Hmmm…I really don’t know how or where to start this post from, but I hope I end up with something meaningful at the end.
Once upon a time, I got admission in the university to study a course I wasn’t really interested in, because the whole high (secondary) school experience of the subject was nothing close to interesting…all thanks to my teacher, who made it quite unbearable. I’ll spare you the rest of that gist - I’m sure I dwelt a little on it in one of my previous posts.
Take a ride across my high school days, and then hop a little over my almost-7yrs in college (university). I got a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. I remember telling a very good friend of mine that I was going to give my certificate to my parents, and enroll for another first degree programme. She thought the idea sounded really absurd. (After spending so many years in the university) I wanted to start college all over…you know…I wanted to pursue my dreams…to do something I would be able to focus my time and energy on with all pleasure.
I started out on a quest to reverse and take another route. Words came from right and left “Why don’t you just pursue a second degree (Master’s) in a field you’ll feel more comfortable with, instead of having to start all over again.” I thought about it for a while. And so I made up my mind to move on, but because of the series of strike actions that truncated academic sessions during my days in the university back in my country, I decided to prod my plans over the seas. I applied to several institutions, but because of my background in Geography, I found it difficult to get admission in what I really wanted to study. Some other constraints set in, so I had to settle for something pretty close and related to my choice. Okay. The field of study was established. What next? The means! As God would have it, that was also settled. Praise God!!!
During this period of searching, doubting, swapping preferences, battling with pessimistic suggestions and considering so-called ‘realistic’ options, I learnt a lot. God taught me things I may never have learned within the four walls of any institution at home or abroad. I learnt to trust Him…I learnt to listen even when He wasn’t speaking. Several times I got discouraged and felt like living the next day as it came. Most times when we have our minds all made up concerning a matter, the only voice we hear is ours. Then we patch our confidence up by saying “we have the mind of Christ” and “the steps of the righteous are ordered” so we skip the part of ‘Time and chance happens to all’. Those are very true statements. Believe me. But on the race track, do you know what happens when you take-off before the whistle? Yep! You might get disqualified after several warnings. On many occasions I capitalized on the fact that God’s had no evil intentions towards me, so I could as well get on with the plans I had in mind, but God made a mess of my discretion. (I pray you don’t get to a point where people will ask you ‘where’s that God you brag about?’). Over confidence gradually became ‘well, if it’s God’s will, so be it. If not, so be it’ and ‘God’s time is the best’. Lol.
Everything finally panned out, and there was no logical explanation for it. The encounters with certain people (My ‘Jan buddy’ you know yourself), the words of encouragement and assurance (from my family and friends dear to my heart), God’s perfect timing…and loads of other unforeseen moves made it obvious that it’s really not by power nor by might. I came to realize that God wanted to take every iota of the glory to Himself. Beyond my calculative plans, beyond the time stamps I had placed on my to-do and to-achieve list (if there’s anything like that), beyond the activity, God’s plans prevailed.
Fast forward……
I had a limited time to say my goodbyes, which I eventually did with mixed feelings. First, it was “What you’ve been waiting on God for has finally come to manifestation” and the other was “So you’re going to leave the people you’ve known all your life for such a long time”. The only consolation was that my leaving for a while was for a good cause (academically), and that God would make me a useful vessel in His hands home and abroad...
I crossed mountains and seas to a distant land, thousands of miles away from the place I used to (and still) call home. The first question I asked myself when we touched ground was ‘What in God’s name are you doing here?’ the answer wasn’t forthcoming, so I just dashed along with people that looked like they were in a hurry to get somewhere. I starting wishing I made the wrong decision…I wished I could shut my eyes and wake up the next morning in my room back in Nigeria. I wished for so many things to happen in a few minutes, but that was the best I could do…wish! Reality was staring at me, boldly.
On my second night in this strange land, I went out in search of accommodation with two new friends, under the rain. I could hardly feel my hands and feet, cos It was really cold that evening – not the kinda weather I’ve been used to. It was about 5 degrees (Oh, how I miss naija’s 34-38 degrees). I was this close to getting knocked off my feet by an oncoming vehicle when my friends hollered at me. I rushed back to a safe spot as the driver hit the brakes swiftly and the tyres screeched on the wet tarred road. All other vehicles came to a complete halt. Dude gazed at me for a second and zoomed off. Blood started rushing through my veins as I thought about the incidence. Early that day, I was complaining about how everybody on this side of the world drives too fast, even on narrow roads. I gave thanks to God, but asked Him a few questions at the same time…’you didn’t bring me here to get me killed, right? This wasn’t what you had in my mind when you led me out of Africa, was it? (Sounds like what the Israelites were asking Moses after leading them out of Egypt, right?) lol. The more I think about that night and how God saved me, the more I give Him praise for His faithfulness. This note is getting too long.
Things aren’t as bad or as difficult as people paint them to be. God’s blessings are not accompanied by sorrow. If it doesn’t turn out good at the end, then we probably didn’t keep to our part of the deal with Him.
Have you asked Him for stuff lately? Has He spoken? Maybe His answer doesn't sound like what you expect, so you think He hasn't spoken. maybe He's saying 'Go ahead and gain possession of the land' What other confirmation do you need? A few more witnesses to affirm it; or you want lightning to strike a particular surface thrice or you want the clouds to sneeze at midnight as a sign that God has got everything under control. God still listens. He neither sleeps nor slumbers. He wants what’s best for you and me. But the question is 'Are we moving in the direction He wants us to move in?'
One advice I took along with me…and that I intend to keep fastened to my heart
(even more than my entry clearance) is “Remember the son of whom you are and let your confessions remain the same.” The weather will change, the temperature will rise and drop; the system may be poles apart, but never allow the tides determine your direction. People will say ‘This is the way it’s done here’ or ‘It’s a different world out here. Well, it sure is! But that doesn’t change a thing. God’s words stand. God’s commandments remain the same. It may not be easy, especially when you have to be on your toes (no longer in your comfort zone), where the challenges have thorns and the alternatives are not very friendly. But if we draw near to God He will draw near to us. He’ll always be there to strengthen and comfort us…when we need Him…when we call on Him.
I draw strength from His word, because physically I’m helpless and mentally I’m unstable.
Lord, let my navigation be determined by you…and you alone. Amen.
God help us!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
THE FRAGRANCE OF FAITH
Something you can choose to ignore: You don’t always have to agree to what I say or what anyone else says. And you don’t always have to fault peoples’ actions or school of thought. Just ask God for a discerning spirit, that you may be able to create a dichotomy between the truth and fallacies. Also, the fact that it’s logical doesn’t mean you should adopt it. Be conscious of what you take in. It can build you…or destroy you. “The entrance of God’s word gives light and understanding to the simple” Psalm 119:130 Selah
The FRAGRANCE OF FAITH: I wrote this title down somewhere on a piece of paper, but i didn't set my eyes on it until this afternoon. As coincidental as it might sound, I was about to take a nap when I saw the paper just beside my pillow. lol i decided to make this topic my focus for tonight.
Just this evening, when the power supply was restored, i decided to check youtube for Visa d. kline's videos, cos i remembered seeing a link on her bio on twitter. Meanwhile, If you're on twitter, please follow this great vessel of God @visadklline If you're not on twitter, you need to sign up for an account. There are a lot of Great people God is using to spread the word. People sign up on social networking sites for various reasons, but I can boldly confess my addiction to twitter because of the wonderful people I’ve been opportune to connect with. I’ll be making a few recommendations at the end of this post. You really don’t have to follow them if you don’t want to, but I assure you, it will be a worthwhile experience. God can use anybody to slip a word through to bless. No one man knows it all. You can learn from your friends, your so-called enemies and even from strangers. God bless you as you become more conscious of the truth, irrespective of the vessel. But let’s be prayerful…and wise.
I looked up the meaning of the word ‘faith’, and according to the dictionary, Faith is reliance, loyalty, or complete trust in God or someone else. The bible says “faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.” Matthew 9:2 reads “Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus SAW their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven” My emphasis is actually on ‘Jesus SAW their faith’ Now this makes me wonder ‘faith’ actually reflects in our actions. It becomes ‘alive’ when it is backed with ‘action’. My pastor once said “If we as church workers are expecting numerical growth, we have to first build a capacity in us to be able to handle them” in other words, step up your work with God. Build yourselves in the word. Spend more time studying and meditating on God’s word. Your dispositions and actions will certainly show if you’re ready for the multitude you’re expecting. “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” James 2:17.
A student whose dream is to become a doctor, is trusting God for an admission into the university to study medicine, yet he’s finding it difficult to read medical articles and materials. Gathering materials and building knowledge about the medical field seems not to be a priority now, right? That’s just great! You cannot be ‘the first and not the last’ without getting on the race track. It’s not just about positive confessions. Think about it.
I’ve been in situations where people said I couldn’t do stuff; someone recently said to me ‘This chosen career of yours can’t feed a family’ and so many other pessimistic views from people I least expected them from. Though some of these words discouraged me and even made me relent in my pursuit of what I made up my mind to do (as some point), on the other hand, I asked myself 'whose report should I believe?' As a Geography major student, I’ve always had interest in IT, music and entertainment in general. Stabbing classes for concerts, choir rehearsals and bible study meetings, I just knew that I was doing something right. God has been molding me for this moment. Hearkening to what people felt I should be doing would have ruined God’s plan for me. I’ve picked up courage and willpower in the midst of it all; I’ve gotten to know God more. I’ve come to realize that living out God’s plan for me is the best thing that can ever happen to me. So call me whatever you like, think of me as whatever crosses your mind…”His report says something entirely different. And I choose to believe His report.” We all need to consciously CHOOSE to believe His report concerning us. If He said you were made in His image and His likeness, who is man to say otherwise?
After seeing the video below, I am too certain that ‘Faith dictates everything’ God bless you, Visa Klline. The title is “FAITH DICTATES FASHION”
Say no to inferiority complex. Someone needs to holler out “I might not meet your specification, but God created me nothing less than perfect.” Someone needs to brighten up. Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
One of my favourite hymns is TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS. It’s just too inspiring. Ask God for grace to trust him more. The situation looks ugly, but you’ve got to trust Him for a way out…You’ve got to have faith in Him. I must confess, it’s not very easy to hold on when there’s not even a sign of a breakthrough in sight. Rely on faith to give you an evidence of the things you can’t see but expect to receive.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Let your faith in God be your driving force. Let it dictate your pace. Faith is the evidence of things that are not seen. I might not be there yet, but I certain have a glimpse of where I’m going, so I’m already taking a few steps in that direction. I’m so excited about it. I can perceive it.
The fragrance of faith is so strong…it’s an evidence of supremacy over the obvious. Speak. Act. Believe
Follow these wonderful people on twitter @visadklline @thewriteperson @itskevinbond @pastorYPJ @aaronlinzy @pastorJKA @Drmikemurdock @onewordgospel @Keetwit @alconley @edeweysmith @hartramsey @lssimpact
More in my next post. God bless us all!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
The FRAGRANCE OF FAITH: I wrote this title down somewhere on a piece of paper, but i didn't set my eyes on it until this afternoon. As coincidental as it might sound, I was about to take a nap when I saw the paper just beside my pillow. lol i decided to make this topic my focus for tonight.
Just this evening, when the power supply was restored, i decided to check youtube for Visa d. kline's videos, cos i remembered seeing a link on her bio on twitter. Meanwhile, If you're on twitter, please follow this great vessel of God @visadklline If you're not on twitter, you need to sign up for an account. There are a lot of Great people God is using to spread the word. People sign up on social networking sites for various reasons, but I can boldly confess my addiction to twitter because of the wonderful people I’ve been opportune to connect with. I’ll be making a few recommendations at the end of this post. You really don’t have to follow them if you don’t want to, but I assure you, it will be a worthwhile experience. God can use anybody to slip a word through to bless. No one man knows it all. You can learn from your friends, your so-called enemies and even from strangers. God bless you as you become more conscious of the truth, irrespective of the vessel. But let’s be prayerful…and wise.
I looked up the meaning of the word ‘faith’, and according to the dictionary, Faith is reliance, loyalty, or complete trust in God or someone else. The bible says “faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.” Matthew 9:2 reads “Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus SAW their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven” My emphasis is actually on ‘Jesus SAW their faith’ Now this makes me wonder ‘faith’ actually reflects in our actions. It becomes ‘alive’ when it is backed with ‘action’. My pastor once said “If we as church workers are expecting numerical growth, we have to first build a capacity in us to be able to handle them” in other words, step up your work with God. Build yourselves in the word. Spend more time studying and meditating on God’s word. Your dispositions and actions will certainly show if you’re ready for the multitude you’re expecting. “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” James 2:17.
A student whose dream is to become a doctor, is trusting God for an admission into the university to study medicine, yet he’s finding it difficult to read medical articles and materials. Gathering materials and building knowledge about the medical field seems not to be a priority now, right? That’s just great! You cannot be ‘the first and not the last’ without getting on the race track. It’s not just about positive confessions. Think about it.
I’ve been in situations where people said I couldn’t do stuff; someone recently said to me ‘This chosen career of yours can’t feed a family’ and so many other pessimistic views from people I least expected them from. Though some of these words discouraged me and even made me relent in my pursuit of what I made up my mind to do (as some point), on the other hand, I asked myself 'whose report should I believe?' As a Geography major student, I’ve always had interest in IT, music and entertainment in general. Stabbing classes for concerts, choir rehearsals and bible study meetings, I just knew that I was doing something right. God has been molding me for this moment. Hearkening to what people felt I should be doing would have ruined God’s plan for me. I’ve picked up courage and willpower in the midst of it all; I’ve gotten to know God more. I’ve come to realize that living out God’s plan for me is the best thing that can ever happen to me. So call me whatever you like, think of me as whatever crosses your mind…”His report says something entirely different. And I choose to believe His report.” We all need to consciously CHOOSE to believe His report concerning us. If He said you were made in His image and His likeness, who is man to say otherwise?
After seeing the video below, I am too certain that ‘Faith dictates everything’ God bless you, Visa Klline. The title is “FAITH DICTATES FASHION”
Say no to inferiority complex. Someone needs to holler out “I might not meet your specification, but God created me nothing less than perfect.” Someone needs to brighten up. Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
One of my favourite hymns is TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS. It’s just too inspiring. Ask God for grace to trust him more. The situation looks ugly, but you’ve got to trust Him for a way out…You’ve got to have faith in Him. I must confess, it’s not very easy to hold on when there’s not even a sign of a breakthrough in sight. Rely on faith to give you an evidence of the things you can’t see but expect to receive.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Let your faith in God be your driving force. Let it dictate your pace. Faith is the evidence of things that are not seen. I might not be there yet, but I certain have a glimpse of where I’m going, so I’m already taking a few steps in that direction. I’m so excited about it. I can perceive it.
The fragrance of faith is so strong…it’s an evidence of supremacy over the obvious. Speak. Act. Believe
Follow these wonderful people on twitter @visadklline @thewriteperson @itskevinbond @pastorYPJ @aaronlinzy @pastorJKA @Drmikemurdock @onewordgospel @Keetwit @alconley @edeweysmith @hartramsey @lssimpact
More in my next post. God bless us all!
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
KEEP ME FROM FALLING
“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy” Jude 1:24
Note: Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my thoughts, as often as I post them. Most of them are personal admonitions, rebuke, corrections and instructions to me. I share them with you all, because I believe some of you might be going through the same challenges, and need the encouragement I garner from my posts. Your comments and encouragement have helped me a lot. The apostles of old foretold “In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit.” Jude 1:18-19.
They also urged us to build our most holy faith and pray in the Holy spirit. As we all continue in this journey to eternal life, may we be found faultless when Christ returns. Amen.
Lord, I want to thank you for my life, my friends, colleagues, family, and the world at large. I can’t deny the fact that you’ve been faithful to your word. You’ve kept to your part of the agreement that was signed from creation.
Even though it may not be wrong, but I’m tempted to say “we fall down but get up, for a saint is just a sinner that fell but got up.” I’m tempted to say “I’m not good enough, but you still love me” I’m not trying to brag, but I’m sure if I wasn’t good enough to be used by you, you won’t have considered me. At least, I’m not 100% useless.
There was something you saw in Saul before you chose Him as king over your chosen nation. There was also a little skill you saw in David before you used Him to defeat Goliath. I’m not sure what you saw in me, but I’m sure it was good enough for you to use. Your word said you created me and lavished me with knowledge and understanding. Thank you, Lord. I’m tired of publicly declaring my imperfection just to admit to the fact that I'm human and prone to sin. I certainly am not saying I’m perfect.
When we do succeed at something, and come out to testify of HIs goodness, we register every attempt of the devil to militate against ‘our’ skills and to make a folly of ‘our’ wisdom, then finally say “But I thank God that I finally got the Job or I’m healed.”
My question is: Must we always share our trials and challenges for several minutes and then end our testimonies with a few seconds of praise to God for breakthrough? Will it be a crime for me to stand and testify that “I found myself in situations where I could have easily compromised my faith, but the spirit of God stopped me from giving into the desires of the flesh in, and therefore I just want to thank Him”and then take a walk?
I’m not a fan of empty positive confessions, so I really think if we believe that when we fall, God is able to pick us up, then we should also believe that He is able to keep us from falling in the first place. Or do we intentionally skip that part of the scriptures? (Not judging)
Is God just a mender of broken hearts and not a sustainer of unbroken hearts? Is God just a healer and not a giver of divine health?
I really wish our prayer requests can change from “Lord, I have fallen again, please, restore me” to “Lord, I know times are hard and my environment is capable of making me fall, but please keep me from falling” or from “Lord, I just lied again, please forgive me. I know your grace is sufficient for me” to “Lord, let not the truth be far from my lips.” Or maybe your petition is “Lord, you know I was just following what that preacher told me. I didn’t know he was preaching a false doctrine, please forgive me.” when you could have easily prayed “Lord, help me to discern the truth from false messages carried around by prophets of doom.”
I’ve heard ‘Christians’ say “You’re young, so enjoy yourself now” or “Just do it this one time” Can we as Christians really stop giving the devil the opportunity of taking the glory for a minute? I mean, for every time we lie or commit any other sin, we give the devil an occasion to take some credit for productivity. But for every time we are confronted with compromising situations where we can easily tell a lie or defend one just to gain favour, and yet we don’t give in, he hits his head against the wall in bitterness, because of another failed attempt at gaining another disciple. Now this shows that the Word of God we read every day is actually effective in our lives. Moses said “Lord, if you will not go with us, don’t send us. How will we be distinguished from the rest, if your presence does not go with us?” We’d be like every other person that reads the bible like it’s a novel.
As much as it sounds unrealistic (but possible), is it not possible you and I to chase after holiness every minute? Isn’t it possible for us to be blameless? Must we always take advantage of the merciful side of God and not access his through-Christ-I-can-do-all-things side? Aren’t we tired of approaching the throne of mercy for forgiveness over things that we can discipline ourselves to get rid of; addictions that we can quit with faith in God. This is exactly why Paul said “shall we continue to sin that grace might abound? God forbid.”
How many of us can beat our chest and say “Well, you can toss me behind bars for all I care, I’m not bearing false witness against that dude” or “you can cut my stipend, I will NOT carry out your evil desires”? How many of us can stand in front of our bosses and say “Sir, I’d rather lose my job than to forge any document”? The truth is, not many of us can. As a matter of fact, we look at God’s grace as a get-out-of-jail-free card, so if we can just tell this ‘little white’ lie, we can pray to God to set us free from the clutches of the father of lies (Satan) at any point in time. From a ‘white lie’ we advance to a ‘blue’ one, then a ‘black’ one. Sooner or later, the truth becomes far from our lips.
I’ve discovered that the reason you and I fall (when we do) is because we’ve got free will; we have a choice, but we pick the wrong one.
I've done some really ugly stuff in d past, and sometimes when I think about them, the devil tries to coat me with guilt. But I thank God for another chance. I'm not about to blow it again.
After our daily morning devotion, can we just say “Lord, it is obvious that the end is nigh and all the evil things you spoke about is already in existence; people are compromising just to get by, but Lord, please do not let me fall victim of such evil in you sight. Please, show me favour, and let me see your hand in everything I do today. When people say there’s a casting down, I believe there’s a lifting up. I pray with thanksgiving”? Just like Micah Stampley wrote in His song ‘Take my life’ we can also add “Holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need; Holiness is what you want for me; therefore, lord, help me in my quest for holiness and righteousness.”
Finally, just say this short prayer with me:
Lord, create in me a clean heart…purify me…So I may worship you, daily. I desire to be blameless every day. Help me to resist sin, irrespective of the circumstance I find myself. Let me continually experience the joy of salvation which I experienced when you cut the shackles off my feet and delivered me from the chains of that ugly dude. I no longer want to struggle with sin. I believe, with you, it’s possible for me to stay on my feet, and not tossed around by every wave of doctrine and temptation. Therefore…please, keep me from falling! Thank you, Lord.
If we believe that ALL things are possible, this shouldn’t be an exception, right? Let’s be focused. Let’s boast in the Lord and declare that “we are not like the rest of them.”
May God help us!
“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 1:24-25
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God
Note: Thank you for visiting my blog and reading my thoughts, as often as I post them. Most of them are personal admonitions, rebuke, corrections and instructions to me. I share them with you all, because I believe some of you might be going through the same challenges, and need the encouragement I garner from my posts. Your comments and encouragement have helped me a lot. The apostles of old foretold “In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the spirit.” Jude 1:18-19.
They also urged us to build our most holy faith and pray in the Holy spirit. As we all continue in this journey to eternal life, may we be found faultless when Christ returns. Amen.
Lord, I want to thank you for my life, my friends, colleagues, family, and the world at large. I can’t deny the fact that you’ve been faithful to your word. You’ve kept to your part of the agreement that was signed from creation.
Even though it may not be wrong, but I’m tempted to say “we fall down but get up, for a saint is just a sinner that fell but got up.” I’m tempted to say “I’m not good enough, but you still love me” I’m not trying to brag, but I’m sure if I wasn’t good enough to be used by you, you won’t have considered me. At least, I’m not 100% useless.
There was something you saw in Saul before you chose Him as king over your chosen nation. There was also a little skill you saw in David before you used Him to defeat Goliath. I’m not sure what you saw in me, but I’m sure it was good enough for you to use. Your word said you created me and lavished me with knowledge and understanding. Thank you, Lord. I’m tired of publicly declaring my imperfection just to admit to the fact that I'm human and prone to sin. I certainly am not saying I’m perfect.
When we do succeed at something, and come out to testify of HIs goodness, we register every attempt of the devil to militate against ‘our’ skills and to make a folly of ‘our’ wisdom, then finally say “But I thank God that I finally got the Job or I’m healed.”
My question is: Must we always share our trials and challenges for several minutes and then end our testimonies with a few seconds of praise to God for breakthrough? Will it be a crime for me to stand and testify that “I found myself in situations where I could have easily compromised my faith, but the spirit of God stopped me from giving into the desires of the flesh in, and therefore I just want to thank Him”and then take a walk?
I’m not a fan of empty positive confessions, so I really think if we believe that when we fall, God is able to pick us up, then we should also believe that He is able to keep us from falling in the first place. Or do we intentionally skip that part of the scriptures? (Not judging)
Is God just a mender of broken hearts and not a sustainer of unbroken hearts? Is God just a healer and not a giver of divine health?
I really wish our prayer requests can change from “Lord, I have fallen again, please, restore me” to “Lord, I know times are hard and my environment is capable of making me fall, but please keep me from falling” or from “Lord, I just lied again, please forgive me. I know your grace is sufficient for me” to “Lord, let not the truth be far from my lips.” Or maybe your petition is “Lord, you know I was just following what that preacher told me. I didn’t know he was preaching a false doctrine, please forgive me.” when you could have easily prayed “Lord, help me to discern the truth from false messages carried around by prophets of doom.”
I’ve heard ‘Christians’ say “You’re young, so enjoy yourself now” or “Just do it this one time” Can we as Christians really stop giving the devil the opportunity of taking the glory for a minute? I mean, for every time we lie or commit any other sin, we give the devil an occasion to take some credit for productivity. But for every time we are confronted with compromising situations where we can easily tell a lie or defend one just to gain favour, and yet we don’t give in, he hits his head against the wall in bitterness, because of another failed attempt at gaining another disciple. Now this shows that the Word of God we read every day is actually effective in our lives. Moses said “Lord, if you will not go with us, don’t send us. How will we be distinguished from the rest, if your presence does not go with us?” We’d be like every other person that reads the bible like it’s a novel.
As much as it sounds unrealistic (but possible), is it not possible you and I to chase after holiness every minute? Isn’t it possible for us to be blameless? Must we always take advantage of the merciful side of God and not access his through-Christ-I-can-do-all-things side? Aren’t we tired of approaching the throne of mercy for forgiveness over things that we can discipline ourselves to get rid of; addictions that we can quit with faith in God. This is exactly why Paul said “shall we continue to sin that grace might abound? God forbid.”
How many of us can beat our chest and say “Well, you can toss me behind bars for all I care, I’m not bearing false witness against that dude” or “you can cut my stipend, I will NOT carry out your evil desires”? How many of us can stand in front of our bosses and say “Sir, I’d rather lose my job than to forge any document”? The truth is, not many of us can. As a matter of fact, we look at God’s grace as a get-out-of-jail-free card, so if we can just tell this ‘little white’ lie, we can pray to God to set us free from the clutches of the father of lies (Satan) at any point in time. From a ‘white lie’ we advance to a ‘blue’ one, then a ‘black’ one. Sooner or later, the truth becomes far from our lips.
I’ve discovered that the reason you and I fall (when we do) is because we’ve got free will; we have a choice, but we pick the wrong one.
I've done some really ugly stuff in d past, and sometimes when I think about them, the devil tries to coat me with guilt. But I thank God for another chance. I'm not about to blow it again.
After our daily morning devotion, can we just say “Lord, it is obvious that the end is nigh and all the evil things you spoke about is already in existence; people are compromising just to get by, but Lord, please do not let me fall victim of such evil in you sight. Please, show me favour, and let me see your hand in everything I do today. When people say there’s a casting down, I believe there’s a lifting up. I pray with thanksgiving”? Just like Micah Stampley wrote in His song ‘Take my life’ we can also add “Holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need; Holiness is what you want for me; therefore, lord, help me in my quest for holiness and righteousness.”
Finally, just say this short prayer with me:
Lord, create in me a clean heart…purify me…So I may worship you, daily. I desire to be blameless every day. Help me to resist sin, irrespective of the circumstance I find myself. Let me continually experience the joy of salvation which I experienced when you cut the shackles off my feet and delivered me from the chains of that ugly dude. I no longer want to struggle with sin. I believe, with you, it’s possible for me to stay on my feet, and not tossed around by every wave of doctrine and temptation. Therefore…please, keep me from falling! Thank you, Lord.
If we believe that ALL things are possible, this shouldn’t be an exception, right? Let’s be focused. Let’s boast in the Lord and declare that “we are not like the rest of them.”
May God help us!
“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 1:24-25
Work hard. Pray harder. Thank God
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
GRACE, not hinged on works
“And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” Romans 11:6
A short prayer:
“Lord, I thank you for your grace that is not hinged on my works, lest I should blow my own horn; lest I should boast that I’m the most skillful; less I should show off my eloquence or ability to win debates; lest I should brag about my knowledge of your word more than my peers or that I should say “Ye, I’m a perfect being.” I’m far from perfection, though I do not underestimate the power that your spirit in me possesses. A workman has every right to demand for his wages at the end of the day, but what can a man do to obtain your grace? “By strength shall no man prevail.” Lord, teach me your ways that I may experience your grace even in my imperfect state. My faith is little, but strong enough to move mountains. I believe, and then I doubt, help my unbelief. As you search my heart, you’ll come across that part of me that sincerely yearns for you and appreciates you; a part of me that wants to live a righteous life. In humble adoration, I say, Lord, I decrease that you might increase in Me. Thank you for your grace…even when I don’t merit it”
In case you forgot, it’s meant to be a prayer, so read it again. Now make it a word of prayer…….
Grace is an unmerited favour. It is freely given. Taking it from the point of salvation, “Once, you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds, because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation – IF you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.” Col 1:21-23b. A lot of us believe that there’s nothing we did/do to attract God’s grace. True. But there’s something we need to do to make His grace remain functional in our lives – we need to have Faith! The Christian walk is by faith. Our ability to make promises like “I’ll see you next week” not knowing if we’ll live to see the following week, is also by faith. Your being alive today…my being alive today…is because of God’s permissive will…it’s because of His grace.
When God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham approached God saying “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Will you treat the righteous and the wicked alike? What If there are ten righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare it for the sake of the ten righteous people in it?” God replied “If I find ten righteous people in the city, I will not destroy it” (The scriptures have been given to us to learn from - for correction, for rebuke and instruction in righteousness). Abraham stood as a mediator between God and the people of Sodom. But despite Abraham’s plea, not one righteous man was found in that city. God was willing to have mercy upon them, but they weren’t ready to turn away from their wicked ways.
Aren’t we just glad that Christ came?
In our case, the mediator between us and God is Jesus. God looked upon the innocent blood of His son and redeemed us. I can imagine Jesus saying to God “I went to die for those people. Father, look upon my blood that was shed and do not wipe them away. Okay, just let the gospel of salvation at least get to the uttermost parts of the earth. Let more people surrender their lives. Please, daddy!”
And so God is constantly overlooking our shortcomings and the sins we commit on a daily basis, because of His son. He has made his grace and His mercy available to us, because of His son. Now Paul speaking said “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid” You and I have found mercy and grace in the sight of God, despite our inadequacies, our disobedience and unbelief. Are we really going to throw all that away and continue to glory in ourselves and our abilities to survive without Him – taking His grace for granted?
Thank God for those who are so committed to working in His vineyard; thank God for those who pay their tithes regularly; thank God for those who feed the poor and forgive their debtors of their debts. But all these are not enough to purchase God’s grace, even if it were for sale. So don’t come here saying “After all the tithes I paid; and my donations to Church projects and community development projects?” What do you do after dropping that tithe? What do you do after spending several hours at cell meetings and bible studies?
Now we are going somewhere.
If it is really by works, then we would not all be equal before God. Jesus tells a parable of two men praying – a Pharisee and a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself. ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evil doers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14.
If we will not give God glory for everything, He will take it anyways. He said if we will not praise Him, He’s going to raise stones in our place. Nothing we do is by our power. We don’t prosper because we work hard, if it were, one day we’ll run out of supply; inflation and recession will swallow us up. But if our sufficiency is in Him, will He not provide more than our storehouses can contain?
“If, in fact Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about – but not before God.” Romans 4:2. “
“Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.” Romans 4:4. Is God obligated to grant us grace? Nope!
Now go back to the top of this post, and take the prayer again.
Let’s acknowledge God in all we do; let’s acknowledge Him for His grace that pardons…His grace that is not hinged on our works.
A short prayer:
“Lord, I thank you for your grace that is not hinged on my works, lest I should blow my own horn; lest I should boast that I’m the most skillful; less I should show off my eloquence or ability to win debates; lest I should brag about my knowledge of your word more than my peers or that I should say “Ye, I’m a perfect being.” I’m far from perfection, though I do not underestimate the power that your spirit in me possesses. A workman has every right to demand for his wages at the end of the day, but what can a man do to obtain your grace? “By strength shall no man prevail.” Lord, teach me your ways that I may experience your grace even in my imperfect state. My faith is little, but strong enough to move mountains. I believe, and then I doubt, help my unbelief. As you search my heart, you’ll come across that part of me that sincerely yearns for you and appreciates you; a part of me that wants to live a righteous life. In humble adoration, I say, Lord, I decrease that you might increase in Me. Thank you for your grace…even when I don’t merit it”
In case you forgot, it’s meant to be a prayer, so read it again. Now make it a word of prayer…….
Grace is an unmerited favour. It is freely given. Taking it from the point of salvation, “Once, you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds, because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation – IF you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.” Col 1:21-23b. A lot of us believe that there’s nothing we did/do to attract God’s grace. True. But there’s something we need to do to make His grace remain functional in our lives – we need to have Faith! The Christian walk is by faith. Our ability to make promises like “I’ll see you next week” not knowing if we’ll live to see the following week, is also by faith. Your being alive today…my being alive today…is because of God’s permissive will…it’s because of His grace.
When God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham approached God saying “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Will you treat the righteous and the wicked alike? What If there are ten righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare it for the sake of the ten righteous people in it?” God replied “If I find ten righteous people in the city, I will not destroy it” (The scriptures have been given to us to learn from - for correction, for rebuke and instruction in righteousness). Abraham stood as a mediator between God and the people of Sodom. But despite Abraham’s plea, not one righteous man was found in that city. God was willing to have mercy upon them, but they weren’t ready to turn away from their wicked ways.
Aren’t we just glad that Christ came?
In our case, the mediator between us and God is Jesus. God looked upon the innocent blood of His son and redeemed us. I can imagine Jesus saying to God “I went to die for those people. Father, look upon my blood that was shed and do not wipe them away. Okay, just let the gospel of salvation at least get to the uttermost parts of the earth. Let more people surrender their lives. Please, daddy!”
And so God is constantly overlooking our shortcomings and the sins we commit on a daily basis, because of His son. He has made his grace and His mercy available to us, because of His son. Now Paul speaking said “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid” You and I have found mercy and grace in the sight of God, despite our inadequacies, our disobedience and unbelief. Are we really going to throw all that away and continue to glory in ourselves and our abilities to survive without Him – taking His grace for granted?
Thank God for those who are so committed to working in His vineyard; thank God for those who pay their tithes regularly; thank God for those who feed the poor and forgive their debtors of their debts. But all these are not enough to purchase God’s grace, even if it were for sale. So don’t come here saying “After all the tithes I paid; and my donations to Church projects and community development projects?” What do you do after dropping that tithe? What do you do after spending several hours at cell meetings and bible studies?
Now we are going somewhere.
If it is really by works, then we would not all be equal before God. Jesus tells a parable of two men praying – a Pharisee and a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself. ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evil doers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14.
If we will not give God glory for everything, He will take it anyways. He said if we will not praise Him, He’s going to raise stones in our place. Nothing we do is by our power. We don’t prosper because we work hard, if it were, one day we’ll run out of supply; inflation and recession will swallow us up. But if our sufficiency is in Him, will He not provide more than our storehouses can contain?
“If, in fact Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about – but not before God.” Romans 4:2. “
“Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.” Romans 4:4. Is God obligated to grant us grace? Nope!
Now go back to the top of this post, and take the prayer again.
Let’s acknowledge God in all we do; let’s acknowledge Him for His grace that pardons…His grace that is not hinged on our works.
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