LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I AM JUST BEGINNING OUR MESSAGE FOR TODAY. THE PRINCIPLES AND ILLUSTRATIONS I HAVE ALREADY SHARED WERE MEANT TO PLACE THE MESSAGE IN TO CONTEXT.(CONTINUED FROM PART 1, OF POSSESSING YOUR POSSESSION.
GIVE ME THE MOUNTAIN
Let us read Joshua 13:1 '
Joshua 14:6So he says i was forty years when the land was.45rt ... when moses the servant of the Lord sent me to ......and i brought him back a report according to my convictions. The ....who went out with me made the heart of the vpeople melt with fear. The categories .............there was a group of people that saw opportunity in every difficulty and there was also a group that saw difficulty in every opportunity. And he said now here i am ......(how old was he at this stage of his life?).....years old.
I have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly(How did Caleb follow God?). If you have understanding about what you will gain as a result of serving God wholeheartedly, you will be motivated in your service of the Lord. (pt of affirmation ASK YOURSELF, HOW DO I SERVE GOD? THEN AFFIRM, 'I AM EXPECTED TO SERVE GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY).
......................Moses statement........
There is a lot/world.....to gain from serving the Lord wholeheartedly......what he said to moses......'so here i am today still as strong as when i was ......in my forties when Moses sent me....(Object lesson)' i am still as strong as the day moses sent me. I am just as vigorous today as i was when he sent us 45 years ago........(reading on)NOW GIVE THE MOUNTAIN!
GIVE ME THE MOUNTAIN
Now give me the mountain! Now do not forget that Lot Abraham's nephew(at a younger age than Caleb was when he spoke the words 'Give me the mountain) was asked by the Angels to run to the monutains, however he opted for the hills instead( ). This is the contrast between a younger man and an older man. (Repeat this affirmation:Success does not come on a platter of gold.It involves taking the mountains)Caleb said to Joshua ' Give me the mountains which the Lord promised me that day....
.....v45 but the Lord helping me...........
Object lesson: It would have been a different case if God had not made a promise! But as a reslut of His promise the following situations will be subdued;failures,difficult situations and the list goes on.
Joshua presents to us a true picture of success
Observe this carefully: Joshua presents to us a true picture of success. What is Success? Success is not limited to financial success and it certainly does not depend on your bank balance. In other words how much there is in credit.Well one way of defining success is by pointing out what it isn't:
1. Success is not determined by what others say about you. .....................................................
2. Succes will not happen if prayer(both corporate and private) are neglected. This is why prayer meetings can effective change in favour of individual and group success. During prayer times, those involved are literally in a battle to win victories in life. Success is also the result of battles fought and won after times of prayer.
3.
Success :
1. Must be based on what God says about you. It involves keeping God's word alive and preserving it....against the odds. (comment....some have already given up on their God-given vision and allowing it to fall by ..................................
2. Success does not come easily. It involves battling through prayer.(when you honour prayer prayer honours you too). 'Caleb said i am just as vigorous to go to battle now ).
3. Requires a wholehearted pursuit of God.
4. Serve God according to Conviction. That is faith! To build up your conviction .
5. Readiness for battle. You've got to fight. In order to effectively do this you need to conduct your life in full awareness of the enemy.
Here is a story of one pastor's experience with church planting: .......A pastor started his church close to a Nursing Home for the Elderly...........during the service the old people fell asleep. Perhaps they were dreamt in fulfillment of Old Testament scripture:This wa
Another story was about University Christian fellowship: the e
Closing Affirmation: This is my year of making it happen.
Prayer: Give God the glory for his word. Thank you Lord for your word.
What then
Next sunday i will be teaching on 'How to handle storms'. This message will give some insights on how to 'fly through storms' . At the sight of a storm so many people give up their vision, saying that 'it is too difficult', 'it is impossible'
Visit our website at www.vocation4lifefoundation.org
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Friday, 22 February 2008
Pastor Victor Iruobe:Possessing Our possession.
Opening prayer: Heavenly Father, .......we pray that your word will set free, it will transform lives and in Jesus name may your word find a place in the hearts of people.....Let your people be ready to advance as you reveal your word this morning in the name of Jesus......we give you glory, ....meet the needs of your people....in Jesus name.
Affirmation:(Say to each other) Neighbour, i am happy to be in church this morining and enjoy God's corporate annointing this morning.......Neighbour i am happy to see your face this morning. You look more wonderful today than you did the last time i saw you....Together we will have a good time this morning.
Opening Remarks: .......Ladies and gentlemen, this morning there are things belonging to you which are not yet in your possession. We began a success series for almost four weeks now! During this period we have been examining various situations and how to address them.This morning we would be looking at the certain key words and phrases. The word 'things' is a key word which occurs within our message for a number of reasons.'F'irst of all .......,secondly it is clearly stated in scripture that 'God made things for us. Thirdly, the Bible declares that Faith is the substance of things hoped. It is clearly in God's will that we 'possess things we hope for.....Last week(Sunday 10th February 2008) we looked at 'the ingredients of success'. .....In the first quarter of this year we will be examining the subject 'success' and how to make it this year. The title of our message today is Possessing my possessions.
Background to this message :
There are some things belonging to you that are not currently in your possession. There is no doubt that they are yours by right, but because they are not yet in your domain you cannot benefit from them fully. Because these things were designed by God to be your assets it is certainly in His will that you receive them. Therefore IN A NUTSHELL YOU NEED TO POSSESS(RECEIVE) YOUR POSSESSIONS(ASSETS BELONGING TO YOU)! God wants you to enjoy them, and to possess them.
Affirmation: Please repeat 'Possessing my possessions' to affirm to yourself that you are willing to receive all your God given assets.
Let me give you a few examples:
OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY'S MESSAGE:IT IS MY BOLD DECLARATION OF FAITH THAT,
Affirmation:(Say to each other) Neighbour, i am happy to be in church this morining and enjoy God's corporate annointing this morning.......Neighbour i am happy to see your face this morning. You look more wonderful today than you did the last time i saw you....Together we will have a good time this morning.
Opening Remarks: .......Ladies and gentlemen, this morning there are things belonging to you which are not yet in your possession. We began a success series for almost four weeks now! During this period we have been examining various situations and how to address them.This morning we would be looking at the certain key words and phrases. The word 'things' is a key word which occurs within our message for a number of reasons.'F'irst of all .......,secondly it is clearly stated in scripture that 'God made things for us. Thirdly, the Bible declares that Faith is the substance of things hoped. It is clearly in God's will that we 'possess things we hope for.....Last week(Sunday 10th February 2008) we looked at 'the ingredients of success'. .....In the first quarter of this year we will be examining the subject 'success' and how to make it this year. The title of our message today is Possessing my possessions.
Possessing our possessions!
Affirmation: Please repeat this title and become inspired as you hear yourself say it.Possessing our possesions.
Background to this message :
There are some things belonging to you that are not currently in your possession. There is no doubt that they are yours by right, but because they are not yet in your domain you cannot benefit from them fully. Because these things were designed by God to be your assets it is certainly in His will that you receive them. Therefore IN A NUTSHELL YOU NEED TO POSSESS(RECEIVE) YOUR POSSESSIONS(ASSETS BELONGING TO YOU)! God wants you to enjoy them, and to possess them.
Affirmation: Please repeat 'Possessing my possessions' to affirm to yourself that you are willing to receive all your God given assets.
Let me give you a few examples:
- There may be a house which God has intended to be owned by someone hearing this message.
- His intention for another person may be to usher in a life partner into the life of another person who has been waiting .
- Perhpas in your particular case, it may be 'a healing' you need from God.
- The need of another person may be transport related...God has prepared a brand new car for your possession.
OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY'S MESSAGE:IT IS MY BOLD DECLARATION OF FAITH THAT,
- After hearing this message each of you will 'POSSESS YOUR POSSESSIONS'.
- Furthermore you will understand how to become better positioned to 'Possess your possessions'.
Scripture Verses for Reference: Joshua 13:1; Joshua 14:6-14. Ephesians , 2 Peter 2
In Joshua 13:1, we can note the following:
- God is not a waster of resources
- If you 'observe the mind of God you will notice that He wants us to possess our possessions.
In Ephesians......It is obvious that ,
- in blessing us God's act is in the past tense. This is something God has already accomplished.
- We now have responsibilty first of all to understand what He has 'bestowed' on us.
- Secondly we must then ASSUME OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO POSSESS IT......................
AFFIRMATION: Say '...who has blessed us with ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS' IN HEAVENLY PLACES.
Question:Are we indeed blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places?
Answer: A 'yes' answer or an affirmative one also implies that God's blessings bestowed on us have covered and even exceeded our areas of need both on earth and in heaven.
ONE BIG DILEMMA WE OUGHT TO ADDRESS: If God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness then why is 'my life in its current state of need, lack and even desperation?' THIS IS INDEED A VALID QUESTION TO ASK.
Have you ever asked the kind of searching questions, that begin with why?
Here are few examples:
- Why am i in such lack?
- why am i in such need?
- why me?
- why not me?
My response to the question of why is to pose some revealing questions :
- Why are there dirty clothes?
- Why are some individuals unkempt and badly in need of a wash?
- Is it because of a lack of soap to clean?
An obvious answer:Certainly not! Although there may be a very good supply of soap and water to clean, soap would need to be applied in order to be effective. This illustration is certainly relevant when discussing spiritual principles. Until the promises of God in HIS WORD are applied to individual situations change will not be effected in our lives.
Majority of the blessings of God are received through knowledge
and you need to fight sometimes even for things belonging to you!
Galatians 4:1' Now i say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from the slave, though he is master of all, v2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. ......
The above passages illustrate the truth that 'even though the heir may be the Lord of the Estate.....because of certain hindering factors his condition can remain equivalent to that of a 'bondservant' or even a slave within a designated estate:
- If he remains ignorant of his entitlements.
- If his growth is stunted or stagnated.
- If he remains immature.
Majority of the blessings of God are received through improving our knowledge about the issues concerned.
DON'T QUIT....BUT MOVE FORWARD USING THE PRINCIPLE OF NEVERTHELESS......
.........Luke 5:5' Simon answered and said to Him, '' Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at your word i will let down the net. v6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
- ' Nevertheless' is the phrase which underscores a determination not to quit or to give up.
- 'Nevertheless illustrates the fact that inspite of his previous unsuccessful attempts at fishing, Peter was prepared to try one more time. This time he made another attempt in response to the command of Jesus.
- 'Nevertheless' highlights the fact that Peter was prepared to respond even though the command Jesus issued was contrary to THE KNOWLEDGE PETER had acquired from his FIVE SENSES as veteran fisherman with experience of fishing.
Indeed he had toiled all night without success. In other words, he had what he knewat obecauased on what Gavi Peter's call to follow Jesus in Luke 5:1-10.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I AM JUST BEGINNING OUR MESSAGE FOR TODAY. THE PRINCIPLES AND ILLUSTRATIONS I HAVE ALREADY SHARED WERE MEANT TO PLACE THE MESSAGE IN TO CONTEXT.(END OF PART 1, CLICK POSSESSING YOUR POSSESSION PART 2 FOR MAIN MESSAGE).
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Responding to God Orchestrated Offenses(Part 2)
Dear friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus.In my introduction to Part 1 i expressed the conviction that just like in the case of Job in the Old Testament God can sovereignly choose to 'Orchestrate' the offenses that come our way instead of preventing them. Are you confronted by a situation which has not responded to the usual perserverance in prayer, and spiritual warfare prayer techniques. Are you even working under the assumption that the root cause of your problems is a result of a curse placed upon your genetic lineage. More specifically have you determined that your situation is caused by a generational curse rather than the fact that God has placed you in a wilderness situation ?
In the Old Testament of the Bible there was a commonly held belief that 'THE INNOCENT NEVER SUFFER' and therefore if an individual WAS SUFFERING FROM AN AFFLICTION THEN HE OR SHE WAS HARBORING SOME SECRET SIN!
In Job 4: 7 One of Job's friends by the name Eliphaz asked a question which betrayed this assumption 'Now think about this: Which innocent person ever died an untimely death? Find me a decent person who has been destroyed.
He continued to assert in v8' Whenever I saw those who plowed wickedness and planted misery, they gathered its harvest.
Another friend Bildad went to the extent of suggesting in Chapter 8:4 that Job's children had been killed because of the consequences of their sinfulness.
If you read chapter 1 verses 4 and 5 it is recalled that Job's children enjoyed fellowship with each other.His sons with their sisters. Job maintained a responsible involvement in the fellowhipping . He did so by ensuring that (Read v 5) 'When they finished having their parties, Job would send for them in order to CLEANSE THEM FROM SIN. HE WOULD GET UP EARLY IN THE MORNING AND SACRIFICE BURNT OFFERINGS FOR EACH OF THEM.'
The reason Job practiced fellowship offerings was to ensure that AN OFFERING WAS MADE a)FOR SIN AND b)A BURNT OFFERING FOR PEACE WITH GOD. This is in line with what Moses had instructed the high priest (Exodus 9:7).
If we link this precedent with any inference or suggestion being made by Bildad Job's friend in Chapter 8:4 of Job , the reason for the tragedy involving his children was SIN! Bildhad was either not aware of Job's practice of priesthood or did not regard it as bearing any significance in GOD THE CREATOR'S EYES. In other words according to BILDAD'S THEOLOGY AND THE BELIEF SYSTEM ELIPHAZ ADVOCATED THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN WAS ALWAYS (AND ALWAY) SUFFERING. THEREFORE SUFFERING IS ALWAYS THE RESULT OF PERSONAL SIN OR SIN CAUSED BY PHYSICAL LINEAGE.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE INVOLVES JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD. JESUS CHRIST IS AN IMPORTANT EXAMPLE OF THE SUFFERING OF THE INNOCENT! IN A MESSIANIC SCRIPTURE WHICH PREDICTED THE SUFFERING OF JESUS WE SEE THE DEMISE HE WAS TO UNDERGO WOULD MPACT CULTURAL THINKING; IN A SIMILAR WAY AS JOB'S DID. CONTEMPORAL JEWISH THINKING OF JESUS' ERA WAS SIMILAR TO JOB'S DAYS.
ISAIAH 53:4: He certainly had taken upon Himself our suffering and carried our sorrows BUT WE THOUGHT THAT GOD HAD WOUNDED HIM, BEAT HIM AND PUNISHED HIM.
Why was Jesus Christ afflicted? Why did He have to endure such agony if He was innocent. BELOVED FRIEND, THESE ARE REAL ISSUES WHICH WE NEED TO CONFRONT. WE NEED TO ADMIT TO OURSELVES FIRST OF ALL THAT THE INNOCENT OFTEN SUFFER. WHEN THEY ARE SUFFERING AS IN THE CASE OF JESUS CHRIST, THE TEMPTATION TO BECOME OFFENDED IN GOD IS OVERWHELMING.
JOB CRIED OUT IN FRUSTRATION, AGONY AND PAIN. HE WAS NEARLY DRIVEN INSANE AS HE CONSIDERED THE PURPOSE IN HIS INNOCENT SUFFERING(TO BE CONTINUED).
Greetings in the name of Jesus.In my introduction to Part 1 i expressed the conviction that just like in the case of Job in the Old Testament God can sovereignly choose to 'Orchestrate' the offenses that come our way instead of preventing them. Are you confronted by a situation which has not responded to the usual perserverance in prayer, and spiritual warfare prayer techniques. Are you even working under the assumption that the root cause of your problems is a result of a curse placed upon your genetic lineage. More specifically have you determined that your situation is caused by a generational curse rather than the fact that God has placed you in a wilderness situation ?
In the Old Testament of the Bible there was a commonly held belief that 'THE INNOCENT NEVER SUFFER' and therefore if an individual WAS SUFFERING FROM AN AFFLICTION THEN HE OR SHE WAS HARBORING SOME SECRET SIN!
In Job 4: 7 One of Job's friends by the name Eliphaz asked a question which betrayed this assumption 'Now think about this: Which innocent person ever died an untimely death? Find me a decent person who has been destroyed.
He continued to assert in v8' Whenever I saw those who plowed wickedness and planted misery, they gathered its harvest.
Another friend Bildad went to the extent of suggesting in Chapter 8:4 that Job's children had been killed because of the consequences of their sinfulness.
If you read chapter 1 verses 4 and 5 it is recalled that Job's children enjoyed fellowship with each other.His sons with their sisters. Job maintained a responsible involvement in the fellowhipping . He did so by ensuring that (Read v 5) 'When they finished having their parties, Job would send for them in order to CLEANSE THEM FROM SIN. HE WOULD GET UP EARLY IN THE MORNING AND SACRIFICE BURNT OFFERINGS FOR EACH OF THEM.'
The reason Job practiced fellowship offerings was to ensure that AN OFFERING WAS MADE a)FOR SIN AND b)A BURNT OFFERING FOR PEACE WITH GOD. This is in line with what Moses had instructed the high priest (Exodus 9:7).
If we link this precedent with any inference or suggestion being made by Bildad Job's friend in Chapter 8:4 of Job , the reason for the tragedy involving his children was SIN! Bildhad was either not aware of Job's practice of priesthood or did not regard it as bearing any significance in GOD THE CREATOR'S EYES. In other words according to BILDAD'S THEOLOGY AND THE BELIEF SYSTEM ELIPHAZ ADVOCATED THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN WAS ALWAYS (AND ALWAY) SUFFERING. THEREFORE SUFFERING IS ALWAYS THE RESULT OF PERSONAL SIN OR SIN CAUSED BY PHYSICAL LINEAGE.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE INVOLVES JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD. JESUS CHRIST IS AN IMPORTANT EXAMPLE OF THE SUFFERING OF THE INNOCENT! IN A MESSIANIC SCRIPTURE WHICH PREDICTED THE SUFFERING OF JESUS WE SEE THE DEMISE HE WAS TO UNDERGO WOULD MPACT CULTURAL THINKING; IN A SIMILAR WAY AS JOB'S DID. CONTEMPORAL JEWISH THINKING OF JESUS' ERA WAS SIMILAR TO JOB'S DAYS.
ISAIAH 53:4: He certainly had taken upon Himself our suffering and carried our sorrows BUT WE THOUGHT THAT GOD HAD WOUNDED HIM, BEAT HIM AND PUNISHED HIM.
Why was Jesus Christ afflicted? Why did He have to endure such agony if He was innocent. BELOVED FRIEND, THESE ARE REAL ISSUES WHICH WE NEED TO CONFRONT. WE NEED TO ADMIT TO OURSELVES FIRST OF ALL THAT THE INNOCENT OFTEN SUFFER. WHEN THEY ARE SUFFERING AS IN THE CASE OF JESUS CHRIST, THE TEMPTATION TO BECOME OFFENDED IN GOD IS OVERWHELMING.
JOB CRIED OUT IN FRUSTRATION, AGONY AND PAIN. HE WAS NEARLY DRIVEN INSANE AS HE CONSIDERED THE PURPOSE IN HIS INNOCENT SUFFERING(TO BE CONTINUED).
Wednesday, 26 December 2007
Responding to God Orchestrated offenses(Part 1).
Dear friends,
Warm Greetings for this season in which we celebrate the birth of our saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. His birth is THE promise and hope of every generation since the first century and the basis for hope and optimism in this New Year season.Several weeks ago, i began reading the book of Job as part of my private devotion. It was also as a result of my own quest to discover more about why prayer sometimes remains unanswered. In the process i discovered a number of scriptural patterns which reinforced a number of convictions i have held.. This includes the following:
1)The conviction that God does not originate Human suffering.
2)That God is a good God.
3)Human suffering is one of the visible signs of the existence of evil.
3)Since the fall of the first couple, the human race has been in legal subjection to Satan and his kingdom of darkness(Colosians 1:13,Ephesians 6:12).
4)Every 'truly' good gift to a human person is a blessing that
comes from God(James 1:17).
5)Human suffering began in the garden of Eden when the first couple 'Adam and Eve' yielded to temptation instigated by Lucifer. He was by then disguised as the serpent.
6)As a result of one act of disobedience , a Divine order in which God had reigned through the heart of mankind, was interrupted.
7)As a result of this Act of disobedience future generations of the first couple became immediately 'enslaved' to an evil order all their lives.
SATAN WAS THE CAUSE OF JOB'S SUFFERING
In Job's case for example, Satan introduced the idea of afflicting Job and then later implemented this idea by CAUSING JOB'S SUFFERING FIRSTHAND(Job 1:6-11).In Job's life the suffering he endured made him extremely vulnerable to temptation but he stood firm(Job 1:22).I am using the Contemporary English Version(CEV)in which that verse reads 'in spite of everything,Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong'.
When we read the story of Job we know Satan to be the accuser whose aim is to discredit Job by turning God away from him. This is also the ultimate aim of any affliction or harassment. They are primarily initiated by Satan and his kingdom to turn individuals away from God. ONE OF SATAN'S PRIMARY OBJECTIVES IS TO CAUSE OFFENSE!I did a brief Internet search for the meaning of 'offense'. The free online dictionary gave four different meanings. Here are some of them:
a)A state of being offended b)A violation or infraction of a moral or social code, a transgression or sin c) A transgression of law.
Warm Greetings for this season in which we celebrate the birth of our saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. His birth is THE promise and hope of every generation since the first century and the basis for hope and optimism in this New Year season.Several weeks ago, i began reading the book of Job as part of my private devotion. It was also as a result of my own quest to discover more about why prayer sometimes remains unanswered. In the process i discovered a number of scriptural patterns which reinforced a number of convictions i have held.. This includes the following:
1)The conviction that God does not originate Human suffering.
2)That God is a good God.
3)Human suffering is one of the visible signs of the existence of evil.
3)Since the fall of the first couple, the human race has been in legal subjection to Satan and his kingdom of darkness(Colosians 1:13,Ephesians 6:12).
4)Every 'truly' good gift to a human person is a blessing that
comes from God(James 1:17).
5)Human suffering began in the garden of Eden when the first couple 'Adam and Eve' yielded to temptation instigated by Lucifer. He was by then disguised as the serpent.
6)As a result of one act of disobedience , a Divine order in which God had reigned through the heart of mankind, was interrupted.
7)As a result of this Act of disobedience future generations of the first couple became immediately 'enslaved' to an evil order all their lives.
SATAN WAS THE CAUSE OF JOB'S SUFFERING
In Job's case for example, Satan introduced the idea of afflicting Job and then later implemented this idea by CAUSING JOB'S SUFFERING FIRSTHAND(Job 1:6-11).In Job's life the suffering he endured made him extremely vulnerable to temptation but he stood firm(Job 1:22).I am using the Contemporary English Version(CEV)in which that verse reads 'in spite of everything,Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong'.
When we read the story of Job we know Satan to be the accuser whose aim is to discredit Job by turning God away from him. This is also the ultimate aim of any affliction or harassment. They are primarily initiated by Satan and his kingdom to turn individuals away from God. ONE OF SATAN'S PRIMARY OBJECTIVES IS TO CAUSE OFFENSE!I did a brief Internet search for the meaning of 'offense'. The free online dictionary gave four different meanings. Here are some of them:
a)A state of being offended b)A violation or infraction of a moral or social code, a transgression or sin c) A transgression of law.
A SIGNIFICANT MORAL QUESTION CAN BE RAISED ABOUT WHAT OCCURS BEHIND THE SCENES IN A SITUATION SUCH AS JOB'S! WHY DOES GOD PERMIT SATAN TO AFFLICT JOB AN INNOCENT PERSON WITH THE DEGREE OF SUFFERING HE EXPERIENCED?
IS GOD BEHIND INDIVIDUAL OFFENSES?
Everyone who has done an in depth cross examination of the truths declared in scripture will notice that God is consistently good and benevolent.Satan had already made the discovery about God's goodness in the life of Job.In the story of Job 1:9-12,Satan said to God
'why shouldn't he respect you?''Satan remarked.''YOU ARE LIKE A WALL PROTECTING NOT ONLY HIM,BUT HIS ENTIRE FAMILY AND ALL HIS PROPERTY. YOU MAKE HIM SUCCESSFUL IN WHATEVER HE DOES,AND HIS FLOCKS AND HERDS ARE EVERYWHERE. V11 TRY TAKING AWAY EVERYTHING HE OWNS, AND HE WILL CURSE YOU TO YOUR FACE.''.
IS GOD BEHIND INDIVIDUAL OFFENSES?
Everyone who has done an in depth cross examination of the truths declared in scripture will notice that God is consistently good and benevolent.Satan had already made the discovery about God's goodness in the life of Job.In the story of Job 1:9-12,Satan said to God
'why shouldn't he respect you?''Satan remarked.''YOU ARE LIKE A WALL PROTECTING NOT ONLY HIM,BUT HIS ENTIRE FAMILY AND ALL HIS PROPERTY. YOU MAKE HIM SUCCESSFUL IN WHATEVER HE DOES,AND HIS FLOCKS AND HERDS ARE EVERYWHERE. V11 TRY TAKING AWAY EVERYTHING HE OWNS, AND HE WILL CURSE YOU TO YOUR FACE.''.
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Praying for others Anonymously(Part 3)
A prayer of consecration
Heavenly Father, we give to you all that we are and all that we have
The best way we know how. Please take what we give to you
and use it to the praise and glory of your name.
Fill our lives with your presence and make Jesus visible in what we are
And in what we do. We surrender our wills, our emotions and everything
We aspire to be. Please take what we surrender to you and use it to the
Glory of your son Jesus. This is our prayer of consecration in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord and our saviour.
A SAMPLE PRAYER
You may add a prayer for your loved ones mentioning them by their first names as in this sample;
e.g. We pray for Charles(Ivy’s Dad you insert a relative’s name from your dad’s side) , William(my dad again insert your relative’s name),
Kate (Ivy’s mum but insert your relative’s name) and Ernestine (my mum but again insert your relative’s name).
Keep THEM IN YOUR PROTECTION (Ivy and I prefer to say Keep them in your protective chamber).
ENABLE them to LIVE THEIR LIVES IN FULL ON THIS EARTH, AND ALSO MAY THEY DO SO IN A THRIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU UNTIL YOU
CALL THEM HOME. WHEN YOU CALL THEM, MAY IT BE TO AN ETERNITY IN YOUR PRESENCE. We pray for all the babies (we try to name them in our families
And always remember Sapphire too). LORD WE PRAY FOR EVERYONE CONNECTED TO KATE, ERNESTINE, CHARLES AND WILLIAM, our parents (we mention Jacques our son then
Siblings )other relatives (Ivy usually mentions mine and I mention hers). We pray by mentioning specific things we are aware of such as a well known health problem, a recent financial crises
But we pray along the same lines for relatives as we pray for our parents.
1. WE ENDEAVOUR TO ASK FOR EACH PERSON TO EXPERIENCE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH
JESUS IN THEIR DAILY LIVES HERE ON EARTH,
2. THEN WE PRAY THAT THEY WILL LIVE THEIR FULL LIVES ON EARTH AND NOT DIE PREMATURELY. WE RECALL SOME
OF THE NATURAL CAUSES OF DEATH OR SOME OF THE PRECIPITATORS OF DEATH LIKE HEALTH PROBLEMS, PERHAPS AN ACCIDENT
AND WE BRING THIS UP TO THE LORD ASKING FOR SPECIFIC PROTECTION.
3. IF WE ARE AWARE OF A CAUSE OF STRESS IN A INDIVIDUAL FAMILY MEMBERS’ LIFE WE ASK GOD TO INTERVENE OR TO ENABLE US
TO BECOME AN INSTRUMENT OF BLESSING.
4.Depending on the needs we have already been informed about via internet etc we usually mention our friends and family in a general sense. If we know of a specific need we are able to specify.
The most remarkable thing about praying in a structured organised pattern is that we often do this in bed whilst the kids are tucked in bed. Often we are able to climb out of bed and kneel by the side of the bed. On Friday nights if we know we are not out early on a Saturday, we can pace to and from(one end of the room to the other)praying.There isn't pressure to keep awake especially if it has been a heavy day at work. If one of us falls asleep the other continues. If we both fall asleep God by His spirit often sees to it we are awake(atleast one of us)to continue when there is an urgent need.Sometimes through a dream or by a prompting of natural thirst.After the drink one gets the prompting to stay up a bit and pray for someone in need. Occassionally we are able to share this needs with others.
(to be continued in the new year)
God Bless you
John
Heavenly Father, we give to you all that we are and all that we have
The best way we know how. Please take what we give to you
and use it to the praise and glory of your name.
Fill our lives with your presence and make Jesus visible in what we are
And in what we do. We surrender our wills, our emotions and everything
We aspire to be. Please take what we surrender to you and use it to the
Glory of your son Jesus. This is our prayer of consecration in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord and our saviour.
A SAMPLE PRAYER
You may add a prayer for your loved ones mentioning them by their first names as in this sample;
e.g. We pray for Charles(Ivy’s Dad you insert a relative’s name from your dad’s side) , William(my dad again insert your relative’s name),
Kate (Ivy’s mum but insert your relative’s name) and Ernestine (my mum but again insert your relative’s name).
Keep THEM IN YOUR PROTECTION (Ivy and I prefer to say Keep them in your protective chamber).
ENABLE them to LIVE THEIR LIVES IN FULL ON THIS EARTH, AND ALSO MAY THEY DO SO IN A THRIVING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU UNTIL YOU
CALL THEM HOME. WHEN YOU CALL THEM, MAY IT BE TO AN ETERNITY IN YOUR PRESENCE. We pray for all the babies (we try to name them in our families
And always remember Sapphire too). LORD WE PRAY FOR EVERYONE CONNECTED TO KATE, ERNESTINE, CHARLES AND WILLIAM, our parents (we mention Jacques our son then
Siblings )other relatives (Ivy usually mentions mine and I mention hers). We pray by mentioning specific things we are aware of such as a well known health problem, a recent financial crises
But we pray along the same lines for relatives as we pray for our parents.
1. WE ENDEAVOUR TO ASK FOR EACH PERSON TO EXPERIENCE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH
JESUS IN THEIR DAILY LIVES HERE ON EARTH,
2. THEN WE PRAY THAT THEY WILL LIVE THEIR FULL LIVES ON EARTH AND NOT DIE PREMATURELY. WE RECALL SOME
OF THE NATURAL CAUSES OF DEATH OR SOME OF THE PRECIPITATORS OF DEATH LIKE HEALTH PROBLEMS, PERHAPS AN ACCIDENT
AND WE BRING THIS UP TO THE LORD ASKING FOR SPECIFIC PROTECTION.
3. IF WE ARE AWARE OF A CAUSE OF STRESS IN A INDIVIDUAL FAMILY MEMBERS’ LIFE WE ASK GOD TO INTERVENE OR TO ENABLE US
TO BECOME AN INSTRUMENT OF BLESSING.
4.Depending on the needs we have already been informed about via internet etc we usually mention our friends and family in a general sense. If we know of a specific need we are able to specify.
The most remarkable thing about praying in a structured organised pattern is that we often do this in bed whilst the kids are tucked in bed. Often we are able to climb out of bed and kneel by the side of the bed. On Friday nights if we know we are not out early on a Saturday, we can pace to and from(one end of the room to the other)praying.There isn't pressure to keep awake especially if it has been a heavy day at work. If one of us falls asleep the other continues. If we both fall asleep God by His spirit often sees to it we are awake(atleast one of us)to continue when there is an urgent need.Sometimes through a dream or by a prompting of natural thirst.After the drink one gets the prompting to stay up a bit and pray for someone in need. Occassionally we are able to share this needs with others.
(to be continued in the new year)
God Bless you
John
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
Sharing in Each others suffering(pt 8)
In each of these reflections I have tried to present some principles about how to respond when it appears that God is silent to our pleas for His intervention. In previous reflections I asked some of the following questions:
Have you ever brought a situation before God in prayer? Did it involve a reasonable deadline which was missed? Does it appear that God has remained silent even though all your presumed deadlines had been exceeded?
My cherished friend,i want encourage you with statement.If your answer to any of the above questions is in the affirmative, perhaps a straightforward 'yes', then we have a common quest in these series of reflections on sharing in each others suffering: Our quest is to discover how to respond to our needs the way God will want us to respond.In order to do so our response must be in line with God's Word . When our response is in line with God's word,OUR LIFE OPENS UP! THEN WE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED WITH OUR PURPOSE FOR BEING HERE!
In a previous reflection i said that God has a specific response to each of our situations. But this is not necessarily our chosen method of delivery.Iam also recognising a pattern that God has used in scripture to illustrate how He touches our lives.
JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO US ABOUT OUR OWN NEED AND OUR OWN PAIN AS WE GET INVOLVED IN THE PAIN AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A RESPONSE FROM GOD ABOUT HOW HE DEALS WITH OUR PARTICULAR NEED IT IS LINKED TO BEING INVOLVED IN THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.THE PROBLEMS OF MY NEIGHBOUR ARE DESIGNED BY GOD TO SERVE AS BRIDGE OVER MY OWN TROUBLES. IF I BECOME DETACHED AND INSENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS THEN I AM GOING TO BE STARVED OF THE VERY ANSWERS I AM LOOKING FOR IN MY OWN SITUATION!
Beloved friends,how did Jesus Christ respond in His time of need.Please COME WITH ME ON A BRIEF JOURNEY TOWARDS HIS PASSION AND THE CROSSROADS OF OUR ETERNAL DESTINY. In Luke 22:41-45 'Jesus walked on a little way before He knelt down and prayed,v42 Father ,if you will, please don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup.BUT DO WHAT YOU WANT,AND NOT WHAT I WANT.V43 THEN AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN CAME TO HELP HIM.V44 JESUS WAS IN GREAT PAIN AND PRAYED SO SINCERELY THAT HIS SWEAT FELL TO THE GROUND LIKE DROPS OF BLOOD. V45 JESUS GOT UP FROM PRAYING AND WENT OVER TO HIS DISCIPLES. THEY WERE ASLEEP AND WORN OUT FROM BEING SO SAD. V46 HE SAID TO THEM, WHY ARE YOU ASLEEP?WAKE UP AND PRAY THAT YOU WON'T BE TESTED'
Beloved friends,In our 'journey towards the passion of Jesus Christ' we are first of all confronted with our own crossroads.It is the same crossroads that the disciples were confronted with two thousand years ago!Let me explain a bit more about the 'crossroads'. Well the disciples were left in no doubt that Jesus Christ was the jewish messiah, the Christ and in others words God's Annointed one. He was also God's beloved son. Which means He COULD OVERCOME ALL EARTHLY POWER ATLEAST! They knew this much!
When Jesus Christ was being arrested they expected Him to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!As the 'son of David' they expected a 'Goliath slaying performance' to say the least.The lastt thing they were expecting was a SURRENDER! That was not in their theology.They had made no provision for 'arrest','imprisonment' and 'execution' in their theology.
Dear friend, DO YOU HAVE ANY PROVISION FOR SUFFERING IN YOUR THEOLOGY? EVEN IF YOU DON'T GOD STILL DOES!A human will that is totally and unreservedly surrended to God is the key that unlocks our eternal destiny in God. The individual who responds the way God wants him/her to a daily basis is in a nutshell sharing in the fellowship of Christ's suffering.The essence of the Christian faith is to identify with Jesus Christ in His moment of greatest need.In His moment of suffering.What was the response of the disciples? We needs to understand their response because that characterises the responses that are being given to Christ today. Today the suffering of Jesus Christ is still continuing. But this time He is wearing a disguise by not suffering in the physical form of a middle easterner from a place called Galilea. Jesus Christ HAS COME CLOSER HOME.His suffering is now being represented through the daily suffering and struggles of the vulnerable people we encounter in our life. In our families, in our Churches, and in our community. If we ignore the needs of those around us in a real sense we are ignoring the suffering of Jesus
In the process of responding to the needs of others in our family, in our church, in our communiy and in our world we uphold God's principles to the standard He has outlined in scripture.
In John 19:25 Jesus mother sood beside his cross wih her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas,Mary Magdalene was standing there too. v26 When Jesus saw his mother and his favourite disciple with her, he said to his mother,''This man is now your son.'' v27 Then he said to the disciple,''She is now your mother''.From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.
Jesus has given us the example to conduct our lives by. His situation then provides the guidelines to follow when we are confronted with adverse situations. In part 9 i would like o provide a few suggesions about how to be creative in siuations where relationships are dysfunctional. Because of this sometimes we suffer an element of rejection from those we try to reach out to. In other words how to respond when those in need do not see their need.(to be continued)
God bless you
John
Have you ever brought a situation before God in prayer? Did it involve a reasonable deadline which was missed? Does it appear that God has remained silent even though all your presumed deadlines had been exceeded?
My cherished friend,i want encourage you with statement.If your answer to any of the above questions is in the affirmative, perhaps a straightforward 'yes', then we have a common quest in these series of reflections on sharing in each others suffering: Our quest is to discover how to respond to our needs the way God will want us to respond.In order to do so our response must be in line with God's Word . When our response is in line with God's word,OUR LIFE OPENS UP! THEN WE BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED WITH OUR PURPOSE FOR BEING HERE!
In a previous reflection i said that God has a specific response to each of our situations. But this is not necessarily our chosen method of delivery.Iam also recognising a pattern that God has used in scripture to illustrate how He touches our lives.
JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO US ABOUT OUR OWN NEED AND OUR OWN PAIN AS WE GET INVOLVED IN THE PAIN AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A RESPONSE FROM GOD ABOUT HOW HE DEALS WITH OUR PARTICULAR NEED IT IS LINKED TO BEING INVOLVED IN THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.THE PROBLEMS OF MY NEIGHBOUR ARE DESIGNED BY GOD TO SERVE AS BRIDGE OVER MY OWN TROUBLES. IF I BECOME DETACHED AND INSENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS THEN I AM GOING TO BE STARVED OF THE VERY ANSWERS I AM LOOKING FOR IN MY OWN SITUATION!
Beloved friends,how did Jesus Christ respond in His time of need.Please COME WITH ME ON A BRIEF JOURNEY TOWARDS HIS PASSION AND THE CROSSROADS OF OUR ETERNAL DESTINY. In Luke 22:41-45 'Jesus walked on a little way before He knelt down and prayed,v42 Father ,if you will, please don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup.BUT DO WHAT YOU WANT,AND NOT WHAT I WANT.V43 THEN AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN CAME TO HELP HIM.V44 JESUS WAS IN GREAT PAIN AND PRAYED SO SINCERELY THAT HIS SWEAT FELL TO THE GROUND LIKE DROPS OF BLOOD. V45 JESUS GOT UP FROM PRAYING AND WENT OVER TO HIS DISCIPLES. THEY WERE ASLEEP AND WORN OUT FROM BEING SO SAD. V46 HE SAID TO THEM, WHY ARE YOU ASLEEP?WAKE UP AND PRAY THAT YOU WON'T BE TESTED'
Beloved friends,In our 'journey towards the passion of Jesus Christ' we are first of all confronted with our own crossroads.It is the same crossroads that the disciples were confronted with two thousand years ago!Let me explain a bit more about the 'crossroads'. Well the disciples were left in no doubt that Jesus Christ was the jewish messiah, the Christ and in others words God's Annointed one. He was also God's beloved son. Which means He COULD OVERCOME ALL EARTHLY POWER ATLEAST! They knew this much!
When Jesus Christ was being arrested they expected Him to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!As the 'son of David' they expected a 'Goliath slaying performance' to say the least.The lastt thing they were expecting was a SURRENDER! That was not in their theology.They had made no provision for 'arrest','imprisonment' and 'execution' in their theology.
Dear friend, DO YOU HAVE ANY PROVISION FOR SUFFERING IN YOUR THEOLOGY? EVEN IF YOU DON'T GOD STILL DOES!A human will that is totally and unreservedly surrended to God is the key that unlocks our eternal destiny in God. The individual who responds the way God wants him/her to a daily basis is in a nutshell sharing in the fellowship of Christ's suffering.The essence of the Christian faith is to identify with Jesus Christ in His moment of greatest need.In His moment of suffering.What was the response of the disciples? We needs to understand their response because that characterises the responses that are being given to Christ today. Today the suffering of Jesus Christ is still continuing. But this time He is wearing a disguise by not suffering in the physical form of a middle easterner from a place called Galilea. Jesus Christ HAS COME CLOSER HOME.His suffering is now being represented through the daily suffering and struggles of the vulnerable people we encounter in our life. In our families, in our Churches, and in our community. If we ignore the needs of those around us in a real sense we are ignoring the suffering of Jesus
In the process of responding to the needs of others in our family, in our church, in our communiy and in our world we uphold God's principles to the standard He has outlined in scripture.
In John 19:25 Jesus mother sood beside his cross wih her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas,Mary Magdalene was standing there too. v26 When Jesus saw his mother and his favourite disciple with her, he said to his mother,''This man is now your son.'' v27 Then he said to the disciple,''She is now your mother''.From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.
Jesus has given us the example to conduct our lives by. His situation then provides the guidelines to follow when we are confronted with adverse situations. In part 9 i would like o provide a few suggesions about how to be creative in siuations where relationships are dysfunctional. Because of this sometimes we suffer an element of rejection from those we try to reach out to. In other words how to respond when those in need do not see their need.(to be continued)
God bless you
John
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Sharing in each others suffering(part 7)
Dear friends,
BACKGROUND:
Warm greetings to everyone reading this part of a series of reflections based on 1 Corinthians 12:26’. This verse says that 'if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.' 1 Corinthians 12:26.In each of these reflections I have tried to present some principles about how to respond when it appears that God is silent to our pleas for His intervention. In the previous reflection I asked the following questions: Have you ever brought a situation before God in prayer? Secondly did that situation also involve a reasonable deadline which was missed? Thirdly does it appear that God remained silent even though all the deadlines had been exceeded?
In addition I made this affirmation: My cherished friend, if your answer to any of the above questions is in the affirmative, perhaps even a straightforward 'yes' then we have a common quest in this reflection: To discover how to respond in line with God's Word, and uphold His truthful principles when we are confronted with such a situation.
In part 6 i also began giving some examples from the Bible about how two individuals were under pressure to respond in very difficult circumstances: Ruth in the Old Testament and Peter in the New.
In conclusion to reflection part 6 I express some of my deepest convictions on the following issue: Friends, i personally believe God has a specific response to each of our situation. He will respond to us although HE MAY NOT CHOOSE TO COMMUNICATE IT THROUGH THE MEDIA WE CHOOSE.I BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO US ABOUT OUR OWN NEED, OUR OWN PAIN AS WE GET INVOLVED IN THE PAIN AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.I believe that if there is going to be a response from God about how He will deal with our particular need it is linked to being involved in the needs of others. I INTEND TO EXPLAIN THIS A BIT MORE IN THE NEXT REFLECTION.
Friends in line with the commitment I made i want to share about how Jesus Christ speaks to us about our own need and pain by becoming involved in the pain and the need of others.Today i want to give three examples from the Bible. Job, Daniel and the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Job 42:10 it states that 'AND THE LORD TURNED THE CAPTIVITY OF JOB,WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS: ALSO THE LORD GAVE JOB TWICE AS MUCH AS HE HAD BEFORE.
Beloved friends, DID YOU NOTICE THE TIMING IN JOB'S RELEASE FROM CAPTIVITY? IT HAPPENED AFTER HE MOVED THE FOCUS AWAY FROM HIMSELF AND BECAME CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF HIS FRIENDS. EVEN THOUGH THOSE WERE THE VERY FRIENDS WHO HAD BEEN CRITICAL ABOUT HIM AND BLAMED HIM FOR HIS MISFORTUNES. THEY HAD BURDENED HIM WITH ALL THE THEOLOGICALLY CORRECT REASONS WHY HIS SUFFERING MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSE BY A HIDDEN SIN AGAINST GOD.
Let me give you another example of this principle.Daniel 9:3-6 and with particular emphasis on v20-23'And WHILES i was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin AND THE SIN OF MY PEOPLE ISRAEL AND PRESENTING MY SUPPLICATION BEFORE THE LORD MY GOD FOR THE HOLY MOUNTAIN OF MY GOD
YES WHILES I WAS SPEAKING IN PRAYER, EVEN THE MAN GABRIEL, WHOM I HAD SEEN IN THE VISION AT THE BEGINNING, BEING CAUSED TO FLY SWIFTLY, TOUCHED ME AT THE TIME OF THE EVENING OBLATION.
AND HE INFORMED ME , AND TALKED WITH ME, AND SAID, O DANIEL, I AM NOW COME FORTH TO GIVE THEE SKILL AND UNDERSTANDING. AT THE BEGINNING OF THY SUPPLICATIONS THE COMMANDMENT CAME FORTH, AND I AM COME TO SHEW THEE; FOR THOU ART GREATLY BELOVED: THEREFORE UNDERSTAND THE MATTER, AND CONSIDER THE VISION. Then the Angel Gabriel God's messenger gave Daniel an interpretation or insight to the vision.
Dear friend, the above examples of Job and of Daniel illustrate a very important principle. The answer to the request they made to God is linked intricately to the needs of others.In subsequent reflections i intend to illustrate this principle by sharing example from both the Old and the New Testament of the Bible. In conclusion i want to share a very unique example in Luke 22:50,51 when Jesus was about to be arrested: And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, AND CUT OFF HIS RIGHT EAR. AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID, SUFFER YE THUS FAR. AND HE TOUCHED HIS EAR, AND HEALED HIM.
Friends, this is the ultimate demonstration of Victory. Jesus Christ in His moment of deep hurt, after being betrayed by someone He had ENTRUSTED things to care for REACHED OUT TO HEAL. NOTE THAT HE DID NOT RECOIL INTO HIS SHELL. HE DID NOT GET DEPRESSED BUT HE DEMONSTRATED THAT EVEN IN HIS HURT HE COULD HEAL THE HURTS OF OTHERS.BECAUSE OF THIS, HE RELEASED HIMSELF TO BE USED BY GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT. THEREFORE IN THE DARKEST HOUR OF HUMAN HISTORY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD MOVED FREELY AND CONTINUED TO SET DIVINE TIMING IN FULFILLMENT OF GOD'S WILL IN SCRIPTURE.
Beloved, you will never access ther answers you are looking for in a lifestyle of self indulgence. No amount of self-centred giving to any organisation whether spiritual or secular would help you gain access to the answers you are looking for.We must give with the motive of helping someone. Never in the hope that the gift would take care of our responsibility towards others. Inspite of numerous attendances to spiritual convocations, inner life conferences some wonder why they haven't arrived at the answers you are seeking. Well you are not alone in the statistics of those who have tried a host of methods. But then the answer is not in more self indulgence.
FOR ONCE MOVE HE FOCUS AWAY FROM YOUR OWN NEEDS.DIE TO THIS DESIRE TO HAVE AN ANSWER AND REACH FOR GOD'S IDEAL.HIS IDEAL IS THAT AS YOU TOUCH SOMEONE WHO IS IN NEED AND HURTING HE WOULD TAKE CARE OF YOU(TO BE CONTINUED).
John
BACKGROUND:
Warm greetings to everyone reading this part of a series of reflections based on 1 Corinthians 12:26’. This verse says that 'if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.' 1 Corinthians 12:26.In each of these reflections I have tried to present some principles about how to respond when it appears that God is silent to our pleas for His intervention. In the previous reflection I asked the following questions: Have you ever brought a situation before God in prayer? Secondly did that situation also involve a reasonable deadline which was missed? Thirdly does it appear that God remained silent even though all the deadlines had been exceeded?
In addition I made this affirmation: My cherished friend, if your answer to any of the above questions is in the affirmative, perhaps even a straightforward 'yes' then we have a common quest in this reflection: To discover how to respond in line with God's Word, and uphold His truthful principles when we are confronted with such a situation.
In part 6 i also began giving some examples from the Bible about how two individuals were under pressure to respond in very difficult circumstances: Ruth in the Old Testament and Peter in the New.
In conclusion to reflection part 6 I express some of my deepest convictions on the following issue: Friends, i personally believe God has a specific response to each of our situation. He will respond to us although HE MAY NOT CHOOSE TO COMMUNICATE IT THROUGH THE MEDIA WE CHOOSE.I BELIEVE JESUS CHRIST SPEAKS TO US ABOUT OUR OWN NEED, OUR OWN PAIN AS WE GET INVOLVED IN THE PAIN AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.I believe that if there is going to be a response from God about how He will deal with our particular need it is linked to being involved in the needs of others. I INTEND TO EXPLAIN THIS A BIT MORE IN THE NEXT REFLECTION.
Friends in line with the commitment I made i want to share about how Jesus Christ speaks to us about our own need and pain by becoming involved in the pain and the need of others.Today i want to give three examples from the Bible. Job, Daniel and the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Job 42:10 it states that 'AND THE LORD TURNED THE CAPTIVITY OF JOB,WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS: ALSO THE LORD GAVE JOB TWICE AS MUCH AS HE HAD BEFORE.
Beloved friends, DID YOU NOTICE THE TIMING IN JOB'S RELEASE FROM CAPTIVITY? IT HAPPENED AFTER HE MOVED THE FOCUS AWAY FROM HIMSELF AND BECAME CONCERNED ABOUT THE NEEDS OF HIS FRIENDS. EVEN THOUGH THOSE WERE THE VERY FRIENDS WHO HAD BEEN CRITICAL ABOUT HIM AND BLAMED HIM FOR HIS MISFORTUNES. THEY HAD BURDENED HIM WITH ALL THE THEOLOGICALLY CORRECT REASONS WHY HIS SUFFERING MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSE BY A HIDDEN SIN AGAINST GOD.
Let me give you another example of this principle.Daniel 9:3-6 and with particular emphasis on v20-23'And WHILES i was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin AND THE SIN OF MY PEOPLE ISRAEL AND PRESENTING MY SUPPLICATION BEFORE THE LORD MY GOD FOR THE HOLY MOUNTAIN OF MY GOD
YES WHILES I WAS SPEAKING IN PRAYER, EVEN THE MAN GABRIEL, WHOM I HAD SEEN IN THE VISION AT THE BEGINNING, BEING CAUSED TO FLY SWIFTLY, TOUCHED ME AT THE TIME OF THE EVENING OBLATION.
AND HE INFORMED ME , AND TALKED WITH ME, AND SAID, O DANIEL, I AM NOW COME FORTH TO GIVE THEE SKILL AND UNDERSTANDING. AT THE BEGINNING OF THY SUPPLICATIONS THE COMMANDMENT CAME FORTH, AND I AM COME TO SHEW THEE; FOR THOU ART GREATLY BELOVED: THEREFORE UNDERSTAND THE MATTER, AND CONSIDER THE VISION. Then the Angel Gabriel God's messenger gave Daniel an interpretation or insight to the vision.
Dear friend, the above examples of Job and of Daniel illustrate a very important principle. The answer to the request they made to God is linked intricately to the needs of others.In subsequent reflections i intend to illustrate this principle by sharing example from both the Old and the New Testament of the Bible. In conclusion i want to share a very unique example in Luke 22:50,51 when Jesus was about to be arrested: And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, AND CUT OFF HIS RIGHT EAR. AND JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID, SUFFER YE THUS FAR. AND HE TOUCHED HIS EAR, AND HEALED HIM.
Friends, this is the ultimate demonstration of Victory. Jesus Christ in His moment of deep hurt, after being betrayed by someone He had ENTRUSTED things to care for REACHED OUT TO HEAL. NOTE THAT HE DID NOT RECOIL INTO HIS SHELL. HE DID NOT GET DEPRESSED BUT HE DEMONSTRATED THAT EVEN IN HIS HURT HE COULD HEAL THE HURTS OF OTHERS.BECAUSE OF THIS, HE RELEASED HIMSELF TO BE USED BY GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT. THEREFORE IN THE DARKEST HOUR OF HUMAN HISTORY THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD MOVED FREELY AND CONTINUED TO SET DIVINE TIMING IN FULFILLMENT OF GOD'S WILL IN SCRIPTURE.
Beloved, you will never access ther answers you are looking for in a lifestyle of self indulgence. No amount of self-centred giving to any organisation whether spiritual or secular would help you gain access to the answers you are looking for.We must give with the motive of helping someone. Never in the hope that the gift would take care of our responsibility towards others. Inspite of numerous attendances to spiritual convocations, inner life conferences some wonder why they haven't arrived at the answers you are seeking. Well you are not alone in the statistics of those who have tried a host of methods. But then the answer is not in more self indulgence.
FOR ONCE MOVE HE FOCUS AWAY FROM YOUR OWN NEEDS.DIE TO THIS DESIRE TO HAVE AN ANSWER AND REACH FOR GOD'S IDEAL.HIS IDEAL IS THAT AS YOU TOUCH SOMEONE WHO IS IN NEED AND HURTING HE WOULD TAKE CARE OF YOU(TO BE CONTINUED).
John
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Look-Up Newsletter Issue 1 Vol 7
Look-Up Newsletter Issue 1 Vol 7 Editorial Dear famil y and friends, shalom blessings and a very Happy New Year to you in this still-fresh...
