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).
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