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)
Saturday 31 July 2010
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)
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