“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.
Saturday, 18 September 2010
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.
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