NOW AND AFTER

There is a popular song with this lyrics ‘vanity upon vanity, the bible records it so, living a life without Jesus is vanity upon vanity’. The person reading this may be saved but have you ever pondered about the fate of the people who haven’t heard about God? Who don’t believe in Jesus? 

I’m currently on the book of Ecclesiastes, the writer was someone who wanted to experience ‘the best’ of life because he thought he would find satisfaction in that, after experiencing life, he came to the conclusion that everything has an end and there’s really nothing about life. What inspired  this post is chapter 2. I highly recommend that you read it. Its very interesting. Notably, verse 1 of Ecclesiastes chapter 2 says,  “i said to myself; come now, i will test you with pleasure to find out what is good. But that proves to be meaningless”. The writer expressed further how he built houses, planted vineyards, ruled a kingdom and did a whole lot of other things but he still didn’t find satisfaction in them.

Don’t get me wrong, a believer is meant to live life experiencing heaven on earth, enjoying his/her inheritance in Christ till God calls them home. However, we shouldn’t forget that the life we live here, we live for God and not for ourselves and it can only be meaningful when we focus on the assignment he gave to every believer, the great commission, which is to make Christ known and bring men to salvation, Mathew 28 vs 18-20. Without doing this, we live on earth in vain. We have eternal life, but have you ever thought of where the unbeliever who is your friend, neighbor, parent, colleague would go after they die? Even before death, shouldn’t they enjoy the good things you enjoy in Christ? This is a big deal, the biggest deal.

Don’t let pride or what I term “passive pride” (shyness, being an introvert etc) or any other thing stop you from saving a life. 

HOW TO TRULY NAVIGATE LIFE

​Genesis chapter 12 is a story most Christians are familiar with. God tells Abraham to pack up and go to a land that he would show him. I doubt Abraham knew where he was going to. Sometimes, I wonder how Abraham felt about moving; packing, the road journey, change of environment, new people etc. 

The good thing about this is, God had made promises to him, to order his steps and bless him abundantly in the process. God promised to give him and his descendants the land he was moving to. 

Perhaps, you’ve found yourself in a situation where God was telling you to do something but you don’t think you know your way around it. Or, you wanted to go to or move to a certain place but it didn’t just work out and then you look at the other place God is leading you to and it doesn’t look promising. Maybe, it’s just plainly about going to a particular place, starting a new job, a business and you wonder what the future holds for you there, if you have what it takes.

It could be about the need to fit into your generation.Things are changing so fast, so many trends and you wonder which is yours to follow. Sometimes you feel you are not in the right frame of mind to handle them all. 

Can you recall in Mathew 7 vs 25-27 where Jesus said we shouldn’t worry about what we are going to eat or wear. The birds of the air and the lilies, God tends to them. How much more us! He said even the hairs on your head are numbered. 

God made a promise to Abraham and he kept it. 

I wonder how Paul felt, he killed many Christians in the past and suddenly, he became one of them. Paul feared he would not be accepted by the other believers. Even though the believers had their doubts about him initially, God’s love was already in their hearts and they saw what God saw about him and accepted him. Paul went ahead to do great and mighty things in the name of Jesus and wrote the epistles.

We are children of God who carry the fullness of God. My last statement is regardless of the last thing you did before reading it. God has made us light in a dark world. We were not made to navigate this life without God or on our own. We are God’s utmost priority. His timing is different from ours. What we need to do is to let the Holy Spirit lead us so that in each season of our lives we know exactly what God’s plans are for us. This begins by you making God a priority in your life and not just a part of your life. Let God be the center of your living. God needs our obedience and trust as we navigate life with him. Life can only be fulfilling with God. 

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.