Above Only

Above Only

A New Testament version of Deuteronomy 28 might be written like this: ‘It has now come to pass that Jesus has fully obeyed all the commands God gave. If you believe in the Lord Jesus as your Savior and Lord, trusting in His death, resurrection, and soon return, the Lord your God will elevate you above all nations of the earth. You are fully blessed in Christ. As a result, these blessings will follow you. You will be blessed wherever you live, work, and play. Your enemies will scatter from you. Your bank account and investments will be blessed. You will be blessed in your fields and businesses. The work of your hands will prosper, and you will bear abundant fruit, profit, and good results. You are blessed with children. Whatever you touch will be blessed. You will be blessed throughout your journeys, projects, and transitions—from beginning to end. You will receive sufficient natural rain, divine favor, and the Holy Spirit for bountiful harvests. Because of your faith in Jesus, no curses will ever follow you.

You will be above only - never beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13). God is never beneath, and His covenant lifts you to His level and position. That means if you are pressed down, you will resurface to the top (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9). You recover quickly. You keep yourself under control. You have enough grace to handle any situation. You are not stressed. You are unstoppable in finding your way to the top. You rise above storms. You have the freedom to obey God. You can walk in the fruit of the Spirit. You are truly free from all forms of bondage and curses. This means you carry dignity and respect, whether people acknowledge it or not. Your job, your position in the organizational structure, and circumstances do not define your worth or self-esteem. You are a first-class person, fearfully and wonderfully made. In God’s first-class cabin, there is room for all who believe. Surely, you are above only — never beneath.

Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance

Jonathan was a prince while David was from a poor background. Yet he loved David so much that his soul knit to that of David[1]. Jonathan proved to be the greatest friend that David would know. The relationship was so strong that Jonathan and David established a covenant between themselves. A covenant relationship was the strongest form of agreement and commitment people could make to each other. When God chose a form of relationship with humanity, he chose the strongest - a covenant relationship[2]. Three encouraging characteristics of a covenant are:

1) A Covenant is lasting.   Jonathan’s devotion to David did not waver to the extent that it even caused a rift to develop between him and his father, as he repeatedly took David’s side against the king[3]. Later he remembered Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and promoted him to the king’s table[4]. Mountains will pass away but God’s covenant of peace will not pass away[5]. 

2) A Covenant is an exchange. Parties to a covenant exchanged identities, wealth and weapons. They committed to sharing everything. Whoever attacked one of them had attacked all.   God has also given saints his divine nature and access to all his by His name[6].    He put on them his robe of righteousness in place of their filthy rags of sin[7]. All his has become yours.

3) A Covenant is a choice. Parties willingly enter into a covenant.  Jonathan showed uncommon, unconditional and sacrificial love to David. Love is a choice one commits to live by.  Similarly, Jesus had nothing to gain in comparison to what it took to save the world. He showed uncommon love for lost sinners[8]. He knew they would never show their love for Him to the same degree He demonstrated His love for them but He loved anyway.   He loves us because that is His nature and choice[9]. Thank God for his unmerited love and his unfailing covenant commitment to you. That is the blessed assurance.

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[1] 1 Samuel 18:1-5

[2] Hebrews 6:18

[3] 1 Samuel 19:2, 4-7; 20:24-34

[4] 2 Samuel 4:4; 9:5-13

[5] Isaiah 54:10

[6] 2 Peter 1:4, Revelation 3:12

[7] Isaiah 64:6; 61:10; Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 8:7

[8] Romans 5:8; 8:38-39; John 15:13; 1 John 3:16; 4:9-10

[9] 1 John 4:7; Ephesians 2:4; Romans 4:16-25

Faces of a Giant

Faces of a Giant

Life challenges can stretch people beyond their comforts and limits.   You most likely have experienced them. They come as invincible giants compared to your own perceived strength.  Sometimes you invade them and other times they ambush you. Each time they present the faces of terror and the ordinary while hiding the face of opportunity.

>> The face of terror. Goliath caused fear by his huge appearance and verbal threats. Fear removes focus from God's ability, care and faithfulness. Faith and fear cannot coexist. Whichever you allow to rule displaces the other.  Saul was so afraid and desperate that he sent an untrained and unprotected boy to fight a seasoned ruthless giant.

Fear and discouragement are the enemy’s weapons of first choice.  No wonder, there are over 350 “fear nots” in the Bible.

>> The face of the ordinary. Goliath challenged the ordinary standard and methods of warfare. He was intimidating when compared to the ordinary appeal to sight, and logic. Saul’s pitfall was trusting in carnal weapons of warfare (2 Corinthians 10:1-5). David represented innovation and the unconventional ways of faith in God.

>> The face of opportunity. David saw the opportunity behind Goliath’s terror.  Opportunities come disguised in enemy threats and other people's desperations. The enemy will not expose the face of opportunity. You have to discern it. David discerned the opportunity and made a courageous choice. Where others saw the formidable armor of Goliath David saw the uncircumcision beneath the armor. Where others saw his big physical size as daunting David saw it as an object hard to miss. Where others saw growing intensity of   resistance David saw evidence of a high priced target behind the battle lines. Where others saw forty days of torment David saw the end of the torment since forty is the number for judgment. Time for judgment had come.

The giants come to enhance your resume and profile. The giants come to expose the real giant in you. They come to also reveal the giants on your side. Whether giants work for you or against you, depends on how you view and respond to them. You can respond as an ordinary human being or a new creature in Christ.

The Few Sheep

The Few Sheep

David never lost a public battle. He was a giant killer who produced giant killers. He reclaimed Jerusalem from the Jebusites, brought back the ark and restored the worship of Jehovah in Zion. The mountains that surrounded Jerusalem which fortified the Jebusites, became a symbol of how God securely surrounds his people[1].

To raise David, God used a few sheep[2]. The sheepfold where David looked after a few sheep of a poor farmer was his training and testing ground. The one positive thing going for him was - keeper of a few sheep. Faithfully caring for the sheep in the dangerous plains and hills shaped his character. Before God raises you, he also will ask you to first look after some few sheep. David was so faithful with the sheep that he would literally put his life on the line in their defense[3]. David gave his heart to it. He did such a good job that he was able to draw his description of good shepherding in Psalm 23 from his own quality practice. He was with the sheep in the valley of the shadow of death and they lacked nothing. 

When he was alone in the sheepfold, he learnt to play the harp and to praise God. The harp skill brought him before the king. When he fought the lion and the bear, he learnt faith and skill he would need to conquer Goliaths. When he patiently tendered for the little lambs and saw them grow to being big and confident, he learnt the patience necessary to transform malcontents of society to giants for God. In all he learnt to trust God and experience his unfailing favor.

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[1] Psalm 125:2

[2] 1 Samuel 17:28

[3] 1 Samuel 17:34

Three Impacts of Promotion

Three Impacts of Promotion

Joseph’s promotion did not bring just personal benefit. He saw it as an opportunity to serve those around him. He remembered the mentors who helped him, the parents that cared for him and God who favored him. Joseph’s father, Jacob, did a lot to shape Joseph’s faith and character. Time and trouble tested and proved the quality of his work. Joseph therefore made sure his promotion benefited his family, his nation and his faith community.

Impact on His Family. He facilitated provision of food and shelter to his parents and siblings. In many cases, children abandon their parents when they become more learned and prosperous than they do. They wait to honor them by expensive coffins and latest burial suits. Joseph shared his elevation with his family members.

Joseph even forgave his brothers for wanting to kill him (Genesis 45:1-7).  That way he facilitated family reconciliation. Nucleus and extended family relationships are breaking down for lack of a peacemaker. Many members are suspicious of one another and plot to pull each other down not realizing they also pull down themselves in the process.

Impact on His Nation. Joseph served his adopted nation so well that his promotion saved the nation from starvation during years of famine. The nation became economically stronger than other nations. In other words, he used his promotion to promote his country. It was an elevated platform from which to shine for God (Mathew 5:14-16).  Where it is darkest, light is needed the most. Darkness is unrighteousness and needs in the society.  Your workstation, community position, sports exploits etc are lamp stands, platforms that put you in public view. The question is how you use the advantage.

Impact on His Faith Community. Joseph played a significant part in the life of the Jewish faith and nation. He also happened to come from this nation (Mathew 6:33). He remembered the welfare of the people and business of God. Anything done that moved patriarch Jacob is major on God’s agenda. Your promotion also is for the sake of God’s work, to give to the work of your church, to missions’ workers and those who instruct and preach in the faith.

Evaluate your promotion based on how it has benefitted the kingdom of God, your family, and nation.

Three Accompaniments of Promotion

Three Accompaniments of Promotion

For Joseph[1], promotion did not come alone. It came with privileges, pressures and imperfections that he had practiced to manage on his life journey.  Inability to handle the accompaniments of promotion results in demotion or a fall. The following are three things that came with Joseph’s promotion.

1) Privileges. Joseph’s position attracted honor and respect. He had power to influence decisions and make things happen. He gained a home, a chariot, and luxuries he could imagine.  Privileges however also come with pitfalls that include pride, pleasures on demand and abuse of power.

2) Pressures. Promotion comes with pressure to perform that has its perils. The pressure can leave no time for other important things of life. As a result, performance comes at a personal toll of fatigue, ill health, stunted personal development, strained vital relationships and spiritual decline. Willy Adei taught avoidance of five sacrifices: sacrificing your marriage, sacrificing your family, sacrificing your friendships, sacrificing integrity, and sacrificing eternity

3) Potipheras. On Joseph’s promotion, Pharaoh gave him for a wife, Potipherah’s daughter whose name Asenath meant ‘belonging to the goddess Neith’.  Her father was some Egyptian priest of On. Interestingly earlier in his life Joseph had run away from Mrs. Potiphar but as governor he had to live with a Ms. Potipherah. Perfect situations do not exist under the sun, even in your church group. Even best of promotion comes tainted with blemishes. You find yourself saying ‘Wow it is such a great opportunity but …’ The qualifiers after the ‘but’ can be certain lazy or difficult individuals you have to live with, learn from, study or work with,  or a work structure, a work schedule, a type of work or certain aspects of your responsibility you would eliminate given a choice. Thanks to God, who gives grace to monitor and govern such imperfections. Joseph did not allow the Potipherahs to shape his values[2]. That way he protected his reputation and promotion.

How well are you coping with the pitfalls of privilege, the perils of performance pressure and the imperfections of Potipheras that come with promotion?

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[1] Genesis 41: 41 – 55

[2] Genesis 41:51-52; Genesis 42:18

Three Guarantees to Promotion

Three Guarantees to Promotion

God’s design is for you to grow and progress in what you do. He is revealing his dream for you as he did to Joseph. God showed him the wonderful vision of a high authority and leadership role but did not forewarn him about the rough road ahead. There were no detailed maps and plans with signs to show distance covered and remaining to destination. God however guaranteed three things.

>> His Presence. When you read his awful experiences and the set backs he suffered you cannot help feeling for him. When you read about his victories, you likewise are prone to want to applaud him as your hero. You however have a constant reminder that the Lord was with him[1]. It is encouraging to know he did not triumphantly go through the pit, slavery and prison alone. God's presence had everything he needed.

>> His Peace. Peace comes from confidence that you can contain the situation. You can handle the relationships, you can pay the bills, you can handle the future and you will not be overwhelmed. God gave Joseph the power to prevail. The grace of God with Joseph was his source of confident expectation that gave him peace[2].

>> His Promotion. The road may be long and rough but God’s love and promises guarantee that your story will end well. In a replay match video, the losing team can be leading at half time. Joy will come in the end[3].

Joseph experienced sudden unanticipated developments on his promotion journey.  People and factors other than you often influence time and course for your promotion. Your part is to trust God from whom promotion comes. He controls people, circumstances and consequences in your obedience. With the three guarantees, as Joseph did you are able to set God inspired goals and keep focus and faith for comebacks when the unexpected happen.

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[1] Genesis 39:21; Hebrews 13:5

[2] Genesis 39:20; 2 Corinthians 12:9

[3] Genesis 41:14; Numbers 23:19

Three Transits to Promotion

Three Transits to Promotion

What a relief when I discovered I could pay a small additional amount to my airfare and wait in transit for only two hours instead of eighteen. Joseph also went through much more severe transit places on his thirteen-year journey to the palace where he became governor of Egypt[1]. His were three transit places, the pit, Potiphar’s house and the prison.  The summary below highlights how Joseph’s transits were learning stops. 

Beginnings - The Family place[2]. God revealed his plan for Joseph when he was in a safe family environment in spite of the resentment by his brothers. He came to know God and much of the character formation he would need later happened. Family is a school that lays foundations for life. You also need a safe and supporting environment. It may not be perfect as was for Joseph.

>> The Pit[3]. The pit is the school of hard knocks where you learn the hard way through life experience. He learnt to forgive and not let the past hold him back from moving on with his life. He also learnt to turn to God when bombarded by many unanswered questions. All you can do in the pit is to respond in faith.

>> Potiphar’s place[4]. Potiphar’s house was a school of market place obedience. [5]He learnt responsibility, work hard and to achieve excellence. Later he would give orders to others. One who has not followed does not qualify to lead others.  Like at a University he learnt how to work under pressure and achieve excellent results. He did not understand why he was learning about  life in the palace. Do not lose hope it is all adding up. Learn as much as you can wherever you are.

>> The Prison[6]. The prison was a school on serving under constraining environments.  It also gave Joseph opportunity to learn about life in Egypt by the nature of crimes and prisoners from many backgrounds.  He learnt about the justice system. Do not lose hope it is all adding up. The dominos are falling over each other.

Promotion - The Palace[7]. The dream come true was itself like dreaming. When he was told Pharaoh wanted to speak to him, he could never have guessed the finest moment of his life had arrived. God fulfils his promise and exceeds expectations. He works wonders. He breaks the chains that hold you back and releases you to become all that he intended for you. 

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[1] Genesis 37, 39-41

[2] Genesis 37:1-22

[3] Genesis 37:23-28

[4] Genesis 39:1-20

[5] Titus 2:11-12

[6] Genesis 40

[7] Genesis 41

Three Garments to Promotion

Three Garments to Promotion

You are all right to desire promotion. However, learn from the Bible story of Joseph. Before the kingly vestures, he lost two garments he liked. Are you willing to let go of some garments that hinder promotion. The garments say the following:

>>Humble yourself. Joseph let go of the beautiful garment of a favored son. Before his brothers threw him into the pit and sold him they took his beautiful garment. The event marked departure from his comfort zone and the protection of his father. It took him away from the luxury of the familiar. He was cut from people who mattered most. He was left with only God to trust in. In the end, he gave God credit for all he achieved. Humility is a precondition for promotion (James 4:10). He served diligently, competently and faithfully in Potiphar’s house and in the prison despite his big unfulfilled personal dreams. He did not fully understand what was going on but did not complain. 

>> Pass the moral tests. Joseph had to let go his precious garment as a poor slave. Keeping it would have stood between him and his promotion.  He maintained his integrity even though he was sent to prison on false accusations. He remained faithful to God’s word. At college to progress to the next level, you have to pass tests. Joseph passed the moral tests for promotion.  He refused to let Mrs. Potiphar seduce him. Instead, he ran away from her like someone fleeing from mortal danger (Genesis 39:12).  He also refused to become bitter despite having been mistreated. 

>>Expect amazing elevation. Joseph was arrayed with royal vestures of fine linen with a ring of kingly authority and a gold chain of honor. He hastily received amazing elevation when time was ripe. What garments are keeping you from your kingly robes? Joseph’s faith, character and relational qualities in the valley of his life promoted him. It is neither by power nor by might. Let us meet at a higher level.  

Three Dreams to Promotion

Three Dreams to Promotion

Promotion neither comes from the east nor the west but from the Lord[1]. As in Joseph’s case, God promotes from the dungeon against all odds[2]. God’s works through how you handle three kinds of dreams.

>>Dream 1 – Your personal dream. Joseph's journey began with a personal dream. Preoccupation with his dream however dangerously brought him to a dungeon via a pit.  Announcing a dream can land the dreamer into serious trouble but the dream lives on.

>>Dream 2 – Your neighbors’ dreams. Joseph was ready to serve people around him even in the dungeon. He realized people around him also had dreams but could not interpret them. He therefore moved from talking about his personal dream to interpreting the dreams of fellow prisoners. Helping fellow people understand their dreams opened doors for him. It gained him a contact in the place of his divine appointment.

>>Dream 3 – Your leaders’ dreams. Joseph got the opportunity to interpret the dream of the leader linked to his dream role. Instead of leaving the leader, depressed with the meaning of his dream Joseph inspired hope with his words, ‘Now therefore let Pharaoh take [the following action]’. Joseph turned a dream problem to a dream solution. As for you, refuse to specialize in reporting problems. Suggest solutions for problems everyone else is talking about. Behind every problem, there is an opportunity to provide a solution. The world has enough questions and few answers.  Start interpreting dreams and more so, start recommending solutions. The king appointed Joseph as the Prime Minister not for his gift to dream and interpret dreams but for offering wise advice.

Being able to help solve the problems leaders face is the key to promotion.  For Joseph wisdom began with ability to keep Gods favor by maintaining his integrity during set backs.  ‘But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally...’[3]

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[1] Psalm 75:6-7

[2] Genesis 41:15-41

[3] James 1:5

Under the Sun

Under the Sun

During my school days, a favorite simile was ‘as persistent as a mosquito’. Experience had already taught me this one before I read it in the Student’s Companion. Given an opportunity, I could have also come close on ‘as wise as King Solomon’. Solomon definitely started right by asking for wisdom above everything else under the sun. Doubtful questions however arise about how well he applied the wisdom to his personal life. Especially when one remembers from the Psalms that wisdom is acknowledging God in one’s life[1].

At the beginning of Solomon’s career, everything under the sun was meaningless in comparison to wisdom. Having got it right at the beginning, he sadly lost it along the way. Instead of wisdom, He pursued knowledge only to condemn it as a source of grief[2]. He sought amusement and pleasure only to find it empty[3].  He chased after women only to experience what it was like to chase after the wind[4]  He had many wives and concubines who bore him many children. He was in charge of many people as a king. He had power, fame and acquired riches. At the end of this elusive search for meaning, he found himself back where he started crying out, ‘Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless… Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” [5]

Solomon managed to go the full circle. You may not make it. Instead of attempting 360 degrees, you can do a 180-degree turn today. Fear God and keep his ways. The grace in Christ is enough for all.

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[1] Psalm 14:1

[2] Ecclesiastes 1:4-11, 17, 18

[3] Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

[4] Ecclesiastes 7:26

[5] Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12:13

The Farmers’ Joy

The Farmers’ Joy

Farmers are delighted when rain falls at the right time and in right amounts. Where I grew up the prayer of every farmer was ‘let it rain’. The coming of rain brought joy. When rain came, not only farmers became alive. Trees and plants turned green, frogs croaked, birds sang and insects chirped and buzzed. Children rejoiced as they played outdoors at the onset of the rain season  and encouragingly sang ‘Go ahead fall so we can have something to eat’. 

The rain of the Holy Spirit is falling (Joel 2:23). Rain is however wasted unless the farmer:

>>Knows the opportunity. Fill yourself with the knowledge of God

>>Steps out. God is only pleased by faith.

>>Builds a team. You cannot do it alone or with people just like yourself.

>>Thinks long term. Lay the foundation for the future.

>>Gives something. The measure of giving indicates that of the harvest.

>>Focuses on causes. Thirst  for a better relationship with God not just his benefits.

>>Is patient. .  “…that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12)”.

To read more on this refer to:

http://wordoers.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-farmers-joy.html

Handle With Care

Handle With Care

Imagine what would happen if God dealt with humanity carelessly. Because He is all-powerful and loving, He has to handle humanity with utmost gentleness[1]. Just a careless drop of His hand can crush planet earth to nothing. Just a careless wave of His hand can sweep people off the universe to unknown emptiness in an instant. However, out of love, He chooses to put His power under control to produce benefit not harm. God is love and gentleness is a vital mark of love. David acknowledged the elevating impact of God's gentleness in his life, 'Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great [2]'.

It is amazing how gentleness in speech and actions can promote harmonious relationships. A colleague shared how things did not seem to go well in his marriage. Beginning of one year as he made his personal development plans he asked his wife for one thing he could work on that year to make her happier. She thought for a little while. She had heard lots of ‘I love yous' from her husband already. She was longing for love in a different word - gentleness. She said he should just work on being gentle. He decided to evaluate and set goals to improve how he spoke to her, how he responded to her and handled her generally. A miracle happened by year-end. It was as if they were happily married all over again. Beginning of the following year, he asked again for something to work on. She said just keep working on the area of gentleness. The following year it was the same and their marriage life was greatly transformed positively.

Faithfully walking in gentleness also works wonders in other relationships such as parental and team relationships. Every person  can do with a ‘Fragile: Handle with Care’ sign on him or her, because people are easily hurt if handled carelessly. Let your gentleness be known of all men. The Lord is near.  - Philippians 4:5

To read more visit:    http://wordoers.blogspot.com/2013/09/handle-with-care-gentleness.html

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[1] 2 Corinthians 10:1; Mathew 11:29; 21:5

[2] 2 Samuel 22:36; Psalm 18:35

The Greatest Threat

The Greatest Threat

The greatest threat to human race is not climatic change and global warming. Is not nuclear threat. Is not extinction of natural species. Is not the next world war. Is not risk of depletion of non renewable resources. Is not instability of markets. Is not fears of food insecurity. The greatest threat is not energy shortages. The greatest threat is moral erosion. When what is right has become an individual determination then nothing is still right and nothing can be wrong.

Righteousness exalts a people sin  is a reproach  to any people (Proverbs 13:34).  Righteousness is receiving by faith what Christ achieved by his obedience and filling yourself with Gods word. Such righteousness will lift you up and protect you.  Many use their wealth and education to destroy themselves and others. The key to being different is to focus on your strength in Christ not your weakness. Whatever you focus on you empower.

Uncommon Courage

Uncommon Courage

My wife and I were staying at Kruger Park Lodge with two sibling families.  One morning we were relaxed outside the lodges when the woman who was cleaning our rooms came out screaming. She had seen a green mamba outside the window to the bedroom we occupied. We trooped into the room. The woman had closed the window. The snake had stopped moving and lifted its head a little. It remained motionless unperturbed by our eyes watching from inside the window. The woman who first saw it, instructed us not to attack it while she went to report to wardens who would come and catch it.  The wardens took a while to show up. In the meantime, some left the window. I was among those who stayed to watch any movements by the snake.  Later the warden came and we all were keen to see how he would capture the snake. He told us the snake was not a green mamba but some harmless green snake. He did not even capture it. He scared it off and it slipped into nearby grass and disappeared. Now came time to share experiences of the snake visit. My elder sister was all out bragging about the boldness of her husband. Apparently, before the warden arrived her husband went outside and took photos of the snake from some distance. Therefore, he earned the praise of being the real man in the place for going outside. I automatically went into defensive mode frantically explaining that I stayed to make sure I did not frighten the snake away and that if it moved, we would know where to try to find it. Whatever the case, the popular expectation was very clear - men ought to show bravery

In today’s world men ought to take the lead in showing moral courage to stand for what is godly  on issues that affect society (Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Joshua 1:6-9; Isaiah 41:10; Jeremiah 29:11).

Breakages

Breakages

The church at Antioch prevailed in sharing their faith when scattered by persecution (Acts 11:19-23). In your life when resistance mounts, you can remember their example.  They adopted a new mindset. For your break through God may want you to do something differently.  They needed an encourager - Barnabas.  You also need someone who will inspire and encourage you along the right way.  They needed a capacity builder - Paul. Lots of encouragement without ability leads to frustration.

However, nothing would have worked without something breaking inside.  For your breakthrough, something will need to break. There is something called breaking for break through.  Something of yours has to break in order for something standing in the way to give way. Something has to break to give way to something greater from God. If you will not break, you will breakdown. If you break, you can no longer be broken. Breakages happen in several ways: 

>> Breaking of fallow ground. Breakage in your relationship with yourself.  How willing are you to learn and change? Soften your heart towards God’s word (Mathew 13:18-23).

>> Breaking of perfume jars. Breakage in your relationship with God. How much are you willing to part with out of love for God?  (Luke 7:37-48). Love him with all you have and all your heart, soul, and strength.

>> Breaking of earthen vessels. Breakage in your relationship with the world around you. Does your world see more  of you the earthen vessel or the glory inside (2 Corinthians  4:6-7). Let them see the glory.

>> Breaking of light pitchers. Breakage in your relationship with the enemy.  Gideon used a relatively very small army size and unusual weapons to achieve victory (Judges 7v18-22).   They broke their pitchers of light, blew their trumpets and celebrated victory in advance. Do not wait begin now to declare and celebrate Christ’s victory for you.

You Are Strong

You Are Strong

The postmodern 21st Century trends and traps are not easy and require a people of strength to overcome. Things are not easy for 21st Century young people. They suffer from information overload. Certain things previous generations were shielded from until much later in life but now postmodern young people with cell phones can access any information. To make it worse, things are changing at a fast rate and there is less predictability. There is need for guidance. Not long ago choices were simpler. These are days of equal but complex opportunity.

These are times of hybrid cultures. Cross-cultural skills have become vital for survival. Despite the increased population, social group integration and social networking, many are lonely. Many are disconnected. People are looking for authenticity in a cosmetic world where apparently everyone is acting out something. You are not sure of people’s intentions. Open your heart and its cut to shreds. These are times when many are not even sure if they are a boy or a girl. These are times when you can buy almost anything except life and peace. You can even buy a new face. You do not have to be stuck with anything including a spouse.

 Trends are against those who want to stand for righteousness. Despite all the challenges, you have overcome. I have written  unto you , young people, because ye are  strong , and  the word  of God  abideth  in you , and  ye have overcome the wicked one ... (1 John 2:14). Believe that with God’s word you are strong and are able anywhere anytime.

Beyond the Hype

Beyond the Hype

Many people are hopping from one event to another and from one public experience to another in search of solutions. When everything has ended, however the big question they are stuck with is 'so what?' Often excitement from events is for their duration. Afterward, the moment they are by themselves they feel lost.  Beyond the hype of the event or the public moment, they suddenly wake up to the personal realities of their lives.

In addition to enjoying passing public moments, you need also prepare for what you face on your own. You will have to deal with the sort of questions and issues the Shunammite woman faced (2 Kings 4:8-17; 8:1-6). Publicly she was prominent and self-sufficient. If anything, her problem would not be how to get sufficiency but how to keep it. Yet beneath the surface, she had to deal with life issues like everyone else and managed to overcome. The positive choices she made about God were crucial to her victory over unmet needs, and setbacks.

Unnoticed, you also may be facing mountains you cannot climb or move. Beyond the hype when you are by yourself, a healthy personal relationship with God through faith in the work of Jesus Christ will keep you going. What personal choices are you making daily about God?

Taking Off Sandals

Taking Off Sandals

Being born into a great house puts you on the spot light.   The ‘paparazzi’ come after you. You have a reputation to keep, privileges to enjoy and responsibilities to carry out. Believers are born into such a house[1].  Humanity is watching with high expectations[2]. Heaven is watching with great support. Hell is also watching helplessly, puzzled by the manifold wisdom of God[3].

In a Bible story[4], Moses met God at the bush that was burning but not consumed by the fire. As he drew near the bush, God warned him to take off his sandals for the place was holy ground. With his sandals on, Moses could only get close to God to a point and no further. In a similar way, we also can get to know God only so far without laying aside attitudes, sins and weights that keep us from following him near enough to be like him[5].

God is great and shares with you greatness[6]. He is your exceeding great reward[7]. His promises are exceedingly great and precious[8]. May your heart cry out like the Psalmist’s, ‘My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God[9].’

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[1] 2 Timothy 2:19-20

[2] Ephesians 3:9 

[3] Ephesians 3:10

[4] Exodus 3:5

[5] Hebrews 12:1-3; I Timothy 3:15, 16; Ephesians 4:1-3

[6] Genesis 12:2

[7] Genesis 15:1

[8] 2 Peter 1:4

[9] Psalm 84; 92:13