ENVELOPED BY GOD'S PRESENCE

 Our text is from Exodus 40 vs 34-38. This passage describes deeply how God cared for the Israelites when they left Egypt.

God was very intentional that he wanted them to be aware of and confident in the love he had for them. God's presence was a cloud to the Israelites in the day time and fire to them at night. God's presence was with them everywhere they went.

Have you ever thought? if God was this intentional about the Israelites, how much more for the new testament believer whom God fully dwells in. Truth is we are not concious of the presence of God in our lives because we don't value the gift of the Holyspirit God has given to us. We've made it an ordinary thing. Value is evident on how much audience you give to the Holyspirit. 

Have you ever imagined what your life would look life if you gave value to the gift of the Holyspirit who is the presence of God in your life. You would understand how much God cares about you when you begin to allow the voice of the Holyspirit prevail in your daily living. 

God has and will always go extra miles to show us how much he loves us, don't get too distracted or carried away with life that you don't notice his love expressions.

BUILD YOUR SPIRITUAL HOUSE

 There is an automatic translation that occurs when we accept Christ into our lives. A believer is different person, a new creation. Hence, there is a value now attached to the believer that's why 1 Peter describes us as precious. When a diamond is discovered, it is cut and modified into something so thats its value would be appreciated. A believer described in this bible passage as a living stone undergoes a process of growth with guidance by the Holyspirit and with consistency those stones put together will become a spiritual house. Christ is the chief corner stone of this building.

When we grow in God, we are able to embrace the priesthood God has called us into, It's also easier to yield and accept God's calling in our lives. We are called to serve in one capacity or the other and this service we render is our sacrifice to God which is pleasing to him. Our service brings others to Christ, helps others to grow spiritually and God is able to love other people through us. When we are saved, we are called to serve and when we don't serve, a lot of people are deprived of the benefits our service would have brought to them. It pleases God when we make ourselves available for service.

A believer is different from the unbeliever, the bible also refers to them as sinners because they have rejected the gift of salvation. The life that a believer has been called into would always be offensive to the unbeliever, knowing this, we are not to conform to the world. It's a privilege to be chosen by God to be his own. The life we've been chosen to live is that of proclamation of the excellencies of God, an exemplary life because just by the way we live people can be moved to change. So, no matter how much offense we face in the world, our response and reactions to them should glorify God (put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and all slander- 1 Peter 1 vs 1). 

LIVING IN LIGHT

 For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God - Romans 8 vs 14.

The same chapter also states that we no longer live according to the flesh but according  to the spirit.

The bible says that as we have received the goodnews and accepted Christ, we ought to live according to the message we received, Colosians 2 vs 6-7. One could relate it to going to a new country, the rules and regulations may be different from where you came from but you have to live accordingly. 

There may be times in our lives that we get carried away with life and we fall of living in the spirit. Perhaps, life became so busy, a lot of demands or expectations here and there. Maybe you moved  to a new place with new people and adjusting is confusing and difficult or one gets overly excited that irrationality comes in to play. Sometimes, it could just be the pressure of changing who you are or certain things about you just so you can fit in. It could also be someone facing difficult times and they result to getting farther from living the life they were called to live. Life may not even have to be dramatic for this to happen, one may become too relaxed that concious effort to grow their relationship with God becomes difficult.

Something that seemed harmless at first may be a significant compromise and one may not know. Later, when the consequences come, one realizes it was actually a big deal in the spirit.

For in him we live, and move, and exist- Acts 17:28. Our lives should be Christ centered,  this way we can walk in accordance with the will of God for our lives rather than living life to satisfy our own selves. Making Christ the center of our life is making him a priority and it's something to be intentional about. There's something called Christ consciousness. Just as we are intentional about the people we love, the food we eat or things we love to do. We go extra miles to keep these things running in our lives or extra miles for the people we love. It's not that we are trying to prove a point by doing these things, it's because we place these people or these things as priorities. 

When we walk in the spirit, we live in light and not in darkness, we do not live blindly. Walking in the spirit affects our life choices positively because God is heavily involved. Walking in the spirit is walking in knowledge and insight and not in ignorance. Something may seem right but it's not what God wants you to do or where God wants you to be and you can decern this because you are walking in the spirit. It could even be  discernment about the people who come in and out of your life. You are also not ignorant of the schemes of the devil and you dont fall for it. For example, the devil's scheme which could come through anger one holds on to or unforgiveness, the Holy spirit immediately makes them aware.

 When someone walks blindly it's easier to be drawn away by the vain philosophies of men and live as the world lives (Colossians 2 vs 8). When we live blindly, we become ignorant of and we dont enjoy the realities we have in Christ Jesus. Keep that relationship with God growing with constant fellowship in word, prayer and gathering with the saints.

God loves you!

PSALM 27, THE WORD GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE

Has there been a time in your life you were so afraid that you felt it was the scariest moment you've ever experienced. You felt helpless but God came and turned that situation around to favour you. This psalm describes being in the most difficult and dreadful situations and still trusting God, believing and knowing how mighty he is to protect and deliver us.

Do you know that Jesus paid heavily for you on the cross? A lot of people don't understand what Jesus did. They know he died for us but can't say why he did and what benefits we have from this. Do you know what Jesus's resurrection means to you as a person? This is the most valuable thing anyone could ever do for you.

God is the light we have as in salvation that some people who haven't accepted Christ Jesus to be their Lord and saviour need. He is the light we have to live and walk in righteousness. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness, so we need not fear or be afraid.

God loves us so much that even when situations present themselves he wants you to know that he is in it with you more than you could ever imagine. He already won over your life so Satan can't win. God wants you to trust him in times like that. God wants you to call upon him at anytime. Our hearts ought not to fear whether it's a spiritual or physical warfare.

We have the fullness of God in us, he lives in us and hence we've become beautiful like God. You should know that you are hidden in Christ in God. You are one with God and cannot be shaken. Hold your head high because your confidence is in God. He is the author of your life. God is behind our existence so, we have to carry the consciousness of Christ in us always. 

Desire to know God every day by spending time with him that you may grow spiritually. One thing about growing spiritually is that you know who God is and his ways. You will also have the word of God in your spirit and then you can fully understand your place as a child of God.

Finally, often times we fear, imagine and expect bad situations to happen or for things to get worse. Maybe there is a trigger for this feelings, maybe there isn't but as God's child, expect or look forward to good things happening to you in the land of the living. Don’t judge your situations by the stories you've heard but by the powerful word of God. Take courage in God. 

WORDS LIKE ARROWS

 I had a dream once, I was walking in a small street with my sister, we were happily strolling when people came out of no where and began to throw arrows at us. 

I dodged these arrows but one hit me on my chest, pierced it.  I should have fallen to the ground at that time but I held myself from falling, the arrow was trying to go deeper but I didn't let it, not with my hands but my mind and it was intentional.

 I woke up from that dream a bit sweaty. I calmed myself and began to pray, a prayer confessing I have overcome the devil by the reason of the death and resurrection of Christ, which is true. Then God told me something, he said "You see how much you refused to let that arrow have it's way, even after you were pierced by it. You even confessed my word as my child, a overcomer when you woke up. I want you to be that way with bad words people are going to throw at you, refuse to accept nasty, provocative and negative words. Dont let it pull you down, make you afraid or feel less. Whatever is not my word concerning you cannot stand, even if it sounds true to your canal mind or your intellect analyses it and it seems real. My everlasting words and plans concerning and over you is the only TRUTH and my words nullifies every other. 

I was amazed how ABBA could use that dream to teach me that, i value this lesson so much that I have to put it here, this is God also speaking to you. It's easy to get hurt by words people say, sometimes it's not even the words but it hurts more because it may be from someone we love or hold dearly, maybe someone we hold in high esteem. But then, you were made by the word of God, which is your truth. Regardless of who says these words, dont let it pierce through or have it's way because it's counterfeit. Rather, hold on to your truth which is the word of God. 

HOW MY LIFE CHANGED

 I had already written something else I wanted to post today. Nothing was wrong with it, but I just felt deep down in my spirit that there was probably something else God wanted me to post, All of today, I had no idea what it was but I waited for it and it came.

It's strength for me to say this here but I feel it's gonna be an inspiration to other people. There was a time in my life I carried so much burden. This was as a result of what was happening mostly at that time, that was the time of my life I felt unhappy the most. It seemed like things weren't just working the way I had planned and expected them to. It was as if there was no direction at all. I was just jumping on options to see what would work out for me. I wasn't getting into school with my mates, I spent at about two years waiting and this two years, the problem wasn't even with my result or anything and this was most painful for me. It just happened that way. I wasn't accepted into school the first year and then the second year, there was a mistake in my result so I was just automatically rejected. Other things were just happening as if they had all planned to happen at once. There was also a time I ignorantly chose to magnify  insecurities I had about myself. Anger, resentment etc was built up for some reason I dont know and I just kind of felt heavy at heart.

Back then, I would say I had no relationship with God, I was just religious (Romans 10 vs 2; For I testify that they have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge). I didn't understand what it meant to be forgiven by God as I still carried the burden of what I had done in the past around, I basically let myself be defined by them. The people I surrounded myself with during this time and shortly after most times never spoke good to me, more like mean or judgemental words. It was very hurtful because I was nice so I expected everyone to be like me or reciprocate that. I had a need to want to belong somewhere even when I knew I was different. I lived life to gain approval and impress God and people. Society may say going through tough times like this doesn't require God's intervention. I feel they say that out of their wrong notion of God and how deep religion has clouded their judgement but I must say that having a relationship with God changed my life (Philippians 3 verse 10). It's funny because God led me to know him mysteriously.

I wasn't sure I was saved then but when I got a revelation of who God is, I became sure of my salvation. I experienced God’s love deeply that sometimes I was marvelled of the length God would go for me. I went through series of intense teaching from God that I submitted myself to, I wouldn't say it was easy but God is a loving and patient coach. I didn't have to live life lonely or do things alone any longer because I felt God was with me every step of the way, even if I was alone in a room, I didn't feel lonely. I voiced out my deepest concerns and fears to God without holding back. I accepted the happiness God offered, yes God offers happiness but it's our choice to accept it and live it. I saw things differently and I was able to embrace God's purpose for my life and walk in it. Accepting God's purpose helped me see that whatever stage I reach in life based on the world's standard, I mean academically, career wise, dreams etc. Is important, useful and valuable for life on earth (which I'm not against) but it's not what really matters. It's the work that God has called me to do that matters the most because this work is what's going to be tested and tried by God (1 Corinthians 3 verse 13). Our works are what we will leave the earth with, this work is what will make my father's business to be a success which is reaching the ends of the earth with the gospel and the love of God, in order to call unto God as many as possible. Infact, taking your calling/purpose personal is what love really is because you are adding to the body of Christ.

My perspective about life has changed, things that scared me before do not scare me anymore because nothing that happens here on earth defines who I am. My identity is in Christ and my life is Christ centered. God wants us to endeavour to continually be at rest (living life knowing that God has made everything available to you). God’s love is the greatest sweetest form of love ever. I dont know what notion it is you have about God but if it's anything that doesn't present God as the author of love then it's a wrong notion. 

Tough times still come, trails and temptations present themselves and as long as we are in this world, we can't avoid them. But I overcome them knowing that i'm not alone and they don't define me. 

I encourage you to have a personal relationship with Christ, if want to do this and you feel you want support or guidance please send an email to kekenyeubulom@gmail.com. 

THE THING ABOUT THROWING STONES

There was a woman who was brought to Jesus, charged with adultery. Her accusers wanted her stoned to death. I was excited at how Jesus showed mercy to her, I mean he forgave her sins but I learnt another lesson from this.

Jesus went ahead to ask about her accusers after he replied to them to throw stones at her if they had not sinned before. They were all gone because none of them could throw a stone at her, they were not perfect. At the time she was caught in adultery, they were eager to throw stones at her, her imperfections were magnified that they couldn't see they had gone astray before.

Jesus' response is a big lesson for us all. Some of us may have attempted to throw stones at other people at a slight display of imperfections from their parts, especially those people we expect so much from. An example would be fellow believers whom we expect to do better in lifestyles and character. Sometimes, we believers may do things that aren't our nature-like, but God doesn't see us through the lens of our offences, he sees us through Christ, he sees us as his righteousness. He's forgiven you of all your sins, he forgave you ahead. So why don't you see others how God sees them? You can do that because you have God in you. You have the love of God in you, an unconditional love spread abroad in your heart to reach out to other people.

We are not to select whom to love or be good to. Sometimes, it's possible to unconsciously select who qualifies for your love because we've already judged. Even before actually getting to know somebody, it's possible to look at them and make judgements or from things you've heard about them.

Don't get it wrong, because you are not to judge others doesn't mean you can't correct or call out people when they go astray. When you do things not in sync with your nature, God corrects you in love. He doesn't condemn you. God is firm but gentle. He wants you to follow the right paths. This is how you should correct people. If you can't confidently correct or call out a person for their mistakes, don't talk behind them or put them down before others, it will only make these people see them the way you've made them to be. Even before correcting, how is your heart towards them, are you already throwing stones in your mind? If so, you need to listen to what God is saying to you at that moment. Let the Holy Spirit lead you not your ego, self righteousness or you may need to drop it. Because you have the liberty to correct does mean you hold a microscope observing every move of a person for a fall. Be more focused on showing love than spotting wrongdoings.

Jesus did correct that woman, but did you notice how he did it?

John 8 vs 10 -11 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Mathew 18 vs 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Ephesians 4 vs 2 With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Hebrews 12 vs 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR BODY

           

God does not only care about our spiritual wellbeing, he cares about our bodies and minds as well. A reason why he told us to renew our minds regularly with his word that we may attain growth and bear fruits. My focus today is to make you understand that Jesus cares about your body very much. He wants you well, he wants you whole. 
Jesus wants you to experience miracles in other areas of your life too.

Jesus was so passionate about making people well in their bodies. He went about healing the sick and raising the dead. He travelled far and wide to heal/deliver people. Even when he wasn't where the sick was, he made pronouncements and they were well. Miracles are a part of the goodnews that Jesus brought to us, most times we have made up our minds that miracles can't happen to us for one reason or the other and wonder why other people experience it and we don't. You need the right mindset and the right attitude towards Christ which is; he wants you well and he is intentional about you. Yes, having faith in Christ is very important and we are not to base our minds on what we feel or see.

There are two things I want you to gain from John 6, Jesus sat five thousand people down to feed them after the crowd followed him around most of the day. Jesus was sensitive to know they would have been tired and hungry. The first thing to gain is, know when your body needs rest to rest and when it needs care to care for it. Secondly, He had five loaves of bread and two fishes in a basket, Jesus raised the basket and thanked the father without a doubt that those people will be fed. The spirit of God, the working power of God was at work through Jesus while he was on earth. Jesus knew the fullness of God was in him. When we accept Christ into our lives, the fullness of God lives in us. Colosians 1 verse 19 for God in his fullness was pleased to live in Christ”.  Colosians 2 vs 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

We are capable of doing what Jesus did and even greater works because the fullness of God is in us. We are sons of God and it's through us that he works his power on earth. Ephesians 1 verse 19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realm.

John 14 verse 12  I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

John 6 vs 29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” Mathew 17 verse 20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

It's okay if faith is a walk for you right now, God is with you through those steps and he will constantly reveal things to you. Be intentional about it and depend on the Holyspirit to reveal the truth to you because what you know matters, most times it's not knowing the right things that stands in the way. God wants you well and you can pray for your self to get well.

Look beyond your symptoms, and believe you are healed. There was a time I had a fever, I  claimed my healing the instant I felt it, minutes later I got better. It came back the next day though, more serious. I refused succumb to it, i claimed my healing and went about my day. At a point I chose to rest because I hadn't rested the entire day, and i didn't stop believing i was healed. Later in the day, i got up regardless of how I felt and that was the end of it. 

There was a time as a child that I developed a painful red swelling on my body, I was taken to the hospital. After examining me, the doctor told my older sister who was stood in as a guardian that if I didn't get better, he would have to do a surgery. He told us to pray that I got better and wouldn't need that surgery after which he gave me a medicine, I can't recall what type. To have a surgery with the location of the swelling wasn't so good. The swelling was really painful that it affected my movement. My family must have prayed, I can't remember saying a personal prayer. After a while, I got better and was completely healed. I remember not completing my medication, I left a lot of it behind because I played with the drugs, I threw them ignorantly in the air like little balls. This testimony is to show you how intentional God is about healing us even when we are not aware. If I was to be left alone with the drugs I abused I probably would have had a surgery but God intervened.