Only One Denarius For The Last And First!!

Hope and Faith, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hello! Hello!

Yes, the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Let the one with ears hear this trumpet loud and clear!! The owner of the vineyard will give each of his workers one denarius. It will not matter the time the worker began working, as long as by the end of the day, all were found toiling the land. He will give whatever is right. Matthew 20 :1-16 says:-
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’

7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Let us be honest for just one second here. Do we as believers act like those hired early in the morning or those that came one hour to end of the day’s work? Do we feel so justified for more blessings from God because we were raised in Christian families and got born again at very early stages in our lives? Do we feel that others are more sinful than us and when they finally receive Jesus Christ, we are envious of the great work of the Lord in them?

I once was. At least the one that felt was so righteous because of my “good deeds”. The one that felt entitled to all the blessings the heavens could pour on a human being here on earth. I may have not said it out loud but just because my thoughts were filled with such a horrible mentality does not make it any better. It may actually be the same if you ask me. I still wonder where I got the standards/benchmark to match myself against. I feel I need to slap myself silly sometimes for such a stinking attitude. So here I am confessing my sins that I may be healed.

The plan today is to have a short post, so let me see if my objective will be achieved!

What is really the source of such a scenario in the church? in the Body of Christ? in God’s Kingdom? I will not speak for others but only for myself. Mine was pride which I shared in a previous post some time back including the video below.

When I look back, am grateful that I was gracefully broken. That I was disciplined by my loving father. He loves me enough to correct me. Did you notice in the passage above that the owner of the vineyard did not take back the denarius from the workers that complained? Rebuking them he did, but did not take back what was already given to them, their reward. I want my reward of eternal life but I want to receive it with the right attitude. It matters to me that I please my Father in all that I do, even in the small things that are not so popular. Pride blinded me to the right path of living. The right way according to God. No matter how great our gifts are, without love we are nothing. Let my gifts match how much love I show unto others. God has been gracious to me over the years and I should praise Him more for being the same to others. Gracious, Just and Faithful!! Most of the time for me this is easier said than done but that is the Jesus way!! Love is the Jesus way! Is it yours?

Be Blessed! See you next week Friday!

Biblical Responses to Masturbation (Originally Posted on Pen Strokes)

Hope and Faith, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hey there!

Am truly excited about sharing this post today. It has some profound truth that needs to be spread all over the world. I heard the pleasure of sitting and listening to him share from his heart (on another sermon) and I was blessed. So here is a recording that spoke to me of PastorErnest Wamboye, an author of Pen Strokes, a Christian blog run by the Wamboyes.

I trust you will like more of his posts!!

Be blessed!!

Losing It All, To Gain It All!!

Hope and Faith, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hello there!

It has been a while for me since I wrote a post of my own. Four weeks to be precise!!😉. The aim was really to allow God to minister to you through other anointed writers and I do believe that He truly did! September was a missions month in my church and this was my little contribution of connecting with other writers. May the body of Christ continue to grow in all dimensions! Do I hear an Amen there?🙋☺ I feel so excited to do this again and to be honest I really missed writing like this. My heart’s prayer is that you are keeping well. And for those feeling kinda low today, how I pray that you experience God’s faithfulness in your life because He truly is faithful!!🙌💃

So today we will focus on the story of Lot in the book of Genesis. He was a grandson to Terah and nephew to Abram (who became Abraham). Haran, Lot’s father, died before Terah moved from Ur to Canaan but decided to settle at Haran instead. Yes, Haran is both the name of a person and a place! 😇 Now moving on swiftly ladies and gentlemen, these details are found in Genesis 11:24-32. Please do read!

Lot was the man who left Haran to Canaan with Abraham. He was the one who never released the secret that Sarah was Abraham’s wife when they moved to Egypt because of severe famine. Lot was actually the one who chose to live near Sodom when they separated with Abraham because of constant quarrelling between the two and also with their herdsmen because of increase in their possessions. He chose the whole plain of Jordan which was well watered like Egypt while his uncle lived in the land of Canaan. Lot was the man who was captured with his possessions during a battle between Sodom and its four allies against Kedorlaomer , king of Elam and his three allies. He was then rescued by Abraham and 318 trained men, together with all who were captured from the five defeated kingdoms. It was after this victory that we see the first recording of a tithe where Abraham gave a tenth of everything he recovered. The detailed story is found in Genesis 12 to 14.

The focus of this post is on Chapter 19. Just before going deeper, it is interesting to notice how LORD (Hebrew Yahweh) in chapter 18 does not come with the two angels to Sodom on the same day they all visited Abraham. To be precise they visited Abraham in the heat of the day (I interpret that to be in the noon time) and by evening two angels were visiting Lot. I love how Lot was quick to notice and discern that they were not ordinary men. He insisted so much that they visit his home until they agreed. He lived in a wicked place evidenced by the persistent call by the men to want to have sex with his visitors. With much struggle, he refused and was willing to give his virgin daughters instead. 🙄My friend, this is just another level!! 🤔

I applaud the daughters who stayed pure despite the sexual immorality all around them but am not sure if I would be willing to give that up as their father offered to do. I still feel that he showed reverence for God and he must have had an influence in raising his daughters to abstain from sex that far. Reading verse nine tells me that the men put a lot of pressure on him for homosexuality. Here we have a man who is surrounded in the night by all men, both young and old who forcefully want sex with his visitors and he stands at the door and says no. Can you just picture this scenario for a moment? What would you do?

I can say he did “everything” that was within his power to protect his visitors who were not just any ordinary men but angels of the Most High. He could not afford to allow any harm come to them but rather offer what was precious to him. Anyone recall someone in the Bible who was willing to give up his own child?🙋Yes, his own uncle, Abraham was willing to give up his own son in reverence and obedience to God. Wow! You know am just thinking about how many times I have struggled with what I feel the spirit asking me to do for God’s kingdom, yet hear I read of a man who wanted to give it all really for this same God. Unless you feel his offer of the children to all the men in Sodom was not. I have read of how others feel it was abuse, others say that the daughters themselves were catalysts to the offer, while others say he regretted living in Sodom. Well, I read the Word of God and I see a courageous man. A man who raised his daughters in purity in a very sexual immoral land and was willing to give that up to protect the messengers of Jehovah! I believe he raised them in such a manner out of reverence for God whom he knew through living with his uncle.

And do you know what happened when he had made up his mind to give his precious treasures, his virgin daughters? God delivered him and his family from the destruction that was waiting Sodom. The angels pulled him back into the house and struck blindness to all the men and gave time to Lot and his family to escape! Wow! I love this story! I am reminded that God made available the offering needed when Abraham showed obedience in offering his son. Wow! Just Wow!!🙆

What can be said of me in the area of giving? What can be said of you? I used to think am a giver until the story of Lot hit my mind one morning. I bet my lesson is that there is room for improvement. Great room indeed!!😇

Thank you so much for your time today! May God continue to ever be with you!!🙏 Amen!!🙌

#Lot #Giving #Hopeforyouandme

If Jesus Came To Your House!

Hope and Faith

KNOWING THE TIME, because what's coming matters

DD53C90A-5818-4D97-B2F2-525D1F20B70C.jpegIf Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two – 
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do. 
Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored Guest, 
And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best,
And you would keep assuring Him you’re glad to have him there – 
That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door 
With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly Visitor? 
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? 
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they’d been? 
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard? 
And wish you hadn’t uttered that last, loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? 

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IS CHURCH OPTIONAL?

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Becoming His Tapestry

Good day friends, how are you today? How was your weekend? The sun finally came out this morning and with it comes warmer weather.  Our weekend was a tad bit chilly, we were in the 60°s, all weekend long and that was our high temperature.  Yesterday was cloudy, wet and cold; very ‘fall’, if I do say so myself.  We had such a great summer, that I think I had forgotten that along with the absolute stunning beauty of the fall season, comes rain, clouds and much cooler temperatures.  ‘Much cooler’ is really an oxymoron in my neck of the woods; it either hot or cold, we rarely get the in-between temperatures.  As far as most of us are concerned, winter is here.  Fall does not usually stick around long enough for us to enjoy it. james 1 2That’s a good verse, isn’t it?  Sometimes as Christians, we believe God makes suggestions…

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Jesus: The Only Way?

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A Word In Season

Jesus made a statement, recorded in John 14:6, that puts all who would seek to sincerely believe in and follow him in a precarious position with the world! He said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) Now sometimes, when we read the Bible, the various other translations have variations of the text that leave room for different interpretations, but that is not the case with this text! Sometimes, a difference, such as a definite article used in one language as opposed to an indefinite article used in another language might leave room for a slightly different interpretation, but that is not the case with this text! With this verse; all of the English translations and versions agree with the various Greek texts, as to what Jesus said! He didn’t stutter! Jesus said he was…

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The Certainty of the Promise

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royalnzioka

pexels-photo-267559.jpeg

Have you ever gone through a disappointment as a result of broken promises, or unmet expectations?

It is said of a certain commander that when he was marching to help a friend, his troops faltered:

“It can’t be done!”

His answer was, “It must be done! I have promised to be there – promised, do you hear? You would not have me break my word!”

He would not be hindered, for his promise had been given.

We all admire men and women who keep their promises. Out tendency and proclivity is to trust and confide in people who have a track record of keeping promise!

The truth is that the promise of man is not foolproof…

Even trusted friends can disappoint!

….and I am realizing that sometimes disappointment is a blessing in disguise…

..Because it teaches you to expect little or nothing from man while fully depending on God!

In…

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Jesus Is Able To Calm Not Only The Waves But Also The Winds💯🙌🌩💃💃!!

Hope and Faith, , , , , , , , , , ,

Hello Brethren!

Hope your minds and hearts have been well guarded in Christ Jesus!! Am personally grateful for God’s grace and mercy so sufficiently provided in my journey day in day out!🙏 I testify that the Lord has been good to me and my soul is a witness of his faithfulness and love😇🤗!!

So I have been trying to move past chapter eight of Matthew in my personal reading but I keep on being drawn back. So much so that I feel the urge to write another post on the same chapter. The previous post was based on verse 1-4. For this post, let us please focus on verse 23-27

Jesus Calms the Storm
23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!

The first thing I notice about this specific passage of scripture is that the storm began suddenly. The NIV hard copy I have states “Without warning, a furious storm….”. So the disciples had decided to follow Christ but trouble came upon them as they were in the Good Shepherd’s presence. So this for me, implies that just because we confess Christ as Lord and Savior does not exempt us from various trials and tribulations in our lives. We should actually expect them even the more as a result of being in Christ. I mean the devil is not pleased of this fact. Remember in the previous verses from 18-22, some of the disciples wanted to leave and attend to personal matters before giving their full devotion, but Jesus encouraged them otherwise.

The Cost of Following Jesus
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. 19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

You may have severally heard sermons about these two passages of scripture and its interpretation and implication in our earthly lives. My focus, however, is on the first passage, and it is interesting how there is repeat of the words winds and waves. Geography enthusiasts know that wind is caused by differences in the atmospheric pressure. When this difference exists, air moves from the higher to the lower pressure area, resulting in winds of various speeds. The cause of the difference in pressure across the globe is the uneven heating of the earth’s surface from the sun. The Sea of Galilee (also known as Sea of Tiberias or the Sea of Gennesaret) is known for sudden storms. According to Dr. Donald B. DeYoung of Creation Research Society, it lies 680 feet below sea level with its greatest depth being just 200ft. Then the topography of Galilee contributes to the vicious and sudden storms. On the east are hills about 2000 feet above sea level. In the hills the air is relatively cool and dry, whereas on the other sides of the sea the climate is semitropical with warm, moist air. This, therefore causes considerable difference in air pressure, which in turn causes air to move from high pressure to low pressure creating wind. The greater the pressure difference, the stronger the winds. These winds are funneled through the hills and cause tempests on the sea.

Scrutinising the above passage, one will note that verse 24 describes the problem causing fear of drowning in the disciples was the waves that were sweeping over the boat. If the storm occurred with the absence of strong waves, would they have woken Jesus up? But is there really such a thing as a storm in a water body without water waves? So, when Jesus woke up, he rebuked not just the waves but the winds too. He saw the importance of addressing the problem from its source, which in this case was the winds that actually caused the waves. It is my belief that when he rebuked the winds, this calmed the difference in the atmospheric pressure in that time and hence, the total calmness. The disciples saw the waves, the physical result of the various changes in the atmosphere, but Jesus saw what was behind the physical result.

Am tempted to talk about the ‘rebuke’ interpretation on the disciples, but let me focus on the winds and waves for today!! Typical me, my thoughts going ahead of myself 😇😊🤣!!

My message to you and me today is that our Lord Jesus is willing and also able to calm both the winds and waves in our lives. He has the ability to bring everything under his control. So what are the waves you see today and in the future that are causing fear? Can you trust our Good Shepherd to solve both what you can see and what you cannot. Sometimes, it maybe matters within us that need sorting out or the wicked schemes of the evil one. Whatever it is he is able and willing to bring peace in the midst of any storm🙏🙌💃😇!!

So what is our role in all this? Asking through prayer..Yes. Is that all? What about desiring to perceive the winds and tap into the power in us to rebuke both the winds and waves? Is rebuking only meant for Jesus? This verse comes to mind as I write this..Luke 10:19.. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. My prayer is that we desire to discern the winds in our lives that cause the waves we see as a result. This will then guide us to pray with understanding of the real source of our problems. May the Holy Spirit truly take his place as our Helper in this journey of faith. Amen!! Thank you so much for your time and God bless. See you next week Friday!!🙋😊

#SeaofGalilee #Jesuscalmsthestorm #Peace #Hopeforyouandme

Victory For Mind Battles!!🌩💥🔥😱😓🙌😇

Hope and Faith, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hello there!

Hope you are mind and hearts are well guarded in Christ Jesus😄!!

I have been well myself. Got some time off work this week to refresh for the final phase of this year. Am truly grateful to God’s faithfulness this far🙏🙌!!

Today, am moved to talk about a personal struggle that I desire victory daily. There are many times I have set my mind to accomplish a task, prayed about it and experienced both victory and failure at times. There are also times am filled with so much doubt that robs me of joy lasting several days or weeks and sometimes longer periods. The latter are the moments I no longer desire to be a part of me. Other times, it is not really about doubt, just negative thinking of my circumstances and thoughts that really do not please God and end up quenching the Holy Spirit.

After some soul searching, I have realized what my problem is when my mind is filled with doubt. The following explains it best:-

In an article entitled “Trust and Obey,” Pastor Charles Stanley wrote the following: “When the Lord calls you to a task that seems unreasonable, you have two options. You can obey Him even though you don’t understand what will happen, or you can become fearful and attempt to find a way out. Joshua chose the first option. Because he trusted the Lord, he disregarded all his military experience and adopted God’s bizarre battle plan. Over the years, he had learned that the Lord is trustworthy.
The way we respond to God’s challenging assignments reveals our level of commitment. We may feel as if we’re right in step with Him–until He proposes a change of direction. That’s when our resistance kicks in, and with it, the realization we aren’t as close to Him as we thought. At that point, our decision determines whether the Lord will be able to use us as He desires. Because Joshua never lost his commitment, he continued to serve the Lord for the remainder of his life.
At times obedience is a struggle, as your mind runs through all the reasons God’s path is illogical. Fear dominates and your will battles to comply when everything within is screaming to run the other way. But obedience is always the best choice, because the Lord is trustworthy and wise.”

Yes, I tend to doubt whether I heard God in the first place. And this is not a place pleasing to God. Are there any scriptures that can guide on the battle of the mind when we have so much fighting in our thoughts between what is good and what is evil. Yes, we!! As I believe there are many fighting with their thoughts to stay righteous before our Heavenly Father. Not just doubt, but many other areas that are not according to God’s will. And if you already have full victory in this area, then let all praise, honor and glory be to our God! I am confident we can find the solution in the word of God. Christ has all the answers to all life’s questions. So, let us explore a few scriptures for guidance and may the good Lord grant us victory! Amen!

1) Philippians 4:7-8...7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

2) Ephesians 4:22-24 ..22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put offyour old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self,created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

3) Romans 12:2.. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

4) 2 Corinthians 10:5.. 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.

5) Romans 7:25-26..Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature[a] a slave to the law of sin.

6) Colossians 3:2-5.. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

7) Romans 1:28.. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done

8) Matthew 22:37.. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

9) Romans 12:3.. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

So how important is the status of thr mind in the life of a Christian? Can you imagine the mind of the individual guiding the team below?🤔

In the spring of 1943, American troops were deployed in Tunisia, North Africa. Just as Passover was about to occur, a US Army Division was preparing an all-night mobilization to attack the German Lines. Jewish Chaplin Rabbi Earl S. Stone gathered his Jewish troops in the desert and offered a fascinating Passover service. He remembered: “In an open field that night, I stood before some 300 hardened veterans of six arduous months of battle . I asked them to sit on the ground and to conjure up in their minds the memory of the Seder at home. I recited the Kiddush (the prayer over the wine) with an imaginary cup of wine in my hand and had everyone break an imaginary matzo (unleavened bread). At the end of the service man after man, with tears flowing down their cheeks, bade me Gut Yontif (Happy Holiday).”

That must have definitely been a powerful experience. Beautiful indeed!!💯💝💖. How did the Rabbi even think of trying out such a scenario? Was he completely sure of the results? My apologies, I have more questions than answers. But I think I know where to find more answers. 🙋 The Bible!!💃💃💃. So here are more scriptures:-

1) 1 Chronicles 28:9.. “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

2) Nehemiah 4:6.. So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

3) Psalms 7:9.. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.

4) Psalms 26:2-3.. Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

5) Isaiah 26:3.. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.

6) Jeremiah 17:10..“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

7) 2 Timothy 1:7.. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

8) 1 Peter 13-16.. 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

9) Philippians 3:18-21.. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

10) Philippians 3:14-16.. 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

I am truly encouraged that there is hope for my situation. That there is hope to have my mind fully under the control of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has the power to bring everything under his control and can transform my lowly body so that I will be like his glorious body! This is an area am still trusting God for complete victory and am glad that I have his support in this journey. We serve a holy God who commands of us a willing mind to serve him. We have to be mature enough to focus on the status of our minds and hearts as this is where our Heavenly Father focuses the examination of His children. Remember how David was chosen and anointed as King when Samuel went to Jesse’s home. God looked at the heart of the one He desired to be king while people looked at the outward appearance which can definitely be deceitful. Let us stop giving the world superficial acts and fool ourselves that it is enough even in the eyes of God. He knows us all too well and He should be the top priority of the ones we seek to please. When that is done, then all these other things shall follow!!🙏

Then dear brethren, may you be encouraged by any of the verses above just as I have been. And encouraged enough for you to deliberately strive to let your mind be transformed to God’s will. May we have a desire to show more commitment to fulfilling God’s purpose on this earth. This can only be achieved if our minds and hearts are set right with Him.Finally, may we always call upon the assistance of our Helper, the Holy Spirit. He knows the thoughts of God and the deep things of the mind of God. Let us tap into this provision to enable us bear fruit in each season. And let it all be for God’s glory!! Be amazingly blessed and thank you so much for your time!! See you next week Friday!!😇🙏

#BattleoftheMind #Victoryformindbattles #HolySpirit #Hopeforyouandme

Lord, If You Are Willing, You Can Make Me Clean🙏!!

Hope and Faith, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hello, beloved creation of God,

How is your heart today? What about your thoughts? What is your mind filled with today? What song are you singing? This is my way of asking the usual question “How are you?” or “Hope you are well” greeting that receives the “expected” superficial answers like “I am doing well, thank you”. Hope there will be honest answers😇🤣😉!! Thank you for your time and may God meet you at your point of need even as you read to the end of today’s post🙏 Someone say Amen!!🙋

Please turn with me to the book of Matthew 8:1-4. It reads as follows, from the NIV version:

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

8 When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” I am very much drawn to the humility this man portrayed. It is this humility and faith expressed by kneeling, that makes him stand out of the crowd. It is clearly stated that it was not a large crowd that followed Jesus down the mountain but large crowds. This was after he finished his teachings in Matthew chapter 5 to 7 on topics like the Beatitudes, fasting, divorce,murder, adultery, oaths,prayer,love for enemies,judging others, giving to the needy and others. It was also out of faith that he took further steps of first inquiring whether Jesus would be healing to him. It almost feels that he was not sure whether it was going to happen. Or maybe more of acknowledging the power Jesus displayed in how he conducted himself? Did you notice that even before Jesus answered him, he reached out and touched the man’s hand? This must have felt amazing for that man. Okay then, he received a touch of assurance even before the answer was given. He received peace even before his eyes could see the answer he needed. It feels like there was need for a peace of mind in the heart of the man more than the actual healing of the flesh. It was important for Jesus that this man appreciates the need to be at peace and not anxious about his situation. That if his trust was truly in God, then all his requests would be granted according to God’s will. I like the courage/curiosity of this man.

This post is for those in need of healing. In need of a touch of assurance. In need of peace. Peace that will position them in a place to help them understand that Jesus can within seconds calm the storm in their lives. Peace that will assure them that despite their many sinful deeds, that Jesus is able to purge them with hyssop and make them clean. These are guaranteed when we abide in him. I am very much speaking to myself. I write every week on this blog not because am holy or so knowledgeable. It is not even that I write so good. Am ever reminded by my faults and desire for grace in this journey that it is all about Jesus. I have come this far and will go far only because Jesus, my Lord is willing. My part to play is to take time to listen to his teachings and then choose to stand out of the large Sunday congregations by kneeling daily in his presence to ask for his will. Many crowds follow Jesus in churches all over the world, attend weekly services, listen to TV and online preachings, but how many are curious or willing enough to truly believe that the power in the word is found in him too? That the word can come alive in their lives if they allow it to truly touch them in the areas that they really need healing and not the ones they think and even ask of. Jesus sees the deepest parts inside of us and sometimes or most of the times our prayer requests do not fully reveal those needs in our hearts. We ask for shoes and clothes, yet we actually need a higher self-esteem and better self-image, we ask for a Godly spouse, yet we need self-control and discipline, we ask for higher salaries, yet we need to know our purpose in life. You get the drift? 🙋

I join the leper by telling Jesus, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean”. Am in need of revival and restoration. My heart, my thoughts and my mind are in need of his assurance and peace. He is after all, the Prince of Peace!!! How I pray that I will not forget to show myself to the priest and offer a gift as a testimony🙏😇. May we all not forget all the healing we have received in this race. May we all not forget that he is willing!!

What are you in need of? What do you desire for our Lord to do for you? What cleansing do you need? He is willing to grant your request according to his will. And he is able to top it up with peace and assurance to allow you live life to the fullest.

God bless you and see you next week Friday, same place!!

#Peace #TheManWithLeprosy #Jesus #Healing #Faith #Humility #Hopeforyouandme