Give GOD All The Glory

Was wondering why there are so many men and women of GOD who are packing it in. They rise to stardom then they are never heard of again. of course there are some who go all the way and make a lasting mark in the world.

Then as usual I went into the bible and read about JESUS and why he made such impact the Holy Spirit started to lay it on my heart that it is because of taking GODS glory as their own. Paul puts it plainly

Ph'p:2:5-9 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Humbleness is key here, JESUS knew his place in the hierarchy as long as he was on earth he made himself of no reputation. Contrast that to many televangelist and those who consider them selves big men of GOD. Who do they promote if you observe it is none other than themselves. Some even go to the length of calling themselves great men and women of GOD instead of men and women of a great GOD. Some are even calling themselves major prophets or senior major prophet. When people are giving testimonies they say man of GOD did this and man of GOD that instead of glorifying the name of JESUS the son of the living GOD. Who said all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me(JESUS).
  
 John5:19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. ³⁰ By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. Obviously JESUS attributed his success to his Father and our Father on most occasions. He did not take the glory from GOD yet many men of GOD are all over taking the glory of GOD. 
 
I was having a discussion with my missus that as GOD has called us, let us give GOD the glory that is due his name. Even when we pray and people get healed we say don't thank me give JESUS the glory. Many times we see that men and women of GOD once they taste just a little bit of GODs glory they get puffed up thinking it is all about them. Recently I heard of a prophet who was called to preach at a certain gathering. The first couple of days there was a mighty move of GOD people all over the floor. Then she gets her friends to come witness what she is doing mind you not what GOD is doing. that day she brought all her friends then nothing special happens. you can imagine the humiliation but it was her own doing she thought it is her anointing not knowing it was GOD himself at work for his own glory. 

You see John the baptist was in the wilderness and people came to him, not him going to people. Why? because it was GOD who called them. JESUS said no one comes to me unless the father calls him/her first. I hate to burst the bubble but no one is saved by cleverly put words of the preacher. It is GOD who stirs peoples  heart. GOD left a certain void/longing in all of us so that one day when that is triggered you come looking for him. So when that longing meets the word of GOD it triggers something in you. Haven't you notice some come to the alter call crying and some excited, some do not even know what is going on until they find themselves on the floor speaking in tongues.
   
GOD wants to be given the glory period. There are many that needs to experience the awesomeness of our Glorious Father. He GOD know how to make his name renown look at the children of Israel at the red sea they were boxed in, hills both sides, an enemy baying for their blood coming at full speed, and in front the red sea. He GOD pulled off the one of the greatest miracle in the bible. He got all the glory, for the children of Israel sang "who is like unto our GOD among the gods Glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Hallelujah" the enemies of Israel were not seen or heard off again and the inhabitants of the nation that were currently in Can naan were just melting with fear. And to me and you we call our LORD, the GOD who makes a way where there is no way. 

JESUS went on to say, which I find very interesting that   The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going  So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”John 3:8.
JESUS spoke of a great Revelation here if you are born of the spirit your actions happen like the spirit which blows which ever way it pleases, there are no routines. Say you are praying for people that are sick just follow the leading of the spirit. On one day he may instruct you to lay hands while on another day he may just say worship and things start to happen. JESUS is a perfect example he healed people in different ways to some he told the go show yourself to the priest and got healed on the way, to others he spat on mud, on one he said your sins have been forgiven then healed him while on the other he told the one healed go and sin no more well after he healed him.

In that way the glory was given to the father who was leading in the healing now contrast it to these days with men of GOD obsessed with anointing water with their faces on it. Now when somehow the make their counterfeit miracles who is getting the glory here. JESUS has been pushed to the back now they are saying the god of such a man of god or man of god layed hands on me or I just touched a picture of a man of god and this happened. Or  worse still I just sprayed this water and I was healed. These false prophets will surely perish as they should why they are taking the glory of the LIVING GOD. There is no GOD but the GOD of Israel period. These other gods be very careful with them. Our GOD has given every authority in heaven and earth to JESUS that at the mention of his name every kneed shall bow and every tongue confess that JESUS Christ is the LORD to the glory of GOD that Father.

Let us wake up from our slumber and give glory to JESUS to whom glory is due and He is worthy of our praise. When GOD has given us a taste of his glory let us be like Christ and humble ourselves and give him glory for all that is happening and please stop making people dependent on you pastors. GOD has no grand children. It is written as many as believed in him he gave them the right to be called the sons of GOD. Let us stop this nonsense about spiritual fathers we are all part of the body of Christ with Christ as the head. This spiritual father nonsense is getting people focused on a man of GOD rather than the one and only center of it all JESUS. Be careful these men of GOD are now leading many astray. GOD wants you and his son JESUS to have a personal relationship. I repeat you and JESUS period, no middle man.

GOD is on the move and move with him do not look to man for like him also you will live a limited life. Let us look to JESUS he that has no limits. JESUS wants to do so much more and he is not into routine he really cherishes relationships. Well it comes down to this many are called but a few are chosen. He chooses those that give him the glory, are you ready to be the chosen one? Then make yourself of no reputation and keep GOD first place and man will follow.
 

Who tempts us

If you are like me you would have been confused when you read that in  James:1:13: Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempt he any man:
Jas:1:14: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then you read that GOD tempted Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his on son in Genesis 22. the truth is both GOD and the devil do tempt us however the motives are different. GOD concentrates on our strength while the devil utilizes our weaknesses. GOD would tempt you to promote you most of the times.

GOD would not bring a beautiful neighbors wife or handsome fit neighbors husband to temp you when he says flee fornication, he knows. Not many pass that test that's why he says flee, even idolatry (can also include love of money or worshiping a pastor) he says flee it is because not many pass that test. The devil knows this then he comes and tempts you because he know many have fallen culprit to these temptation.       

GOD sometimes test our faith to see if it is indeed real as you say. You know demons also believe there is GOD but their works are contrary to GODS character. GOD gives us things by grace but he also has things deposited in us that are key to the task he has given us. So to bring that warrior in you.He will take you through the fire and the flood to show you the true character that he sees in us. How will you know you have faith unless you were given a word and then allow circumstances contrary to the word to see whether you will hold on to the word of GOD. GODS word is unchangeable, facts however changes with time and are usually connected to our five senses.   

When it comes to GOD he is all powerful and the devil can not do anything without GOD knowing. OK lets look at the Israelis in the old testament GOD sent his prophets to warn the children of Israel to stop  their wickedness and return to him and then he will heal them. He tried to warn them of things that would happen to them but they did not listen. What we must know is the LORD is a Holy GOD and good, gracious etc plus he is also a GOD of justice. Justice demands that tit for tat, the children of Israel were given two choices plus a hint, just like you and me today. GOD said I lay before you, death and Life therefore choose life.

GOD is also a jealous GOD meaning he like to be first in our lives so if you are walking with GOD and he notice something is taking your affections away from Him. He comes and then test your dedication to him like Abraham that kid was the joy of his life, a kid in his old age and GOD even made sure the setting was right that Ismael should not even be in the picture. This was not only done for Abraham sake but for ours as well so that we should know what GOD expects from us. GOD wants to be number one in our lives and if you want to have a relationship with JESUS you have to put him in first place. LORD help me to align myself to your will and purpose for my life of putting you first in all that I do in my life in JESUS name amen.

Everything that we give to GOD has to cost us something I mean the more it hurts the better. GOD has been around for ever and people that really put him first like Abraham are not many. Most born again Christians when they start praying in tongues eeeiii! powerful but when it comes to money they hold back and don't put GOD in first place. On the other hand the devil will be testing you to doubt GODS character and put your needs ahead of GOD. Here you have two opposing sides trying you the devil is telling you the money is not enough the bills are not going to be paid so don't tithe the LORD will understand. Oh the other hand GOD is tempting you to test him and give your tithe and offering and see how he will bless you. GOD even puts promises attached to things he ask you to do. Indeed as it is written those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

Lets be realistic GOD would not do anything that will bring you to sin. If you are being tempted to sleep with some married woman/man like James said it is your own lusts that is enticing you, to put it simply you are just one horny Christian I would say run, flee fornication or sexual immorality the bible says. I have made a principle of not getting too used to my wife's friends or even be in room all by myself with any other woman other than my wife. Do not create an environment that will allow the devil to tempt you. Trust me I know I am only human. Me and my wife are usually together most of the time unless there is a reason not to. Many friends have questioned my, why? but I say, why not?. I am more comfortable with my wife and I feel very sad for those who are not comfortable with their spouses.

You see I have had two spells where I was away from my wife up to a year on both occasions and I saw what it did to me. So GOD gave me grace to seal any entry to the devil in my marriage. Even when I used to drink I never liked women. Mind you I am not saying we are perfect but we get along just fine. In the process GOD has blessed us indeed even called us together in the ministry of course different calling lest we chop each others heads off. I am ever thankful to GOD He has brought me this far I used to be bad oh my goodness so bad. Thanks be to JESUS who has washed me with his precious blood and now I am clean. I am a new  creation all things have past away it is no longer I, but Christ that lives in me. The old self is dead with its desires and lusts.

GOD can do anything he can bring both disaster or prosperity that is a truth, that most Christians cant understand. The devil is a liar from the beginning and his business is to tempt us to rebel to our GOD. The devil knows that GOD is so Holy that if we disobey he has to punish us. Thanks be to JESUS that now Judgement has been reserved to the end of time and also thanks to JESUS that our Heavenly Father does not go about counting our sins against us. JESUS paid it all in full past, present and future.     

Who Is JESUS

Really who is JESUS? I can tell you the truth that JESUS is not what some of these patronizing people call him some say he is a good teacher some say a great prophet and all other things that people chose to call him. You like everyone else are entitled to your own opinion

You may ask who is then JESUS Christ? well he is GOD himself in the fresh let us start with
John 1:1-3 n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. He was there from the beginning then the same John1:14says And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.another scripture in Col:1:15: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Col:1:17: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Col:1:19: For it pleased the Father that in him(JESUS) should all fulness dwell; Col:2:9: For in him(JESUS) dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 

 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23

                                               

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder: and his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, THE MIGHTY GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (written: 712 BC (Before Christ)

                                              

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified GOD, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That GOD hath visited his people. Luke 7:16

                                                

because he had not only broken the sabbath, but said also that GOD was his Father, making Himself equal with GOD John 5:18                                               

                            

Jesus said: I and my Father are one. John 10:30

                                                  

The Jews answered him [JESUS], saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makes thyself GOD. John 10:33

                                                 

When many were about to stone Jesus for blasphemy (John 10:30-39), He said to them why do you want to stone me that said he blasphemed "because I said, I am the Son of God?" (John 10:36).

                                                  

You call Me Teacher and LORD; and ye say well; for so I AM. John 13:13

                                                  

But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I AM: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Mark 14:61-62

                                                 

The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Psalm 110:1

                                                   

he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayeth thou then, Show us the Father? John 14:9

                                                   

"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works." ( John 14:10)

                                                   

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 17:5

                                                   

And Thomas answered and said unto him [Jesus], My LORD and my GOD. John 20:28

                                                   

...lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of GOD, should shine unto them. 2 Corinthians 4:4

                                                   

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of every creature: For by him(JESUS) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:14-17

                                                   

...Who [Jesus], being in the form of GOD, thought it not robbery to be equal with GOD: Philippians 2:6

                                                 

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

                                                 

...who [Jesus] is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 1 Timothy 6:15

                                                 

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:2-3

                                                 

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O GOD, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. John 8:24

Zechariah 12:10 - And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven Matthew 7:21 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel (means God Among Us).

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:5-6

"But," as the apostle John wrote, "these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the SON OF GOD; and" ‑- more important ‑- "that believing you might have life in His name" (John 20:31).

I have just wrote some of the scriptures that clearly show that JESUS is GOD himself in the fresh if you look in the bible they were instructed to stone anyone who blasphemed and they wanted to stone JESUS. Like many who do not believe that JESUS is GOD himself. There are arguments and counter arguments about who JESUS is. As for his death it can be traced through history but his resurrection is a revelation only to those whom GOD has predestined to be conformed to the image of his son.

In Isaiah 42:8 Yahweh himself spoke, and He ultimately says "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." Again, in Isaiah 48:11, Yahweh is speaking, and He declares: "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another."

John 17:5 tells us Jesus said; "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was." He GOD the father heard JESUS call himself GOD several times and he did not strike him down why? Because he was and is and will always be GOD. Contrast it with
Herod in acts 12 where it says from  21-23 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.  

Notice Herod did not even make the claim himself but he was struck down instantly for not denying that he is god there by taking GODS glory. Yet JESUS plainly made the claim that he was GOD as you can read from the scriptures above. How did GOD respond to such claims by showing miracles, signs and wonders.  JESUS performed unusual miracles even these days you can not compare the awe that he created and He healed in His name. His teaching has revolutionized the world even to this day no one has made such impact the world over.

 On another occasion an angel refuses to be worshiped stating a truth that he also is just servant.

"And when I (John) had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said unto me, ‘Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God." (Revelation 22:8-9)

Yet several times when people came before JESUS and knelt and worshiped him he did not even stop them.


JESUS is  both  Lamb and Shepherd, both Father and Son, Both Man and GOD he came to serve yet he is the King of Kings.

Don't you want to know this JESUS as your personal LORD and savior as your own GOD it starts with you He is knocking on your door open for him. If you are ready to welcome him into your life as LORD. then accept him as your LORD and Savior. It is written faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD. Research has proved that we believe more when we hear ourselves speak so recite this prayer and begin a journey of walking with JESUS not the prophet or a good moral teacher but GOD himself in the fresh.

If you've never made Jesus the Lord of your life, now is the time. If you've gotten away from God, it's time for you to come on home, Just pray this prayer below:

Our Father in Heaven, I believe with all of my heart that Jesus has been raised from the dead. I receive your Word, and I repent of sin. I renounce the past. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. I receive my forgiveness. I receive the new birth, cleansed and washed in the Word and in the precious blood of Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen."

The Power Of The appointed time

What time is it for you? sometimes we have to renew our mind to know what time it is. It is very common to mistaken a time for joy for a time for pain.

Ecclesiastes 3:1  There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Have you been praying and fasting and standing on the word and believing yet the heavens seem to be like its bolt shut. There are many reasons that this can happen to you, one of the main one is the appointed time. You see when GOD was creating the world he put everything in place and established the appointed time for everything.

Even JESUS was born at the appointed time John the baptist had his head chopped of at the appointed time. Other wise there was going to be a conflict between John the baptist and JESUS. Yet for someone who prepared the way for JESUS who was also called the greatest of the prophets because he came just before GOD himself. He died such a terrible death just to get him out of the way, ooh! the wisdom of GOD. 

You know even John who was born with one purpose and for a season to make a way for the LORD and he knew it but he also questioned whether JESUS was indeed the messiah. Mind you earlier he was the one who said behold the LAMB of GOD that comes to take away the sin of the world. Yet he noticed that he was rotting in jail and the messiah not even dared to get him out let alone to visit him. Come on think about it as powerful as the messiah is he could get him out. Questions arose obviously, is this man for real , pardon my asking but are you the messiah or should we wait for another?

We may also going through a time that we question if what GOD said about our lives is ever coming to pass or not. Most of the times GOD would reveal things about us that will happen in the future so that we can have hope. without hope my friend you wold lose the battle. As Habakkuk say the vision is for the appointed time, wait for it for it won't delay it will surely come to pass. I personally think that the issue is not necessarily that the thing wont come to pass but rather that the waiting is what put most people off. Yet GOD likes to keep us waiting so that we can learn to have patience. 

The appointed time is meant to test our faith which in turn produces patience as it is written in James1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. God is in no hurry he exist outside time and he can do anything anytime he wants to. He put the appointed time so that whatever it is has to happen at just the right time not a second late. Of-course we humans want things done quick quick do not get me wrong sometimes things happen quick. but most things of GOD take time because as it is written in Ecclesiastes ¹⁴ I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. He is the all creating GOD he does not do botched up work. So the appointed time is there so as to deal with us. Getting rid of things that may hinder us from enjoying GODS best.

David was anointed to be king yet it took him 13 years or so to actually become king. GOD was dealing with him depositing things in him developing his character. Now in contrast Solomon did not go through the character building years just inherited the throne and asked for wisdom. Look what it did to him he married 1000 women I mean come on whats all that for. Eventually he fell out of favor with the LORD. 

You may be waiting on the LORD for what seems forever yet you are doing everything right and wondering what is going on. Well the appointed time may not be there yet. If it is not your time you can pray all you want' quote scriptures all you want, tithe, give offering do all the good that you can do not getting weary; but nothing happens. Friend wait on the LORD. when the appointed time comes the blessing will locate you. It may have taken a toll on you, even coming to a point of losing hope. But do not worry just like David encourage yourself for your appointed time is coming. No matter where you are it will locate you. 

When Joseph's appointed time came through he was fetched from the dungeon and brought before the king and a few minutes later he was the second in command of the leader of the world then. Mind you the baker whom he had helped forgot him. I am sure he was bitter like most of us when an opportunities are passing us by. But his appointed time was to usher him to second in command. Yes like us going through hell, he spent two more years in the dungeon perplexed what is going on? that baker promised to say a good word to the king for me. Yet at the exact appointed time he was released and indeed it was beautiful thing in its time Joseph added nothing to it.  

There is power indeed in waiting for the appointed time, if he had been released like he wanted two years earlier he would have just been another statistic. Do not chose to be another statistic wait on GOD and be promoted like Joseph where you will add nothing to your breakthrough. You will just sit back and enjoy forgetting all the pain you went through. 

Deeper In The Word

It is an undeniable truth that heaven is reward based system and as for how all depends on GOD. It is written in Heb:11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please him, those who come to GOD must first know that he is and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. What ever you do for GOD has a reward attached to it and he does not forget.

Hezekiah pleaded with GOD when he was told to put his house in order, for he was dying. He then cried to GOD reminding him what he did for his name and immediately GOD extended his life. You too can remind GOD if you feel like GOD has forgotten you. It is written in Heb:6:10: For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and still do minister. Sometimes all we got to do is remind GOD even our tithes we can remind Him of his promises attached to tithe in Malachi 3:10-12.

It is a well established truth that to have access to heaven all we have to do is believe. GOD did not complicate it at all he made it simple. Of course we have pastors who are afraid to tell people the truth thinking people will abuse the grace of GOD. The fact is some people abuse the grace of GOD.  But be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap Ga: 6:7.

We can not fool GOD brothers and sisters why do you think he allows certain trials in our life. You know when there is an alter call people go and receive Christ. Then he comes and proves if your faith is genuine or just mere talk. Anyone can claim to follow Christ, but do we really follow Christ. JESUS said I know that you are my follower if you obey my commands. Meaning if we do not obey JESUS then we are wasting our time.

You know nowadays preachers of the gospel of grace have sprung up for it is the message that is selling. Do not get me wrong there is truth in it but sometimes it lacks depth. Whether we like it or not as a Christians works are forever part of us. Before salvation works are not necessary only faith. But after you are saved then you have to add works to your faith period.

In Revelation 2:23b JESUS says I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. Notice he will reward us according to our works, which makes our works part of our salvation package. The question is what works are we on about, here is the distinction definitely not works of the law but works of love. Putting it simply how much love did you show GOD and man. If you love fellow man you will provide for them, feed, support those that are struggling showing them mercy. If you love GOD you will obey his commands and trust him with your life. You will advance his gospel you will visit the sick visit prisoners and all other things that GOD will lay on your heart.

It is written in Eph:2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Every born again Christian is meant to be GODS workmanship doing the works that Christ ought to be doing if he was living here on earth. We are meant to be the light that shines in this world. The question we need to be asking ourselves is if I were Christ in this situation what will I do? If you can honestly answer this question then follow through I am sure we will have a better world.

It is time the church goes deeper into the word yet we are stack with the baby milk. The writer of Hebrews put it in Heb 6:1-2 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,  instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. The gospel of grace has now sprung up with ministries just banging on about the elementary basics. Since most Christians barely read the bible, it is like a new craze yet it has been in the bible for thousands of years. We need to go deeper into the word I plead with you people read the bible that way we can not be tossed to and fro.Please get deeper in the word.

The Benefits Of Serving GOD

Well I have spoken a lot about the pain of serving GOD. Mainly because it comes with the territory and I speak nothing but the truth. JESUS was greatly admired even by critics because he spoke the truth and he really was no respecter of person. Because GOD knows all things and JESUS is GOD (beyond the scope of this discussion).
GOD did not just call us to life of trials and pain he has benefits. Yeah you heard me right he has benefits attached to our service to him

Serving GOD has many benefits one of the psalms I like is ps103 from verse 1:14 it goes like this:

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgives all our iniquities;
imagine all your deliberate sin (iniquities) he forgives of-course you will have to put up with the consequences say like you were caught having an affair. Oh the strain on the marriage, it really is a hassle.

Who heals all our diseases;

Name it all diseases were already healed at the cross
  

Who redeems thy life from destruction;

He has already redeemed us from total destruction by reconciling us to GOD
No matter the problem at the mention of the name of JESUS you are saved and partake of the redemption.

Who crowns thee with loving kindness and tender mercies;

His love is all around you and attracts all things good and everyone treats you with favor people sometimes just wanna be nice to you

Who satisfies thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
David was one satisfied fellow by the LORD he had victory after victory was taken from a shepherd to become king. Job was one who went through so much after which GOD gave him more than he ever had and his youth was renewed to have another set of children more beautiful.

The LORD executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

GOD fights on behalf of those that are oppressed those that have no one to help them

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

One of the benefits of serving GOD is to be given revelations of things to come GOD does not do anything before telling his prophets, priests. Then he shows his miracles, signs and wonders to the people that he has already revealed to his prophets. Even in Jeremiah 33:3 it say call unto me and I will answer thee and show you wonderful and marvelous things you know nothing about. all you have to do is ask and he will tell you all even if you want GOD to tell you when you will die he can show you.

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Mercy is not treating us as we deserve

Grace is unmerited favor giving us something we don't deserve

Imagine all that we have done to rouse his anger yet he holds his anger in check

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear him.

For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

Look he knows that we are just human and what it is like to be tempted. He JESUS went through all the trials but without sin. So he shows pity on us because he is the only one who know how difficult it is not to sin. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD. But thanks to JESUS who died on that cross and buried and rose up and now seated on the right hand of the Majesty on High.

His mercy is beyond belief he does not count our sins against us. He does not keep on rebuking because he can't keep anger forever he can not help himself, it is his nature to be merciful, faithful and good etc.

Not only does he forgive us but he cant remember our sins anymore it is as though we never sinned

He took away our sins and iniquity's once and for all past present and future I mean how great is our GOD.
It is the most amazing thing to serve the LORD after all the trials we then get to a point where we are content wanting nothing. You will get there, His words does not go back to Him void if he has promised he will fulfill and once his words come out of his mouth he alters not, so it is as good as done.

GOD has many benefits too many to list down here I dare you to test him and see he is good. When all hell breaks loose that's when you can appreciate GODS goodness and his faithfulness. If you are believing GOD for something keep holding on, he will fulfill it. He is a rewarder of those with diligence.     

Hurt comes before being used by GOD mightly

Have been away for a while seeking the LORD. It was a time of reflection on my life, I guess we all sometimes think we know our GOD or at least we can figure out what GOD wants us to do. It is a wonderful reality or hard truth depending on how you look at it, that before you can be greatly used by GOD he hurts you, through Pain, torment, sorrow, delay and failure. In fact if you are thinking of asking GOD to use you don't unless you are willing to face the trials that must come. Gods business is no child's pray it is not for cry babies. It is a story filled with  tears and sorrow, of crying yourself to sleep at night. I have been walking with Christ and trust me the one I love most has hurt me most. Several times I have wanted to just give it all up but I am in too deep to let it all go.

I Look back there is nothing to go back to and but then I look ahead the glory set ahead makes me despise my pain, shame, humiliation, reproach and all the troubles and afflictions. I want my living and my dying to bring glory to Jesus.Well I might as well go all the way because I know on the other side is glory. I have been blessed in that GOD has given me a revelation of all that he has given me to the last detail.Well honestly speaking he did not tell me what I was going to have to go through to get there.

Some how Gods way of showing his affection is by chastising. I like the way Jesus put it "my father meaning GOD is the husbands man and Jesus the vine and we are the branches" so if you do not bear fruit GOD cuts you off so you wither and die. Now notice if however you bear fruit, he prunes so that you can bear more fruit. Since pruning also involve cutting unwanted bits or dead bits it is bound to hurt. Those bits are things that we have grown attached to, but is junk in the kingdom of heaven. We have a lot of unwanted things in our lives that need to be taken out and new fresh fruit to come out. GOD is more interested in the volume of our fruit. He wants to use us to the maximum till there is nothing else left to give.

The ultimate goal is to mold us to be like JESUS was. Who is equal to GOD yet gave it all up to save his own creation the whole world. What manner of love is this that he gave his only begotten son for a retch like me or you. We add nothing to his salvation all we have to do is believe. Come on people, only believe as simple as that. When you look at the way the Israelite were living before Christ, it was painstakingly hard with rules that no man could follow. It took GOD to take up a body of a man to come and fulfill the law itself to the letter.

As much as GOD is our father he also is the sovereign LORD and he has been around for eternity he has all the experience with man. One of our main problems is pride. Just go around most preachers and you will see all puffed up thinking it is them doing the miracles. Then there is the issue of women oops! that is taking a lot of them down. Last but not least the love of money. What can I say most struggle with life then GOD opens up opportunities, then all hell breaks loose. Just go in an average church and dare talk about people checking with the Holy Spirit about where they should give their tithe. I can bet, you will have a fight on your hands.

Time and again many men and women of GOD have failed because they did not Finnish the course. Along the way it become too much. Honestly things of GOD are not that easy especially if he is going to use you. mightily. That's why it is good to think long and hard before you say LORD here I am use me. When I stared out I used to tell fellow Christian friends that I want to seek GOD so much that he would get up off his throne pace to and fro not knowing what to do with me. You know like Stephen in the bible in Ac:7:55: But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. Believe me JESUS took my word for it and I have since cried, been hurt been humiliated, reproached, gone through shame, pain so bitter even lost everything I had, . I have even come to say, me and my big mouth but, I have never loved JESUS more. I would lie to you if I say I have never thought why did I get myself into all this, I mean one bitter moment after another. But I gotta hand it to GOD he is faithful. He has stayed true to his word I will never leave you nor forsake you. 

I am nothing without the Holy Spirit he has been my constant companion I know GOD has come and commended me on things about me that he was impressed with but really the glory belongs to GOD himself. As it is written 
 Ro:8:26: Likewise the Spirit also helps our weaknesses: for we do not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 
 I repeat I could not make it without the help of GOD himself helping me get the best of Himself. When we say GOD is good indeed all the time he is good. Imagine giving us his own spirit to help us get the best of the FATHER. 

When it is all said and done if you want to be used by GOD you will be making the greatest choice. He is good he provide his grace through all that he allows you to pass. Don't take my word for it test him and see he is good. His goodness is almost wasteful. Whats his secret to making it through He says Ps 46:10 be still or stop fighting or stop striving and know that I am GOD. Just let go and let him take control. The pain, the humiliation, the reproach, all come with the territory. No matter what morning has to come with joy it can not be night forever. Always remember all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to His purpose Rom 8:28.

Soon he will give you double for your trouble, the rewards are mind blowing as it is written no eye has seen no ear heard the things that GOD has in store for those who love him. Every jim and jack will make it to heaven by only believing. But what you will be trusted with in heaven will be determined by what works you did here on earth. I mean works after salvation, oh yeah! you gotta work, don't expect to receive JESUS and sit on your backside. We are supposed to be the hands and feet of JESUS.Go visit the sick, prisoners or feed those hungry, give clothes to the naked and so on. Just kneel and ask the Holy Spirit how you can be of service to the LORD. He will direct you in what your gift is and what you should do. GOD bless you

   

Be Still and Wait

Whats your story, are you boxed in? If you are do not worry GOD is at hand. Just keep calling on his name he will come through for you at the appointed time. When GOD promises he establishes the appointed time for the manifestation of what ever he promised.

Sometimes we pray and fast and nothing seem to happen and we know that we know that we are not walking in sin and we continue to do good not getting weary. When you have done all you can to do and all you have been told to do by GOD then just stand still and wait for the appointed time. There is power in waiting for GODS appointed time.

It may be  that the appointed time has come and gone but there is a delay. Well I hate to break it to you but delays happen especially with things of GOD. Some times GOD would want to see if you will be still obedient if there was a delay. You maybe saying but they say He is never late or early always on time, that is true. GOD is outside time and to Him what matters most is his will and purpose. So when they say GOD is never late or early but always on time it means pure and simple in line with his will and purposes he is not. In our lives however he can be late at times but do not lose heart.

OK let us look at Saul and Samuel In  1 sam 13: 8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. The story went on that people had begun to scatter even crossing Jordan some were hiding in caves those that still followed him were trembling with fear. GOD said through Samuel, I will be there in 7 days but Samuel was late, then Saul panicked and made a sacrifice in the process disobeying GOD then Samuel said in verse 13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.

Like Saul many of us are panicking after seeing our circumstances go hopeless, we are looking at our circumstances forgetting to focus on JESUS. There is a good reason why GOD ask us to focus on JESUS because once we know who JESUS is then you do not worry. Even if things look completely hopeless just stick to what GOD said if he said to wait then do just that. Else like Saul you too will miss out on GODS best.  You have no Idea how many of Christians are missing out on GODS best because of disobedience. Look at your life how many times have we compromised. Take tithing for example people tend to compromise a lot they have bills to pay, rent is overdue, food has run out and like Saul you compromise and pay your bills first. Eventually you run out of money to even tithe or give an offering. GOD is asking you and me to trust him and put him first.

The story gets interesting in chapter 14 the most notable scripture is one where Jonathan says it make no difference for the LORD to save either by many of by few1Sa:14:6. he was telling his armour bearer and they attacked the camp of the same philistines that the Israelis were hiding in caves from and even deserting the battle field. Saul focused on his circumstance such that he missed the truth that it makes no difference for the LORD to save by many or a few. Even when people were deserting GOD was aware of it and he was still in control. Just because you lost it does not mean that GOD is panicking too.

What I'm saying is this, when GOD says wait then wait even if it does not make sense because even in the midst of our chaos GOD is still in control. Come to think of it trust really means having faith even when the circumstances speak other wise. It is easy to claim to have faith in GOD but really how many trust GOD. We are compared to sheep as JESUS on several occasions refer to us as his sheep and him as the good shepherd. A sheep is a very trusting animal follows the shepherd instruction even if the shepherd leads the sheep down the cliff they just follow. Let us be like minded and remember that our shepherd is trustworthy. Imagine he spoke life to the dry bones in Ezekiel 37 so what can he not do. 

Do not be like Saul panicking just stick to his plan as stipulated to you and watch your greatest miracle yet. Just trust him with all your heart, mind, body and soul. I decree and declare GOD will take you places you never even dreamed off.