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. 

Bartimeous

The name "Bartimaeus" carries intriguing layers of meaning, and the apparent contradiction of the two different meanings arises from the way the name can be understood linguistically and contextually.

Meaning of Bartimaeus:

1. Highly Prized;

The name "Bartimaeus" is composed of the Aramaic prefix "Bar", meaning "son of," and the name "Timaeus," which is derived from Greek. "Timaeus" can mean "honored," "highly prized," or "esteemed."

Thus, Bartimaeus can be interpreted as "Son of Honor" or "Son of the Highly Prized."

2. Contaminated:

Some scholars suggest that "Timaeus" could be connected to Hebrew or Aramaic roots meaning "unclean" or "polluted." This idea comes from interpretations linking Bartimaeus’s physical blindness to ceremonial impurity, as blindness was often associated with societal marginalization in biblical times.

Why the Apparent Contradiction?

The tension between "highly prized" and "contaminated" reflects both linguistic ambiguity and the societal context of Bartimaeus’s story. In Mark 10:46–52, Bartimaeus is described as a blind beggar—someone viewed as “unclean” or “undesirable” in society. Yet Jesus’s interaction with Bartimaeus and his healing elevate his dignity and worth, showcasing his value in God’s eyes.

Biblical Significance:

Transformation: 

If Bartimaeus was considered "unclean" or "contaminated" by societal standards, his healing and restored sight symbolize spiritual renewal and the breaking down of barriers. Jesus shows that all people, regardless of status, are "highly prized" in God’s kingdom.

Honor through Healing: 

The healing of Bartimaeus aligns with the meaning "highly prized," as his encounter with Jesus restores not just his physical sight but also his place in society.

This duality enriches Bartimaeus’s story, highlighting both societal attitudes and Jesus’s transformative power. 

Bartimaeus’s story in Mark 10:46–52 is layered with cultural and spiritual significance, and his name adds depth to the narrative. Let's explore it:

Cultural Context of Bartimaeus’s Name:

Dual Interpretation:

   - The name "Bartimaeus" carries both potential meanings—"highly prized" and "contaminated" In the societal context of first-century Judea, blind beggars like Bartimaeus were often marginalized and seen as ritually "unclean" or undesirable.

   - However, his encounter with Jesus redefines his value. His healing and restored dignity affirm that he is indeed "highly prized" by God, despite societal views.

Blindness and Marginalization:

   - Blindness in biblical times was often associated with sin or judgment, as people believed such conditions reflected moral failings. Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, lived at the very fringes of society. His name's dual meaning could represent the tension between how society viewed him and how God saw him—precious and deserving of restoration.

The Spiritual Significance of Bartimaeus's Encounter:

Calling on Jesus:

   - Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus as "Son of David," a messianic title, recognizing Jesus’s authority and power to heal. This shows remarkable faith and spiritual insight, as many others failed to recognize Jesus in this way.

Persistence and Faith:

   - Despite being rebuked and told to stay silent, Bartimaeus continues to call out for Jesus. This persistence reflects the kind of faith that Jesus often commends—bold and unrelenting.

Transformation:

   - When Jesus heals Bartimaeus, the physical restoration of his sight is symbolic of spiritual renewal and redemption. Bartimaeus immediately follows Jesus, signifying his gratitude and transformed life.

Broader Themes in Bartimaeus’s Story:

1. Breaking Societal Barriers:

   - Jesus’s interaction with Bartimaeus challenges the societal norms of exclusion and prejudice against marginalized individuals. It reveals that God values people not for their outward condition but for their faith and heart.

2. Faith Beyond Sight:

   - Ironically, Bartimaeus’s spiritual insight and recognition of Jesus surpass that of many who could see physically. His healing becomes a metaphor for seeing truth and being saved.

3. Restoration of Dignity:

   - Bartimaeus, once sidelined as a beggar and unclean, is brought to the forefront by Jesus, who affirms his worth and identity.

Bartimaeus’s story is deeply uplifting—it reminds us that, in God’s kingdom, those who are often deemed insignificant are actually *highly prized*. 

Give and it Shall be Given to You.

Many years ago, when I first started my walk with God, I was shopping. I hadn’t been a Christian long and I thought I heard God say ‘speak to that young man.’ There was a lad cleaning scuff marks off the walls outside the supermarket in Tahmoor. I’d never heard God speak and I remember thinking; I can’t talk to this boy. I don’t know him and I wouldn’t know what to say. I got what I came for and he was still there, still cleaning when I left. I thought it was my imagination and then God said; “Speak to him.” It was a louder, more insistent voice.

“Oh, well, perhaps if he looks at me…”

The boy glanced my way but I wasn’t sure that he ‘looked at me.’ So, I got in the car and drove out of the lot when I heard a very insistent; “SPEAK TO THAT BOY!”

I drove around the block, came back and parked the car once more saying to God, “You’d better give me something to say if I’m going to do this for you.”

I walked up to the lad (16 years old or so) with no idea what I was going to say and blurted out; “I don’t know if you’re happy in your job, but if you’re not, go the library and borrow anything you can on positive thinking. It’ll change your life, I promise.”

The boy’s whole demeaner changed and he gave me a big smile and said thank you so much.

I walked back to the car and put my hand on the door handle and I heard the Lord say; “That boy was going to commit suicide.”

In that moment I knew, if I hadn’t spoken to that young man, God would never have revealed this final piece of information. People don’t want to commit suicide. They feel they have no other option.

Someone later said you can’t say that to a person. That’s not honouring God. I said; Yes, I can. I came to God because He spoke to me through these kinds of books and He can do the same for this fellow.

God asked me one day, what all these books have in common and I answered; a belief in a higher power, a creator, God. That’s when I became born again and I didn’t have the wisdom to convey that to the young man, so I gave him what I had (just as Peter did to the lame man – silver and gold have I none but such as I have I give thee) and I expected God to do the rest.

The reason I’m telling you this is because, the other day I was prompted by the Lord to give a church donation larger than normal and I did that on Sunday. I marked on an envelope where the money was to go, in what part of the ministry I’d been led to support. It was a big step on my small income. I dropped it in the collection box. I didn’t tell anyone. It was between me and God.

I sat back down in my seat. Just as the Lord made mention after the fact that the boy was going to commit suicide, this too, after I’d drooped the money and sat down, I heard the Lord say; “There’s someone who needed to go to this school and couldn’t except you brought in the resource. This person is going to make a huge impact in My name.”

On both counts, if I hadn’t been obedient to the Lord, I don’t think the Lord would have said anything towards the difference I’d made or not made. He wouldn’t burden me with the negative outcomes. He wouldn’t have jumped down my throat for not following His word, but He did let me know of the positive outcome of my actions in each of these events.

Then, right at the end of the service, the speaker said; “I have a word here for someone: God has broken the chains that have held you stuck in place. Shake those chains free. Shake your hands and feet and let those chains fall to the floor.” I couldn’t help but wonder if that wasn’t for me, as I’d given a large donation and perhaps now have broken the spirit of lack that has been plaguing my life, in spite of being a diligent giver all these years.

The Lord repay your work, and a full reward given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge. Ruth 2:12 (My bible study that day.)

A Pathetic Life or a Providential Life?

Hell tells us we have a pathetic life. I see pathetic lives in other people, even in myself at times. If we lift up our gates and open the doors (of the heart, mind, ears, eyes and tongue) to God, those hellish thoughts dissipate. Chuck out the ‘junk mail’ that flows to your doors and stand on the word of God. 

Hell puts forth dishonest questioning with bad intent. It tells us we're stupid and we won't be able to do it (whatever that is to you). Don’t answer. Instead think about truth. You have a team; God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and Angels. That is providence. Trust the means that cause things to turn out okay. Hell is trying to get you to worry and despair through evil thoughts. We need to say no to these thoughts, then we shall live a joyous life. Hell will stir up in you to do/say the wrong thing then hell will berate you for doing what it’s suggested.

To live by truth takes time. It’s all done in little bites of progress. Little by little we change, one issue at a time, we’re brought into higher and higher levels of glory; from glory to glory. At all times we’re drawn either into hell or into heaven and the choice is ours as to which place we live in, which place we live from.

The remnant is truth hidden by the Lord and stored until it is revealed to us. Only what’s useful at the time will be pulled out of storage; love, wonder, innocence, playfulness, peace, joy, laughter, inspiration, creativeness. These things will kick in when we look for the good experiences. And this is God’s providence.

When life doesn’t seem to have purpose or meaning, there’s a truth. That truth is the trillions of factors God is working through to draw you to Him. The moment might be unpleasant but in the long run everything will be fine. Get out of those negative emotions (hell’s playbook). Look at the long game. Turn yourself into the right direction and you will get there. You’re aiming for a state of health and happiness and it will come through providence when you turn and look at the light. 

What is the light? Jesus is the light. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

The Lord is always with you. When you look to Jesus, angels will come. When you look to Jesus, Holy Spirit will come. Take what you know to be good and do it. Be grateful for that little positive thought, as that breaks the negative spell and the angels, Holy Spirit and Jesus will work on your behalf.

Recognise and strengthen the partnership that already exists between you and God.

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

“Now may the Lord God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish blamelessness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”

The above verse brought me back to something I wrote towards the end of last month, where an Israeli woman and her two young children (9 months and 4 years), were kidnapped and murdered by the Palestinians. In handing the dead bodies over for a prisoner exchange, the Palestinians were celebrating. Hundreds of them came out to cheer the death of this family.

Like most people around the word, I was mortified over their behaviour and more than a little vexed. Men, women and children all cheering the killing of the “Jew” and her little ones. A friend was texting me and we were discussing it. She spoke of the Muslims as monsters over this one act more than any other and I agreed with her. I felt a check in my spirit and later deleted the conversation. Although I still felt it to be true, I decided it wasn’t a good thing to put in print.

At church the next week, I opened the gates and the doors (heart, mind, ears, eyes, tongue) and was drawn into the heavenlies during worship, sitting under the ‘fountain of living water’ surrounded by a bright light. I was soaking under the fountain, looking at my fingers in amazement as they were glowing with light and I heard the Lord say; “Can you forgive? Can you forgive them, as Jesus forgave the Roman soldiers?” Instantly I knew what He was getting at, even though I wasn’t thinking about it at the time – that was the check in my spirit from earlier in the week.

Can I forgive the Muslims of this horrific act that they were celebrating in their depraved and monstrous way? Can I have mercy on them as Jesus did towards those who betrayed and killed Him? (Father forgive them for they know not what they do.) For God loves all people and wants none to perish; not even the Muslims who rejoice in the death of a Jewish mother and her babies.

For Jesus, I can forgive. And so, I had to let go of the anger, repulsion and sense of outrage that was burning within and replace it with forgiveness, compassion and love. If only all of the world could do this; the world would be a much better place.

It was later, during bible study, that we read 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. It was here I could see the consequences of forgiveness. In forgiving, I will be established as blameless before God. A rather important outcome, don’t you think?

A providential life, one ordered and orchestrated by the Lord. A life of joy and peace - that’s what I aspire to. Don’t you?