A spiritual conqueror is always a physical winner, am going to teach you exactly how to become a conquering christian believer and overcome all the evil plans concerning your future and life entirely.
1. Preparation for the battle. First of all I need to caution you that before you become a spiritual conqueror, sin must not be part of your life. Live above the worldly desires and focus on your master Jesus so He can easily talk to you through his word and make you a real conqueror. Sin is part of the world and satan -- sin blocks the view between man and God thus you will become subject to the devil. There's a strictness in the level of holiness recommended of every believer who wants to succeed here and hereafter. It was declared in hebrews 12 v 14 ...without holiness no one will see the Lord. (NIV). 'See the Lord' means both on earth and eternity, for if you feel His spirit or understand his voice you have seen him. Once you pray in the Name of Jesus and had effect on you or someone else, you have seen Him. But this cannot happen unless holiness is found within your heart. Thus you must have assurance that your heart is washed and cleansed by the blood of the lamb before proceeding to the next step.
2. Believe In God's Power. Although without believing in the life of the "invisible" nothing can happen. When you read the holy bible there are many people that change their lives and views just because of beliefs and it is a vital resource that both you and me need to start this divine journey.
3. Faith and Faithfulness. Faith without doubt is vital to implement the work of the holy spirit to become a conqueror in victory through Christ Jesus and subdue all satanic plans. A faithful heart does not doubt its motion nor distrust its ability of inhibition. Jesus walks on water and peter ask Jesus to tell Him to come with Jesus on the water and Jesus allowed Him. Peter walked on the water but doubt made him to sink. (Matthew 14 v 28-31) ..."why did you doubt?"... (Jesus Said unto Him). So faith without doubt is an active faith.
4. Strict Trust. I've once mentioned in my other post that faith without trust is like a train without Engine. You should trust God that He is able to do this, and forget about any alternative other than Jesus and Jesus Alone.
5. Unconditional Obedience. A father does not have much concern on the welfare of any disobedient child, likewise our father in heaven -- you cannot trust your needs to the God you cannot obey, for once you obey him your enemies shall fall on both sides because no one can stand against God's power and might.
6. Trust and obedience worketh together to form a strong spiritual troop within your heart to conquer every goliath that seems so big to be subdued. The lord loves a steadfast heart and will not leave you in distress, He will provide your needs and bruise all that your soul annoys. Relax in the omnipotence of the Lord Jesus; look up into His lovely face and as you behold Him, He will transform you into His likeness. You do the beholding - He does the transforming.
7. Spirit Dedication. Involve yourself into God's work; cleaning the church premises, helping the poor, evangelism, church fellowship without season, praying for both members and ministers of God.
8. Meditate on holy words. Daily Meditation in His Word. Listen to his voice through reading the bible and obeying God by action. Morning quite time should not be neglected because it is a special time that God speaks His message i.e through bible study and prayer. Thus a careful morning bible study and prayer can lead you to a conquering day.
9. Pray Without Season. If you really want to be a spiritual conqueror the last step to take is prayer. Once you've implemented the above basics, pray until you've gotten your needs. Do not feel like you are over asking -- God Likes a prayerful individual thus he guards his steps and protects man's life from any danger -- attention of God is very near. A prayerful heart is a fearless heart while a prayerless heart is a careless heart.
Warning:
Avoid fear, try to get over your spiritual, physical and emotional fear both through prayer. You can check this how to get over your fears for more clarification. Consider God as a mighty being that no one can stand against.
Showing posts with label Wisdom From the Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wisdom From the Bible. Show all posts
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
How To Be Obedient To God In Life
So many times people encounter some unimaginable confusions whether they are pleasing God by doing something or disobedience. This consist of doing God's will by playing a bigger role in serving Him. Here are ways on how to be obedient to God as a Christian Believing fellow.
As I've said earlier, pleasing or frantically obedient consist of knowing the will of God whatever you do in life in order to be spotless in His presence. Sincerely, you can't obey God without a constant study of the Bible and prayer for the fulness of His grace to guide you all the way. So this article is for tips and direction on what to do to be obedient but for the real spiritual guide it goes to the Bible and God's holy spirit.
1. Church Fellowships. Consider attending regular unstoppable church fellowship as the first step to become obedient to God. Why? Church is where you'll meet fellow believers and get much encouragement towards their action. Apart from the regular messages and bible studies, you are going to learn more from people's behaviour and thus build a strong relationship with those who can teach you more.
2. Daily Interactions. Form a strong habit of mingling with christian fellows everywhere to share some of your spiritual challenges and experiences. But in this case, you need to be wise by analyzing and selecting the bad from the good -- not all christian believers are good. So maintain a prudent choice towards your personal endeavour for a practicalize attainments. My personal suggestion goes to faithful church leader or if you are male be close to your pastor and don't be shy to ask Him any question while accepting every correction.
3. Avoid Shyness and get over your Nervousness. If it is possible, you should innovate ways to overcome shyness in all that you do. Pray to God for boldness and by faith and grace your request shall be granted. Surely, God who knows your Heart desire will grant your request, for nothing is impossible to the creator once you pray in the name of JESUS.
4. Be Humble. Lowliness is one of the most important basics of obedience to God in life. Without humbleness no one can obey, for Jesus has made it clear in Luke 18 v 17 "...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." You must be humble as little children before you can listen, then obey and inherit the kingdom of God. Check more about humility on how to be humble for God
5. Consistent Prayer. Obedience Means having a steadfast spirit that cannot easily fall (commit sin) or is sensible of the tactics of satan and sin. Such spirit is gotten only by daily dedication into prayer to God asking for his sufficient Grace in your struggle for righteousness. Before the Grace of God will work your person must not have the desire to sin either, you might keep struggling with sin.
8. Sketch or Timetable of obedience. This had worked for me to be a good person in some ways. It is simple; set a decree or vow to yourself not to do a certain evil for a week or 10 days, when the first 10 has expired add some days, and keep adding. It is obvious that people may tend to fall after the expiration of the vowed period , but yet prayer can lead you to be perfect forever.
9. Hard to obey.
Is there something hard to obey? Individually sensored, people's intent might be deadened by failure to obey even when we try to. So the real focus here is the same prayer of faith;
Recommended Faith and Prayer Articles:
*. How to Have Faith In Jesus Christ
*. How to Get Over Your Fears
*. Avoid over confident.
*. Avoid lukewarm ness.
*. Cease any addiction including attending bars, parties, and such like.
*. Avoid muttering words on every disappointments from men, for self control is better than uncontrolled assertiveness.
Lastly, the basic vital tip and how to be obedient to God is surrendering your life totally to Him. Determine to live like Jesus; meek, Holy, gentle, etc. Accept that you will obey everything God says through elders, Ministers (pastors), and most importantly the Bible the best. Install this in your deepest memory; it is better to obey God than Man. The minute you give up by obeying man to disobey God is the minute you lose.
As I've said earlier, pleasing or frantically obedient consist of knowing the will of God whatever you do in life in order to be spotless in His presence. Sincerely, you can't obey God without a constant study of the Bible and prayer for the fulness of His grace to guide you all the way. So this article is for tips and direction on what to do to be obedient but for the real spiritual guide it goes to the Bible and God's holy spirit.
1. Church Fellowships. Consider attending regular unstoppable church fellowship as the first step to become obedient to God. Why? Church is where you'll meet fellow believers and get much encouragement towards their action. Apart from the regular messages and bible studies, you are going to learn more from people's behaviour and thus build a strong relationship with those who can teach you more.
2. Daily Interactions. Form a strong habit of mingling with christian fellows everywhere to share some of your spiritual challenges and experiences. But in this case, you need to be wise by analyzing and selecting the bad from the good -- not all christian believers are good. So maintain a prudent choice towards your personal endeavour for a practicalize attainments. My personal suggestion goes to faithful church leader or if you are male be close to your pastor and don't be shy to ask Him any question while accepting every correction.
3. Avoid Shyness and get over your Nervousness. If it is possible, you should innovate ways to overcome shyness in all that you do. Pray to God for boldness and by faith and grace your request shall be granted. Surely, God who knows your Heart desire will grant your request, for nothing is impossible to the creator once you pray in the name of JESUS.
4. Be Humble. Lowliness is one of the most important basics of obedience to God in life. Without humbleness no one can obey, for Jesus has made it clear in Luke 18 v 17 "...anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." You must be humble as little children before you can listen, then obey and inherit the kingdom of God. Check more about humility on how to be humble for God
5. Consistent Prayer. Obedience Means having a steadfast spirit that cannot easily fall (commit sin) or is sensible of the tactics of satan and sin. Such spirit is gotten only by daily dedication into prayer to God asking for his sufficient Grace in your struggle for righteousness. Before the Grace of God will work your person must not have the desire to sin either, you might keep struggling with sin.
8. Sketch or Timetable of obedience. This had worked for me to be a good person in some ways. It is simple; set a decree or vow to yourself not to do a certain evil for a week or 10 days, when the first 10 has expired add some days, and keep adding. It is obvious that people may tend to fall after the expiration of the vowed period , but yet prayer can lead you to be perfect forever.
9. Hard to obey.
Is there something hard to obey? Individually sensored, people's intent might be deadened by failure to obey even when we try to. So the real focus here is the same prayer of faith;
Recommended Faith and Prayer Articles:
*. How to Have Faith In Jesus Christ
*. How to Get Over Your Fears
Things to avoid to become obedient to God
*. Avoid over confident.
*. Avoid lukewarm ness.
*. Cease any addiction including attending bars, parties, and such like.
*. Avoid muttering words on every disappointments from men, for self control is better than uncontrolled assertiveness.
Lastly, the basic vital tip and how to be obedient to God is surrendering your life totally to Him. Determine to live like Jesus; meek, Holy, gentle, etc. Accept that you will obey everything God says through elders, Ministers (pastors), and most importantly the Bible the best. Install this in your deepest memory; it is better to obey God than Man. The minute you give up by obeying man to disobey God is the minute you lose.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
How To Be Wise and Not The Foolish Builder
In matthew 5 - 7 Jesus teaches the crowd many things on a mountainside and this teaching includes the beatitudes, murder, taking oaths, divorce, love for enemies, adultery etc. At the end of His teaching Jesus warns about obedience to the word (what He just tought) and was wisely illustrated as the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7 v 24-27 -- taking the word into practice. Obedience in doing God's will in order to inherit (enter) His kingdom.
The wise builder was the one who builds his house on the rock (solid ground) were wind cannot blow it up and rain will not wash it away because it has a solid foundation (put the word into practice), but the foolish man does not prepare for the wind, neither does he builds his house on a solid ground against the stormy rain, thus the house of the foolish builder was washed away "The rain came down, the streams rose, and winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7 v 27) -- those that hear but do not put the word into practice are like the foolish builder.
In this passage winds mean Jesus' second coming and also the trials and temptation that a believer will pass through in which without putting the word to practice he cannot please God, neither can He overcome trials. The worst of all is losing the view of God and eventually everlasting destruction (hell). Such is the life of everyone that hears the word of God and does not bother to put them into practice. Obeying the word or putting it into practice just as jesus said is like having a solid foundation in Jesus where no wind - sin or satan can move you from your foundation (salvation).
The word of God has no limitation and 100% out of 100 is to be obeyed in order to become a wise builder, thus omitting or neglecting a word is like acting the foolish builder who builds his house on sand -- easily swept away to the pit of hell here on earth and hereafter (eternity). God is calling everyone with the fullness of His mercy and Grace to come and feed from His word that gives eternal freedom from sin and everlasting life in the kingdom of God with Jesus.
Coming to your daily personal christian life, obedience should to be observed stictly without condition. Obviously you might think of how it may be hard to perform the will and purpose of God why He allowed us to live but the same God also, has provided us sufficient Grace to make everything possible and to make us perfect because He's perfect.
Inviting the spirit of God's councelling is much more better to cope with life than just struggling with the power of sin here and there. Jesus who knows about everything commanded His disciples to wait until they recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide them (John 24 v 49) -- you see the vitality of holy spirit for help and guidance in order to obey the word not to become a foolish builder. But 'remember' you must decide within your heart that you will obey this word and act it in the physical environment then God who sees everything and knows about your courageous intent will grant you the sufficient sustaining Grace. To achieve this, you must 'adopt' a prayerful life by seeking his presence all the way. Reading through His word (Bible) for guidance and meditating upon it in obedience.
To be the wise builder and not the foolish everything you do must come from the inner mind and let your spirit be a witness of your acts; do not deceive yourself by being kind or doing the right physicaly while your mid is lingering upon wickedness, wicked thoughts or lust, for no one can deceive God neither can any fellow bribe his or her own way to righteousness. God who knows everything about the body and mind He created shall judge it accordingly. This is how to be wise builder and not the foolish one -- build your house on the solid rock (Jesus) now before the storm shall start or you may be swept away just like the foolish man. You can post your comment under for any question or you need clarification.
The wise builder was the one who builds his house on the rock (solid ground) were wind cannot blow it up and rain will not wash it away because it has a solid foundation (put the word into practice), but the foolish man does not prepare for the wind, neither does he builds his house on a solid ground against the stormy rain, thus the house of the foolish builder was washed away "The rain came down, the streams rose, and winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7 v 27) -- those that hear but do not put the word into practice are like the foolish builder.
In this passage winds mean Jesus' second coming and also the trials and temptation that a believer will pass through in which without putting the word to practice he cannot please God, neither can He overcome trials. The worst of all is losing the view of God and eventually everlasting destruction (hell). Such is the life of everyone that hears the word of God and does not bother to put them into practice. Obeying the word or putting it into practice just as jesus said is like having a solid foundation in Jesus where no wind - sin or satan can move you from your foundation (salvation).
How to Be Wise and Not Fool
The word of God has no limitation and 100% out of 100 is to be obeyed in order to become a wise builder, thus omitting or neglecting a word is like acting the foolish builder who builds his house on sand -- easily swept away to the pit of hell here on earth and hereafter (eternity). God is calling everyone with the fullness of His mercy and Grace to come and feed from His word that gives eternal freedom from sin and everlasting life in the kingdom of God with Jesus.
Coming to your daily personal christian life, obedience should to be observed stictly without condition. Obviously you might think of how it may be hard to perform the will and purpose of God why He allowed us to live but the same God also, has provided us sufficient Grace to make everything possible and to make us perfect because He's perfect.
Inviting the spirit of God's councelling is much more better to cope with life than just struggling with the power of sin here and there. Jesus who knows about everything commanded His disciples to wait until they recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide them (John 24 v 49) -- you see the vitality of holy spirit for help and guidance in order to obey the word not to become a foolish builder. But 'remember' you must decide within your heart that you will obey this word and act it in the physical environment then God who sees everything and knows about your courageous intent will grant you the sufficient sustaining Grace. To achieve this, you must 'adopt' a prayerful life by seeking his presence all the way. Reading through His word (Bible) for guidance and meditating upon it in obedience.
To be the wise builder and not the foolish everything you do must come from the inner mind and let your spirit be a witness of your acts; do not deceive yourself by being kind or doing the right physicaly while your mid is lingering upon wickedness, wicked thoughts or lust, for no one can deceive God neither can any fellow bribe his or her own way to righteousness. God who knows everything about the body and mind He created shall judge it accordingly. This is how to be wise builder and not the foolish one -- build your house on the solid rock (Jesus) now before the storm shall start or you may be swept away just like the foolish man. You can post your comment under for any question or you need clarification.
Friday, 30 December 2011
How To Get God To Help You
From many experiences and teachings about religion, I've found that people don't know how to pray or even ask God to help them. It is a problem that had happened to me but thank God for now am teaching others even as I learn more and more. Based on my own personal perspectives, am going to give you the do's and don'ts on how to get God to help you.
What do we mean by faith?
Faith is simply defined as believing and trusting what you don't see or expect to see. Faith works in different ways and every individual has his own unique way of defining faith and how he feels it is. When we have faith In God, it means that we defend solely on him for our daily needs, spiritual and physical blessings. By my personal research; every aspect of man's life depends on his faith, ether spiritually or physically. No matter what the situation might be, you can attain every intent without so much drawbacks once faith is applied. In fact, faith is more than a fulcrum in physics when it comes to life achievements and accomplishments.
As I've said earlier, faith works in many different ways depending on individual's ability to trust, lifestyle etc. Faith works with trust as engine. Let's put it like this; faith without trust is like blog without content or like a car without engine -- anyone you choose is great since it is based on individuality. Trust means to believe totally without an alternative or plan B in mind. You don't trust your problem to me only after all the channels have failed so badly. A faith with Trust means to depend only on God knowing he's able, regardless on how long it'll take -- DON'T make a plan B after you've prayed, keep meditating on it and believe God.
Faith and Obedience.
Faith without Trust is like a blog without content, but faith without obedient is worser. Lets just put it like this; faith without Obedience is like a Fake Blog or Faith Without Obedience Is like a Toy car -- no use. Truly, this is not a joke; Faith that does not obey God is not faith. Faith is your response in obedience to God's will and purpose for you.
Well, it depends! In my own understanding and personal experience, God answers on a condition. Our God is a perfect God and He won't give you something that will harm you or destroy the divine purpose of your life. When you feel like your prayers are not being answered check yourself -- there must be a reason for everything. Consider that He plans the best for His people and always likes to do His works in a different way, out of man's imagination. Just Learn to wait and assume a greater outcome from your patience.
Why do my Prayers Delay?
God's time is the best but man is always in a hurry. Prayers are never delayed, our God is perfect God. Thus, he don't delay prayers, is either you don't TRUST or don't OBEY. Divine achievements works with the will of God, once you ask for freedom (either by action, complaining or direct prayer) then you are alone. Good's time is the best and the best is still the best.
How to Pray
I could have write this subtopic as "how I pray" but it will look so personal while am trying to teach something. Pray earnestly -- invite God to teach you how to pray. This is what I did -- First, I asked him to teach me how to pray and he did. With one single dose of complete-faith (faith+trust+obedience) and numerous moments of prayer will move God into action. If you pray, don't scatter your prayer or cycle around the request. Since you have a definite request, go straight to the payer point, tell Him what you want.
This people should be your models; the two blind men in Matthew 9 v 27-30.
In the morning, don't talk to anyone without talking to your helper. After breakfast, go lock yourself and do the same thing. You should be meditating on your needs and praying whenever possible. Less prayer means depriving yourself from God's help and blessings. Wake up in the middle of the night and pray for sometimes -- earnest prayer. Thus how to get god to help you with just faith, trust and obedient.
What do we mean by faith?
Faith is simply defined as believing and trusting what you don't see or expect to see. Faith works in different ways and every individual has his own unique way of defining faith and how he feels it is. When we have faith In God, it means that we defend solely on him for our daily needs, spiritual and physical blessings. By my personal research; every aspect of man's life depends on his faith, ether spiritually or physically. No matter what the situation might be, you can attain every intent without so much drawbacks once faith is applied. In fact, faith is more than a fulcrum in physics when it comes to life achievements and accomplishments.
How Faith and Trust Works
As I've said earlier, faith works in many different ways depending on individual's ability to trust, lifestyle etc. Faith works with trust as engine. Let's put it like this; faith without trust is like blog without content or like a car without engine -- anyone you choose is great since it is based on individuality. Trust means to believe totally without an alternative or plan B in mind. You don't trust your problem to me only after all the channels have failed so badly. A faith with Trust means to depend only on God knowing he's able, regardless on how long it'll take -- DON'T make a plan B after you've prayed, keep meditating on it and believe God.
Faith and Obedience.
Faith without Trust is like a blog without content, but faith without obedient is worser. Lets just put it like this; faith without Obedience is like a Fake Blog or Faith Without Obedience Is like a Toy car -- no use. Truly, this is not a joke; Faith that does not obey God is not faith. Faith is your response in obedience to God's will and purpose for you.
Is there a weak faith?
You are either a man of faith or faithless man; there is nothing like a weak faith. For a faith as small as a grain of mustard seed is all that is needed to move any immovabable mountain. In this case, weakness of faith comes from lack of trust and obedient or you did not understand what it means by promise of God.Does God answers every prayer?
Well, it depends! In my own understanding and personal experience, God answers on a condition. Our God is a perfect God and He won't give you something that will harm you or destroy the divine purpose of your life. When you feel like your prayers are not being answered check yourself -- there must be a reason for everything. Consider that He plans the best for His people and always likes to do His works in a different way, out of man's imagination. Just Learn to wait and assume a greater outcome from your patience.
Why do my Prayers Delay?
God's time is the best but man is always in a hurry. Prayers are never delayed, our God is perfect God. Thus, he don't delay prayers, is either you don't TRUST or don't OBEY. Divine achievements works with the will of God, once you ask for freedom (either by action, complaining or direct prayer) then you are alone. Good's time is the best and the best is still the best.
How to Pray
I could have write this subtopic as "how I pray" but it will look so personal while am trying to teach something. Pray earnestly -- invite God to teach you how to pray. This is what I did -- First, I asked him to teach me how to pray and he did. With one single dose of complete-faith (faith+trust+obedience) and numerous moments of prayer will move God into action. If you pray, don't scatter your prayer or cycle around the request. Since you have a definite request, go straight to the payer point, tell Him what you want.
This people should be your models; the two blind men in Matthew 9 v 27-30.
When to pray?
Everytime.In the morning, don't talk to anyone without talking to your helper. After breakfast, go lock yourself and do the same thing. You should be meditating on your needs and praying whenever possible. Less prayer means depriving yourself from God's help and blessings. Wake up in the middle of the night and pray for sometimes -- earnest prayer. Thus how to get god to help you with just faith, trust and obedient.
How To Be Humble For God
Humility is an important virtue. A humble person is someone who knows that self assertiveness is nothing to bother about in life. He's never bothered when he was not given the best place in an occasion. Humble people are very charming, it is a trait where everyone needs to be composed for his own chasteness. This post focuses directly on how to be humble for God and reap the widest benefit of doing so.
1. Be Composed. Be free from agitation and never get irritated by any means, whatever might be the cause. Possess the trait of meekness and imperturbable mind to further your physical serenity. A frenzied mind is always aroused to face every situation incautiously. Every stormy behaviour can lead to any unnecessary stress, thus you won't be humble to face the real you.
2. Live a simple Life. Let everything of yours be simple. Never be haughty to the Humble never be Humble to the haughty. Sincerity bears witness to every lowly individual and he enjoys his mind, for everyone will respect and appreciate his chasteness. Men in however high a station ought to fear the Humble.
3. Be Not Complete. With wisdom comes humility, for every wise person knows that he won't be enough in terms of learning. Be natured for adoptible incompletness, and be wise to handle knowledge above your brim. Learn to listen, for with listening comes intelligency.
Everyone needs to be humble before the Lord, because without a humble heart miracle won't happen, salvation will be far away, and life won't be worth living. God wants you and me to ask in humbleness and truth, seeking his face with an unconditional love. "But all who Humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace." (Psalm 37:11).
Be in peace with God in any circumstance. God answers every prayer by his own will and can never give you scorpion while you asked bread. Understand that he has a plan for you, and his plan is the best. Always keep this in mind when you feel like giving up or irritated by your sitiuation. If you have a problem and refuse to take it to God in earnest prayer (either because you feel you are asking too much, or because you feel He knows your need and will meet them when He deems fit) then you are being your own arch-enemy.
Understand that God wants to see your faith in trusting him before he can grant your requests. Meekness and standing on his promises moves God to action, but remember to be righteous in. Nothing we get from God is merited. He gives us salvation and other spiritual blessings based on His mercy.
Peter was only drown because he took his eyes off the Lord Jesus Christ. Once you look away, you are on your own and life without God is not worth controllable. Learn to listen to what He has for you by reading the bible, meditating on it, and praying day and night.
By the Grace of the God, there's nothing impossible to him who creates the whole earth and nothing will be so heavy for him to give. Jesus christ is humble all through his life, ask God to give you a heart like Jesus'. No doubt, God will grant wisdom to everyone who just asks -- trust and obey.
Starting form the life of Christ, upto the life of paul, peter, timothy and the rest of the apostles; lowlenness is what defines them. Modesty is a part of holiness, while humility is the the behaviour of God's servants. Born again christians are not supercilious. Arrogancy is a disease that's healed ones someone is born again. Thus, egotisticality is a worldly manner where everyone is proud of his deeds.
For you to summon the courage to transform your habit, you need to invite the presence of God to lead your steps. Truly, God is a perfect being and he won't leave your feet slip.
After You Got Saved By God...
Ignore Praises. Don't accept praises from men instead, direct it to God by allowing the Grace of God to move in your tongue. When you talk, include "by the grace of God" and make sure it comes directly from your heart. "Greatness is to stay Humble when the whole world calls you great!" to be humble to God, you must be humble in the eyes of the world, and let your heart interprets your life.
Be Thankful. Thank everyone for every little help he'd performed. Don't claim your own accomplishments, instead, thank others for how they helped, what they did. Do it with appreciation on describing how they've come to your assistance. God loves a thankful soul and praises is also the part of humbleness because God is patron to greatness. Ultimately, how to be humble for God means -- redirecting praise to the source.
What to Consider Before the Transformation
1. Be Composed. Be free from agitation and never get irritated by any means, whatever might be the cause. Possess the trait of meekness and imperturbable mind to further your physical serenity. A frenzied mind is always aroused to face every situation incautiously. Every stormy behaviour can lead to any unnecessary stress, thus you won't be humble to face the real you.
2. Live a simple Life. Let everything of yours be simple. Never be haughty to the Humble never be Humble to the haughty. Sincerity bears witness to every lowly individual and he enjoys his mind, for everyone will respect and appreciate his chasteness. Men in however high a station ought to fear the Humble.
3. Be Not Complete. With wisdom comes humility, for every wise person knows that he won't be enough in terms of learning. Be natured for adoptible incompletness, and be wise to handle knowledge above your brim. Learn to listen, for with listening comes intelligency.
How to Be Humble Before God
Everyone needs to be humble before the Lord, because without a humble heart miracle won't happen, salvation will be far away, and life won't be worth living. God wants you and me to ask in humbleness and truth, seeking his face with an unconditional love. "But all who Humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace." (Psalm 37:11).
Restrain from Murmuring
Be in peace with God in any circumstance. God answers every prayer by his own will and can never give you scorpion while you asked bread. Understand that he has a plan for you, and his plan is the best. Always keep this in mind when you feel like giving up or irritated by your sitiuation. If you have a problem and refuse to take it to God in earnest prayer (either because you feel you are asking too much, or because you feel He knows your need and will meet them when He deems fit) then you are being your own arch-enemy.
Understand that God wants to see your faith in trusting him before he can grant your requests. Meekness and standing on his promises moves God to action, but remember to be righteous in. Nothing we get from God is merited. He gives us salvation and other spiritual blessings based on His mercy.
Don't get Your Eyes Off Him
Peter was only drown because he took his eyes off the Lord Jesus Christ. Once you look away, you are on your own and life without God is not worth controllable. Learn to listen to what He has for you by reading the bible, meditating on it, and praying day and night.
Ask God to Make You Humble
By the Grace of the God, there's nothing impossible to him who creates the whole earth and nothing will be so heavy for him to give. Jesus christ is humble all through his life, ask God to give you a heart like Jesus'. No doubt, God will grant wisdom to everyone who just asks -- trust and obey.
Study the New Testament
Starting form the life of Christ, upto the life of paul, peter, timothy and the rest of the apostles; lowlenness is what defines them. Modesty is a part of holiness, while humility is the the behaviour of God's servants. Born again christians are not supercilious. Arrogancy is a disease that's healed ones someone is born again. Thus, egotisticality is a worldly manner where everyone is proud of his deeds.
Invite God
For you to summon the courage to transform your habit, you need to invite the presence of God to lead your steps. Truly, God is a perfect being and he won't leave your feet slip.
After You Got Saved By God...
Ignore Praises. Don't accept praises from men instead, direct it to God by allowing the Grace of God to move in your tongue. When you talk, include "by the grace of God" and make sure it comes directly from your heart. "Greatness is to stay Humble when the whole world calls you great!" to be humble to God, you must be humble in the eyes of the world, and let your heart interprets your life.
Be Thankful. Thank everyone for every little help he'd performed. Don't claim your own accomplishments, instead, thank others for how they helped, what they did. Do it with appreciation on describing how they've come to your assistance. God loves a thankful soul and praises is also the part of humbleness because God is patron to greatness. Ultimately, how to be humble for God means -- redirecting praise to the source.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Christ Jesus Has The Power
Every now and then, the spirit of Truth brings to our remembrance precious truths from God's Word, which we seem to have forgotten or which we seem to be losing hold of. One such is contained in Christ farewell address to His followers in Matthew 28 v 18-20. He declared, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth..."
Power is said to be the ability to do things. And in declaring that all power is in His hands, Christ clearly assures that none of those who truly believe in Him has any reason to be troubled or distressed because He can do ALL things. He has such awesome power that is greater than any power, be it physical, spiritual or even nuclear. He has power to blot out the vilest of sins, cure the deadliest of sicknesses, solve the toughest of mysteries, destroy the strangest of satanic works and banish the cruelest of demons.
Paul, in Ephesians 1 v 19-22, tells of the extent of greatness and vastness of the power vested in Christ.
What other assurance do we need? Everything in the universe has been placed under the feet of Christ. No power in heaven or on earth can challenge His majestic power. What power is it that battles with your spirit, soul or body? What power is it that troubles your life and marriage? What power is it that rattles your mind and takes away your joy? Get connected to the POWER above all powers and you will be set free; get connected to the NAME above all names of infirmities and deformities and you will be made whole!
It is said of a boy who was tormented of a vicious demon and it seemed no one, including Jesus' disciples, could liberate - that Jesus said to the father, "Bring him hither to me" (Matthew 17 v 17 KJV). What expression of transcending authority, of total sureness, of timeless dominion, of transforming power! I can imagine what was on His mind when He said this. It most probably was, "Yes, you have tried all you can, gone everywhere possible, consulted every miracle worker you know, but you have not personally tried me. Bring the boy to ME". And as soon as the boy was brought, "Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour" (Matthew 17 v 18).
Rejoice, reader, because there is freedom for you this very hour. There is healing for you this very hour. There is victory for you this very hour - if only you will come to Christ, having absolute confidence in His omnipotence. When by faith, you drag your problems to get in contact with the power of Jesus, the problems would be crushed and the spirit behind the problem would be conquered and you are going to be liberated to live to the fullest of "God's desire for you".
What is it you need for life and godliness right now? Christ Jesus has the power? What is it you need for peace of mind and fullness of joy? Christ Jesus has the power! What Jericho walls hinder your progress and breakthroughs? Christ Jesus has the Power. He has the power to save, to sanctify, to strenghten, to set free and to sustain! He has the power to carry all your burdens and wipe your tears away. He has the power to bruise every enemy who would your soul annoy.
Even on your dying bed, Christ Jesus has the power to give your soul the needed victory to soar on the wings of faith and praise, far above every anxiety and uncertainty, and right into His glorious presence. I dare invite you today to get connected with Christ power - through total surrender of your life to Him and expression of faith in His authority - so that you can reign in life and in eternity. Will you heed the invitation?
Power is said to be the ability to do things. And in declaring that all power is in His hands, Christ clearly assures that none of those who truly believe in Him has any reason to be troubled or distressed because He can do ALL things. He has such awesome power that is greater than any power, be it physical, spiritual or even nuclear. He has power to blot out the vilest of sins, cure the deadliest of sicknesses, solve the toughest of mysteries, destroy the strangest of satanic works and banish the cruelest of demons.
Paul, in Ephesians 1 v 19-22, tells of the extent of greatness and vastness of the power vested in Christ.
What other assurance do we need? Everything in the universe has been placed under the feet of Christ. No power in heaven or on earth can challenge His majestic power. What power is it that battles with your spirit, soul or body? What power is it that troubles your life and marriage? What power is it that rattles your mind and takes away your joy? Get connected to the POWER above all powers and you will be set free; get connected to the NAME above all names of infirmities and deformities and you will be made whole!
It is said of a boy who was tormented of a vicious demon and it seemed no one, including Jesus' disciples, could liberate - that Jesus said to the father, "Bring him hither to me" (Matthew 17 v 17 KJV). What expression of transcending authority, of total sureness, of timeless dominion, of transforming power! I can imagine what was on His mind when He said this. It most probably was, "Yes, you have tried all you can, gone everywhere possible, consulted every miracle worker you know, but you have not personally tried me. Bring the boy to ME". And as soon as the boy was brought, "Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour" (Matthew 17 v 18).
Rejoice, reader, because there is freedom for you this very hour. There is healing for you this very hour. There is victory for you this very hour - if only you will come to Christ, having absolute confidence in His omnipotence. When by faith, you drag your problems to get in contact with the power of Jesus, the problems would be crushed and the spirit behind the problem would be conquered and you are going to be liberated to live to the fullest of "God's desire for you".
What is it you need for life and godliness right now? Christ Jesus has the power? What is it you need for peace of mind and fullness of joy? Christ Jesus has the power! What Jericho walls hinder your progress and breakthroughs? Christ Jesus has the Power. He has the power to save, to sanctify, to strenghten, to set free and to sustain! He has the power to carry all your burdens and wipe your tears away. He has the power to bruise every enemy who would your soul annoy.
Even on your dying bed, Christ Jesus has the power to give your soul the needed victory to soar on the wings of faith and praise, far above every anxiety and uncertainty, and right into His glorious presence. I dare invite you today to get connected with Christ power - through total surrender of your life to Him and expression of faith in His authority - so that you can reign in life and in eternity. Will you heed the invitation?
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Can the World Escape God's Judgement?
The manner of God's patient dealing with the world today efforts a classic lesson to divine grace and mercy. Sodom had no such chance. It was a city steeped in moral corruption and abject depravity. From its first mention until now, Sodom invokes images of abominabale bestial practices; it was simply mankind at its worst. God's word saws that "the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly" (Genesis 13 v 13). The Sodomites went on in their sinful passions until their cup was full. Going deeper and deeper in their evil, it was a matter of time before God rained fire and brimstone on the city and hurled its inhabitants into the everlasting punishment in hell. They are there to this day. (Jude 7).
Sodom was abhorrently evil, no doubt; but it is certainly no match for this present world in the spread of evil, perversion and utter disregard for God's laws. With the happenings in the world today, mankind hangs precariously by a mere thread over the fiery furnace of God's mighty judgement. The current scope of iniquity is indescribable, nay, unimaginable. What with the wickedness, the waywardness, the celebration of evil, the glorification of self, the shameless display of nudity, the so-called beauty pageants and the fashion parades, the reality shows with the distorted values they promote, the insignificance of human life, the endless tales of political greed and corruption, the assassinations and, worse of all, the apostasy of the visible church?
Everywhere you look, the whole world tethers at a moral brink. Some nations have even tumbled over. Sodomy, the sinful act of mating with the same gender, used to be a shameful thing. Webster's Dictionary called it "a crime against nature"; but that was more than 200 years ago. Until very recently, to be termed "a sodomite" was regarded as a label hide. Today man's depravity stripped the term sodomy or homosexuality of its repulsion; a new set of "fashionable" synonyms has been invented: gay, lesbian or same-sex relationship. Now we hear of gay pride, gay rights and gay parades. The sin of Sodom has left the back alleys and street corners and is boldly, brazenly, marching on the highways of human civilization! The bible calls prostitutes whores but they have adopted the title of "commercial sex workers", an inglorious title nonetheless.
A country in Western Europe led the the way in the moral slide when, in 2001, she became the first nation to legalize homosexual marriages. Since then, several other countries have followed suit. Nations of the world are trying to outpace each other in tearing down their traditional values of moral decency and their spiritual foundations.
How can the world escape God's judgement? No way!
Sodom was abhorrently evil, no doubt; but it is certainly no match for this present world in the spread of evil, perversion and utter disregard for God's laws. With the happenings in the world today, mankind hangs precariously by a mere thread over the fiery furnace of God's mighty judgement. The current scope of iniquity is indescribable, nay, unimaginable. What with the wickedness, the waywardness, the celebration of evil, the glorification of self, the shameless display of nudity, the so-called beauty pageants and the fashion parades, the reality shows with the distorted values they promote, the insignificance of human life, the endless tales of political greed and corruption, the assassinations and, worse of all, the apostasy of the visible church?
Everywhere you look, the whole world tethers at a moral brink. Some nations have even tumbled over. Sodomy, the sinful act of mating with the same gender, used to be a shameful thing. Webster's Dictionary called it "a crime against nature"; but that was more than 200 years ago. Until very recently, to be termed "a sodomite" was regarded as a label hide. Today man's depravity stripped the term sodomy or homosexuality of its repulsion; a new set of "fashionable" synonyms has been invented: gay, lesbian or same-sex relationship. Now we hear of gay pride, gay rights and gay parades. The sin of Sodom has left the back alleys and street corners and is boldly, brazenly, marching on the highways of human civilization! The bible calls prostitutes whores but they have adopted the title of "commercial sex workers", an inglorious title nonetheless.
A country in Western Europe led the the way in the moral slide when, in 2001, she became the first nation to legalize homosexual marriages. Since then, several other countries have followed suit. Nations of the world are trying to outpace each other in tearing down their traditional values of moral decency and their spiritual foundations.
How can the world escape God's judgement? No way!
Monday, 19 December 2011
How to Have Faith In Jesus Christ
Considering the examples of people who lived by faith that the Scripture tells us about, it is not hard to tell that many blessings abound for those who exercise how to have faith in Jesus Christ.
Before christ, you cannot begin to mention people who lived by faith without first mentioning Abraham. He is commonly regarded as the father of faith. He was a man who demonstrated what it means to live by faith (Hebrews 11 v 8, 9, 17) and he was greatly rewarded for it. He went from being childless to being the father of us all. How amazing!
Ruth was another woman who lived by faith. Even though she hadn't the slightest idea what would become of her if she went with Naomi, she however stayed glued to her, her people and her God (Ruth 1 v 16) and she got herself a slot in th lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ. Apart from that, she was the first among two women who had books of the Bible entirely dedicated to them.
What do we say of Rahab, who was saved from destruction for her deeds of kindness to the men that went to spy out the city of Jericho? Not only was she spared, she was also mention among the heroes of faith. The widow of Zarephath lived by faith and she and her son were sustained in famine.
Time will fail me to talk of the woman of Shunem, Esther, Moses, Enoch, Elijah, Noah, Abel, Isaac and a host of others who lived by faith and were richly blessed by God.
Even today many blessings are laid up for you if you only will dare to live by faith. You will get over your circumstances. You will live a joyful life in a world where there's so much to sorrow about. You will be able to talk of a lifting up where others say there is a casting down (Job 22 v 29). You will do with ease what others struggle through. God will reveal His mind, will and purpose to you at every point in time. Many, just by your life of faith in Jesus will be drawn to the Lord. The Christian life will be so real the same way God is real to you. There will be no impossibility for you (Matthew 17 v 20).
Blessings of Living By Faith In Jesus
Indeed, the blessings attached to living by faith in Jesus are too numerous to mention. The blessings pronounced in Jeremiah 17 v 7-8, will better make you understand what you stand to gain when you live a life of faith. Like How Can I have Faith in God?
What else is there to say? Dare to trust God within your whole life. Learn to stand on His unfailing promises at all times and you will be pleased to find that He never disappoints those who fully depend on Him.
SOURCE: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Before christ, you cannot begin to mention people who lived by faith without first mentioning Abraham. He is commonly regarded as the father of faith. He was a man who demonstrated what it means to live by faith (Hebrews 11 v 8, 9, 17) and he was greatly rewarded for it. He went from being childless to being the father of us all. How amazing!
Ruth was another woman who lived by faith. Even though she hadn't the slightest idea what would become of her if she went with Naomi, she however stayed glued to her, her people and her God (Ruth 1 v 16) and she got herself a slot in th lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ. Apart from that, she was the first among two women who had books of the Bible entirely dedicated to them.
What do we say of Rahab, who was saved from destruction for her deeds of kindness to the men that went to spy out the city of Jericho? Not only was she spared, she was also mention among the heroes of faith. The widow of Zarephath lived by faith and she and her son were sustained in famine.
Time will fail me to talk of the woman of Shunem, Esther, Moses, Enoch, Elijah, Noah, Abel, Isaac and a host of others who lived by faith and were richly blessed by God.
Even today many blessings are laid up for you if you only will dare to live by faith. You will get over your circumstances. You will live a joyful life in a world where there's so much to sorrow about. You will be able to talk of a lifting up where others say there is a casting down (Job 22 v 29). You will do with ease what others struggle through. God will reveal His mind, will and purpose to you at every point in time. Many, just by your life of faith in Jesus will be drawn to the Lord. The Christian life will be so real the same way God is real to you. There will be no impossibility for you (Matthew 17 v 20).
Blessings of Living By Faith In Jesus
Indeed, the blessings attached to living by faith in Jesus are too numerous to mention. The blessings pronounced in Jeremiah 17 v 7-8, will better make you understand what you stand to gain when you live a life of faith. Like How Can I have Faith in God?
What else is there to say? Dare to trust God within your whole life. Learn to stand on His unfailing promises at all times and you will be pleased to find that He never disappoints those who fully depend on Him.
SOURCE: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
How to Get Over Your Fears
Have you ever feared that something unpleasant would happen to you and it actually did? Have you stopped to wonder why things that you fear happen to you? Fear has a way of etching itself in your subconscious and swiftly cuts short your happiness and in the long run, your life, if nothing wise is done to get over it. Fear is death itself. It has killed more dreams and ruined more lives than the most dreaded disease you can imagine.
Fear differs just as individuals differ. What causes fear in Peter may not be the same as what triggers fear in Paul. I don't know what your own peculiar fears are but you must not allow them take control of your life. You must get over them now!
How do you do this?
*. As a christian, recognise that you are freed from every spiritual penalty of your past. Settle it in your heart and mind that God cannot punish you for sins that have been confessed and pardoned.
*. Reflect on your position in Christ. All of God's children are meant to operate at a higher realm of authority over every circumstance.
*. Realise that challenges are bound to assail you as long as you are on earth. Life is like a package, and challenges, troubles and trials are part of this package.
*. Regard problems as a test of your faith in God. See your challenges and difficulties as a faith builders.
*. Remind yourself of God's abiding presence. The Lord has promised to be with you at all times and in all situations.
*. Recall past victories, as well as God's faithfulness towards you (Psalms 77 v 11 - 12).
*. Rest in the Lord. When trouble or fear assails you, wait on the Lord. Do not wait and fret, rather wait and rest - be peaceful while you are waiting on God.
*. Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4 v 4, 6).
*. Refuse to be controlled by your feelings or emotions. Your feelings have a way of making you see only the negative side of every situation. Learn to live only by faith - a life of faith is an overcoming life (2 Corinthians 4 v 18).
*. Resolve not to be afraid anymore. Fear does good to no one, and the earlier you resolved not to entertain it the better and wiser.
*. Re-ignite the fire of prayer backed up with action. Fear is a lifestyle which can be reversed not only by prayer but also by action. Fear feeds itself on the inactivity of your mind - an idle mind, they say, is the devil's workshop. Satan will plant a lot of things on your mind as long as there is nothing positive and profitable to occupy it. Fill your mind and thoughts with things of spiritual benefit.
Now, you must know that a sinner is a lawful captive of Satan, sin fear, and other negative emotions. So, before you can talk of getting over your fears you must first be redeemed from the slave market of sin. A simple prayer of faith is all you need to receive the Spirit of adoption, which gives you the assurance that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1 v 7) KJV. When you fear God, there is nothing to border about social fear and emotional conflicts. You attain such assurance by pleasing him day by day. The best way to tackle problems is knowing all about the situation, which can't be done without God.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Fear differs just as individuals differ. What causes fear in Peter may not be the same as what triggers fear in Paul. I don't know what your own peculiar fears are but you must not allow them take control of your life. You must get over them now!
How do you do this?
*. As a christian, recognise that you are freed from every spiritual penalty of your past. Settle it in your heart and mind that God cannot punish you for sins that have been confessed and pardoned.
*. Reflect on your position in Christ. All of God's children are meant to operate at a higher realm of authority over every circumstance.
*. Realise that challenges are bound to assail you as long as you are on earth. Life is like a package, and challenges, troubles and trials are part of this package.
*. Regard problems as a test of your faith in God. See your challenges and difficulties as a faith builders.
*. Remind yourself of God's abiding presence. The Lord has promised to be with you at all times and in all situations.
*. Recall past victories, as well as God's faithfulness towards you (Psalms 77 v 11 - 12).
*. Rest in the Lord. When trouble or fear assails you, wait on the Lord. Do not wait and fret, rather wait and rest - be peaceful while you are waiting on God.
*. Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4 v 4, 6).
*. Refuse to be controlled by your feelings or emotions. Your feelings have a way of making you see only the negative side of every situation. Learn to live only by faith - a life of faith is an overcoming life (2 Corinthians 4 v 18).
*. Resolve not to be afraid anymore. Fear does good to no one, and the earlier you resolved not to entertain it the better and wiser.
*. Re-ignite the fire of prayer backed up with action. Fear is a lifestyle which can be reversed not only by prayer but also by action. Fear feeds itself on the inactivity of your mind - an idle mind, they say, is the devil's workshop. Satan will plant a lot of things on your mind as long as there is nothing positive and profitable to occupy it. Fill your mind and thoughts with things of spiritual benefit.
Now, you must know that a sinner is a lawful captive of Satan, sin fear, and other negative emotions. So, before you can talk of getting over your fears you must first be redeemed from the slave market of sin. A simple prayer of faith is all you need to receive the Spirit of adoption, which gives you the assurance that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1 v 7) KJV. When you fear God, there is nothing to border about social fear and emotional conflicts. You attain such assurance by pleasing him day by day. The best way to tackle problems is knowing all about the situation, which can't be done without God.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Saturday, 17 December 2011
How Do I Repent For My Sins
It is indeed a wonder to behold the patience that keeps God back from destroying the earth this very moment as He did Sodom in the days of Lot. In Luke chapter 13, Jesus tells a story illustrating the longsuffering of God as well as the certainty of judgment upon unrepentant sinners. A fig tree had remained barren despite years of careful tending and painstaking supervision. In utter exasperation, the owner remarked to his gardener, "Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why encumbereth it the ground?" The latter counselled to patience; he pleaded for the benefit of another chance after which, if the tree remained fruitless, it would be cut down (Luke 13 v 6-9).
You may be that fig tree. The men of Sodom continued in their sins right up to the last moment when judgement fell upon them. In a similar fashion, the cup of iniquity of the present world is full and running over. The winepress of the fierceness and wrath of the Almighty God is bursting at the seams. The moral depravity of man is stretching the limits of the patience of the thrice-holy God, and the consequences will be both severe and dreadful! (Hebrews 10 v 31).
God is no respecter of persons; He will judge sin wherever and in whomsoever it is found. Not just one nation but any, and not just any nation but any city, family or individual that persists in sin is liable to earthly consequences and eternal punishment unless there is prompt and total repentance (Read Jeremiah 18 v 9, 10; Luke 13 v 1-5).
A big question is begging for an answer here. Why do people continue to sin with impunity, without a care in the world for what God thinks? Do they not know there is God or that He demands holiness from his creatures? Some do, but they think they are wise and can hide their deeds from His eyes. They are wrong. (Jeremiah 23 v 24). The Scriptures are replete with too many declarations of God's omniscience than anyone can ignore (see Psalms 94 v 4-9; Proverbs 15 v 3; Isaiah 29 v 15 etc). Others know there is God but they suppose He has His hands full administering the universe than to care about what they do. To all such deluded souls, one may reply in the words of the Psalmist ( Read Psalm 94 v 8,9). God gave man the wisdom to invent the computer, a little machine that can process, store and retrieve volumes of information at the same time and in the twinkling of an eye. And shall He not be able to capture your deeds? Will He not replay them to you at the great judgement seat of Christ? (2 Corinthians 5 v 10).
A third group comprises people who have heard the voice of God, who once trembled when He thundered in their souls; but over the years have gradually lost their tenderness and, with it, their fear of God. Familiarity has bred contempt. Sin has lost its sinfulness. They rationalise their every act of sin with Lot's plea, "Is it not a little one?" (Genesis 19 v 20). The damnable error of 'once saved, forever saved' has beclouded their minds. They live daily as if nothing is at stake, as if they will lose nothing by careless living. And yet... and yet, heaven, even eternity itself, is at stake if you go back into sin and die without repentance! The Lord will have us "Remember Lot's wife". She left the fires of Sodom but failed to reach the relative safety of Zoar. "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof" (Ecclesiastes 7 v 8). How to repent from those sins, you must be wise pray and strive to steer the ship of your spiritual life away from the rocks of secret errors, presumptuous sins and, eventually, the great transgression that would dash it into pieces. Apostle Paul was not a man given to needless fears yet even he trembled at the possibility of becoming a castaway (Corinthians 9 v 25-27). There is no enternal security for the sinning church member.
© CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
You may be that fig tree. The men of Sodom continued in their sins right up to the last moment when judgement fell upon them. In a similar fashion, the cup of iniquity of the present world is full and running over. The winepress of the fierceness and wrath of the Almighty God is bursting at the seams. The moral depravity of man is stretching the limits of the patience of the thrice-holy God, and the consequences will be both severe and dreadful! (Hebrews 10 v 31).
God is no respecter of persons; He will judge sin wherever and in whomsoever it is found. Not just one nation but any, and not just any nation but any city, family or individual that persists in sin is liable to earthly consequences and eternal punishment unless there is prompt and total repentance (Read Jeremiah 18 v 9, 10; Luke 13 v 1-5).
A big question is begging for an answer here. Why do people continue to sin with impunity, without a care in the world for what God thinks? Do they not know there is God or that He demands holiness from his creatures? Some do, but they think they are wise and can hide their deeds from His eyes. They are wrong. (Jeremiah 23 v 24). The Scriptures are replete with too many declarations of God's omniscience than anyone can ignore (see Psalms 94 v 4-9; Proverbs 15 v 3; Isaiah 29 v 15 etc). Others know there is God but they suppose He has His hands full administering the universe than to care about what they do. To all such deluded souls, one may reply in the words of the Psalmist ( Read Psalm 94 v 8,9). God gave man the wisdom to invent the computer, a little machine that can process, store and retrieve volumes of information at the same time and in the twinkling of an eye. And shall He not be able to capture your deeds? Will He not replay them to you at the great judgement seat of Christ? (2 Corinthians 5 v 10).
A third group comprises people who have heard the voice of God, who once trembled when He thundered in their souls; but over the years have gradually lost their tenderness and, with it, their fear of God. Familiarity has bred contempt. Sin has lost its sinfulness. They rationalise their every act of sin with Lot's plea, "Is it not a little one?" (Genesis 19 v 20). The damnable error of 'once saved, forever saved' has beclouded their minds. They live daily as if nothing is at stake, as if they will lose nothing by careless living. And yet... and yet, heaven, even eternity itself, is at stake if you go back into sin and die without repentance! The Lord will have us "Remember Lot's wife". She left the fires of Sodom but failed to reach the relative safety of Zoar. "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof" (Ecclesiastes 7 v 8). How to repent from those sins, you must be wise pray and strive to steer the ship of your spiritual life away from the rocks of secret errors, presumptuous sins and, eventually, the great transgression that would dash it into pieces. Apostle Paul was not a man given to needless fears yet even he trembled at the possibility of becoming a castaway (Corinthians 9 v 25-27). There is no enternal security for the sinning church member.
© CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Friday, 16 December 2011
How Can I have Faith in God?
Many Christians have knowingly or unknowingly restricted the concept of living by faith just believing God for material blessings alone. But living to be wise by faith has to do with a lot more than believing God for your daily bread, or believing Him for shelter and other basic necessities of life thus bring about the topic how to live by faith.
When you claim to live by faith, committing all your ways to God will be a second nature. Also, living by faith implies that through diligent study of God's word, you understand what He expects of you as His child and based on that understanding you walk every inch according to His will and purpose for your life. Also, living by faith is voluntarily confiding in and trusting the Lord. We also have How to Have Faith In Jesus Christ for more clarification.
Again, when you have faith you are living a life that pleases God. God's Word makes it clear in Hebrews 11 v 6. When you say you are living by faith, it connotes that you do not allow yourself to be controlled only by what your physical senses tell you, because as God's word tells us, "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5 v 7).
When live By Faith in God
Moreover, it implies that you live in total self-denial. When you live by faith you do not attach much importance to the comforts of this life. Your only passion would be to fulfill the heartbeat of God, which is for the dying world to be shown the way of the cross.
You are not afraid to lose even your life for the course of the gospel. This is because in careless abandon, you have left all that concerns you in the able case of the Almighty. As Paul rightly declared in 2 Timothy 1 v 12.
Additionally, living by faith is to love God and all His children sincerely and to care for them as such. Besides, living by faith means to be hopeful. To say you live by faith means that you are not easily discouraged. Though there are troubles on every side, you are not moved. This is what it means to live by faith. The psalmist said of the one that lives by faith in Psalm 125 v 1.
Living by faith is living that is given to communing with God. Your confidence in the truth that God does answer prayers will constantly drive you to His presence. More so, to say that you live by faith is to live a life of liberty. If you live by faith, you are not bound by fear. I recommend How to Get Over Your Fears. Even when everything going on around you is enough to arouse fear in you, your faith in God is further built up because God's word declares that in Romans 8 v 15.
Again, when you say you live by faith it is an indication that you live a life that constantly and continuously yearns and hungers after God. It means that you never have enough of God, and so you keep going to drink from His living springs. Like the psalmist, your only song is Psalm 42 v 1. Go and read.
What is more? Living by faith implies that you are patient. If you truly live by faith, you will know just how to wait on the Lord. You will understand that to tarry for God is not some kind of punishment. As a matter of fact you will even take pleasure in waiting for Him. (Micah 7 v 7).
Furthermore, living to be wise person unmistakably implies living a life that is totally separated from the world. God's word in 2 Corinthians 6 v 17 calls the believer to be separate from sinners. A wise believer is always different and always separates himself from the world.
On a final note, living by wisdom is living in view of eternity. It is being always in readiness to be taken to be with the Lord, either by rapture or by death. The person that lives by faith is not afraid to die and he is not afraid of the rapture. He earnestly awaits the time when he will go home to be with the Lord.
© CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Taking a Wrong Choice of Eternal Destination
If hell and heaven are the two eternal destinations from which we may choose only one, then it is obvious that choosing hell is a wrong choice and not wise; for hell is a place of eternal torment, "where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9 v 48). Surprisingly, however, many people are opting for hells. God's word reveals it in Matthew 7 v 13. On this post we are going to consider how to get over, and why you may have take the wrong choice of eternal destination.
There are three reasons many people choose to follow the pathway to hell, preferring untold eternal afflictions in the worm-filled fire to the unlimited eternal bliss, peace, and joy in heaven.
1. One, the lack of knowledge. A lot of people are heading for hell not knowing where they are going. They are ignorant of the entry requirements for God's kingdom; (Ephesians 4 v 18, 19). In which this verse shows us the kind of evil that men force themselves into. Such people are captives of deception of the false prophets and teachers who peddle damnable heresies; who corrupt the Scripture saying repentance and righteousness are not necessary for salvation and eternal life. Check the post How Do I Repent For My Sins. Yet, it is the people's fault; for they choose to remain in ignorance avoiding true fellowship and faithful preachers of God's word. Read Romans 1 v 28.
2. The second reason is the love of pleasure. Many people choose the damnation of hell because they seek the pleasure that sin offers. The road to perdition is broad and contains no restrictive laws for living. On the other hand, "strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth to life..." (Matthew 7 v 14). Life is controlled by God's word on the highway of heaven; the flesh is tamed and crucified; all affections are centred on things above, and the worldly systems has no attraction to the heaven-bound pilgrims. Lovers of pleasures reject these demands of holy living and choose to go the way of perdition! (Proverbs 14 v 12).
3. The third reason is the lure of the sinning crowd. Too many people are on the broad way to hell. They look attractive, unruffled and prosperous; they are seemingly unconcerned by the demands of true religion, and totally unperturbed by the impending judgement of God. They are such that the Psalmist refers to in Psalm 73. Yet, the deceptive contentment and comportment of these people are mere tricks of the devil to pull many more to join the perishing throng. The deceived and misled think, "If this road leads into perdition then why are the majority walking on it?" The majority can't be wrong, they say! God, however, warns that in matters of eternal life and eternal ruin, the majority is most wrong, while the minority is often right. The Lord Himself says, in Matthew 7 v 13-14 about the narrow way which leadeth to life and the broad way to destruction. He also commands all who believes in him to follow the strait way which leadeth to life eternal. You could read How to Be Wise Ploughing With Christ to know the way to go.
What to do about the Choice?
Our loved ones, relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues may be on hell's road. That doesn't mean they are right; and we should not join them. It is a matter of choice. Each person must decide to make the right choice by looking away from the erring crowd and following the way of the Lord.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
There are three reasons many people choose to follow the pathway to hell, preferring untold eternal afflictions in the worm-filled fire to the unlimited eternal bliss, peace, and joy in heaven.
1. One, the lack of knowledge. A lot of people are heading for hell not knowing where they are going. They are ignorant of the entry requirements for God's kingdom; (Ephesians 4 v 18, 19). In which this verse shows us the kind of evil that men force themselves into. Such people are captives of deception of the false prophets and teachers who peddle damnable heresies; who corrupt the Scripture saying repentance and righteousness are not necessary for salvation and eternal life. Check the post How Do I Repent For My Sins. Yet, it is the people's fault; for they choose to remain in ignorance avoiding true fellowship and faithful preachers of God's word. Read Romans 1 v 28.
2. The second reason is the love of pleasure. Many people choose the damnation of hell because they seek the pleasure that sin offers. The road to perdition is broad and contains no restrictive laws for living. On the other hand, "strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth to life..." (Matthew 7 v 14). Life is controlled by God's word on the highway of heaven; the flesh is tamed and crucified; all affections are centred on things above, and the worldly systems has no attraction to the heaven-bound pilgrims. Lovers of pleasures reject these demands of holy living and choose to go the way of perdition! (Proverbs 14 v 12).
3. The third reason is the lure of the sinning crowd. Too many people are on the broad way to hell. They look attractive, unruffled and prosperous; they are seemingly unconcerned by the demands of true religion, and totally unperturbed by the impending judgement of God. They are such that the Psalmist refers to in Psalm 73. Yet, the deceptive contentment and comportment of these people are mere tricks of the devil to pull many more to join the perishing throng. The deceived and misled think, "If this road leads into perdition then why are the majority walking on it?" The majority can't be wrong, they say! God, however, warns that in matters of eternal life and eternal ruin, the majority is most wrong, while the minority is often right. The Lord Himself says, in Matthew 7 v 13-14 about the narrow way which leadeth to life and the broad way to destruction. He also commands all who believes in him to follow the strait way which leadeth to life eternal. You could read How to Be Wise Ploughing With Christ to know the way to go.
What to do about the Choice?
Our loved ones, relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues may be on hell's road. That doesn't mean they are right; and we should not join them. It is a matter of choice. Each person must decide to make the right choice by looking away from the erring crowd and following the way of the Lord.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
How to Wisely Benefit from Rendering Service Unto God
Pledge by the Christian. The sacrifice of Christ should evoke a responsive sense of duty in all who have benefited from it. This sense of duty is two-fold: duty towards the body of Christ and duty to the world. And just as Christ our Lord suffered to make the great sacrifice for us, the Christian pilgrim must wisely make every effort, enduring sufferings inclusive, to live out the duties evoked by the sufferings of Christ.
Christ has not promised that all hardships will disappear once we appropriate His sacrifice. He was quite aware that the system of this world is opposed to the tenets of the life and faith He expects of disciples. He predicted the persecution, hardship and discrimination that they must go through in their pilgrimage in John 15 v 20-25).
Apostle Paul was also quite direct in stating what the Christian must endure in a world and system controlled by Satan and his agents. A world in which the commands of God are alien and unpopular. (2 Timothy 3 v 12).
The Christian then must wisely comprehend the two sides of his or her faith. First, the advantages of Calvary, that is, eternal life, peace and fellowship with God here on earth, fulfillment of the various promises of God etc; and secondly, the oppositions, persecution and afflictions that will attend your way, and brought on by Satan who will do everything to frustrate you on your service.
While in this world, the wise Christian pilgrim in balancing these two sides of your faith, must focus on the glory set before you. You must give your all to the Master. You must consider His demands on your life and rise up to meet such demands.
First and early enough in your journey, the christian believer must enter into a lifelong covenant of total consecration to God. You must settle in your mind that this consecration shall not be broken by any situation, occurrence or influence of people.
In adverse situations, rather than being moody and wallowing in self-pity, the Christian pilgrim must praise the Lord. You should thank God for the privilege of being like your Saviour who endured hardship for the glory set before Him. You should be confident that if you endure to the end, as your Lord was exalted, you will also be exalted and will reign with Him.
Secondly the Christian must be responsive to his or her obligations towards the body of Christ. One way of doing this is by bearing the burden of others. As we fellowship here on earth, we are mandated to strengthen and comfort one another. Apostle Paul in Galatians 6 v 2 enjoins believers to bear one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Moreover, as we serve others, hardship, misunderstanding and opposition may arise. Those must be endured knowing that our service is unto the Lord who will not forget our labour of love.
Thirdly, to appreciate the love, sacrifice and suffering of Christ, the wise Christian pilgrim must render wholehearted service unto the Lord in the church - singing in the choir, ushering, teaching, cleaning etc. The Lord needs the service of His followers to keep His body (the church) nourished and better able to withstand the wiles of the evil one. A responsive and wise pilgrim will not just just sit in the pew and watch the work suffer.
Furthermore, the service rendered unto Lord must not be one of convenience. Effective service overcomes all obstacles and persecution on its way. Like our Master's giving, it must be sacrificial. It must be a willing sacrifice. Not enforced or procured.
Salvation, sanctification, success, prosperity, healing, provision, deliverance and whatsoever is needed for our peace and joy in this world and in the world to come have been provided for at the cross of Calvary. What a loving Saviour who gave His life for us! You should be wise and contribute to his service.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
How to Be Wise Ploughing With Christ
One important wise area of service unto the Lord, which in fact is His heartbeat, is the preaching of the gospel to the dying world. The parting commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ, before He ascended to heaven was "...Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16 v 15). The gospel must be preached to every creature the gentle, the rude, the high, the low and the antagonist of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus brought the topic how to be wise ploughing with Christ till the end.
In performing this great task, hardship, persecution, opposition, ridicule and outright violence may occur. These should not deter the Christian. You must forge ahead. You must focus on pleasing your Master and not on the circumstances around you. The promise of the Lord that He is with you always, unto the end of the world, is sure, even when it feels like you are alone.
Are you serving the body of Christ or facing hardships, ridicule and oppositions for it? Are you on the mission-field in a hard, unyielding or perhaps violent environment? Are you in a city where the distractions of sinners by the worldly system make preaching seem not worthwhile? Are you on a campus where preaching is unfashionable? Is your own constituency your neighbourhood? Keep on doing the work. The harvest will come in due reason. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6 v 9).
No sacrifice is too great for the love of your Master who gave His all that you may have all things. It is wise to make up your mind to suffer for Him because of what He did for you. Bear pressure and persecution for His sake (Patiently and joyfully bear pains for others too). Your consecration should be to serve Him throughout the days of your life which should be unbroken anything.
When challenges are staring you on the face, never be moody or regret being a Christian. Follow the steps of Paul and Silas who turned the prison-yard into a music recording studio, singing praises to God. Always remember that we are called to suffer for His sake. (Peter 2 v 24).
Lastly, to keep a smile on Christ's face perpetually, you must resolve to live in holiness and commitment to populating God's kingdom. Never rest on your oars; strive to make sure Christ's death is not in vain. Toil and labour on till your Master comes or calls you home. Your labour for christ is wise–is not in vain. It is rewarding on earth and in eternity.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Forgiveness and Freedom through the Redeemer
You may already be wondering how you can be wise and liberated by the Redeemer. It's very simple. Remember that Christ has come to the slave market already and you are chained down. If you want to be free, all you need do is to wisely let Jesus the Redeemer know. And you turn away from the slave-master. Renounce the old master and his ways and go with Jesus. Isaiah 55 v 6 says "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:"
Still bound in the slave-market? As Jesus passes by now, you just have to call out to Him. Tell Him you don't want to remain bound to the slave-master any longer. Beckon on Him to come and get you out of the bondage that the slave master has bound you with. Once you receive the attention and mercy of the Redeemer, all the shame, guilt and condemnation of sin is taken away.
It has been stated earlier that redemption comes with total pardon and forgiveness. But there's one thing the devil does, and that is to make you continue to feel guilty. He keeps replaying in your mind the picture of the offences that you have committed while bound to him. He tries to make you dwell in a lie that your sins are too many to have been forgiven so easily.
This brings to mind the story of a beggar who stopped a lawyer on the street of a certain city and asked him for money. The lawyer who happened to have been a former classmate of the beggar recognized him; so he offered him a cheque of a huge sum of money to get a new start.
The beggar walked to a nearby bank to cash the cheque. But when he saw the well-dressed cashiers and the sparkling clean banking hall he looked at himself and turned away muttering that no one would accept the cheque from him because he has shabbily dressed. They would think he forged it.
The next day he met the lawyer again. The lawyer was surprised to see him the same way he had seen him the previous day and asked to know what he had done with the cheque he was given. He brought it out of his pocket where he had neatly folded it and told him why he hadn't cashed it. The lawyer then told him reassuringly: "Listen friend, what makes the cheque good is not your clothes or appearance, but my signature. Go on, cash it!"
The same thing happens with many who have received pardon from God. Even though their sins have been forgiven they remain bound in guilt and condemnation. And just like the beggar they dwell on their past life and fail to enjoy the benefits that come with being forgiven. Their focus is more on the magnitude of their offence instead of the mercy of the Saviour. But this should not be. If only you can just wisely believe when Christ says your sins are forgiven you, then will you be free from the chains of guilt. If you in faith accept the price that He paid for your redemption, you will be totally freed and justified. (Ephesians 1 v 7)
Still bound in the slave-market? As Jesus passes by now, you just have to call out to Him. Tell Him you don't want to remain bound to the slave-master any longer. Beckon on Him to come and get you out of the bondage that the slave master has bound you with. Once you receive the attention and mercy of the Redeemer, all the shame, guilt and condemnation of sin is taken away.
It has been stated earlier that redemption comes with total pardon and forgiveness. But there's one thing the devil does, and that is to make you continue to feel guilty. He keeps replaying in your mind the picture of the offences that you have committed while bound to him. He tries to make you dwell in a lie that your sins are too many to have been forgiven so easily.
This brings to mind the story of a beggar who stopped a lawyer on the street of a certain city and asked him for money. The lawyer who happened to have been a former classmate of the beggar recognized him; so he offered him a cheque of a huge sum of money to get a new start.
The beggar walked to a nearby bank to cash the cheque. But when he saw the well-dressed cashiers and the sparkling clean banking hall he looked at himself and turned away muttering that no one would accept the cheque from him because he has shabbily dressed. They would think he forged it.
The next day he met the lawyer again. The lawyer was surprised to see him the same way he had seen him the previous day and asked to know what he had done with the cheque he was given. He brought it out of his pocket where he had neatly folded it and told him why he hadn't cashed it. The lawyer then told him reassuringly: "Listen friend, what makes the cheque good is not your clothes or appearance, but my signature. Go on, cash it!"
The same thing happens with many who have received pardon from God. Even though their sins have been forgiven they remain bound in guilt and condemnation. And just like the beggar they dwell on their past life and fail to enjoy the benefits that come with being forgiven. Their focus is more on the magnitude of their offence instead of the mercy of the Saviour. But this should not be. If only you can just wisely believe when Christ says your sins are forgiven you, then will you be free from the chains of guilt. If you in faith accept the price that He paid for your redemption, you will be totally freed and justified. (Ephesians 1 v 7)
Freedom through the Redeemer
Do you know that what Jesus came to do is to give you total freedom? (John 8 v 32) These are the very words of Jesus. He doesn't say that your thought will make you free. He doesn't say that your money will make you free. He doesn't say that your penance will make you free. He doesn't say that your religion will make you free. What He says will make you free is the truth that He came and paid the price for your redemption with His blood; the truth that He has come to your slave market; the truth that He is your Deliverer; the truth that He is your Redeemer.
When you know this truth that Jesus is your Saviour and that He with His blood has purchased your freedom and that the slave-master's grip on your life has been taken away then you are really free. This truth sets you free from Satan, sin, sickness, sorrow, suffering and defeat.
From the time you are wise, able to confess Jesus as Saviour, you are totally free from the slave market. You have to be wise and stand firm on this truth, declaring it everywhere. How to be wise: Let the devil too know that of a truth you have accepted the lordship of Christ over your life. This way your freedom will be permanent in Jesus' name. (Galatians 5 v 1).
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Redemption through His Blood
You may wonder why anyone wise would choose to suffer whose suffering has already been borne by another who loves him much. Incredible as it seems, that's the condition of many people today. Many years ago Jesus came to die so that the human race can be free from the captivity of Satan and live eternally; but many people are yet to understand what Christ came to do for them. They have not come to the full realization of the significance and privileges of His rememptive work.
What is redemption? It is simply the act of redeeming, recovering, reclaiming, and restoring. This is what Christ came to do. He came to redeem man back to God. He came to break the wall of partition between man and God. (Ephesians 2 v 14). He came to reconcile man back to God.
This redemption comes to man through the blood that Jesus shed on the Cross. And it is free. You do not earn it by the money you have to give or by the good works that you do. Christ has paid for it many years ago. He died so that you will not die. He suffered so that you will not suffer. He was oppressed so that you will not be oppressed. He was bound so that you will be free. He was punished so that you will not be punished. How much can you give to reciprocate this love?
Let me draw your mind back to the time when people traded slaves. Those days, human beings were traded as slaves. They were transported to a place to be sold. That place was called slave market. In the market, they were displayed in different sections - women and men apart, young and old apart, strong and feeble apart. These slaves had no freedom. They were bound hand and feet and their mouths were also gagged. They had no say. They couldn't even move. They had to be dragged by the slave masters.
Is this not the state of many today? Bound by the slave master (the devil) and having no choice or will of their own; doing only those things that he would have them do. (Romans 7 v 15). You are aware that smoking can destroy you, but you lack the will to stop it. You are not happy living in the sin of fornication, adultery, anger, stealing and the likes, but you live that way notwithstanding. The drugs that you do only leave you worse each time, but you just can't let go. If you had your way you'd not be doing what you do now, but you just don't seem able to help it right now. The truth is that the slave-master holds you. You are at his mercy and nothing you do on your own can set you free from his firm grip. (Romans 7 v 18).
In the slave-market then, there were usually buyers. Once a bargain had been struck and the slave was handed over to the buyer, there was an automatic change of ownership. The slave didn't belong to the slave-master anymore. And if there was anything wrong that the slave had done to the slave-master, he could no longer be punished for it because he now belonged to another.
It is this processes of buying the slave that redemption signifies. And that's what Christ came to accomplish in your life. (1 John 3 v 8). He came to get you out of the slave-market of sin. He came so that you will be free from the bondage of the slave-master. He came to release you from your long time slavery. And it doesn't matter how long you have been bound up. His blood is very powerful and can set you free.
When Jesus takes you out of the slave market, all your sins are totally forgiven. The slave master cannot make you feel guilty anymore because there is forgiveness in redemption. Your chains are totally broken off you because there is freedom in redemption. The only wise step you are required to take to get into this redemption is to believe in the Redeemer. It is faith in the Redeemer that brings about redemption.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
What is redemption? It is simply the act of redeeming, recovering, reclaiming, and restoring. This is what Christ came to do. He came to redeem man back to God. He came to break the wall of partition between man and God. (Ephesians 2 v 14). He came to reconcile man back to God.
This redemption comes to man through the blood that Jesus shed on the Cross. And it is free. You do not earn it by the money you have to give or by the good works that you do. Christ has paid for it many years ago. He died so that you will not die. He suffered so that you will not suffer. He was oppressed so that you will not be oppressed. He was bound so that you will be free. He was punished so that you will not be punished. How much can you give to reciprocate this love?
Let me draw your mind back to the time when people traded slaves. Those days, human beings were traded as slaves. They were transported to a place to be sold. That place was called slave market. In the market, they were displayed in different sections - women and men apart, young and old apart, strong and feeble apart. These slaves had no freedom. They were bound hand and feet and their mouths were also gagged. They had no say. They couldn't even move. They had to be dragged by the slave masters.
Is this not the state of many today? Bound by the slave master (the devil) and having no choice or will of their own; doing only those things that he would have them do. (Romans 7 v 15). You are aware that smoking can destroy you, but you lack the will to stop it. You are not happy living in the sin of fornication, adultery, anger, stealing and the likes, but you live that way notwithstanding. The drugs that you do only leave you worse each time, but you just can't let go. If you had your way you'd not be doing what you do now, but you just don't seem able to help it right now. The truth is that the slave-master holds you. You are at his mercy and nothing you do on your own can set you free from his firm grip. (Romans 7 v 18).
In the slave-market then, there were usually buyers. Once a bargain had been struck and the slave was handed over to the buyer, there was an automatic change of ownership. The slave didn't belong to the slave-master anymore. And if there was anything wrong that the slave had done to the slave-master, he could no longer be punished for it because he now belonged to another.
It is this processes of buying the slave that redemption signifies. And that's what Christ came to accomplish in your life. (1 John 3 v 8). He came to get you out of the slave-market of sin. He came so that you will be free from the bondage of the slave-master. He came to release you from your long time slavery. And it doesn't matter how long you have been bound up. His blood is very powerful and can set you free.
When Jesus takes you out of the slave market, all your sins are totally forgiven. The slave master cannot make you feel guilty anymore because there is forgiveness in redemption. Your chains are totally broken off you because there is freedom in redemption. The only wise step you are required to take to get into this redemption is to believe in the Redeemer. It is faith in the Redeemer that brings about redemption.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
Unlimited Gain Through Christ's Suffering
Thank God the story of Christ's death did not end in the grave! On the third day, He rose again as the scripture had said. Halleluiah He arose!!! The grave could not hold Him. The sting death is gone. He lives and reigns to impart salvation unto men. He is now seated at the right hand of Power. The wise who call upon His name in spirit and in truth today can receive power to become the sons and daughters of God. To them He also gives power to live a life that is above sin, able to be in fellowship with God here on earth and in the end share eternity with Him in glory.
But it is not enough to have heard knowledge of the gains that come from Jesus' death and resurrection. You must believe and wisely appropriate these gains in your life. You must know that SIN is like a rope that ties you to bondage. It is a magnet that draws you to the devil. It is the glue that attaches you to calamities. When you acknowledge that Christ was wounded for you and you receive His sacrifice of death on the cross, then you repent of your sins and receive SALVATION for your soul. This is the beginning of your victory and breakthrough in wisdom.
You may wish to know what is this "salvation" is all about. First you must be wise in knowing what it is not. (Acts 4 v 12).
1. It is not being religious without experiencing total cleansing and freedom from sin.
2. It is not about "fearing" God. Saying "I don't have idols," "I pray every morning." "I call the name of Jesus" and so on does not translate to salvation.
3. It is not about being generous or giving alms to the poor. The pharisees also gave alms but were condemned.
4. It is not about knowing how to fast and pray.
5. It is not about having dreams that come true. Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar and other wicked men in the Bible also had dreams that came to pass but were not saved.
6. It is not just being gentle and kind-hearted.
7. It is not having position in the church.
Indeed, there are different religions and denomination in this world, thousands and thousands of them. But it is not in religion or denomination that we can receive salvation from sin. It is in Jesus. (Remember Matthew 1 v 21). Only Jesus can save you from your sins. The reason you were not free from stealing, lying, fighting, adultery, anger, wrath, unforgiving spirit, hatred, murder, malice and other sins is because Jesus is not there in your life. As soon as you wisely recieve Jesus, you are saved from darkness to light, the tempter's power is broken over your life and sin has no more dominion on you. (Romans 6 v 14).
From the moment you sincerely repent of your sins and invite Jesus into your life, He immediately become your SAVIOUR and LORD. But that's not all. From the moment also, He becomes your LIBERATOR who liberates you from all bad habits and bondages; your HEALER, who takes away all your diseases and infirmities; your DELIVERER, who delivers you from every evil work; your PROTECTOR who protects you wherever you go; your PROVIDER, who supplies all your needs according to his riches in glory; and your PARTNER who continually guides you through ups and downs of life and also strengthens you for all-round victory.
What more shall we say? All things are yours in Christ Jesus. Meet the Saviour at the Cross, look into His wonderful face. Seek Him now; He will come to you and save you. He will fill you with His spiritual fullness. And if you are presently sick, distressed or burdened, you know that burdens are lifted at Calvary. By His stripes you are healed. His blood will never lose its power.
Let this special season make a different in your life. Recall the suffering of the one who was wounded for you. Reflect on His matchless love, and show your gratitude to Him by wisely dedicating or re-dedicating your life to Him. May His painful suffering, touching death and glorious resurrection not be in vain in your life. Amen.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
But it is not enough to have heard knowledge of the gains that come from Jesus' death and resurrection. You must believe and wisely appropriate these gains in your life. You must know that SIN is like a rope that ties you to bondage. It is a magnet that draws you to the devil. It is the glue that attaches you to calamities. When you acknowledge that Christ was wounded for you and you receive His sacrifice of death on the cross, then you repent of your sins and receive SALVATION for your soul. This is the beginning of your victory and breakthrough in wisdom.
You may wish to know what is this "salvation" is all about. First you must be wise in knowing what it is not. (Acts 4 v 12).
1. It is not being religious without experiencing total cleansing and freedom from sin.
2. It is not about "fearing" God. Saying "I don't have idols," "I pray every morning." "I call the name of Jesus" and so on does not translate to salvation.
3. It is not about being generous or giving alms to the poor. The pharisees also gave alms but were condemned.
4. It is not about knowing how to fast and pray.
5. It is not about having dreams that come true. Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar and other wicked men in the Bible also had dreams that came to pass but were not saved.
6. It is not just being gentle and kind-hearted.
7. It is not having position in the church.
Indeed, there are different religions and denomination in this world, thousands and thousands of them. But it is not in religion or denomination that we can receive salvation from sin. It is in Jesus. (Remember Matthew 1 v 21). Only Jesus can save you from your sins. The reason you were not free from stealing, lying, fighting, adultery, anger, wrath, unforgiving spirit, hatred, murder, malice and other sins is because Jesus is not there in your life. As soon as you wisely recieve Jesus, you are saved from darkness to light, the tempter's power is broken over your life and sin has no more dominion on you. (Romans 6 v 14).
From the moment you sincerely repent of your sins and invite Jesus into your life, He immediately become your SAVIOUR and LORD. But that's not all. From the moment also, He becomes your LIBERATOR who liberates you from all bad habits and bondages; your HEALER, who takes away all your diseases and infirmities; your DELIVERER, who delivers you from every evil work; your PROTECTOR who protects you wherever you go; your PROVIDER, who supplies all your needs according to his riches in glory; and your PARTNER who continually guides you through ups and downs of life and also strengthens you for all-round victory.
What more shall we say? All things are yours in Christ Jesus. Meet the Saviour at the Cross, look into His wonderful face. Seek Him now; He will come to you and save you. He will fill you with His spiritual fullness. And if you are presently sick, distressed or burdened, you know that burdens are lifted at Calvary. By His stripes you are healed. His blood will never lose its power.
Let this special season make a different in your life. Recall the suffering of the one who was wounded for you. Reflect on His matchless love, and show your gratitude to Him by wisely dedicating or re-dedicating your life to Him. May His painful suffering, touching death and glorious resurrection not be in vain in your life. Amen.
Source: © CHRISTIAN WOMEN MIRROR Magazine.
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