Time would tell...

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 tells us that we have all been given different gifts. This literally means that each one of us has been called to a different purpose. The manifestation of God's plan for us is different the world around.

I mean, think about how boring it would be if we were all the same exact person, and we all did everything at the same time. We all woke up and slept together. We were all poor at the same time, and then became rich at the same time. Our body systems worked exactly the same way. (Imagine the queues at the toilets! Lol.) The point I'm trying to make is that you cannot base the path God has drawn out for you, on what He has done for someone else.

Here's an analogy I heard at church: 'It's like cooking. Different food items, require different cooking times'. If someone comes to visit you and you decide to start making moinmoin for them, you really don't want to feed them during that visit. There are things that can be ready in an instant, like fried eggs. Some things wear you out simply by reading the recipes (e.g. croissants). Then, some things like jelly need to be cooked and them refrigerated. (Speaking of, next time you come across over ripe plantain, fry it and then put it in the fridge overnight - candy baby! Maybe some jam or caramel topping sef...)

Now, I don't mean to get those who have already gotten 'theirs' jealous, but if you're still waiting on God, get excited, 'cause you're expecting something delicious!

From the Mountain to the Valley

I heard some wise words on Wednesday that made me develop this thought:

"We should be grateful for the valley(s) we experience because they are only signs that we're between mountains."


The human mind develops different erroneous thoughts when things are not going very well; Maybe God doesn't love me anymore. Maybe I'm a worse sinner than the other guy whose friend just gave him a car. Maybe I don't deserve to be treated right by God. Maybe I should be looking for help elsewhere.


It is especially difficult for people who have been comfortable for a very long time, to come to terms with a new situation that doesn't represent what they're used to. If you think in terms of natural geography/topography, you have to get past the valley to get to the next mountain. We all know that God doesn't perform tricks, so we shouldn't expect to fly from one mountain to another.

Now, it is important to note that there are reasons that people have different kinds of valley experiences. For instance, it may take longer for me than for you because you probably understand some secrets of the Kingdom, that will aid your journey, that I haven't been able to wrap my head around yet. This makes it even more difficult to endure, because if I don't understand that I'm undertaking a journey where there are lessons to learn, I would find it very easy to start looking for help elsewhere; which is of course a VERY wrong move.

The most important thing is to understand that if you feel like it's taking too long to get to the mountain, it means that though you feel like you've been long enough in the valley, there's still something there for you to grasp. We have to remember that His Word says He won't let us go through more than we can bear; it means that no matter how difficult it gets, he's going to provide a way out. We have to keep believing, and reminding ourselves that He NEVER leaves nor forsakes us.

May God give us Grace.
AMEN.

Bible Study - Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

1. We are surrounded by witnesses: Everyone around us is watching, to see how we live our God-life. They are looking for examples to follow, lessons to learn and errors to point out. Whether we know it or not, each Christian-walker has an audience. You may think it's a far-fetched observation/conclusion to draw; I'd like you to think about one or two times when the "Isn't he (or she) a Christian?" thought has played around in your own mind. If you agree that someone's always watching, then you have to...
2. Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entagles: It is not only sin that can be a hindrance. You may be in a relationship with someone who gets more attention from you than God; You may be pursuing a dream that has nothing to do with God's plan for your life. We strive everyday to live pure and holy (sinless) lives, following in the examples of Jesus Christ.We also need to watch out for those things that often appear harmless, but would take us off the path to heaven. Then, we would be free to...
3. Run with perseverance the race marked out for us: Even without knowing the definition of 'perseverance', one can conclude that it doesn't sound like a character that comes naturally. Perseverance involves an effort. We have to understand that we would expend some spiritual and maybe physical energy in running this race.

Thank God that He daily equips us with grace and strength, that we may receive the victor's crown (1 Corin. 9:24)

God bless you!

Pottery

The potter decides when there's a flaw in His creation.
It's not for the pot to decide whether or not it likes its look.
The potter is the creator/designer.

When God decides to take away from our lives the things that don't fit into His masterplan, it's so easy for us to 'get it twisted' and decide to suggest to Him the things we think should be removed. More often than not, the first suggestions that come to our minds are carnal/physical things.

"God please remove the excess fat in my body".
"God please remove the unholy thoughts I have of that man".
"God please remove the urge to spend money on a whim".

Truth is, these are not the main problems. There's always a deeper issue that should be dealt with. Matt. 6:33 explains that all other things are dealt with secondly, after we have first sought after the kingdom of God.

If you take a Holy-Spirit-led look at those requests I made to God now, you'll realize that:

• God would actually help me to grow the Fruit of the Spirit better, so that I'll have self control, and my diet and exercise regimen would be productive.
• I would, by the grace of God, have to fill my head with thoughts of holiness and godliness that there won't be any room for unholy thoughts, since light (good) and darkness(evil) can not co-exist.
• God will teach me prudence and discipline, and then the urge to be sensible with my money will come naturally.

You get the general idea now, don't you?

There's a lot of orderliness that needs to be learned in this Christian walk. We can't have it our own way, and God's way at the same time. That's cheating.

Prayer:

Dear God, please help me to understand that your plans for me in Jer. 29:11 are beyond anything that I could possible think up for myself. All my dreams and aspirations are nothing compared to what you have in store for me.
Lord, I hand the keys over to you; you're the Master and the Driver, Author and Finisher. I have nothing to fear.
Amen.

Faith

It's believing you have something when you obviously don't.
It's trusting in God whom you haven't seen physically before.
It's looking at your bank account and understanding that it's not your source.
It's understanding that your job isn't the best thing that happened to you.
It's standing firm when all that's keeping you balanced is a cracked piece of wood.
It's saying YES when the devil says NO.
It's standing straight when the your shoulders are the heaviest they've ever been.

It's ridiculous to the carnal mind;
But it doesn't matter what they think.

Christianese

So, I met this pastor who literarily, turns off his 'Christian Mode' in some situations. I remember challenging him once time when he said he was pissed off, and I said he should have prayed - his reply was, "that wasn't no time for prayers baby".

Hmm? So Christianity should only be practiced in some places and in some particular situations? As this society moves more and more into immorality we begin to accept somethings that were once atrocious. Even in the church, we find ourselves saying stuff like, "It's alright; It's because of who he is". I think if Christ put His personality into consideration, He would not have died on the cross.

Christianity is not a religion, it's a lifestyle; a relationship with God. It should be a habit - attitudes of the Holy Spirit that we cannot get rid off, we cannot turn off what becomes a part of us.

Also, think about the other people who look at our lives as christians, looking for lifestyles to emulate, or attributes that make us stand out. If they see us always taking off our "Christianity Cloak", what explanation can we give to God for leading these people astray?

Romans 2:24 - As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

Everything done in secret will be revealed

God I need your help now more than even before. I don't know what controls me, but I know that because I have the mind of Christ, I know what to do. "Get thee behind me Satan". God please do not allow anything that would cause my disgrace to come upon me. You Word says that you do not leave the righteous forsaken. Lord your promises are yes and Amen.
I need you Lord, I need you. Save me from myself. I don't want to cause destruction. I don't want to find myself hopeless at the bottom. You freed a murdered from the enslavement of sin, this is definitely not too big to do. I surrender myself. I'm not going to help you do Your job. I'm letting go, and I'm letting God go.
Move Holy Spirit, move on my behalf. Please work for me. I hate to be in this situation, I hate the down-and-out feeling. Come rescue me Lord. Come.