Empowered by the Spirit of Grace

Empowered by the Spirit of Grace

And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha, the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.
1 Kings 19:15‭-‬16 KJV

And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
Exodus 28:41 KJV

No one can successfully fulfill God’s calling and assignment without supernatural help and enablement.

Kings, Prophets, and Priests had to be anointed in the old testament before standing in their office. The anointing with oil was symbolic; it represented the presence,  power, and gifts of the Holy Spirit coming upon the anointed.

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.”
1 Samuel 16:13 KJV.

The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Grace ( Zechariah 12: 10 Hebrews 10:29).

The Holy Spirit is the one who equips and empowers us to fulfill God’s calling and assignment successfully.

In fact, without His help and enablement, we can do or accomplish nothing.

It was the Holy Spirit that empowered Bezaleel.

“And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
Exodus 31:3‭-‬5 NKJV

Even Jesus had to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to function in His earthly ministry. His testimony was that I can of Myself do nothing. ( John 5:19 30)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me  Because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;  He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives,  And recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Luke 4:18‭-‬19 KJV

The disciples ( including us ) were given a task in the great commission to go into the World to preach the Gospel and to also make disciples of all Nations. ( Mathew 28: 18,19) and Mark 16:15, but Jesus told them not to undertake the task until they had been equipped or endued with power from the Holy Spirit.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 KJV

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
Luke 24:49 KJV

Anyone who desires to fulfill his calling and God-given assignment must learn to depend on and rely on the Holy Spirit.

Spend time with Him in fellowship, and build intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Learn to wait on Him and see your strength renewed daily.

Confession:  I can do all things through the help and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit marvelously helps my life and ministry. Therefore I will run my race and finish my cause with joy in Jesus’ name. Amen

Grace: A Divine Enablement

Grace: A Divine Enablement

Text:
“See, I have called by name Bezalel, son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and ability, in understanding and intelligence, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, To devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze, And in the cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of craftsmanship. And behold, I have appointed with him Aholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and to all who are wise-hearted, I have given wisdom and ability to make all that I have commanded you: The Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furnishings of the tent– The table [of the showbread] and its utensils, the pure lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense, The altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, the laver and its base– The finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the [high] priest and for his sons to minister as priests, And the anointing oil and incense of sweet spices for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you shall they do.“
Exodus 31:2‭-‬11 AMPC

No man can successfully carry out God’s work, assignment, and calling without supernatural help, empowerment, or enablement. When God calls you to carry out a task or assignment, he equips you for the work, and provides you with all the spiritual tools and aid to do the work.

This divine enablement is called Grace.
We see two men ( Bezaleel and Aholiab) who were enabled by the Spirit of God in wisdom and ability, understanding and intelligence, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, To devise skillful works, to work in gold, and silver, and bronze, And in the cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of craftsmanship.

These men were supernaturally equipped and enabled to make the different items of worship in the Tabernacle of Moses,  like the Golden lampstand,  Brazen Altar,  Ark of the Covenant,  Mercy Seat, Garments of the High Priest, etc.). These items were made of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Wood, and Stones.

The Grace of God turned these men into Specialist artisans; they had understanding, knowledge, and intelligence in ALL kinds of craftsmanship. Grace taught them the right way and temperature to heat the metals; Grace taught them how to make the design on the stones and wood.

Beloved, when God calls you for an assignment or task, he also equips you to carry it out. This is an established pattern all through the scriptures.
( To be continued)

Confession: I will not fail in my God-given assignment. All I require to succeed and excel has been made available. I boldly confess that the Grace of God is at work in my life Now in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash

Revelation Knowledge

We have established that the knowledge we need to access Grace’s blessings is Revelation Knowledge.

What happens when we receive Revelation Knowledge :

  1. Our understanding is enlightened ( illuminated). We see the situation from God’s perspective.
  2. We receive comprehension of God’s word and divinely inspired steps to take.
  3. The power and the blessing of that Word are imparted into our lives.

Kenneth Hagin, of blessed memory, was sickly as a child; he suffered from an incurable blood disease, had a deformed heart, and was bedfast ( partially paralyzed) at age 15.
Doctors said his illness was a rare case, and medical records showed that children with similar medical conditions never survived. He became born again while he was bedfast, and he decided to spend his time reading the bible ( he started his reading from the Gospels); then he came to Mark 11: 23, 24; it was at this point that the Holy Spirit imparted Revelation Knowledge about Faith to him.

This was the turning point for him; soon after that Word encounter, he was miraculously healed, raised off a deathbed by the power of God and the revelation of faith in God’s Word.

We have another example of the impartation of Revelation Knowledge in Luke 24.

Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to trust and believe in everything that the prophets have spoken!  Then beginning with Moses and [throughout] all the [writings of the] prophets, He explained and interpreted for them the things referring to Himself [found] in all the Scriptures.  They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and opening the Scriptures to us?”
Luke 24:25‭, ‬27‭, ‬32 AMP

Many times, we are like these disciples. We are sincere and love the Lord, but we lack understanding and cannot interpret the events in our lives in the light of the Scriptures. You might have read a Scripture ten times and more, but until the Scriptures are opened ( unveiled ), you will not fully tap into the power and possibilities inherent in that Word.

This was the prayer of the Psalmist.

“Break open your Word within me until revelation light shines out! Those with open hearts are given insight into your plans.”
Psalms 119:130 TPT

“The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.”
Psalm 119:130 AMPC

How to Access Revelation Knowledge:

  1. Before you read, study and hear the Word, sincerely ask the Holy Spirit for Revelation, Knowledge, illumination, and Understanding: Psalm 119: 18
  2. Come to the Lord with a teachable and open mind. Come with an attitude to learn ( like a student to a Teacher, a mentee to a Mentor ). John 14: 26
  3. Read, and listen to anointed tapes and books…. Revelation Knowledge is a spirit; it can be transferred or imparted by association.
    ( Proverbs 13: 20)

Prayer: Lord, anoint my eyes to see clearly the things you are showing me and my ears to hear clearly the things you are speaking to me; circumcise my heart to discern your thoughts clearly in Jesus’ name. Amen

This is a good prayer as we prepare for the new year…

Jesus: Our Access to God’s Grace.

Jesus: Our Access to God’s Grace.

For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:16‭-‬17 AMP

We have established already that God is Gracious. It is His nature.

We also established that Grace means Favour and that this Favour is a Gift; by this, we mean it is unearned,  unmerited, and undeserved.

Today, we see from our opening text that Jesus is our connection to the Grace of God. We can live and walk in the fullness of the Grace of God because of our relationship with Jesus.

God’s Grace speaks of the power and provision of God that the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has made available for us who believe.

We are now heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ because of our faith in what He did for us.

“The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory”.
Romans 8:16‭-‬17 AMP

We now have access to all the riches of heaven. Every blessing of God belongs to us, and He has given us the right to freely enjoy them.

“As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment“.
1 Timothy 6:17 AMP.

There is no human need that God’s Grace doesn’t cover….Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Marital, Material, and Financial, etc…. it has all been taken care of.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ“.
Ephesians 1:3 NLT.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the Cross of Jesus Christ and your Grace that has been made available to me. I declare that all my needs ( mention them)  are taken care of and richly supplied for by your providence grace in Jesus’ name. Amen

Photo by Danielle Rice on Unsplash

Grace Is A Gift

Understanding the Grace of God

We have already established from the scriptures that God, by nature, is Gracious.
We also saw that Grace means Favour.

Today, we will see that this Grace or Favour is undeserved, unmerited, and unearned.

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, Neither did their own arm save them: But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, Because thou hadst a favor unto them.
Psalm 44:3 KJV

It says, “they got not the land by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them.” It means they did not possess the land  by their own strength or effort; it now tells us how they were able to have the Land  ” but thy right hand and thine arm and the light of thy countenance.”

We want to establish today that Grace  (Favour ) is unearned, unmerited, and undeserved. It is a BLESSING from God. It is a GIFT.

We see this Truth amplified in the New Testament.

For by Grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 NKJV

For it is by Grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].
Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 AMP

Everything we receive from God ( Favour included) is a Gift.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17 NKJV

A GIFT is not something anyone works for. It is freely given; it is no LONGER a gift if you worked or labored for it.

So for a gift, we have no sense of entitlement, the claim of achievement, or anything to boast about.


John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
John 3:27 NKJV.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the gift of your Grace. Please help me to understand and appreciate better the gift of your Grace in my life

Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

Grace means favour

Grace is a character of God that is mentioned severally in the scriptures. That means it is His nature to be Gracious.

Here are some scriptures that buttress this Truth.
Exodus 34:6; Numbers 6: 25; Psalm 145: 8.

Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and Truth (faithfulness);
Exodus 34:6 AMP

The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor], And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness];
Numbers 6:25 AMP

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness.
Psalms 145:8 AMP

The account in Exodus 34: 6 is God’s personal testimonial of His character.

The Hebrew word for Gracious is “Khanun,” which also means Favour.

So we will not be wrong to say that Grace means Favour.

We all know that Favour implies that what we have received is not based on our merit, qualifications, or even earned, but it is purely received on the lovingkindness of the giver.

This Favour ( undeserved goodness, blessing) that God gives is motivated by another character of God called Love.

We see a demonstration of this act of Favour when God bestowed houses, wells, vineyards, and material possessions to His people ( Slaves previously). You know, as slaves, they owned NOTHING. But by the Favour or Grace of God, they became landowners!

“They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them.“
Psalms 44:3 NLT
For they did not conquer the land by their swords, and they did not prevail by their strength, but rather by your power, strength, and good favor, for you were partial to them.
Psalms 44:3 NET

“Then when the Lord your God brings you to the land he promised your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give you – a land with large, fine cities you did not build, houses filled with choice things you did not accumulate, hewn out cisterns you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant – and you eat your fill,
Deuteronomy 6:10‭-‬11 NET”

I prophesy to someone reading this devotional that the Favour of God will work on your behalf and cause you to receive what your years of labor couldn’t give you in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Prayer: Lord, visit my family and me and show us your Favour in Jesus’ name. Amen

Grace for a season of pain

Topic: Grace for a season of pain

Text: Luke 2:24-35(TLB)

Key Verse: Simeon blessed them but then said to Mary, “A sword shall pierce your soul, for this child shall be rejected by many in Israel, and this to their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy of many others. And the deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.” Luke 2:35(TLB)

 The birth of a child is always a source of joy to family and friends, but no one ever knows what path that child’s life will take in the years to come. So was the case of Jesus, Mary’s baby. 

Though the angels had prepared her for the birth of Emmanuel, the circumstances of his birth were not too pleasant, and there was no place for him to be born except in a stable. Do we always expect that God’s presence means the absence of difficulties?

Many remarkable events occurred at the birth of Jesus, like the visit of the Magi from the East bearing gifts and the arrival of shepherds after a company of angels announced his birth to them. Joseph and Mary wondered who their baby would become, but nothing was as scary as the prophetic words of Simeon in the temple on the day of the child’s presentation.

Joseph and Mary just stood there, marveling at what was being said about Jesus. Luke 2:33

Mary was happy to release her son to help people with his gifts from God; little did she know that the ministry would become so great that he would have no time for himself or his biological family. She must have rejoiced whenever she heard stories of remarkable healings and even the resurrection of dead people.

Once when his mother and brothers came to see him, they couldn’t get into the house where he was teaching because of the crowds. Luke 8:19

She believed in his teachings and ministry, but l don’t know if she knew how much pain her son would go through to fulfill all the prophecies concerning him. News of his arrest would not have come to her as a surprise, knowing how the Jewish leaders had always opposed him. But she never imagined the journey to Golgotha.

As she stood at the feet of the Cross with other women, it is hard to describe the trauma she would have experienced knowing her son only came to do good. The angel said his name was Jesus because he would save his people from their sins; she watched him live and fulfill God’s purpose for his life.

And she will have a Son, and you shall name him Jesus (meaning ‘Savior’), for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21(TLB)

How did she find the strength and courage to hold on to her faith in such a season of pain? Even when many turned from following, she was at the prayer meeting in the upper room after his ascension.  

Mary is a model of strength that comes when we embrace the will of God, no matter the cost. The grace of God was evident in her life through the different seasons of birth, parenting, and releasing Jesus to fulfill his call. God’s grace provides the believer strength to hold up in any situation.

Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.” And then the angel disappeared. Luke 1:38(TLB)

Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power instead of showing off my own power and abilities. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Whatever the days ahead bring, God’s grace is all we need. We must learn how to access this grace for ourselves to triumph over the hard times and distresses of this season.  Be it the loss that has come from natural disasters, the ill health of loved ones, or the distress of unemployment, God’s grace will be all you need.

“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived. Matthew 10:22(MSG)

Pastor Ada

Reflection

What does this text teach you about a season of pain?

How did Mary’s posture and attitude help her?

What can l learn about God’s grace?

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

REFLECTIONS ON ECCLESIASTES THREE

KEY VERSE: A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Ecclesiastes 3:8b

A time of war is never welcome in life, but certain preconditions set the stage for a time of war. When there is war, every group loses something; resources, relationships, opportunities, and the lives of their people. Even when it ends, people can never fully measure the emotional trauma. Both those who go to war as soldiers and the aged, children, and women who stay back suffer deeply. This year, you know what happened when Russia invaded Ukraine, the ripple effect on all the world nations, and what is still going on now.  

War is not pleasant, but sometimes it is the only way to lasting peace. Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, challenged Israel to battle and declared that whoever won the fight would determine the fate of his people. He tormented them for days until David arose to the occasion. 

Deborah and her people lived through the oppression of Sisera and king Jabin; village life ceased, and insecurity prevailed until she arose.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6(KJV)

 We are at a time when we will hear of wars and rumors of wars globally. Running from pillar to post is not a solution; seeking the will of God for your life in this time and season is better than ending up like Naomi in Moab or running into the belly of the fish like Jonah.

 There is a time when God instructs his people to leave a physical location as he did to Joseph and Mary, but if you act like Lot, you may walk into Judgement and lose everything you are trying to protect. Lot could have fared better if he didn’t choose to be alone.

A time of war is a time to unite with others, share information and material goods and watch each other’s back. Who are you in partnership with? Since the pandemic, many have refused to return to in-person worship; Peter had a company to return to in his time of war; I hope you have yours. (Acts 4:23)

Sometimes, declaring war is the only way to take possession of what God has bequeathed to you, and so if you choose to be docile, fearful, or unprepared, your inheritance will remain in the hand of strangers.

“The Lord told me, ‘Get ready to go across Arnon Valley. I will let you defeat Sihon the Amorite, the king of Heshbon. I will let you take his country. So fight against him and take his land. Deuteronomy 2:24(ERV)

Today, most of the battles we face are spiritual, but the consequences are evident in the physical. The weapons of our warfare are not physical, and our enemies are spiritual. 

 Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. 13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. Ephesians 6:12-13(ERV)

We don’t fight to kill people but rather to overthrow the missiles, plans, and mission of the kingdom of darkness from where we once lived so that we can enthrone the kingdom of God and His righteousness in the different centers of influence the Lord gives us.  

 We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ. We are ready to punish anyone there who does not obey, but first, we want you to be fully obedient. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6(ERV) 

A time of war precedes a time of peace; the Israelites always enjoyed a time of peace when a judge arose to fight and subdue their enemies. Do you want peace in your life, marriage, family, business, or community? The first thing to do is to make peace with the Man of War; you need Him on your side. Secondly, ask the Prince of peace how you are supposed to fight the battles of your life. A prayer book may suffice for military raids, but you need the Captain of the hosts commanding the battle for you to pursue, overtake and recover all. 

A time of peace is equally a difficult time. It is the time when men forsake their maker and indulge the flesh to their detriment. Solomon fought no physical war but rode on the back of victories King David and his man procured. Solomon lost the rule over the tribes of Israel because he welcomed enemies he should have contended with. The tribes of Israel were divided because Solomon lost all the spiritual battles against him, and his sons did not know the God who had granted them a time of peace. 

A time of peace is also a time to seek a truce. Some people have overreached themselves by nursing coveteousness and engaging in battles God did not permit. They rise against their fathers like Absalom, despise the elders who are supposed to guide them with their experience the way Rehoboam did, and engage in fighting for Naboth’s vineyard at their peril. Choose your battles wisely and never be ashamed to seek reconciliation.

But Rehoboam did not listen to the advice from the older men. He asked the young men who were his friends. 1 Kings 12:8(ERV)

 “If a king is going to fight against another king, first he will sit down and plan. If he has only 10,000 men, he will try to decide if he is able to defeat the other king who has 20,000 men. If he thinks he cannot defeat the other king, he will send some men to ask for peace while that king’s army is still far away. Luke 14:31-32(ERV)

Only the Prince of Peace can give peace to the world; the Holy Spirit gives peace in the face of tumult and danger. You may not be able to prevent wars around you, but you can have peace from God and sleep amid the storm. Welcome, Jesus, into your life and receive the peace that only He can give by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, my times are in your hand; teach me to respond wisely in a time of war, knowing that you are with me and will never forsake me. Deliver me from the traps of a time of peace, help me grow in knowledge and intimacy with you as l enjoy your peace in Jesus’ name, amen. 

Pastor Ada

Photo by Stijn Swinnen on Unsplash

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

Key Verse: A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:8 (AMP)

Love is a beautiful thing; everyone wants to be loved. The Bible records different people who loved others and the various ways they expressed love. Abraham is the first one mentioned who loved Isaac, his son; Isaac, in turn, loved Rebekah, his wife. It is natural to love our spouses, family members, and even our friends. People also love different types of food, hobbies, and professions. Shouldn’t every time be the right time to love?

Cook some of that tasty food that I love so much and bring it to me. I want to eat it once more and give you my blessing before I die.” Genesis 27:4(CEV)

Do not love [excessive] sleep, or you will become poor; Open your eyes [so that you can do your work], and you will be satisfied with bread. Proverbs 20:13(AMP)

He also built fortified towers in the open country and dug many cisterns, because he had large herds of livestock in the western foothills and plains. Because he loved farming, he encouraged the people to plant vineyards in the hill country and to farm the fertile land. 2 Chronicles 26:10(GNT)

The first commandment God gave to Moses was for man to love God. It is not easy to love someone you can not see, but like Walter, Trobish said, “Love is a feeling to be learned.” The time to love God is now and always. So many things will come and disrupt your love for God, but you must be intentional to put your love for God first.

“So now, Isra’el, all that Adonai your God asks from you is to fear Adonai your God, follow all his ways, love him and serve Adonai your God with all your heart and all your being; Deuteronomy 10:12(CJB)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and with all your soul and with all your strength [your entire being]. Deuteronomy 6:5(AMP)

Love is known by its actions. God is love and has shown his love for humanity by sending Jesus to die on the Cross. The scriptures also teach us how to love the Lord. You cannot love God and also go about seeking idols to solve your problems.

Someday a prophet may come along who is able to perform miracles or tell what will happen in the future. Then the prophet may say, “Let’s start worshiping some new gods—some gods that we know nothing about.” If the prophet says this, don’t listen! The Lord your God will be watching to find out whether or not you love him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 13:1-3(CEV)

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15(KJV)

But he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive (know, recognize, and be sure) that we are in Him: 1 John 2:5(AMPC)

One of our generation’s greatest tragedies is seeing people who claim to worship God yet are full of hatred for other men and show so much cruelty towards them. Many followers of Christ hate others because of their doctrines, dress, and denominations. There is no right time to hate any man created in God’s image.

“‘Do not hate your brother in your heart, but rebuke your neighbor frankly, so that you won’t carry sin because of him. Leviticus 19:17(CJB)

If a man say, “I love God,” and hateth his brother, he is a liar. For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John 4:20(KJV)

The Lord tests honest people but despises those who are cruel and love violence. Psalm 11:5(CEV)

The letter to the Corinthians shows how to love others by the power of the Holy Spirit, not self-discipline or self-will. The time to love is not when people do what you expect or like, but as you yield to the Holy Spirit, the fruit of love manifests through you towards others regardless of their behavior or attitude towards you. (1 Corinthians 13:1-8)

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness. Galatians 5:22(AMPC)

When does God want us to hate? The scriptures show us what God hates; as long as we hate those things, we will stay in the will of God.

You love what is right and hate what is evil. That is why God, your God, has chosen you and has poured out more happiness on you than on any other king. Psalm 45:7(GNT)

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10(KJV)

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 8:13(KJV)

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19(KJV)

As it is written and forever remains written, “Jacob I loved (chose, protected, blessed), but Esau I hated (held in disregard compared to Jacob).” Romans 9:13(AMP)

Jesus spoke about a time when the world would hate Christians because of their faith; we are in that time. Biblical values are under attack in the nations where they were formally revered. All over the world, Christians are being killed, persecuted, and canceled because of their position and views on moral issues. This hatred is not new, it happened before, and many were thrown into Lions’ dens and the fire because they confessed Christ. What should be our response to these things?

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the son of man’s sake. Luke 6:22(KJV)

“But I say to you who hear [Me and pay attention to My words]: Love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, [make it a practice to] do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27(AMP)

The time to love is to pay back those who hate you with God-inspired responses. Certain prayer points make Christians curse when God has commanded us to bless. Praying for our enemies should not be to curse them. Choose God’s way and not the human or logical way. Hate anything that will separate you from the love of God.

Expect prophesy to be fulfilled, don’t be surprised by the trends instead build up your holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost and walking in wisdom towards the world.

The world’s love is a significant threat to God’s love; hate it. Joseph fled from it, and Samson and Solomon ruined their destinies because of the love of it. Daniel hated the food he was served and spared his soul.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15(KJV)

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10(KJV)

Is this the time to seek and love mammon at the expense of eternal life? The commonwealth nations seem to believe and expect the fulfillment of the end-time prophecies more than many Christians. The recent opening ceremony at the games in Birmingham confirms this.

It is now time to love righteousness and hate wickedness in all forms and shapes. Jesus is coming for a spotless bride, not necessarily a rich one. Love for any man, business, or ministry, even the love for our lives, must not exceed the love for God.

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:15(KJV)

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:25(KJV)

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:37(KJV)

Prayer
Father, it is the right time to display our love for you so that men may know where we stand. Deliver us from the things that compete in our hearts for our love for you. Grant us the courage to hate what you hate, even if it is unpopular in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by juan pablo rodriguez on Unsplash

Reflections On Ecclesiastes Three

REFLECTIONS ON ECCLESIASTES THREE

KEY VERSE: a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; Ecclesiastes 3:7(KJV)

The word rend means to tear with force. The Bible commonly uses it as a sign of anger, grief, or despair. People rent their garments as a sign of sorrow for sin or despair for their loss.

And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. Genesis 37:29(KJV)

Then they rent their clothes, and laded every man his ass, and returned to the city. Genesis 44:13(KJV)

And David said to Joab, and to all the people that were with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the bier.2 Samuel 3:31

And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back. Judges 11:35(KJV)

And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tiding came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left. Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth, and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. 2 Samuel 13:20-21(KJV)

Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise, all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan, his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.2 Samuel 1:11-12(KJV)

When Jephthah saw his only daughter after his return from battle, he tore his clothes as a sign of grief. It is not a shameful thing to express grief. Many people today suffer from deep emotional wounds because of bottled-up emotions of anger and despair. David mourned the death of his son by renting his clothes and lying on the bare floor. The news of the death of Saul and Jonathan made him rent his clothes too.

Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. 1 Kings 11:11-12(KJV)

God always keeps his covenants, but when people break their part of the agreement, the Lord can tear away from them what they have previously received by covenant.

There are times when you should not rend a garment or yourselves. God forbade the priests from mourning when his judgment was on the priests who burnt strange incense. This indicates that we must discern the appropriate response to situations in the spirit. We must not join others to express emotions different from what God desires.

Then Moses told Aaron and his other two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar: Don’t show your sorrow by messing up your hair and tearing your priestly clothes, or the Lord will get angry. He will kill the three of you and punish everyone else. It’s all right for your relatives, the people of Israel, to mourn for those he destroyed by fire.But you are the Lord’s chosen priests, and you must not leave the sacred tent, or you will die. Aaron and his two sons obeyed Moses. – Leviticus 10:6-7 CEV

The Soldiers recognized the value of the robe Jesus wore and knew that rending it would not serve them any purpose, so they cast a lot for it.

They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things, therefore, the soldiers did. John 19:34

Before you forcefully tear a relationship apart, consider its value and the benefits it would serve posterity; don’t focus on the pain or the betrayal. Repentance deserves the gift of forgiveness.

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Joel 2:13(KJV)

When we show genuine repentance for our sins, God is gracious to forgive. Rending your heart by weeping for the hurt and pain you have caused others can help them believe you are truly sorry. Beyond the show of emotion, turning away from toxic habits and behavior will mend broken hearts.

Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the Lord. 2 Chronicles 34:27(KJV)

Family disputes are better resolved than allowing individual members to tear each other apart, eventually losing their inheritances to strangers. Choose to be the spouse who forbears and forgives when you are hurt instead of using hurtful words that can tear the soul.

O Lord my God, in Thee do I put my trust. Save me from all them that persecute me; and deliver me,lest they tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces while there is none to deliver – Psalm 7:1-2 KJ21

No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old coat; if he does, the new patch tears away from the old cloth and leaves a worse hole. – Mark 2:21 CJB

When we recall previous offenses to a new conflict, it is like sewing a new cloth to an old patch; it simply makes the strife more grievous.

Seek peace at all times and look out for kind words to sew together to produce godly outcomes in a hostile or offensive environment. Abigail is an excellent example of choosing words wisely and presenting them in a manner that restrained David from evil. (1 Samuel 25:24-31)

David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day. And blessed be your discretion and discernment, and blessed be you, who has kept me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself by my own hand. – 1 Samuel 25:32-33 AMP

A time to sew is the time to be a bridge builder. Choosing to de-escalate conflict between brethren by refusing to be a talebearer is another way to sew. Sewing things is a good thing, but sometimes conflicts can separate the good from evil, and knowing when it is God’s will not to be a part of a relationship or organization is profitable.

Stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord! Can someone who is good get along with someone evil? Are light and darkness the same? Is Christ a friend of Satan? Can people who follow the Lord have anything in common with those who don’t? The Lord also says, “Leave them and stay away! Don’t touch anything that isn’t clean. Then I will welcome you – 2 Corinthians 6:14-15,17 CEV

A time to sew is when we make new clothes, face masks, and other garments from fabrics we have or a time to mend our old clothes. Many people always sew new clothes at the expense of other investments and priorities. “A stitch in time saves nine” is a famous quote that points to the need to sew up a tear in time before it gets worse.

Prayer
Father, thank you for showing us the different ways to rend our hearts and garments. Teach us to know when and how to sew words and actions to produce your beauty around our world in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Bára Buri on Unsplash