A TIME OF REFRESHING
Ummmhhhh! That’s what I just needed! It is so refreshing! This is a most common response after one has taken cold water or soda on a sunny afternoon! And in deed it is refreshing! The taste and the feeling thereafter results to a holistic relaxation. And who doesn’t want a relaxation!
To refresh is to revitalize, to enliven, to reinvigorate, to rejuvenate, to recharge and to revive! This is what exactly the Lord would want to do with you through this word. He wants to refresh you – to renew you, to energize you and to reposition you.
Throughout this past week, the Lord has been speaking to me about times of refreshing, times of comfort. In His word in Isaiah 40:1-5, the Lord God says,
“Comfort, comfort my people.” He continues to say “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and that her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her in full for all her sins.” (1-2).
Waah, what a refreshing word from the mouth of God! Dear one, as you read this word, receive it as yours – the Lord says, receive comfort, be comforted. Be renewed, be strengthened! Receive His life and walk in it. Your sins are pardoned, you are free from the bondage of sin - short term and long term (eternal). Eternally, Jesus paid the price for you, he took away and really became a curse so you can receive His blessing. You are set free! Break free and walk in that freedom. Whatever bondage might have entangled you, exchange it with the freedom that Christ bought for you.
And in the short term, you may have gone through some tough times – in your family – with your children or spouse, in your other relationships, in your finances, at your place of work. We are not immune to the world system! You feel like you are in a desert – dry, withered with no hope. The Lord says, Be refreshed! Be comforted! It is over. Don’t let your faith be hindered by these life challenges!
You may even be at a worse place where you feel like what you are going through is as a result of a sin or sins in your life – the Lord says, it is finished! Your sins have been pardoned.
So arise and live in comfort and peace. For your sad days are gone!
Dear reader, I would like you to know that the kind of comfort God is offering to you is eternal! It endures, it changes not – and it is available to anyone who opens their heart to receive it. Jesus speaking to His disciples talked about the comforter and told them that “But the COMFORTER (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the HOLY SPIRIT ….” (John 14:26 – Amp)
If we look closely to the above descriptions (names) of our comforter, the Holy Spirit, we realize that He is indeed a refreshing Spirit! He stands by us – at all times! Praise the Lord! He is our advocate: He is our strengthener, our helper and intercessor! He will refresh you, He will renew you no matter where you are at. But, there is one thing you have to do – allow him in and give him permission to refresh you.
Still in the scripture referenced above, (Isaiah 40:1-5), we see God further speaking and saying, “Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!” (3-5).
It is not God to make the highway, it is us – it is you and I to make a highway for the Lord to pass through the wilderness. Your circumstances, may have left you completely dry, worn out, so scotched by the sun, you feel feeble and weak. These have drained life out of you. But the Lord says that in that wilderness, make a highway for him to pass through! How will you do this? He says, straighten out, make a smooth road for him through the desert! And, fill the valleys and level the hills. What are these curves, the valleys and the hills? Are there things that the Lord has been speaking to you about and you have been reluctant to heed to His voice? What double standards are you applying in your life? Is it at home? Is it at work? What is that hill that you have to level? What is that curve that you have to make straight? The Lord says, “Make a Highway for him in the Desert!” In the middle of the very challenges that are draining your strength, make a way! Your comforter is just waiting for you to say – Holy Spirit, take over, you who is my helper, help me. He is waiting for you to allow him to intercede for you, to stand by you as you relinquish what you are holding on which is not of God. Make that curve straight! And as you do this, the Lord shall pass through the Highway you have made for him and behold, He will reveal His glory! And all people will see it together!
It is a time of refreshing! Open the door to the comforter and receive His comfort!
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Friday, July 13, 2018
THERE IS A WORK IN YOU.
THERE IS A WORK IN YOU
God created us for a specific purpose. He orchestrated everything to work towards our alignment towards this work.
Our Identity in God
The Bible in the Amplified version notes in Ephesians 2:10 that:
“For we are God’s (own) handiwork (his workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born a new) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which he prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them living the good life which he prearranged and made ready for us to live).”
In line with Genesis 1:26, we note that we are created in GOD’s image and likeness. Why His likeness and image – why not just a special likeness or any other belonging to His entire creation?
So that we can be “masters over all of life” (Genesis 1:26b). He created us in his image and likeness so that we can take charge and dominion – we can have complete authority (authority in line with his image and likeness) – authority that descends from him. So that when this authority is exercised, rightly, then His will here on earth will be done as it is in heaven.
As any instrument/item made by man has its origin and therefore the blueprint manual from the manufacturer, so is the human being (you and I). We cannot be able to function ultimately within our purpose without the image and likeness of God, our creator, our manufacturer. Indeed, even as we came to life physically, God had it all planned in accordance to his purposes for us. Psalms 139:13-14 brings this out so clearly.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb…your workmanship is marvelous!”
There we are – God’s workmanship! We are crafted by him and him alone. We are his artwork, his masterpiece, we are unique – really out of this world! And yes, we are out of this world. We are not created in the class of animals, no, not. Not in the class of any living creature, but we are created in the Image and likeness of God.
Isn’t it amazing, truly, a wonder, to notice that we are created just a little lower than God, and as in Genesis 1:26 above, he has bestowed ALL his AUTHORITY ON US! Take a look at Psalm 8:5-6:
“For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with you glory and honour. You put us in CHARGE OF EVERYTHING YOU MADE GIVING US AUTHORITY OVER ALL THINGS!”
What is your identity? Do you really know who you are – Your source? Your roots?
The above scriptures (Genesis 1:26, Psalm 139:13-14 and Psalm 8:5-6) provide us with the most authentic source of who we are.
Sometimes we may not feel, leave alone accept and have it anchored in us that we are the image of God, and that he has given us authority over all!
We live in a fallen world – the enemy came and his whole intention was and still is to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10.10a). As a result, sometimes life challenges and difficulty experiences can blur the truth about our identity! But that is what they just do – blur – but they do not change the truth that WE ARE CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE AND THAT HE HAS A DIVINE PURPOSE FOR EACH OF US!
Yes, the challenges you have faced (in form of broken relationships, lack and poverty, sicknesses, failed businesses, rejection and all the nasty things the devil throws our way) may leave you feeling worthless, but the undaunted truth of the word of God is that YOU ARE HIS, AND HE HAS A PURPOSE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR YOU. And that there is a specific path that he would want you to follow so as to fulfill this purpose, because in it you will find “good life”! Hallelujah!
Right from the beginning, God put his purpose in us – to take charge of everything He made!
Examining the Work
Back to our opening scripture – Ephesians 2:10:
“For we are God’s (own) handiwork (his workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born a new) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which he prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them living the good life which he prearranged and made ready for us to live)”.
A closer review of the above scripture reveals the following:
1. We are God’s own handiwork – his workmanship – his masterpiece.
2. We have been recreated in Christ Jesus, i.e. born a new or born again, so that we may do the good works.
It is only through recreation – our being recreated and reconstructed a new through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, that we are able to do the God works.
3. God predestined – he planned beforehand – the good works, and it is upon us to discover these good works.
4. In doing the good works, we have to walk through the paths that God also prepared ahead of time.
5. And in walking through the paths that God prepared for us, then we live the good life, which he also prearranged and made ready for us to live!
Our lives were all planned out by God before we became! Is it a wonder that God tells Jeremiah that, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Many times a lot of people assume that being in the purposes of God is being in the five-fold ministry of Pastors, Teachers, Prophets, Apostles and Evangelists. These are only a part of the paths that lead us to the purposes of God. You could be doing your general shop business and you are in the purpose of God. You could be teaching in a school, and you are in the purpose of God. You would be leading a government ministry or a corporate or private entity and still be in the purposes of God. The determining factor is: Are you doing it in a renewed state?
From the beginning, we have seen that God created us in his image and likeness so that our services (our purposes) may be executed in his likeness and image – in his way. So what kind of an attitude do we need to adopt to execute the purpose of God in our work – it is none other than “DO IT AS UNTO GOD”. Embrace an attitude of stewardship – where you know and are fully persuaded that whatever you do, you are doing it on behalf of God, you are representing God, you are serving him by taking charge of the space, the knowledge, the skill, the expertise that he has given you.
The Renewed Mind
Our new identity in Christ only comes as we embrace him as Lord and Saviour in lives. We give him authority to lead and to govern our lives. This new identity comes after one exchanges their self-will with the will of Christ Jesus in their lives.
A self-willed, self-governed and self-led life in any area of work focuses and works towards selfishness. Yet this is not in the will of God, it does not aid in achieving his intended purpose in our lives. Self-will will only pursue self-interests. It is in light of this, that God warns us “Not to be CONFORMED to the world (this age), (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but to be TRANSFORMED (changed) by the entire RENEWAL of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in his sight for you).” (Romans 12:2).
ONLY a renewed mind will work out the purpose of God. Many people including born again believers, have been accustomed to the way of the world – its behaviours and customs – in business, in relationships, in families, in all areas of life – they follow through the worldly norms. This only keep one blinded and completely off the purposes of God.
However, a renewal of mind – a transformation – a change – from the worldly to God’s ways is available. This is what Romans 12:2 presents to us – to turn away from the worldly system. This renewal comes as one embraces a new behavior, a new attitude, a new way of thinking that only comes when the old is gone. The renewed mind is able to prove and embrace the good and acceptable and perfect will of God – his purpose for us. The New Living Translation puts verse 12 this way:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God TRANSFORM YOU INTO A NEW PERSON by changing the way you think. THEN YOU WILL KNOW WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO, AND YOU WILL KNOW HOW GOOD AND PLEASING AND PERFECT HIS WILL REALLY IS.”
Renewal is available for everyone – Only DO NOT CONFORM but be ye TRANSFORMED. Position yourself to do the work in you. Position yourself to take charge of that which the Lord has given you. Position yourself to represent God here on earth. As you do so, all self-interests will be exchanged for God’s interests. Corruption will be a thing of the past. Murder, theft and robbery and all other vices will disappear in light of men and women who have positioned themselves to follow after the purposes of God. Amen.
God created us for a specific purpose. He orchestrated everything to work towards our alignment towards this work.
Our Identity in God
The Bible in the Amplified version notes in Ephesians 2:10 that:
“For we are God’s (own) handiwork (his workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born a new) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which he prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them living the good life which he prearranged and made ready for us to live).”
In line with Genesis 1:26, we note that we are created in GOD’s image and likeness. Why His likeness and image – why not just a special likeness or any other belonging to His entire creation?
So that we can be “masters over all of life” (Genesis 1:26b). He created us in his image and likeness so that we can take charge and dominion – we can have complete authority (authority in line with his image and likeness) – authority that descends from him. So that when this authority is exercised, rightly, then His will here on earth will be done as it is in heaven.
As any instrument/item made by man has its origin and therefore the blueprint manual from the manufacturer, so is the human being (you and I). We cannot be able to function ultimately within our purpose without the image and likeness of God, our creator, our manufacturer. Indeed, even as we came to life physically, God had it all planned in accordance to his purposes for us. Psalms 139:13-14 brings this out so clearly.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb…your workmanship is marvelous!”
There we are – God’s workmanship! We are crafted by him and him alone. We are his artwork, his masterpiece, we are unique – really out of this world! And yes, we are out of this world. We are not created in the class of animals, no, not. Not in the class of any living creature, but we are created in the Image and likeness of God.
Isn’t it amazing, truly, a wonder, to notice that we are created just a little lower than God, and as in Genesis 1:26 above, he has bestowed ALL his AUTHORITY ON US! Take a look at Psalm 8:5-6:
“For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with you glory and honour. You put us in CHARGE OF EVERYTHING YOU MADE GIVING US AUTHORITY OVER ALL THINGS!”
What is your identity? Do you really know who you are – Your source? Your roots?
The above scriptures (Genesis 1:26, Psalm 139:13-14 and Psalm 8:5-6) provide us with the most authentic source of who we are.
Sometimes we may not feel, leave alone accept and have it anchored in us that we are the image of God, and that he has given us authority over all!
We live in a fallen world – the enemy came and his whole intention was and still is to “steal, kill and destroy” (John 10.10a). As a result, sometimes life challenges and difficulty experiences can blur the truth about our identity! But that is what they just do – blur – but they do not change the truth that WE ARE CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE AND THAT HE HAS A DIVINE PURPOSE FOR EACH OF US!
Yes, the challenges you have faced (in form of broken relationships, lack and poverty, sicknesses, failed businesses, rejection and all the nasty things the devil throws our way) may leave you feeling worthless, but the undaunted truth of the word of God is that YOU ARE HIS, AND HE HAS A PURPOSE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR YOU. And that there is a specific path that he would want you to follow so as to fulfill this purpose, because in it you will find “good life”! Hallelujah!
Right from the beginning, God put his purpose in us – to take charge of everything He made!
Examining the Work
Back to our opening scripture – Ephesians 2:10:
“For we are God’s (own) handiwork (his workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born a new) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which he prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them living the good life which he prearranged and made ready for us to live)”.
A closer review of the above scripture reveals the following:
1. We are God’s own handiwork – his workmanship – his masterpiece.
2. We have been recreated in Christ Jesus, i.e. born a new or born again, so that we may do the good works.
It is only through recreation – our being recreated and reconstructed a new through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, that we are able to do the God works.
3. God predestined – he planned beforehand – the good works, and it is upon us to discover these good works.
4. In doing the good works, we have to walk through the paths that God also prepared ahead of time.
5. And in walking through the paths that God prepared for us, then we live the good life, which he also prearranged and made ready for us to live!
Our lives were all planned out by God before we became! Is it a wonder that God tells Jeremiah that, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Many times a lot of people assume that being in the purposes of God is being in the five-fold ministry of Pastors, Teachers, Prophets, Apostles and Evangelists. These are only a part of the paths that lead us to the purposes of God. You could be doing your general shop business and you are in the purpose of God. You could be teaching in a school, and you are in the purpose of God. You would be leading a government ministry or a corporate or private entity and still be in the purposes of God. The determining factor is: Are you doing it in a renewed state?
From the beginning, we have seen that God created us in his image and likeness so that our services (our purposes) may be executed in his likeness and image – in his way. So what kind of an attitude do we need to adopt to execute the purpose of God in our work – it is none other than “DO IT AS UNTO GOD”. Embrace an attitude of stewardship – where you know and are fully persuaded that whatever you do, you are doing it on behalf of God, you are representing God, you are serving him by taking charge of the space, the knowledge, the skill, the expertise that he has given you.
The Renewed Mind
Our new identity in Christ only comes as we embrace him as Lord and Saviour in lives. We give him authority to lead and to govern our lives. This new identity comes after one exchanges their self-will with the will of Christ Jesus in their lives.
A self-willed, self-governed and self-led life in any area of work focuses and works towards selfishness. Yet this is not in the will of God, it does not aid in achieving his intended purpose in our lives. Self-will will only pursue self-interests. It is in light of this, that God warns us “Not to be CONFORMED to the world (this age), (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but to be TRANSFORMED (changed) by the entire RENEWAL of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude), so that you may prove (for yourselves) what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect (in his sight for you).” (Romans 12:2).
ONLY a renewed mind will work out the purpose of God. Many people including born again believers, have been accustomed to the way of the world – its behaviours and customs – in business, in relationships, in families, in all areas of life – they follow through the worldly norms. This only keep one blinded and completely off the purposes of God.
However, a renewal of mind – a transformation – a change – from the worldly to God’s ways is available. This is what Romans 12:2 presents to us – to turn away from the worldly system. This renewal comes as one embraces a new behavior, a new attitude, a new way of thinking that only comes when the old is gone. The renewed mind is able to prove and embrace the good and acceptable and perfect will of God – his purpose for us. The New Living Translation puts verse 12 this way:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God TRANSFORM YOU INTO A NEW PERSON by changing the way you think. THEN YOU WILL KNOW WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO, AND YOU WILL KNOW HOW GOOD AND PLEASING AND PERFECT HIS WILL REALLY IS.”
Renewal is available for everyone – Only DO NOT CONFORM but be ye TRANSFORMED. Position yourself to do the work in you. Position yourself to take charge of that which the Lord has given you. Position yourself to represent God here on earth. As you do so, all self-interests will be exchanged for God’s interests. Corruption will be a thing of the past. Murder, theft and robbery and all other vices will disappear in light of men and women who have positioned themselves to follow after the purposes of God. Amen.
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