WHAT SORT OF NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MAKE???

WHAT SORT OF NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MAKE???

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily. These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, to read the whole of the Bible, to study certain part of the Bible and to attend church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success, depending on your commitment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a resolution is not God honoring and/or is not in agreement in God’s Word, we will not receive God’s help in fulfilling the resolution.

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”


HAVE A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR... GREAT GRACE IS UPON YOU..

GRACE AND DEMAND!!!

Any conscientious reader of the Bible at some point asks, “How do I reconcile these voices?” Are they incompatible? Is the Bible inconsistent? Does the Bible teach an extravagant grace that asks nothing of us, or radical discipleship that demands everything from us? Which is it?

The church is in desperate need of a way to express the grace of the gospel and the demand of the gospel in a way that enhances both without canceling either. If you have ever asked these questions—union with Christ is your answer.

For example, the Letter of James, like the Sermon on the Mount, sets a very high bar for the Christian life. James uses strong language. “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? (James 4:4).

Either we turn down the volume on James (“Now he doesn’t mean …”) or it becomes a cudgel with which to batter even the most faithful among us. Who can read the letter of James, in good conscience, and not cry out, “Who then can be saved?”

Only union with Christ allows us to read James not as a crushing burden but as an uplifting possibility. The letter of James is a litmus test—are you in Christ? But if you are, then James becomes encouraging, even beautiful to you. You can persevere under trial (Ch. 1), have a living faith (Ch. 2), tame your tongue (Ch. 3), rest in not knowing what tomorrow will bring (Ch. 4), and love the poor (Ch. 5)—because you are married to Christ. James describes the life that Christ died to enable you to live.

The Bible teaches us that we can be united to Christ, and our union with Christ, in turn, teaches us how to read the Bible. If you are united to Christ, then from him come both grace and demand, which together lead to a life of joy. Listen for the dynamics in Jesus’ own words:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. [You hear the grace in this]. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. [You hear the demand following right after. And then you hear the consequence]. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." - John 15:9–11

cf: JAMES 1:19-25
#ForKingdomEnvoys
#DoctrineAndBalance

A SOAKED MIND!!!

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

The most FAQ which confronted me last week from friends was always around this subject, "How do I maintain an effective and constant hunger for the Word?" and my first reaction all the time was actually internal, which is to Thank God for another access and The Holy Spirit for another convicted son/daughter. Then I answer as I rely on the Holy Spirit to put Words in my mouth and strategies to deliver it accurately (which is usually different). Actually this article is not intended to answer that question, Yet I trust the Holy Spirit to always bring illumination by The Word through this blog irrespective of the challenge or the subject the articles are addressing. So let's talk about soaking in the Word:

Paul tells us that Christ is living in us.  The power of God is actually in us!  It strengthens us for living his way.  It helps us to minister to people as we focus our minds on what He desires.  It flows into our bodies as we allow the Holy Spirit to control our minds.  This power works to transform us from being “getters” into being givers.

In order for the Holy Spirit to control us, we need to soak our minds in the Word of God.  There is no substitute for this, no shortcut.  We need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God until it is engraved on our hearts.  We are told in our verse for today that Jeremiah “ate” God’s Word.  That means he digested it!  He meditated on it, assimilated it into his innermost being, and delighted in the taste of it.

The Spirit’s control is a result of delighting in God’s Word and allowing the richness and power of it to sink into our very being.  God’s Word can fill us with power and enlightenment, giving us a taste of heaven.  The message for us here is to make sure that we are taking the time to actually “soak” our hearts in the richness of God’s Word DAILY.  This takes intentionality, but it is more than worth it!

Soak your heart in God’s Word every day and you will experience the truth of Christ, the power of God, and understanding that will help you know what that means for you in your everyday life.
 

Heart Deposit:
In what ways are you discovering the delight of God's Word? In what ways are you focusing your mind on God’s truth?  As you soak your heart in God’s Word, what truth is God impressing upon your heart about your every day decisions?

Related Verses:
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”  Psalm 119:97-104

#ForKingdomEnvoys #LivingLogos

Please if you have any questions as regards this topic or any other relating to kingdom matters and sustaining your fire/hunger for God, please feel please to send an Email to us... And apologies for the gap in posting... work started, needed time to adjust... shalom

TAKE HEED TO YOURSELVES!!!

Eight times the Scriptures enjoin us, “Take heed to your selves” (Exodus 19:12; Deuteronomy 4:23; 11:16; Jeremiah 17:21; Luke 17:3; 21:34; Acts 5:35; 20:28). Two of those times the words are spoken by Jesus Himself. This taking heed to oneself is a
primary function of the secret place. Prayer is the constant standardization of the soul. It is a lifestyle of stopping and taking candid spiritual account. This is not spiritual fear, but rather the exercise of one who has fear of God and a moving desire for glorious heights of intimacy with God. The devout is constantly testing himself for spiritual zeal, alertness, faithfulness, purity, love, obedience, growth in grace, etc.

Here’s some excellent counsel: Become a good Repenter. The only way
to move forward in God is through repentance. If your pride hinders you from repenting, get over it. You need mercy so badly it’s scary. Wise up and master the art of repentance. Call your sin in its worst possible terms.
I remember the day I awakened to the reality that I live far below God’s glory. I saw
it in the story of Jesus’ multiplying the loaves and fish for the five thousand: “Then
Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to
Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?’ But this He said to test him,
for He Himself knew what He would do” (John 6:5-6). Jesus was testing Philip, to see if Philip was living in the glory zone. Philip would have to live in another dimension to know the answer to the test, which was simply, “Lord, just break these loaves and fish and multiply them for the multitude.” Philip failed the test because his thoughts were far below those of Jesus (Isaiah 55:9). Then I saw it so clearly: I am failing the Philip test virtually every day! I am so earthbound in my perspectives that I am almost unconscious to the dimension of glory in which Jesus lives. It’s safe to assume that apart from God’s grace I am constantly falling short of the excellence of God’s glory. Do I need to repent continually? You bet!

Beloved, I pray you might gain the secret of radical, rapid repentance. Ready
repentance opens the channels for intimate communion with God. When you’re in the secret place, be quick to confess your unbelief and hardness of heart. Don’t make Him talk you into it. Agree quickly with Him in the way.
When I speak of repentance, I am not thinking of repenting from sins like lying, fornication, stealing, cursing, pornography, hatred, drunkenness, or not tithing.

Those sins are so obvious that you don’t even need the conviction of the Holy Spirit to know you’re in disobedience. God’s word regarding those sins is obviously clear. Sincerity and a clear conscience doesn’t even begin until we deal with these kinds of outward sins. No, I am not talking about obvious sins; I am talking about
repenting from our iniquities. Iniquities are the hidden faults that we don’t see, the wicked residue of our fallen nature that discolours the fabric of our thoughts, motives, feelings, responses, and desires. Iniquities are wrapped up in much more subtle areas of sinfulness, such as pride, rebellion, unbelief, envy, selfishness, ambition, and covetousness.
We all have hidden pockets of iniquity, and we need God’s help to see them. You
can’t repent of something you don’t see, so God will help you to see them. God has
many ways of bringing our iniquities to the surface where we can see them, and those
ways are summarized under the scriptural metaphor of fire. How God uses fire to
surface our iniquities is the subject of this passage:

“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows
those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from
iniquity.’ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:19-21).

Paul is saying the Christian life is founded on two powerful realities: We are known
by Christ, and we depart from iniquity when we see it.
As you are in the secret place and meditating in the word, God will use the fire of circumstances mixed with the fire of His word to reveal your hidden faults to you. As you gaze upon His perfection and beauty, you will suddenly see yourself in a whole new light. You will sense His unconditional acceptance despite your weaknesses, but also His firm commitment to conform you into the image of Christ. At that moment you are standing at the threshold of a wonderful opportunity: This is a time to embrace rapid repentance.

For the devout, this is actually an exciting moment. Repentance becomes the
opportunity to turn from things that have been hindering love, and as such, repentance
becomes the catalyst for a greater and more profound intimacy than we’ve known to
this point with God. When we repent quickly of those things God’s word is revealing, we
experience the pleasure of the Father in a tangible way.
As we repent of the iniquities that the fire surfaces, we are actually buying gold in
the fire (Revelation 3:18). A consistent pattern of rapid repentance will cause us to
become a vessel of gold or silver, useful to the Master for noble purposes. Those who
resist repentance do not necessarily lose their salvation, it’s just that they do not
progress beyond being vessels of wood or clay. They are useful to the Master only for
dishonourable purposes (in a great house there is a need even for toilet plungers and dust pans).
The assurance of the above passage is clear: Rapid repentance from iniquity will
cause us to progress forward to more noble purposes in God’s great house and will deepen our knowing relationship with Him.

#TakeHeed
#TheSecretOfRapidRepentance
#Ps139:23-24 #SongsOfSolomon2:15 #Prov25:4

#ForKingdomEnvoys

HOW CHRISTIANS SHOULD VIEW ENTREPRENEURSHIP!

An entrepreneur is someone who creates and runs a new business for profit by selling products or services. An entrepreneur is usually a self-motivated person who is willing to work hard and do whatever is necessary to get the business off the ground. Entrepreneurs must be willing to face some lean times in the beginning if it takes a while for the business to become profitable. Entrepreneurship requires initiative, motivation, sacrifice, and patience—all traits that the Bible encourages (Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:5–7).

However, entrepreneurship can become detrimental to one’s spiritual life if it becomes an idol or if the entrepreneur is serving Mammon rather than God (Luke 16:13). Some entrepreneurs become so immersed in work that they neglect family, friends, their health, and the Lord. When anything takes our total focus for an extended period of time, it can shift our lives out of balance. So Christian entrepreneurs must work to keep priorities straight and remember that a business with God’s blessing will fare better than one without it. The Lord will not tolerate our idols, so a new business owner must work to keep success from becoming more important than anything else.

Although Adam was not an entrepreneur, the first thing God did when He created Adam was to give him a job (Genesis 2:15). We are created to work, to use our minds and our hands to subdue this world and rule over it (Genesis 1:28). Scripture praises industriousness and hard work (Proverbs 14:23; 31:27; Ephesians 4:28). By contrast, those who are idle are harshly reprimanded (Proverbs 19:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). We are instructed to make it our “ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Many entrepreneurs desire to become financially independent in order to care for their families, give to the needy, and fund missionary ventures. They have an idea, locate the funds to begin, and take on the responsibility for managing their own companies. When the motivation is honorable, and the business is honorable, God delights to bless it (Psalm 37:23). When an entrepreneur’s motive is selfish or sin-based, the business will not enjoy God’s blessing and may become a hindrance to God’s best plan for the owner’s life. As with all decisions, Christian must seek wisdom from the Lord before taking that first step in establishing a business (James 1:5). Part of wisdom is planning ahead (see Luke 14:28–29). When wisdom says it is a good idea, when all costs have been counted and the priorities are straight, entrepreneurship can be a benefit to the entrepreneur and to the world...

#TeamProverb22:29
#ForKingdomEnvoys


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THRIVING IN THE WORLD OF SPIRITUAL DROUGHT!

"The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11, NKJV)

As we look at our world, we find ourselves in a spiritual desert. However, God has made provision for his people as they cultivate their relationship with him. This verse gives us hope as we make our way through the world.

First, we have God’s promise of guiding us continually. The Psalmist said, “My eyes are ever toward the Lord, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.” (Psalm 25:15, NKJV) 

The Lord is TRUE NORTH on the compass of our life. If we fix our eyes on him, he will direct our steps and counsel us.

How does he satisfy our soul in drought? He does it through his Word. Scripture constantly reminds us of the necessity of our feeding our soul on the Word of God:

“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3, NKJV)

There were periods in David’s life when he had to strengthen himself in the Lord. This can be done through reflecting on God’s Word and reminding ourselves of his promises and provisions in the past. We also know his presence nourishes us as we look to him.

If we practice strengthening ourselves in the Word, we will be like a watered garden, an oasis in the middle of the desert. His Spirit can flow through us, making us like a stream whose waters do not fail.

In being a Kingdom Envoy and developing into a yield active believer, the Word of God is absolutely the central ingredient for thriving.

Today, ask yourself:
Am I thirsty?
In what ways does God satisfy my thirsty soul?

THE SPIRIT OPERATES!!

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16, NIV)

There is a war inside of each of us. Though the old flesh always wants to reassert itself, the power of the Spirit can overcome it if we ask in faith for him to control how we think, feel, act, and talk. 

“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
(Romans 8:6, NIV84) 

The mind is key. The battle first takes place in our head. Whoever controls our mind, controls us. It is crucial we set our minds on what the Spirit desires. 

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Romans 8:5, NIV) 

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2, NIV84) 

Paul further wrote, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV) 

We can reject those thoughts that conflict with the will of God. By the power of the Spirit we can overcome the temptations of the flesh: “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13, NIV)

Furthermore, we learn that “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24–25, NIV) 

This is the power of the cross working in our lives. “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
(Galatians 6:14, NIV) 

By an act of our will, we must choose to be controlled by the Spirit. We initiate that by asking the Spirit to control our mind. We choose to set our mind on the things above, the things the Spirit desires and not on the things of the flesh. By the power of the Spirit we can put to death the misdeeds of the flesh, and bring our thought life into captive obedience to Christ.

May God help us to understand and incorporate these truths in our prayer life, through SOAK, SOW, and FLOW, seeing the reality of these concepts in our daily lives.

A Prayer for Today:

I ask you, Lord, to take control of how I think, feel, act, and talk. Help me to set my mind on the things above, the things of the Spirit, not the flesh. Help me to bring every thought into captive obedience to Christ today. I ask you to control my mind. In Jesus’ name I pray.

GOD'S WORD- LIKE FIRE/HAMMER

If I say, I will not make mention of [the Lord] or speak any more in His name, in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in; I cannot [contain it any longer]. (Jeremiah 20:9, AMP) 

Jeremiah was the prophet who found the Word of God and ate it, and it became the delight of his heart. In this passage, Jeremiah is saying God’s Word is like a fire, a fire in both his heart and his bones that must be released or spoken in accordance with the mission God gave him.
We
God’s Word is also like a hammer. “'Is not my word like fire,' declares the Lord, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’” (Jeremiah 23:29, NIV)

God’s Word breaks the rock of “SELF” into pieces, so God can work his purposes out in our life, making it possible for us to use our 3 Ts—time, talent, and treasure—for kingdom purposes.

Christians today have the same “fire” 🔥 and "hammer" 🔨 in that we are commanded to go into all the world to share the gospel that brings forth both life and immortality for our generation. The stakes are high, and the time is short.

Scripture notes how we are a very special people, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV)
Also, Colossians 1:12-14 KJV
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: [13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

It is a God-given privilege to be a member of this great family of the redeemed, members of the church of the firstborn. We must perform these special functions that God has given us to do.

Not only are we to proclaim the praises of him to the world, but we are also called to praise and confess his name: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15–16, NIV)

With our lips we express gratitude and praise to God in addition to openly confessing him before man.

Today, ask yourself: 

Have I found a way to become actively involved with the ARMY OF THE REDEEMED in bringing the gospel of life and immortality to light in my generation? Surely, I have something I can do to participate. I ask you, Lord, to direct my steps.

#KingdomPartakers
#KingdomEnvoys

WAKE UP!!!

“The captain went to him and said, ‘How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.’ ” (Jonah 1:6, NIV) 

How many Christians are living like this world is our final resting place, forgetting we are on mission with a spiritual battle raging all around us? The storms and turmoil we daily witness are the outward manifestations of what is going on behind the scenes in the spiritual world that we cannot see.

Jonah had fallen asleep in the bowels of the ship while those above were in fear of their lives in the midst of a great storm. Jonah was on a detour of his own by disobeying the instructions from God to go to Nineveh to preach repentance. Basically, he was following his own agenda and not God’s. He ultimately came to realize, “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8, NIV84)

Jesus asked the same question of his disciples, “ ‘Why are you sleeping?’ he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’ ” (Luke 22:46, NIV)

We are on mission and must stay the course. For all of us, eternity is fast approaching. God’s Word counsels us, “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11–12, NIV)

It also encourages us to “be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”

(James 5:8–9, NIV)

The Lord, himself, counsels us to watch as the return of Christ can come at any time: “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” (Mark 13:35–37, NIV)

“This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ ”

(Ephesians 5:14, NIV)

In the meantime, we have the privilege to be about the work of the Lord in our everyday life. If we daily present ourselves to him as a living sacrifice, he can continue living his life through us, and we have the prospect of his favor shining on our lives. What a blessing and privilege!

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3, NIV)

Today, ask yourself: 

Am I following God’s agenda for me, or am I like Jonah, following my own agenda?

#ThisBlogIsAwake!

#KingdomEnvoysAreAwake!

WHAT SORT OF NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MAKE???

WHAT SORT OF NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION SHOULD A CHRISTIAN MAKE???

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily. These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, to read the whole of the Bible (my 2016 resolution), to study certain part of the Bible and to attend church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success, depending on your commitment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a resolution is not God honoring and/or is not in agreement in God’s Word, we will not receive God’s help in fulfilling the resolution.

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

REVEALED BY: AN ENVOY HB
MY 2017 RESOLUTION: TO ENSURE I STUDY ALL THE BOOKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT OF THE BIBLE ACCORDINGLY
STRATEGY EMPLOYED: PRAYER, DISCIPLINE AND SELF CONTROL
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED: WEAR OUT, FINISHED BEFORE YEAR ENDED
SOLUTIONS APPLIED: SELF DISCIPLINE, PLANNING, HOLY SPIRIT
STATUS: ACCOMPLISHED✔

HAVE A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR... GREAT GRACE IS UPON YOU..

WALKING WITH GOD-3

HINDRANCES TO WALKING WITH GOD – Gen.6: 1-22; 7: 1-24; Lk.17: 26-30

Enoch was the first man mentioned in the Bible to ever walk with God. Noah was another man who walked with God. We surely have some great lessons to learn from the life of Noah because the Lord Jesus Christ likened our time – the end-time to the time of Noah and Lot. The life of Noah (and also Lot) show us certain hindrances to walking with God but if Noah could walk with God in his generation despite these hindrances, we can walk with Him in our time too.

1. The Problem of Large Population and Widespread Sin: 
Generally, sin hinders our walk with God. At the time of Noah, the whole world was full of sin and corruption that only Noah was perfect and just before God. Sodom & Gomorrah also were so vile and corrupt that only Lot was fit for rescue with his family.
Large number can be deceptive! Men turned the blessing of God (in increasing and
multiplying them – Gen.1: 28) against Him. The world now like the time of Noah is facing the problem of overpopulation. It is not easy to manage growth or success e.g. the Rich Fool – Lk.12: 16-21 & Early Church – Acts 6: 1; Ps.62: 10. Let us multiply for God and be rich toward Him and not against Him – Prov.29: 16. That was the problem at Babel also. Any idea at all, like infectious diseases spread faster in densely populated cities. We must be careful! The fact that everybody does something or majority of believers accept certain behaviors or practices does not make them right (Exod.23: 2). We must not conform to the world in any way but be transformed by renewing our minds – Rom.12: 1-2. Like Noah, our life must testify for God against the world.

2. The Problem of Unequal Yoke, Sexual immorality & Perversion:
Here we see for the 1st time, a strange form of mixed marriage between fallen angels or demonic beings and daughters of men. This in itself broke the law of procreation as God’s command and blessing was that everything should bring forth fruits after its kind – Gen.1: 21-28. Then, it is an unequal yoke forbidden by God – Exod.34: 12-16; Deut.7: 3-4; 2Cor.6: 14-18. It was also a form of sexual perversion the products of which were depraved giants or supernatural beings that were half human and half demons. God forbids such cross-breeding and mixed-cropping – Lev.19:19. Angels don’t even procreate in the first place but these demons needed human bodies to express their depravity and lawlessness.
So, God decided to wipe out that entire generation except Noah and his family who were not involved in such perversion and pollution. The Bible already prophesied in 2Tim.3: 13 that in the end-times, men shall wax worse in seduction and evil, and that is already happening. All manner of sexual perversions unheard of in the past are now common place in the society – prostitution, rape, orgies, husband/wife swap, homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, transgender, baby-sale, etc. As we near the end and begin to see a repeat of the events of the time of Noah and Lot, we must make every effort to keep ourselves pure as enjoined in scripture – 1Tim.5: 22. We must flee all forms of sexual immorality – 2Cor.6:18-20.

3. The Problem of Idolatry:
Idolatry is a sin that provokes God so, the Bible warns us to flee from it – Exod.20: 1-
5; 34: 14; 1Cor.10: 14. God commanded the Israelites not to marry the Canaanites in the first place to prevent idolatry – Exod.34: 17; 1Kg.11: 1-4. We must understand the fact that in every form of idolatry, beyond the material objects that men worship is
‘spiritism’. According to Paul (1Cor.8: 4), the material idol in itself is nothing, it is
these fallen angels or demons behind these material objects that seek for worship from men. And that is what God forbids. (Please, take note that true angels of God don’t accept worship from men).
Idolatry and sexual immorality are related and usually intertwined. That is why idolatry
is always referred to in scripture as spiritual adultery e.g. the classical parable of Aholah and Aholibah representing Samaria and Jerusalem in Ezekiel 23. An unfaithful Christian who dabbles into idolatry (directly or indirectly) is like a whore or an unfaithful wife!
There is doctrinal seduction also that lures people into what the Bible calls the doctrines of devils – 2Tim.3: 13; 1Tim.4: 1-2. We must shun every form of unfaithfulness and avoid every deception and anything that could remove us from the narrow way or make us stray away from God and His word. We must hold on firmly to the wholesome truth of the word of God to the end – Eph.4: 11-15; Gal.1: 8-9; 2Tim.2: 2. We must be committed, dedicated and faithful to God to the end of our lifetime. Psalm 48: 14
should always be our watchword and song!

4. The Problem of Unbelief or Lack of Faith in God:
Hebrews 11: 6 clearly declares that, “…without faith it is impossible to please Him”. And we know that throughout the Bible and in history, all those who walked closely with God have always been men and women of faith. It is therefore obvious that Noah was a man of faith. While the entire world around him sank in unbelief and ungodliness, he believed God. Noah believed God and His sure word of impending judgment by flood and warned the people around him but they would not heed his warning. In faith, he obeyed God and constructed the Ark from the scratch till he finished it against the odds of cruel mocking of ungodly men around him. In faith, Noah obeyed God and carefully selected every species of animals and birds – two by two; male and female, and eventually moved into the Ark after it was completed.
Meanwhile, the unbelievers around him did not believe God and His warning through Noah until the flood came and destroyed them all. Truly, it is not impossible to walk with God or please Him without faith. We therefore have no option in life than to always believe God and His word irrespective of our feelings and experience. It doesn’t matter really, the level of unbelief in the world now; we must hold tightly to God and His word and never allow our faith in God to waiver at anytime. And without any doubt, the fruit of faith is obedience to God. If we believe God like Noah; we would also obey God like Noah!
We would be patient like him also because Noah was patient in constructing the Ark; he patiently selected all the animals and birds – two by two, male and female. He patiently endured the rain that lasted 40 days and 40 nights, and waited patiently for another 3 months until the water subsided before coming out of the Ark. Surely, we cannot walk with God without faith and patience for, you show your faith by patience!

#WalkingWithGod1-3 #Revealed by An Envoy #Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you this week

IMPLICATIONS OF WALKING WITH GOD

Few days ago, using Enoch as a study we understood what it means/entails in walking with God; shortly we shall look at the implications of walking with God, but firstly, we should understand that God desires all of His children to walk with Him.

Walking with God connotes friendship with God as only friends walk together

When friends walk together they talk and share with each other

This goes beyond coming to Church every Sunday or any meeting or programme at all

Walking with a close friend requires separating oneself from the company of other people or things that may distract or are in opposition – Ps.1: 1-3; 2Cor.6: 14-18

Walking with a friend also requires agreement and over time having things in common
– Amos 3: 3

Walking with God implies being like Him– Ps.42:7; Matt.5:48

Walking with God means aligning our will with His –Matt.6:10; 26:42; Rom8:29

Biblically, "walking," refers to a lifestyle as one can walk in the ways of the world –2Kg.8: 27; Eph.2: 2; Col.3: 7

Walking with God is also walking in the Spirit – Gal.5: 16; Rom.8: 4

Walking with God implies overcoming the flesh - Rom.8: 5-8

Walking with God means we choose to glorify Him in every way we can, regardless of personal cost – Matt.16: 24; 1Cor.10: 31

It is not difficult to identify people who walk with God. Their lives are a contrast to the world around them, they shine like stars in a nighttime sky – Phil.2:15

Those who walk with God produce the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5: 22) and not the works of the flesh (Gal.5: 19-21)

When we walk with God every day, the world cannot help but recognize that we have been with Jesus, in spite of our imperfections and lack of knowledge in some areas e.g.Peter & John – Acts 4:13

No doubts, God bless those who walk with Him

#TheseImplications #YourLifestyle
#Communion #Fellowship #Partnership #SharingTogether

Enjoy the rest of the week.. Shalom!!
Up Next #HindrancesOfWalkingWithGod

WALKING WITH GOD- ENOCH

"Enoch walked with God" (Genesis 5:24). 

Enoch’s walk implies that he went up and down, in and out, to and fro, arm in arm with God, always talking with Him, growing closer and growing more like Him.

Enoch did not start to walk with God until he gave birth to Methuselah. That means, he lived a portion of his life without walking with God. What portion of your life has been wasted and how much more do you still want to waste before you start to walk with God?

Enoch could have started his walk with God earlier before having his 1st born. What if he never had any child? How many wrong goals have you set for yourself, saying, “Until I have done this or that” before you start to walk with God? – Jam.4:13-15

Enoch had other children after bearing Methuselah. Look around you – those who don’t
serve God are not usually better off in the end.

Enoch gave birth to Methuselah. Whereas Enoch lived for 365years and walked with God, Methuselah lived for 969years without any mention of his relationship with God or any tangible achievements than having children. Enoch’s life and walk with God proved that it is not how long we live that matters to God but how well.

Enoch lived for 365 years. Enoch’s 365 years like 365 days represent a typical “year” of our years. He lived a full and fulfilling life. We can live full and fulfilling lives too. And if we so desire, we also can live for 365 days each year walking hand in hand with God like Enoch.

Enoch was translated out of life. Like Enoch, those who walk closely with God are translated out of Satan's reach. They are taken out of his kingdom of darkness and put into Christ's kingdom of light:
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col.1:13).

Enoch pleased God in the midst of a wicked, crooked and perverse society. All around Enoch, mankind grew increasingly ungodly. Yet as men changed into wild beasts full of lust and ungodliness, Enoch became more and more like the One with whom he walked.

He was a man of like passion as we are, an ordinary man with similar problems and
challenges, not an isolated hermit hidden away in a cave in the forest or wilderness. He
was involved in everyday life with family, friends and neighbours.
"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" – Genesis 5:24

Although, this verse actually speaks of Enoch's translation, the fact that he did not taste
death. But there is more to it. That phrase, ‘he was not’, also means, “he was not worldly” or “he was not of this world.” Practically speaking, Enoch was not part of this wicked world. Each day as he walked with the Lord he became less attached to the things of this world but set his affection on things above. Like Paul, he died daily to this earthly life and he was taken up in the spirit to a heavenly realm.

However, while on earth, Enoch was responsible, caring for his family, working,
ministering, etc. But "he was not" – i.e not earthbound. None of the demands of this life
kept him from his walk with God.

Hebrews 11:5 testifies clearly that Enoch pleased God. How? His walk with God
produced in him the kind of faith God loves because Hebrews 11: 6 says, “But without
faith it is impossible to please him”. Throughout the Bible and in history, all those who
walked closely with God have always been men and women of faith. We cannot walk
with God without faith and true faith pleases God.

“By faith Enoch was translated…” Heb.11: 5.

This is a great truth! All of Enoch's faith and desire to be with the Lord; And God granted his heart desire and translated him according to his faith. Enoch could no longer stay away from the Lord. So, God took him straight to be with Him.

Enoch had no Bible, no hymn book, no fellow church member, no teacher; no indwelling Holy Spirit and he did not speak with tongues. But he knew God and walked with Him.

"… He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" – Hebrews 11:6. 

Enoch believed God was a Rewarder and his faith pleased God.

How God reward his faithful followers and friends who believe and walk with Him:

1. Friends share secrets (Gen.18:17; Amos 3:7). When we walk with the Lord in the light of His presence and word, we have guidance, direction, discernment and revelation. God helps us to know things supernaturally.

2. God controls the lives of those who walk with Him (Jn.14: 23). Satan has no real control over those who daily walk and talk with Christ (Rom.8:1).

3. Walk with God gives us divine protection from all the attacks of the enemy – Ps.91:1; Isa.54: 17; Lk.10: 19.

4. Above all, that you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh Gal 5:16

#WalkingWithGodRevealed
#UpNextImplicationsOfWalkingWithGod

LONGSUFFERING???

It has been said that longsuffering means “suffering long.” That is a good answer, but a better definition is needed. The word longsuffering in the Bible is made up of two Greek words meaning “long” and “temper”; literally, “long-tempered.” To be longsuffering, then, is to have self-restraint when one is stirred to anger. A longsuffering person does not immediately retaliate or punish; rather, he has a “long fuse” and patiently forbears. Longsuffering is associated with mercy (1 Peter 3:20) and hope (1 Thessalonians 1:4). It does not surrender to circumstances or succumb to trial.

God is the source of longsuffering because it is part of His character (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18–20; Psalm 86:15; Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Peter 3:15). He is patient with sinners. At the same time, God’s longsuffering can come to an end, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18--19) and the sending of Israel into captivity.

The believer in Jesus Christ receives the very life of God, His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). That life produces certain characteristics (fruit) that are displayed in the believer as he obeys the Holy Spirit who lives within him. One of those godly characteristics from Galatians 5:22–23 is “longsuffering.” The word is translated “patience” in the New American Standard Bible. Longsuffering is to be exhibited by all believers (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12).

Think how our lives would be affected if longsuffering were exhibited in individual relationships, family relationships, church relationships, and workplace relationships. The old nature can be very short-fused at times, and we tend to strike back against offenses with unkind words and unforgiving spirits. By obeying the Holy Spirit, the believer in Christ can say “no” to retaliation and exhibit a forgiving and longsuffering attitude. As God is longsuffering with us, we can and must be longsuffering with others (Ephesians 4:30–32).

The ultimate example of God’s longsuffering is His waiting for individuals to respond in faith to Jesus Christ. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Have you made that decision to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and that He rose again to provide forgiveness and eternal life? If not, read Romans 10:9–13.

#ANENVOY #REVEALED #LONGSUFFERING/PATIENCE

THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE

When the Bible speaks of eternal life, it refers to a gift of God that comes only “through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This gift is in contrast to the “death” that is the natural result of sin.

The gift of eternal life comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ, who is Himself “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). The fact that this life is “eternal” indicates that it is perpetual life—it goes on and on and on, with no end.

It is a mistake, however, to view eternal life as simply an unending progression of years. A common New Testament word for “eternal” is aiónios, which carries the idea of quality as well as quantity. In fact, eternal life is not really associated with “years” at all, as it is independent of time. Eternal life can function outside of and beyond time, as well as within time.

For this reason, eternal life can be thought of as something that Christians experience now. Believers don’t have to “wait” for eternal life, because it’s not something that starts when they die. Rather, eternal life begins the moment a person exercises faith in Christ. It is our current possession.John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Note that the believer “has” (present tense) this life. We find similar present-tense constructions in John 5:24 and John 6:47. The focus of eternal life is not on our future, but on our current standing in Christ.

The Bible inextricably links eternal life with the Person of Jesus Christ. John 17:3 is an important passage in this regard, as Jesus prays, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Here, Jesus equates “eternal life” with a knowledge of God and of the Son. There is no knowledge of God without the Son, for it is through the Son that the Father reveals Himself to the elect (John 17:6;14:9).

This life-giving knowledge of the Father and the Son is a true, personal knowledge, not just an academic awareness. There will be some on Judgment Day who had claimed to be followers of Christ but never really had a relationship with Him. To those false professors, Jesus will say, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23). The apostle Paul made it his goal to know the Lord, and he linked that knowledge to resurrection from the dead: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10–11).

In the New Jerusalem, the apostle John sees a river flowing from “the throne of God and of the Lamb,” and “on each side of the river stood the tree of life. . . . And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:1–2). In Eden, we rebelled against God and were banished from the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). In the end, God graciously restores our access to the tree of life. This access is provided through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Right now, every sinner is invited to know Christ and to receive eternal life: “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17).

How can you know that you have eternal life? First of all, confess your sin before our holy God. Then accept God’s provision of a Savior on your behalf. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for your sins, and He rose again the third day. Believe this good news; trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior, and you will be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9 –10).

John puts it so simply: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11–12).

#ThisIsEternalLife
#Revealed John 17:3
Shalom

GROW IN FAITH!!!

All Christians want, or should want, to increase their faith. But those who have given their lives to Christ have come to realize that success does not come from our own human attempts; we always fail. First Corinthians 4:7 reminds us, "What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?" Without God, we are left to our own resources, which plague us with pride, stubbornness, indifference, insensitivity, and failure. The only one we can count on who absolutely will not fail us is God (Hebrews 13:5).

Beginning our journey of faith with God requires that we immerse ourselves in His Word (Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 2:2). We must learn about His love, His justice, His mercy, and His plan. We must form a relationship with Him, so that we can know Him personally through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 17:3). We should ask Him to reveal Himself to us and change us. The Bible promises that if we seek God, we will find Him (Matthew 7:7). And if we allow Him to, He will transform us into new people who can know His will (Romans 12:2). We have to be willing to die to our old selves and let go of the pride and selfishness that kept us from Him for so long. As God changes us, we will learn to develop the fruit that comes from the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all Christians (Galatians 5:22-23; John 14:17). As we walk in the Spirit, allowing Him to control our lives, we will begin to trust in Him. “Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done” (Colossians 2:7).

If our trust in God is going to grow, we have to learn to step out in faith, moving out of our comfort zone and taking chances. If we believe that God will sustain us for that day, we can be free to carry out His will, regardless of the consequences. Whenever we face temptations, God will always provide a way out so that we will not be overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). We need to look for that way out, and praise God when we find it. First Peter 1:7 says He will use trials to test our faith and to make us stronger Christians; we will be given much honor if we can stand strong and not waver. "Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news " the Good News about Christ" (Romans 10:17).

#FOR KINGDOM ENVOYS
#REVEALED GROW IN FAITH 
#HEBREW 11 VS 6A
Enjoy your weekend in Christ

GOD'S REST.

The concept of entering into God’s rest comes from Hebrews 3—4. What is this “rest” the Hebrew writer is talking about? How do we enter it? And how do we fail to enter it? The writer to the Hebrews begins his discussion of God’s rest in chapter 3, where he references the Israelites wandering in the desert. In giving them the land of Canaan, God had promised them that He would go before them and defeat all their enemies in order that they could live securely (Deuteronomy 12:9–10). All that was required of them was to fully trust in Him and His promises. However, they refused to obey Him. Instead, they murmured against Him, even yearning to go back to their bondage under the Egyptians (Exodus 16:3; 17:1–7; Numbers 20:3–13).

The particular “rest” referred to here was that of the land of Canaan. Into that rest God solemnly said the Israelites who disobeyed Him would never enter (Hebrews 3:11). They had been rebellious. All the means of reclaiming them had failed. God had warned and entreated them; He had caused His mercies to pass before them, and had visited them with judgments in vain; and He now declares that for all their rebellion they should be excluded from the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–19). But, eventually, the next generation did place their faith in God and, by following the leadership of Joshua, they, some forty years later, entered into God’s rest, the land of Canaan (Joshua 3:14–17).

Using the Israelites as an example of those who were not resting in God’s promises, the writer of Hebrews goes on in chapter 4 to make the application personal, both to the Hebrew Christians and to us: “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it” (Hebrews 4:1). The promise that still stands is the promise of salvation through God’s provision—Jesus Christ. He alone can provide the eternal rest of salvation through His blood shed on the cross for the remission of sins. God’s rest, then, is in the spiritual realm, the rest of salvation. Faith, the author goes on to assert, is the key to entering God’s rest. The Hebrews had had the gospel preached to them, just as the Israelites knew the truth about God, but the messages were of “no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith” (Hebrews 4:2). Some had heard the good news of Christ, but they rejected it for lack of faith.

Hebrews 4:10–13 explains the nature of this faith. The kind of faith that enables us to enter into God’s rest is a faith that first demands that we rest from relying on our own works. Then the writer seemingly contradicts himself by telling us to make every effort: “For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:10–11). What this apparent paradox means is that such biblical faith involves our submissiveness to God, and our efforts in that area.

Though we desist in our self-efforts to earn salvation and the promised eternal rest, we also “make every effort to enter that rest” by choosing to depend solely on God, to trust Him implicitly, to yield totally to the promises of God through the free grace of His salvation. Why? So “that no one will fall by following their [the Israelites’] example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). We either trust ourselves to save ourselves, or we trust God to do that for us through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. By failing to trust God fully in His promises, we become disobedient and fail to enter the rest that is eternal life, just as the children of Israel became disobedient when they failed to enter the Promised Land.

So how do we stop trusting ourselves? How do we place our full trust in God and His promises? We enter into God’s rest by first understanding our total inability to enter God’s rest on our own. Next, we enter God’s rest by our total faith in the sacrifice of Christ and complete obedience to God and His will. “And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief” (Hebrews 3:18–19). Unlike the Israelites whose unbelief prevented them from entering the Promised Land, we are to enter God’s rest by faith in Him, faith which is a gift from Him by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9).


GOD'S REST REVEALED... HAPPY SUNDAY TO ALL KINGDOM ENVOYS... SHALOM

Deliver this man unto Satan: MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU

My Senior Partner (The Holy Ghost) laid it in my heart to republish this piece during my study on THE PURPOSES OF TEMPTATION and my going to do just that..

This is a very popular verse, but many people don't even know why God said it to Paul.

Ok, I’ll show you. 2 Corinthians 12:7 "... I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you”.

Ok there we have it. Paul had the tendency to become proud and of course that pride would have led him to hell so God actually authorized Satan to afflict Paul’s body to keep him from being proud. Hmmmm. Who did Paul ask for healing? God. We didn’t see him casting and binding the devil, when he knew what his problem was and who had the power to stop it.

Because Paul understood this process very well, he actually suggested it to the church in Corinth for a man that was sinning by sleeping with his father's wife. He said “you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord." (1 Corinthians‬ ‭5:5‬).

Scripture said “But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.” ‭‭(1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:32‬).

Interesting huh? Many people simply go and start cursing out the devil, casting and binding him, when he got the legal authority to do what he is doing to them from God because of their sins. The more we sin, the more we give the devil a legal right to do things to us. Remember when Jesus said that if your eye causes you to sin that you should pluck it (figuratively speaking)? Imagine that you prayed and asked Jesus to help you to stop sinning, and He hears your prayers by doing to you what He did to Paul, authorizing the devil to afflict that part of your body that causes you to sin in order to save you? If God authorized it then casting and binding while you are still in that sin is like walking up to a police man doing his job and punching him in the face.

There is a warning against this. Jude 1:8 “Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.” Peter gives the same warning in 2 Peter 2:10-11.

All we have to do is stay away from trouble and they will stay away from us. 1 John 5:18 says “We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.”

So dear brothers and sisters, we have a goal for the remainder of the year!!! It's time to understand what sin does to us. Who wants to disarm the devil and stop his attacks on their lives? Who is with me?

#REVEALER #REBROADCAST

"TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME"

What did Jesus mean when he said "take up your cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34 and Luke 9:23)?

Let's begin with what Jesus didn't mean. Many people interpret "cross" as some burden they must carry in their lives: a strained relationship, a thankless job, a physical illness. With self-pitying pride, they say, "That's my cross I have to carry." Such an interpretation is not what Jesus meant when He said, "Take up your cross and follow Me."

When Jesus carried His cross up Golgotha to be crucified, no one was thinking of the cross as symbolic of a burden to carry. To a person in the first-century, the cross meant one thing and one thing only: death by the most painful and humiliating means human beings could develop.

Two thousand years later, Christians view the cross as a cherished symbol of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love. But in Jesus' day, the cross represented nothing but torturous death. Because the Romans forced convicted criminals to carry their own crosses to the place of crucifixion, bearing a cross meant carrying their own execution device while facing ridicule along the way to death.

Therefore, "Take up your cross and follow Me" means being willing to die in order to follow Jesus. This is called "dying to self." It's a call to absolute surrender. After each time Jesus commanded cross bearing, He said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" (Luke 9:24-25). Although the call is tough, the reward is matchless.

Wherever Jesus went, He drew crowds. Although these multitudes often followed Him as Messiah, their view of who the Messiah really was"and what He would do"was distorted. They thought the Christ would usher in the restored kingdom. They believed He would free them from the oppressive rule of their Roman occupiers. Even Christ's own inner circle of disciples thought the kingdom was coming soon (Luke 19:11). When Jesus began teaching that He was going to die at the hands of the Jewish leaders and their Gentile overlords (Luke 9:22), His popularity sank. Many of the shocked followers rejected Him. Truly, they were not able to put to death their own ideas, plans, and desires, and exchange them for His.

Following Jesus is easy when life runs smoothly; our true commitment to Him is revealed during trials. Jesus assured us that trials will come to His followers (John 16:33). Discipleship demands sacrifice, and Jesus never hid that cost.

In Luke 9:57-62, three people seemed willing to follow Jesus. When Jesus questioned them further, their commitment was half-hearted at best. They failed to count the cost of following Him. None was willing to take up his cross and crucify upon it his own interests.

Therefore, Jesus appeared to dissuade them. How different from the typical Gospel presentation! How many people would respond to an altar call that went, "Come follow Jesus, and you may face the loss of friends, family, reputation, career, and possibly even your life"? The number of false converts would likely decrease! Such a call is what Jesus meant when He said, "Take up your cross and follow Me."

If you wonder if you are ready to take up your cross, consider these questions:
" Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing some of your closest friends?
" Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means alienation from your family?
" Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means the loss of your reputation?
" Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your job?
" Are you willing to follow Jesus if it means losing your life?

In some places of the world, these consequences are reality. But notice the questions are phrased, "Are you willing?" Following Jesus doesn't necessarily mean all these things will happen to you, but are you willing to take up your cross? If there comes a point in your life where you are faced with a choice"Jesus or the comforts of this life"which will you choose?

Commitment to Christ means taking up your cross daily, giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions, even your very life if need be for the cause of Christ. Only if you willingly take up your cross may you be called His disciple (Luke 14:27). The reward is worth the price. Jesus followed His call of death to self ("Take up your cross and follow Me") with the gift of life in Christ: "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it" (Matthew 16:25-26).


Revealers, take up your cross and follow christ... Enjoy the rest of the week... Shalom

THE CONCEPT OF SPIRITUALITY

Last week we were able to detect what manner of man we were and also we understood what manner of man God ultimately plan for us to be. Which is a state where we become not natural nor carnal but Spiritual. This week we shall learn what it takes to get to that state.

Genuine spirituality involves three factors.

The first, REGENERATION: No one can be spiritual in the biblical sense without having first experienced the new life that is freely given to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour (2 Cor 5:17). Spirituality without regeneration is Reformation.

The second, The HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit is preeminently involved in producing spirituality. This is not to say that the other Persons of the God-head do not have a part in it, nor that the believer himself has
no responsibility, nor that there are not other means of grace, but it is to affirm His major role in spirituality. The ministries of the Spirit involve teaching (John 16:12-15), guiding (Rom. 8:14),
assuring (Rom. 8:16), praying (Rom 8.26), the exercise of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:7) and Warring against the flesh (Gal. 5:17). All of these depend for their full manifestation on the filling of
the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
To be filled with the Spirit means to be controlled by the Spirit. The clue to this definition is found in Ephesians 5:18
where there is contrast and comparison between drunkenness and
Spirit-filling. It is the comparison which gives the clue, for just
as a drunken person is controlled by the liquor which he consumes, so a Spirit-filled Christian is controlled by the Spirit. As a result he will act in a manner unnatural to him-not an erratic or
abnormal manner, but one contrary to the old life. Control by the Spirit is a necessary part of spirituality.

The third factor involved in spirituality is TIME. If the Spiritual person judges or examines or discerns all things (1 Cor 2:15), this must involve time in order to gain knowledge and to acquire experience for discerning all things. The Amplified Bible elaborates on the verse in this fashion: “He can read the
meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him.” This could not be accomplished overnight; it is something Which is true only of a mature Christian.

That word maturity seems to hold the key to the concept of spirituality, for Christian maturity is the growth which the Holy Spirit produces over a period of time in the believer. To be sure, the same amount of time is not required for each individual, but some time is necessary for all. It is not the time itself which produces maturity; rather, the progress made and growth achieved are all-important.

Rate multiplied by time equals distance, so that the distance to maturity or spirituality may be covered in a shorter time if the rate of growth is accelerated. And it will only be accelerated if none of the control which ought to be given to the Holy Spirit is retained by self. Remember, the spiritual man is one  who His spirit has gained the  ascendancy over his intellectual processes. And his spirit has gained the l ascendancy over his body and his physical senses.

Apostle Paul encourages us in Gal 5:25
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit"

#REVEALED BY: AN ENVOY

Enjoy God's Grace in the rest of the week. Shalom