DON'T STAY SILENT, DON'T STAY CALM, DON'T BACK OUT

The inspiration behind today's message is a song that says "i will not be silent, i will always worship you". Now in the song, it's about worship but i'm going to broaden it. If you think about it, some great men of God you see now have one story or the other on how they struggled with accepting their God given purpose or gifts because their body makeup in one way or the other made it seem impossible to fulfil it. Their minds may also have been what was in the way.

Benny Hinn's story is about him being a stutter and not being able to speak in public. Some other great preachers like Joseph Prince have the same story but now, this men have led many to Christ with their messages. Kenneth Hagin was bedridden for years and it was said that he won't live but then God healed him.
Has the devil made you believe you are handicapped to fulfill purpose or even to live? Has he made you feel like there's nothing good you have to offer or nothing good in you? God's word is there, the devil's lies as well. But you got to choose one to believe. The negative pressure may feel overwhelming but you have to understand that the creator knows what he put in you and he made you accordingly. When you are being told by God who is incharge of the race to run and it feels like something is saying "haha...what do you think you wanna do, you can't do it". I tell you, run faster because you are strong enough to and also believe God's got you and you will see how quick and wonderfully you reach the finish line regardless of the hurdles.
See this hurdles as a way of training to make you stronger and better, it doesnt matter who put them there, it doesnt matter if words people spoke to you put them there. Philipians 1 vs 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

It could be that you want to start a business, it could also be that you are at a point in your academic journey and you feel like backing out or you wanna give up or you feel having less is where you belong. Don't back out, keep looking up to Jesus for strength and direction to get you there.

You may have ran and fallen several times. You may even feel like you are not worthy to take on that mantle. It's you that God wants, yes you. The lies of the devil remain lies because God's truth always wins. You're are there already, don't back out, don't give up. Leave your understanding out of this because you may never understand how God is gonna do it but he will certainly. Proverbs 3 vs 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

It may be that you are believing God for something and it seems unrealistic to come to pass. God's got you and he never fails. He will do it for you as long as it's his plan for you and please know that his plan is the best.

Don't keep silent, don't keep calm, don't back out. Don't stop!

Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus because i know your strength is made perfect in my weaknesses. I am victorious because you are and i can do all things through you. Thank you for loving me. Amen

A TALE OF TWO HOUSES, WHICH IS YOURS? PART 2

Remember the story of the two ladies and their houses before they went for a vacation. And what happened after they came back.  Here is the part two and now we are about maintenance and repair. Brother Olumide Obatuyi and sister Toluwanimi Ibikunle have shared with us what ought to be done.

The  mind is what i would like to describe as the relay system of the entire body. It is the point between our external environment and the internal emviroment which is the spirit, which is one of the reasons why it is very sensitive. It picks every signal, every impulse, every beat sent to . As a relay system, it can pick every information directed towards it. 

From the story of the ladies that went on a vacation and the states in which they left their houses, we know it's important that we guard this relay system. The truth is, that in a world like ours where there's so much useful data and garbage data flowing everywhere, filtering this things can be almost impossible. Social media, radio stations, movies, the news and every other media outlets available. Now that we know its impossible to stay away from garbage without loosing touch of the important things on these platforms, we realise that we need a higher force, a superior power which is the Holy spirit. The one we can trust to make right all things. 

With this alliance, it is easier to win this continous battle for our mind. The next important step is conciously increasing the database of edifying information. Meditate on God's word, spend time with him. By this, the information formed behind the relay system stays positive. Build for your mind a beautiful database of the God kind of information and remember to flee from the non God kind of information because it's impossible to serve two masters. Yield to the holy spirit and purge yourselves of the negatives. 

It's beautiful living in a clean house, it's a more amazing experience with a clean house. For there is therefore no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus. In yielding to God's spirit and building the God kind of database, our minds are safe. 

SISTER TOLUWANIMI IBIKUNLE

First I must say that the entire write up is a particularly creative one. A creative write up impregnated with a vital message.

The power of the mind.

An entity no man has come very close to accurately defining but whose importance is particularly very central to the human life. 

Therefore, it is hardly surprising like you said, the bible’s insistence on it being continually renewed.

As a tripartite human (Body, Mind and Spirit), a lot depends on how a man designs the organogram of his life. A lot depends on which of the components takes driving seat. Little wonder, there’s a phrase called “Being LED by the Spirit” meaning being driven by the Spirit. 

For a Christian, a Spirit-led life is the recommended lifestyle. Reason is not far-fetched. The wisdom of God flows through the very drive of the Spirit in a man’s life.

The mind is a factory. An absolute chaos for a site (well except when ordered by the One who is Divine). 

Guard it jealously! Spiritually renew it religiously! 

BROTHER OLUMIDE OBATUYI

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In addition to and due to the fact that the contributions have covered majorly what needs to be known, I will be a bit selective of instances. My question to you is "Where does your focus lie?" Do you remember that God is your source and entirety when trials and temptations come or do you let them overwhelm your mind? Or when fear sets in and your mind is in state of unrest? Or when you feel doubtful? Once you realize who your entirety is, you will rest on and focus on the promises of God and this brings us to one of the reasons why you constantly need to renew your mind with the word of God, your faith is built up.  

Remember when Peter was walking on the sea, he lost focus and began to sink he let himself get carried away by the storm. But when he had his eyes on Jesus he wasn't sinking. Do you know that when you are facing trials and you have your eyes on Jesus, you can live happily above it and come out stronger and better. So let not your mind be troubled. 

 There is something that commonly affects a lot of people, this is words that other people say to them. Someone may say something hurtful to a person that goes a long way in attacking their self esteem which makes them question their abilities or who they are. The person's thoughts about the hurtful remark may linger and then as a result of constant exposure of their minds to them, The feelings of disbelief, anger, fears, resentment etc if allowed comes in and constant worry of whether they are good enough or not so the mind is constantly battling. 

We need to understand that the devil's lies are very unrealistic unless they are believed. 

  The devil tries to incorporate his lies into feelings to make one feel a certain way, the truth is; this feelings are deceptive they do not determine actual realities or results.  What actually makes this people succumb to what's being said about them isn't because it's true, it's because the lies have been meditated on that they eventually believe it. It's even worse when someone close to their hearts is responsible. As a result of the trust, it's easy to get hurt and it's easy to believe this lies. Even if it feels  true to you, let's say a weakness is pointed out, it doesn't limit what God is able to do with you or for you, it can't also limit you because you can live above it. God can work with it and make it a life changing story for other people who are brought to the knowledge of your story. Remember God's strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. 

Do you realise who you carry in you? Because when you focus on him, you will surely keep your head up!  2 peter 1 vs 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Hence, you are complete and have been made whole. Always remember God says you can or you are because he has sufficiently made you so.

  God's word says that he that began the good work in you will surely complete it. Forgive, keeping a grudge won't help the state of your mind. Forgive and move on. And if the source of this provocation requires you to stay away from them, do so.  As believers, our words should be seasoned with salts, that we may know how to talk to one another. Colosians 4 vs 6.

At the end of it all, the state of your mind is important, be conciously selective of the things you watch, listen to or think on. Meditate on the word of God regularly, its the light to your path. 

Guard your heart wth all deligence!

KEKENYE UBULOM

To get the full message of  "A tale of two houses", visit the part 1 of this message on the blog. God bless you

HOW IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD FARING FROM YOUR END?

Psalm 73vs 28; But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.

A relationship with God cannot be over emphasised. A lot of times we under rate it. A song writer says the holy spirit is more real than the air he breaths. It's the truth!

 A lot of people believe in the existence of God, they are Christians but it's difficult for them to accept the fact that God is actually near. Your relationship with God is based on how you see God. At this point i will ask, Who is God to you? Do you believe he is close as the bible says? Or as people testify? What is it that is hindering you from experiencing this closeness?
Have you ever felt so close to God at a point in your life then later something happens that makes it feel like God is completely far away? I mean, you concluded that when people say God is close, they are probably exaggerating it. Sometimes this can happen and then we end up keeping malice with God that it's difficult to hear him again, because we've driven him far away. God never left.
One could also unconciously keep him at a distance when they stop meditating or fellowshiping.

Just as other relationships with people needs you to spend more time with them to understand them and understand what they mean when they speak, thats how it is with God. You need to spend time with him. Just like relationships with people that requires you to be quiet sometimes to hear them speak, while spending time with God, you need to be quite for God to speak sometimes. Also, be opened to the fact that God can choose to speak to you through any means or anybody he chooses and at any time.

There are several things that can hinder us
from hearing from God. The most common is noise. There is just so much noise. Your life may just be so noisy that its difficult to actually hear when God speaks and when you go to the place of prayer, you would probably be doing most of the talking. It can be to the extent that you are just religiously talking and you are not even concious of what you are saying maybe because you believe prayer is all about you doing the talking. Imagine going on a date with someone you want to get to know and all they do is talk about themselves without giving you a chance to speak.
 Another noisy place is the mind. Sometimes, our minds are far more busy than we are physically busy.

Have you ever had a best friend? Like  a close friend you loved dearly and you felt you could completely trust? How were you two relating? How did they make you feel? Can you apply that in your relationship with God? When you have this kind of  a relationship with God, you do not necessarily need to go to the place of prayer before you can hear from him. He can just speak to you any where and anytime. God is always willing to speak but how you are opened to hear is important as well.
Please do not miss out on having this relationship with God, it is a privilege. It is so sweet and life saving. You may not realise it, but God is a total romantic! He can't actually help it😁.

Even the things you think are too absurd to talk about or ask, he wants to know about them. The amazing thing is, there is a twenty four hour access.

I don't know exactly what is stopping you from hearing from God or what it is you think is. if you can figure it out, do and pray concerning it and  if you can't, pray to him concerning it.

Study the word of God, it's the easiest and simplest way to hear from God. It's very precious.

 God's love amazes me a lot of times and his love is totally uncomparable. Go talk to your best friend
Acts 17 vs 27;
that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;

DON'T GET DISTRACTED

What are you focused on? A lot of people who are walking with God are not completely focused on him. They walk with God with their egos at the forefront, it may be a concious or subconcious act.

This is actually based on how one sees themselves and then their focus is shifted. They think they need something to hold on to and make them feel complete.
It can be noticed when they are serving God. What comes to their mind is; What do people think? Were they able to impress this people? Can their ego be boosted with this? Are they elevated before people's eyes by what they do? It's like using God to get approval from people or to get fame and some people don't know they are doing it.

 Don't get me wrong, it's different from when one is concerned about their works and if it reflects the righteousness of God, or how their works are able to change the heart of men and bring them to God.

As believers, our essence, existence, service and totality is in Christ. Hence, we should see our selves through Christ. That's how God sees us. We should understand that our service is to God and he sees the heart. If one's focus is based on what's on the outside, only what the eyes can see or what they think makes them complete outside Christ, once they are stripped off these things, they tend to crumble and their self esteem gets hit. For example, you are a good singer and then you wake up one morning and realise you are not able to sing anymore. What is going to be your reaction? What will you fall back on? Will you believe that you are complete?
Without those things you feel makes you who you are, will you still believe you are complete in Christ? Think about it.
These things don't actually complete you. They can be lost just as beauty fades and do not forget God always has a plan. It could also be that you think a human being is what makes you complete.
Galatians 2 vs 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Aside seeing our completeness in other things, we may be tempted to see ourselves through our imperfections and forget that God's strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. It is about seeing your self above every fleshy or physical imperfection and being focused on your perfection and identity in Christ. This is how we ought to see other people too. Colosians 2 vs 10 says; and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

You are valuable, you are loved. You don't need to seek out something to make you feel complete because you have already been made complete in Christ. You may lose something but you haven't lost your completeness. Have faith in this, be rightly focus and rest on the completeness that Christ has given to you.

A TALE OF TWO HOUSES, WHICH IS YOURS?

There were two friends named Joyce and Sandra who were set to go on a vacation outside the country after obtaining work leave. They were to spend three weeks in Atlanta, USA. Sandra and Joyce had separate houses they lived alone in.  Joyce granted permission to a friend who had a business to do in town to stay over at her house when she would be gone.

On the day of the trip, Joyce got to Sandra’s house as early as possible as she did not want to be late for their trip. When Joyce got to Sandra’s house, she realized Sandra had not yet packed for the trip. They had just two hours to get to the airport and the airport was 1 hour 30 mins from Sandra’s house. This left the two friends no other choice but to hurry as much as they could so they would meet up with time. They eventually got to the airport, almost late but were able to catch up.

As a result of rushing to the airport, Sandra had forgotten to close her windows and her back door (she wasn’t even aware of this) and it was raining season. She lived alone, so no one was able to help. Joyce did not have the same issue. She made sure her windows were properly closed, her doors as well and Joyce also had a friend who was to come stay at her place while she was gone.  That evening, it rained so heavily and the rained leaked into Sandra’s house especially the sitting room which was the most exposed. The furniture was soaked, the entire house as well, everywhere was quite a mess. The next day in the afternoon, the sun shone and Sandra’s house was aired, only to a small extent though. Joyce's house windows were opened at the right time by her friend who came to stay and was locked when the rain came.

For three weeks, rain leaked into Sandra’s house. By the time she came back, she was shocked and devastated by what had happened. Her furniture, even if it was aired those afternoons by the sun that shone into the room was damaged as a result of the continuous exposure to rain and it got worse. Some of her properties were swept away by the rain because the house was a bit flooded too. Her house was half empty as a result and her furniture was damaged. The power source was cut off because the rain destroyed the entire wiring of the house, everywhere was dark and cold.

Now, this story is not to scare anyone but it can be applied to our minds and this is to show how the mind works. Joyce’s house is the mind that has a lock (control) over it, it is selective of what it allows in and as a result, this mind is sound. The individual with this mind grows progressively as a result of their mindset. Let’s say the happened to be a day that Joyce’s friend forgot to close the windows and it rained into the house, she would air the wet furniture after the event and would learn her lesson then close the windows next time it rains. A sound mind may on one or two occasions may let in inappropriate thoughts, but is conscious enough to shut down these thoughts when it realizes itself and then allow only positive thoughts (positive thought has a way of airing out bad thoughts too). Sandra’s house, this mind has experienced letting in inappropriate thoughts, but as a result of lack of control or continuous exposure or the ‘’untrue good feeling’’ it brings, these thoughts keep coming in. Please note that inappropriate thoughts include lustful thoughts, fears, worries, anger or grudge, negative thoughts, etc. When these thoughts keep coming in without being filtered out, this mind is weakened progressively (for the medics, you would say it’s like a chronic disease but some experiences may not require it to be chronic though). This mind may get flooded with the negative thoughts and as a result suppress the prior positive mindset of the individual and then weaken their minds. The furniture in Sandra’s house got damaged and the house cannot function properly or be used. The individual with this mindset may become inactive as a result of a poor mindset. The individual is likely not to utilize their full potential as well for one reason or the other which may be as a result of disbelief in themselves.

Even if the exposed house did not have rain leak inside, the fact that it was opened to anything means it was opened to any stray animal or persons or even to thieves. When a mind is not controlled or exposed, stray thoughts as a result of wondering can come in and can dwell when the individual allows it. The exposed mind can become cold as a result of continuous exposure to these thoughts and just as the exposed house is after the power source is cut off, the individual becomes depressed and withdrawn.

This brings us to where the bible says we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds in Romans 12 verse 2. The mind affects the working or functioning of an individual. What the mind feeds on determines an individual’s personality. We as believers have perfect spirits but we require a continuously renewed mind. What do you think on? Are you letting yourself get burdened? Do you feel you are in bondage of your thoughts? Do not be afraid, it’s never too let to fix all of this. What’s very important is your determination and willingness to let go of this thoughts. Some thoughts may not be bad per say but are inappropriate because they eventually become burdensome. Example, when you are concerned about having a life partner that it begins to bother you every day and drive you to desperation at your own risk or you become so distracted that you are more focused about looking for a life partner in everybody that crosses your path than in pursuing what’s more important at the moment. Or being very concerned about the future that you forget to live in the present. These are important matters but it’s good that when you think about them, you pray about it, trust God and let it go while following God’s plan for your life. Next week, we will discuss fixing the exposed house and precautions to not become like the exposed house and contributions will be gotten from selected people regarding this issue.

You can also leave your contributions in the comment section on how you overcame the mind battle or your concerns regarding this.

Thank you and have a great week.

ACTIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD PART 2

Hello, I will love to assume you have read Galatians 3. This is a basic study of the remaining verses and other bible passages will come in for better understanding.

One way we can neglect the gift of God which he promised and he has kept this promise is when we choose to live by the law. One reason to decide to live by the law is unbelief in the gift of Christ to us, unbelief in the gift of righteousness by faith and rather believing righteousness comes by works. Ephesians 2:8-10a says for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. One thing about believing your works justifies you is that when you make mistakes, you begin to work so hard with the aim of pleasing God to erase them and then you unconsciously are blinded and can’t see that Christ paid the entire debt (past, present and future). After trying to justify yourself by your works, you realize that’s it’s not enough and then you can’t forgive yourself because you feel you’ve not been forgiven when the truth is that you’ve been forgiven already! When you can’t forgive yourself, the process continues and then you begin to feel unworthy to come before God’s presence and then you live miserably. If you read the book of Leviticus, you will realize how much effort, detail and time where made to sacrifice different animals to cleanse man. As decribed in Leviticus, with all the sacrifices done (not performed just anyhow, but very detailed and carried out with so much instructions). I was wondering "and this was never enough?". The best of the animals were sacrificed. The rules and regulations put in place for living were highly selected and man was punished for even the slightest mistake made.

 The law was given by God through Moses as a result of man’s transgressions. Hebrews 10 vs 1 ''The law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. For this reason, it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near’’. Verse 3 of this same chapter goes on to say that this sacrifices were an annual reminder of sins. Hebrews 7 vs 18-19 says ’’The former regulation was set aside because it was weak and useless. Verse 19 says ‘’for the law made nothing perfect, and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God’’.

From all this bible passages, it is evident that God knew man couldn’t save himself by his works. The sacrifices of animals couldn’t perfectly and permanently save man either. He knew that only him(God) was perfect enough to save man once and for all(what manner of love). Read John 1 vs 1 and verse 14.  Hebrews 1 vs 3a  says ‘’The son is the radiance of God’s Glory and the exact representation of his being.’’  Christ is God that came in our form to die for our sins. Hebrews 10 vs 10 ‘’And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE for ALL’’.  Verse 14 of Hebrews 10 goes on to say "For by one sacrifice he has made perfect FOREVER those who are being made holy’’. Unlike the annual sacrifices a perfect one was offered once and for all to perfectly and permanently cleanse us. 

Someone may now ask "Does it mean a believer should go on sinning because his sins have been covered for?’’ Romans 10 vs 17 says ‘’Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ’’. For one to have believed, they must have heard the message, had an understanding of the person of Christ and of his finished works. They should know they have a new nature, the sinful nature is gone. Once, a person receives Christ, he receives the Spirit of God that quickens him unto righteousness and he must yield to God's spirit. Hebrews 10 vs 16 says the laws of God will be put in our heart and written in our hearts. Before, this righteousness was being seek for but now it is what you are. The bible calls us the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. With this revelation, a believer can’t be a sinner because his/her name and status has been changed. Sinning is no longer your nature. God doesn’t know you any longer as a sinner, he sees you in Christ’s covering, he sees you as perfection because an exchange has been made and old things are passed away.

Another person may ask ‘’What do you then do when you find yourself doing what a righteous person should not do?’’. First of all, it’s important to fully understand that Christ has paid the price for your sins that even when you make mistakes, you understand that you can’t perform any more sacrifices because you were cleansed once and for all and you remain clean. You should understand that your cleansing was in Christ and only him can help you. Hence, look up to Christ. The spirit of God is always willing to guide us and it’s important to yield to God’s spirit at work in you. Be willing to his spirit and soon you will only hear the voice of God. The spirit of God reminds you of your nature when you are going out of line (note that he doesn’t condemn you but he disapproves). The word of God is more than efficient to renew our minds and when our minds are renewed, our thinking is renewed and then our actions. Meditate on, study and proclaim the word over your life. The word of God doesn’t go unaccomplished.
When one recently accepts Christ into their lives, they are righteous but coming into the full knowledge of who you are and what you have in Christ is a process that you must be committed to, majorly by studying the word of God. Proverbs 4 verse 18 says'' The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day''.

Finally, trust in the finish works of Christ. Understand what your nature is all about and know that God doesn’t see you as a sinner regardless and that the righteousness of God is at work in you.

Verse 27 of Galatians 3 says that we are being baptized into Christ, it means we are being initiated into the totality of Christ. Being seen as Christ, there is no more differentiation regardless of race, tribe or gender. We all are joint and equal heirs with Christ in the kingdom

The purpose of this is to help you understand what Christ has done so you can willingly accept a relationship and partnership with God. God bless you!

ACTIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD PART 1

Happy new year everyone, i'm so excited about this new year and for everything God has in store in us.

Today, we study mainly the book of Galatians chapter three (3) and the first four verses for part 1 of this message but subsequently, other reference bible passages will come in. I encourage you to look up the bible passages.

As believers, partnership with God is inevitable. We are now in partnership with God. Christ came and died, he resurrected victoriously to crush that hedge and make us sons who work in partnership with God. Once we've accepted Christ into our lives, we receive the Holy spirit and we no longer walk by ourselves but with the Holy spirit.The reason for the person of the Holy spirit, aside other things is to be our guide. He guides us into understanding God's word and how to work by it and he reveals to us his will. The Holy spirit guides us into the revelation of the person of Christ (when you seek to know Christ, you seek to know more of who you are. If you are not living up to that, by the working of the spirit you are consciously made to live up to that revelation).

Maybe it has happened that in our walk with God. When the tides comes, we loose focus of the companionship of the Holy spirit. The truth is, the Holy spirit is the person you need when everything seems to be going wrong or out of place, when it feels like you are loosing focus or when you feel like involving him may waste your time concerning a particular matter. If you feel you are loosing focus and the Holy spirit is kept away, you tend to loose focus more because he is actually the guide you need. You may know the path that you should walk in but if you do not know how you should walk, you walk blindly and will never really get to your destination. At a point, diversion may occur to a totally wrong path.

Sometimes, we want to validate that the way we do our things are more proper, especially when it comes to our own efforts. When we are immersed in this thinking, we tend to disregard the spirit of God. Or it could happen that the spirit of God has given us focus on how to go about something but our self validation on how it should be done comes to play and we end up beating around the bush before, eventually getting to the destination.  Afterwards, frustration comes in because we tend to struggle. God wants a partnership and wants to do things with us but sometimes doing it by ourselves is the only way it makes sense to us.

One way in which the spirit of God guides us is by teaching us. Many people do not love the process of being taught because it involves correction which may be intense at times and it may involve taking a step at a time or those who allow themselves to be taught do not take note and are not observant, they are just passive learners. When we actively partner with God, we tend to be very alert and then we have a revelation of what God wants to do next. I'ts possible that as a passive learner, you may not be alert to know when God wants to involve you in something or even when it is laid out clearly, you may not see it and even when seen, you choose to ignore. Life is much easier and more peaceful when you partner with God.

Human intelligence is good but it is limited. When you are led by the spirit of God, you will have insight that human intelligence cannot grant. People who have experienced this can testify.

Hence, when walking with God, be an active learner not a passive learner.
Finally, you should ask yourself this ''Am i actively or passively walking with God?''.

By next week, we will continue from here with the part two of this message.

OUR CONFIDENCE IN GOD

OUR CONFIDENCE IN GOD

Hello. Happy new year to you as this is my first post this year. It's a fruitful year for us all.

PSALM 23 (NIV)
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

A shepherd is someone who guides a fleet of sheeps, A shepherd protects his sheep from adversaries, He guides his sheep on the right path, provides for his sheep and disciplines his sheep when necessary. The context shepherd is used here because in relation with the sheep, it gives a good understanding of the confidence we have in God. The shepherd makes provision for the sheep that the sheep only has to trust and follow(obey) him to enjoy this provision, The sheep knows the voice of the shepherd. When the shepherd does all of this, the sheep isn't in want. The shepherd also fights away predators and thieves to protect his sheep. A sheep is of major priority to the shepherd. The shepherd works and also guides his sheep to make his sheep productive. The shepherd sheep relationship in this scripture shows a very deep bond.

In regards to verse 2, green pasture signifies abundance, riches, flourishing, good health and growth. There is a term there i want you to note "he makes me to LIE down in green pastures". The shepherd makes the sheep to be at rest in abundance, in good health and the shepherd feeding the sheep with good pasture enables it to grow. There is a difference between being in rest and being in unrest. There was a point in my life, that when I had to write exams I would be so nervous during preparation till I got to exams hall, mostly due to the notion I got about my course and scare from lecturers. As a result of anxiety, I would forget what I read, I prepared so hard for this exams. It got to a point that I failed a course because I was anxious and forgot everything. But now, I would have an exam, even those that are announced late and I have few days to prepare, I'm usually in my most chilled mood as i prepare and then it's all good in the exams hall and my results thereafter. The first case is unrest and the second is me doing everything from a point of rest and trusting God. Verse 2b says "he leads me besides still waters". I see a lot of movies where people who are hurt, in pain and worry go to the beach for a sense of calm and quiet. The waves, the water, the cool breeze and the beautiful sunlight of the ocean is calming. What I'm getting at is God leads us in a path of stillness and peace and we ought to see i..

Accepting Christ into your life as a believer restores your soul, renews your mind and you are alive in the spirit in Christ, the journey is between you and God, He holds your hands to show you the path to follow, you become a new person and as a result God leads you in that path of righteousness. He renews you from the inside out. 
1 John 4 vs 4 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world". As Christians we've overcome the world, we don't have to do anything the world's way but we do it according to who we are, the righteousness of God, working in the spirit.

Verse 4 can be understood as well with the above scripture. John 6 vs 33 also reads "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
The advantage we have in Christ is that no matter the trails and temptations we face, walking through the valley of the shadow of death, we ought not to fear, because we are over comers. God is an aggressive shepherd willing to fight for his sheep. In fact, the scriptures above says we've already over come, we come out stronger and victorious. God doesn't want you hurt and even when you go through trials and you overcome victoriously, you also realize how much you've grown from it. God is always with us and we must have confidence in that, that's why when you are going through trails and you decide to trust God, you are at peace and things always fall in place. Fear is a tool that blinds us from seeing who we are and what we have and what God has done. You know if a sheep doesn't trust the shepherd, It's risky. For instance, a predator comes and the sheep decides to run from the shepherd's protection as result of fear and distrust in whom there's an assurance of safety to seek for its own safety that it won't find,. The sheep has been blinded by fear and can't think straight. The predator may take advantage of the situation because this sheep doesn't know what it has. God not only is he with you but he lives in you.

 A rod used by a shepherd is more like to keep them in the right tract, discipline, correct the sheep and fight away predators but here the rod used in this context emphasizes more on correction and discipline. God's word is our rod of discipline and correction (2 Timothy 3 vs 16), and this discipline is comforting to us (Thy rod and thy staff they COMFORT me) because it's all done in love. God is the father of Spirits and he disciplines us in the spirit (Hebrews 12 vs 9), he will not inflict anything on our flesh as a form of discipline. A staff is a symbol of authority, it shows kingship and lordship. God is the King of kings and the lord of  lords and as heirs, we share in this royalty.

In the midst of trails, God has made a way and that's the table he sets in the presence of our enemies ( trials, troubles, foes etc.)

Before we were formed,  God already knew us and what he wanted us to be. We've been anointed before hand. In abundance of grace that this overflows and we have more than enough for any time or moment.

God's goodness and mercy follows us wherever we go, it doesn't get exhausted. His love embraces us all the time. And having received Christ, we have become his temple, he dwells in us, and this is eternal. He lives in us and we in him.
Hallelujah!