Prophetic Word for 2010 - For All Believers Worldwide
Annual Word of the Lord for 2010
In the order of their importance, here are some prophetic words the Lord gave me for all Believers for 2010. Let me emphasize these words are for ALL Believers everywhere—worldwide.
1. OBEY! As each Believer begins or continues to OBEY God, the devil will experience frustration and failure in his attempt to delay and destroy the will of God upon the earth. Simple obedience will produce incredible spiritual victories. The devil has no strategy that can successfully stop any Believer who is operating in obedience. Obedience is the KEY word for 2010. To obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen to God is better than to offer religious sacrifice. Amen. Everyone obey God!
2. SECRETS! As each Believer walks in obedience, God will begin to share even more prophetic secrets with them through the prophets for 2010. This will be a year where the prophets increase in their spiritual capacity to receive and release more SECRETS to the Church. This is what Amos meant when he said in Chapter 3, verse 7, "The Lord God does nothing (of any spiritual significance) without first revealing his SECRETS to his servants the prophets."
2010 prophets will be dealing in more high level secrets than ever before. Individuals, conferences, churches, states, regions, and even nations will have SECRETS revealed to the prophets for them. A new and even more deadly level of revelation will come to the prophets. These SECRETS will equip the Church for its role in the earth for 2010 and beyond. The Church will not be pushed around anymore. Watch out!
3. FILTERS! As each Believer walks in obedience, all negative "hearing" FILTERS—blockages, hindrances, and restrictions that affect our hearing the voice of God—will be removed. Perfect Prophetic Perception (hearing) is being restored to the Church. She will begin to hear more clearly again and act more decisively again on the word of the Lord. A spirit of deafness is coming off the Bride. She will declare, "I can hear again!"
4. HONOR! It is the year to give honor. Churches need to increase the honor they show to their leaders. "Honor to whom honor is DUE," says the Lord. Each Believer must do something to honor a servant of God who has blessed his life. Even if it means going back 30 years to bless or honor someone who blessed you. In 2010 each Believer will remove the debt of HONOR they owe another—debt free for 2010. "Owe no man a debt of honor….pay up," says the Lord!
I strongly encourage all Believers to honor or bless any minister who has helped you in your spiritual life. But don't honor them to get something more or something new; just honor, bless, or give to them for who they are and what they have already done for you in the past.
5. WISDOM! The wisdom of God is going to be heard and seen in and through the Church as never before. It is time for the Church to fully realize what Ephesians 3:10 says, "It is God's intention that right now the manifold WISDOM of God be made known in and through the Church...to all the heavenly and demonic principalities and powers."
The Church (worldwide) will be the happening place to hear and receive God's wisdom for your life for 2010. God will unveil His wisdom in and through the Church. Demons will tremble and angels will applaud as all hear the wisdom of God spoken and demonstrated in and through the Church. The Church will be the place to be for 2010 and the hotspot to hear what God has in store for the earth. People will begin to say, "You heard it here first…in the Church!" Amen.
6. CREATIVE! Apostles and Prophets will begin to unleash a barrage of prophetic creative declarations over the Church. These will not be sermons or teachings, but anointed "now" creative declarations from Heaven, literal "awakening words." Their words will have a life-giving dimension—a literal "bring into being" creative dimension when they prophesy. Apostles and prophets will operate in and express more revelation in their ministries in 2010 than in the last 10 years combined. Awesome!
7. MEDIA! For 2010 we are to take the media back from the world. Any Christian ministry that has an opportunity to get on the radio or TV needs to do it now!
8. FEAR! The Church needs to repent for the sin of fear. It is epidemic in the Church. We must all go from fearful to fearless. The devil has used fear as his number one strategy, and it has been working.
9. HOLINESS! It is time for the Church to clean up her act. "The filthiness of the flesh AND OF THE SPIRIT…" will be eradicated from the Church.
10. DREAMS! 2010 will be a year where ALL Believers will see a dramatic increase in the number of spiritual dreams they experience. Seventy-five percent of them will be warnings. Take heed.
Denny Cramer
Dennis Cramer Ministries
Email: denniscramer1@comcast.net
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
2010 – Year of Great Exploits
The one thing that is evident about this coming year is that I need to walk very closely with God. As I think on the New Year and pray about what God would have me achieve next year, I realize that I will need the Lord even more to see the exploits I want to see. In this year, only the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits (Dan 11:32). Take heed!
This year I know that I will have to walk very closely with God so that I can get daily instruction to do business his way. There is no other way to do it. He said to Moses in Ex 4:12, 15 “I will be with your mouth and teach you what to say… I will teach you what you shall do.” This is the year I clinch deals and make real money with God’s help. With God’s help, Israel plundered the wealth of all Egypt overnight, taking their Silver, Gold and articles of clothing, reducing that ancient super power to a third world country. If God can do that in one night, he can make me a millionaire in a year. He can make me a property owner in a year. He is well able!
If you will see great things this coming year, know your God. Know him intimately. Talk with him often. Let him know that unless he shows you the way you are hopelessly lost. Unless he speaks to that client, the deal is off. Unless he goes before you then success cannot be achieved. This is the truth. My 2010 challenge to everyone is KNOW YOUR GOD. Then let him lead you to great exploits in the coming year.
This year I know that I will have to walk very closely with God so that I can get daily instruction to do business his way. There is no other way to do it. He said to Moses in Ex 4:12, 15 “I will be with your mouth and teach you what to say… I will teach you what you shall do.” This is the year I clinch deals and make real money with God’s help. With God’s help, Israel plundered the wealth of all Egypt overnight, taking their Silver, Gold and articles of clothing, reducing that ancient super power to a third world country. If God can do that in one night, he can make me a millionaire in a year. He can make me a property owner in a year. He is well able!
If you will see great things this coming year, know your God. Know him intimately. Talk with him often. Let him know that unless he shows you the way you are hopelessly lost. Unless he speaks to that client, the deal is off. Unless he goes before you then success cannot be achieved. This is the truth. My 2010 challenge to everyone is KNOW YOUR GOD. Then let him lead you to great exploits in the coming year.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Power To Get Wealth
Power is the ability to do or act. The capability to accomplish something. It is a great or marked ability to do or act by strength, might or force. Power is also having the legal ability or capacity or authority as in having the power of attorney. In physics, power is gauged in relation to time. It is work done or energy transferred per unit of time. In other words, the time taken to do work is based on the amount of power, might, force or energy exerted. It can also be described as momentum.
Power bows to power. So if one power is overcome by another it must submit itself to that greater power. For every action there is a reaction from an opposing force. This is true in the spirit as well. To enter into your inheritance you must demonstrate a power that is greater than the enemy’s. Pharaoh will not let the people go until the power demonstrated is much greater than his own. Thus the Bible says that God brought Israel out of Egypt with mighty acts of power. You need power to get your inheritance.
Deut 8:18 says that God gives us the power to get wealth. Wealth comes to you depending on the power that is on your side. I talk about wealth a lot. This is because I have understood that wealth is part of the end time agenda. The guy with the money controls issues. Being in a third world country, I hear politicians complaining about the dictates of the West. What do you expect when you are always holding out your begging bowl? There is a war that must be fought in the last days. The battle of Armageddon is a real war that will use military might. Wars are financed by money and it takes billions upon billions to train, equip and support any army. Moreso in a time of war. Ask the United States.
Whether you believe it or not, the enemy is gathering finances to support his end time agenda. He knows his time is short. Unlike us, the devil knows how to count his days and he knows they are coming to an end. He is therefore amassing great wealth to finance his own agenda. Christ also has an end time agenda. He is coming back for his bride and then he also will fight one last battle. Finances are also part of his end time agenda and until now, he has allowed the wicked to pile wealth up for such a time as this. What time is it? It is time for the wicked to hand over the wealth to the righteous. It is time now to plunder the treasuries of hell to finance the Kingdom. God’s will is that all mankind may be saved. Therefore the finances for the Christian end time agenda are to ensure that the great commission is fulfilled.
Now, I do not believe that I can walk over to some sinner and say “Hand over all your money in the Name of Jesus.” They would probably fall on the ground in laughter. What we have to understand is that for everything in the physical there is a spiritual control. So I approach it in the heavenlies and say “Hand over all the wealth you have been piling up in Jesus Name,” and then I follow the words of Samuel the prophet in 1 Sam 10:7
“…do whatever your hand finds to do for God is with you.”
The Power to get wealth is an anointing. It is an anointing that causes wealth creation to become easy. It is a power that the enemy can do nothing but bow down to. It is the anointing spoken of in Isaiah 45:1 – 2 This anointing causes God to:
“…subdue nations before you and loose the armor of kings, to open the double doors so that the gates will not be shut… make the crooked places straight… break in pieces the gates of bronze… cut the bars of iron.” (Italics mine)
That means that God will open the doors. He will make things easy for you. You will not have to do it for yourself for by strength shall no man prevail. The anointing of God upon your life shall go before you so that you can take back the wealth from the wicked.
Isaiah 45:3
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places. That you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by name, Am the God of Israel.”
That is what you are going for. You are going for the hidden treasures of the enemy. Great wealth, stored in secret treasuries you know nothing about. But God, the All Knowing God, to whom all silver and gold belongs, knows where it is hidden and is sending YOU to get it back. But God is wonderful, he doesn’t just put you in armor and ask you to go after the dragon. No. He goes before you crashing the enemy, opening every door so that by the time you get there, the gates are wide open. He loosens the armor of kings that are opposed to you so that they have no protection. He causes NATIONS to be subdued before you, so that none can withstand you. Hey!! Jehovah straightens every crooked path, breaks down all barriers so that you have free access to the wealth of the wicked. Ah! Jehovah is God!!! Jehovah is God!!!
And when you come back triumphant, praising the name of the Lord your God, who has called you by name and empowered you to get wealth. Remember its purpose. Isaiah 45:4 “For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel my elect…” Use it for the Kingdom. Bring ease to those in difficulty, set up businesses for those who need it, fight poverty with it and best of all, use it to win souls to the Kingdom of God.
Power, we pray for power. For this anointing to get wealth. This is the season when the wicked hand over their wealth to the righteous in accordance with your word in Ecc 2:26 that you give wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in your sight. But to the sinner you give the work of gathering and collecting that he may give to him who is good before God. They have been gathering and collecting and now we say it loud and clear “Hand over your wealth to the righteousness of God. Those that have been washed by the blood and testify that he is Lord of their lives in Jesus name. That they may use it to glorify the Lord their God. To build his body. A holy tabernacle for our Lord to dwell in.”
I prophesy to the dead bones, the dead businesses, dead finances, dead contracts, dead seeds, dead bank accounts, the empty coffers of the righteous, hear the voice of the Lord and live in Jesus Name. For thus says the Lord God Almighty I will cause my breath, my anointing to come upon you and you shall live. I prophesy to the wind. Come O’ wind of God, from the four corners of the earth. Enter these that they may live to glorify the Lord their God. I hear the sound of rattling in the treasuries of the enemy. The wealth of the Nations, getting ready to pour into your bosom. I hear the rattling of silver, gold, and oil. Hey!! I hear a mighty shaking in the realm of darkness. Be loosed you silver and gold. Be loosed you oil. Be loosed you treasures of the earth, treasures under the earth, treasures of the sea, treasures of the heavens, to come into the coffers of the righteous. The time for your release has come. The end of your groaning has arrived. For the sons of God are revealed in all their glory. The Spirit of the Living God is upon me to proclaim freedom to the captives. I command the coffers of hell to vomit up every treasure they hold in their bellies into the coffers of the living God in Jesus Holy Name. Hey!!! It is done. It is done in the name of Jesus. Get ready for unprecedented favor. Unprecedented victories. Unprecedented acceleration and momentum . Because of the power on your life get ready to create vast amounts of wealth in record time. What has taken others 10 years will take you 10 months in Jesus Name. Get ready for unprecedented power to get wealth. It shall be easy for you. Do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you. He will bless the work of your hands. Money shall locate you. It has been released from the coffers of hell and is even now making its way to you. Align yourself with God’s end time agenda and watch silver and gold rush to you. I announce that your day has changed. The anointing that makes wealth creation easy has come upon your life. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Power bows to power. So if one power is overcome by another it must submit itself to that greater power. For every action there is a reaction from an opposing force. This is true in the spirit as well. To enter into your inheritance you must demonstrate a power that is greater than the enemy’s. Pharaoh will not let the people go until the power demonstrated is much greater than his own. Thus the Bible says that God brought Israel out of Egypt with mighty acts of power. You need power to get your inheritance.
Deut 8:18 says that God gives us the power to get wealth. Wealth comes to you depending on the power that is on your side. I talk about wealth a lot. This is because I have understood that wealth is part of the end time agenda. The guy with the money controls issues. Being in a third world country, I hear politicians complaining about the dictates of the West. What do you expect when you are always holding out your begging bowl? There is a war that must be fought in the last days. The battle of Armageddon is a real war that will use military might. Wars are financed by money and it takes billions upon billions to train, equip and support any army. Moreso in a time of war. Ask the United States.
Whether you believe it or not, the enemy is gathering finances to support his end time agenda. He knows his time is short. Unlike us, the devil knows how to count his days and he knows they are coming to an end. He is therefore amassing great wealth to finance his own agenda. Christ also has an end time agenda. He is coming back for his bride and then he also will fight one last battle. Finances are also part of his end time agenda and until now, he has allowed the wicked to pile wealth up for such a time as this. What time is it? It is time for the wicked to hand over the wealth to the righteous. It is time now to plunder the treasuries of hell to finance the Kingdom. God’s will is that all mankind may be saved. Therefore the finances for the Christian end time agenda are to ensure that the great commission is fulfilled.
Now, I do not believe that I can walk over to some sinner and say “Hand over all your money in the Name of Jesus.” They would probably fall on the ground in laughter. What we have to understand is that for everything in the physical there is a spiritual control. So I approach it in the heavenlies and say “Hand over all the wealth you have been piling up in Jesus Name,” and then I follow the words of Samuel the prophet in 1 Sam 10:7
“…do whatever your hand finds to do for God is with you.”
The Power to get wealth is an anointing. It is an anointing that causes wealth creation to become easy. It is a power that the enemy can do nothing but bow down to. It is the anointing spoken of in Isaiah 45:1 – 2 This anointing causes God to:
“…subdue nations before you and loose the armor of kings, to open the double doors so that the gates will not be shut… make the crooked places straight… break in pieces the gates of bronze… cut the bars of iron.” (Italics mine)
That means that God will open the doors. He will make things easy for you. You will not have to do it for yourself for by strength shall no man prevail. The anointing of God upon your life shall go before you so that you can take back the wealth from the wicked.
Isaiah 45:3
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places. That you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by name, Am the God of Israel.”
That is what you are going for. You are going for the hidden treasures of the enemy. Great wealth, stored in secret treasuries you know nothing about. But God, the All Knowing God, to whom all silver and gold belongs, knows where it is hidden and is sending YOU to get it back. But God is wonderful, he doesn’t just put you in armor and ask you to go after the dragon. No. He goes before you crashing the enemy, opening every door so that by the time you get there, the gates are wide open. He loosens the armor of kings that are opposed to you so that they have no protection. He causes NATIONS to be subdued before you, so that none can withstand you. Hey!! Jehovah straightens every crooked path, breaks down all barriers so that you have free access to the wealth of the wicked. Ah! Jehovah is God!!! Jehovah is God!!!
And when you come back triumphant, praising the name of the Lord your God, who has called you by name and empowered you to get wealth. Remember its purpose. Isaiah 45:4 “For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel my elect…” Use it for the Kingdom. Bring ease to those in difficulty, set up businesses for those who need it, fight poverty with it and best of all, use it to win souls to the Kingdom of God.
Power, we pray for power. For this anointing to get wealth. This is the season when the wicked hand over their wealth to the righteous in accordance with your word in Ecc 2:26 that you give wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in your sight. But to the sinner you give the work of gathering and collecting that he may give to him who is good before God. They have been gathering and collecting and now we say it loud and clear “Hand over your wealth to the righteousness of God. Those that have been washed by the blood and testify that he is Lord of their lives in Jesus name. That they may use it to glorify the Lord their God. To build his body. A holy tabernacle for our Lord to dwell in.”
I prophesy to the dead bones, the dead businesses, dead finances, dead contracts, dead seeds, dead bank accounts, the empty coffers of the righteous, hear the voice of the Lord and live in Jesus Name. For thus says the Lord God Almighty I will cause my breath, my anointing to come upon you and you shall live. I prophesy to the wind. Come O’ wind of God, from the four corners of the earth. Enter these that they may live to glorify the Lord their God. I hear the sound of rattling in the treasuries of the enemy. The wealth of the Nations, getting ready to pour into your bosom. I hear the rattling of silver, gold, and oil. Hey!! I hear a mighty shaking in the realm of darkness. Be loosed you silver and gold. Be loosed you oil. Be loosed you treasures of the earth, treasures under the earth, treasures of the sea, treasures of the heavens, to come into the coffers of the righteous. The time for your release has come. The end of your groaning has arrived. For the sons of God are revealed in all their glory. The Spirit of the Living God is upon me to proclaim freedom to the captives. I command the coffers of hell to vomit up every treasure they hold in their bellies into the coffers of the living God in Jesus Holy Name. Hey!!! It is done. It is done in the name of Jesus. Get ready for unprecedented favor. Unprecedented victories. Unprecedented acceleration and momentum . Because of the power on your life get ready to create vast amounts of wealth in record time. What has taken others 10 years will take you 10 months in Jesus Name. Get ready for unprecedented power to get wealth. It shall be easy for you. Do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you. He will bless the work of your hands. Money shall locate you. It has been released from the coffers of hell and is even now making its way to you. Align yourself with God’s end time agenda and watch silver and gold rush to you. I announce that your day has changed. The anointing that makes wealth creation easy has come upon your life. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Monday, October 19, 2009
PLUNDERING THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF DARKNESS
The death of Christ at Calvary was a phenomenon that shook hell to its roots. The kingdom of darkness knew that finally all was lost. Everything that they had held on to after the fall was no longer theirs to hold, but God had made a legal way to take back what was rightfully his. This included his people (you and I) and his world. By the death of Christ on the cross, the earth and the whole UNIVERSE was taken back by God. Calvary was so much more than the saving of the souls of men. It put the world to rights again as God had created it.
Isaiah 53:5 says that the chastisement for our peace was upon him. Peace is the Hebrew word shalom meaning “Nothing missing, Nothing broken.” Your life should be filled with all the things that Christ died for you to have and this includes the wealth he created for us to enjoy freely. I was reading Genesis 2 and the Lord said to Adam and Eve in the garden, “of every tree in the garden you may freely eat…” God wants you to freely enjoy what he created for you. There was no lack in Eden. Whatever they had need of they just freely picked and enjoyed. It shall be your portion in this lifetime. Whatever you have need of, take and freely eat in Jesus name.
When the Lord sent Moses to Egypt to get his people he told him on three different occasions to ensure that the Israelites did not leave the Land without gold, silver and articles of clothing. 3 times the Lord said this as clearly as he could.
Exodus 3:21-22
“And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
Exodus 11:2 – 3a
“Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold. And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians…”
Exodus 12: 35-36
“Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”
God wants his children to plunder the wealth of the enemy because wealth is power. If we had all the money we needed to serve the Lord, to do his will, to serve humankind and lead many souls to Christ. How would this world be? Yet God says that is possible. Ask for the Silver. Ask for the Gold. Ask for articles of clothing and God will give you favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Your success will be extra ordinary in the sight of men.
Isaiah 53:5 says that the chastisement for our peace was upon him. Peace is the Hebrew word shalom meaning “Nothing missing, Nothing broken.” Your life should be filled with all the things that Christ died for you to have and this includes the wealth he created for us to enjoy freely. I was reading Genesis 2 and the Lord said to Adam and Eve in the garden, “of every tree in the garden you may freely eat…” God wants you to freely enjoy what he created for you. There was no lack in Eden. Whatever they had need of they just freely picked and enjoyed. It shall be your portion in this lifetime. Whatever you have need of, take and freely eat in Jesus name.
When the Lord sent Moses to Egypt to get his people he told him on three different occasions to ensure that the Israelites did not leave the Land without gold, silver and articles of clothing. 3 times the Lord said this as clearly as he could.
Exodus 3:21-22
“And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
Exodus 11:2 – 3a
“Speak now in the hearing of the people, and let every man ask from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor, articles of silver and articles of gold. And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians…”
Exodus 12: 35-36
“Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold and clothing. And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they requested. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.”
God wants his children to plunder the wealth of the enemy because wealth is power. If we had all the money we needed to serve the Lord, to do his will, to serve humankind and lead many souls to Christ. How would this world be? Yet God says that is possible. Ask for the Silver. Ask for the Gold. Ask for articles of clothing and God will give you favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Your success will be extra ordinary in the sight of men.
WHEN KINGS GO OFF TO WAR
2 Samuel 11: 1
“…at the time when Kings go off to war…”
There is a season when we must go off to war. War is for many things, but in this season we are going to war to extend our territories. In this season, the devil must let go of everything that pertains to me. If it is bread for the children should we not be sitting at the table eating our fill? What are we doing under the table eating the scraps like Lazarus? We should be feasting at the table. Eating our fill of everything our Father has provided for us. I have determined to go to war in this season for my silver and my gold. If the Lord has made it for me, I shall surely have it and I refuse to be denied.
Everything that God made, including the devil, was made to praise him and to serve him. The devil was the chief worship leader until he thought he could be God. After war was made in heaven he was thrown out of his great position and he took a third of the angels of heaven with him. In that group of loonies were powers, principalities, rulers, thrones and authorities who had taken his side against the Lord of Hosts. All these powers, principalities, rulers, thrones and authorities were in charge of something including silver and gold. They continue to have great authority in the spiritual realm and maneuver things on behalf of the enemy.
When Christ died on Calvary there was a great disarmament in the heavenlies. These guys realized that it was not going to be business as usual. The stewards on the earth, mankind, now had a way to be restored to their great position of rulership and authority on the earth. Things were bad!! Colossians 1:12-23 talks about it. It says that because of Calvary, man was qualified to share in the inheritance of the Kingdom of light. We were to walk in the manifested Kingdom of God here on earth. Not only that, but verse 13 says that we were rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of his son Jesus. The dominion of darkness is oppressive. It takes away your health, wealth, joy, family and so much more. We have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and are now to live and walk in the Kingdom of light, in our spirit, soul, body and in everything that pertains to us.
You own the mansion. What are you doing relegated to the servants quarters while the devil is living in your mansion. What are you doing eating scraps under the table, while the devil sits at the head of your table and eats your food? What is this? You have been rescued from the dominion of darkness. Arise and go to war. Take back what is rightfully yours. Your health, wealth, children saved and sanctified, your marriage happy and full of love, it is all yours. Arise and take it back. It is the season to go to war. Vs 16 tells us that all things were created by Christ and for Christ so that in everything He has the supremacy. Is Christ visibly supreme in your life? Then you are walking victorious for the fullness of God dwells in Christ and Christ dwells in you. That means that the fullness of God dwells in you. Do you understand? Can you see? You have all power, all authority living in you. In the Name of Jesus, every power, principality, ruler, throne and authority that stands before you must step aside. Get up! It is the season for Kings to go to war. No one and nothing can withstand you. Fear is not your portion. Pursue and Conquer, we are taking back everything the devil has been holding on to.
“…at the time when Kings go off to war…”
There is a season when we must go off to war. War is for many things, but in this season we are going to war to extend our territories. In this season, the devil must let go of everything that pertains to me. If it is bread for the children should we not be sitting at the table eating our fill? What are we doing under the table eating the scraps like Lazarus? We should be feasting at the table. Eating our fill of everything our Father has provided for us. I have determined to go to war in this season for my silver and my gold. If the Lord has made it for me, I shall surely have it and I refuse to be denied.
Everything that God made, including the devil, was made to praise him and to serve him. The devil was the chief worship leader until he thought he could be God. After war was made in heaven he was thrown out of his great position and he took a third of the angels of heaven with him. In that group of loonies were powers, principalities, rulers, thrones and authorities who had taken his side against the Lord of Hosts. All these powers, principalities, rulers, thrones and authorities were in charge of something including silver and gold. They continue to have great authority in the spiritual realm and maneuver things on behalf of the enemy.
When Christ died on Calvary there was a great disarmament in the heavenlies. These guys realized that it was not going to be business as usual. The stewards on the earth, mankind, now had a way to be restored to their great position of rulership and authority on the earth. Things were bad!! Colossians 1:12-23 talks about it. It says that because of Calvary, man was qualified to share in the inheritance of the Kingdom of light. We were to walk in the manifested Kingdom of God here on earth. Not only that, but verse 13 says that we were rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of his son Jesus. The dominion of darkness is oppressive. It takes away your health, wealth, joy, family and so much more. We have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and are now to live and walk in the Kingdom of light, in our spirit, soul, body and in everything that pertains to us.
You own the mansion. What are you doing relegated to the servants quarters while the devil is living in your mansion. What are you doing eating scraps under the table, while the devil sits at the head of your table and eats your food? What is this? You have been rescued from the dominion of darkness. Arise and go to war. Take back what is rightfully yours. Your health, wealth, children saved and sanctified, your marriage happy and full of love, it is all yours. Arise and take it back. It is the season to go to war. Vs 16 tells us that all things were created by Christ and for Christ so that in everything He has the supremacy. Is Christ visibly supreme in your life? Then you are walking victorious for the fullness of God dwells in Christ and Christ dwells in you. That means that the fullness of God dwells in you. Do you understand? Can you see? You have all power, all authority living in you. In the Name of Jesus, every power, principality, ruler, throne and authority that stands before you must step aside. Get up! It is the season for Kings to go to war. No one and nothing can withstand you. Fear is not your portion. Pursue and Conquer, we are taking back everything the devil has been holding on to.
POSSESS BY WAR
The devil will never hand anything to you on a silver platter. Not unless you are Herod and you want the head of John the Baptist. That he can supply. But your good inheritance will have to be wrested from his hand. He is a thief and a liar and if he can find a way to cheat you off of what God has for you, he will do it and laugh at you. It is not your portion. Each one of us has a mandate or a word that God has spoken over our lives. Some are called to dominate the media industry, others business, others to be in the 5 fold ministry. Each one has a calling that they must fulfill. I put it to you that you will have to have a face to face confrontation with the enemy to make it to your place of destiny. You will have to possess by war.
When God told Israel to spy the land that he was giving them, they found that the land was delightful but there were giants there. Your land is not a vacant lot. It is occupied. The giants are there but he who is with you is greater than he that is with them. There is nothing to fear. In that day, the people focused on the giants and feared but Caleb and Joshua had a different testimony. They chose to focus on God and his ability and not in their own strength. As long as you look to your own strength you will faint in the day of adversity.
While the others were having a fit and throwing tantrums, Caleb silenced them in Numbers 13:30 and says “Let us go up at once and take possession for we are well able to overcome it.” No more delays people. Let us stop debating about the giants. Yes, they are there. Yes, of ourselves we have no strength. But if God is for us, who can stand before us?!! Ready yourselves for battle. Let us go and possess this exceedingly good land for we are well able. Your ability to possess the land is not based on you, it is based on God’s ability. Remember that all the fullness of God, including his might, power and authority reside in Christ and Christ dwells in you. You have within you all you need to take possession in your area of calling.
Caleb and Joshua reveal their source of strength and confidence in Numbers 14:7-9 “…if the Lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us… only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” If you are a born again believer walking in obedience then the Lord delights in you. He will bring you into this land and he will give it to you. What land have you been shut out of? Is it marriage? Children? Wealth? Health? What is missing in your life? Engage in battle. The Lord delights in you and he will surely give it to you. Do not be afraid of the giants standing in your way. Do not be afraid of the obstacles that seem insurmountable. God is the one who has the responsibility of bringing you into the land. He will give you step by step instructions on how to wage this way and if you listen and obey him you will be victorious.
As for the giants, they are bread for you. Bread is to be eaten. Devour the enemy. Do not give him a second of respite. Stay alert. Guard your loins with truth. Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit and stand firm. This is your finest hour for victory. You will Possess by War in this season. Ride fearless against the enemy. Full speed ahead into the battle. The Banner over you is Victory. Jehovah Nissi goes ahead of you.
When God told Israel to spy the land that he was giving them, they found that the land was delightful but there were giants there. Your land is not a vacant lot. It is occupied. The giants are there but he who is with you is greater than he that is with them. There is nothing to fear. In that day, the people focused on the giants and feared but Caleb and Joshua had a different testimony. They chose to focus on God and his ability and not in their own strength. As long as you look to your own strength you will faint in the day of adversity.
While the others were having a fit and throwing tantrums, Caleb silenced them in Numbers 13:30 and says “Let us go up at once and take possession for we are well able to overcome it.” No more delays people. Let us stop debating about the giants. Yes, they are there. Yes, of ourselves we have no strength. But if God is for us, who can stand before us?!! Ready yourselves for battle. Let us go and possess this exceedingly good land for we are well able. Your ability to possess the land is not based on you, it is based on God’s ability. Remember that all the fullness of God, including his might, power and authority reside in Christ and Christ dwells in you. You have within you all you need to take possession in your area of calling.
Caleb and Joshua reveal their source of strength and confidence in Numbers 14:7-9 “…if the Lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us… only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” If you are a born again believer walking in obedience then the Lord delights in you. He will bring you into this land and he will give it to you. What land have you been shut out of? Is it marriage? Children? Wealth? Health? What is missing in your life? Engage in battle. The Lord delights in you and he will surely give it to you. Do not be afraid of the giants standing in your way. Do not be afraid of the obstacles that seem insurmountable. God is the one who has the responsibility of bringing you into the land. He will give you step by step instructions on how to wage this way and if you listen and obey him you will be victorious.
As for the giants, they are bread for you. Bread is to be eaten. Devour the enemy. Do not give him a second of respite. Stay alert. Guard your loins with truth. Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit and stand firm. This is your finest hour for victory. You will Possess by War in this season. Ride fearless against the enemy. Full speed ahead into the battle. The Banner over you is Victory. Jehovah Nissi goes ahead of you.
NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER
When you know that your rock is with you and that he will not leave you or forsake you in your time of need, it becomes easier to go full speed ahead into battle. No weapon formed against you will prevail. They shall not prevail. Just keep your eyes on Jesus and fear will not enter your heart. Your enemies shall not route you for God has commanded victory for you from Zion. What a wonderful God we serve. In this season of war, I declare that victory is your portion. You will not retreat and you will not surrender to the enemy in Jesus name.
Ps 78: 7-11 talks about a time when Israel fled from their enemy and gives us insight of why they did it. It starts by encouraging the Israelites to tell the generations of the power and might of God.
“That they may set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments. And may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; they refused to walk in His law, and forgot his works and his wonders that he had shown them.”
It is not your portion. If you are armed and ready for war, you shall not turn back in the day of battle. But shall go on to the fight and victory shall be yours. From this passage I am encouraged to do the following:
• First, I must set my heart aright. I must make up my mind that I am not retreating nor surrendering to the enemy. I am not turning back but will press on to victory in Jesus name.
• Second, I must set my hope in God. I must know and understand clearly that he is the bringer of victory. It is the Lord who will bring me into the land to possess it.
• Third, I must keep in mind the great victories God has won for his people in the past. I can read about them in his word and meditate on past victories he has won for me. This will be an encouragement to me in the process.
• Fourth, I must walk in obedience of every instruction that the Lord gives me. No rebellion or stubbornness in the army of the Lord. If I am willing and obedient I shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).
• Fifth, my spirit must be faithful to the Lord. I must be determined to follow him to the end and if I die, I die.
Ps 78: 7-11 talks about a time when Israel fled from their enemy and gives us insight of why they did it. It starts by encouraging the Israelites to tell the generations of the power and might of God.
“That they may set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments. And may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. They did not keep the covenant of God; they refused to walk in His law, and forgot his works and his wonders that he had shown them.”
It is not your portion. If you are armed and ready for war, you shall not turn back in the day of battle. But shall go on to the fight and victory shall be yours. From this passage I am encouraged to do the following:
• First, I must set my heart aright. I must make up my mind that I am not retreating nor surrendering to the enemy. I am not turning back but will press on to victory in Jesus name.
• Second, I must set my hope in God. I must know and understand clearly that he is the bringer of victory. It is the Lord who will bring me into the land to possess it.
• Third, I must keep in mind the great victories God has won for his people in the past. I can read about them in his word and meditate on past victories he has won for me. This will be an encouragement to me in the process.
• Fourth, I must walk in obedience of every instruction that the Lord gives me. No rebellion or stubbornness in the army of the Lord. If I am willing and obedient I shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).
• Fifth, my spirit must be faithful to the Lord. I must be determined to follow him to the end and if I die, I die.
SOUND THE BATTLE CRY OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Deut 1:21
“Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.”
Deut 2:24-25,31,36b
“Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, King of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle. This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you… I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to possess it, that you may inherit his land… there was not one city too strong for us, the Lord our God delivered all to us.”
Deut 3:2-3
“And the Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land into your hand; you shall do to him as you did to Sihon King of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon. So the Lord our God also delivered into our hands Og King of Bashan, with all his people, and we attacked him until he had no survivors remaining.”
Deut 3:22
“You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you.”
Deut 4:37b-38
“… and He brought you out of Egypt with his Presence, with His mighty power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, TO BRING YOU IN, to give you their land as an inheritance, as it is this day.”
“Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.”
Deut 2:24-25,31,36b
“Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, King of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle. This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the nations under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you… I have begun to give Sihon and his land over to you. Begin to possess it, that you may inherit his land… there was not one city too strong for us, the Lord our God delivered all to us.”
Deut 3:2-3
“And the Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have delivered him and all his people and his land into your hand; you shall do to him as you did to Sihon King of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon. So the Lord our God also delivered into our hands Og King of Bashan, with all his people, and we attacked him until he had no survivors remaining.”
Deut 3:22
“You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you.”
Deut 4:37b-38
“… and He brought you out of Egypt with his Presence, with His mighty power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, TO BRING YOU IN, to give you their land as an inheritance, as it is this day.”
Friday, October 16, 2009
MIRACULOUS HEALING IN THE SHOWER
Hey!! God has just done me well. For the last 2 months I have been having trouble with my jaw. It felt out of alignment and was making clicking sounds when I chewed until 3 weeks ago when it became worse. It became painful and I could not chew so I went to see the dentist. They did everything they could. They took an x-ray and saw nothing. Then they knocked on my teeth with a steel bar and they were fine so they couldn’t figure out what was up. He thought it was an infection and gave me antibiotics and pain pills for a week. The pain eased up and I felt better but as soon as my dose of meds was over I was back to square one.
This time I resolved to see a GP in the hopes of being referred to a specialist. That is exactly what happened. The specialist hit right at the gland and knew where my pain was. I thought to myself “This one has hit it head on. He must know what he is talking about.” I was put on more meds. Stronger antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pills and more pain meds. As long as I was on the meds I was doing good, but as soon as they were done I was back to square one. I was getting frustrated.
I went back to the doc on Wednesday and he was surprised that the meds had not done what they were supposed to. He of course put me on another regimen this time with a medicament that I would paint on to the site of the glad. It would numb it and I was able to chew and such. This morning after I had posted my blogs and prayed to God about my role as a kingdom financier I went to the shower. I was washing my face when suddenly it felt like someone grabbed my jaws and moved them roughly one way and then the other causing my teeth to grind loudly against each other. There was no pain and I just instantly knew that God had fixed it. My teeth felt aligned and I could clench them, something I have not been able to do for 2 months.
As I was giving God the glory for my healing he said to me “This is a sign to you that you have aligned yourself with heaven just as your jaw has been aligned.” I am so blessed. I am testifying to everyone that God has healed my jaw. What a mighty God we serve!!!
This time I resolved to see a GP in the hopes of being referred to a specialist. That is exactly what happened. The specialist hit right at the gland and knew where my pain was. I thought to myself “This one has hit it head on. He must know what he is talking about.” I was put on more meds. Stronger antibiotics, anti-inflammatory pills and more pain meds. As long as I was on the meds I was doing good, but as soon as they were done I was back to square one. I was getting frustrated.
I went back to the doc on Wednesday and he was surprised that the meds had not done what they were supposed to. He of course put me on another regimen this time with a medicament that I would paint on to the site of the glad. It would numb it and I was able to chew and such. This morning after I had posted my blogs and prayed to God about my role as a kingdom financier I went to the shower. I was washing my face when suddenly it felt like someone grabbed my jaws and moved them roughly one way and then the other causing my teeth to grind loudly against each other. There was no pain and I just instantly knew that God had fixed it. My teeth felt aligned and I could clench them, something I have not been able to do for 2 months.
As I was giving God the glory for my healing he said to me “This is a sign to you that you have aligned yourself with heaven just as your jaw has been aligned.” I am so blessed. I am testifying to everyone that God has healed my jaw. What a mighty God we serve!!!
BEWARE OF COVETOUSNESS
Having been called to finance the Kingdom of God and mandated to plunder the treasuries of darkness with the help of Almighty God, bringing out the hidden riches in secret places that they may be used for their rightful purpose in Christ; this is a warning in season. There are treasures to be retrieved and used for the Kingdom of God but if I am not wise I will fall into the trap of covetousness. In Luke 12 vs 15 to 21 Jesus addresses the issue.
15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Your life is not about the things that you possess. When you die, to whom will they go? Solomon said in the book of Ecclesiastes that he had seen a great evil on the earth. A man, toiling all his life to amass great wealth, only to leave it to those who had no idea of the struggle he had endured and who consequently misused that wealth.
Notice in vs 16 that this man’s ground brought forth plentifully. What do you have that God has not given you? Your hard work would bear thorns and thistles were the Lord to leave you to your own devices. It is Jehovah who blesses the work of your hands so that they bring forth plentifully. If he has called you to finance his Kingdom, he will do so even more abundantly, but like in the wilderness, the Gold is to be used to worship him. You can’t therefore make a golden calf out of it by storing it in all manner of banks thinking that you can now relax and live large for the rest of your life.
The Lord calls this man foolish. Hoarding and coveting is foolish thinking!! Laying up treasures for yourself at the expense of your relationship with God is the height of futility. May you not fall into this trap of the enemy that has brought down many mighty men. Do the will of God with the money he puts into your hand that it may be well with you when your life is required of you and you stand before the judgment seat of God.
15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Your life is not about the things that you possess. When you die, to whom will they go? Solomon said in the book of Ecclesiastes that he had seen a great evil on the earth. A man, toiling all his life to amass great wealth, only to leave it to those who had no idea of the struggle he had endured and who consequently misused that wealth.
Notice in vs 16 that this man’s ground brought forth plentifully. What do you have that God has not given you? Your hard work would bear thorns and thistles were the Lord to leave you to your own devices. It is Jehovah who blesses the work of your hands so that they bring forth plentifully. If he has called you to finance his Kingdom, he will do so even more abundantly, but like in the wilderness, the Gold is to be used to worship him. You can’t therefore make a golden calf out of it by storing it in all manner of banks thinking that you can now relax and live large for the rest of your life.
The Lord calls this man foolish. Hoarding and coveting is foolish thinking!! Laying up treasures for yourself at the expense of your relationship with God is the height of futility. May you not fall into this trap of the enemy that has brought down many mighty men. Do the will of God with the money he puts into your hand that it may be well with you when your life is required of you and you stand before the judgment seat of God.
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY
The sin of covetousness is rooted in worry and fear that you will not have enough for your own needs. I am in a place where God has demanded two thirds of my salary for the Kingdom. That is way ahead of what I had planned. I have been in a place where I was looking at God and thinking, “This God can’t be serious. How I’m I ever going to accomplish my goals with this kind of giving?” But once again the word of God has proven to be the anchor of my soul. Luke 12:22 - 34
22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Where is your treasure? That is where your heart is. As a Kingdom financier God calls you to a higher plane of saving. A plan that does not fail but yields its return in due season. In these times of unstable and failing economies, the Lord says to put your treasures where nothing can affect them. Where market crashes cannot reach them. Build your treasure first and foremost in heaven by giving.
This passage of scripture starts by saying that we ought not to worry about our own lives, what we shall eat, drink, wear or live among other things. Why, because our Father in heaven knows that we have need of these things and like any other Father, he wants to provide for his own. When you begin to think “What about me?” the sin of covetousness can easily creep in so that you begin to hoard for yourself that which God has put into your hand for distribution. Man is easily deceived because of labor. We tend to think to ourselves “I worked for it; therefore I deserve the lion’s share.” Not so with God. He says “I enabled your success, I gave you life, wisdom, a brain that works, good health, daylight in which to work, food in your belly and so much more. Therefore the lion’s share is mine.” Who can fault him? As a Kingdom financier 10% is the minimum giving standard, not the epitome of it.
God is a Father. All he wants is our trust even when we can’t figure out how it will work. Therefore we must not have any doubts in his ability to meet our needs. He knows that we have need of these things. All we need to do is make mention of them in prayer with thanksgiving and whole hearted trust. His peace will guard our hearts and minds and our needs will be met in time.
It says to seek first the Kingdom of God. First settle the things of the Kingdom. Do what he asks you to do. And all the things you need will be added to you as you go. God is not unjust, neither is he a wicked God. He is watching over his word to perform it in your life. Will you take him at his word? Will you give as he commands you to and trust without a doubtful mind that he will add to you all that you need and more? Jesus concludes this passage by telling his disciples to fear not. The good pleasure of our Father in heaven is to give us the Kingdom and within the Kingdom is all you will ever need to enjoy this life. Banish fear. Banish doubt. Banish mistrust. Abandon yourself to God with a reckless abandonment and watch Jehovah be Jireh to you in a whole new dimension. What a wonderful God we serve.
22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Where is your treasure? That is where your heart is. As a Kingdom financier God calls you to a higher plane of saving. A plan that does not fail but yields its return in due season. In these times of unstable and failing economies, the Lord says to put your treasures where nothing can affect them. Where market crashes cannot reach them. Build your treasure first and foremost in heaven by giving.
This passage of scripture starts by saying that we ought not to worry about our own lives, what we shall eat, drink, wear or live among other things. Why, because our Father in heaven knows that we have need of these things and like any other Father, he wants to provide for his own. When you begin to think “What about me?” the sin of covetousness can easily creep in so that you begin to hoard for yourself that which God has put into your hand for distribution. Man is easily deceived because of labor. We tend to think to ourselves “I worked for it; therefore I deserve the lion’s share.” Not so with God. He says “I enabled your success, I gave you life, wisdom, a brain that works, good health, daylight in which to work, food in your belly and so much more. Therefore the lion’s share is mine.” Who can fault him? As a Kingdom financier 10% is the minimum giving standard, not the epitome of it.
God is a Father. All he wants is our trust even when we can’t figure out how it will work. Therefore we must not have any doubts in his ability to meet our needs. He knows that we have need of these things. All we need to do is make mention of them in prayer with thanksgiving and whole hearted trust. His peace will guard our hearts and minds and our needs will be met in time.
It says to seek first the Kingdom of God. First settle the things of the Kingdom. Do what he asks you to do. And all the things you need will be added to you as you go. God is not unjust, neither is he a wicked God. He is watching over his word to perform it in your life. Will you take him at his word? Will you give as he commands you to and trust without a doubtful mind that he will add to you all that you need and more? Jesus concludes this passage by telling his disciples to fear not. The good pleasure of our Father in heaven is to give us the Kingdom and within the Kingdom is all you will ever need to enjoy this life. Banish fear. Banish doubt. Banish mistrust. Abandon yourself to God with a reckless abandonment and watch Jehovah be Jireh to you in a whole new dimension. What a wonderful God we serve.
HOW SHALL HE FIND YOU WHEN HE COMES?
For all you people in the marketplace take heed of the fact that God is a business man. He leaves you in charge of things as chief steward for a while, but he will always check the books of accounts and reconcile what he has put in your hand and what you have done with it. It’s just good business. You must therefore be faithful every day and have a faithfulness that endures. Luke 22:35 - 48
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 AND THAT SERVANT, WHICH KNEW HIS LORD'S WILL, AND PREPARED NOT HIMSELF, NEITHER DID ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, SHALL BE BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES.
48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
What a revealing passage of scripture. I believe that the Lord has a reward for every Kingdom financier he has appointed. He has put wealth in our hands and allocated us people to take care of and ministries to support. Two kinds of stewards are described in this passage:
The Good Steward
This guy is ever conscious that his Lord will return for an accounting of the books. He is diligent in making sure that those under his care receive their meet in season. He has guarded his loins with the belt of truth and has kept his light burning. When the Lord comes back, he opens the door for him immediately as he has nothing to hide.
The Bad Steward
This guy gets to a point where he thinks his Lord is taking too long to come back and as a result he slacks on his job. He does not give the people under his care their portion as he should and even beats them, making life very difficult for those in his charge. Instead of providing for others as he is mandated, he takes their portion to eat, drink and get drunk. When his Lord comes to check the books of account, he has nothing good to show. He forgot to seek first the Kingdom and sought his own comfort and pleasure first.
The Reward
The Lord of the Estate finally comes back and after reviewing the books decides to pass out reward and punishment. The good steward is sat at a table and the Lord himself meets his every need and serves him. Then he promotes him, making him ruler over all he has. If you are faithful with little you will be made ruler over much.
Then he reviews the books of the bad steward. He is not amused to find them in disarray and knowing what this guy has been doing, he ensures that he is beaten with many stripes. This guy has it worse than the guy who did not have a clue and messed up. He is severely punished because he knew what he should have done, but chose to walk in covetousness and disobedience. The worst part is that he is given his portion among the unbelievers!!! Disobedience and covetousness will lead to eternal damnation. Do not be deceived.
As a kingdom financier you have been appointed over the Lord’s finances. Which category do you fall under? Are you a good steward, giving out portions to those in need as required by the Lord, or have you fallen into the sin of the bad steward? Gird your loins with the truth of God’s word and keep your light burning. Pray with me:
Our Lord who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I repent of how I have handled my stewardship so far. Sometimes thinking that you will not require an accounting and letting what you have put in my hand go to my head. Forgive me. Cleanse away this sin and its consequences with the blood of Jesus Christ and show me how I can make things right. I choose to walk the way of the good steward. And when the time comes to audit the accounts I will be ready for you and for the reward you carry for me. Be blessed by how I live my life and walk out my stewardship. I love you Lord and vow to be faithful to you, with your help, all the days of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;
46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.
47 AND THAT SERVANT, WHICH KNEW HIS LORD'S WILL, AND PREPARED NOT HIMSELF, NEITHER DID ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, SHALL BE BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES.
48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
What a revealing passage of scripture. I believe that the Lord has a reward for every Kingdom financier he has appointed. He has put wealth in our hands and allocated us people to take care of and ministries to support. Two kinds of stewards are described in this passage:
The Good Steward
This guy is ever conscious that his Lord will return for an accounting of the books. He is diligent in making sure that those under his care receive their meet in season. He has guarded his loins with the belt of truth and has kept his light burning. When the Lord comes back, he opens the door for him immediately as he has nothing to hide.
The Bad Steward
This guy gets to a point where he thinks his Lord is taking too long to come back and as a result he slacks on his job. He does not give the people under his care their portion as he should and even beats them, making life very difficult for those in his charge. Instead of providing for others as he is mandated, he takes their portion to eat, drink and get drunk. When his Lord comes to check the books of account, he has nothing good to show. He forgot to seek first the Kingdom and sought his own comfort and pleasure first.
The Reward
The Lord of the Estate finally comes back and after reviewing the books decides to pass out reward and punishment. The good steward is sat at a table and the Lord himself meets his every need and serves him. Then he promotes him, making him ruler over all he has. If you are faithful with little you will be made ruler over much.
Then he reviews the books of the bad steward. He is not amused to find them in disarray and knowing what this guy has been doing, he ensures that he is beaten with many stripes. This guy has it worse than the guy who did not have a clue and messed up. He is severely punished because he knew what he should have done, but chose to walk in covetousness and disobedience. The worst part is that he is given his portion among the unbelievers!!! Disobedience and covetousness will lead to eternal damnation. Do not be deceived.
As a kingdom financier you have been appointed over the Lord’s finances. Which category do you fall under? Are you a good steward, giving out portions to those in need as required by the Lord, or have you fallen into the sin of the bad steward? Gird your loins with the truth of God’s word and keep your light burning. Pray with me:
Our Lord who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I repent of how I have handled my stewardship so far. Sometimes thinking that you will not require an accounting and letting what you have put in my hand go to my head. Forgive me. Cleanse away this sin and its consequences with the blood of Jesus Christ and show me how I can make things right. I choose to walk the way of the good steward. And when the time comes to audit the accounts I will be ready for you and for the reward you carry for me. Be blessed by how I live my life and walk out my stewardship. I love you Lord and vow to be faithful to you, with your help, all the days of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
THE SIN OF COVETOUSNESS
According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COVETOUSNESS can be defined as follows:
kuv'-et-us-nes: Has a variety of shades of meaning determined largely by the nature of the particular word used, or the context, or both. Following are some of the uses:
(1) To gain dishonestly (batsa`), e.g. the King James Version Exodus 18:21 Ezekiel 33:31.
(2) The wish to have more than one possesses, inordinately, of course (pleonexia), e.g. Luke 12:15 1 Thessalonians 2:5.
(3) An inordinate love of money philarguros, the King James Version Luke 16:14 2 Timothy 3:2; philarguria, 1 Timothy 6:10; negative in Hebrews 13:5, the King James Version.
Covetousness is a very grave sin; indeed, so heinous is it that the Scriptures class it among the very gravest and grossest crimes (Ephesians 5:3). In Colossians 3:5 it is "idolatry," while in 1 Corinthians 6:10 it is set forth as excluding a man from heaven. Its heinousness, doubtless, is accounted for by its being in a very real sense the root of so many other forms of sin, e.g. departure from the faith (1 Timothy 6:9, 10); lying (2 Kings 5:22-25); theft (Joshua 7:21); domestic trouble (Proverbs 15:27); murder (Ezekiel 22:12); indeed, it leads to "many foolish and hurtful lusts" (1 Timothy 6:9). Covetousness has always been a very serious menace to mankind, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament period. It was one of the first sins that broke out after Israel had entered into the promised land (Achan, Jos 7); and also in the early Christian church immediately after its founding (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5); hence, so many warnings against it. A careful reading of the Old Testament will reveal the fact that a very great part of the Jewish law-such as its enactments and regulations regarding duties toward the poor, toward servants; concerning gleaning, usury, pledges, gold and silver taken during war-was introduced and intended to counteract the spirit of covetousness.
Eerdmans maintains (Expos, July, 1909) that the commandment, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house" (Exodus 20:17), meant to the Israelite that he should not take anything of his neighbor's possessions that were momentarily unprotected by their owner. Compare Exodus 34:23. Thus, it refers to a category of acts that is not covered by the commandment, "Thou shalt not steal." It is an oriental habit of mind from of old that when anyone sees abandoned goods which he thinks desirable, there is not the least objection to taking them, and Exodus 20:17 b is probably an explanation of what is to be understood by "house" in Exodus 20:17 a.
Examples of covetousness: Achan (Joshua 7); Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).
kuv'-et-us-nes: Has a variety of shades of meaning determined largely by the nature of the particular word used, or the context, or both. Following are some of the uses:
(1) To gain dishonestly (batsa`), e.g. the King James Version Exodus 18:21 Ezekiel 33:31.
(2) The wish to have more than one possesses, inordinately, of course (pleonexia), e.g. Luke 12:15 1 Thessalonians 2:5.
(3) An inordinate love of money philarguros, the King James Version Luke 16:14 2 Timothy 3:2; philarguria, 1 Timothy 6:10; negative in Hebrews 13:5, the King James Version.
Covetousness is a very grave sin; indeed, so heinous is it that the Scriptures class it among the very gravest and grossest crimes (Ephesians 5:3). In Colossians 3:5 it is "idolatry," while in 1 Corinthians 6:10 it is set forth as excluding a man from heaven. Its heinousness, doubtless, is accounted for by its being in a very real sense the root of so many other forms of sin, e.g. departure from the faith (1 Timothy 6:9, 10); lying (2 Kings 5:22-25); theft (Joshua 7:21); domestic trouble (Proverbs 15:27); murder (Ezekiel 22:12); indeed, it leads to "many foolish and hurtful lusts" (1 Timothy 6:9). Covetousness has always been a very serious menace to mankind, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament period. It was one of the first sins that broke out after Israel had entered into the promised land (Achan, Jos 7); and also in the early Christian church immediately after its founding (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5); hence, so many warnings against it. A careful reading of the Old Testament will reveal the fact that a very great part of the Jewish law-such as its enactments and regulations regarding duties toward the poor, toward servants; concerning gleaning, usury, pledges, gold and silver taken during war-was introduced and intended to counteract the spirit of covetousness.
Eerdmans maintains (Expos, July, 1909) that the commandment, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house" (Exodus 20:17), meant to the Israelite that he should not take anything of his neighbor's possessions that were momentarily unprotected by their owner. Compare Exodus 34:23. Thus, it refers to a category of acts that is not covered by the commandment, "Thou shalt not steal." It is an oriental habit of mind from of old that when anyone sees abandoned goods which he thinks desirable, there is not the least objection to taking them, and Exodus 20:17 b is probably an explanation of what is to be understood by "house" in Exodus 20:17 a.
Examples of covetousness: Achan (Joshua 7); Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).
ACHAN'S ERROR
Jesus in Luke 12:15 warns
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
When one is called to finance the Kingdom of God with a mandate to plunder the treasuries of the secret places of darkness, the number one thing that the devil will bring into your life is covetousness. An inordinate desire to possess and keep for yourself the wealth and possessions put in your hand by the Lord. In truth, you are a steward and the wealth God puts in your hand is to be used for other purposes. He is not unjust, he will ensure that you have all you need and more besides, but if he puts something in your hand for someone else, you will need to give it to the necessary party.
In Joshua 7 we read the story of Achan which is in truth the sin of covetousness. Everything they found in Jericho was to be offered to the Lord in total destruction, regardless of how good, beautiful or valuable it was. In verse 20 - 21 Achan gives his explanation:
“It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them…”
God had not allocated them to him as meat and by taking them for himself he exposed Israel to the enemy. Of note is God’s extremely angry reaction in all this. Vs 10 – 15
• Covetousness is sin and a violation of our covenant with God.
• Covetousness results in lies and theft.
• Covetousness leads to alienation from God and his protection.
• You will not be able to stand before the enemy but will run from the enemy in disgrace and shame.
• Covetousness makes you liable for destruction. You become a candidate for destruction.
If you have been involved in the sin of covetousness you must do the following:
• Repent and consecrate yourself before the Lord.
• Ask him to show you the thing that you have coveted and that has brought destruction.
• Remove the accursed thing from among you and do the needful, either give it to the rightful party or destroy it as the Spirit of the Lord leads.
Achan, after he was found with the accursed things was destroyed by fire. As long as the accursed thing remains with you, you will surely be destroyed along with it.
After the destruction of Achan and the accursed thing the Lord went on to encourage Joshua for battle and led him to a mighty victory where he had been easily beaten before. This is your portion as well. Pray this prayer with me.
Dear Lord Jesus, I approach the throne of grace with fear and trembling for I too like Achan have taken the accursed thing and it is surely in my midst. I stand before you an open book O’ God for nothing can be hidden from you. Forgive me Lord. Forgive me and cleanse me with the Blood of your son Jesus Christ. Let this sin not be counted against me oh Lord that I may escape destruction by the blood of the Lamb Jesus. Master, show me where I have sinned against you in covetousness and show me how to make it right. Remove the accursed thing from my midst oh Lord. Do it, that I may live O God to glorify and honor you all the days of my life. I am yours my Lord. I thank you for hearing my simple prayer and I know that you will begin to show me where I have sinned in covetousness. I promise to take action as you will require me to. I thank you and honor you oh Lord. Lead me to victory in you like you did Joshua and let your name be a praise in my life forever. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Examples of covetousness: Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).
"And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
When one is called to finance the Kingdom of God with a mandate to plunder the treasuries of the secret places of darkness, the number one thing that the devil will bring into your life is covetousness. An inordinate desire to possess and keep for yourself the wealth and possessions put in your hand by the Lord. In truth, you are a steward and the wealth God puts in your hand is to be used for other purposes. He is not unjust, he will ensure that you have all you need and more besides, but if he puts something in your hand for someone else, you will need to give it to the necessary party.
In Joshua 7 we read the story of Achan which is in truth the sin of covetousness. Everything they found in Jericho was to be offered to the Lord in total destruction, regardless of how good, beautiful or valuable it was. In verse 20 - 21 Achan gives his explanation:
“It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them…”
God had not allocated them to him as meat and by taking them for himself he exposed Israel to the enemy. Of note is God’s extremely angry reaction in all this. Vs 10 – 15
• Covetousness is sin and a violation of our covenant with God.
• Covetousness results in lies and theft.
• Covetousness leads to alienation from God and his protection.
• You will not be able to stand before the enemy but will run from the enemy in disgrace and shame.
• Covetousness makes you liable for destruction. You become a candidate for destruction.
If you have been involved in the sin of covetousness you must do the following:
• Repent and consecrate yourself before the Lord.
• Ask him to show you the thing that you have coveted and that has brought destruction.
• Remove the accursed thing from among you and do the needful, either give it to the rightful party or destroy it as the Spirit of the Lord leads.
Achan, after he was found with the accursed things was destroyed by fire. As long as the accursed thing remains with you, you will surely be destroyed along with it.
After the destruction of Achan and the accursed thing the Lord went on to encourage Joshua for battle and led him to a mighty victory where he had been easily beaten before. This is your portion as well. Pray this prayer with me.
Dear Lord Jesus, I approach the throne of grace with fear and trembling for I too like Achan have taken the accursed thing and it is surely in my midst. I stand before you an open book O’ God for nothing can be hidden from you. Forgive me Lord. Forgive me and cleanse me with the Blood of your son Jesus Christ. Let this sin not be counted against me oh Lord that I may escape destruction by the blood of the Lamb Jesus. Master, show me where I have sinned against you in covetousness and show me how to make it right. Remove the accursed thing from my midst oh Lord. Do it, that I may live O God to glorify and honor you all the days of my life. I am yours my Lord. I thank you for hearing my simple prayer and I know that you will begin to show me where I have sinned in covetousness. I promise to take action as you will require me to. I thank you and honor you oh Lord. Lead me to victory in you like you did Joshua and let your name be a praise in my life forever. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Examples of covetousness: Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 19); Judas (Matthew 26:14, 15); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).
BALAAM’S ERROR
Jude in vs 11 speaks of a certain type of person. He says “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.”
Peter refers to Balaam’s error in 2 Peter 2:15 saying “they have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey – a beast without speech – who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness”
The story of Balaam is told in the book of Numbers Chapter 22 – 24. It is the story of a man who had the ability to hear God clearly. He heard what the Lord said to him, that he was not to go with the men sent by Balak, but his heart was enticed by the promised reward and because he really wanted to go, the Lord allowed him to. Have you ever heard God say not to do something, but even though you are not doing the said thing, your heart is longing for the pay off? You’re thinking, “Man! If I had not given that seed I would still have money to spend on new clothes that I would like to have and even need”
I have learned that this kind of thinking is the seed of covetousness. Balaam went to meet with Balak because he hoped that somewhere along the way God would let him curse Israel and he would get the coveted reward. As in the story of Achan in Joshua 7, note how angry God is. The sin of covetousness vexes him violently!!! God was so angry with him that he sent an angel with drawn sword to destroy him. Any time you see an angel with drawn sword in the word it means that there is impending destruction. Ask David at the threshold of Arauna!!! The sin of covetousness immediately calls for the destruction of the person coveting.
In vs 32 – 33 the angel of the Lord tells Balaam “…I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me… I would certainly have killed you by now.”
The path of covetousness is a reckless one before the Lord. Jehovah himself will oppose you if you are a covetous person and death and destruction will be the only thing left in your wake instead of glory and honor. Pray with me:
Lord God, hitherto my path has been a reckless one before you. I have coveted much. Even the seed I have given to you. For that reason the seed has not produced for me and you have stood up to oppose me. Forgive this sin in my life Oh Lord. Cleanse me and make me whole before you once again. I see and recognize my sin Lord and backtrack to the place where I left the straightway and joined in Balaam’s error. Forgive me and order my steps in a way that is pleasing to you. Resurrect and bring to life every seed that has lain dormant because of my futile thinking and covetous thoughts. Let my seeds bring forth to the glory and honor of your name. No more will I give where you tell me to with a covetous heart and with wrong thoughts. Purify and cleanse me. Set me aright once more and I will praise you in the congregation of the righteous. Thank you for loving me enough to correct my erroneous ways. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Peter refers to Balaam’s error in 2 Peter 2:15 saying “they have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey – a beast without speech – who spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness”
The story of Balaam is told in the book of Numbers Chapter 22 – 24. It is the story of a man who had the ability to hear God clearly. He heard what the Lord said to him, that he was not to go with the men sent by Balak, but his heart was enticed by the promised reward and because he really wanted to go, the Lord allowed him to. Have you ever heard God say not to do something, but even though you are not doing the said thing, your heart is longing for the pay off? You’re thinking, “Man! If I had not given that seed I would still have money to spend on new clothes that I would like to have and even need”
I have learned that this kind of thinking is the seed of covetousness. Balaam went to meet with Balak because he hoped that somewhere along the way God would let him curse Israel and he would get the coveted reward. As in the story of Achan in Joshua 7, note how angry God is. The sin of covetousness vexes him violently!!! God was so angry with him that he sent an angel with drawn sword to destroy him. Any time you see an angel with drawn sword in the word it means that there is impending destruction. Ask David at the threshold of Arauna!!! The sin of covetousness immediately calls for the destruction of the person coveting.
In vs 32 – 33 the angel of the Lord tells Balaam “…I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me… I would certainly have killed you by now.”
The path of covetousness is a reckless one before the Lord. Jehovah himself will oppose you if you are a covetous person and death and destruction will be the only thing left in your wake instead of glory and honor. Pray with me:
Lord God, hitherto my path has been a reckless one before you. I have coveted much. Even the seed I have given to you. For that reason the seed has not produced for me and you have stood up to oppose me. Forgive this sin in my life Oh Lord. Cleanse me and make me whole before you once again. I see and recognize my sin Lord and backtrack to the place where I left the straightway and joined in Balaam’s error. Forgive me and order my steps in a way that is pleasing to you. Resurrect and bring to life every seed that has lain dormant because of my futile thinking and covetous thoughts. Let my seeds bring forth to the glory and honor of your name. No more will I give where you tell me to with a covetous heart and with wrong thoughts. Purify and cleanse me. Set me aright once more and I will praise you in the congregation of the righteous. Thank you for loving me enough to correct my erroneous ways. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
SAUL’S ERROR
Saul was a handsome and tall man. He stood head and shoulders above all Israel, but covetousness reduced him to nothing in the eyes of the Lord his God who took his throne away from him and handed it to David a man after God’s own heart. David had much wealth because if you will do right as a steward of Kingdom finances, God will reward you. He is not unjust. How can the pipe carry water and not get wet?
Saul was sent on a mission by Jehovah God to totally destroy the Amalekites and all that they possessed. However, covetousness caused him to reject and disobey the word of the Living God. 1 Sam 15: 9 – 24 tells the story of what happened when Saul came home having led what he considered a successful attack on Amalek. “…But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs – everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak, they totally destroyed.”
That which they did not really care for they were willing to destroy. As a Kingdom financier God will often require you to give that which you love and would rather keep for yourself. If you choose to keep that thing for yourself, it will be to you an accursed thing that marks you for destruction. However, if you surrender it joyfully, God will bring it back to you good measure, pressed down and shaken together. He is not a wicked God who only wants to make you envious by passing wonderful things before your very eyes and through your hands to someone else. Your own is on its way and it is greater and better than that which you now hold in your hands. Pass it on to the person God commands and see the faithfulness of Jehovah in action.
Saul made his sin worse by refusing to acknowledge it. He said to Samuel in vs 20 “’But I did obey the Lord,’ Saul said. ‘I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their King. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.’”
Changing the given instructions to suit your better judgment is sin. Sometimes the Lord will give you an instruction to give in a place that you really think the money will not be much appreciated. You may think to yourself “Why sow into that ministry. I would rather give to the orphanage next door as they need the money more.” As a steward of what God has put in your hand, you are not the one in charge of what is to be done with the money. The owner, God, is in charge. Let him decide what is to be done. Saul considered the total destruction of the sheep and cattle a total waste and in following his better judgment instead of the proceeding word of the Lord he committed a grievous sin. So bad was it that Samuel told him the following in vs 22-23
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.”
Thinking that your judgment is better than God’s is the height of rebellion and arrogance. You are no different from a witchdoctor or sorcerer and an idolater. How grievous is the sin of covetousness. What a lie of the devil!!
Obedience is the Father’s joy. Consider him all wise. Consider him all knowing. Let your wisdom and judgments find no place in the light of his. Oh my Lord. Forgive us for the times we have thought ourselves wiser than you. Forgive us for the times we have thought that we know better than you. Wash the guilt of our sins far from us for we have become to you like sorcerers, witchdoctors and magicians. We have become like them who bow down to idols because of our arrogance and rebellion. Oh God forgive, and bring us back to the straight paths that we may be a blessing to you once more in Jesus name.
The consequences of this sin that was rooted in covetousness were that God rejected Saul for rejecting his word. There is great danger in rejecting the word and instruction of the Lord. Why risk being rejected by the Most High because of covetousness?
On seeing that God was going to take the throne from him, Saul makes a half hearted apology but God see’s through it and Samuel confirms the word of the Lord with a prophetic act that happened by mistake. Saul clutches Samuel’s robe and it tears in his hand. Samuel seals the word of the Lord in vs 28 – 29 “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors – to one better than you. He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.”
The throne was given to David son of Jesse and he was considered better than Saul because his heart panted after God and not things. However, David also fell into the sin of covetousness.
Saul was sent on a mission by Jehovah God to totally destroy the Amalekites and all that they possessed. However, covetousness caused him to reject and disobey the word of the Living God. 1 Sam 15: 9 – 24 tells the story of what happened when Saul came home having led what he considered a successful attack on Amalek. “…But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs – everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak, they totally destroyed.”
That which they did not really care for they were willing to destroy. As a Kingdom financier God will often require you to give that which you love and would rather keep for yourself. If you choose to keep that thing for yourself, it will be to you an accursed thing that marks you for destruction. However, if you surrender it joyfully, God will bring it back to you good measure, pressed down and shaken together. He is not a wicked God who only wants to make you envious by passing wonderful things before your very eyes and through your hands to someone else. Your own is on its way and it is greater and better than that which you now hold in your hands. Pass it on to the person God commands and see the faithfulness of Jehovah in action.
Saul made his sin worse by refusing to acknowledge it. He said to Samuel in vs 20 “’But I did obey the Lord,’ Saul said. ‘I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their King. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.’”
Changing the given instructions to suit your better judgment is sin. Sometimes the Lord will give you an instruction to give in a place that you really think the money will not be much appreciated. You may think to yourself “Why sow into that ministry. I would rather give to the orphanage next door as they need the money more.” As a steward of what God has put in your hand, you are not the one in charge of what is to be done with the money. The owner, God, is in charge. Let him decide what is to be done. Saul considered the total destruction of the sheep and cattle a total waste and in following his better judgment instead of the proceeding word of the Lord he committed a grievous sin. So bad was it that Samuel told him the following in vs 22-23
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.”
Thinking that your judgment is better than God’s is the height of rebellion and arrogance. You are no different from a witchdoctor or sorcerer and an idolater. How grievous is the sin of covetousness. What a lie of the devil!!
Obedience is the Father’s joy. Consider him all wise. Consider him all knowing. Let your wisdom and judgments find no place in the light of his. Oh my Lord. Forgive us for the times we have thought ourselves wiser than you. Forgive us for the times we have thought that we know better than you. Wash the guilt of our sins far from us for we have become to you like sorcerers, witchdoctors and magicians. We have become like them who bow down to idols because of our arrogance and rebellion. Oh God forgive, and bring us back to the straight paths that we may be a blessing to you once more in Jesus name.
The consequences of this sin that was rooted in covetousness were that God rejected Saul for rejecting his word. There is great danger in rejecting the word and instruction of the Lord. Why risk being rejected by the Most High because of covetousness?
On seeing that God was going to take the throne from him, Saul makes a half hearted apology but God see’s through it and Samuel confirms the word of the Lord with a prophetic act that happened by mistake. Saul clutches Samuel’s robe and it tears in his hand. Samuel seals the word of the Lord in vs 28 – 29 “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors – to one better than you. He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.”
The throne was given to David son of Jesse and he was considered better than Saul because his heart panted after God and not things. However, David also fell into the sin of covetousness.
DAVID’S ERROR
David coveted the wife of Uriah, an exceptionally beautiful woman named Bathsheba. The story is narrated in 2 Samuel 11 and 12. When he saw her, he sent out messengers to find out who she was and he was informed that she was married to Uriah the Hittite. The sin of covetousness is a sin that stares the word of God in the face and blatantly chooses to despise, reject and ignore it. If Israel knew anything, they knew the 10 commandments the last of which says among other things “…you shall not covet your neighbors wife…” Exodus 20:17. David looked this command in the face and made a conscious choice to despise, reject and ignore it.
So he goes on to sleep with her, she gets pregnant and now he has to cover up his sin. All his tactics do not work so he resolves to organize her husband’s death after which he marries Bathsheba, gives a great sigh of relief and concludes that all is well with the world. You can imagine his shock when the prophet Nathan looks him in the face and tells all in the presence of God and everyone in the throne room. Not only does he tell him off, he proceeds to speak destruction into his family by the sword and the defiling of his wives in public for a secret sin he hoped no one would find out about. And sure enough, his own son slept with his wives disgracing him in the face of all Israel.
Now when he is found out David responds completely contrary to Saul. Instead of concealing his sin and insisting on his own justification he immediately repents declaring openly that he has sinned before the Lord. See the love of the Lord for mankind. Nathan immediately replies “The Lord has taken away your sin” vs 13. It is the same with us today. As we declare our sin openly before the Lord, our sin is taken away from us. Washed away by the blood of the Lamb Jesus.
The next verse reveals more about what happens when we sin in covetousness. Nathan tells David that in sinning after this fashion, the enemies of the Lord have received an opportunity to show Jehohah utter contempt. The devil and his minions revel in this sin and utterly mock God because it is a sin that looks his word in the face and says "This is utter nonsense.” How horrible!! Yet Jehovah has exalted his word even above his Names. Because of this, his son with Bathsheba dies and though David fasts for his recovery seven days, weeping and repenting before God, the Lord proves his word true. He is a God who does not change his mind after the fashion of men.
However, because he is God, he finds a way to redeem the situation in the midst of the promises of doom and destruction. When Bathsheba conceives again and gives birth to Solomon, the Lord sends the prophet Nathan with a message to name him Jedidiah meaning loved of the Lord. This is God’s way of letting David and Bathsheba know that all is forgiven and when the time comes to select an heir to the throne, the Lord names Solomon King after his father David.
So he goes on to sleep with her, she gets pregnant and now he has to cover up his sin. All his tactics do not work so he resolves to organize her husband’s death after which he marries Bathsheba, gives a great sigh of relief and concludes that all is well with the world. You can imagine his shock when the prophet Nathan looks him in the face and tells all in the presence of God and everyone in the throne room. Not only does he tell him off, he proceeds to speak destruction into his family by the sword and the defiling of his wives in public for a secret sin he hoped no one would find out about. And sure enough, his own son slept with his wives disgracing him in the face of all Israel.
Now when he is found out David responds completely contrary to Saul. Instead of concealing his sin and insisting on his own justification he immediately repents declaring openly that he has sinned before the Lord. See the love of the Lord for mankind. Nathan immediately replies “The Lord has taken away your sin” vs 13. It is the same with us today. As we declare our sin openly before the Lord, our sin is taken away from us. Washed away by the blood of the Lamb Jesus.
The next verse reveals more about what happens when we sin in covetousness. Nathan tells David that in sinning after this fashion, the enemies of the Lord have received an opportunity to show Jehohah utter contempt. The devil and his minions revel in this sin and utterly mock God because it is a sin that looks his word in the face and says "This is utter nonsense.” How horrible!! Yet Jehovah has exalted his word even above his Names. Because of this, his son with Bathsheba dies and though David fasts for his recovery seven days, weeping and repenting before God, the Lord proves his word true. He is a God who does not change his mind after the fashion of men.
However, because he is God, he finds a way to redeem the situation in the midst of the promises of doom and destruction. When Bathsheba conceives again and gives birth to Solomon, the Lord sends the prophet Nathan with a message to name him Jedidiah meaning loved of the Lord. This is God’s way of letting David and Bathsheba know that all is forgiven and when the time comes to select an heir to the throne, the Lord names Solomon King after his father David.
WHAT THEN IS COVETOUSNESS AND WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE SAME?
If you are like me you have sinned in covetousness. This is a sin characterized by the following:
• Knowing what the Lord has commanded you to do, looking at his word directly and choosing not to do it therefore walking in disobedience to take to and for yourself what the Lord has not given you. Usually material wealth, but in the sin of David, using your power to take even wives, husbands or servants from other people Exodus 20:17 spells it out “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
The Consequences
• In the heavenlies the enemies of the Lord take great delight in this sin, mocking Jehovah and holding him in utter contempt.
• In response, the Lord stands to oppose you which makes you a candidate for destruction.
• You are unable to stand before your enemies because Jehovah God is not for you. You are defeated in life and routed by your enemies who triumph over you.
• That which God had planned for your reigning and ruling is taken from you just like the Kingdom was torn away from Saul.
What can you do, now that you find yourself guilty?
• You must repent of your sin and ask God to wash you clean with the blood of the Lamb Jesus that speaks better things than the blood of Abel. He is faithful and will take away your sin that you may live. It is my firm belief that the blood of Jesus will wash away even the consequences of sin and bring complete redemption from the sin committed, something that the blood of animals could never accomplish in David’s day.
• Invite God to take you back to the place where you went astray and to lead you in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.
• Ask God to come into the bad situations already created by your error and make lemonade out of the lemons like he did with David and Bathsheba. He is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and present us to himself without blemish or spot or wrinkle. He will do it for you.
• Ask him for another chance to prove yourself faithful. Trust must be earned, so walk the walk as he instructs and he will restore your Kingdom to you just like he did with David after Absalom’s rebellion.
How To Avoid The Sin Of Covetousness:
• Walk in humility. Consider God all wise. Even when you do not understand why he wants you to do things one way instead of the way that seems best to you. Count your wisdom as nothing before his and let him lead you utterly and completely.
• Walk in obedience. Obey him even when it does not make sense, even when it seems you have a better way of doing things. Cast your crown at his feet and let him lead you as you follow behind him obediently.
• Remember that he is faithful. He is not a wicked God, he will give you yours even as you walk uprightly before him. If he uses you to enrich others he will enrich you. If he uses you to bless other peoples marriages he will give you your own life companion. God is not unjust. Let that sink deep into your spirit. He will reward you for sure and great will be your joy.
• Keep your eyes on him and do not hold tightly to what he puts into your hand. Luke 12:29-32
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
• Knowing what the Lord has commanded you to do, looking at his word directly and choosing not to do it therefore walking in disobedience to take to and for yourself what the Lord has not given you. Usually material wealth, but in the sin of David, using your power to take even wives, husbands or servants from other people Exodus 20:17 spells it out “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
The Consequences
• In the heavenlies the enemies of the Lord take great delight in this sin, mocking Jehovah and holding him in utter contempt.
• In response, the Lord stands to oppose you which makes you a candidate for destruction.
• You are unable to stand before your enemies because Jehovah God is not for you. You are defeated in life and routed by your enemies who triumph over you.
• That which God had planned for your reigning and ruling is taken from you just like the Kingdom was torn away from Saul.
What can you do, now that you find yourself guilty?
• You must repent of your sin and ask God to wash you clean with the blood of the Lamb Jesus that speaks better things than the blood of Abel. He is faithful and will take away your sin that you may live. It is my firm belief that the blood of Jesus will wash away even the consequences of sin and bring complete redemption from the sin committed, something that the blood of animals could never accomplish in David’s day.
• Invite God to take you back to the place where you went astray and to lead you in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.
• Ask God to come into the bad situations already created by your error and make lemonade out of the lemons like he did with David and Bathsheba. He is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and present us to himself without blemish or spot or wrinkle. He will do it for you.
• Ask him for another chance to prove yourself faithful. Trust must be earned, so walk the walk as he instructs and he will restore your Kingdom to you just like he did with David after Absalom’s rebellion.
How To Avoid The Sin Of Covetousness:
• Walk in humility. Consider God all wise. Even when you do not understand why he wants you to do things one way instead of the way that seems best to you. Count your wisdom as nothing before his and let him lead you utterly and completely.
• Walk in obedience. Obey him even when it does not make sense, even when it seems you have a better way of doing things. Cast your crown at his feet and let him lead you as you follow behind him obediently.
• Remember that he is faithful. He is not a wicked God, he will give you yours even as you walk uprightly before him. If he uses you to enrich others he will enrich you. If he uses you to bless other peoples marriages he will give you your own life companion. God is not unjust. Let that sink deep into your spirit. He will reward you for sure and great will be your joy.
• Keep your eyes on him and do not hold tightly to what he puts into your hand. Luke 12:29-32
29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Monday, October 12, 2009
THE HAND YOU’RE DEALT
Many times in life I have heard people in unfortunate circumstances say that it was the hand they were dealt that was messed up. In a way, that could be true but I dare say that God does not play games with our lives. We are not a gamble to God. Every hand dealt is a potential winner or a potential loser. It just depends on what you do with it. If you would be wise enough to hand your life over to God, you will discover that he is quite able to take the unfortunate circumstances of your life and turn them into a story that will astound many.
The other day my boss came into town and we had to go and see some potential clients together. In truth, I was a bit worried because I was not sure how we would be received or even if our costs would be competitive. I woke up in the middle of the night and my spirit was singing the following song:
“You are Alpha and Omega, we worship you our Lord you are worthy to be praised x2
We give you all the glory, we worship you our Lord you are worthy to be praised”
Then I realized that God was encouraging me. He was letting me know that he had dealt me this hand but he was going to make it a winning hand for me if I would only surrender it to him.
I was watching Joni Erickson on some show talking about the accident that paralyzed her from the neck down. What an aweful hand to be dealt!! Yet Joni is celebrated the world over because she gave the hand dealt to her back to God and he has caused her to triumph in the midst of it.
I am not sure who this post is for. I just know that the Spirit of God has a hand in my writing this. But however terrible you may consider the hand you have been dealt, give it to God. Every hand is a winner when given to him, but every hand can be a loser if mishandled. Let the author and the finisher of your life guide you and fulfill the purpose for which he created you. This one thing’s for sure, God never created any losers.
The other day my boss came into town and we had to go and see some potential clients together. In truth, I was a bit worried because I was not sure how we would be received or even if our costs would be competitive. I woke up in the middle of the night and my spirit was singing the following song:
“You are Alpha and Omega, we worship you our Lord you are worthy to be praised x2
We give you all the glory, we worship you our Lord you are worthy to be praised”
Then I realized that God was encouraging me. He was letting me know that he had dealt me this hand but he was going to make it a winning hand for me if I would only surrender it to him.
I was watching Joni Erickson on some show talking about the accident that paralyzed her from the neck down. What an aweful hand to be dealt!! Yet Joni is celebrated the world over because she gave the hand dealt to her back to God and he has caused her to triumph in the midst of it.
I am not sure who this post is for. I just know that the Spirit of God has a hand in my writing this. But however terrible you may consider the hand you have been dealt, give it to God. Every hand is a winner when given to him, but every hand can be a loser if mishandled. Let the author and the finisher of your life guide you and fulfill the purpose for which he created you. This one thing’s for sure, God never created any losers.
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Red Cord Is At The Window!
My 33rd year is going to be a year of Faith and power like never before. This is the word God has given me for this next season of my Life.
35Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.
36For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and [a]carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
37For still a little while (a very little while), and the Coming One will come and He will not delay.
38But the just shall live by faith [My righteous servant shall live [b]by his conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, and holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with it]; and if he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in him.(B)
39But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery (perdition) and are utterly destroyed, but we are of those who believe [who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul.
Hebrews 11
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [c]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
2For by [faith--[d]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.
This season is a season of FAITH. It is not a season of shrinking back with fear. It is a season of OBEDIENCE. This is what shall save me and take me to the other side. In line with this word the Lord began speaking to me about the prostitute Rahab in Jericho.
This girl had no idea what the future held for her. She was a sinner through and through and knew it. Like all of Jericho she had heard about the God of Israel and was trembling in fear. When she saw the spies, she could have raised the alarm and said "here are the guys who want to kill us," but instead she hid them and asked them to spare her life and that of her relatives.
She received a set of instructions: Gather your people in your house and keep them here. Then tie this red cord to your window so we can locate you. The truth of the matter is that had she chosen to disobey, she would have died with the rest of the city. Her obedience in faith is what saved her and her family. Hence she is listed in Hebrews 11:31
"[Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity]."
She believed and obeyed and experienced the mercies of the God of Israel. And guess what, she ended up marrying Salmon who was an ancestor of Kind David and of Jesus our Messiah. That is what faith does.
So in this next season, I will keep a fearless confidence in my God. No Shaking!! No Fear!! I will be steadfast in patience and endurance until Christ is formed in me and I fulfill all the will of God for this season. Then and only then can I see the promises of God fulfilled in my life. Just a little while longer and my savior will come with his great reward in his hand.
I must press in by faith for if I do not do so my Master will find no pleasure in me. The just shall live by faith and without it I can never please my God. If I shrink back from what the Lord commands I will not be pleasing to him. No Shaking!! I am not of them that shrink back and are destroyed, I am of them that believe, holding on to faith, and are saved!!
So what was the red cord about? It was a symbol of her faith. It was the covering of the blood of Jesus, which means that we look to Christ and are saved. It was a signal to God and Israel saying here I am. I am counted among the righteous and I am not destroyed. This year there is no shrinking back. There is no fear. No shaking and trembling. This year is about faith in God. Keeping my eyes focused on him and forgetting the elements. This is my season to walk on water. No sinking!! This season my red cord is at the window. This is my season of supernatural encounters, my year to eat the open book, my year to see as He sees, my year to walk in the promises of God. This is my year of divine revelation, a business anointing that you only read about in books, this is the year he sets me apart and works exploits through me.
And you have a front row seat to the movie of my life via this blog. What shall I say unto the Lord? All I have to say is THANK YOU LORD!!!
35Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.
36For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and [a]carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
37For still a little while (a very little while), and the Coming One will come and He will not delay.
38But the just shall live by faith [My righteous servant shall live [b]by his conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, and holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with it]; and if he draws back and shrinks in fear, My soul has no delight or pleasure in him.(B)
39But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery (perdition) and are utterly destroyed, but we are of those who believe [who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul.
Hebrews 11
1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [c]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
2For by [faith--[d]trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.
This season is a season of FAITH. It is not a season of shrinking back with fear. It is a season of OBEDIENCE. This is what shall save me and take me to the other side. In line with this word the Lord began speaking to me about the prostitute Rahab in Jericho.
This girl had no idea what the future held for her. She was a sinner through and through and knew it. Like all of Jericho she had heard about the God of Israel and was trembling in fear. When she saw the spies, she could have raised the alarm and said "here are the guys who want to kill us," but instead she hid them and asked them to spare her life and that of her relatives.
She received a set of instructions: Gather your people in your house and keep them here. Then tie this red cord to your window so we can locate you. The truth of the matter is that had she chosen to disobey, she would have died with the rest of the city. Her obedience in faith is what saved her and her family. Hence she is listed in Hebrews 11:31
"[Prompted] by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace [without enmity]."
She believed and obeyed and experienced the mercies of the God of Israel. And guess what, she ended up marrying Salmon who was an ancestor of Kind David and of Jesus our Messiah. That is what faith does.
So in this next season, I will keep a fearless confidence in my God. No Shaking!! No Fear!! I will be steadfast in patience and endurance until Christ is formed in me and I fulfill all the will of God for this season. Then and only then can I see the promises of God fulfilled in my life. Just a little while longer and my savior will come with his great reward in his hand.
I must press in by faith for if I do not do so my Master will find no pleasure in me. The just shall live by faith and without it I can never please my God. If I shrink back from what the Lord commands I will not be pleasing to him. No Shaking!! I am not of them that shrink back and are destroyed, I am of them that believe, holding on to faith, and are saved!!
So what was the red cord about? It was a symbol of her faith. It was the covering of the blood of Jesus, which means that we look to Christ and are saved. It was a signal to God and Israel saying here I am. I am counted among the righteous and I am not destroyed. This year there is no shrinking back. There is no fear. No shaking and trembling. This year is about faith in God. Keeping my eyes focused on him and forgetting the elements. This is my season to walk on water. No sinking!! This season my red cord is at the window. This is my season of supernatural encounters, my year to eat the open book, my year to see as He sees, my year to walk in the promises of God. This is my year of divine revelation, a business anointing that you only read about in books, this is the year he sets me apart and works exploits through me.
And you have a front row seat to the movie of my life via this blog. What shall I say unto the Lord? All I have to say is THANK YOU LORD!!!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
My Lost Coin!
THIRTY THREE. That is how old I will be on Sunday. I am not sure I want to be that old just yet. Not that I am against my age, not at all. I think the thirties are awesome and I am having the time of my life. I finally have enough money to do things like go out and have a good time with friends on my birthday without having to ask anyone for it … ya know?!!
But there are things I thought I would have accomplished by now and I still have not seen any sign that God has answered those prayers. Like marriage and a family of my own. Sometimes my heart is very downcast when I contemplate my age, my gynecological history and the lack of a man in my life. I get to the place where I ask like Abraham, "You have given me all these things and all these fabulous promises, but what good is it for my servant Eliezer will inherit it all when I am gone?" (my paraphrase).
I thought I was being ungrateful and silly until I read the story of the lost coin in Luke 15:8-9
"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'"
Without a husband and a family in my life I don't feel complete. I have 9 coins and I, like this woman, am frantically searching for my lost coin. I am sweeping and cleaning looking for this lost coin. And when I find it, for I SHALL FIND IT, you all must rejoice with me. Why I'm I so certain of this? Because God exists. He is, and is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him. I know for sure because the Zeal of the Lord shall accomplish it for me. He shall do it. I am so blessed. I love this God so much. I love him to smithereens!!!!
But there are things I thought I would have accomplished by now and I still have not seen any sign that God has answered those prayers. Like marriage and a family of my own. Sometimes my heart is very downcast when I contemplate my age, my gynecological history and the lack of a man in my life. I get to the place where I ask like Abraham, "You have given me all these things and all these fabulous promises, but what good is it for my servant Eliezer will inherit it all when I am gone?" (my paraphrase).
I thought I was being ungrateful and silly until I read the story of the lost coin in Luke 15:8-9
"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'"
Without a husband and a family in my life I don't feel complete. I have 9 coins and I, like this woman, am frantically searching for my lost coin. I am sweeping and cleaning looking for this lost coin. And when I find it, for I SHALL FIND IT, you all must rejoice with me. Why I'm I so certain of this? Because God exists. He is, and is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him. I know for sure because the Zeal of the Lord shall accomplish it for me. He shall do it. I am so blessed. I love this God so much. I love him to smithereens!!!!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Temperament
Ok. I was looking up my temperament because I realize I have issues and I am not quite sure why God would make Cholerics. This is sad. The weaknesses are terrible. Did you know that Adolf Hitler was a choleric? I actually have something in common with the man!! How aweful! Check this out. It's taken out of http://temperaments.info/choleric.htm
A person who is choleric in inclusion can become a very strong leader, inspiring large numbers of followers. The are charismatic, charming, inspirational. But beneath the surface, these people see others more a tools, people who can be moved to do what they want them to do. Cholerics will choose to join and head organizations that will support their chosen goals.
Many Cholerics will border on being arrogant, but most appear to be genuine. They tend to be very task oriented, and may be seen as a "Tom Sawyer" with an unpleasant temper. They are fast-paced and demand that things be done correctly and swiftly. "Do It and Do It Now" is their slogan. Procrastination is not a characteristic of a Choleric in inclusion.
A Choleric in Inclusion tends to be seen as open, friendly, confident, outgoing, optimistic, and tough-minded. They typically will exhibit a good mind for envisioning new projects and is an extrovert of a highly selective nature.
On the downside, a Choleric who is not getting his way will often be hot tempered. They will use people to get their way, and can be cruel and angry when frustrated, which can happen easily.
Cholerics tend to dominate conversations. If you find yourself having trouble getting a word in edgewise, you are likely dealing with a Choleric. They will try to be careful not to be rude, but will consistently work at dominating.
A Choleric in Control is typically an excellent leader, capable of quick and accurate decisions based on facts rather than emotions. Capable of carrying considerable responsibility, the people tend to have significant quantities of will-power. The complete the tasks they set out to accomplish.
On the negative side, Cholerics in Control can be angry and cruel. The have been known to be uncaring, abusive and ruthless. A major flaw that appears is the failure to care for the people they are leading, and to look down on those who have less strength of will.
A Choleric in Affection is another of the unusual temperaments. They appear to need a great deal of love and affection, but in reality they don't. Most will not seek out close, personal relationships, and when sought out by another, they may very well decline and walk away. Choleric in Affection people seems to have few emotions with the exception of anger. They see compassion, empathy and deep feelings as unnecessary time-wasters.
Strengths of this temperament include openness, optimism, and an outgoing nature. However, the downside of this temperament can be an angry, rejecting behavior toward others.
The sad part about that report is that it is mostly true. I know how I can be. These weaknesses are terrible and I know my temper can be scary when it shows. Even though it only pops up once in a long time. I submit my temperament under the control of the Holy Ghost. How else can I make it to heaven with such horrid natural tendencies? When it comes to the part about love and devotion not being a huge need to Cholerics, I guess that is true to some extent. I am not needy in that area even though I do long for marriage. For the most part I'm not pining away. I have never been boy crazy and never understood what the fuss was all about.
However, I do want to get married and soon. I keep asking myself the question "why do I want to get married?" and I pull a blank most of the time. I know I want a kids a godly offspring and to set a godly example for my family. I also want a companion in my old age. I know a wife is a helper to her husband and all but is that it. I guess I need to find out more about the purpose of marriage especially for us cholerics. God help me! Life is a maze to me sometimes. That's how I'm feeling about marriage right now. How do I get out of this thing?
A person who is choleric in inclusion can become a very strong leader, inspiring large numbers of followers. The are charismatic, charming, inspirational. But beneath the surface, these people see others more a tools, people who can be moved to do what they want them to do. Cholerics will choose to join and head organizations that will support their chosen goals.
Many Cholerics will border on being arrogant, but most appear to be genuine. They tend to be very task oriented, and may be seen as a "Tom Sawyer" with an unpleasant temper. They are fast-paced and demand that things be done correctly and swiftly. "Do It and Do It Now" is their slogan. Procrastination is not a characteristic of a Choleric in inclusion.
A Choleric in Inclusion tends to be seen as open, friendly, confident, outgoing, optimistic, and tough-minded. They typically will exhibit a good mind for envisioning new projects and is an extrovert of a highly selective nature.
On the downside, a Choleric who is not getting his way will often be hot tempered. They will use people to get their way, and can be cruel and angry when frustrated, which can happen easily.
Cholerics tend to dominate conversations. If you find yourself having trouble getting a word in edgewise, you are likely dealing with a Choleric. They will try to be careful not to be rude, but will consistently work at dominating.
A Choleric in Control is typically an excellent leader, capable of quick and accurate decisions based on facts rather than emotions. Capable of carrying considerable responsibility, the people tend to have significant quantities of will-power. The complete the tasks they set out to accomplish.
On the negative side, Cholerics in Control can be angry and cruel. The have been known to be uncaring, abusive and ruthless. A major flaw that appears is the failure to care for the people they are leading, and to look down on those who have less strength of will.
A Choleric in Affection is another of the unusual temperaments. They appear to need a great deal of love and affection, but in reality they don't. Most will not seek out close, personal relationships, and when sought out by another, they may very well decline and walk away. Choleric in Affection people seems to have few emotions with the exception of anger. They see compassion, empathy and deep feelings as unnecessary time-wasters.
Strengths of this temperament include openness, optimism, and an outgoing nature. However, the downside of this temperament can be an angry, rejecting behavior toward others.
The sad part about that report is that it is mostly true. I know how I can be. These weaknesses are terrible and I know my temper can be scary when it shows. Even though it only pops up once in a long time. I submit my temperament under the control of the Holy Ghost. How else can I make it to heaven with such horrid natural tendencies? When it comes to the part about love and devotion not being a huge need to Cholerics, I guess that is true to some extent. I am not needy in that area even though I do long for marriage. For the most part I'm not pining away. I have never been boy crazy and never understood what the fuss was all about.
However, I do want to get married and soon. I keep asking myself the question "why do I want to get married?" and I pull a blank most of the time. I know I want a kids a godly offspring and to set a godly example for my family. I also want a companion in my old age. I know a wife is a helper to her husband and all but is that it. I guess I need to find out more about the purpose of marriage especially for us cholerics. God help me! Life is a maze to me sometimes. That's how I'm feeling about marriage right now. How do I get out of this thing?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Transition!
There came a time when I lived in the US that life became miserable for me. I hated being there. I was tired of my life and knew that a change had to be made. I had been saved as a young girl and had wonderful communion with the Spirit of God but while in the States, I had lost my fire. Life had just crowded my time with God out. Well, I felt the need for him and began to seek him.
I decided that I would take one of my off days out of the week to fast and pray. I just wanted to spend time with God. Initially, things were kinda quiet and then he came. We began to visit and had a wonderful time together. He began speaking to me about my future and told me that he wanted me to go back home to Kenya. That my blessing was there. I remember that time of transition. It was difficult. I had so many fears. Everyone said that Kenya had gone to the dogs and that I would never get a job if I came back. But God had said 'Go.'
I have never regretted my return or looked back. God has outdone himself in my life. He has met every need and never left me once. When the economy looked horrible he raised my income. With inflation at almost 20% I'm not just keeping my head above water, I'm floating on my back having a great time. God has preserved and kept me.
Now I sense another transition. A different kind of transition. It's not a physical move but a spiritual one. God wants me on a higher plane. Just like before, I am afraid. The voices around me are getting louder every day. Trying to stop me from progressing by showing how I could fail or mess up. But God is able to hold me up. God is able to bring me successfully to the other side. God says "Step out of the boat Cynth! Experience walking on water."
Will I step out of the boat and have the experience of my life, or will I look at the wind and the waves? Is he not able to calm the sea? Peace, be still. Who is like our God? I think I'll throw caution to the wind. I think I will step out. I think I will trust him to keep and preserve me. I think I'll do it. Recklessly abandon myself in the hands of Jesus. I'll transition to my next level and if I perish… I perish.
I decided that I would take one of my off days out of the week to fast and pray. I just wanted to spend time with God. Initially, things were kinda quiet and then he came. We began to visit and had a wonderful time together. He began speaking to me about my future and told me that he wanted me to go back home to Kenya. That my blessing was there. I remember that time of transition. It was difficult. I had so many fears. Everyone said that Kenya had gone to the dogs and that I would never get a job if I came back. But God had said 'Go.'
I have never regretted my return or looked back. God has outdone himself in my life. He has met every need and never left me once. When the economy looked horrible he raised my income. With inflation at almost 20% I'm not just keeping my head above water, I'm floating on my back having a great time. God has preserved and kept me.
Now I sense another transition. A different kind of transition. It's not a physical move but a spiritual one. God wants me on a higher plane. Just like before, I am afraid. The voices around me are getting louder every day. Trying to stop me from progressing by showing how I could fail or mess up. But God is able to hold me up. God is able to bring me successfully to the other side. God says "Step out of the boat Cynth! Experience walking on water."
Will I step out of the boat and have the experience of my life, or will I look at the wind and the waves? Is he not able to calm the sea? Peace, be still. Who is like our God? I think I'll throw caution to the wind. I think I will step out. I think I will trust him to keep and preserve me. I think I'll do it. Recklessly abandon myself in the hands of Jesus. I'll transition to my next level and if I perish… I perish.
Wisdom and the Senses
Wisdom! This is one of the most vital things a Christian can have. But not just any Wisdom, it has to be the wisdom that comes from above. James talks about two kinds of Wisdom: The wisdom from above and demonic wisdom. Of demonic wisdom he says:
James 3:14-15
"But if you have bitter envy and self seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic."
The word sensual means of the senses. It is wisdom based on what you are seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. It is based on your deduction of the situation and not on God's view. It is purely humanistic. 1 +1 = 2 and that's just how it is. This is the kind of math that led to Satan's defeat. He thought to himself, "If I can humiliate the son of God, strip him naked in front of God and the world, beat him to within an inch of his life, then hang him on the cross to die, I will have won." And truly, looking at Jesus on the Cross it would seem that the enemy had won. He looked defeated, he was groaning like a defeated man so he sounded defeated, he smelled of blood and sweat, everything said that he was defeated. Earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom.
The wisdom of God on the other hand said that even in death Victory had come. Even in the beating, healing had come. In Christ bearing my sin, righteousness had come. When he died, the devil thought he had won, until the wisdom of God showed up in hell in the form of Jesus, demanding the keys and setting captives free. The wisdom of God goes beyond what you can see. With this wisdom you can read between the lines, you can see behind the scenes. This is the Wisdom that God wants us to have.
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."
That word 'pure' means 'without mixture'. Without contamination. It is God's own wisdom not mixed in with demonic, humanistic wisdom. It is a pure wisdom. So the question becomes, what do I do with my senses? I can still hear, see, feel, smell and taste things. What do I do now? Heb 5:14 is the answer:
"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Begin to practice discerning by the 5 senses in the spiritual sense. Ask God to cleanse your senses from the earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom they are so used to operating in. Submit your senses to him and you will be surprised at how discernment will begin to come. Walk close to God. Submit your will and mind to him and continually and let him have control of you. With time, your senses will become acute in discernment.
All of a sudden everything will look good but something about the deal will "smell" fishy, or a meeting with a client will leave a bad "taste" in your mouth. You will be praying for someone and have a pain or tingling feeling in a part of your body and God will communicate what the real issue is. Sometimes it will just be a gut feeling, but God will be communicating through discernment, using your senses, what to do next.
May God sanctify my senses. I surrender them wholly to him. I ask Lord that you have your way with me. I give myself to you. Teach me your Wisdom. I love you my Lord and my God.
James 3:14-15
"But if you have bitter envy and self seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic."
The word sensual means of the senses. It is wisdom based on what you are seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. It is based on your deduction of the situation and not on God's view. It is purely humanistic. 1 +1 = 2 and that's just how it is. This is the kind of math that led to Satan's defeat. He thought to himself, "If I can humiliate the son of God, strip him naked in front of God and the world, beat him to within an inch of his life, then hang him on the cross to die, I will have won." And truly, looking at Jesus on the Cross it would seem that the enemy had won. He looked defeated, he was groaning like a defeated man so he sounded defeated, he smelled of blood and sweat, everything said that he was defeated. Earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom.
The wisdom of God on the other hand said that even in death Victory had come. Even in the beating, healing had come. In Christ bearing my sin, righteousness had come. When he died, the devil thought he had won, until the wisdom of God showed up in hell in the form of Jesus, demanding the keys and setting captives free. The wisdom of God goes beyond what you can see. With this wisdom you can read between the lines, you can see behind the scenes. This is the Wisdom that God wants us to have.
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."
That word 'pure' means 'without mixture'. Without contamination. It is God's own wisdom not mixed in with demonic, humanistic wisdom. It is a pure wisdom. So the question becomes, what do I do with my senses? I can still hear, see, feel, smell and taste things. What do I do now? Heb 5:14 is the answer:
"But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
Begin to practice discerning by the 5 senses in the spiritual sense. Ask God to cleanse your senses from the earthly, sensual, demonic wisdom they are so used to operating in. Submit your senses to him and you will be surprised at how discernment will begin to come. Walk close to God. Submit your will and mind to him and continually and let him have control of you. With time, your senses will become acute in discernment.
All of a sudden everything will look good but something about the deal will "smell" fishy, or a meeting with a client will leave a bad "taste" in your mouth. You will be praying for someone and have a pain or tingling feeling in a part of your body and God will communicate what the real issue is. Sometimes it will just be a gut feeling, but God will be communicating through discernment, using your senses, what to do next.
May God sanctify my senses. I surrender them wholly to him. I ask Lord that you have your way with me. I give myself to you. Teach me your Wisdom. I love you my Lord and my God.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wow!!
God just connected these two verses for me. I'm so amazingly jazzed.
Joshua 1:8
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful"
As you keep God's word on your mind, mouth and actions the results are 3 John 2
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
You prosper all round. Your soul begins to prosper from the revelations that God downloads, you get material wealth and health as well.
I just never saw that before. So the way to fulfill God's highest wish for man "...I wish above all things..." is to keep his word in your mouth, meditate on it and do it. Are we blessed or what ya'll?!!!!
Joshua 1:8
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful"
As you keep God's word on your mind, mouth and actions the results are 3 John 2
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
You prosper all round. Your soul begins to prosper from the revelations that God downloads, you get material wealth and health as well.
I just never saw that before. So the way to fulfill God's highest wish for man "...I wish above all things..." is to keep his word in your mouth, meditate on it and do it. Are we blessed or what ya'll?!!!!
Reading the Bible through in a year - Update
I am very excited about reading my Bible. I have made much progress and the Bible makes a lot of sense when read in sequence. Who knew?!! Having fully understood what God had told the Israelites in the Torah I now understand why in Judges, Kings and subsequent books he would get so annoyed with them. The book of Job even made real sense to me this time. I understood why Jobs friends had to ask him for forgiveness and why he had to pray for them. It makes sense!!
Okay. Call it tooting my horn but here is a list of the books I have read so far:
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalms
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
This Month I am scheduled to read the following:
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs
Isaiah
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
I can't wait to begin the major prophets. I know that they will make sense too. I know that God will shed his light on them and I will understand them in a new way. This is tons of fun. I love the one year Bible it has made it so easy to read the word of God. It's downhill from here. 4 months to go and I will have read the whole Bible through in a year! Hallelujah!!
Okay. Call it tooting my horn but here is a list of the books I have read so far:
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalms
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
This Month I am scheduled to read the following:
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs
Isaiah
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
I can't wait to begin the major prophets. I know that they will make sense too. I know that God will shed his light on them and I will understand them in a new way. This is tons of fun. I love the one year Bible it has made it so easy to read the word of God. It's downhill from here. 4 months to go and I will have read the whole Bible through in a year! Hallelujah!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Living Purposefully
I have been reading the Bible through this year. I set it as a goal at the beginning of the year and though sometimes I fall behind, I am pretty sure that I will be done by December 31st. I was thinking about this the other day and the Lord started up a conversation with me. He let me know that the reason I was able to complete the Bible in a year is because I had a reading plan that I followed daily. This reading plan made it possible for me to accomplish this great feat.
He started asking me what would happen if I committed myself for one year in different areas. What if I set goals for next year and began preparing how I would accomplish them? I thought to myself "I would achieve so much!!!"
My best friend and I have decided to take on the challenge and to begin setting goals for next year and putting in place whatever we need to ensure that we follow through. One of my goals is health and fitness. That means that I have to begin working on meal plans and exercise regimes now. I am also psychologically preparing myself to commit to the plan I lay out for one whole year.
I would like to extend this goal setting challenge to you as well. Here is where we begin. Set 3 year goals.
1. Set 5 business and career goals (e.g. Raise my income by 30% by year 3, Save 250,000 of my income so I can start my own business 3 years from now, ...)
2. Set 5 personal development goals (e.g. read 36 books in 3 years, taking 5 courses at the British Council per year, Have my Masters by Dec 2012 etc...)
3. Set 5 personal goals (Health and fitness, reading the Bible through in a year, going out and making new friends, evangelizing two weekends a month...)
This is the first step. Then under each goal write out the steps you will take to achieve the goal. Make it manageable so that you are not overwhelmed. After that is done, Break it down year by year. What will you do in 2010, 2011 and 2012?
That done, take the year 2010 and break down your goals for that year into Months. e.g. Save 10% of my income per month, read 1 non fiction book per month etc...Set yourself Monthly targets.
Now take the month of January and divide it into weeks. e.g. work out 4 times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 6 am - 7 am or Read 3 chapters of my non fiction book etc...
Take up the challenge. See how it goes. I bet you will make way more progress than you have ever made before. Don't live your life without purpose. Give it purpose by setting achievable goals that stretch you into the next level.
He started asking me what would happen if I committed myself for one year in different areas. What if I set goals for next year and began preparing how I would accomplish them? I thought to myself "I would achieve so much!!!"
My best friend and I have decided to take on the challenge and to begin setting goals for next year and putting in place whatever we need to ensure that we follow through. One of my goals is health and fitness. That means that I have to begin working on meal plans and exercise regimes now. I am also psychologically preparing myself to commit to the plan I lay out for one whole year.
I would like to extend this goal setting challenge to you as well. Here is where we begin. Set 3 year goals.
1. Set 5 business and career goals (e.g. Raise my income by 30% by year 3, Save 250,000 of my income so I can start my own business 3 years from now, ...)
2. Set 5 personal development goals (e.g. read 36 books in 3 years, taking 5 courses at the British Council per year, Have my Masters by Dec 2012 etc...)
3. Set 5 personal goals (Health and fitness, reading the Bible through in a year, going out and making new friends, evangelizing two weekends a month...)
This is the first step. Then under each goal write out the steps you will take to achieve the goal. Make it manageable so that you are not overwhelmed. After that is done, Break it down year by year. What will you do in 2010, 2011 and 2012?
That done, take the year 2010 and break down your goals for that year into Months. e.g. Save 10% of my income per month, read 1 non fiction book per month etc...Set yourself Monthly targets.
Now take the month of January and divide it into weeks. e.g. work out 4 times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 6 am - 7 am or Read 3 chapters of my non fiction book etc...
Take up the challenge. See how it goes. I bet you will make way more progress than you have ever made before. Don't live your life without purpose. Give it purpose by setting achievable goals that stretch you into the next level.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Your Current Assignment
I don't believe in fate. I think that God is too much of a thinker to let things fall where they may. Although the universe and our lives in general tend towards entropy when left on their own, I think God, being a master planner, had planned our lives from the start. If we tap into his thoughts by prayer, reading the word and meditating on it, we will surely find the path ordained for us from the beginning of days.
My friend Rose is a homemaker and a mother of 5. She loves being a homemaker and homeschooling her kids. She made a comment today that got me thinking about our lot in life. She said I sounded so accomplished and professional that she was almost afraid of me. I couldn't help thinking how accomplished she is, raising her kids in the ways of the Lord and running her farm in Indiana.
We all have our lot in life. But the most important thing to remember is that they are assignments. We are all working on the same thing: Building God's Kingdom. Whether that means raising a godly offspring or working in the marketplace. I consider my job and business my current assignment. That means that the assignment could change and within a few years I could be the homeschooling stay-at-home mom. Whether I am in the market place or at home I am building the Kingdom and that is the most important thing.
Here is a quick challenge for you. How are you building the Kingdom in your current assignment?
My friend Rose is a homemaker and a mother of 5. She loves being a homemaker and homeschooling her kids. She made a comment today that got me thinking about our lot in life. She said I sounded so accomplished and professional that she was almost afraid of me. I couldn't help thinking how accomplished she is, raising her kids in the ways of the Lord and running her farm in Indiana.
We all have our lot in life. But the most important thing to remember is that they are assignments. We are all working on the same thing: Building God's Kingdom. Whether that means raising a godly offspring or working in the marketplace. I consider my job and business my current assignment. That means that the assignment could change and within a few years I could be the homeschooling stay-at-home mom. Whether I am in the market place or at home I am building the Kingdom and that is the most important thing.
Here is a quick challenge for you. How are you building the Kingdom in your current assignment?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Laws of God
I am not a quantum physicist but I am beginning to learn a few things about the way God made this universe that are very exciting. The Bible always talks about the laws of God and I have always taken that to mean the written word of God. This is true but only partly. There are other laws of God that govern how our universe works. Better still, they are in operation whether we want them to be or not. It does not matter whether you believe they exist or not, they are still in operation and they are still affecting your life.
You have all heard about "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. Many Christians did not read that book because of the fact that it had quite a bit of new ageism in it. Wanting to know what all the hype was about I decided not to throw out the baby with the bath water and read it. I went a step further and watched the video. Severally. Sieving the information as I read, I found that there were many insights and many truths in the book. They rang true in my spirit and most of them aligned with my Bible. Where they spoke of the universe and the universal mind, I put in the word 'God' and realized that the principles taught in that book were very powerful.
Rhonda and her friends have discovered the laws of God, and put them to good use. True, they have eliminated God from the equation which we MUST NEVER do, but the information therein is priceless. Other laws of God that I have discovered include the law of habit, the law of belief and the law of cause and effect. Putting these laws in place and using them to change my life has become a wonderful thing. Best of all, God is helping me implement them and I am seeing results. I couldn't be happier.
You have all heard about "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne. Many Christians did not read that book because of the fact that it had quite a bit of new ageism in it. Wanting to know what all the hype was about I decided not to throw out the baby with the bath water and read it. I went a step further and watched the video. Severally. Sieving the information as I read, I found that there were many insights and many truths in the book. They rang true in my spirit and most of them aligned with my Bible. Where they spoke of the universe and the universal mind, I put in the word 'God' and realized that the principles taught in that book were very powerful.
Rhonda and her friends have discovered the laws of God, and put them to good use. True, they have eliminated God from the equation which we MUST NEVER do, but the information therein is priceless. Other laws of God that I have discovered include the law of habit, the law of belief and the law of cause and effect. Putting these laws in place and using them to change my life has become a wonderful thing. Best of all, God is helping me implement them and I am seeing results. I couldn't be happier.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Days of Our Lives
The role of the Holy Spirit in our lives is greater than we can ever imagine. I am amazed at what and who he is to me. The word of God is multi-dimensional. Every verse could mean 1000 different things. That is why you can read it forever and never cease to be amazed at the revelations God gives. I have read 1 Cor 2:6-16 many times before but today I got a new revelation on it.
The Bible says in Ps 139:16-17 (Which I have read many times before too) "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!"
Before any of us was created God saw us and knew who we were and what he wanted us to accomplish. He opened up a book and wrote the days of our lives in it. He wrote what you would be called, your sex, where you would be born, which tribe you would belong to, what your complexion would be, your color and race, the size of your nose, the color of your eyes etc… Then he wrote which schools you would attend and whether or not you would go to university. After that, he went on to write where you would work, who you would marry, how many children you would have etc… He followed his own advice in Habakkuk 2:2-3
"…Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie…"
Then he sealed the scroll in which he wrote your life story and awaited the appointed time for the opening of the scroll (Rev 5:1). This scroll holds the plan for your life. What you are supposed to do, with who, where…. The works!! Because of the fall of man, we cannot accomplish what is written on the scroll until we receive Christ as Lord of our lives. In fact, we cannot access the scroll without the blood of Jesus and accepting him as Lord of our lives. Rev 5:1-10
"And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals…no one in heaven or on the earth, or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it…no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it…Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, The Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals…He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne…And they sang a new song, saying: 'you are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals, for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth'."
When Christ died on Calvary he received the right to open up the scroll and see what was written in it and not just that, but by His Holy Spirit he reveals to us what is written in our scrolls so that we can truly be kings and priests to our God and reign on the earth. Only by walking out what God ordained for us before we were formed can we truly rule and reign on the earth. Anything apart from that means that we have missed the mark and can not fully fill the place God ordained for us.
Hence Jesus said in John 16:7 "…it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you."
Why is it to your advantage? Because "… when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth (the whole truth about who you are, what you are about, what your purpose and destiny is etc)…" vs 13 and according to 1 Cor 2:9-10 "…Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love him (because until now, the scroll has been sealed) But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."
With Christ's victory at Calvary, and the unsealing of the scroll, the Holy Spirit can now search the scroll to see what is written in there about you and then reveal it to you so that you can walk out your destiny in God. Jn 16:14 "He will glorify me, for he will take of (receive and draw upon) what is mine and declare (reveal, disclose, transmit) it to you." Can you see it? The Holy Spirit searches the depths of God concerning you then he reveals it to you!!! The scroll written about you is full of the thoughts of God for you in particular!! The mysteries of why God made you are written in it. They mysteries of what you are to do now and in the future are written in it. But the only way to access the information therein is to receive Christ as Savior and Lord and then allow the Holy Spirit to come into your life and do what he needs to.
Oh Spirit of the Living God, my manifestation as a son of the Most High God is dependent on you revealing to me what is in that scroll for this season and the seasons to come. I cannot be all God wants me to be until I know what he has planned for me. The word says not to be ignorant but to know God's good and perfect will for me. Reveal it to me Holy Spirit. Draw from Christ and disclose to me the purpose and direction for this season in Jesus Name. Holy Spirit, I cannot make it without you. You are my senior partner in every area. Lord Jesus, sanctify me and remove anything in my life that is not in the scroll for me right now. Remove relationships, jobs, things, plans anything that is not in the scroll for me. I align myself with the plans of God for me before time began. I align myself with the thoughts of God for me in this season. I decree that my ears hear, my eyes see and my heart conceives what God has in store for me as revealed by His Spirit in Jesus Name. Amen!
The Bible says in Ps 139:16-17 (Which I have read many times before too) "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!"
Before any of us was created God saw us and knew who we were and what he wanted us to accomplish. He opened up a book and wrote the days of our lives in it. He wrote what you would be called, your sex, where you would be born, which tribe you would belong to, what your complexion would be, your color and race, the size of your nose, the color of your eyes etc… Then he wrote which schools you would attend and whether or not you would go to university. After that, he went on to write where you would work, who you would marry, how many children you would have etc… He followed his own advice in Habakkuk 2:2-3
"…Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie…"
Then he sealed the scroll in which he wrote your life story and awaited the appointed time for the opening of the scroll (Rev 5:1). This scroll holds the plan for your life. What you are supposed to do, with who, where…. The works!! Because of the fall of man, we cannot accomplish what is written on the scroll until we receive Christ as Lord of our lives. In fact, we cannot access the scroll without the blood of Jesus and accepting him as Lord of our lives. Rev 5:1-10
"And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals…no one in heaven or on the earth, or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it…no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it…Behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, The Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals…He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne…And they sang a new song, saying: 'you are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals, for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth'."
When Christ died on Calvary he received the right to open up the scroll and see what was written in it and not just that, but by His Holy Spirit he reveals to us what is written in our scrolls so that we can truly be kings and priests to our God and reign on the earth. Only by walking out what God ordained for us before we were formed can we truly rule and reign on the earth. Anything apart from that means that we have missed the mark and can not fully fill the place God ordained for us.
Hence Jesus said in John 16:7 "…it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you."
Why is it to your advantage? Because "… when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth (the whole truth about who you are, what you are about, what your purpose and destiny is etc)…" vs 13 and according to 1 Cor 2:9-10 "…Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love him (because until now, the scroll has been sealed) But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."
With Christ's victory at Calvary, and the unsealing of the scroll, the Holy Spirit can now search the scroll to see what is written in there about you and then reveal it to you so that you can walk out your destiny in God. Jn 16:14 "He will glorify me, for he will take of (receive and draw upon) what is mine and declare (reveal, disclose, transmit) it to you." Can you see it? The Holy Spirit searches the depths of God concerning you then he reveals it to you!!! The scroll written about you is full of the thoughts of God for you in particular!! The mysteries of why God made you are written in it. They mysteries of what you are to do now and in the future are written in it. But the only way to access the information therein is to receive Christ as Savior and Lord and then allow the Holy Spirit to come into your life and do what he needs to.
Oh Spirit of the Living God, my manifestation as a son of the Most High God is dependent on you revealing to me what is in that scroll for this season and the seasons to come. I cannot be all God wants me to be until I know what he has planned for me. The word says not to be ignorant but to know God's good and perfect will for me. Reveal it to me Holy Spirit. Draw from Christ and disclose to me the purpose and direction for this season in Jesus Name. Holy Spirit, I cannot make it without you. You are my senior partner in every area. Lord Jesus, sanctify me and remove anything in my life that is not in the scroll for me right now. Remove relationships, jobs, things, plans anything that is not in the scroll for me. I align myself with the plans of God for me before time began. I align myself with the thoughts of God for me in this season. I decree that my ears hear, my eyes see and my heart conceives what God has in store for me as revealed by His Spirit in Jesus Name. Amen!
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