Busyness

Busyness; make time for God. Don’t be distracted. Make time to engage/talk to God. It’s one thing to study the word, it’s quite another to just sit with God. We often think we don’t have time to spend with God or in God’s word however, if it’s important you’ll make time.

Screen time is a big distraction. Have cues to minimise distraction in this area. Identify what keeps you from God and eliminate those areas where possible. If you can’t eliminate altogether, then at least cut down your distraction time. Put God first and once you’re done, you’re then free to use your time in any way you wish.

There are always competing voices; email, phone, media. These are here all the time. They can wait. You can’t hear from God with all this outside clamour. Carve out time – if you don’t make time you will get squeezed out.

Be diligent, not casual, when you seek Him. God is King. He deserves your full attention, your honour and your respect.

Your work day will be more productive when you touch base with God first. We can’t afford to waste time. Schedule your day and don’t squander your time. Start by dressing yourself in Christ, putting on the armour of God.

An unprepared heart will not grow seed. Hard ground will not yield. Stoney ground means shallow soil; soil with no depth of heart. Weeds and cares choke pleasures. Good soil comes from prayer, the word of God and seeking God. The mind goes to whichever area the soil is set; good soil, stony ground, weed filled soil, shallow soil.

Hinderances come from not having your heart in a neutral position, or from having idols in the heart. Idolatry covers lots of things. Covertness – a desire you think is good for you. Stubbornness – when we push-back we’re putting our will above God, giving love to something besides God.

You can also lean a certain way, having your mind made up when you pray, hoping God will approve, but not seeking His will first. Seek His will and then you shall have the desires of your heart.

Exhort one another, or you will sin. You don't need to become a door mat but find the balance of putting the needs of others before your own. Selfishness leads to manipulation and sin.

Many have their eyes, ears and heart closed. They they won’t hear from God. Neither will you, if you close your mind to God. Repent if you find you’ve done this. Lift others up above yourself. Put others first; their needs and wants. God always blesses those who humble themselves and when we bless another, God blesses us in return.

Sometimes God allows a desert season, so as to develop you. If He tells you to do something and you don’t do it – repent and get moving. Do what He’s prompted you to do.

Obey, obey, obey. That is the way of sonship. Sonship is the delight of the Father. Spend time with God, do what He tells you and watch, for you will reap a harvest.

What Really Happened on Easter Morning?

What Really Happened on Easter Morning?

The day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is where heaven broke into earth. A miraculous healing took place on that middle day and then Sunday arrived. The sealed tomb was opened. The religious leaders tried to cover it up by bribing the guards to keep quiet about the truth and lie about what happened, encouraging the guards to say the people rolled the stone away and took the body of Jesus.

The women went to the tomb asking the question, who will roll the stone away, for the stone was large and heavy. When they go to the tomb, the stone had already moved. They saw an angel sitting on top of the stone and they were afraid. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid.”

Jesus said, on a number of occasions throughout His ministry; "Do not be afraid."

That’s what we all should have – fearless faith in Jesus. Hebrews 4:16 tells us to approach the throne with confidence. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace…” The King and High Priest extends grace and we can come before Him believing, because we are accepted in Christ.

The angel then said to the women, “Go quickly and spread the message.” He continued on, saying, “Do not be afraid. He is risen and has gone ahead of you.” Can you imagine the excitement of these women?

Jesus, when He appeared, told the disciples to go and make disciples of all men... In other words; spread the Good News of hope, peace, joy, healing, love and the removal of fear, in His name.

Fearless faith. Easter was the start of the mission and we now carry the baton. The mission won’t end until Jesus returns.

Sunday Morning:

On the morning of the resurrection there was an earthquake. Something happened which caused the Roman soldiers to fall down. There was a power explosion from the tomb and it frightened the soldiers, so much so that they trembled in fear.

Jesus was raised from the dead! The foundation of our faith had been laid.

Mary and the other Mary came to anoint Jesus in readiness for His burial, along with some other women. They were there when Jesus was placed into the tomb that fateful Friday. They expected Him to still be in the tomb that following Sunday morning; dead. They came back on Sunday to anoint Him, to ready Him for burial and at the time they didn’t know the stone was rolled because they asked of each other, who will roll it away?

When they got to the tomb they were stunned because it was a large stone. The wonder and the miracle of that event was the earthquake which came and the stone which was moved. In that moment of His resurrection, it could be said, the whole earth rejoiced in the form of an earthquake.

This was no normal stone. It was exceedingly large and heavy and yet when the women arrived it had been removed and an angel sat upon the stone. 

Did the angel roll the stone away? Yes, according to Matthew 28:2. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled the stone away from the entrance and sat on it.

Whether it was the earthquake or the angel, whatever happened, the guards did shake and ‘became as dead men.’ They were filled with fear and trepidation over what they saw. They shook and trembled just like the earthquake itself. So panicked were the guards that they fled the scene.

With the stone removed the women were free to enter the tomb. What they found astounded them. No Jesus! He wasn’t there. Who was there? They saw a young man clothed in white. Who was this young man?

The definition of a young man, in the Greek at that time, was someone in the prime of their life, with vitality, strength and a youthful appearance. This young man was an angel in a long flowing robe, denoting someone of high distinction. The women were perplexed. No Jesus, but an angel. What could this mean?

They expected to see the stone in front of the tomb but the stone had moved. They expected to see Jesus but Jesus was missing. What they didn’t expect was to see an angel who looked like a warrior or a king, in his grand and flowing robe.

Instantly, two men stood beside the women, with shining garments; flashing like lightening. Two more angels had suddenly arrived, appearing as if from nowhere.

The women, although afraid, held their ground (unlike the Roman soldiers, great and mighty warriors, who fled in terror). The angels asked the women, “…Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! ...” (Luke 24:5-6)

The angels gave instruction to the women – go your way and tell the disciples and Peter. And the women ran off to tell the disciples what they’d seen and heard.

Peter and John ran back the tomb to see what had happened for themselves. They ran before the women even finished their story. Mary Magdalen followed the men back to the tomb. None of the other apostles were moved enough to go and look.

Peter and John went and they experienced something the others didn’t (if you want to experience Jesus and all of his power, you’ve got to get up and move in his direction). Peter and John saw the clothing lying in the chamber; expensive garments lying inside the tomb. And Mary Magdalen – she has the honour of being the first person to lay eyes on the Risen Lord.

If Jesus’ body had been stolen as the authorities want you to believe, then the garment would have been stolen too as it was very, very, expensive and no thief would have left it behind.

Peter went straight into the tomb and noticed the clothing lying there, and the napkin from Jesus head, folded off to the side and by itself. Folded clothing demonstrates careful movement. Not rushed. Jesus’ body had been wrapped in cloth and a napkin laid over His face. Both were now placed in an orderly fashion. Jesus was calm, cool, collected.

This is not a scene of chaos but a gentle laying of fabric. One piece of fabric placed on each side of where Jesus sat. Jesus was in complete control. God is a God of order and Jesus is ordered in how He folded the napkin.

At that time in history, if you scrunched up your napkin while at the dinner table, it was an indication that you had finished your meal and servants would clear your place. A folded napkin meant, you may have left the table, but you will return. Jesus’ folded napkin was marker to inform you; I’m coming back.

John left the tomb believing in the story Jesus told, that He would be killed but would rise again. Peter left wondering what it all meant. John believed in the miraculous, while Peter wondered what happened.

So many events on that Sunday morning. Multiple angels, an earthquake, two Mary’s and the other women, Peter, John, the Roman guards. They all saw something, an unexplainable event for some. A light switch flicked on to reveal the truth for others.

They all saw the body was gone because the power of God had detonated in that cave and Jesus was raised from the dead. Crucified, buried and brought to life.

Jesus really was raised from the dead. Do you believe it, or are you going to forever wonder what happened?

 

The Transformed Life.

The Transformed Life.

What is the one thing which would transform your life? What is your problem, how can it be fixed and who’s going to fix it?

What do you believe Jesus thinks is your biggest problem? Do you believe Jesus is on the same page, that your problem and the problem Jesus sees in you, is one and the same?

Would you be surprised to learn the answer to the previous question is; no. What you consider your problem isn’t the same as what Jesus considers your problem.

When Jesus saw the paralytic man in His home town, He didn’t address the issue. He didn’t pray healing for the paralytic. Jesus saw a more pressing issue. Jesus had a different perspective. The paralytic man wanted healing. Jesus said; “Your sins are forgiven.”

The word sin means; to miss the mark. In regards to the paralytic man, his paralysis was surface stuff. The root cause was sin. In what way was the man a sinner, we’re not told.

If you begin to vomit, become clammy and cold and your legs start to wobble, this is your immediate problem. Ten minutes earlier you might have been bitten by a snake. You’re seeing the surface stuff, but the venom is the root cause. Sin is much the same. What’s going on outside of you, is a reflection of the inner self. Surface verses root cause.

We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Life’s tough and I’m not about to minimise what you’re going through. Jesus cares about what you’re going through but He sees the bigger picture. Life on earth is nothing compared to eternity; heaven or hell – you choose. There is no middle ground. 

Jesus can fix your sin. When Jesus saw the sin of the paralytic, He said to take up your mat and walk. What is easier to say; take up your mat and walk, or your sins are forgiven. It cost Jesus His life to lift you out of your sin. To say your sins are forgiven came at great cost to Jesus. In doing so though, Jesus gave you the authority to cast out sin in His name.

You have to act in accordance with what the scripture tells you. Jesus isn’t looking at how good and perfect you are. He’s looking at your faith and trust in Him. Sacrifice won’t do it. Procedures won’t do it. Only faith can do it. And forgiveness.

Faith and forgiveness can fix the issues you hold in your hand. Forgiveness is important. Unforgiveness is akin to snake venom. You can’t see unforgiveness, for it’s under the surface, buried in your subconscious but it’s making you sick. Unforgiveness is the deeper issue. Unforgiveness is a sin.

You need the same perspective as Jesus has. Can you see your child’s sin problem? The Father sees the sins of His children, just as you can see the sins of yours. What is the root cause to all issues: Sin!

We are all more sinful than we dare to believe. We need faith. Faith in all things. Love all, accept all, forgive all – this is the mark we miss. When we neglect these issues, we reap a harvest of problems.

Lord forgive me. Help me forgive others as you have forgiven me. Help me see my sin and bring it before you. Help me overcome my sins and follow you in every situation. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

Jesus; Alive and Well and Making a Difference.

When we abide in the Lord, we produce much fruit. It’s only in abiding though. Church once a week isn’t enough. We must live with God; connect with Him every day. We’re all busy but we must make time. Branches only produce fruit when connected to the vine.

God is love and love is the most powerful force on earth. Jesus loved us all, everyone of us. He loved us enough to die for us. The power behind His death is still felt around the world today. And because of that power, that gift freely given, we now have peace of mind and heart in all situations – but only if we remain connected to the vine.

Before Jesus was crucified, He gave advance warning to His disciples. He told them He was going away beforehand and because His word is truth, when He tells us something, we can believe it.

While the Internet has many positives coming out of it, there’s also an element of falsehood. A mixture of truth and lies. The same can be said for prophets; some are true, some bring deception and the only way to know the difference, is in the time spent with God. We must be able to discern what the Lord is imprinting upon us.

It’s important that we not be deceived in matters and it’s only in spending time with God, worshipping God, reading God's word that we shall have the ‘inkling’ when something isn’t right, when something feels a little ‘off.’

 Also, what we carry isn’t meant to stay inside the four walls of the church. What we carry is meant to be spread far and wide. We’re meant to declare; “Let My people go.” We’re meant to set captives free.

Abiding in Him will produce much fruit. The opposite is also true. Care for others. Witness to others. Pray for others. Set an example for all to see; Jesus is Lord. Jesus is alive and well and making a difference. Are you?  

 

How to Break a Generational Curse of Poverty.

Breaking a generational curse of poverty requires a holistic approach - spiritually, mentally, and practically. Here are some key steps that can help:

1. Spiritual Foundation;

Prayer & Repentance and seeking God's wisdom and guidance.

Revelation 22:3; “No longer will be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship Him.” This verse reminds us that Christ has redeemed us from curses, all curses, including the curse of poverty.

2. Declaring Freedom;

Speak God’s promises over your life (e.g., Philippians 4:19: “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”).

3. Generosity & Stewardship;

Following biblical principles of giving (such as tithing and wise management of resources) can open doors of provision as Proverbs 11:24-25 states. “There is one who scatters yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”

4. Breaking Limiting Mindsets;

Renewing the Mind - Poverty often begins in the mind. Romans 12:2 encourages transformation by changing thought patterns. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Rejecting Fear & Scarcity Thinking - Replace fear with faith; believe in abundance rather than lack.

5. Practical Steps;

Financial Literacy - Learn budgeting, saving, investing, and wealth-building principles. Proverbs 21:20 speaks of wise stewardship. “There is a desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.”

Skill Development – Investing in education or skills opens doors for greater opportunities.

Entrepreneurship & Multiple Streams of Income – Biblical figures like Joseph and Abraham thrived through resourcefulness. When you learn the principles of financial literacy, you too will thrive through resourcefulness.

6. Generational Impact;

Teaching the Next Generation – Pass down wisdom, skills, and biblical financial principles.

Breaking Family Cycles – Recognize patterns that need to change (e.g., poor spending habits, debt cycles, lack of vision). This can also be done in other areas of life besides finances, such as health, relationships, personal growth etc.

God desires His people to live in abundance, not just materially but in wisdom, peace, and opportunity. Jeremiah 29:11; “For I know the thoughts I think toward you," says the Lord, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Depression and Discouragement.

Depression and Discouragement; send them to hell.

As a car is one car made up of many parts, so to is the church; many people, one church. God sees His church as established by Jesus and made up of all of us. An interesting point is; it’s not that Jesus went up to Heaven, but that God came down to Jesus. He does that for each one of us; comes down to turn us to the Divine just as He did for Jesus.

Jesus is the pattern we’re to follow. He loved, prayed, worshipped, committed and submitted to all people. He unites all in spite of our differences. We’re to do the same. Jesus didn’t come to change the culture, but to heal and overcome death; death of relationships, death of poverty, death due illness and the list goes on, finishing ultimately in eternal life. 

We worship movie stars, pop stars and sport stars while at the same time we ignore the homeless, the poor, the sick and the needy. These people are just as important in God’s eyes, more so even as the humble are made mighty, while the mighty fall.

If you feel inadequate, you’re not alone. God sees your faithfulness and that means more to him than any other sacrifice. Just as Jesus was nothing in the eyes of some, He was exalted before all. There is no hierarchy in God’s eyes. Every one is equal. The rich are no more valuable to God than the poor.

If you seek Him first, you will find Him and if you find Him, tell people about Him. Let Him speak through you and you will touch a heart. For if you seek Him, all things change. Don’t look at circumstances, look at the Light. No doubt. No fear. No trepidation. He saves. He heals. He lifts out of the sinking seas.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Receive your miracle. Stop talking, thinking, worrying about your issue and keep your focus on the Light, on the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Have confidence in Him. Stop being weak and double-minded in your faith. Think upon the Lord continually. Don’t for a minute think your problem is unsolvable, unfixable, unhealable.

Depression and discouragement destroy faith. Send them back to the pit of hell from whence they came. And do it again tomorrow and the next day if you have to. Do it until they leave.

David's Change of Mind.

In 1 Samuel 26 David gave Abishai a task to do and then took it upon himself to do it; why?

This moment between David and Abishai in 1 Samuel 26 has layers of meaning and strategy. David's instructions for Abishai to take the spear and jug from King Saul symbolize David's authority and leadership. Although David ended up taking the task upon himself, having requested Abishai act on his behalf demonstrates trust and delegation, traits vital for a future king.

Additionally, the act of sparing Saul, even when Abishai was ready to strike him down, showcases David's commitment to honour Saul as "the Lord's anointed." David repeatedly proves his moral courage by refusing to harm Saul, despite Saul's pursuit of him. The removal of Saul's belongings—the spear and the water jug—was a calculated way to prove David's proximity and power without resorting to violence. It sent a message of mercy, restraint, and divine guidance; good models of leadership.

David's change of mind in the decision to pick up Saul's spear and jug of water himself, rather than letting Abishai do it, highlights several important aspects of his character and leadership:

1. Symbolic Actions: By physically taking Saul's belongings, David directly demonstrates his restraint and respect for Saul as the Lord's anointed. It underscores David's personal commitment to honour God's will rather than relying on others to carry out the task.

2. Message of Humility: David's actions convey humility. Even though he was destined to be king, David wasn't above performing tasks himself, reflecting servant-leadership rather than ruling from a distance.

3. Trust and Accountability: Taking these items personally ensured the act was carried out precisely as David intended. It allowed David to show Saul and his men that he had been close enough to take their belongings and yet chose mercy over violence - making the message more powerful.

I believe it’s an important point here that David did the work himself, rather than Abishai, knowing Saul was intent on killing David. David’s restraint all the more poignant because of this.

This moment is one of many in David's journey where his actions align with his values, setting an example for those around him.

In Summary of why David changed his mind and took on the task himself? In 1 Samuel 26, David initially instructs Abishai to take the spear and the jug of water. Yet, David himself ends up taking these items.

This shift likely underscores a few things:

1. David's Leadership and Decision-Making: While he trusted Abishai, David might have realized the importance of handling the items personally. By doing it himself, he ensured the gesture carried the full weight of his intent - to demonstrate mercy, honour, and respect for Saul.

2. Symbolic Act: By taking Saul’s belongings himself, David personally demonstrated that he had no intention of harming Saul, despite the opportunity. It was a direct, impactful way to show restraint and communicate his message to Saul when the items were later returned.

3. God's Guidance: David often showed a strong reliance on divine guidance. Perhaps in that critical moment, rather than allow Abishai to do it,, David felt it was his responsibility alone to carry out the act in the way God would have wanted. It's a subtle yet profound shift that highlights David's evolving role as a leader and his commitment to doing what is right.