Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant.
The Scriptures plainly tell us that we will reap what we sow. Literally, this applies to farming and planting crops. It also applies to giving money and being generous. But did you know that this principle also applies to the way we treat others?
We can sow and reap attitudes and words as well as a crops or finances.
The devil loves to keep us busy thinking selfishly, treating loyal friends as unimportant, sowing words of strife in our families, and thinking negative thoughts about bosses, pastors, etc. The devil wants us to sow bad seed in every single relationship.
So many people behave this way and then wonder why people don't like them or treat them the way they want to be treated. The answer is simple, they are reaping what they've sown!
Let me ask you, what are you sowing today? No matter the person, no matter the relationship, sow love, forgiveness, kindness, and patience. You'll find that as you treat others the way God wants you to, you will reap a life filled with encouraging friendships and wonderful, godly relationships.
Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I want to sow good things and reap good things. Instead of acting selfishly toward others, help me to sow kindness and love in my relationships with all of the people in my life.
Credit: Joyce Meyer
Written by Kachi
Come, Eat, Drink,Love,Share,Pray,Act,Inspire, and Reflect God's Love
Wednesday 26 June 2013
Heaven as written by a 17 Year Old Boy
This is excellent and really gets you thinking about what will happen in Heaven.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian.. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
Here is Brian's essay entitled
"The Room."
Page 1
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at."
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.
But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came.. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards.. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.
The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours?
Credit: unknown
Written by Kachi
Sunday 16 June 2013
Dying Right
Margaret Magdalen Jasper (1752–1789) doesn’t have a Wikipedia page. Google her name and you’ll find almost nothing about her life. What she looked like is a mystery. She wasn’t famous in her day, and she’s still not famous in our day. Her ordinary life was filled with disappointments, the kind of life history tends to forget.
But her story is worth telling.
Margaret lived in England, and there she was acquainted with loss. Her father died when she was only two years old. Her only brother later died in war and was buried in foreign soil. And her mother died in Margaret’s 30th year, at which point she writes in her diary that she was “left an orphan in this perplexing world of sin and sorrow.” She had no husband.
When Margaret’s hopes for marriage failed to materialize by age 24, she resigned herself to employment as a household servant in an 18th century London home. In her diary at the time of her decision, she writes, “To go out in the capacity of a servant, is a trial.” For Margaret Jasper, this was just another trial in a long line of trials.
Even her embrace of Christ by faith was preceded by years of unbelief and self-inflicted pain. She humbly acknowledged her stubbornness toward Christ and her resistance to the gospel as a teenager. She looked to the world for her happiness. “If Jesus, the sinner’s only friend, had not interposed, the world, the vain, deceitful world, would have destroyed me,” she penned in her diary.
But God did interpose, and she was eventually converted as a young woman when, “I was enabled immediately to believe that the blood of Christ had sufficient efficacy to clean me, even me, from all my sin.”
The Story of a Diary
We don’t know a lot about Margaret’s life, and the only reason we know anything about her life is through her personal diary, and the only reason we have access to her diary today is due to the interest of John Newton.
After Margaret’s death, her personal writings were gathered up and sent to Newton, the eminent letter writer, autobiographer, and pastor. Out of personal courtesy, Newton agreed to take the papers and give them a read. His low expectations were soon banished. Margaret was a simple woman who used simple language to record her simple faith in Christ as she lived out her simple life. But what Newton read so deeply moved him that he volunteered to edit her papers, to write a preface, and to see the work to print. It was published in 1793 under the title: The Christian Character Exemplified, From the Papers of Mrs. Margaret Magdalen.
Partly, Margaret’s life story resonated with Newton’s: God had overcome her hardness to the gospel after many years. And her life story illustrated the importance of finding joy in Christ. Newton said this in the preface. Her story reinforced the fact that “God made us, and not we ourselves. That He has given us a capacity and thirst for happiness which, both experience and observation demonstrate, the world cannot satisfy.” She sought pleasure in the world and found only bitterness. She, like Newton, eventually found joy in Christ, a sovereign joy enabling her to endure a life of trials.
By age 30, Margaret’s entire family was gone, she was now a servant, and she faced ongoing health issues, some of them very serious. Her diary gives self-disclosing glimpses into her battle against her besetting sin of pride, her struggle to overcome her own anger, and her struggle to handle interpersonal conflict with the humility of Christ.
In spite of her weaknesses and her sins, Margaret continued to cling to the atoning blood of Christ. “The longer I live, the more I see of the wickedness of my heart. Ah, what would become of me, were it not for the atoning blood of Jesus, to cancel the enormous sum of my transgressions.” And in another place, “My salvation must be free. And I am sure if I reach heaven, as I believe I shall through the blood of the God-man, I shall testify to all the blessed abound the throne that free, unmerited grace has brought me here.”
As Newton discovered, Margaret Jasper’s story of faith is a story worth telling.
The End of One Affliction
Singleness was for her a “drinking the bitter waters of affliction.” But against some odds, Margaret was approached by a man, engaged, and was married in January of 1784. At age 31, Margaret Magdalen Jasper became Margaret Magdalen Athens, wife to a Christian man named Frederick, meaning she could also now leave the service of household servant to become a wife and a mother, a calling she wholeheartedly embraced.
The marriage flourished and she soon became a mother to a son, Andrew Henry. After losing their next child in childbirth, she and Frederick had two more boys, William and George, the final son born in Margaret’s 36th year.
But what makes her story especially moving, and and especially exemplary model to note, is the way she died.
The End of All Affliction
Margaret was aware of the sacrifice of mothering children at her age, especially in light of her history of serious health problems. Each child exerted tremendous strain on her body. And after the birth of George, her third and final son, her health turned for the worse.
As Margaret faced the prospect of death (not for the first time in her life) we read in her diary how she wrestled with her faith in God and his future grace for her family. At this point we pick up her story from her own personal diaries beginning in the weeks following the delivery of her third son.
March 18, 1789:
It is the general apprehension of my friends, that I am going, if not already gone, into a deep decline. The physician intimates the same: and a cough, a pain in my side, a low fever, and night sweats, admonish me, that they judge rightly of my case. So that my sweet babe is ordered to be taken from my breast, and sent to another nurse. This is a painful stoke for a tender mother to bear. But I trust the Lord will support me under it; and influence the heart of the nurse to treat the child with tenderness. …
But here lies my weakness, of which the enemy takes advantage: the thoughts of parting with my husband, and leaving my dear children without being able to cultivate their tender minds in the paths of religion and virtue. But is not my God able to take care of them without me? Yes, He is. I am myself a monument of his goodness, and why should I disturb him? Oh, He has been a good Lord to me, in all his characters, offices, and providences.
Courage, then, my soul!
May 16, 1789:
I had the advice of a physician who agrees with the rest, that my disorder is a consumption (tuberculosis), and that, without the greatest care, my life is in danger. Be it so. I shall appear in glory, with Christ, who is my life. I only wish my affections were more weaned from my husband and children. But when I see one who is so dear to me, tenderly sympathizing over me, weeping tears of love, and afraid to express his apprehension that our union must soon be dissolved — This is too much for mere flesh and blood. Nothing but grace can enable me to stand upon this ground.
And then her final entry on June 13, 1789:
I am still under the care of a physician, but he gives me no hope. Indeed, it would be both cruel, and in vain, to flatter me now, for my own weakness informs me, that I am going apace [quickly]. I bless my God, I can now say, Thy will be done! I can give up my dear husband and children, with every earthly connection, into his hands. He will take care of them.
My husband’s trial is great. I feel more for him than for myself. But Heaven will make amends for all! Oh, how I pant and thirst for the happy hour, when my Father will send his Angels to convey my spirit to rest!
There remains a rest for the people of God. I know that my Redeemer liveth. O Death, where is thy sting! Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of Righteousness! When I walk through the valley, I will fear no evil; thy rod, and thy staff comfort me. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord!
I bless God, I have not one fear concerning dying. That Almighty Lord, who has so wonderfully preserved me to the present moment, will not forsake me in my last extremity. No, when flesh and heart fail, He will be the strength of my heart, and my portion forever!
In this state of peace and confidence of God’s future grace for her beloved husband and boys, Margaret passed peacefully out of this world on July 28th of 1789, just five days after her 37th birthday. Her story remains for us a faithful example of one simple woman who learned to entrust God with all the losses in the greatest trial to come for all of us — the day we die.
Credit: Tony Reink
Written by kachi
But her story is worth telling.
Margaret lived in England, and there she was acquainted with loss. Her father died when she was only two years old. Her only brother later died in war and was buried in foreign soil. And her mother died in Margaret’s 30th year, at which point she writes in her diary that she was “left an orphan in this perplexing world of sin and sorrow.” She had no husband.
When Margaret’s hopes for marriage failed to materialize by age 24, she resigned herself to employment as a household servant in an 18th century London home. In her diary at the time of her decision, she writes, “To go out in the capacity of a servant, is a trial.” For Margaret Jasper, this was just another trial in a long line of trials.
Even her embrace of Christ by faith was preceded by years of unbelief and self-inflicted pain. She humbly acknowledged her stubbornness toward Christ and her resistance to the gospel as a teenager. She looked to the world for her happiness. “If Jesus, the sinner’s only friend, had not interposed, the world, the vain, deceitful world, would have destroyed me,” she penned in her diary.
But God did interpose, and she was eventually converted as a young woman when, “I was enabled immediately to believe that the blood of Christ had sufficient efficacy to clean me, even me, from all my sin.”
The Story of a Diary
We don’t know a lot about Margaret’s life, and the only reason we know anything about her life is through her personal diary, and the only reason we have access to her diary today is due to the interest of John Newton.
After Margaret’s death, her personal writings were gathered up and sent to Newton, the eminent letter writer, autobiographer, and pastor. Out of personal courtesy, Newton agreed to take the papers and give them a read. His low expectations were soon banished. Margaret was a simple woman who used simple language to record her simple faith in Christ as she lived out her simple life. But what Newton read so deeply moved him that he volunteered to edit her papers, to write a preface, and to see the work to print. It was published in 1793 under the title: The Christian Character Exemplified, From the Papers of Mrs. Margaret Magdalen.
Partly, Margaret’s life story resonated with Newton’s: God had overcome her hardness to the gospel after many years. And her life story illustrated the importance of finding joy in Christ. Newton said this in the preface. Her story reinforced the fact that “God made us, and not we ourselves. That He has given us a capacity and thirst for happiness which, both experience and observation demonstrate, the world cannot satisfy.” She sought pleasure in the world and found only bitterness. She, like Newton, eventually found joy in Christ, a sovereign joy enabling her to endure a life of trials.
By age 30, Margaret’s entire family was gone, she was now a servant, and she faced ongoing health issues, some of them very serious. Her diary gives self-disclosing glimpses into her battle against her besetting sin of pride, her struggle to overcome her own anger, and her struggle to handle interpersonal conflict with the humility of Christ.
In spite of her weaknesses and her sins, Margaret continued to cling to the atoning blood of Christ. “The longer I live, the more I see of the wickedness of my heart. Ah, what would become of me, were it not for the atoning blood of Jesus, to cancel the enormous sum of my transgressions.” And in another place, “My salvation must be free. And I am sure if I reach heaven, as I believe I shall through the blood of the God-man, I shall testify to all the blessed abound the throne that free, unmerited grace has brought me here.”
As Newton discovered, Margaret Jasper’s story of faith is a story worth telling.
The End of One Affliction
Singleness was for her a “drinking the bitter waters of affliction.” But against some odds, Margaret was approached by a man, engaged, and was married in January of 1784. At age 31, Margaret Magdalen Jasper became Margaret Magdalen Athens, wife to a Christian man named Frederick, meaning she could also now leave the service of household servant to become a wife and a mother, a calling she wholeheartedly embraced.
The marriage flourished and she soon became a mother to a son, Andrew Henry. After losing their next child in childbirth, she and Frederick had two more boys, William and George, the final son born in Margaret’s 36th year.
But what makes her story especially moving, and and especially exemplary model to note, is the way she died.
The End of All Affliction
Margaret was aware of the sacrifice of mothering children at her age, especially in light of her history of serious health problems. Each child exerted tremendous strain on her body. And after the birth of George, her third and final son, her health turned for the worse.
As Margaret faced the prospect of death (not for the first time in her life) we read in her diary how she wrestled with her faith in God and his future grace for her family. At this point we pick up her story from her own personal diaries beginning in the weeks following the delivery of her third son.
March 18, 1789:
It is the general apprehension of my friends, that I am going, if not already gone, into a deep decline. The physician intimates the same: and a cough, a pain in my side, a low fever, and night sweats, admonish me, that they judge rightly of my case. So that my sweet babe is ordered to be taken from my breast, and sent to another nurse. This is a painful stoke for a tender mother to bear. But I trust the Lord will support me under it; and influence the heart of the nurse to treat the child with tenderness. …
But here lies my weakness, of which the enemy takes advantage: the thoughts of parting with my husband, and leaving my dear children without being able to cultivate their tender minds in the paths of religion and virtue. But is not my God able to take care of them without me? Yes, He is. I am myself a monument of his goodness, and why should I disturb him? Oh, He has been a good Lord to me, in all his characters, offices, and providences.
Courage, then, my soul!
May 16, 1789:
I had the advice of a physician who agrees with the rest, that my disorder is a consumption (tuberculosis), and that, without the greatest care, my life is in danger. Be it so. I shall appear in glory, with Christ, who is my life. I only wish my affections were more weaned from my husband and children. But when I see one who is so dear to me, tenderly sympathizing over me, weeping tears of love, and afraid to express his apprehension that our union must soon be dissolved — This is too much for mere flesh and blood. Nothing but grace can enable me to stand upon this ground.
And then her final entry on June 13, 1789:
I am still under the care of a physician, but he gives me no hope. Indeed, it would be both cruel, and in vain, to flatter me now, for my own weakness informs me, that I am going apace [quickly]. I bless my God, I can now say, Thy will be done! I can give up my dear husband and children, with every earthly connection, into his hands. He will take care of them.
My husband’s trial is great. I feel more for him than for myself. But Heaven will make amends for all! Oh, how I pant and thirst for the happy hour, when my Father will send his Angels to convey my spirit to rest!
There remains a rest for the people of God. I know that my Redeemer liveth. O Death, where is thy sting! Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of Righteousness! When I walk through the valley, I will fear no evil; thy rod, and thy staff comfort me. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord!
I bless God, I have not one fear concerning dying. That Almighty Lord, who has so wonderfully preserved me to the present moment, will not forsake me in my last extremity. No, when flesh and heart fail, He will be the strength of my heart, and my portion forever!
In this state of peace and confidence of God’s future grace for her beloved husband and boys, Margaret passed peacefully out of this world on July 28th of 1789, just five days after her 37th birthday. Her story remains for us a faithful example of one simple woman who learned to entrust God with all the losses in the greatest trial to come for all of us — the day we die.
Credit: Tony Reink
Written by kachi
Childlike Faith
And said, verily I(Jesus) say into you,Except ye be converted and become as little children,ye shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven(Matt 18:3)
The uniqueness of a child's innocence cannot be overemphasized as even with distinctive characters,their chain of thought is similar leaving their hope,trust & belief in their parents alone or anyone whom their parents permit.Transformation which occurs at adulthood is expected causing trust and beliefs to be placed in other things.
Similarly,growth is inevitable in our spiritual life but do we discredit the giver of such growth? In emphasis of such need for a childlike faith,we need to accept that we need God's grace to supplement our faith as evident in Mark 9:24-Immediately the boys father exclaimed,'I do believe,help me to overcome my unbelief'(KJV).In another translation- 'I do have faith but not enough,help me to have more'.
Jesus was regarded by the Jews as the 'Poorest King that ever lived' but His humility in all things despite His glorious nature made way for victory over sin and death.Hence,'humility' & 'faith' are expeditious when strongly connected.
Does our spiritual life make us childlike? Does our spiritual life lead us to victory like Christ? Does our spiritual life position us for favor or anger from God? Does our spiritual life make us feel like the only true Christian?
Written by NEDD Ezie
The uniqueness of a child's innocence cannot be overemphasized as even with distinctive characters,their chain of thought is similar leaving their hope,trust & belief in their parents alone or anyone whom their parents permit.Transformation which occurs at adulthood is expected causing trust and beliefs to be placed in other things.
Similarly,growth is inevitable in our spiritual life but do we discredit the giver of such growth? In emphasis of such need for a childlike faith,we need to accept that we need God's grace to supplement our faith as evident in Mark 9:24-Immediately the boys father exclaimed,'I do believe,help me to overcome my unbelief'(KJV).In another translation- 'I do have faith but not enough,help me to have more'.
Jesus was regarded by the Jews as the 'Poorest King that ever lived' but His humility in all things despite His glorious nature made way for victory over sin and death.Hence,'humility' & 'faith' are expeditious when strongly connected.
Does our spiritual life make us childlike? Does our spiritual life lead us to victory like Christ? Does our spiritual life position us for favor or anger from God? Does our spiritual life make us feel like the only true Christian?
Written by NEDD Ezie
Wednesday 12 June 2013
GROWING FAINT
How often do we cry out for security and strength? As a parent, probably often! There will be times we will have to be led to a rock higher than ourselves so we can see beyond our present struggles to the future God has in store for us. Sometimes we have to be lifted up to see life from God's eternal perspective. In this passage, David recognizes the higher "rock" as a place of safety and power and he knows only God can lead him there.
Parenting can sometimes make you feel faint-hearted, but God wants you to use those times to pray to Him for security and strength. James 1:5 says that those who ask will be given wisdom. Wisdom is one way God lifts you up to the higher rock.
Remember, you are never confined to your present situation. Trust God to lift you to a higher place and give you His eternal perspective!
Credit: Parenting by design
Written by Kachi
The Antidote To Fear
1 John 4:18
18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear…
Experts tell us that babies have two natural fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. A study on fear was conducted on 500 adults of varying ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. The results showed that they shared some 7,000 different fears. This means that they must have learnt 6,998 fears since they were born. That is a lot of fears!
Actually, our bodies are designed for faith. Fear was foreign to man until Adam sinned against God. For the first time, Adam knew fear, and he hid from God and said, “I heard Your voice… I was afraid… I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10)
Since then, man has been living in the realm of fear — fear of the future, fear of what others might say, fear of diseases, fear of flying… Actually, every fear is born out of the feeling of being cut off from God. If you think that God is still mad at you, that He is out to punish you, how can you have faith that everything will be all right? How can you have faith for your miracle?
But I have good news for you. There is a sure antidote to fear. The apostle John says that “perfect love casts out fear”. When you know that God so loves you that He gave His Son to take your beating so that you can take His blessings, you will stop fearing.
God so loves you that at the cross, Jesus was rejected so that you could become God’s beloved. It was not the nails that kept Jesus on the cross. It was His love for you. And if God did not withhold Jesus, why do you think that He will withhold healing, finances or a blessed marriage from you? (Romans 8:32)
Today, when you hear His voice, you will hear Him say, “You are My beloved child, in you I am well pleased.” And you don’t have to hide but you can run to Him without fear because He is not out to punish you. He is out to protect and provide for you, so fear not!
Thought For The Day
Run to God without fear because He is not out to punish you, but to protect and provide for you.
Credit: Joseph Prince
Written by Kachi
You Are a Work in Progress
My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. (1 John 3:2 GNT)
Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life.
You are a work in progress. Your spiritual transformation in developing the character of Jesus will take the rest of your life, and even then it won't be completed here on earth. It will only be finished when you get to heaven or when Jesus returns.
At that point, whatever unfinished work on your character is left will be wrapped up. The Bible says that when we are finally able to see Jesus perfectly, we will become perfectly like him: "We can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is." (1 John 3:2 NLT)
Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: he wants to make us like himself (Christlike) before he takes us to heaven.
Credit: Rick Warren
Written by Kachi
Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life.
You are a work in progress. Your spiritual transformation in developing the character of Jesus will take the rest of your life, and even then it won't be completed here on earth. It will only be finished when you get to heaven or when Jesus returns.
At that point, whatever unfinished work on your character is left will be wrapped up. The Bible says that when we are finally able to see Jesus perfectly, we will become perfectly like him: "We can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is." (1 John 3:2 NLT)
Much confusion in the Christian life comes from ignoring the simple truth that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: he wants to make us like himself (Christlike) before he takes us to heaven.
Credit: Rick Warren
Written by Kachi
Exodus 14:15–16
15: And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16: But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it...
The problem with the body of Christ today is not that we are not praying. We are praying. But many of us are praying desperate prayers. We are praying, “God, help… God, please… God, do something about my problem!”
If you are smiling a little by now, most likely, you know about such prayers and might have prayed a couple yourself. My friend, God does not want you to pray pleading prayers all the time. He wants you to use the authority He has given you to pray powerful prayers, to boldly command and to “stretch out your hand” and see miracles happen.
When Moses stood before the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit, the Bible tells us that he cried out to God. But God told him, “Why do you cry to Me?”
There is a time for you to cry out to God and there is a time for you to use your authority. God told Moses, “Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.”
The “rod” you have today is the name of Jesus. As you command in Jesus’ name, your “sea” will open and you will go on dry ground through the midst of your problem.
Do you realize that Jesus did not say, “Go and pray for the sick”? He said,” Go and heal the sick.” (Matthew 10:8) So stop pleading and asking all the time, and start using the authority you have in Christ.
Jesus told the church, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore…” (Matthew 28:18–19) My friend, God wants you to go and use the authority that He has given you. And as you go, miracles will flow!
Thought For The Day
When you start using the authority you have in Christ, miracles will flow.
Credits: Joseph Prince
Written by Uju ( Stella )
15: And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16: But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it...
The problem with the body of Christ today is not that we are not praying. We are praying. But many of us are praying desperate prayers. We are praying, “God, help… God, please… God, do something about my problem!”
If you are smiling a little by now, most likely, you know about such prayers and might have prayed a couple yourself. My friend, God does not want you to pray pleading prayers all the time. He wants you to use the authority He has given you to pray powerful prayers, to boldly command and to “stretch out your hand” and see miracles happen.
When Moses stood before the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit, the Bible tells us that he cried out to God. But God told him, “Why do you cry to Me?”
There is a time for you to cry out to God and there is a time for you to use your authority. God told Moses, “Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it.”
The “rod” you have today is the name of Jesus. As you command in Jesus’ name, your “sea” will open and you will go on dry ground through the midst of your problem.
Do you realize that Jesus did not say, “Go and pray for the sick”? He said,” Go and heal the sick.” (Matthew 10:8) So stop pleading and asking all the time, and start using the authority you have in Christ.
Jesus told the church, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore…” (Matthew 28:18–19) My friend, God wants you to go and use the authority that He has given you. And as you go, miracles will flow!
Thought For The Day
When you start using the authority you have in Christ, miracles will flow.
Credits: Joseph Prince
Written by Uju ( Stella )
'I Am Who I Am'
Exodus 3:14
14: And God said to Moses, “I am who I am.”…
Whatever your challenge is today, whether it is physical, emotional, financial or marital, the great I Am declares to you: “I am to you what you need Me to be.”
Do you need healing? He says, “I am the Lord who heals you. (Exodus 15:26) And as you believe Me, you will see your healing manifest thirtyfold, sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
Are you groping in the dark, not knowing what to do? He says, “I am the light of the world. (John 8:12) When you walk in Me, you will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Are you looking for a way out of a bad situation? He says, “I am your deliverer. I will reach down from on high, take hold of your hand and draw you out of the deep waters.” (Psalm 18:2, 16)
Are you wondering if there is more to life than merely existing from day to day? He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) I came to give you life. And where there is life, there cannot be death. You will have life and life more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Are you fearful of what is ahead of you? He says, “I am the good shepherd (John 10:11), who leads you to pastures of tender, green grass and waters of rest. You will not suffer lack.” (Psalm 23:1–3)
Are you confused by the opinions and reports of man? He says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. (Revelation 1:11) I have the final word in your life. The doctors do not have the final word. The experts do not have the final word. I have the first word and the last word in your situation.”
My friend, do not be fearful of the problems you face. The great I Am declares to you, “Fear not! For I am to you what you need Me to be!”
Thought For The Day
God declares to you, “I am to you what you need Me to be.”
Credits: Joseph Prince
Written by Uju ( Stella )
14: And God said to Moses, “I am who I am.”…
Whatever your challenge is today, whether it is physical, emotional, financial or marital, the great I Am declares to you: “I am to you what you need Me to be.”
Do you need healing? He says, “I am the Lord who heals you. (Exodus 15:26) And as you believe Me, you will see your healing manifest thirtyfold, sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
Are you groping in the dark, not knowing what to do? He says, “I am the light of the world. (John 8:12) When you walk in Me, you will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Are you looking for a way out of a bad situation? He says, “I am your deliverer. I will reach down from on high, take hold of your hand and draw you out of the deep waters.” (Psalm 18:2, 16)
Are you wondering if there is more to life than merely existing from day to day? He says, “I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) I came to give you life. And where there is life, there cannot be death. You will have life and life more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Are you fearful of what is ahead of you? He says, “I am the good shepherd (John 10:11), who leads you to pastures of tender, green grass and waters of rest. You will not suffer lack.” (Psalm 23:1–3)
Are you confused by the opinions and reports of man? He says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. (Revelation 1:11) I have the final word in your life. The doctors do not have the final word. The experts do not have the final word. I have the first word and the last word in your situation.”
My friend, do not be fearful of the problems you face. The great I Am declares to you, “Fear not! For I am to you what you need Me to be!”
Thought For The Day
God declares to you, “I am to you what you need Me to be.”
Credits: Joseph Prince
Written by Uju ( Stella )
Friday 7 June 2013
Don’t Give Up At Thirtyfold !
Mark 4:8
“But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
Perhaps you have marveled at God’s instantaneous healing miracles. Perhaps you believed that He would do the same for you. But now, when you see
your own healing taking so long to manifest, you are tempted to give up.
My friend, when the manifestation does not come instantaneously, we are not to be discouraged because Jesus let us in on a secret when He shared
the parable of the sower. (Mark 4:3–20)
The parable of the sower teaches us that once we receive God’s Word into our hearts regarding our situation, God’s blessings will manifest in
progression. When we receive our thirtyfold manifestation, it means that 70 per cent of that condition is still there. But some of us give up at thirtyfold
because we still feel more pain than relief.
We need to realize that we are thirtyfold better than before, and our sixtyfold is coming! Once we receive our sixtyfold manifestation, there is still 40
per cent that is not well. But we are more healed than sick now, and we only need to get ready for the hundredfold manifestation!
For years, I had a skin condition. Medication did not help and, finally, after I had done everything I knew to do, I decided to take the Holy Comm
and pray about it. I said, “Father, I have an infirmity. I don’t know what is hindering the physical manifestation of this healing. Holy Spirit, I am trusting
You to make perfect intercession regarding the manifestation of my healing.”
That was how I prayed for my skin condition. Did I look into the mirror to see if it had left? Of course I did! I am like anyone else. But did I stop praying?
No, I kept on praying until one day, I heard a voice within me say, “Look at your body.” When I looked into the mirror, the skin condition was completely
gone! I was totally healed, but the manifestation of the healing was gradual.
Today, if you have seen only a thirtyfold increase in your situation, don’t give up. The sixtyfold, then hundredfold increases are on their way to you!
Becoming Like Jesus
Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers. (Romans 8:29 GNT)
In all of creation, only human beings are made in God's image. This is a great privilege and it gives us dignity. We don't know all this phrase covers, but we do know some of the aspects it includes: like God, we are spiritual beings - our spirits are immortal and will outlast our earthly bodies; we are intellectual - we can think, reason, and solve problems; we are relational - we can give and receive real love; and we have a moral consciousness - we can discern right from wrong, which makes us accountable to God.
But the image is incomplete and has been damaged and distorted by sin. So God sent Jesus on a mission to restore the full image that we have lost.
What does the full "image and likeness" of God look like? It looks like Jesus Christ!
People often use the phrase "like father, like son" to refer to family resemblance. When people see my likeness in my kids, it pleases me. God wants his children to bear his image and likeness too.
Credit: Rick Warren
Written by Kachi
Convince Yourself, Not God
Mark 5:28
28For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
With a crowd thronging Him, Jesus was touched by a lot of people that day (Mark 5:31), but only the touch of one woman drew a response from Him. And her touch sparked off instant healing in her body, releasing her from a sickness that had plagued her for 12 years.
Do you want to know how to touch God and receive the miracle you need?
When the woman heard that Jesus was coming by her village, she said to herself, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” On her way to see Jesus, she probably told herself many times, “If I touch His clothes, I will be healed. I will be made whole.” We don’t know how long she had been saying that to herself, but she was convinced that Jesus would heal her.
If you are sick, convince yourself that Jesus is your healer and that by His stripes you are healed. You don’t need to convince God. He is not the one who needs to be persuaded because His blessing is already on you! It is you who needs to be persuaded that God has already given you your miracle. That is the reason you confess His Word — to convince yourself, not God, to persuade your heart, not His.
Some people confess their faith to others to convince God indirectly. For example, if they are believing God for healing, they go around telling their friends, “I am believing God for healing.” They are actually trying to convince or persuade God to heal them. They are telling God, “I’ve told so many people what I am believing You for. It would be very embarrassing if You don’t make it happen.” Their confession proceeds from unbelief and is used to manipulate God.
It is okay to tell others if you want to, so that they can stand in faith with you for your miracle. But don’t do it to prove your faith to God and to convince Him. You just need to convince yourself that God loves you and delights in blessing you. Just say to yourself, “By His stripes I am healed. I will not suffer lack. I am greatly blessed, highly favored, deeply loved!” And let God take care of the rest.
Thought For The Day
It is you who needs to be persuaded that God has already given you your miracle.
Credit: Joseph Prince
Writtenby Kachi
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