DOES GOD ALLOW BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN?
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” This was what Joseph said to his brothers, who were reeling under the guilt of what they had done to him. Does God allow ‘bad’ things to happen in order to bring good out of them? Childless couples in our society these days are often pitied, but in 1 Samuel, it says that the Lord Himself had closed Hannah’s womb. Now the family was a God-fearing one, which went up to Shiloh every year to sacrifice. God’s closing of her womb could not have been out of punishment. It was only until the time was right for a prophet to be over Israel that she had a son.
In Chapter 16 of the same 1 Samuel, King Saul was being tormented by an evil spirit. This evil spirit did not come from hell, for in verse 14 we are told, an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. An evil spirit from the Lord! What an oxymoron! Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and this evil spirit from God had taken its place. It had come upon him to torment him as he was no longer fit to be king.
Paul was given a messenger from Satan to torment him (2 Cor. 12:7). When he asked God to take it away, God said, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness!” Was God content for a messenger of Satan to torment His chosen vessel to the Gentiles? God has promised that in all things, He works for the good of those that love Him (Rom 8:28). Does this mean only good things will happen to us? Jesus’ response to suffering was, “Not my will, but Yours!” Whatever comes our way, once we seek His face concerning our situation, let us leave the results to Him, and see the GOOD things that result from it.
Amen.
DOING GOOD
Last Sunday was Children’s Day at our church, and the preschoolers, who did the opening act, had a very important message for us. To the tune of “Happy Birthday to you”, they sang, “Be no-t deceived, God i-s not mocked, whatsoever a man sow- eth, that sh-all he reap!” Truth from the mouth of babes! (This was two years ago actually). It was a very simple song yet one with such deep meaning, and a great reminder to the adults. Though we laughed and clapped, I think the truth sunk in.
Galatians 6:7 is a great reminder to us today as well. Do not be deceived! God is NOT mocked! A man reaps whatever he sows! In the light of this verse, what manner of people ought we to be? We should be people who plant seeds of goodwill all around us, is the obvious answer. People with a pleasant disposition all around. Before salvation, the bible tells us that our righteousness is like filthy rags (Is. 64:6). However, after we come to Christ, our acts of righteousness are a sweet smelling fragrance to Him (Rom 12:1) (Jas 2:22). Christians should be busy using their bodies for things that will be pleasing to the Master. We should all be setting out to deliberately do good each day; helping our fellow Christians and behaving just like Christ would.
What can you do to help others today?
Last Sunday was Children’s Day at our church, and the preschoolers, who did the opening act, had a very important message for us. To the tune of “Happy Birthday to you”, they sang, “Be no-t deceived, God i-s not mocked, whatsoever a man sow- eth, that sh-all he reap!” Truth from the mouth of babes! (This was two years ago actually). It was a very simple song yet one with such deep meaning, and a great reminder to the adults. Though we laughed and clapped, I think the truth sunk in.
Galatians 6:7 is a great reminder to us today as well. Do not be deceived! God is NOT mocked! A man reaps whatever he sows! In the light of this verse, what manner of people ought we to be? We should be people who plant seeds of goodwill all around us, is the obvious answer. People with a pleasant disposition all around. Before salvation, the bible tells us that our righteousness is like filthy rags (Is. 64:6). However, after we come to Christ, our acts of righteousness are a sweet smelling fragrance to Him (Rom 12:1) (Jas 2:22). Christians should be busy using their bodies for things that will be pleasing to the Master. We should all be setting out to deliberately do good each day; helping our fellow Christians and behaving just like Christ would.
What can you do to help others today?
ECLIPSE!
Do you remember how many years ago it was that we experienced the eclipse of the sun in Ghana? I remember that it was in March, four years ago, I think. It was a powerful picture of our God! Let’s imagine God was the sun, and the shadow of the moon was our circumstances. Did the fact that the shadow was covering the sun mean that the sun would never shine again? No, not at all. The shadow quickly passed.
Some of us do behave like the sun will never shine again, though. We need to press on in faith. Let me illustrate. Some time ago, I received a word from God, which I embraced wholeheartedly. Just a few weeks later, something happened which seemed completely opposite to the word I had received. It was a terrible time, with many tears and much confusion. However, after some time, the situation began to ease and God’s word in my life came true. Let God be true and every man a liar! When our circumstances tell a different story from God’s word, let us continue to hold on to Him in faith!
Do you remember how many years ago it was that we experienced the eclipse of the sun in Ghana? I remember that it was in March, four years ago, I think. It was a powerful picture of our God! Let’s imagine God was the sun, and the shadow of the moon was our circumstances. Did the fact that the shadow was covering the sun mean that the sun would never shine again? No, not at all. The shadow quickly passed.
Some of us do behave like the sun will never shine again, though. We need to press on in faith. Let me illustrate. Some time ago, I received a word from God, which I embraced wholeheartedly. Just a few weeks later, something happened which seemed completely opposite to the word I had received. It was a terrible time, with many tears and much confusion. However, after some time, the situation began to ease and God’s word in my life came true. Let God be true and every man a liar! When our circumstances tell a different story from God’s word, let us continue to hold on to Him in faith!
QUAKING IN YOUR BOOTS?
I have always known we Christians have been commanded not to be afraid; in fact, when I was growing up Joshua 1:9 was my favourite verse. It goes like this: Be strong and of a good courage; Be not afraid, nor dismayed, for I the Lord your God am with you wherever you go. There are actually 366 “fear not’s” in the Bible, one for every day of the year and even one for the extra day in a leap year!
But it wasn’t until recently that I discovered that feeding your fear disqualifies you from the battle completely! In Deuteronomy 20 when the Israelite troops were getting ready for war, this is what God commanded about those who were afraid. "Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too." Wow!
All of us have been afraid at one time in our lives or the other, but once we allow that fear to paralyze us, we have been defeated already. Earlier in that chapter, God says, When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.
What else can I say? It’s your choice today. Will you allow fear to immobilize you and make you turn back, or will you go on, in spite of any fear you may feel, knowing that the Lord your God has promised to be with you wherever you go?
I have always known we Christians have been commanded not to be afraid; in fact, when I was growing up Joshua 1:9 was my favourite verse. It goes like this: Be strong and of a good courage; Be not afraid, nor dismayed, for I the Lord your God am with you wherever you go. There are actually 366 “fear not’s” in the Bible, one for every day of the year and even one for the extra day in a leap year!
But it wasn’t until recently that I discovered that feeding your fear disqualifies you from the battle completely! In Deuteronomy 20 when the Israelite troops were getting ready for war, this is what God commanded about those who were afraid. "Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too." Wow!
All of us have been afraid at one time in our lives or the other, but once we allow that fear to paralyze us, we have been defeated already. Earlier in that chapter, God says, When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.
What else can I say? It’s your choice today. Will you allow fear to immobilize you and make you turn back, or will you go on, in spite of any fear you may feel, knowing that the Lord your God has promised to be with you wherever you go?
ARE YOU A TAR BUCKET?
Last week I passed a construction company that was repairing a patch of road. The machines had done their levelling, and the final touch was a layer of tar on the affected spot. One man was pouring on the tar out of an old watering can. He was wearing gloves and the whole can was covered in tar. A vivid picture came to mind.
Is your life like a tar bucket? Do people need gloves to handle you because of all the filth they can see in your life? Are you known for your graciousness in Christ or for your acid tongue and wayward behaviour?
We were all tar buckets once, sinking hopelessly in the tar pit of sin. Oh, but thank God for Jesus! We saints have been rescued by His mighty hand and are now cleansed by His precious blood. I am no longer a tar bucket!
Once redeemed, however, it is possible to go back and get covered in tar once more so that no one can see the light of Christ shining in us (I'm talking about character here, this has nothing to do with getting to heaven). We can be so consumed by bitterness and unforgiveness – I could go on in an endless list of vices, that it consumes our whole life. One simple question to seriously ask yourself is, “Who am I when I’m alone?” Who are you when you are at home where there is no pastor or church member to see the way you behave? For me, I was the one who would scream people’s heads off at the slightest provocation. I have handed my temper to God now. (Of course, God still accepts us with all our vices, but shall we continue to sin that grace may abound?)So today, I ask you: do the members of your household know you as a tar bucket or as a beacon of Christ’s love? Over to you!
Last week I passed a construction company that was repairing a patch of road. The machines had done their levelling, and the final touch was a layer of tar on the affected spot. One man was pouring on the tar out of an old watering can. He was wearing gloves and the whole can was covered in tar. A vivid picture came to mind.
Is your life like a tar bucket? Do people need gloves to handle you because of all the filth they can see in your life? Are you known for your graciousness in Christ or for your acid tongue and wayward behaviour?
We were all tar buckets once, sinking hopelessly in the tar pit of sin. Oh, but thank God for Jesus! We saints have been rescued by His mighty hand and are now cleansed by His precious blood. I am no longer a tar bucket!
Once redeemed, however, it is possible to go back and get covered in tar once more so that no one can see the light of Christ shining in us (I'm talking about character here, this has nothing to do with getting to heaven). We can be so consumed by bitterness and unforgiveness – I could go on in an endless list of vices, that it consumes our whole life. One simple question to seriously ask yourself is, “Who am I when I’m alone?” Who are you when you are at home where there is no pastor or church member to see the way you behave? For me, I was the one who would scream people’s heads off at the slightest provocation. I have handed my temper to God now. (Of course, God still accepts us with all our vices, but shall we continue to sin that grace may abound?)So today, I ask you: do the members of your household know you as a tar bucket or as a beacon of Christ’s love? Over to you!
Praise Him!
Flipper is not a morning person, sorry, fish. At dawn when I go out on the balcony to check on him, he just lies motionless in one spot. At first I thought there was something wrong with him, but I’ve come to see that this is normal behaviour for him. One morning however, I noticed something that made me look again. Yes, my little fish has taught me a life lesson once more.
That particular morning, I stayed out on the porch a bit longer, singing a few Twi songs of praise. As I walked past the bowl again and again, I noticed that Flipper was very excited, swimming round and round, up and down. I wondered whether it was the passing plane that had unsettled him, but by the time I left, I realised that it was my songs of praise that had him all energised. I had walked past the bowl dozens of times, so it couldn’t be that. The verse that came to mind was Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! My fish was praising the Lord with me!
My fish’s circumstances hadn’t changed; he was still confined to a fishbowl. However, the praise made all the difference. Praise had lightened up the atmosphere. In the same way handling a difficult circumstance is always made easier to go through by praise. Praising through the storm helps you get through it. This week try it. No matter how difficult it sounds, praise the Lord through your trials, and experience His peace and joy! I have tried it, and I know its sooo true!
That particular morning, I stayed out on the porch a bit longer, singing a few Twi songs of praise. As I walked past the bowl again and again, I noticed that Flipper was very excited, swimming round and round, up and down. I wondered whether it was the passing plane that had unsettled him, but by the time I left, I realised that it was my songs of praise that had him all energised. I had walked past the bowl dozens of times, so it couldn’t be that. The verse that came to mind was Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! My fish was praising the Lord with me!
My fish’s circumstances hadn’t changed; he was still confined to a fishbowl. However, the praise made all the difference. Praise had lightened up the atmosphere. In the same way handling a difficult circumstance is always made easier to go through by praise. Praising through the storm helps you get through it. This week try it. No matter how difficult it sounds, praise the Lord through your trials, and experience His peace and joy! I have tried it, and I know its sooo true!
GREATNESS!
Would you like to be a powerful man/woman of God? Would you like to be known far and wide for the anointed words that come out of your mouth? Do you want to delve into the supernatural? Well then, hear how one man was elevated as the spiritual leader of a whole nation.
Joshua sat in the presence of the Lord long before he knew any leadership role would be required of him. Later on he was chosen as the leader of the Israelites without any struggle (Deut. 3:28). The secret of greatness in Christ is to spend time in His presence. When Jesus was choosing His disciples, He chose people who would... “be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” Mark 3:14. Note, the disciples needed first to be with Him, that is spend time sitting at His feet, before they would have power to preach and to have authority over demons.
Mary, sister of Lazarus knew this only too well when she chose to spend time sitting at His feet:
The secret of greatness is to spend time in His presence.
What about you? Do you choose to spend time sitting at Jesus’ feet? Or do you breeze through a quick verse and expedite a prayer to heaven at the beginning of the day? Your end could be great, but it’s up to you. The choice is yours. Which standing would you prefer?
As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshipped, each at the entrance to his tent. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. Ex 33:9-11
Joshua sat in the presence of the Lord long before he knew any leadership role would be required of him. Later on he was chosen as the leader of the Israelites without any struggle (Deut. 3:28). The secret of greatness in Christ is to spend time in His presence. When Jesus was choosing His disciples, He chose people who would... “be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” Mark 3:14. Note, the disciples needed first to be with Him, that is spend time sitting at His feet, before they would have power to preach and to have authority over demons.
Mary, sister of Lazarus knew this only too well when she chose to spend time sitting at His feet:
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42
The secret of greatness is to spend time in His presence.
What about you? Do you choose to spend time sitting at Jesus’ feet? Or do you breeze through a quick verse and expedite a prayer to heaven at the beginning of the day? Your end could be great, but it’s up to you. The choice is yours. Which standing would you prefer?
ARE YOUR DRAINS BLOCKED?
The sink was blocked. I had been advised to use a plunger and pour hot water down the drain to ease the problem. As I reached for the kettle, I offered up a silent prayer asking God to make the work of my hands successful (as He had promised in His word). Just before I poured, I felt I should do something else before pouring the water. It was a good idea, but I didn’t want to get my hands mucky, so I ignored the thought and went ahead. Guess what? The added water only compounded the problem. Feelings of hurt that God had not answered my prayer began to surface, but God quickly reminded me that He had given me the solution but I had ignored him. Sheepishly I repented and did what God had told me to do. Afterwards I poured in a second kettle of hot water, and voila! the problem was solved!
What about you? Are the drains of your life blocked? Try obedience. Is there an area of your life that deep down in your heart you know you haven’t surrendered completely to God? This thing, whatever it may be, may most likely be blocking your blessings. Deuteronomy 28 lists many attractive blessings, but the only condition is full obedience. Surrender completely to God in utter obedience, then leave the rest to him.
I would like to add a little note of caution here though. Not every illness, pain or difficult situation in our lives can be traced to living in disobedience, as can be discovered from the story of Job and also from Joseph’s story in Genesis. We should be very careful about pointing fingers at ourselves and others who we think have been disobeying God. As far as it depends on you, with the help of the Holy Spirit, believe, hope and trust! Carry on with a life of obedience, a yielded life, and the blessings of God will be all yours!
The sink was blocked. I had been advised to use a plunger and pour hot water down the drain to ease the problem. As I reached for the kettle, I offered up a silent prayer asking God to make the work of my hands successful (as He had promised in His word). Just before I poured, I felt I should do something else before pouring the water. It was a good idea, but I didn’t want to get my hands mucky, so I ignored the thought and went ahead. Guess what? The added water only compounded the problem. Feelings of hurt that God had not answered my prayer began to surface, but God quickly reminded me that He had given me the solution but I had ignored him. Sheepishly I repented and did what God had told me to do. Afterwards I poured in a second kettle of hot water, and voila! the problem was solved!
What about you? Are the drains of your life blocked? Try obedience. Is there an area of your life that deep down in your heart you know you haven’t surrendered completely to God? This thing, whatever it may be, may most likely be blocking your blessings. Deuteronomy 28 lists many attractive blessings, but the only condition is full obedience. Surrender completely to God in utter obedience, then leave the rest to him.
I would like to add a little note of caution here though. Not every illness, pain or difficult situation in our lives can be traced to living in disobedience, as can be discovered from the story of Job and also from Joseph’s story in Genesis. We should be very careful about pointing fingers at ourselves and others who we think have been disobeying God. As far as it depends on you, with the help of the Holy Spirit, believe, hope and trust! Carry on with a life of obedience, a yielded life, and the blessings of God will be all yours!
A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. John 6:18 – 21
The disciples were caught in the middle of a storm and were frantically trying to row back to shore. It was dark and they were frustrated and nearly at their wits end. As if that was not enough their tired eyes saw a ghostly apparition coming towards them, closer by the minute. I’m sure by now they were terrified and ready to start screaming uncontrollably. Then they heard it- a soft voice they knew only too well. “Be not afraid, it is I”. What peace and relief must have flooded their souls. Jesus got into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore.
What situation or storm is threatening to capsize your boat in this new year, 2010? It doesn’t matter how big it is or how long it’s been there; He comes through the storm. The next time there is a shaking, a turbulent situation, and all seems lost, could it just be Jesus coming to us through the storm and saying, “Be not afraid, it is I”?
The disciples were caught in the middle of a storm and were frantically trying to row back to shore. It was dark and they were frustrated and nearly at their wits end. As if that was not enough their tired eyes saw a ghostly apparition coming towards them, closer by the minute. I’m sure by now they were terrified and ready to start screaming uncontrollably. Then they heard it- a soft voice they knew only too well. “Be not afraid, it is I”. What peace and relief must have flooded their souls. Jesus got into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore.
What situation or storm is threatening to capsize your boat in this new year, 2010? It doesn’t matter how big it is or how long it’s been there; He comes through the storm. The next time there is a shaking, a turbulent situation, and all seems lost, could it just be Jesus coming to us through the storm and saying, “Be not afraid, it is I”?
DO YOU BELIEVE?
El Elyon is the Most High God. He is Jehovah Tsidkenu, our Righteousness, Jehovah Rohi, our Shepherd, Jehovah Shalom, our Peace, Jehovah Rapha, our Healer, Jehovah Nissi, our Victory and Banner, Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, Jehovah Azar, our Helper. Do you believe these attributes of God?
Well, I know from my own experience that when the going gets tough and there is no solution in sight, it is very hard to believe that Jehovah Nissi is going to come through by his mighty hand. God is all-powerful, and He is big enough to address all the impossibilities in our lives. All He asks is for us to believe that He will do it. Before He raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus looked for belief in the sisters, and He found it in Mary. Something that had never been seen before happened on that day. Read the story in John 11. There are many other examples where Jesus asked people whether they believed.
Once we make the word of God our constant companion and align our lives with His word, there is no reason why we should not find good success, as Joshua 1:8 says. But how many times have we blocked God’s hand in our lives by our disbelief? Luke 18:8 asks, “When the Son of God returns, will He find faith on the earth? The kind of faith being talked about here is the faith of the widow in Luke 18. Is your faith alive? Remember that Jesus could not touch any lives in His hometown because the people did not believe (Matt. 13:58). The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they did not believe God was going to give them victory in their final battle for the Promised Land (Num 14: 36-44). Without faith it is impossible to please God.
I believe. Do you believe? If you do, Is. 28:16 says you will never be disappointed. Though it tarry it will surely come.
Ps. 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits –
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you
with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
El Elyon is the Most High God. He is Jehovah Tsidkenu, our Righteousness, Jehovah Rohi, our Shepherd, Jehovah Shalom, our Peace, Jehovah Rapha, our Healer, Jehovah Nissi, our Victory and Banner, Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, Jehovah Azar, our Helper. Do you believe these attributes of God?
Well, I know from my own experience that when the going gets tough and there is no solution in sight, it is very hard to believe that Jehovah Nissi is going to come through by his mighty hand. God is all-powerful, and He is big enough to address all the impossibilities in our lives. All He asks is for us to believe that He will do it. Before He raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus looked for belief in the sisters, and He found it in Mary. Something that had never been seen before happened on that day. Read the story in John 11. There are many other examples where Jesus asked people whether they believed.
Once we make the word of God our constant companion and align our lives with His word, there is no reason why we should not find good success, as Joshua 1:8 says. But how many times have we blocked God’s hand in our lives by our disbelief? Luke 18:8 asks, “When the Son of God returns, will He find faith on the earth? The kind of faith being talked about here is the faith of the widow in Luke 18. Is your faith alive? Remember that Jesus could not touch any lives in His hometown because the people did not believe (Matt. 13:58). The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they did not believe God was going to give them victory in their final battle for the Promised Land (Num 14: 36-44). Without faith it is impossible to please God.
I believe. Do you believe? If you do, Is. 28:16 says you will never be disappointed. Though it tarry it will surely come.
Ps. 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits –
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you
with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Daniel 3:1 - 30
A long passage, but really worth the read. Our God will save us from the flames, but even if He doesn’t, we will NOT bow down to the idol. Dan 3:18. Many years ago those 5 words changed my life ... but even if He doesn’t. Serving God is not just some way to twist God’s arm into giving you all the good things in life. There are times that He chooses not to give us the things we think we so badly need. Those 3 young men were ready to die if need be, rather than bow to the threats of a king who wanted them to worship his god, a god they had neither seen nor heard of before. Amazingly, God rescued these boys from a horrible death in the fiery furnace.
Some time ago, I was faced with this question. Was I going to shrivel up and die if God did not do that thing which I really needed from Him, or was I going to brace myself and continue walking with Him, and wait for Him no matter what came my way? I made the agonizing decision to stick with God (this was after I had tried to run away from Him) and I have never regretted it to this day! When we decide to stick with God, He honours us in ways we could never have imagined.
A long passage, but really worth the read. Our God will save us from the flames, but even if He doesn’t, we will NOT bow down to the idol. Dan 3:18. Many years ago those 5 words changed my life ... but even if He doesn’t. Serving God is not just some way to twist God’s arm into giving you all the good things in life. There are times that He chooses not to give us the things we think we so badly need. Those 3 young men were ready to die if need be, rather than bow to the threats of a king who wanted them to worship his god, a god they had neither seen nor heard of before. Amazingly, God rescued these boys from a horrible death in the fiery furnace.
Some time ago, I was faced with this question. Was I going to shrivel up and die if God did not do that thing which I really needed from Him, or was I going to brace myself and continue walking with Him, and wait for Him no matter what came my way? I made the agonizing decision to stick with God (this was after I had tried to run away from Him) and I have never regretted it to this day! When we decide to stick with God, He honours us in ways we could never have imagined.
ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM COMPARISONITIS?
“They made the lampstand of pure gold and hammered it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms were of one piece with it. Six branches extended from the sides of the lampstand--three on one side and three on the other. Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms were on one branch, three on the next branch and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. One bud was under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair--six branches in all. The buds and the branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. They made its seven lamps, as well as its wick trimmers and trays, of pure gold. They made the lampstand and all its accessories from one talent of pure gold.”
Why are we reading this long passage? Well, as I read it some time ago, it struck me that the lamp stand and its accessories were all made out of a talent of gold. It surprised me because I have always been under the impression that a talent of gold was quite insignificant.
Elsewhere in scripture, we are told the parable of the talents in which the Master gives his 3 servants some talents of gold as he leaves on a journey. One servant got 5 talents, another got two and the other got one talent. Because the others got more than he did, the servant who got one talent was consumed with anger and hatred for his master. Instead of investing in his one talent (which really was a substantial amount judging from the passage above), this servant went and hid his talent in the ground. Of course when the master came back he did not go scot free. His talent was taken from him and he was thrown outside into the darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Are you like the ‘wicked’ servant? His sin was to compare himself to others and to find that he had less than everyone else had. After coming to this conclusion, his silent protest was not to use the gift that he had been given. Don’t be like this servant. Do not compare yourself to others. God works with each of His children in different ways. Whatever He has given you to work with - even if it’s not what you wanted, it can be used to His glory. Put your talent to good use today!
Why are we reading this long passage? Well, as I read it some time ago, it struck me that the lamp stand and its accessories were all made out of a talent of gold. It surprised me because I have always been under the impression that a talent of gold was quite insignificant.
Elsewhere in scripture, we are told the parable of the talents in which the Master gives his 3 servants some talents of gold as he leaves on a journey. One servant got 5 talents, another got two and the other got one talent. Because the others got more than he did, the servant who got one talent was consumed with anger and hatred for his master. Instead of investing in his one talent (which really was a substantial amount judging from the passage above), this servant went and hid his talent in the ground. Of course when the master came back he did not go scot free. His talent was taken from him and he was thrown outside into the darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Are you like the ‘wicked’ servant? His sin was to compare himself to others and to find that he had less than everyone else had. After coming to this conclusion, his silent protest was not to use the gift that he had been given. Don’t be like this servant. Do not compare yourself to others. God works with each of His children in different ways. Whatever He has given you to work with - even if it’s not what you wanted, it can be used to His glory. Put your talent to good use today!
Every Thought
“Something bad is going to happen to you!” It was such an insistent thought, and it kept coming. There I was lying weak and sick on my bed, and my mind was just filled with these morbid thoughts. It was a struggle even to get those thoughts out of my head so, strange as it sounds, I accepted them.
Needless to say, a few hours later, something bad did indeed happen; it’s just a day I want to forget!
2 Cor 10:5 says, We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. I’ve never seen a verse truer to my situation than this one. When sinister thoughts, thoughts that do not seem to be coming from God enter our minds, we need to take those thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. We need to “correct” those thoughts with the word of God. For example, an evil thought comes: ‘You’re going to die; you won’t recover from this illness’. Don’t accept it! Refute that thought with the word of God. “I shall not die, but live to declare the works of the Lord” Ps 118:17. Evil thought number two: ‘No one cares about you’. That is NOT true. Take that thought captive and say, “My heavenly Father has loved me with an everlasting love!” Jer. 31:3.
Faith, we know, moves mountains. However, negative faith is also a force to reckon with. That ancient serpent the devil is such a liar. He’s been lying from Adam and Eve’s day, and he’s very good at it. The tragedy is, once you believe his lies, you’re trapped! Have you noticed how quickly people who have lost the will to live die? Once you believe you’re going to die, you die. It’s as simple as that!
Well, which lies of the devil have you accepted, consciously or unconsciously? It’s not too late! Take that thought captive and refute it with the word of God! Remember, faith is just believing what God says He will do. Believe the Word, and His word (which is true anyway) will come true in your life! Trust Him! He’ll do the rest.
Needless to say, a few hours later, something bad did indeed happen; it’s just a day I want to forget!
2 Cor 10:5 says, We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. I’ve never seen a verse truer to my situation than this one. When sinister thoughts, thoughts that do not seem to be coming from God enter our minds, we need to take those thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. We need to “correct” those thoughts with the word of God. For example, an evil thought comes: ‘You’re going to die; you won’t recover from this illness’. Don’t accept it! Refute that thought with the word of God. “I shall not die, but live to declare the works of the Lord” Ps 118:17. Evil thought number two: ‘No one cares about you’. That is NOT true. Take that thought captive and say, “My heavenly Father has loved me with an everlasting love!” Jer. 31:3.
Faith, we know, moves mountains. However, negative faith is also a force to reckon with. That ancient serpent the devil is such a liar. He’s been lying from Adam and Eve’s day, and he’s very good at it. The tragedy is, once you believe his lies, you’re trapped! Have you noticed how quickly people who have lost the will to live die? Once you believe you’re going to die, you die. It’s as simple as that!
Well, which lies of the devil have you accepted, consciously or unconsciously? It’s not too late! Take that thought captive and refute it with the word of God! Remember, faith is just believing what God says He will do. Believe the Word, and His word (which is true anyway) will come true in your life! Trust Him! He’ll do the rest.
Hi all,
I have taken the decision not to use this blog for the purpose of updates on my work among children any longer. It's a decision taken over a period of time, with prayer as well, and I think its the right thing to do.
I'll still put other things on here though, so watch out for them.
God bless us all!
Here goes:
My little fish hates it when I change its water once very week. It swims frantically round and round the fishbowl trying to escape capture. This process of changing the water involves using a ladle to transfer Flipper the fish into a smaller pail while I pour out the old, murky water, clean the bowl and fill it up with fresh water once again. You’d think it would have learnt to trust me by now! Sometimes I feel sorry for it, but the thing is, I only want it to stay healthy.
Scripture talks about another time when some waters were stirred. Read the story in John 5:1-10. The stirring of the waters symbolised a struggle. However, it also symbolised a time of healing. A struggle because everyone wanted to get into the water first, and healing because whoever did get in first was rewarded with their healing.
When the waters of our lives are being stirred, it mostly isn’t a pleasant experience at all. It is a bewildering and unsettling time in our lives. However, the stirring of the waters in our lives often symbolises good things. Like my fish which got healthy, clean water through the stirring of the waters, an extra tough time at the workplace may come just before a promotion, or a feverish baby may simply be cutting a tooth. What is the stirring of the waters going to produce in your life? God knows. Time will tell! Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, and know that the victory is nigh! Amen!
I have taken the decision not to use this blog for the purpose of updates on my work among children any longer. It's a decision taken over a period of time, with prayer as well, and I think its the right thing to do.
I'll still put other things on here though, so watch out for them.
God bless us all!
Here goes:
My little fish hates it when I change its water once very week. It swims frantically round and round the fishbowl trying to escape capture. This process of changing the water involves using a ladle to transfer Flipper the fish into a smaller pail while I pour out the old, murky water, clean the bowl and fill it up with fresh water once again. You’d think it would have learnt to trust me by now! Sometimes I feel sorry for it, but the thing is, I only want it to stay healthy.
Scripture talks about another time when some waters were stirred. Read the story in John 5:1-10. The stirring of the waters symbolised a struggle. However, it also symbolised a time of healing. A struggle because everyone wanted to get into the water first, and healing because whoever did get in first was rewarded with their healing.
When the waters of our lives are being stirred, it mostly isn’t a pleasant experience at all. It is a bewildering and unsettling time in our lives. However, the stirring of the waters in our lives often symbolises good things. Like my fish which got healthy, clean water through the stirring of the waters, an extra tough time at the workplace may come just before a promotion, or a feverish baby may simply be cutting a tooth. What is the stirring of the waters going to produce in your life? God knows. Time will tell! Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, and know that the victory is nigh! Amen!
February 2010
Dear All,
Love
Its a new year, and we are just out of the month of love. Valentine’s Day should be celebrated all year round so we are all reminded to love one another day in and day out. (Love is patient, love is kind... love never fails... These three remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love! Parts of 1 Cor 13). Its a pleasure to share all the goings on over the past few months of my life.
Love is... Broadening your horizons
From June to December last year, my sweet mama decided to enrol me in a broadcasting school to provide other openings for ministry. I was also interested in doing voiceovers and the like anywhere I would get the opportunity. I thank God for seeing me through it. I was also to get myself attached to a radio station (Christian preferably) but that has not materialised so far. Please pray that the will of God will be revealed in this matter.
Love is... Going even when you don’t feel like it.
I have been going faithfully to the two nursery schools in my community, except for a term’s break when I was doing my radio broadcasting course. I have grown attached to those dear children, but many times I have felt like turning back. During our training though, we were told that many times on ministry days things would crop up giving us an excuse not to go. Our God is bigger than any excuse, and we were encouraged not to let anything stop us from going. I found this piece of advice very useful. I even went in the rain once (only Ghanaians know how much we hate rain). Whatever you are doing in the Lord's vineyard, please be encouraged to press on no matter what.
This is me coming back from my school programme one rainy day.
Since January when I resumed my weekly visits to these schools, the joy I felt has known no bounds. I find the joy is tied to winning souls. So far 12 children have accepted Christ as their Saviour. Praise the Lord!
My going to New Horizon Special School turned out to be just a brief stint. They are pretty adequately fed when it comes to the word of God because there is a CEF trained teacher there. God is sooo good.
Yours in Him!
Dear All,
Love
Its a new year, and we are just out of the month of love. Valentine’s Day should be celebrated all year round so we are all reminded to love one another day in and day out. (Love is patient, love is kind... love never fails... These three remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love! Parts of 1 Cor 13). Its a pleasure to share all the goings on over the past few months of my life.
Love is... Broadening your horizons
From June to December last year, my sweet mama decided to enrol me in a broadcasting school to provide other openings for ministry. I was also interested in doing voiceovers and the like anywhere I would get the opportunity. I thank God for seeing me through it. I was also to get myself attached to a radio station (Christian preferably) but that has not materialised so far. Please pray that the will of God will be revealed in this matter.
Love is... Going even when you don’t feel like it.
I have been going faithfully to the two nursery schools in my community, except for a term’s break when I was doing my radio broadcasting course. I have grown attached to those dear children, but many times I have felt like turning back. During our training though, we were told that many times on ministry days things would crop up giving us an excuse not to go. Our God is bigger than any excuse, and we were encouraged not to let anything stop us from going. I found this piece of advice very useful. I even went in the rain once (only Ghanaians know how much we hate rain). Whatever you are doing in the Lord's vineyard, please be encouraged to press on no matter what.
This is me coming back from my school programme one rainy day.Since January when I resumed my weekly visits to these schools, the joy I felt has known no bounds. I find the joy is tied to winning souls. So far 12 children have accepted Christ as their Saviour. Praise the Lord!
My going to New Horizon Special School turned out to be just a brief stint. They are pretty adequately fed when it comes to the word of God because there is a CEF trained teacher there. God is sooo good.
Yours in Him!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)