Hallowed be my name week 17, 2014

I have finally realised it: I have been working at cross purposes with you o my God. I am so sorry. I bring repentance before you. You taught us in your word: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven Mt 6:9-10(KJV). I have been mouthing that prayer, but have craved for my name to be hallowed. In many ways I have cried, “My father in heaven, hallowed be my own name. My kingdom come, my will be done on earth.”

When other people are mentioned in the congregation, and their successes announced, a frown forms in my heart. “Why is it them and not I?” I ask, so quickly omitting and forgetting many un deserved mercies granted me. I have no appetite to read what other saints have done in writings we have contributed to, only in seeing my own work. Indeed the error of the Pharisees is found in my members. Look at the straps with scripture verses on them which they wear on their foreheads and arms, and notice how large they are! Notice also how long are the tassels on their cloaks!  They love the best places at feasts and the reserved seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have people call them 'Teacher.' Mt 23:5-7 (GNB).  O how I have sought to be quoted and celebrated. I make light of the contribution of others, and make much of their mistakes.

I hardly wait for another to finish talking; I love to be heard. I am slow to listen, and quick to speak. Teach me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry Jas 1:19(ISV).  How I have quarrelled because (to me) I was not duly acknowledged, yet I claim the work is unto you saying “To God be the glory”. Like Elijah rather than intercede for men, I often pray against them, all for my own name’s sake. Know ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel Rom 11:2 (web)  I am so quick to tell you and others how they have wronged me, and misrepresented me. I have not practiced appreciating others in your presence.

Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! Ps 51:1 (GNB).  I have kept revival away, struggling to sit on the donkey with you as you ride triumphantly into the city. My clothing should have lined the road, my palm fronds laid ahead of the animal, but having loosed men from bondage, I struggle to ride them into the city rather than leave them at your feet for you alone to mount. Yet your word clearly says the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day Isa 2:11 (KJV).

Have mercy upon me o God! May my heart ever be your throne alone. Mightily increase always in me, let me greatly decrease. In Jesus’ name I pray!

An implication of the resurrection week 16, 2014

Where are you dressed up all ready to go this early morning?

I’m going to join in the women’s declaration of the Easter celebration of Jesus rising from the dead.

Oh well enjoy the ceremony, I’m having a rest.

Excuse me, Easter is no ceremony. Don’t you know what it’s all about?

Oh boy. How did I get into this? Easter is a celebration of Christians. It is one of the chief occasions of Christianity. They believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead after 3 days. Right?

Wrong; and on all counts: Easter is what makes Christianity. No Easter, no Christian. Christians do not “believe Jesus Christ rose from the dead”. It is a historical fact that He did.

So how come it is only Christians that testify about it?

Unbelieving people testified also. While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the high priests everything that had happened Mt 28:11(ISV). However they were in a conspiracy to suppress and twist the truth. It is just like the tobacco industry had the facts about the harm it does but for years twisted and suppressed facts for financial gain. So they met with the elders and agreed on a plan to give the soldiers a large amount of money. They said, "Say that Jesus' disciples came at night and stole him while you were sleeping." So the soldiers took the money, did as they were instructed Mat 28:12, 13, 15(ISV) 

The tobacco industry matter was based on solid evidence. You cannot forward any evidence of yours on this matter. The resurrection is really a finely crafted story.

Why then is the role of women highlighted? That does not make sense in Jewish law. The testimony of the women is forwarded contrary to what a finely crafted tale to the Jewish community would be. With regard to evidence: how come all the modern technology and archaeology have yet to find the bones of Jesus Christ?

Actually that beats me. He must be dead somewhere. We shall find his body yet.

He still lives. He rose bodily and is presently seated at God’s right hand. Christ is now in heaven, where he sits at the right side of God. All angels, authorities, and powers are under his control 1Pt 3:22 (CEV). 

That’s impossible! A human being alive in outer space for over 2000 years? What kind of a body does he have? Be reasonable. His bones will be picked up.

Why do you refuse to accept it? Humour me a moment: what would the implication be if it were true?

Well it would mean He must be some divine being... and all he said must be true.

That is exactly why the world does not want to accept it. By the way it was on the 3^rd day that he rose: he was buried, he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures—and is still alive!—1Cor 15:4(ISV).  Jesus did rise from the dead, is alive bodily now, and will return as Judge of all. Submit to Him today.

God needs you week 15, 2014

We do not know the names of the disciples Jesus sent to release the donkey. When they came near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples on ahead Mt 21:1(ISV). Care not if people know not your name. Only care that you are a disciple, obedient to Jesus’ command. If you are one then God needs you. There are men like donkeys to release today into the service of Jesus. Men who must play roles you cannot. Come: God needs you.

At once you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it. Untie them, and bring them to me. Mt 21:1(ISV) You may be tied up like the donkey. Your existence and potential kept from the “men of the moment”; the leadership group whose influence in the church is marked. They don’t know you but Jesus has chosen you. God needs you. 

Are you tied by the road, tied in indecision? Nay; rather awaiting the Master’s call, waiting until He speaks. Hear now His voice: God needs you to carry the saviour aloft that men may see Him and hail Him King. Carry Him today: manifest His life only. Like the foal of the donkey are you hardly ever mentioned, appearing like an appendage? God needs you. He needs you to accomplish His word. This happened in order to make come true what the prophet had said Mt 21:4(GNB). You are the instrument of prophetic fulfillment.

Is your name unknown in this church as those in the crowd? Is your identity hidden in calls of “Brother, Sister”? God needs you to pave the way for the Lord. Many people in the crowd spread their own coats on the road, while others began cutting down branches from the trees and spreading them on the road Mt 21:8(ISV).  

Give. Give your coat. And where you have no coat go and cut down branches. Take from your farm. Give to make the way for the Lord; tell those around Jesus is king. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! How blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!"Jn 12:13(ISV) 

Are you a child? Disregarded by many and asked to shut up? This entry of Jesus into your town, your church shall be incomplete without you. But when the high priests and the scribes saw …the children shouting in the Temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became furious Mt 21:15 (ISV). What shall you do? Cry out that Jesus Christ is king. 

You are important, necessary to Him. Need implies these. The translation conveys the meaning of a demand, an employment, an occasion. This occasion of manifesting Jesus as King is the demand on your life.

Perhaps you have witnessed what God has done in someone’s life. You have heard testimonies of God’s mighty acts in lives (even if not your own, even where you await your testimony). So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify to what they had seen Jn 12:17(ISV). God needs you to shout “Hosanna to the King”. Let the city, let the earth acknowledge in this hour Jesus is king.

In this hour, at this time, prophecy is to be fulfilled: God needs you each one of you to lift Him up and say to others that Jesus reigns. Do not fail Him.

Sonship confirmed week 14, 2014

What is working you up brother, your countenance is so vexed!

“Is it not that son of an unbeliever, that clan of evil people…”

Easy brother, easy. Mind your words: Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone Col 4:6(ISV).  What is it?

“Land I bought with my hard earned money is resold land, and everyone is insisting he is right: Multiple sellers and all buyers! I’ll use my spiritual authority and deal with these wicked and unfair people. I’ll prove to them and the entire world “You can’t mess with me!” I will show them I’m a son of God, I will deal...”

 Is that how we prove we are God’s children? Consider Jesus. While hanging on the cross passersby taunted "You who were going to destroy the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days—save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" Mt 27:40(ISV). Did He come down to show them? You also are being unjustly treated and insulted too, let go and prove your sonship.

“I hope you are not suggesting I let go of my hard earned money. It is enough to train somebody.”

Have you not read 2Chron 25:5-9 what God said to Amaziah when he spent 7,500 pounds of silver and God asked him to let it go? The LORD has a lot more than that to give you! 2Chron 25:9(ISV)

“Listen, that piece of property is very important and strategic. How could you ever ask me to let go of land? Whoever does? What would my fathers think of me? Do you know what use it will be to my family, even to the church?”

What would Abraham have thought of Isaac when he let go of his wells the Philistines struggled unjustly for (Gen26:18-22)?  Do you know how important water is to flocks and herds? People are saying to you are you a child of God, if you are prove it. Until you let go and give up that question will remain.

“What do you mean by that?”

Like I said, while Jesus hung on the cross the question kept coming, “If He is the Son of God, if He is the Son of God” (Mt27:40-43). How did the affirmation by the centurion and unbelievers guarding the cross come? "This man certainly was the Son of God!" Mt 27:54(ISV)

”The scripture says it was the earthquake after He died.”

Ah, have you read Lk 23:46, 47(KJV)  And Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this, he gave up the ghost.  And when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. These were the crucifiers of Jesus. The ones “crucifying” you now will know only after you die. Proving you are a child of God is not by fighting but by dying, by saying “Father for thy sake I leave the matter in your hands”. To die means to give up the spirit. In this matter give up into God’s hands; be the fool.