Holding On To Our Confession

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised (Heb 10:23)

The profession of a believer comes from the mouth. The mouth is what the believer uses in holding on to his faith. The mouth of a believer is very vital in the life of faith. We must be watchful over our words, because we must not say something not in line with our faith. Our mouth has assumed a role more than just eating and it is not just a part of our body but an instrument for exerting our authority here on earth.

We are well familiar with holding things with our physical hands, but when we are in faith, we 'hold up' with our words. Our words show whether we are in faith or not. When we decide to take sides with God's word against any predicament, our confessions thereafter must not negate our confession of faith, else we are wavering. When you say the Lord God Almighty is my healer, don't go about saying, 'will I be healed'?

Whenever we speak in faith with God's word over our circumstances, we are putting God's word to work. The authority at the back of God's word begins to work in our favour. From our minds God's word starts working. We begin to see the situation not as it is, but in the light of God's word. You know how wearing a shade on a sunny day changes the colour of everything around you, that's the same effect we experience when we confess God's word long enough about us.

The more reason we are to hold on to our confession in spite of contradicting circumstances is the faithfulness of God. The promise we are holding on to was given by someone who has a character not to fail. In the face of death, three men still thought it best out of a solid conviction to bank on God. 'If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.' (Dan 3:17)

They knew the ability of God from what He had done in time past for them. They knew He brought them out of the land of bondage through the Red sea to the land of promise. They knew from the stories told them how He delivered them from several dangers and gave them victory over their enemies. They knew God was dependable because He has come to their rescue before.

This is why we don't waver in our confession because we are assured of Him whose words we believe and confess. His word is true and always true. We can go to bed, resting in the promise of God.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you. 

Cast Not The Stone

The religion scholars and Pharisees led in a woman who had been caught in an act of adultery. They stood her in plain sight of everyone and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught red-handed in the act of adultery. Moses, in the Law, gives orders to stone such persons. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something incriminating so they could bring charges against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt. Hearing that, they walked away, one after another, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone. Jesus stood up and spoke to her. “Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?” “No one, Master.” “Neither do I,” said Jesus. “Go on your way. From now on, don’t sin.” ....John 8, 3-11 (Msg)

Now here’s the story of a woman caught in the very act of adultery and how Jesus, the only blameless human by deeds reacted to it. The accusers, the then religious leaders, of course were aware of the law of Moses and they knew the punishment attached to each law should anyone be found guilty.

In the case of this woman, probably no hearing was needed; they caught her in the very act! She had done the abominable. But her abomination may just be the bait they needed to ‘finish’ Jesus. So they took her to him.

Our Lord God is compassionate but He is also just. He didn’t plead with the accusers and tell them to cover the woman’s shame and give her another chance. He didn’t stand up for the woman and say something like: “So what? Who among you haven’t sinned? You hypocrites!  Why should you stone her when you too have sinned before?...”

He simply said: “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” And that was it. Everyone evaporated like water under the sun because they all had sinned, maybe differently, but they had sinned.

Did the woman do something wrong? Yes, she did. Did Jesus know that adultery is wrong? Of course, he did. Should the woman be stoned to death because she’s been caught? Well, Jesus said the blameless should cast the first stone.

Jesus is our example and we all could pass for that woman at one point or the other in our living but He continually shows us this overwhelming reckless love even when we don’t deserve it.

How then do we react to people around us who we see come short of religious or moral standards at some point? Do we also join the world to tear them down as if we ourselves are perfect and without fault? Or do we show them love much as we have received?

While indiscipline and bad attitudes should not be encouraged, love should be our motivation even when we measure some sort of punishment out to people under our leadership who have gone out of line. We should constantly ask what Jesus would have done in such situations.

It should always ring in our heads that we fail from time to time also and God keeps believing the best that could come out of us. So also we should do other people. After all, weaknesses are common to all of us and nobody is irredeemable.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you. 

Let There Be Light

God spoke: "Light!" And light appeared. Gen 1:3 (Msg)

I remember asking my dad as a child, why there was no light as there had just been power failure. I asked this question because I remembered the third verse of the Bible that says 'And God said, let there be light, and there was light'. His response was the light that was just taken, wasn't the light referred to in the Bible, but the light we see outside from the sky.

I said that short story to remind us of the wonderful story of creation. When God created the earth, there was darkness all over and something had to be done about it. In this third verse of the Bible, we see what God did as against what we many times do in the face of unpleasant situations. God said, 'Let there be light'. Although what was visible to the eye at that moment was darkness, instead of making a sermon out of the darkness and preaching about it all day to everyone that came our way, God spoke light.

Light and darkness are not the same. Light here could mean something good we so much desire, and darkness, the unpleasant experiences we are experiencing. God did not consider darkness a subject matter for the day, rather He spoke with authority what He desired into existence.

This clearly shows us that light and darkness respond to our words. The words we speak as children of God, have creative ability. Just as God could speak things into being, we too share in that ability because we are born of Him. When we became born again, we became God's children and partake in His ability.

The creative power of God is resident in us and put to work when we put our words to work over any situation or experience that we are going through. Remember God did not throw a pity party over darkness, He simply spoke forth with words of assurance what He desired. God spoke it deliberately, and we also ought to speak our words filled with faith deliberately to see what we really desire in our heart come to pass. We will show we are true children of our Father when we act like this.

In Matt 21:18-22, Jesus cursed the fig tree, and then it withered afterwards, his disciples wanted to know the secret behind it and Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him". Jesus' words to his disciples shows we can dominate whatever situation we find ourselves by our words.

God's will is not that we should be slaves to whatever negative circumstances we find ourselves. We can speak health in the face of sickness, we can speak life in the face of death, we can speak abundance in the face of lack, we can speak success in the face of failure, we can speak victory in the face of defeat, the list goes on.

We must not bow our heads to any predicament but must lift our heads up like sons and daughters of the King of kings and speak forth with so much boldness and confidence our desired results in spite of the negative circumstances staring at us.

We have the nature of God and possess His ability over situations, we can choose to speak like Him until we see our miracles manifest before us.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you. 

Waiting Does not Diminish us

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy... Romans 8. 22 - 25 (Msg)

While Hannah was waiting on God for the fruit of the womb, Peninnah, having had children without stress, mocked her. She reminded Hannah, at every chance she got, how unfortunate it is that Hannah could not have children. Hannah must have been very sad. She must have asked herself questions. She probably wondered at some point whether God was not on her side. But it wasn't yet her time, she had to wait on the Lord to remember her and bless her with the fruit of the womb.

While we wait for something to happen, maybe for the contract to come through, for the breakthrough, for the expected job, for the promotion, for the transfer and so on, we may get a little concerned or even troubled especially if there are people around us who seem to be getting these things almost effortlessly. Probably you resumed job about the same time and you've both been working diligently but the other person gets all the recommendations and promotions. It is a pregnancy stage.

The early weeks of pregnancy, the mother is just so glad that it's finally happening; "I'm going to be a mum!"  But as weeks pass by, she could no longer wear some of her favorite clothes, she could no longer bend down like she used to, she now has to sleep in a certain posture, she has to be deliberate with what she eats and worse, she feels pains. The closer she is to the arrival of her bundle of joy, the more pains she feels. And then the pains climax, during labour. But it won't last and soon, she will be all smiles holding her heritage of God.

So we also, when our dreams and desires take so much effort from us but they seem not to be coming forth. We have been working and labouring for a while and we seem not to be seeing the fruits. It is because the fruit hasn't fully matured, for when the time is right, it will come forth and it will be as though we are in a dream. Maturity takes different time for different results. But one thing is sure, whosoever conceives and endures the pangs, will ultimately deliver and it will be worth more than the pains.

So when it was Hannah's time to bring forth, Samuel was the result and he was worth more than her time of waiting. Therefore, let the word of God console you, that waiting isn't shameful in anyway, we are enlarged in the waiting, and more joyful at the result of our expectation.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you. 

Receiving Divine Guidance

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

When it comes to receiving divine guidance, most Christians expect the spectacular. We want to hear an audible voice from heaven telling us what to do. But in reality, maybe just an handful have experienced that in a few times in their lives. Truth is that we can be led by God as his children in very simple ways that most people do not esteem.

In scriptures, we find an angel of the Lord coming to Mary the mother of Jesus and speaking to her about the child not yet born in her womb (Luke 1:26-38). However, for Joseph who later became her husband, he needed to fall asleep before he could get a direction from God about marrying Mary and the protection of Jesus (Matt 1:20-21). Don't assume you will get direction from God exactly the way your spouse, sibling, friend etc do. Have an heart to receive but don't be fixated about how it will come.

Even in human communications, we say someone has not communicated until the other party understands you. We must always trust God enough to know that He will get his message to us at the best possible means. Most people who received God's word in scripture were not out to get His word, but they did. Moses was tending the flocks of his father-in-law when he saw a bush burning and the bush wasn't consumed by the fire, that was enough for God to get His attention. Another classic example in the New Testament was when Saul who later became Paul was on his way to persecute Christians and a light from heaven, brighter than the sun stopped and changed his journey.

While we all might experience something dramatic once in a while, the primary and basic way God leads us is through our spirit. The spirit of a new creation believer is alive to God hence can receive directions from God, hence we must pay the utmost attention to it.

Don't wait till you are about to make a major decision before taking it serious. Due to the alarming rate of divorce amongst couples, many singles feel it’s important to hear the voice of God on the matter. But the area many fail is that you must have learnt what the voice or leading of God is to you as an individual on other smaller matters before attempting major ones. When to go out, whom to speak with, what to say, how do I present my words etc before taking such an important decision as marriage.

The part alot of people don't like is making mistakes. You will definitely make mistakes. However, what is important is the enormity of the mistake and what you learnt from the process. It is alright to make the mistake in the little things while you perfect your hearing ability. We are all products of right and wrong decisions we have made in time past. Don't say because you missed it so there is nothing like divine directions. Don't let your negative experience rob you of the next benefit you can receive from God. Give yourself time to grow and learn. Not every negative experience is God trying to speak with you.

Always remember that you become better at every new attempt. Making a practice of hearing God will help you in every area of life. Don't be hasty to act on the decision you take, sometimes give the decision time.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you. 

Speaking the Truth

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 2 Cor 13:8

One of the virtues every Christian should imbibe is the habit of speaking the truth always. The truth is almost a scarce commodity in the world we live in and many a times we contribute to it as Christians. But our nature is righteousness and true holiness. We must give expression to it at any point in time.

Sometimes speaking the truth might cost us loosing some privileges and opportunities but would we rather stand before men than God? Our father knows how to reward us best, so we can go all out knowing we have his backing.

Jesus said we are the salt of the earth and light to our world. The very moment the salt in our food start tasting like the food, instead of the salt that it is, it becomes useless. So our relevance in the world we live in can only be known when we actually live out our true identity.

People around us must be able to put their money down on our words alone, because we have shown overtime that we say the truth at all times. We should not be someone who change with the environment they find themselves. Our badge must always be on. We must say the truth because of what it is, not to spite or suite anyone.

Sometimes there might be a material reward for telling the truth and this becomes the reason why some tell the truth. Our lives should go beyond immediate gratification. We shouldn't just live for what we can gain for immediately. Many people occupying one leadership position are there because they stood for what was right not necessarily for what will favour them. And while in the immediate such character might go unrewarded, they come handy in the future.

If you did not witness an event, no need speaking on it since you might not have all the facts. Don't also forget that overstating the fact is no longer the truth. If you counted only 20, don't announce at least 20. Even when marketing your products and/or services, don't overstate what you or your product can do just to get another client or customer.

We must also stand for the truth. Don't just say it, defend it, if need be. By speaking and standing for the truth always in our homes, offices, institutions  and wherever we find ourselves, we soon make lie and deceit to fade out and make truth the order of the day.

The price to pay to speak and stand for the truth in Our society today may be high, but it is worth it. Our words will be judged eventually, what good is there looking good in the sight of men but not accepted before God because of our words.

If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you. 

Prepared For a Use

 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. Luke 19:29-35

So Jesus had just finished teaching the parable of the master who hired laborers at first, third, sixth, ninth and eleventh hour and decided to pay all one penny each as he had agreed with the ones he employed at the first hour (Matt 20) and next, he was on his way to Jerusalem. I believe we know Jesus wasn't a man who had properties scattered all over the many places he visited. He had, however, enough of all he needed. So technically, he had no donkey of his own to take him to Jerusalem.

But it had been said by the prophet that Jesus had to ride on a donkey. Not just a donkey, but one that hasn't been ridden before, a brand new Colt (Zec 9:9). Awesome! But how shall these things be? Valid question, if you ask me. But Jesus wasn't even there when the prophesy came. All he had to do was live the prophesy so there was no way he'd ask how anything was going to be.

So, because there's a word that has to be fulfilled, somebody, whose name we don't know, has a colt, fed the colt, and displayed it where the disciples coming for it would find it at the time that it's needed. So when the disciples came, they were not confused. Even if there were donkeys, there was only one colt which hasn't been ridden before. So, they took it.

It wasn't recorded that the people on ground shouted thief!!! They simply asked a legitimate question and when they heard it was the Lord that had need of it, they didn't ask; "who's the Lord?" Why? Because it wasn't a coincidence that their colt matched the description that Jesus gave the disciples. So everyone went their preferred ways. Jesus rode on the colt. Prophesy was fulfilled.

Now here's what struck me. Jesus wouldn't have been less Jesus if he didn't ride a colt. He didn't need to ride the colt but the people needed to see their humble messiah on a colt entering Jerusalem triumphantly. So, it was for the people. Of course, I'm guessing it's more comfortable for Jesus on the colt than if he had walked.  Nevertheless, he rode on the colt, the prophesy was fulfilled and the people were able to recognize that here was the messiah! And they paid homage because they saw what had been said.

In the same way, we should remember what has been said of us, that we are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. If He said we are the light, then He already knows about the darkness and He sure has given us the torch for illumination and because the torch is electrically charged, He has also provided electricity. It is however our duty, to plug the torch to power, get it charged and switch it on for illumination to come. Jesus didn't wait or expect that the owner of the colt would bring it to him. He didn't assume that the owner of the colt knew him. He was aware of the provision and went straight to cash in on his cheque.

So also, we who are called by his name, should deliberately find out the provisions that has been made for us through what has been spoken concerning us and when we find it, we better cash in on it. Because the moment it was said, the provisions had been made. And the use of what has been provided is what will announce our arrival. They have also been told how to identify us but that won't happen until we ride on our colt.

 If you have not made Jesus Christ your Lord and saviour, you cannot take advantage of what God had prepared for you. We urge you, don’t wait another moment. Make up your mind and say this prayer:

“Dear God, I ask you to forgive me all my sins and make me anew. I believe that Jesus died for me and you raised him up on the third day, I confess that He is Lord now and forever. I accept your son, Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.”

Congratulations! Now that you are born again, look for a bible believing church to attend that you might know what he has provided for you.