Latest Posts

The Gift of Discernment

Published by

My post today is on the subject of Discernment. I am persuaded that the days we are living in has called for an optimized level of discernment. This has always been the way God wanted us to do life. Walking by the Spirit. So this is God saying to us – this has to be you new normal.

Psalm 119:66 – Teach me good judgment and knowledge

Hebrews 5:14 – But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hosea 14:9 – Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, And the just shall walk in them:

Main text:

Philippians 1:9, 10

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Discerning in verse 10 means to distinguish, decide and render or from the root word – to pass judgement on… passing sentence.

Romans 14:1 –

Discernment is the ability to judge well…

The ability to see beyond the obvious…

The ability to read environments…

The ability to understand motivations…

It’s the ability to distinguish between spirits…

Let me clarify – I am not talking about a hunch, a gut feeling or an intuition. There is place for those in the human experience. But they are subject error.

Discernment is a gift from God… and it is accurate 100 percent of the time. If God is speaking – He will be heard. If the Holy Spirit is leading you will know – God has a way of making His intentions clear. He doesn’t leave it up to guess and take so-called risks… if God is speaking/leading – He will be heard, He will be seen.

Discernment is the tone of spiritual harmony… it is the beat of heaven.

Discernment cuts through the noise – settles and soothes the troubled mind…

Discernment is a constant and steady companion…

The scripture says, “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything builds up.”

Here we have a tension – a dilemma – if you will.

It is discernment that allows you to judge well or act appropriately within that tension.

You have the right, but should you use it?

You have the power… it is within you reach – should you take… discernment walks you through it.

The ability to judge well… the ability to judge between good and evil – right or wrong is discernment…

Discernment brings color to the gray areas of life.

We find Jesus on the pages of the New Testament walking daily in discernment.

Scriptures says:

John 2:25 – He knew what was in man

Matthew 9:4 – Jesus knowing their thoughts

Mark 2:8 – Jesus perceived in His spirit what they were reasoning in their hearts.

Luke 5:22 – Jesus perceived their thoughts…

How did he do it? Certainly not by intuition or gut feeling or mind reading. His discernment was a gift of of the Holy Spirit.

There are 5 areas in our lives where Discernment needs to shine the brightest

The list is not exhaustive…

1. The Area of Temptation

In order to live in victory over temptation – discernment has to be optimized. Galatians 5:17 – tells us to – “Walk in the Spirit – for when we do, we can have victory over temptations.

Here’s is how that works:

The Holy Spirit helps us to understand:

1. Ourselves

2. Our weaknesses

3. Any area or moments where there might be demonic influences

4. How God helps us to overcome the temptation

Paul speaks to this in Romans 7:19-23 – He says, I want to do what’s good – but I don’t … I don’t to do what’s wrong – but I do! You got to know who you are and what your weaknesses are.

You say, I don’t have any weaknesses… haha – yes you do! We are all prune to wander… there is inside of all of us a bend toward sin.

Ephesians 4:22 talks about putting off the old self. talking about temptation – James 1:14-16 says each of us are dragged away and enticed by our own evil desires. Entice = lure by a bait… carries a certain additional sense of demonic activity –

1 John 2:15-17. They are 1. Lust of the flesh 2. Lust of the eyes 3. Pride of life.

Hebrews 12:1 says to throw off the sin that so easily entangles. 2 Corinthians 10:13 says to pay attention to the way of escape that God provides when tempted.

There is always an off ramp on the highway to temptation.

2. The Area of Discovering God’s will

This is an invitation to live open and sensitive to the leading and promptings of the Holy Spirit. This can happen through a variety of ways: The word of God – the will of God will never contradict the word of God. The Holy Spirit comes to give us that unmistakable voice. Prayer and wise counsel. But there is one other way. I think it is effective because it helps us discern what is in alignment or out of alignment with the character of God, the word of God and the spirit of truth.

Look with me at Romans 12:2

I want to read it out of the outstanding and memorable translation of JB Phillips

“With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give Him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to Him and acceptable by Him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the Plan of God for you is good, meets all His demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”

What is your worldview about God, work, dating, retirement, parenting, marriage, money, plans about life? Every about you and your worldview must be transformed (metamophoo… transfigured)

Since we’re talking about discovering the will of God… what is you worldview about life and plans?

For some – they say things like… It’s my life, I will do whatever I feel like doing with it. I will marry whoever I want, I will go wherever I want, etc…

The problem with that you never discover the purpose, callings and gifting that God has for you.

James 4:15 says, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills us to, we will live and do this or that.”

A who allows his mind to be renewed by sovereignty, preeminence of God will learn how to acknowledge in all his way. Cause when you do – than you’ll be able to discern what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God for you life. Discernment begins to overflow from the inside out!

3. Areas of spiritual attacks

Discernment helps you understand the where – the when and the why of spiritual attacks.

When are you most susceptible to spiritual attacks… for some – it right after you’ve done an exploit for God. For others – it comes when you’re tired – discouraged – everybody else is making it but you.

Where are you most susceptible to spiritual attacks… there is always a where… could be a certain place… a certain atmosphere… a vulnerable place… a lonely place… a broke place… a fearful place… a complicated place

Why – For some – you’re right on the edge of a breakthrough. You next level is around the corner – and he’s trying to stop it. There is a great work before… a harvest is coming… you know… After Jesus is tempted in Luke 4, the bible says in verse 13 that the devil left him for an opportune time. See, that devil is always stalking you… scripture says, he’s going to and fro – throughout the earth seeking whom he may devour. He’s stalking, softening your resolve, your guard… chipping away at your defense… little compromises here and there… just waiting for the right time to pounce… you see, you just don’t suddenly fall into sin – you slide into it!

He knows what buttons to push… do you know what those buttons are?

4. Areas of false doctrines and pseudo prophecy

Discernment in this area is so important. Why? Because it keeps us ground in our the truth.

A. The origin of false teaching is twofold

1. Demonic Inspiration – 1 Tim. 4:1-2

2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Revelation 16:13-14

2. Human Error fueled by greed and self deception

2 Peter 2:3; Colossians 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:20-21

B. The word pseudo means having the resemblance of… there is a lot of prophecy out there right now that is not of God. I think a lot of people are going to regret after    COVID-19 is over. Because they have taken the liberty to speak where God has not spoken.

And the reason why false doctrines and pseudo prophecy are dangerous and deceptive… is that these people are persuaded that they are speaking on behalf of God – but in reality – they are speaking from their heart. To speak from the heart does not necessarily mean you have a lying spirit… in many cases there is a lying spirit, but it means you have a certain feeling about things. And that’s the problem – Have you ever had a very strong feeling about something only to find out later – you were dead wrong?

Listen, there is rule of thumb when it comes to false doctrines – they need to be scrutinized… we need to call the church back to being the Christians in Acts 17:11 – who took what they were taught and put to the test by studying it. Christians now a days are a little too gullible.

As a rule of thumb – prophecies need to be tested. It doesn’t matter who spoke it.

And as a rule of thumb – when somebody speak a word over you… it is usual confirmation of something God has already hinted you on:

Example: My Call.

A couple of weeks after my salvation experience and being fill with the Holy Spirit – my spiritual father called me and spoke a word from God to me. He told me that the Lord told him to tell that He was calling me into the ministry. I was delighted to hear that – but that was not the first time I heard it. God had spoken to me about – so this was just a confirmation.

5. Areas of Spiritual Identity.

A lack of discernment into who you have become in Christ can lead to an identify crisis.

Discernment brings you into a greater understanding of who you have become in Christ.

This discernment comes through a revelation of the of the word of God. Scripture says,

Psalm 119:130 – The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

This happens when falsehood, half truths, deceptions are exposed by the unveiling of truth.

Scripture says, “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32

You see – it is the truth you know that will set you free… In other words –

it’s not sufficient to recite – I’m fearfully and wonderfully made – you have to know it by experience – those words must affect you to the core…

that you are loved, you are enough, you’re special, you’re wanted – even if you’re rejected. You have to settle in who you are in Christ.

Conclusion:

Discernment is a gift from God.  He reveal the deep and secret things: Daniel 2:22 – The scripture says, 1 Corinthians 2:12-15 –  But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

It’s a gift and God wants everyone of us to walk in it. But He wants us to not only receive this gift – but also develop the skills to walk in it. Because in many instances, discernment emerges from hard work and paying close attention.

Here’s how:

1 Yearn for it!

To discern you have to yearn.

1 Corinthians 14:1 – Earnestly desire spiritual gifts… be consumed with a desire to get it…

2 Pay attention to it!

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

the word dwell/ think – means to be a book keeper, an accountant – one who properly reconciles their bank account.

these are the building blocks of discernment

these are the things that will enrich and nourish your mind, heart and spirit

Dwell – if you dwell on these

3 Ask for it!

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Wisdom – comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God…

Prudence – practical wisdom, that endowment of heart and mind which is needed for the right conduct of life.

4 feed it!

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, both joints and marrow, and able to judge the reflections and thoughts of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden in the sight of him, but all things are naked and laid bare to the eyes of him to whom ⌊we must give our account.”

psalm 1… delight… meditate… desire… muse

5 Practice it!

Hebrews 5:14 –

“But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

It is important to look to the context of this verse…

they were sluggish in hearing

they were supposed to be teachers by now

they are still drinking milk because they are unskilled in the message of righteousness…

this message of righteousness is the solid food that some are very familiar with… because of constant use…

practice make perfect… that constant use has propelled and advanced some in the area of discernment… their spiritual senses have been optimized… they have a razor sharp clarity

6 Fight with it!

Discernment is a spiritual weapon

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Strongholds – speaking of the learning, and eloquence, and philosophical subtleties on which we unknowingly pride ourselves.

Imaginations – speaking of our reasoning, justifications and excuses for our actions and our pride… all the things that seek to exalt themselves over the know of Christ.

The Word of God – The Spirit of God through prayer fires up your discernment to not only understand but pull down every thought and reasoning and make them obedient to Christ.

7 Steward it!

Oswald chambers has an unforgettable quote about stewarding the gift of discernment. he says,

“God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.”

Discernment to not a spiritual excuse to render judgment.

Steward it with compassion, love… by lifting not tearing down.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-23

“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.”

Destiny

Published by

There is a buzzword in the church today.

DESTINY!

Everybody’s talking about it and running after it. It is interesting, however what exactly people mean when they talk about destiny. In many cases, it’s about personal success. There is nothing wrong with that! But destiny runs deeper than that.

Destiny is not about

success

status

self aggrandizement

It’s is about servanthood

For many destiny has become an idol!

It is very easy for destiny to become an idol. Take a look at the life of Joseph.

Joseph was a young man who at the age of 16 misunderstood a revelation given to him by God. In his immaturity he developed an air of self importance that drove his brothers to despise him. His interpretation of a God given destiny or dream was all about him, and he paid dearly for it.

But after a series of life lessons, Joseph began to understand that though one day he would be elevated to become Prince of Egypt, God was not interested in his status, but his servanthood. God was not interested in his prosperity, but the preservation of his family. God was not interested in his destiny, but the destiny and formation of an entire nation.

That’s why he could say, “God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors.” Genesis 45:7

Let us keep this truth in the back of our minds – we are simply just regular people with an extraordinary call to servanthood.

“The greatest among you must be a servant.”

Matthew 23:11

Reflections on John 4:10

Published by

All of history, prophesy and promise, is completed in Jesus. Your whole life is completed in Jesus. Every part of your life: your work, family, relationships, friends, memories and dreams are completed in Jesus.

Nicky & Pippa Gumbel

“Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.””

John 4:10 ESV

If you knew the gift of God, you would throw yourself in the arms of Jesus:

That gift is a gift of eternal life

That gift is a gift of unconditional love

That gift is a gift of forgiveness

That gift is a gift of peace with God and peace of God

That gift is a gift of freedom

If you understood the value and worth of the gift:

You would run through fire to obtain it

You would scale a wall to get it

You would search diligently for it until you found it

You would sell everything you own to possess it

You would travel mile away to experience it

You would pay any prize to have it

But it’s absolutely free. You cannot earn it or but it. It is more valuable than gold, rubies and diamonds.

And it is all yours simply by grace through faith.

If you truly understand the gift of God , you would fall into the loving arms of Jesus.

Because that gift is Jesus Christ Himself, in whom the fullness of God dwells.

10 Scriptures for Gloomy Days of Depression

Published by

Depression is an issue that impacts everyone. Christians and unbelievers alike suffer from fear, anxiety, and overwhelming stress. If you are not depressed than you know somebody who is or has been. In any event, depression is not fun. In time past the Church have in many ways sidestepped the issue and was dismissive of it.
For most Christians, even admitting that they suffer from depression is something you just don’t do because others see you as a defeated, demon possessed Christian. But no matter where you are in your struggle, you can always find solace in Jesus, Hope and courage from scripture and practical advice and counseling to lift you out of your gloomy days of depression. Or at least help you walk through it. Allow me to share a few:

He’s got gold in mind

Job 23:1; 9, 10
My hand is heavy on account of my groaning.
Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that
I might come even to his seat! on the left hand
when he is working, I do not behold him; he
turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
But he knows the way that I take; when he has
tried me, I shall come out as gold. 

The first thing you need to understand is that God understands

You may not see him, find him, understand what you are going through or how to come out of it. You may not even know of what good or use you will be, after all is said and done. But:

  1. He knows what You are going through
  2. He know where You are
  3. He has a plan, a purpose for you in this thing
  4. He’s bringing out GOLD in you

He’s there in the every day and the mundane 

Ecclesiastes 2:24
So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy 
food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. 
Then I realized that these pleasures are from the 
hand of God. For who can eat  or enjoy anything 
apart from him? God gives wisdom,  knowledge, 
and joy to those who please him. 


Depression says all is vanity  Depression says there is no purpose in life. Depression says everything is meaningless.
The second thing you need to understand is that he is with you every day and in everything. Even and in the menial mundane things.
  1. God says, not everything is vanity
  2. God says, there is purpose for your life
  3. God says you can find satisfaction, purpose, and meaning in your work. No matter how menial you might think it is. He says, you can actually find enjoyment in the things that are important: work, family, friends
  4. He has given us everything for our enjoyment – 1 Timothy 6:17

Out of the mouths of infants

Psalm 8:2
Out of the mouths of babes and unweaned infants
You have established strength because of Your foes, 
that You might silence the enemy and the avenger.
[Matt. 21:15, 16.] 
The third thing you need to understand is that no matter how small you feel, He has chosen the weak things to nullify the strong.
Sometimes on your gloomy days you feel:
  1. Small
  2. Like nothing
  3. Powerless
  4. Fearful 
In these times God reminds us about the power of small things. How big things come in small packages. Hence, the illustration of infants. If God can silence the might and power of the enemy and the avenger, by mere infants, how much more can he do through you? It doesn’t matter how strong you are, it matters how strong He is. For his power is made perfect in your weakness. 

Paradigm Shift

Psalm 77:8, 9
Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises
at an end for all time?  Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” 
 When I focus on my troubles
  • My soul refuses to be comforted
  • my spirit faints
  • I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

The fourth thing you need to understand is when you focus on Him – possibilities are endless. You gain heavenly perspective in your earthly dilemmas.The Psalmist says, “I will bring to remembrance your great deeds. I will remember the deeds of the Lord . I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.” What he’s saying is – I’ve seen you do this before, so I will remain confident that you who brought me in will be faithful to bring me out:

  • When the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled
  • Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters
  • yet your footprints were unseen… I may not see you, but I know you are at work
  • You led your people like a flock – I am confident you will do the same for me!

Find the answer in the sanctuary

Psalm 73:16, 17
But when I thought how to understand this,  
it seemed to me a wearisome task,  until I 
went into the sanctuary of God.

The fifth thing you need to understand is the power of coming into his house for:

  • inspiration/ instruction/ revelation/ Meditation/ Prayer/ worship/ fellowship

To carry a weight of inner conflict and depression is painful and burdensome. Walking around with a cloud of gloom and doom is not the will of the father for anyone. When God’s people gather for worship and an opportunity to pray for one another and listen to God’s word, He usually shows up. In his house we can find the power to break free from depression.

A Multitude of Counselors
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, 
but in
an 
abundance of counselors there is safety. 
The sixth thing you need to understand is that it is okay to seek help.  Because depression causes and cures can be very mysterious. 
It is okay to seek counseling from your pastor or from a profession Christian counselor. It is also good to find support in closed friends and loved ones. I would counsel you to see a doctor and get some extra help in addition to everything said in this post. For some, seeing a Christian counselor, meeting in support groups and relying on friends and loved ones is just not enough. Finding the courage to seek help will speak out and find help is very critical. 

Nothing else and no one else can help the way Jesus can

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, 
and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is 
easy, 
and my burden is light."
The seventh thing you need to understand is that Jesus bring something to the table that no one else can. 
In your search to overcome depression and find fulfillment and meaning, the greatest remedy you will ever find is in Jesus and pursuing a relationship with him. The things of this world will not do. Money, cars, fame, fortune, self effort and self-help will not do. Even with the best counselors and the greatest medical cure, Jesus bring not only temporal, but also eternal healing and satisfaction. 

To medicate or not to medicate

Luke 5:31
And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have 
no 
need of a physician, but those who are sick. 
The Lord's play 
on words here speaks of Himself 
as a healer and his 
acknowledgment of medicine and doctors. 
The eighth thing you need to understand is that depression has the power to create another world on which you will be tempted to rely on. 
According to Ed Welch, depression is always a spiritual matter. It is something we must always go to The Lord for power, mercy, and grace.” Therefore, it is okay to medicate depression, but we should never allow antidepressants to take the place of God’s power and grace. We must never lose sight of his constant grace. But always use wisdom to balance the two. 

A Journey, not a quick fix

Romans 8:15
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall 
back 
into fear, but you have received the Spirit of 
adoption as 
sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"
Psalm 61:2
"From the end of the earth I call to you when my 
heart 
is overwhelmed with anxiety, Lead me to the
 
rock that 
is higher than I."
Philippians 4:6, 7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything 
by 
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your 
requests 
be made known to God. And the peace of God, 
which 
surpasses all understanding, will guard your 
hearts 
and your
 minds in Christ Jesus."
The ninth thing we need to understand is that prayer and meditation work, but they are not quick fixes, they are part of the healing process. 
We must never wait for our lives to be perfect before we think about living it to its fullest. There are thousands of godly men and women of God who struggled with depression all their lives yet went on to do great things for God. So seek God, spend time in prayer and his word. Learn how to overcome and find joy every day even in the midst of depression. 
The following are habits that just don’t help. Seek God’s help and power to stop doing them:
  • Stop “Walking with the Dead” before you go to sleep. Yes, I talking about TV shows and movies like that
  • Stop getting wasted just to numb your pain – Yes I am talking about drugs and alcohol
  • Stop going to la la land to escape your sorrows – Yes, I am talking about day dreaming and fantasy
  • Stop doing nothing – Yes, I am talking about just sitting around doing nothing. Try some exercise

These things just don’t help. Invest your time in prayer, worship, meditation and community.

Momentary struggles vs. Eternal Glory

2 Corinthians 4:17, 18

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing

 for us an 
eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 

as we look 
not to the things that are seen but to the 
things 
that are 
unseen. For the things that are seen are
 transient, 
but the 
things that are unseen are eternal."
The tenth thing you need to understand is that one of these days, you are going to look back on all you afflictions and say, “wow, that was nothing.” 
Every pain, depression and dark suffering you’ve ever been through, you are going to look back  and they will all be dim in the light of His glory. In the main time fix your eyes on him, put your trust in Him and walk with Him. 
 

Learn the unforced rhythm of grace

Published by

If you are not familiar with who Brian Doerksen is, I urge you to look him up. Brian is a Christian singer/songwriter, recording artist, author, conference speaker and pastor. Born and raised on the west coast of Canada in Abbotsford B.C., he now lives with his family (wife of 25 years Joyce and their 4 youngest children) in the same home that he spent his childhood in. He has notable songs like: “Refiner’s Fire” (1990), “Faithful One”, “Hope of the Nations,” (2003), “Holy God”, “Today (As For Me and My House)” and “Come Now is the Time to Worship” (1998).

Brian is a phenomenal song writer. Even in some of his simplest lyrics, he hits you with something when you least expect it. I bought a few songs from his album “Level Ground” when it came out a few months ago but never really took the time to listen to all the songs. But I was listening to “Enter the rest of God” the other day and boom – it hit me like a drone. A simple phrase tucked away in the song – “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace… Live the unforced rhythms of grace.”

How do you live the unforced rhythms of grace? How do you lay aside all your striving to find rest through his precious grace? First, let’s look at the Bible verse and then the lyrics of the song. He bases the lyrics of the song on Matthew 11:28, 29, 30. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” To this he writes:

Are you tired Worn out and empty Is your soul weary Have you tried Releasing your burdens Do you feel the weight Of worry? I am the rest you need I am the Prince of Peace Enter the rest of God. Come to Me Burdens will fly away Walk with Me Learn the unforced rhythms of grace… Live the unforced rhythms of grace…

When training a new animal (such as an ox) to plow, ancient farmers would often yoke it to an older, stronger, more experienced animal who would bear the burden and guide the young animal through his learning process. The point here is we are the new, younger, not strong, and inexperienced. He is wiser, stronger, and more experienced. It is in our coming, taking, learning, finding, and yoking ourselves to Him that we can begin to “live the unforced rhythms of grace. That is when we cease striving, that’s when we find rest. Rest for our souls.

If your yoke is hard and your burden is heavy, then it isn’t His yoke or burden, and you aren’t letting Him bear it with you. Jesus said it plainly: My yoke is easy and My burden is light. This is how we discover the rhythm of grace.

There are three areas in which God wants you to find rest:

Rest is Harmony in your relationship with the Father.

“For we who have believed enter that rest. For whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works” Hebrews 4:3

This is what Jesus calls rest for your soul. When we cease being enemies of God, when we come into fellowship with Him, when we repent of our sins and disobedience – we enter into a profound relationship with our Father – that is when our joy is complete.

Rest is Happiness with ourselves

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28,29

Sometimes life can be burdensome. We can carry around a load of care. At these times we worry about things and stress over setbacks disappointments and tribulations. But He invites us to lay our burdens at His feet. When we do, a certain kind of peace and contentment comes over our soul and we are able to live and breathe again.

Rest is Holiday Everyday

Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed. Exodus 23:12

Holiday is a period of cessation from work or one of recreation; vacation. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be at the end of the year. It doesn’t have to be at the end of the week. It can be everyday. If we would just divert daily from work, withdraw week and abandon yearly – we can find rest. If we would just turn off the TV and go to bed early so you can get your eight hours of sleep we will find rest.

The Black Dot!

Published by

“One day our headmaster walked into the classroom and put up a broad white sheet of paper with a small black dot in the corner. ‘Boys,’ he asked, ‘what do you see?’ All of us shouted in unison, ‘A black dot!’ Then he said, ‘So not a single one of you saw the broad white sheet of paper? Don’t go through life with that attitude.” -Kofi Annan Kofi Annan au OYW

A Black Dot!

Sometimes as Christians all we do is focus on what disagree on and not sufficiently on all the other things we agree on. Let us not go through life with that attitude. Talk more about the thinks you agree on.

Sometimes in relationships, all a husband or wife thinks about is that character flaw or that thing that your partner does that so irritates you. Don’t go through life with that attitude. Think  about and celebrate the good things about your spouse.

Sometimes in churches all we seem to think about is that one black dot. The music is too loud, the pastor’s sermon is too long, there are no paper towels in the ladies rest room, there is no parking. Don’t go through life like that. Find something to like about your church. Talk about them every time you are tempted to focus on the black dot.

Sometimes life can be difficult, if that’s all you focus on, you are missing out on some of the  other awesome stuff the Lord may be doing in your life. Don’t go through life like that, give thanks, and develop an attitude of thanksgiving and a spirit of contentment.

It has been said that in every family there is a black sheep. One that is bad and different than the rest. I don’t necessarily agree with that kind of stigmatization, but those parents have managed to Zoom in on a bad thing in a child and label him/her for the rest of their life a black sheep.

The question is – is that all they see?

You get the drift…

There is a world of unlimited possibilities…Don’t let just one little dot steal your joy, stop you from seeing the big picture. Don’t let the little black dot rob you of the importance of understanding context, seeing cultures, people, possibilities, and problem solving. Notice the big white space!

Living a visionary life

Published by

Take a look at Proverb 29:18 in three different translation

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the
law, happy is he.”

“If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

Introduction

Where there is no vision, no prophet to proclaim the Word, no pastor to teach the good news, the people perish, no revelation of what God is doing or what He intends to do:

  • The people are made naked.
  • They are stripped and exposed to shame and exposed to danger.
  • They rebel, not only against God but also against leadership, and authority,
  • They are idle and lose their commitment and devotion to the Lord.
  • They are scattered as wondering sheep with no shepherd to guard them.
  • They are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

What is the meaning of vision?

Vision is a captivating and compelling picture or dream of the future. It is a revelation of God’s perfect will concerning particular aspects of one’s destiny. It is usually followed by a strong desire or passion that pulls one forward and drives them to pursue that vision with everything in the fiber of their being.

There is nothing more dangerous than a dreamless believer – nothing more dangerous than a dreamless church. Paul says:

“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.”  1 Corinthians 9:26

7 things that can steal your dream and kill your vision

Out of control but temporary circumstances

Out of control circumstances often cause us to cast a cloud of doubt and fear over our future. There are two things about out of control circumstances that we need to understand:

  • They are temporary. We ‘go through,’ not dwell in the valley of the shadow of death. We’re never meant to stay there. This too, (whatever the valley) shall pass.
  • They are under God’s control. Out of control circumstances may be out of our control, but they are not out of God’s authority. This is where we need to apply the wisdom of ‘letting go to let God.’

Unwanted and sometimes divine delays 

Abraham’s story is a classic example of unwanted delays. In his story, we learn about the temptation that usually ensues when God seems to be late in fulfilling His promises. We are often tempted to revert to taking matters into our own hands. The lesson to learn from this story is that the arm of the ‘flesh’ will always fail us and we end up birthing ‘Ishmaels’ that plunge us deeper into unnecessary chaos.

Fear

Somebody once described fear as “false evidence appearing real.” Makes a lot of sense. It is like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Job said, “the thing I feard the most has come upon me.”  It is meant to rob you or make you miserable on your way to the beautiful future God has for you. If you allow it, it can stop you dead in your track. That’s why God always commands His people to ‘fear not.’

Self-doubt

If fear is being ruled by a constant obsession that ‘the other shoe is about to drop’ syndrome than self-doubt is loaded with an incorrect notion of who we really are. It’s a feeling of

  • I’m not good enough
  • I don’t measure up
  • I don’t belong
  • I don’t have what it takes
  • I am not worthy

The tricky thing with self-doubt is that it can manifest as humility, but in reality, it is false humility.  We must intentionally reclaim who God says we are through acceptance and obedience for us to indeed break free from this mindset.

Distractions

We live in a day and age where everything is screaming for our attention. Even good things can become a distraction from living an ideal life. This kind of life must bring the most important things to get us to achieving our goals and reaching our destiny into a razor-sharp focus. Bouncing here and there, dabbing into this and that, experiencing such and such, easily get us offbeat. That is why planning, setting goals and establishing priorities are paramount to staying focused.

Spiritual Opposition

The enemy will fight everything worth living for in your life. If God spoke it over you, he would come after it like a dog chasing a bone. Let me remind you, for we often dwell in the land of forgetfulness, the devil hits your guts and everything good and godly you stand for. But our God has equipped us with everything we need to defeat him. So after you have done everything, hold steadfast!

Bad habits

Habits are easily created. Once they are formed, they can prove hard to change, but not entirely impossible. Habits, good or bad,  have the power of optimizing our vision or potentially rendering it useless. For example:

  • Discipline or the lack thereof
  • Decisiveness or a procrastinating nature
  • Desire but no drive

These and many more can either make or break you on your road to destiny.

 Conclusion

What you don’t know can hinder you or even kill you. Equally, what you do know but lack clarity can deliver fatal blows. Therefore it is essential to do life with urgency and vigilance.

Those who do are able to run, focus, persevere, overcome, and trust God to take them beyond hindrances into their destiny.

Deep Deeper: 1 Sam. 4:18-22; Judges 6:14-16; Job 3:25; 1 Kings 13; 1 Thess. 2:18; Ephesians 5:16; Habakkuk. 2:2; Judges 16:19-21

 

 

 

Victory in the face of Opposition

Published by

One of the fundamental truths about the kingdom of God, the church or believers is that that kingdom, church, the believer always seems to thrive or triumph or win even in the midst of intense opposition.

Jesus left us these promises – He said:

“I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” “The Kingdom of God shall advance and the voilent shall take it by force.” “If God is for us who can be against us?”

Nehemiah reminds us in chapter 4 about a few things we need to do when faced with opposition. 

And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.

4 essentials for victory /Nehemiah 4:14-23 

1. Remember God and what he can do v.14

“Do not be afraid, but remember the Lord.” There must come a time in every believer’s life where he/she trusts in the ability of God.

2. Remember the power of prayer v. 9

“And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” Prayer is the supernaturally ordained means by which Almighty God blesses His children. 

3. Remember the potential of two or three v. 15-21

“So we labored at the work.” One of us can put a thousand to flight. Two of us can send legions fleeing. The cord of three is not easily broken. 

4. Remember to stay focus and determined v.23

“None of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.” The quickest way to defeat is a distraction. 

Conclusion:

These four essentials can help you win in the face of any opposition. If they worked for Nehemiah, they’d indeed work for you. I pray that you win today in front of any situation.
In Jesus! Amen

Soothing Consolation

Published by

When the cares of my heart, are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19

This passage has been on my mind since yesterday morning. It not only blessed me richly through the day, but it also was a timely word for a friend with whom I had lunch. So I wanted to take a few minutes to share a few thoughts about it.

The cares of life/my heart

We all have it from time to time. The concerns of this life is a life choker. It chokes, squeezes and suffocates the life out of you. If there is an ounce of “Word of God” in you, well, it goes after it with a vengeance, leaving you full of busy, anxious, perplexing, worrying, fearful, distracting and doubtful thoughts. How do you handle vexing and contrary ideas?

Your Consolation

I am so thankful that we (believers/followers of Jesus) have Him – the One who “comforts us in all our troubles.” I am happy that we have the promises contained in His word that bring sweet consolation to the soul in our times of need. We are so blessed to have the presence of His Holy Spirit, who by the way, is called the Comforter, and who brings immense joy and peace to our soul. And I have to mention – His faithfulness in times past. The remembrance of His goodness brings the assurance we need to break free from current worries.

Cheer my soul

Through all these things, God strokes and soothes the troubled heart. The word cheer in this text means to stroke or to comfort. It is the same word used in Isaiah 66:11 of a mother quieting her infant child through breastfeeding. It is the same word in Jeremiah 16:7 where it speaks of the consolation given to mourners at funerals. In the same way, the Lord soothes and strokes us when bombarded with vexing and anxious thoughts.

Conclusion

Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know He holds my hand.

  • Jesus promised to walk with you through every testing time in your life.
  • He sends His Holy Spirit to come alongside you in trying times.
  • His word is “perfect and able to revive and refresh your soul.”
  • His track record is evidence that He will never forsake you or leave you.

Let us open our hearts and minds and allow these truths to penetrate the ” divided soul and Spirit, of joints and marrow, and discern the thoughts and intentions our hearts” so He can bring soothing consolations to our lives.

He desires significantly to do!

Question:

Have you ever been overwhelmed with the cares of life? How did you break free? What Bible verse/s soothes you in times of worry and fear?

In Quotation Marks

Psalm 19:7; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Corinthians 1:4