gifts from what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, gave all she had to live on."Luk 21:3, 4(GNB). I kept giving, though I doubted I would be rewarded as it was so open. During the harvest that year he prophesied, “As you are giving to build God’s house so will people build a house for you!” Now that is the height of it all; saying things just to get people to give. These pastors sef. Well I gave as I could, not trusting what the pastor said. I give to God who sees me.
I had rented accommodation, I was just a junior resident fighting to pass exams. My dad had land but building was not yet. So I thought. With all the pressure building became an attractive option. The architect put up a drawing for free, the local government authority approved them in record time without an extra charge, people loaned me money to build and repeated attempts to repay was refused. The builder was confirmed by revelation to my wife and in six weeks he put up a 2 bedroom bungalow for us to move into. He has refused to tell me how much I owe him till date. Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper2Ch 20:20 (KJV). Lest I forget: no one threw out our property. We left on our own on September 22.
Saturday 30 October 2010
Walk by faith (2) WEEK 43, 2010
“Don’t you believe I will succeed? Why doubt my faith brother?” Several people have acted presumptuously in the name of faith and given faith a bad name. I completely believe 2Cor 5:7(ISV): For we live by faith, not by sight but it must be that faith has come, not wishful desire.
“How will I know when faith has come?” The very definition of faith tells us how: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen Heb 11:1(ESV). “Please explain it”. Don’t you understand? When faith comes assurance settles in your heart. Faith comes from God Who sends peace into the heart that trusts Him. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you Isa 26:3(ESV). There is joy in the face of the problem, not moodiness or terror and fear. Now may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit Rom 15:13(ISV). Bible calls it the full assurance of faith Heb 10:22.
“Can you show me who this happened to?” Remember Hannah? “Do you mean Samuel’s mother?” Yes; you will notice these two qualities in her. She first heard the word from Eli after she had been praying; faith comes by hearing. Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." 1Sa 1:17(ESV). When she believed God, the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad 1Sa 1:18(ESV). It indicates faith had arrived in her. Paul experienced peace in the midst of a storm and shipwreck. He ate when soldiers and sailors couldn’t (Act 27:33-36) because I am sure that God will do exactly what he promised Act 27:25(CEV). Is there turmoil in your heart and you can’t eat or peace, do you have joy? If turmoil shut yourself in to prayer and the word.
“When do I start confessing and acting on the word?” Speaking the word regularly to yourself always helps. Confessing comes naturally when the assurance is there. Act on the word all the time, do you have to wait for assurance before you tell the truth or help someone in obvious need? Act on the word always Keep on being doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves Jas 1:22(ISV). If you wait for special moments before obeying the scripture you won’t grow in faith you know. “But you said I should not be presumptuous in walking by faith.” Is that what you mean? When this assurance settles in your heart now act on it. Your confessing the faith in your heart will be real and yes: it will herald the manifestation of God’s promise.
“How will I know when faith has come?” The very definition of faith tells us how: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen Heb 11:1(ESV). “Please explain it”. Don’t you understand? When faith comes assurance settles in your heart. Faith comes from God Who sends peace into the heart that trusts Him. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you Isa 26:3(ESV). There is joy in the face of the problem, not moodiness or terror and fear. Now may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit Rom 15:13(ISV). Bible calls it the full assurance of faith Heb 10:22.
“Can you show me who this happened to?” Remember Hannah? “Do you mean Samuel’s mother?” Yes; you will notice these two qualities in her. She first heard the word from Eli after she had been praying; faith comes by hearing. Then Eli answered, "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him." 1Sa 1:17(ESV). When she believed God, the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad 1Sa 1:18(ESV). It indicates faith had arrived in her. Paul experienced peace in the midst of a storm and shipwreck. He ate when soldiers and sailors couldn’t (Act 27:33-36) because I am sure that God will do exactly what he promised Act 27:25(CEV). Is there turmoil in your heart and you can’t eat or peace, do you have joy? If turmoil shut yourself in to prayer and the word.
“When do I start confessing and acting on the word?” Speaking the word regularly to yourself always helps. Confessing comes naturally when the assurance is there. Act on the word all the time, do you have to wait for assurance before you tell the truth or help someone in obvious need? Act on the word always Keep on being doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves Jas 1:22(ISV). If you wait for special moments before obeying the scripture you won’t grow in faith you know. “But you said I should not be presumptuous in walking by faith.” Is that what you mean? When this assurance settles in your heart now act on it. Your confessing the faith in your heart will be real and yes: it will herald the manifestation of God’s promise.
Sunday 24 October 2010
Walk by faith (1) WEEK 42, 2010
What’s wrong? “Nothing; I’m just fine.” What? “I’m fine I’m fine, I’m healed.” You don’t quite meet my eyes when you say you are healed. Are you sure you are? “Actually I am confessing my healing to create faith in me. We walk by faith.” Confessing to get faith? Faith does not happen by confession; rather confession comes when you have faith. Now since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written-"I believed, and so I spoke"-we also believe, and so we speak 2Co 4:13(ISV).
“But didn’t the bible say confession brings possession? “The Bible doesn’t say that exactly but the saying I think is derived from Rom 10:10(MKJV): For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. If you read it properly in the context you believe in the heart first, then you confess what you have believed to possess it. Confessing from now till tomorrow won’t give you what is not already yours by faith. “I was taught to keep saying it, keep claiming it, since look at ships! They are so big that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are steered wherever the pilot pleases by a tiny rudder. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it can boast of great achievements Jas 3:4(ISV). ” Aren’t you missing the point? This scripture is true, but it is the persistence in faith. Faith comes first, and you have been honest enough to confess you are trying to get faith.
“So how do I get faith then?" You don’t get faith; faith comes. “What do you mean?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ Rom 10:17(ESV). You don’t get faith by confessing things, faith comes into your heart as you hear, listen to, and heed the word. Faith is a living reality that comes from the presence of God and fastens itself on your spirit man.
“So what should I do?” Get into the word of God. Feed your mind and soul with it. Keep feeding on the word and hearing only the word. My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh Pro 4:20-22(ESV). Meditate on what God is saying to you and keep at it. Pray the scripture into you, but make sure it is all the word on the issue. Faith will come. They received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see if those things were so. Therefore many of them believed Act 17:11, 12(MKJV)
“But didn’t the bible say confession brings possession? “The Bible doesn’t say that exactly but the saying I think is derived from Rom 10:10(MKJV): For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation. If you read it properly in the context you believe in the heart first, then you confess what you have believed to possess it. Confessing from now till tomorrow won’t give you what is not already yours by faith. “I was taught to keep saying it, keep claiming it, since look at ships! They are so big that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are steered wherever the pilot pleases by a tiny rudder. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it can boast of great achievements Jas 3:4(ISV). ” Aren’t you missing the point? This scripture is true, but it is the persistence in faith. Faith comes first, and you have been honest enough to confess you are trying to get faith.
“So how do I get faith then?" You don’t get faith; faith comes. “What do you mean?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ Rom 10:17(ESV). You don’t get faith by confessing things, faith comes into your heart as you hear, listen to, and heed the word. Faith is a living reality that comes from the presence of God and fastens itself on your spirit man.
“So what should I do?” Get into the word of God. Feed your mind and soul with it. Keep feeding on the word and hearing only the word. My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh Pro 4:20-22(ESV). Meditate on what God is saying to you and keep at it. Pray the scripture into you, but make sure it is all the word on the issue. Faith will come. They received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see if those things were so. Therefore many of them believed Act 17:11, 12(MKJV)
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Jesus in disguise Week 41, 2010
“In disguise?” Yes that is what my pastor said would happen to some of us in the week, though I didn’t see it that way at first. He said “God will visit you this week. Jesus shall come to you in the course of the week with His blessings. I hope you recognize Him when it happens. Receive it!” and we thundered, “ Amen!” As they talked and discussed, Jesus himself drew near and walked along with them; they saw him, but somehow did not recognize him Lk 24:15, 16(GNB). “So did God visit you?” Nna I was expecting someone to bring news of promotion, or an unexpected windfall to land on my lap. In fact I claimed the arrears; no show.
“Are you sure the pastor wasn’t deceiving you? Some of them say ambiguous things to make people donate money and then play safe on words when nothing happens. Is it not those who are not expecting Jesus who do not recognize Him?” My brother, I wanted to believe that when I saw nothing, but I read Rev 22:7(BBE) “ See, I come quickly. A blessing on him who keeps the words of this book of the prophet” that morning and was convinced it was no coincidence or deceit.
“What then made you decide He came disguised?” Well I took time out on Friday to seek God’s face. I really needed this visitation you know, and I somehow couldn’t shake off the conviction that the visitation was real; as I did I stumbled upon Mat 25:34, 35(ISV) “Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” and it struck me Jesus had come my way.
“You mean the people who needed your help were actually Jesus in disguise? Surely you will recognize Him and not mistake Him for another when you seek Him with all your heart.” Ah, Mary Magdalene sought with all her heart to see Jesus on resurrection morning yet: she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. However, she didn't know that it was Jesus. Jesus asked her, "Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" Mary thought it was the gardener speaking to her Jn 20:14, 15(GW). That’s how I realized He had been coming all week. “My God! I was cold to those who came to me this week. What do I do?” “Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.' Mat 25:40(GW)
“Are you sure the pastor wasn’t deceiving you? Some of them say ambiguous things to make people donate money and then play safe on words when nothing happens. Is it not those who are not expecting Jesus who do not recognize Him?” My brother, I wanted to believe that when I saw nothing, but I read Rev 22:7(BBE) “ See, I come quickly. A blessing on him who keeps the words of this book of the prophet” that morning and was convinced it was no coincidence or deceit.
“What then made you decide He came disguised?” Well I took time out on Friday to seek God’s face. I really needed this visitation you know, and I somehow couldn’t shake off the conviction that the visitation was real; as I did I stumbled upon Mat 25:34, 35(ISV) “Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” and it struck me Jesus had come my way.
“You mean the people who needed your help were actually Jesus in disguise? Surely you will recognize Him and not mistake Him for another when you seek Him with all your heart.” Ah, Mary Magdalene sought with all her heart to see Jesus on resurrection morning yet: she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. However, she didn't know that it was Jesus. Jesus asked her, "Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" Mary thought it was the gardener speaking to her Jn 20:14, 15(GW). That’s how I realized He had been coming all week. “My God! I was cold to those who came to me this week. What do I do?” “Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.' Mat 25:40(GW)
Opinion or Final Word week 40, 2010
“That was a nice film, I enjoyed the way it potrayed Jesus; it kind of brought the Bible home.” I didn’t enjoy it. It changed the order of some passages and invented new things. It isn’t true to scripture absolutely. Every Scripture passage is inspired by God 2Tim 3:16(GW). “I don’t think you are in touch with current happenings. We have to have a modern approach to scripture; it was written by men.” But don’t you believe No prophecy in Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, because no prophecy ever originated through a human decision. Instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit 2Pe 1:20, 21(ISV).
“That’s fine, I belive that. In fact I like to get the opinion of scripture on matters about life too.” Opinion? Scripture does not offer opinions on life…“Well that is strange talk coming from a minister. Does the Bible not prescribe on how we should live our lives?”
Can I ask you a question? Have you been satisfied with the results of your prayers? “I hardly see what relationship it has to do with the question.” Indulge me please.Would you regard yourself as having strong faith? “Well , not exactly. Sometimes you get lucky with prayers, sometimes not so lucky, but pray without ceasing. I don’t know if I have any faith left.” It is not a question of try your luck. If I may say so your view of scripture in responsible, at least in part for your struggles. God’s word is not an opinion. When ever you regard scripture as being on similar pedestal with words of men, reasonings of science so called, you make it hard for it to work. Here is another reason why we constantly give thanks to God: When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as the word of humans but for what it really is-the word of God, which is at work in you who believe1Th 2:13(ISV).
To have effective faith scripture must become in your eyes the very word of God, not an opinion. Knowing what the Bible says is not as important as knowing who exactly is speaking through it. You can have strong faith when you see scripture as God’s final word. How will you obey God if you see His word as an opinion?
“I read the Bible of course; it works for those it will.” No! This word which has come to you as it has also in all the world, and it is bearing fruit, even also among you, since the day you heard and fully knew the grace of God in truth Col 1:6(MKJV). God’s word bears fruit in every one that knows it and follows it. It is true in my life. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today-and forever! Heb 13:8(ISV).
“That’s fine, I belive that. In fact I like to get the opinion of scripture on matters about life too.” Opinion? Scripture does not offer opinions on life…“Well that is strange talk coming from a minister. Does the Bible not prescribe on how we should live our lives?”
Can I ask you a question? Have you been satisfied with the results of your prayers? “I hardly see what relationship it has to do with the question.” Indulge me please.Would you regard yourself as having strong faith? “Well , not exactly. Sometimes you get lucky with prayers, sometimes not so lucky, but pray without ceasing. I don’t know if I have any faith left.” It is not a question of try your luck. If I may say so your view of scripture in responsible, at least in part for your struggles. God’s word is not an opinion. When ever you regard scripture as being on similar pedestal with words of men, reasonings of science so called, you make it hard for it to work. Here is another reason why we constantly give thanks to God: When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as the word of humans but for what it really is-the word of God, which is at work in you who believe1Th 2:13(ISV).
To have effective faith scripture must become in your eyes the very word of God, not an opinion. Knowing what the Bible says is not as important as knowing who exactly is speaking through it. You can have strong faith when you see scripture as God’s final word. How will you obey God if you see His word as an opinion?
“I read the Bible of course; it works for those it will.” No! This word which has come to you as it has also in all the world, and it is bearing fruit, even also among you, since the day you heard and fully knew the grace of God in truth Col 1:6(MKJV). God’s word bears fruit in every one that knows it and follows it. It is true in my life. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today-and forever! Heb 13:8(ISV).
Tuesday 5 October 2010
A peculiar birth week 39, 2010
My son, sit down. You cannot afford to fail God in your generation do you hear me? This is the third time I am calling you to say this. “Yes mum, I know it was God who brought me into this world.” Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I consecrated you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations Jer 1:5(MKJV).
Yes, your father and I did not want you to come, Satan fought that you do not, but God chose that you did. I put on the loop so as not to get pregnant, and had your sister with it. In your own case I had not only the loop on, but also I was taking depo provera injections. No woman is supposed to get pregnant with that combination yet you were implanted in my womb. The gynaecologist now a professor in charge of my case said to me “Amaka I don’t know what God has planned to do with you”. In spite of these you were well formed. For You have possessed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are marvelous and my soul knows it very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skillfully formed in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my embryo; and in Your book all my members were written, the days they were formed, and not one was among them Ps 139:13-16(MKJV).
Satan fought that you should not come into this world, apart from the circumstances around my conceiving you Satan still planned that you should not come. “Yes, you told me I was premature.” Not just premature. At 7 months of pregnancy I was at Nsukka doing my postgraduate work, alone in the house of my supervisor. He had handed the keys over to me and traveled. In the night, about 2am I suddenly noticed I was in a pool of water: the waters of my womb had burst. You know what I did? I rolled up my face towel and it became my pad. I phoned a sister and told her I was in distress and entered my car to return to Enugu that night.
On the way at Eha Alumona junction I ran into masquerades. The odo masquerade people were on, and you know, a woman is not meant to see it. I prayed “Lord, you made blind eyes see; now make seeing eyes blind” and passed over; no one harassed me. When I got into UNTH the doctors said “This is a case of eclampsia” and scheduled me for emergency surgery. I replied “Eclampsia is not for me.” The doctor took me to theatre that night. No blood was available. I was paper white at the end but both of us came out safely.
But if they go on in faith and love and holy self-control, she will be kept safe at the time of childbirth 1Tm 2:15(BBE). God has a plan for you in this generation. Don’t fail Him. Amaka lives in port Harcourt teaching and ministering.
Yes, your father and I did not want you to come, Satan fought that you do not, but God chose that you did. I put on the loop so as not to get pregnant, and had your sister with it. In your own case I had not only the loop on, but also I was taking depo provera injections. No woman is supposed to get pregnant with that combination yet you were implanted in my womb. The gynaecologist now a professor in charge of my case said to me “Amaka I don’t know what God has planned to do with you”. In spite of these you were well formed. For You have possessed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are marvelous and my soul knows it very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skillfully formed in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my embryo; and in Your book all my members were written, the days they were formed, and not one was among them Ps 139:13-16(MKJV).
Satan fought that you should not come into this world, apart from the circumstances around my conceiving you Satan still planned that you should not come. “Yes, you told me I was premature.” Not just premature. At 7 months of pregnancy I was at Nsukka doing my postgraduate work, alone in the house of my supervisor. He had handed the keys over to me and traveled. In the night, about 2am I suddenly noticed I was in a pool of water: the waters of my womb had burst. You know what I did? I rolled up my face towel and it became my pad. I phoned a sister and told her I was in distress and entered my car to return to Enugu that night.
On the way at Eha Alumona junction I ran into masquerades. The odo masquerade people were on, and you know, a woman is not meant to see it. I prayed “Lord, you made blind eyes see; now make seeing eyes blind” and passed over; no one harassed me. When I got into UNTH the doctors said “This is a case of eclampsia” and scheduled me for emergency surgery. I replied “Eclampsia is not for me.” The doctor took me to theatre that night. No blood was available. I was paper white at the end but both of us came out safely.
But if they go on in faith and love and holy self-control, she will be kept safe at the time of childbirth 1Tm 2:15(BBE). God has a plan for you in this generation. Don’t fail Him. Amaka lives in port Harcourt teaching and ministering.
Tuesday 28 September 2010
By faith choose love week 38,2010
“I wouldn’t say it is the same. When I choose to believe God for a miracle against the voice of experience and eyewitnesses I get healed, but when I turn the other cheek I get a slap!” That’s short sighted. Jesus promises you "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, lie, and say all kinds of evil things about you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because you have a great reward in heaven! The prophets who lived before you were persecuted in these ways Mat 5:11, 12(GW).
“But that reward may not be immediate, in fact it may be in heaven while I suffer indignity on earth.” Are you not speaking foolishly like an earthbound citizen of this world? When Jairus first believed Jesus was the daughter better immediately? Tell me. “No; she got worse.” She died; what of Lazarus? Did he improve immediately? “He too died.” What would have happened if Jairus and Martha did not press on in faith? “They may have lost the miracle.” Why is it then that you want to lose your miracle because for an indeterminable time guaranteed by God to be short, you will be slapped and face indignity? And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.1Pe 5:10(ESV)
Why are you willing to have symptoms of sickness for a little while as you know God will personally heal and strengthen you but refuse to endure indignity shame and deprivation for a little while before the heavens ensure you are established? Remember: our present trouble, which is only for a short time, is working out for us a much greater weight of glory 2Co 4:17(BBE). Faith is obedience you know. “You keep saying that.” Yes, it is the lubricant that makes God’s will easy; not the force that enslaves heaven’s resources to our desires - spiritual or carnal. “Say that again.” You heard me. You believe God for promotion and finances but can’t claim "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."Act 16:31(ESV). Peter didn’t jump on water but asked Jesus first. James and John sought His permission to call fire from heaven and held their peace when Jesus said no. “Are you suggesting we need to ask if God wills to heal us before we claim healing?” You weary me. Why twist my words? "I tell you the truth: the Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing. What the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. Jn 5:19, 20(GNB). By faith choose love!
Saturday 18 September 2010
Of faith and choice Week 37, 2010
“You speak of faith as being a choice, and as obeying God. That surely refers to the Christian walk: holiness and stuff like that, and not necessarily to an act of faith, for instance in getting healed, or answers to prayers.” You think so? Well if the Christian walk is marked by obedience and choices the very act of faith to get answers to prayers must be the same, after all the entire Christian walk is called the Christian faith isn’t it? “Look, let’s cut out the theological stuff. Tell me how obedience and choices help me get miracles and I’m done.” I’m tempted to tease you, but let’s take 2 examples: Jairus … fell at Jesus' feet and kept begging him to come to his home, because his only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying Lk 8:41, 42(ISV). You know his desire was that Jesus arrives before the girl dies.
“I get it. Faith was his choice to remain with Jesus even when there was a delay at the woman with the issue of blood.” That was quick! Yes, but the choice I want to get at is: While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader's home and said, "Your daughter is dead. Stop bothering the teacher anymore." Luk 8:49(ISV) and Jesus answered "Don't be afraid! Just believe, and she will get well." Luk 8:50(GW). “Faith was a choice between the eye witness advice and the word of Jesus.” Exactly, you know he might have said “Jesus I called you first, you were coming to my house when this woman with an issue came. Her own was not an emergency. Why, Jesus, why? Now my daughter is dead!” and walk off. “Instead he chose to go with Jesus and a greater miracle than anticipated happened.” Good. Now it is critical when the unexpected happens in your journey of faith to get a word from Jesus like Jairus did. That word, I believe, is Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole.
The other is Peter’s choice. And when his talk was ended, he said to Simon, Go out into deep water, and let down your nets for fish Lk 5:4(BBE). Fish disperse when there is noise and light, that’s why they toiled at night. Now in daylight Jesus asks and he makes a choice between experience and the word of God: Master, we have worked hard all night and caught nothing. But if you say so, I'll lower the nets." After the men had done this, they caught so many fish that the nets began to tear Lk 5:5, 6 (ISV). Faith chooses The Word above experience and eyewitness advice. “That’s neat; what of more examples?” Chew on this first. Apply it. You know it is the same choice you need to make when the world says retaliate but Jesus says turn the other cheek.
“I get it. Faith was his choice to remain with Jesus even when there was a delay at the woman with the issue of blood.” That was quick! Yes, but the choice I want to get at is: While he was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue leader's home and said, "Your daughter is dead. Stop bothering the teacher anymore." Luk 8:49(ISV) and Jesus answered "Don't be afraid! Just believe, and she will get well." Luk 8:50(GW). “Faith was a choice between the eye witness advice and the word of Jesus.” Exactly, you know he might have said “Jesus I called you first, you were coming to my house when this woman with an issue came. Her own was not an emergency. Why, Jesus, why? Now my daughter is dead!” and walk off. “Instead he chose to go with Jesus and a greater miracle than anticipated happened.” Good. Now it is critical when the unexpected happens in your journey of faith to get a word from Jesus like Jairus did. That word, I believe, is Fear not: only believe, and she shall be made whole.
The other is Peter’s choice. And when his talk was ended, he said to Simon, Go out into deep water, and let down your nets for fish Lk 5:4(BBE). Fish disperse when there is noise and light, that’s why they toiled at night. Now in daylight Jesus asks and he makes a choice between experience and the word of God: Master, we have worked hard all night and caught nothing. But if you say so, I'll lower the nets." After the men had done this, they caught so many fish that the nets began to tear Lk 5:5, 6 (ISV). Faith chooses The Word above experience and eyewitness advice. “That’s neat; what of more examples?” Chew on this first. Apply it. You know it is the same choice you need to make when the world says retaliate but Jesus says turn the other cheek.
Sunday 12 September 2010
But even now… week 36, 2010
“Occasionally I wonder if God still loves me; I have prayed and don’t seem to get better.” He may appear to delay, but His love is real. Remember Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed where he was for two days Jn 11:5,6(ISV). I know you will see God’s power in your situation too. “I just feel deflated. Perhaps somehow He is going to take glory in this situation.” Was it not raising Lazarus from the grave and healing the man born blind that gave glory to Jesus? But when Jesus heard it, he said, "This illness is not meant to end in death. It is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Jn 11:4(ISV). He will glorify Himself by answering you.
“It’s not like I doubt God’s power to heal. I know He can do all things. It’s just that, you know, I don’t really think He wants to heal me.” How could you think that? Have you read that: Suddenly a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus. He said, "Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to." Jesus put his hand on the man and said, "I want to! Now you are well." At once the man's leprosy disappeared Mat 8:2, 3(CEV). He has not changed. He definitely wants you whole, and reaches out to touch you.
“I had such faith at the beginning of this matter, but now…” Wait, wait, wait. Many have been in your shoes. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died Jn 11:21(ISV) . However in faith she also said But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give it to you." Jn 11:22(ISV). There may have been a delay; it does not mean God won’t do it. Trust that even now God will yet answer.
“I just feel like crying.” Please don’t make Jesus cry. “What do you mean?” When Mary came to Jesus and just fell and cried "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Jn 11:32(ISV). Jesus wept Jn 11:35(KJV). She was one person that remained at His feet listening to His words. Of all people she should believe no matter what. You have listened to Him night and day, and seen Him in other areas of your life. Trust Him also at this hour. Tell Him “even now I know you will still do it”. His word will come to pass. The Lord is good to those who are waiting for him, to the soul which is looking for him. It is good to go on hoping and quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord Lam 3:25, 26(BBE).
“It’s not like I doubt God’s power to heal. I know He can do all things. It’s just that, you know, I don’t really think He wants to heal me.” How could you think that? Have you read that: Suddenly a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus. He said, "Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to." Jesus put his hand on the man and said, "I want to! Now you are well." At once the man's leprosy disappeared Mat 8:2, 3(CEV). He has not changed. He definitely wants you whole, and reaches out to touch you.
“I had such faith at the beginning of this matter, but now…” Wait, wait, wait. Many have been in your shoes. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died Jn 11:21(ISV) . However in faith she also said But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give it to you." Jn 11:22(ISV). There may have been a delay; it does not mean God won’t do it. Trust that even now God will yet answer.
“I just feel like crying.” Please don’t make Jesus cry. “What do you mean?” When Mary came to Jesus and just fell and cried "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Jn 11:32(ISV). Jesus wept Jn 11:35(KJV). She was one person that remained at His feet listening to His words. Of all people she should believe no matter what. You have listened to Him night and day, and seen Him in other areas of your life. Trust Him also at this hour. Tell Him “even now I know you will still do it”. His word will come to pass. The Lord is good to those who are waiting for him, to the soul which is looking for him. It is good to go on hoping and quietly waiting for the salvation of the Lord Lam 3:25, 26(BBE).
Tuesday 7 September 2010
Aaron’s testimony Week 35, 2010
I cannot tell exactly how the fire started. I was asleep on the chair, exhausted from the work I had been doing. Balancing the bank accounts every day is a tedious job, and though it is not recommended and could attract sanctions I often found myself taking the book of records home to complete the work left off from the office. I suddenly woke up to find myself surrounded by flames, all escape seemed cut off. The fire was confined to my upstairs flat I later learned. All the electric cables it seems were burnt. I kept calling out “Jesus! Jesus!” even as flames and smoke surrounded me. I was picked up on the ground as a dead man, no evidence of life. Eyewitnesses say I jumped, but I have no recollection of that. Some thought to send me directly to the mortuary, but thank God one of them insisted on bringing me to the hospital. To their surprise signs of life came in me while there. "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you Isa 43:1, 2 (ESV).
I had had my usual evening telephone conversation with my wife and family. Since the location of my job meant we stay in different cities this was how I filled in until the weekend when I regularly went to be with them. In these years we have been separated by job God has kept me holy. In fact by His special grace no woman has ever set foot in the apartment I stay. For this is what we boast about: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world with pure motives and godly sincerity, without earthly wisdom but with God's grace- 2Co 1:12(ISV). I had also established a prayer pattern in my flat. I regularly went into midnight prayers and carried on for quite a while. Every tenant knows this, and some join in. Some like my nearest neighbour who is a lawyer report that I disturb them. He promised to deal with me and had even reported me to the land lord.
My hospital stay was short; just these marks on my hands and legs that are left. Even the medical people were surprised. I did my best to hide the incident from my wife who was due to deliver at that time; I had to call her with different handsets each time as mine was consumed by fire. Amazingly the only item not burned was my Bible. The note inside it burnt, but not the Bible. But no trace of the bank book was found. The manager said “May your God deliver you”. No excuse can be accepted for its loss. I was not supposed to have brought it home in the first place. I cried unto my Lord, “You have saved me but my testimony will not be complete with this book’s loss!” A few days later my colleagues came back with the news: the book had been discovered intact among the ashes! My testimony was complete. The LORD is good. He protects those who trust him in times of trouble Nah 1:7(CEV).
I had had my usual evening telephone conversation with my wife and family. Since the location of my job meant we stay in different cities this was how I filled in until the weekend when I regularly went to be with them. In these years we have been separated by job God has kept me holy. In fact by His special grace no woman has ever set foot in the apartment I stay. For this is what we boast about: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world with pure motives and godly sincerity, without earthly wisdom but with God's grace- 2Co 1:12(ISV). I had also established a prayer pattern in my flat. I regularly went into midnight prayers and carried on for quite a while. Every tenant knows this, and some join in. Some like my nearest neighbour who is a lawyer report that I disturb them. He promised to deal with me and had even reported me to the land lord.
My hospital stay was short; just these marks on my hands and legs that are left. Even the medical people were surprised. I did my best to hide the incident from my wife who was due to deliver at that time; I had to call her with different handsets each time as mine was consumed by fire. Amazingly the only item not burned was my Bible. The note inside it burnt, but not the Bible. But no trace of the bank book was found. The manager said “May your God deliver you”. No excuse can be accepted for its loss. I was not supposed to have brought it home in the first place. I cried unto my Lord, “You have saved me but my testimony will not be complete with this book’s loss!” A few days later my colleagues came back with the news: the book had been discovered intact among the ashes! My testimony was complete. The LORD is good. He protects those who trust him in times of trouble Nah 1:7(CEV).
Tuesday 31 August 2010
Moses, man of faith Week 34, 2010
“Very powerful faith, see how he dealt with Egypt and called down those miracles.” Miracles? Is that the faith Moses was known for? Hebrews records Moses as a man of faith for other things. “What?” Choices: Then after Moses grew up, his faith made him refuse to be called Pharaoh's grandson. He chose to be mistreated with God's people instead of having the good time that sin could bring for a little while Heb 11:24, 25(CEV). Some who profess faith enjoy sinful pleasures not he. He chose suffering: Moses knew that the treasures of Egypt were not as wonderful as what he would receive from suffering for the Messiah, and he looked forward to his reward Heb 11:26 (CEV). You have looked at faith as something to bring you treasures in this world and avoid suffering not so?
“Is my name Moses? I am not here to suffer. The God of miracles is my Daddy. If God did not account the working of miracles as his faith why is it said By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned Heb 11:29(ESV).” The focus is on the choice; the choice to leave Egypt. Remember people at that time were already saying "why did we leave?" By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible Heb 11:27(ESV).
Faith sends the fear of men packing. Like his parents (Heb 11:23) and Hebrew midwives by faith he chose God’s way rather than pleasing kings. But the two women were faithful to God and did not kill the boys, even though the king had told them to Ex 1:17 (CEV). What choices does your faith lead you to? Is it only not to take drugs? Stop mocking me; that’s unchristian. That passage also says: Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received promises, shut the mouths of lions, Heb 11:33(ISV)
Men may see miracles, God sees other things also. In striking the rock twice, Moses chose to disobey God, and God accounted that as lack of faith. And the LORD said … "Because you did not believe in me … therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them." Num 20:12(ESV) If faith were merely pulling down miracles how is it God rebuked him for lack of faith even though the miracle took place and enough water came for over a million people and their livestock from flinty rock? Faith is seen more in the choices you make than in the miracles around you and in your life.
“Is my name Moses? I am not here to suffer. The God of miracles is my Daddy. If God did not account the working of miracles as his faith why is it said By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned Heb 11:29(ESV).” The focus is on the choice; the choice to leave Egypt. Remember people at that time were already saying "why did we leave?" By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible Heb 11:27(ESV).
Faith sends the fear of men packing. Like his parents (Heb 11:23) and Hebrew midwives by faith he chose God’s way rather than pleasing kings. But the two women were faithful to God and did not kill the boys, even though the king had told them to Ex 1:17 (CEV). What choices does your faith lead you to? Is it only not to take drugs? Stop mocking me; that’s unchristian. That passage also says: Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received promises, shut the mouths of lions, Heb 11:33(ISV)
Men may see miracles, God sees other things also. In striking the rock twice, Moses chose to disobey God, and God accounted that as lack of faith. And the LORD said … "Because you did not believe in me … therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them." Num 20:12(ESV) If faith were merely pulling down miracles how is it God rebuked him for lack of faith even though the miracle took place and enough water came for over a million people and their livestock from flinty rock? Faith is seen more in the choices you make than in the miracles around you and in your life.
Saturday 21 August 2010
What is faith? week 33
“It is that which connects you to heaven’s resources so that you get all you want and be all you should.” All you want? Was that the faith of Abraham the father of faith? “Of course! What more did Abraham want than a son? It was faith that enabled him have one when he was past age and Sarah past child bearing Heb 11:11.” I agree with that passage of scripture, it is repeated a number of times, but Abrahamic faith did not start or end simply with getting what you want from heaven. It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him to go out to a country which God had promised to give him. He left his own country without knowing where he was going Heb 11:8(GNB). Genuine faith is obedience...
“Look God told him He would bless those who blessed him and curse those who curse him. He wanted that. Faith gets you what you want.” Hmm, I say faith is what made Abraham differ from the crowd. “Now you are talking.” Am I? Faith led Abraham to live as a foreigner in the country that God had promised him. He lived in tents, Heb 11:9(GW). Imagine a rich man living in tents rather than houses. I hope you know there were houses then (Gen19:2-3)? Faith makes you live differently, not following fashion or being trendy. Sadly many of us who have a claim to faith struggle to be like the rest in dressing, housing and appearance. “Should we then be poorly clothed?”
Don’t deviate from our point; we haven’t reached the ultimate manifestation of Abrahamic faith. “The sacrifice of Isaac, not so?” Yes. By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; Heb 11:17(ASV).
You said he obeyed and left his father’s house because he wanted the promise God gave him. What promise did God give him if he offered up Isaac, what new blessing was he supposed to inherit? “That was tough; God had said to him, "Through Isaac your descendants will carry on your name." Heb 11:18(GNB) Ishmael had been sent away by now.” Yes, He was certain that God could raise people from the dead, and figuratively speaking he did get him back in this way Heb 11:19(ISV). Such faith made him obey fully. That’s why I say faith is prompt obedience not knowing the place you are going, but knowing the One you have believed. For the which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day 2Ti 1:12(RV). Do you have faith?
Sunday 15 August 2010
Your name is Andrew, right? Week 32, 2010
“No you are mistaking me for someone else; that’s not my name.” Is that so? Did you not after repentance go to tell your sister about Jesus? “Yes I did.” How is she doing now? “Ah, she has a ministry that touches youths in several nations. Her books are a blessing. She has certainly gone far beyond my expectations and eclipsed me.” Just like Andrew. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. Andrew first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah". He led Simon to Jesus Jn 1:40-42(ISV).
“I get it, an Andrew brings the relations to Jesus.” Not just relations. Andrew is recorded in the gospel of John as connecting someone to Jesus each time he speaks. One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Jesus, There is a boy here with five barley cakes and two fishes: but what is that among such a number? Jn 6:8, 9(BBE). The boy was used of God greatly. When Greeks told Phillip they wanted to see Jesus it was Andrew he went to first. They went to Philip (who was from Bethsaida in Galilee) and told him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew, and Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jn 12:21, 22(ISV).
“So it is not limited to relations but includes children and strangers." Exactly. Greeks are from a different tribe. First contact: Jesus talk. “But he talked to Jesus not the Greeks.” What is telling Jesus about men but intercession for lost souls? Anyone that must successfully talk to men about Jesus ought to first talk to Jesus about men. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… 1Tm 2:1(ESV).
“Was it only in the gospel record of John Andrew is recorded as speaking?” Excellent student! I say it is in you. No, in Mk 13:3-4(ISV) he seeks the signs of Jesus’ return. As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives facing the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew were asking him privately, "Tell us, when will these things take place, and what will be the sign when these things will be put into effect?" To be an Andrew talk to Jesus about men, talk of Jesus before men, bring people including the young to Jesus, and talk of His second coming. “Yes, yes, and study the Word in private and in groups. Can that not be learned from that scripture too?” Yes of course. Surely, you are an Andrew. “I don’t actually think I am worthy to be called one; I haven’t quite been measuring up.” Oh, it’s in you. I see it, and just want to encourage you. “Thank you very much sir.” You’re welcome.
“I get it, an Andrew brings the relations to Jesus.” Not just relations. Andrew is recorded in the gospel of John as connecting someone to Jesus each time he speaks. One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to Jesus, There is a boy here with five barley cakes and two fishes: but what is that among such a number? Jn 6:8, 9(BBE). The boy was used of God greatly. When Greeks told Phillip they wanted to see Jesus it was Andrew he went to first. They went to Philip (who was from Bethsaida in Galilee) and told him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew, and Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jn 12:21, 22(ISV).
“So it is not limited to relations but includes children and strangers." Exactly. Greeks are from a different tribe. First contact: Jesus talk. “But he talked to Jesus not the Greeks.” What is telling Jesus about men but intercession for lost souls? Anyone that must successfully talk to men about Jesus ought to first talk to Jesus about men. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… 1Tm 2:1(ESV).
“Was it only in the gospel record of John Andrew is recorded as speaking?” Excellent student! I say it is in you. No, in Mk 13:3-4(ISV) he seeks the signs of Jesus’ return. As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives facing the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew were asking him privately, "Tell us, when will these things take place, and what will be the sign when these things will be put into effect?" To be an Andrew talk to Jesus about men, talk of Jesus before men, bring people including the young to Jesus, and talk of His second coming. “Yes, yes, and study the Word in private and in groups. Can that not be learned from that scripture too?” Yes of course. Surely, you are an Andrew. “I don’t actually think I am worthy to be called one; I haven’t quite been measuring up.” Oh, it’s in you. I see it, and just want to encourage you. “Thank you very much sir.” You’re welcome.
Saturday 7 August 2010
Convicted; but not fully converted Week 31, 2010
Week 31, 2010
“Thank God Naaman listened to his servants; see how he would have missed his healing.” Yes, thank God he did not miss the healing. Too bad he missed being converted. “Missed being converted? He returned to Elisha with all his men and said, "Now I know that there is no god but the God of Israel; so please, sir, accept a gift from me." 2Ki 5:15(GNB). He was not only converted, he also offered the man of God a generous gift.” Why do you suppose his gift was unacceptable? “Maybe Elisha was working on “freely have you received; freely give”. This man said, "If you won't accept my gift, then let me have two mule-loads of earth to take home with me, because from now on I will not offer sacrifices or burnt offerings to any god except the LORD 2Ki 5:17(GNB). He was converted.”
I see. Converted but not willing to loose his job, converted but not willing to acknowledge his new found faith before a heathen king, converted but not willing to die for the God who performed the miracle of his life free for him. So I hope that the LORD will forgive me when I accompany my king to the temple of Rimmon, the god of Syria, and worship him. Surely the LORD will forgive me!" 2Ki 5:18(GNB). If he was converted as you claim why does this “brave soldier” ever accept to worship another god as a policy? God deliver us from willingness to give of our treasure but withhold our necks for Jesus! Was that gift supposed to take the place of genuine conversion?
“Are you not too hard on him?” I don’t think so: Felix was similarly convicted but not converted. As Paul talked …Felix became afraid and said, "For the present you may go. When I get a chance, I will send for you again." At the same time he was hoping to get money from Paul, and so he would send for him frequently to talk with him. After two years had passed, Felix … left Paul in prison Act 24:25-27 (ISV).
“Don’t you think he became a secret disciple? There are such people you know?” Yes, I do; but consider what Jesus himself says: "Therefore whoever who will confess Me before men, I also will confess Him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny him before My Father who is in heaven Mat 10:32-33(EMTV). If we won’t confess him before men, Jesus will also not confess us before the Father and the holy angels. Now if Jesus won’t introduce you who will? No matter how much under conviction you are, lay your life down to become genuinely converted.
“Thank God Naaman listened to his servants; see how he would have missed his healing.” Yes, thank God he did not miss the healing. Too bad he missed being converted. “Missed being converted? He returned to Elisha with all his men and said, "Now I know that there is no god but the God of Israel; so please, sir, accept a gift from me." 2Ki 5:15(GNB). He was not only converted, he also offered the man of God a generous gift.” Why do you suppose his gift was unacceptable? “Maybe Elisha was working on “freely have you received; freely give”. This man said, "If you won't accept my gift, then let me have two mule-loads of earth to take home with me, because from now on I will not offer sacrifices or burnt offerings to any god except the LORD 2Ki 5:17(GNB). He was converted.”
I see. Converted but not willing to loose his job, converted but not willing to acknowledge his new found faith before a heathen king, converted but not willing to die for the God who performed the miracle of his life free for him. So I hope that the LORD will forgive me when I accompany my king to the temple of Rimmon, the god of Syria, and worship him. Surely the LORD will forgive me!" 2Ki 5:18(GNB). If he was converted as you claim why does this “brave soldier” ever accept to worship another god as a policy? God deliver us from willingness to give of our treasure but withhold our necks for Jesus! Was that gift supposed to take the place of genuine conversion?
“Are you not too hard on him?” I don’t think so: Felix was similarly convicted but not converted. As Paul talked …Felix became afraid and said, "For the present you may go. When I get a chance, I will send for you again." At the same time he was hoping to get money from Paul, and so he would send for him frequently to talk with him. After two years had passed, Felix … left Paul in prison Act 24:25-27 (ISV).
“Don’t you think he became a secret disciple? There are such people you know?” Yes, I do; but consider what Jesus himself says: "Therefore whoever who will confess Me before men, I also will confess Him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny him before My Father who is in heaven Mat 10:32-33(EMTV). If we won’t confess him before men, Jesus will also not confess us before the Father and the holy angels. Now if Jesus won’t introduce you who will? No matter how much under conviction you are, lay your life down to become genuinely converted.
Saturday 31 July 2010
An unusual answer Week 30, 2010
I was alarmed to get the information. My son had been rounded up by the police and the charge? Involvement in kidnapping. Now I know he was not yet born again, but surely he could never have gone that far. His bank job definitely gave him enough and he wouldn’t do that type of thing. No not my son! I thank God the police kept him in custody and did not execute him. Many suspected robbers and kidnappers are said to be given extra-judicial execution by the police. I never witnessed one, but those in the gang who kidnapped that man I am told were all killed. He however named my son specifically as being one of those involved. Do kidnappers have so much arrogance they use their names around their victims or is this a terrible mistake? My God where are you? Do not let my son die, come to our aid. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD Isa 55:8(ESV).
It had naturally disturbed me that my son was not yet born again; his mother and I have been for years now, and are active in church work and evangelism. We have long held to the scripture which says: And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Act 16:31(ESV). I became so concerned he was not yet born again I prayed God to do whatever it takes to bring him into the kingdom, even if it would cause him some pain. Little did I know how God intended to answer.
There in detention he was placed in a facility meant for 20 yet had 100 inmates. Even then there was this policeman that regularly brought him out to the counter to sleep. It was while in detention that he met this pastor who like my son was brought in for a crime he did not commit. Thank God he chose to use the incarceration in jail as an opportunity to spread the gospel. Oh how many are in prison today for what they did not do! My son heard him, and that is how he came to repent and receive Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and saviour. O Lord my God, great are the wonders which you have done in your thought for us; it is not possible to put them out in order before you; when I would give an account of them, their number is greater than I may say Ps 40:5(BBE). How we rejoiced in this development. But his name had to be cleared.
The police actually felt my son was innocent and suggested his accuser wanted money. I don’t bribe people but accepted to meet and discuss with the man for an out of court settlement. He was not forthcoming so we had to go to court for the hearing. I am grateful that in a country where often justice is miscarried he was discharged and acquitted! How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more than the sand; Psa 139:17, 18(MKJV)
It had naturally disturbed me that my son was not yet born again; his mother and I have been for years now, and are active in church work and evangelism. We have long held to the scripture which says: And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Act 16:31(ESV). I became so concerned he was not yet born again I prayed God to do whatever it takes to bring him into the kingdom, even if it would cause him some pain. Little did I know how God intended to answer.
There in detention he was placed in a facility meant for 20 yet had 100 inmates. Even then there was this policeman that regularly brought him out to the counter to sleep. It was while in detention that he met this pastor who like my son was brought in for a crime he did not commit. Thank God he chose to use the incarceration in jail as an opportunity to spread the gospel. Oh how many are in prison today for what they did not do! My son heard him, and that is how he came to repent and receive Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and saviour. O Lord my God, great are the wonders which you have done in your thought for us; it is not possible to put them out in order before you; when I would give an account of them, their number is greater than I may say Ps 40:5(BBE). How we rejoiced in this development. But his name had to be cleared.
The police actually felt my son was innocent and suggested his accuser wanted money. I don’t bribe people but accepted to meet and discuss with the man for an out of court settlement. He was not forthcoming so we had to go to court for the hearing. I am grateful that in a country where often justice is miscarried he was discharged and acquitted! How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more than the sand; Psa 139:17, 18(MKJV)
Sunday 25 July 2010
Right place, wrong person week 29,2010
Naaman realised he needed cleansing as a leper. The little maid in his home had spoken of the prophet in Israel but his king sends him to Israel, not to Elisha but to the king. "If your husband Naaman would go to the prophet in Samaria, he would be cured of his leprosy." When Naaman told the king what the girl had said, the king replied, "Go ahead! I will give you a letter to take to the king of Israel."2Ki 5:3-5(CEV). God deliver us from those who send us to the right place, but to the wrong person!
What’s the difference after all? Both are anointed by God; both are in Israel. The king was anointed of God, but not to cleanse leprosy: When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and exclaimed, "How can the king of Syria expect me to cure this man? Does he think that I am God, with the power of life and death?" 2Ki 5:7(GNB)
So what’s the point of the story? It is just as the law is anointed of God, but not to cleanse sin. We know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law, for no human being will be justified by the works of the law Gal 2:16(ISV).
I think this faith thing is too easy. Ah, just like Naaman. But Naaman…said, "I thought he would at least come out of his house, stand somewhere, call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the infected place, and heal the skin disease..." So he turned around and left in anger 2Ki 5:11-13(GW). “Why was the law given then?” A torch light can show you a snake but you need something else to kill it. The law is like that torchlight. Gal 3:19, 20 (CEV) What is the use of the Law? It was given later to show that we sin. But it was only supposed to last until the coming of that descendant who was given the promise. In fact, angels gave the Law to Moses, and he gave it to the people. There is only one God, and the Law did not come directly from him.
So you come to church, but are you presenting yourself to Jesus for cleansing or to the law?
I refuse to reject the grace of God. But if a person is put right with God through the Law, it means that Christ died for nothing! Gal 2:21
What’s the difference after all? Both are anointed by God; both are in Israel. The king was anointed of God, but not to cleanse leprosy: When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and exclaimed, "How can the king of Syria expect me to cure this man? Does he think that I am God, with the power of life and death?" 2Ki 5:7(GNB)
So what’s the point of the story? It is just as the law is anointed of God, but not to cleanse sin. We know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law, for no human being will be justified by the works of the law Gal 2:16(ISV).
I think this faith thing is too easy. Ah, just like Naaman. But Naaman…said, "I thought he would at least come out of his house, stand somewhere, call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the infected place, and heal the skin disease..." So he turned around and left in anger 2Ki 5:11-13(GW). “Why was the law given then?” A torch light can show you a snake but you need something else to kill it. The law is like that torchlight. Gal 3:19, 20 (CEV) What is the use of the Law? It was given later to show that we sin. But it was only supposed to last until the coming of that descendant who was given the promise. In fact, angels gave the Law to Moses, and he gave it to the people. There is only one God, and the Law did not come directly from him.
So you come to church, but are you presenting yourself to Jesus for cleansing or to the law?
I refuse to reject the grace of God. But if a person is put right with God through the Law, it means that Christ died for nothing! Gal 2:21
Saturday 17 July 2010
What is your claim? Week 28, 2010
Something that may be puzzling is that God can use you for great things even though you do not know Him. Take Cyrus for example (Isa 45:1, 4), or Naaman (2Ki 5:1). Is God using you to achieve great victories? Can we depend on you for projects? Are you always there so that shame is wiped off the face of ministers during launchings? “Yes,” I hear you say: “at home and in the town my presence is felt, and a good number of congregations have had their building work done with my help. Mark you I have not limited my help to one denomination”. Well done, wealth that enters your hands comes to good use. You are highly placed and respected. But there was once a certain centurion, a man like you, full of good works but not saved. And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say." Act 10:22(ESV). “And what was Peter to say?” Then Peter would tell him how he and everyone in his house could be saved Act 11:14(CEV). He had to hear the message of Jesus and believe. Are you like this?
Your track record is impressive. The poor are touched by your generosity. In fact in church matters you are a titled man; a knight in shining armour! “Yes that is me. No man of God comes my way without smiling home with his pocket lined.” Brilliant! Cornelius was such. Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius…He was a devout man who feared God, as did everyone in his home. He gave many gifts to the poor among the people and always prayed to God Act 10:1, 2(ISV).
I hope you do not try to establish your own righteousness; it makes it impossible for you to get God’s own; being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God Rom 10:3(ASV). When you think of acceptance before God what do you put forward: your track record or God’s gift? They that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ Rom 5:17(ASV). Beware do-gooder that you don’t present your deeds as reason for God to accept you: We are unfit to worship you; each of our good deeds is merely a filthy rag. We dry up like leaves; our sins are storm winds sweeping us away Isa 64:6(CEV). What is your claim to acceptance by God? Ask to receive the gift of righteousness.
Your track record is impressive. The poor are touched by your generosity. In fact in church matters you are a titled man; a knight in shining armour! “Yes that is me. No man of God comes my way without smiling home with his pocket lined.” Brilliant! Cornelius was such. Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius…He was a devout man who feared God, as did everyone in his home. He gave many gifts to the poor among the people and always prayed to God Act 10:1, 2(ISV).
I hope you do not try to establish your own righteousness; it makes it impossible for you to get God’s own; being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God Rom 10:3(ASV). When you think of acceptance before God what do you put forward: your track record or God’s gift? They that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ Rom 5:17(ASV). Beware do-gooder that you don’t present your deeds as reason for God to accept you: We are unfit to worship you; each of our good deeds is merely a filthy rag. We dry up like leaves; our sins are storm winds sweeping us away Isa 64:6(CEV). What is your claim to acceptance by God? Ask to receive the gift of righteousness.
Monday 12 July 2010
A Would-be Tamar week 27, 2010
Is everything alright with you? “Why do you ask?” I dreamt yesterday you were crying and put dust on your head, at a point you tore the long sleeve gown you were wearing and wailed in grief; as though you lost someone. “Now that is funny. Last night I dreamt a man said I was beautiful, but called me Tamar. I have been asking God to explain it to me. The man looked evil.” Tamar...remember David’s daughter Tamar. And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went 2Sa 13:19(ESV). Wait; is there any man making advances at you? “Oh, I wouldn’t call it making advances; Bro Steve says he finds me exciting and sent me a quote from Song of Solomon 4: 1-5 last week. He says I arouse everything in him. I really laughed when I read it. That brother is not serious at all!”
Song of Solomon, arouse everything… and the two of you are not married. I call that spiritualizing lust. Is he not the person you went to market for yesterday? “Yes, I learned he is ill and they said “Please go to your brother … and prepare some food for him" 2Sa 13:7(GW). Listen, don’t go. Once someone has expressed desire for you physically do not ever be alone with the person. She kept begging Joseph day after day, but he refused to do what she wanted or even to go near her Gen 39:10(CEV). It’s not enough to decide you won’t sin. “Attraction is no sin now, maybe he intends to propose and has not had the courage to do so. Visiting him might give the opportunity.” Ah, Joseph married the daughter of Potiphera the priest of On not the wife of Potipher. The only opportunity I see here is sin overpowering you both! But Amnon would not listen to what she said. He was stronger than she was, so he overpowered her and raped her 2Sa 13:14(CEV). Amnon thought he loved Tamar but refused to marry her and ended up pushing her away after defiling her.
“Don’t you dare suggest such about Steve; he’s too gentle a brother, besides I can handle myself very well.” Handle yourself very well! This won’t be rape: you’ll simply undress for him. You’ve no idea the power of sexual sin. God has warned you now. Why do you think God asked us to run as if in terror from sexual temptation? Keep on running away from sexual immorality. Any other sin that a person commits is outside his body, but the person who sins sexually sins against his own body 1Cor 6:18(ISV).
“So what do I do with the food?” Take your decision; it is the least of your concerns now. Abstain from every appearance of evil 1Th 5:22 (MKJV).
Song of Solomon, arouse everything… and the two of you are not married. I call that spiritualizing lust. Is he not the person you went to market for yesterday? “Yes, I learned he is ill and they said “Please go to your brother … and prepare some food for him" 2Sa 13:7(GW). Listen, don’t go. Once someone has expressed desire for you physically do not ever be alone with the person. She kept begging Joseph day after day, but he refused to do what she wanted or even to go near her Gen 39:10(CEV). It’s not enough to decide you won’t sin. “Attraction is no sin now, maybe he intends to propose and has not had the courage to do so. Visiting him might give the opportunity.” Ah, Joseph married the daughter of Potiphera the priest of On not the wife of Potipher. The only opportunity I see here is sin overpowering you both! But Amnon would not listen to what she said. He was stronger than she was, so he overpowered her and raped her 2Sa 13:14(CEV). Amnon thought he loved Tamar but refused to marry her and ended up pushing her away after defiling her.
“Don’t you dare suggest such about Steve; he’s too gentle a brother, besides I can handle myself very well.” Handle yourself very well! This won’t be rape: you’ll simply undress for him. You’ve no idea the power of sexual sin. God has warned you now. Why do you think God asked us to run as if in terror from sexual temptation? Keep on running away from sexual immorality. Any other sin that a person commits is outside his body, but the person who sins sexually sins against his own body 1Cor 6:18(ISV).
“So what do I do with the food?” Take your decision; it is the least of your concerns now. Abstain from every appearance of evil 1Th 5:22 (MKJV).
Monday 5 July 2010
Where is it written in scripture? Week 26, 2010
Where is what written? “That passage that says “seek first the kingdom of God and all other things shall be added unto you.” There is no such place in the Bible. “What? Give me that Bible… see it now, Mat 6:33 ah ah you don’t know bible again.” At least I know that passage and that’s not what it says; read it. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. “Effico! I know I missed out and His righteousness.” That’s not even the problem. Jesus said all these things shall be added to you, never "and all other things shall be added unto you". “It must be your translation; you know there are slight differences in English with each translation.” Is that right? In no translation does this or any other passage say all other things shall be added unto you: check it out.
“Wow this is interesting; man of God quotes it like that regularly.” Have you never heard of the Berean Christians? The people of Berea were more open-minded than the people of Thessalonica. They were very willing to receive God's message, and every day they carefully examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true Act 17:11(GW). Which man of God has credentials as Paul, yet these people are commended for daily crosschecking his teachings. Do not swallow things simply because man of God says it: find out for yourself if that is what the scripture truly says.
“But is there any difference in the two?” Plenty: If you look at the context of the statement Jesus made, all these things occur twice in Mat 6:32(MKJV) For the nations seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. They refer to food, drink and clothing: the basic needs of this life. Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? Mat 6:31(MKJV) which summarises His teaching from verse 24 warning against worrying and serving money: You cannot be a slave of two masters; you will hate one and love the other; you will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.Mt 6:24 (GNB) Why don’t you read it yourself? “Ah! We’ve been deceived.” Whose fault?
“So God won’t add all other things for me.” No, but God will with Jesus freely give us all things. “You have come now. Where is it written?” Friend go and search the scriptures. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?(RV)
“Wow this is interesting; man of God quotes it like that regularly.” Have you never heard of the Berean Christians? The people of Berea were more open-minded than the people of Thessalonica. They were very willing to receive God's message, and every day they carefully examined the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true Act 17:11(GW). Which man of God has credentials as Paul, yet these people are commended for daily crosschecking his teachings. Do not swallow things simply because man of God says it: find out for yourself if that is what the scripture truly says.
“But is there any difference in the two?” Plenty: If you look at the context of the statement Jesus made, all these things occur twice in Mat 6:32(MKJV) For the nations seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. They refer to food, drink and clothing: the basic needs of this life. Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, With what shall we be clothed? Mat 6:31(MKJV) which summarises His teaching from verse 24 warning against worrying and serving money: You cannot be a slave of two masters; you will hate one and love the other; you will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.Mt 6:24 (GNB) Why don’t you read it yourself? “Ah! We’ve been deceived.” Whose fault?
“So God won’t add all other things for me.” No, but God will with Jesus freely give us all things. “You have come now. Where is it written?” Friend go and search the scriptures. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?(RV)
Friday 25 June 2010
The verdict: (part 2 of Eze’s testimony) Week 25, 2010
Every bit of this story is tue, and the names and places have not been changed either
Eze decided to exercise faith and stop taking medication for schizophrenia which hehad been placed on for over 10 years. It was alright for most of the year but he became ill again before our wedding and had to be brought before the doctor. It shook me up a bit to experience this in my future husband. I don’t like describing the details. He stopped the medication again before the wedding but took ill again after it. Perhaps his body was so used to the medication that stopping it made him, you know, unwell. In my presence the doctor in Britain said quite clearly that he must never again stop the medication. Now I respect doctors but when he said that something within me rebelled. I defy you! This will not be the lot of my husband. But adjusting to marriage was not easy for me. I was called from work one day he was ill and couldn’t get home, but my God brought him back home safely! One day I took down my pink box to pack out, but the Holy Spirit said to me: “Where are you going? This is your husband” and I knew I was going nowhere.
We were in for war. I determined to fill my life and Eze’s with the word of God. When we had money I invested it in the Word of God; anointed messages and books. When Pastor Chris would talk about John G Lake I would go and buy the book myself and read all of it. Eze liked to watch Star Trek but I wouldn’t let him. We just had to get in to the Word and get our victory. Several relations wanted us to visit but I said not yet; when we get the victory we can vist and watch Star Trek! Yes, we were off medication again after a week or so. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today-and forever! Heb 13:8(ISV)
In his office his supervisor started really harassing him and demanded a medical report. The GP proposed to write an unfavourable one stating Eze refuses drugs. He told us as much. On advice we demanded tests be carried out on Eze to show he really did not need medication. Suddenly the doctors developed cold feet! “Well, you know we should not really be giving you these medications...” and wouldn’t write any report. What! We had to go to another specialist to give his office since it had been officially demanded. This specialist wondered if Eze really knew what schizophrenia is and wanted to interview me. Well I went with him and was interviewed as well. You know the verdict? “Well I haven’t seen the doctor who placed you on these drugs but having examined you I find no basis for a diagnosis of schizophrenia and discharge you indefinitely. Maybe you just don’t know how to handle stress.” The British specialist had confirmed the answer to prayers we had received earlier. 18 years of bondage declared over! We took his report back to the office. Until today the other doctor has not written this specialist; and funny: not even my doctor in-law will fully explain what schizophrenia is to me. You can be sure of this: we are not going to look back in this heavenly race!
Blogger note:Do not stop medication unless your Physician has spoken!
Eze decided to exercise faith and stop taking medication for schizophrenia which hehad been placed on for over 10 years. It was alright for most of the year but he became ill again before our wedding and had to be brought before the doctor. It shook me up a bit to experience this in my future husband. I don’t like describing the details. He stopped the medication again before the wedding but took ill again after it. Perhaps his body was so used to the medication that stopping it made him, you know, unwell. In my presence the doctor in Britain said quite clearly that he must never again stop the medication. Now I respect doctors but when he said that something within me rebelled. I defy you! This will not be the lot of my husband. But adjusting to marriage was not easy for me. I was called from work one day he was ill and couldn’t get home, but my God brought him back home safely! One day I took down my pink box to pack out, but the Holy Spirit said to me: “Where are you going? This is your husband” and I knew I was going nowhere.
We were in for war. I determined to fill my life and Eze’s with the word of God. When we had money I invested it in the Word of God; anointed messages and books. When Pastor Chris would talk about John G Lake I would go and buy the book myself and read all of it. Eze liked to watch Star Trek but I wouldn’t let him. We just had to get in to the Word and get our victory. Several relations wanted us to visit but I said not yet; when we get the victory we can vist and watch Star Trek! Yes, we were off medication again after a week or so. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today-and forever! Heb 13:8(ISV)
In his office his supervisor started really harassing him and demanded a medical report. The GP proposed to write an unfavourable one stating Eze refuses drugs. He told us as much. On advice we demanded tests be carried out on Eze to show he really did not need medication. Suddenly the doctors developed cold feet! “Well, you know we should not really be giving you these medications...” and wouldn’t write any report. What! We had to go to another specialist to give his office since it had been officially demanded. This specialist wondered if Eze really knew what schizophrenia is and wanted to interview me. Well I went with him and was interviewed as well. You know the verdict? “Well I haven’t seen the doctor who placed you on these drugs but having examined you I find no basis for a diagnosis of schizophrenia and discharge you indefinitely. Maybe you just don’t know how to handle stress.” The British specialist had confirmed the answer to prayers we had received earlier. 18 years of bondage declared over! We took his report back to the office. Until today the other doctor has not written this specialist; and funny: not even my doctor in-law will fully explain what schizophrenia is to me. You can be sure of this: we are not going to look back in this heavenly race!
Blogger note:Do not stop medication unless your Physician has spoken!
The prodigal's father week 24, 2010
What is wrong with this child, always impatient. “I want it now!” Is that all you care for? Get out from here! Nna anyi the one you call a child is grown now, and could actually start thinking of marriage. This one? My child is my child always and I can jolly well speak as I please. I won’t allow nonsense. Yes, do not allow nonsense but respect the choice of an adult. Lk 15:11, 12(GNB) There was once a man who had two sons. The younger one said, 'Father, give me my share of the property now.' So the man divided his property between his two sons. I am sure the father did not like the son’s impatience but respected his choice. God does that you know with us. 1Sa 8:6,7 Being an adult means we can choose for ourselves. Just warn of the consequences.
I am tired of warning. It is like pouring water off a duck’s back. Do you know my property is being sold by this evil child? Property bought with hard earned money! Take it easy, you are not alone, it happened with the prodigal but he came back Lk 15:13(GNB) After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. You like parables, where in the real world did this ever happen? Onesimus. He stole his Philemon’s property and ran away, but came to his senses when he met Jesus. Phm 10-17 At least this one is still with you.
Let that happen now. I can disown any stubborn child at anytime. Ah! That would be playing right into the devil’s court. Value people above what they destroy. Why do you think the prodigal came back? Eh he came to his senses. Yes but do you know his father contributed? How? I saw him as a weak spineless figure. He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him Lk 15:20(GNB) Spineless? Why do you think he could see him from afar?He must have been watching out for him, interceding for him. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching for this purpose with all perseverance and supplication for all saints Eph 6:18
I thought it was hunger that brought him to his senses. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I am perishing with hunger!Lk 15:17(GNB) Can’t you see his father in it? How, he did not starve the boy. No! unlike his present master, he saw his dad made sure even servants had enough. It was the memory of his dad’s kindness to them that gave him courage to return.
What seeds are you sowing that can bring back your erring one?
I am tired of warning. It is like pouring water off a duck’s back. Do you know my property is being sold by this evil child? Property bought with hard earned money! Take it easy, you are not alone, it happened with the prodigal but he came back Lk 15:13(GNB) After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. You like parables, where in the real world did this ever happen? Onesimus. He stole his Philemon’s property and ran away, but came to his senses when he met Jesus. Phm 10-17 At least this one is still with you.
Let that happen now. I can disown any stubborn child at anytime. Ah! That would be playing right into the devil’s court. Value people above what they destroy. Why do you think the prodigal came back? Eh he came to his senses. Yes but do you know his father contributed? How? I saw him as a weak spineless figure. He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him Lk 15:20(GNB) Spineless? Why do you think he could see him from afar?He must have been watching out for him, interceding for him. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching for this purpose with all perseverance and supplication for all saints Eph 6:18
I thought it was hunger that brought him to his senses. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare, and I am perishing with hunger!Lk 15:17(GNB) Can’t you see his father in it? How, he did not starve the boy. No! unlike his present master, he saw his dad made sure even servants had enough. It was the memory of his dad’s kindness to them that gave him courage to return.
What seeds are you sowing that can bring back your erring one?
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Will Jesus follow you? Week 23, 2010
“Everywhere I go, everywhere I go, Jesus will follow me, everywhere I go. Everywhere I go…” who taught you that song Chris? It doesn’t sound right. “Don’t you like it? It’s a faith builder.” Well I seem to remember Jesus said My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: Jn 10:27(KJV) that song turns things the other way round to make me lead and Jesus follow! “Semantics! Did Jesus not say:and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age Mat 28:20(GNB). ” Nowhere does scripture say Jesus will follow you, He said He will be with you… “Did Jesus not follow Jairus to his house?” Read it properly friend: Jairus arrived. When he saw Jesus, he … begged him urgently, saying, "My little daughter is dying. Come …" So Jesus went with him Mk 5:22-24(ISV). Jesus may be with you, go with you; but certainly not follow you. Mary learned this lesson with tears when she assumed Jesus would follow her back from Jerusalem. “Eh, after that He followed her home.” No! Wrong again. He went with her. Lk 2:42-51.
“So what’s the difference? I will just sing “Jesus will be with me everywhere I go”. Plain semantics.” No, my dear even then you may still not be correct. In the scripture you have quoted Jesus first of all said to them: Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples Mat 28:19(GNB) and then promised that as they go (that is as they obey His command), He will be with them. You can only be certain Jesus is with you when you go as He has asked you.
“But God is everywhere…” Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there Ps39:7, 8(CEV). Is that your reasoning? Do you remember what God told Joshua? I cannot help you anymore until you do exactly what I have said Jos 7:12(CEV). God is everywhere I know, but His presence and power are guaranteed only in obedience. You see we have to ask the question: “Who takes the lead? You or Jesus” God is not like money you know.
“Should I then be idle and do nothing?” God abhors laziness. It is not laziness to try to learn what pleases the Lord. Eph 5:10(GNB). We must avoid doing anything we feel like, expecting God’s support.
If anyone serves me, he must follow me. And where I am, there my servant will also be." Jn 12:26 (ISV)
“So what’s the difference? I will just sing “Jesus will be with me everywhere I go”. Plain semantics.” No, my dear even then you may still not be correct. In the scripture you have quoted Jesus first of all said to them: Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples Mat 28:19(GNB) and then promised that as they go (that is as they obey His command), He will be with them. You can only be certain Jesus is with you when you go as He has asked you.
“But God is everywhere…” Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there Ps39:7, 8(CEV). Is that your reasoning? Do you remember what God told Joshua? I cannot help you anymore until you do exactly what I have said Jos 7:12(CEV). God is everywhere I know, but His presence and power are guaranteed only in obedience. You see we have to ask the question: “Who takes the lead? You or Jesus” God is not like money you know.
“Should I then be idle and do nothing?” God abhors laziness. It is not laziness to try to learn what pleases the Lord. Eph 5:10(GNB). We must avoid doing anything we feel like, expecting God’s support.
If anyone serves me, he must follow me. And where I am, there my servant will also be." Jn 12:26 (ISV)
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Eze’s testimony Week 22, 2010
Every bit of this story is true, and the names and places have not been changed either
You could say it had happened to people I know; but I certainly never imagined I would ever have to see a psychiatrist or be placed on medication for life. It all began in 1992 sometime after a long term relationship I entered into while in university collapsed. I had been living in UK for three years and as I went to the airport to travel back to Nigeria I collapsed and was hospitalised. Thus I became one of a few relations with a history of psychiatric affectation. Funny to think of it, like a number of them I too am a first born. Anyway my mum rallied around me, coming from Nigeria to nurse me for quite a while. This encouraged my physician to take me off medication and I continued with my work in the UK. Unfortunately I had another breakdown and was placed again on medication. Mark you I am not alcoholic, have never taken hard drugs, nor did I smoke anything. Not then, not now. Anyway as at then mum came to my assistance, and following recovery I was continued on medication for a longer period of time; which I duly completed. We all hoped that would end the unpleasant chapter as I continued with my life and work.
It didn’t work out so well, in fact things took a turn for the worse. After a while I could not go to work. I was in my house but could not quite tell where I was and found myself again hospitalised. This time around the doctor in Britain put a label on me: schizophrenia. I was placed on antipsychotics and slowly made my way back to work. Ah! Those drugs made me slow and drowsy. My social life, never hectic since the last relationship became even less satisfactory. My youngr siblings married and had children. I attended their weddings of course, but I longed to be settled. O God have mercy.
I had been baptized and confirmed, but did not really have much of a spiritual life. But in the times of crises what seemed to make the most sense to me, what helped me most, were passages from scripture. My mum’s friend in Britain has a son who introduced me to his church. One thing about this church in UK: they believe in divine healing, that God answers prayer. I started attending and came to truly give my life to Jesus as savior.
In the course of my sickness and slow social life many people became convinced I needed a wife urgently, but could not propose (imagine that)! Several contacts were organized for me back in Nigeria but somehow they did not work out. I’ll be honest with you: I was relieved on a few occasions to learn the said female was engaged. Well I got introduced to this Christian lady from another congregation in UK and we went out together for a while and guess what? I proposed and she consented. WOW! In 2007 we were wed in church with all our immediate family in attendance. Fifteen good years had passed since that breakdown in the airport. We remain inseperable till today. God has definitely answered my prayers.
Will I have to be on medication always? Why not listen quietly: I’m not done yet.
You could say it had happened to people I know; but I certainly never imagined I would ever have to see a psychiatrist or be placed on medication for life. It all began in 1992 sometime after a long term relationship I entered into while in university collapsed. I had been living in UK for three years and as I went to the airport to travel back to Nigeria I collapsed and was hospitalised. Thus I became one of a few relations with a history of psychiatric affectation. Funny to think of it, like a number of them I too am a first born. Anyway my mum rallied around me, coming from Nigeria to nurse me for quite a while. This encouraged my physician to take me off medication and I continued with my work in the UK. Unfortunately I had another breakdown and was placed again on medication. Mark you I am not alcoholic, have never taken hard drugs, nor did I smoke anything. Not then, not now. Anyway as at then mum came to my assistance, and following recovery I was continued on medication for a longer period of time; which I duly completed. We all hoped that would end the unpleasant chapter as I continued with my life and work.
It didn’t work out so well, in fact things took a turn for the worse. After a while I could not go to work. I was in my house but could not quite tell where I was and found myself again hospitalised. This time around the doctor in Britain put a label on me: schizophrenia. I was placed on antipsychotics and slowly made my way back to work. Ah! Those drugs made me slow and drowsy. My social life, never hectic since the last relationship became even less satisfactory. My youngr siblings married and had children. I attended their weddings of course, but I longed to be settled. O God have mercy.
I had been baptized and confirmed, but did not really have much of a spiritual life. But in the times of crises what seemed to make the most sense to me, what helped me most, were passages from scripture. My mum’s friend in Britain has a son who introduced me to his church. One thing about this church in UK: they believe in divine healing, that God answers prayer. I started attending and came to truly give my life to Jesus as savior.
In the course of my sickness and slow social life many people became convinced I needed a wife urgently, but could not propose (imagine that)! Several contacts were organized for me back in Nigeria but somehow they did not work out. I’ll be honest with you: I was relieved on a few occasions to learn the said female was engaged. Well I got introduced to this Christian lady from another congregation in UK and we went out together for a while and guess what? I proposed and she consented. WOW! In 2007 we were wed in church with all our immediate family in attendance. Fifteen good years had passed since that breakdown in the airport. We remain inseperable till today. God has definitely answered my prayers.
Will I have to be on medication always? Why not listen quietly: I’m not done yet.
Saturday 29 May 2010
JESUS AND SOCIAL ACTION week 21, 2010
“Look, Jesus is not against social action: is He not the one that took whips to drive out the moneychangers and overturned their tables?” Jn 2:15, 16. Yes, but did His whips land on innocent bystanders? “But what can we do? Government doesn't listen to anything but strike and some force. Is it unchristian to protest injustice?” It is not unchristian; Paul (Acts22:24-25) and Jesus protested injustice. One of the officers standing nearby slapped Jesus on the face and said, "Is that any way to answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If I have said anything wrong, tell me what it was. But if I have told the truth, why do you hit me?" Jn 18:22, 23(ISV) but after the protest: When he suffered, he did not threaten but made it his habit to commit the matter to the one who judges fairly 1Pt 2:23(ISV).
“Eh hehn now, this is a lawful form of protest.” Sometimes you need to choose between legitimacy and behaving like a Christian: submit yourselves to your masters with all fear, not only to those who are kind and fair, but also to those who are unjust. If you suffer for doing good and take it patiently, you have God's approval. This is, in fact, what you were called to do 1Pe 2:18, 20-21(ISV)
“That applied to the Roman society; we live in a democratic society now and should not be seen as saboteurs of attempts at our own welfare.” Do not follow the majority when they do wrong Ex 23:2(GNB). Trade unions will fight for their welfare and money, but such fights can run against the faith of Jesus. Whilst we live on this earth we have a greater responsibility: Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters in everything, aiming to please them and not argue with them ...so that in every way they may make the teaching about God our Saviour more attractive Tit 2:9, 10(ISV).
“I am not a slave. My God calls me to liberty. The way you talk, you will be cheated forever. I need my pay and God will use this strike to bring it to me.” I can't be cheated, not for long. Put your life in the hands of the Lord; have faith in him and he will do it Psalm 37:5(BBE). “I trust him, Mike, I do.” The real expression of faith at the end of the day is obedience even when you can't see what the result will be. Heb 11:8 You are a Christian: do only what Jesus would, no matter the consequences.
“So what will I do if the union people block my way? Do I fight them?” By no means: But I say to you, Do not make use of force against an evil man Mat 5:39(BBE) just make your stand clear early, be available and wisely do your bit.
“Eh hehn now, this is a lawful form of protest.” Sometimes you need to choose between legitimacy and behaving like a Christian: submit yourselves to your masters with all fear, not only to those who are kind and fair, but also to those who are unjust. If you suffer for doing good and take it patiently, you have God's approval. This is, in fact, what you were called to do 1Pe 2:18, 20-21(ISV)
“That applied to the Roman society; we live in a democratic society now and should not be seen as saboteurs of attempts at our own welfare.” Do not follow the majority when they do wrong Ex 23:2(GNB). Trade unions will fight for their welfare and money, but such fights can run against the faith of Jesus. Whilst we live on this earth we have a greater responsibility: Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters in everything, aiming to please them and not argue with them ...so that in every way they may make the teaching about God our Saviour more attractive Tit 2:9, 10(ISV).
“I am not a slave. My God calls me to liberty. The way you talk, you will be cheated forever. I need my pay and God will use this strike to bring it to me.” I can't be cheated, not for long. Put your life in the hands of the Lord; have faith in him and he will do it Psalm 37:5(BBE). “I trust him, Mike, I do.” The real expression of faith at the end of the day is obedience even when you can't see what the result will be. Heb 11:8 You are a Christian: do only what Jesus would, no matter the consequences.
“So what will I do if the union people block my way? Do I fight them?” By no means: But I say to you, Do not make use of force against an evil man Mat 5:39(BBE) just make your stand clear early, be available and wisely do your bit.
Thursday 20 May 2010
ARE YOU STILL FRUITFUL? Week 20, 2010
“You want to make me feel guilty. I won't see patients while on strike.” It's not to make you guilty. Did Jesus not say I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' Mt 25:36 (GNB). Why are you abandoning Him now? “I am not; there are private institutions for them to go.” Can they afford it? “Is that my fault?” Look the King will make answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Because you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me Mat 25:40(BBE). These poor unknown with no connections are the ones to be especially careful about, tell that union early o. Jesus is concerned about the least of my brethren. “You ask a hard thing from me.” I know it is not easy for you but Jesus is hungry; give Him some fruit. Jesus was hungry. He saw in the distance a fig tree covered with leaves, so he went to see if he could find any figs on it Mk 11:12, 13(GNB).
“In the past I did what you said. Look I have used my own money before to treat patients. When the strike is over I will continue. You know your right hand should not let the left know your good deeds or I would have told you of those I have helped in the past. Times are getting harder; if you don't need the money I do.” Bless God for you, the Lord reward you, but you see that tree was like you. Like you that tree had borne fruit before. Jesus said to the fig tree, "No one shall ever eat figs from you again!" And his disciples heard him. Mk 11:14(GNB). You don't say "again" if it has not happened in the past. This means it had borne fruit sometime in the past; just like you. “I don't know why I am still discussing this with you, the time is not conducive for me to do such things can't you see?” Ah! Not conducive. Was it conducive for the fig tree at that time to bear fruit? Did not scripture say it was not the time for figs yet Jesus cursed it? But when he came to it, he found only leaves, because it was not the right time for figs Mk 11:13(GNB).
“Stop this intimidation at once! I am a Christian, I serve Jesus. It is the government that is at fault. Stop blaming me and go preach to them.” Okay, but hear me out: why have you decided to allow situations to mould you? Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Rom 12:2 (GNB) Government is making innocent people suffer so you too will make innocent people suffer so that you can get your due. Do you love your rights more than you want to be like Jesus? Is your need for justice greater than your love for God?
Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. Rom 12:21
“In the past I did what you said. Look I have used my own money before to treat patients. When the strike is over I will continue. You know your right hand should not let the left know your good deeds or I would have told you of those I have helped in the past. Times are getting harder; if you don't need the money I do.” Bless God for you, the Lord reward you, but you see that tree was like you. Like you that tree had borne fruit before. Jesus said to the fig tree, "No one shall ever eat figs from you again!" And his disciples heard him. Mk 11:14(GNB). You don't say "again" if it has not happened in the past. This means it had borne fruit sometime in the past; just like you. “I don't know why I am still discussing this with you, the time is not conducive for me to do such things can't you see?” Ah! Not conducive. Was it conducive for the fig tree at that time to bear fruit? Did not scripture say it was not the time for figs yet Jesus cursed it? But when he came to it, he found only leaves, because it was not the right time for figs Mk 11:13(GNB).
“Stop this intimidation at once! I am a Christian, I serve Jesus. It is the government that is at fault. Stop blaming me and go preach to them.” Okay, but hear me out: why have you decided to allow situations to mould you? Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Rom 12:2 (GNB) Government is making innocent people suffer so you too will make innocent people suffer so that you can get your due. Do you love your rights more than you want to be like Jesus? Is your need for justice greater than your love for God?
Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. Rom 12:21
Saturday 15 May 2010
INN KEEPER OR SAMARITAN Week 19, 2010
Won’t you attend to the patient? I hear he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead Lk 10:30(ESV). “Sorry there is a strike; we have not been paid our due and the union says no work.” Help now, he is not the reason why you have not been paid; he has nothing against you. “You want them to wound me? It can be risky trying to get there. It’s not my fault: blame the government. People have to suffer for something good to come.” Remember a Samaritan, as he journeyed... when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him Lk 10:33, 34(ESV). He could have reasoned the robbers were still around and that he was at risk.
“Listen; I am not like the priest or Levite. When I see accident victims I stop and help. I am like the inn keeper who takes care of them. Besides we are not on a journey here. I am a paid worker and owe obedience to my association. Did God not say we should obey every authority?” May I tell you it was not the inn keeper that was commended? When Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise." Luke 10:37(ESV) He meant the Samaritan, not the inn keeper. “What are you saying; what wrong did the inn keeper do? He helped look after the sick man. Is it wrong to do your job?” It is not wrong, but it seems your type of inn keeper looks after a man simply because he is paid to do so. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If you spend more than that, I'll repay you when I come back.' Lk 10:35(ISV). If the Samaritan did not bring out any money in advance, with your attitude the good work of the Samaritan would have ended.
“Why have you condemned the inn keeper, Jesus did not condemn him but is silent about him.” He did not praise him either. Does he give praise to the servant because he did what was ordered? In the same way, when you have done all the things which are given you to do, say, There is no profit in us, for we have only done what we were ordered to do Lk 17:9,10(BBE) . Heaven accounts profit when you love the unlovely and those who hate you. If you want God to praise you be like the Samaritan.
For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings Hos 6:6(MKJV).
“Listen; I am not like the priest or Levite. When I see accident victims I stop and help. I am like the inn keeper who takes care of them. Besides we are not on a journey here. I am a paid worker and owe obedience to my association. Did God not say we should obey every authority?” May I tell you it was not the inn keeper that was commended? When Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise." Luke 10:37(ESV) He meant the Samaritan, not the inn keeper. “What are you saying; what wrong did the inn keeper do? He helped look after the sick man. Is it wrong to do your job?” It is not wrong, but it seems your type of inn keeper looks after a man simply because he is paid to do so. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If you spend more than that, I'll repay you when I come back.' Lk 10:35(ISV). If the Samaritan did not bring out any money in advance, with your attitude the good work of the Samaritan would have ended.
“Why have you condemned the inn keeper, Jesus did not condemn him but is silent about him.” He did not praise him either. Does he give praise to the servant because he did what was ordered? In the same way, when you have done all the things which are given you to do, say, There is no profit in us, for we have only done what we were ordered to do Lk 17:9,10(BBE) . Heaven accounts profit when you love the unlovely and those who hate you. If you want God to praise you be like the Samaritan.
For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings Hos 6:6(MKJV).
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