What Is Happening In France?

Over two hundred churches attacked in France in the past two years, twenty of them burned to the ground. And now Notre Dame… what on earth is happening in France?

I was channel surfing last month when I caught the tail end of a news report: Notre Dame was on fire. I couldn’t believe it! Memories of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Aristocats, Ratatouille, and The Three Musketeers all surfaced as I watched the news report. How on earth did a building as long-standing and well-known as this simply go up in flames?

My mind started spinning with possible reasons for the fire such as arson, a terrorist attack, or faulty wiring. The building is over 800 years old, maybe some old wiring sparked and caused the fire. However, according to Benjamin Mouton who served as Chief Architect of Historic Monuments in France, this cannot be the case. All electrical wiring of Notre Dame was updated in the 90s; furthermore, they had alarm mechanisms in place for things such as fires. And what about the two men that were meant to patrol the area? For such a historic building, there has to be some form of security in place, and there was, day and night. What happened to those two men?

I waited for the result of the investigation to be released, expecting it to take a couple weeks due to the size of the cathedral. To my surprise, the authorities were able to give information to the public before the ashes had even stopped smouldering. How is that even possible? How were they able to rule out arson and terrorism so quickly? Where was the thorough investigation? Did they take into consideration that many churches in France had been attacked, and some even burned down? I smell a rat here.

What the authorities were saying and what I was seeing and hearing was just not making any sense. First of all, we are talking about wood that is over 800 years old- that stuff is not easy to burn! It would take an extraordinary amount of effort to ignite the amount of oak in the cathedral, but somehow it wasn’t caught soon enough to avoid the amount of damage sustained. Once again, where were the two watchmen who were meant to keep an eye out for such things? Why did the fire have to get to that stage?

Youtube has a wealth of information on every topic that you could ever think of, and many people take it upon themselves to look for the truth. I happened across a video of a mysterious figure on the Notre Dame rooftop before the fire began, but what really caught my eye was the figure’s odd movements. The person seemed to be going to specific spots on the roof, and once they moved away, there would be a flash of light in the area just vacated. With all the conspiracies going on in the world, could this be one of them?

The President of France has promised to rebuild the monument and make it even more beautiful than before, but he said something else that caught my antennae. He said that he wants to rebuild the building to reflect their modern multi-diversity… Multi-diversity? Considering that France is no longer known as a Christian country, what could he mean? Now, I am aware that Christianity and Catholicism are two different things although the world lumps us into one box. The cathedral was even consecrated to the Virgin Mary, something that has nothing to do with our faith. However, his statement raised warning flags in my mind because I immediately thought of either a mosque-like building being built or something that reflects the One World Order that is coming to existence at an alarming speed. When I read that many billionaires and companies were pledging millions of dollars to rebuild the cathedral, I found it fascinating. Why put so much money towards building Notre Dame when people around the world are in need? The contribution racked up a staggering $1 billion in a matter of hours, and pledges were still pouring in. What is their interest in the building? What does this building truly represent for them?

Then the bombings in Sri Lanka took place, and it left no doubt in my mind that all of these events, the timeframe of them, the type of media coverage, hiding of the truth, etc. all seem to be part of some global plan. This is not just a coincidence! We need to have ears that hear and eyes that see for us to take note of all that is unfolding around us. It’s both an exciting and dangerous time to be alive. Exciting because Jesus is most certainly on His way, and dangerous due to Christian persecution being ramped up. Make no mistake: things will unfold whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.

April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

CHRISTIANS across the world are “living in utter fear of discrimination and persecution says MP

CHRISTIANS across the world are â€œliving in utter fear of discrimination and persecution says MP

DUP MP Sammy Wilson has said that CHRISTIANS across the world are “living in fear of discrimination and persecution as he demanded the British Government use its influence around the world to stop Christian persecution.

What the British Government is doing to help those across the world from being “persecuted daily” due to their religious beliefs, The DUP MP demanded to know.

Minister David Lidington during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, gave a passionate speech to Cabinet Office and said

“While the McKee family in Northern Ireland are burying their daughter today murdered by IRA terrorists, hundreds of people in Sri Lanka are burying their loved ones — brutally murdered because of their faith.
The DUP MP

Christians across the world are now the most persecuted religious group
Sammy Wilson
The DUP MP

Its a fact, “Christians across the world are now the most persecuted religious group with almost 300 million living in fear of discrimination and persecution,“and 4,000 being killed every year because of their faith.

“The Government has said that Britain is on their side, but Britain has become a pagan country over the past half century, creating a vacuum in which people will believe in anything and everything, according to Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, who leads the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales.

How much does the Government really care?

The DUP MP asked how is the Government using the UK’s soft power, our economic power, our contact with other Governments and our aid budget to help those who are persecuted daily simply because they believe in Jesus Christ?”

Last week Lyra McKee, only 29, was fatally shot by dissident republicans in Londonderry after being caught in the cross-fire after clashes erupted between a group calling itself the New IRA and police on the Creggan estate on April 18.

More than 350 people died and around 500 injured on Easter Sunday, following the bombings which targeted churches and hotels across Sri Lanka.

There was also a coordinated series of attacks on churches holding Easter services.

Britain’s War on Christianity

But perhaps we Brits need to take a look in our own backyard. For example “Christian street preachers should be free to share the gospel, even where it means challenging the beliefs of others.” – Christian Concern, in a petition to UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

In recent years, dozens of Christians – clergy and non-clergy – in Britain have been arrested or fired from their jobs due to their faith. Much of the harassment is based on three sections of two British laws that are vague and open to subjective interpretations.

At an appeal hearing at Bristol Crown Court, attorney Michael Phillips emphasized the importance of freedom of speech, even in cases where the speaker does not necessarily hold the views being expressed. Another attorney, Paul Diamond, argued that there is no right not to be exposed to contrary ideas. He added that should passers-by not wish to hear the preaching, they are able to walk away.

Godinterest’s Manifesto of Ethics

To promote freedom of religion — Violations of religious freedom are increasing globally in scale, depth and blatancy. Carried out by both government and non-state actors, they range from the mundane to the extreme (e.g. genocide).

To promote freedom of expression and internet freedom — Freedom of expression is an essential part of a properly functioning democracy and a free society. People should be free to express themselves both online and offline. But in many parts of the world freedom of expression is under threat.

To be a inclusive social network — We aim to share multiple voices and perspectives. We prohibit and will remove Offensive material that has been reported to contain (e.g., Pornographic material, hate speech, encouraging violence against others, etc)

To respect one’s right to remain anonymous — Our users place their trust in us to keep them safe, and, in some cases, anonymous. We view safeguarding that trust and protecting our users’ private information as vital to what we do.

April 18, 2019April 18, 2019

He Will Finish What He Started

This weekend, Christianity will celebrate the resurrection of Christ, which all started when they crucified Jesus, on that Friday. It was the darkest, most painful, discouraging day of His life. In fact, it was so bad that He sweat drops of blood. It looked as if His enemies had gotten the best of Him. But God had other plans.

On Friday, they put Him in the grave as they celebrated their demonic victory, but by Sunday morning it was a different story. The grave could not hold Him! Death couldn’t contain Him! The forces of darkness couldn’t stop Him! On the third day as He had promised, He came out of the grave and said, “I was dead, but now I am alive forevermore!” Hallelujah!

Today, one lesson that we can learn from the resurrection is that God will always finish what He started. No matter how dark it looks, no matter how long it’s been, no matter how many people are trying to push you down; if you will stay in faith, God will always take you from Friday to Sunday as He has promised. He will always complete what He started in you!

“He was buried…he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
(1 Corinthians 15:4, NIV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the reassurance that You will complete what You started in my life. Father, I trust that no matter how dark things may seem on this Friday, by Sunday things will change by faith. Yahshua, You are my shining light of hope. Thank You for the resurrection which gives me confidence of victory in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

A special word from the Lord, from Pastor Ray Patrick

April 17, 2019April 17, 2019

The Holy Weak

I often wonder what real humility looks like. This week marked Jesus’ Kingly entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He comes not as a military conqueror, or as a King riding on a stallion, but as a humble servant riding on a donkey. Jesus didn’t just ride on a donkey; Jesus rode on a donkey and a colt. He rode not just on a beast of service, but also on its young, weak, vulnerable offspring.

In the gospels we are told Jesus rode the donkey and its colt into Jerusalem. As well as making a statement about humility, I believe he was also making a statement about vulnerability. Can there be any true humility without a true realisation of weakness? Is it possible to really be humble and at the same time be shielded from hurt, pain and rejection? He enters the world through the vulnerability of a baby in a lowly manger, and prepares to end his earthly sojourn by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and a vulnerable tender colt.

Some years ago I was looking for a Counsellor. I sought someone who would understood my pain, my perplexities and my problems. I am told that true intimacy can only be shown by letting one’s defences down and becoming open and transparent. In politics, we like candidates who identify with our deep-seated struggles.

Today, as we approach what Christianity calls the holy weekend, the humility of Jesus is not a lofty virtue, but it connects all of us who struggle with the stresses and strains of everyday life. And it tells us that our power is not in covering our weaknesses, but in recognising our weaknesses, and acknowledging the vulnerable places where we hurt together. As we say in addiction “there is only one who can heal. It is the one who has been wounded.”

“They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.”
(Matthew 21:7)

Pray With Me
Emmanuel, thank You for being humble and vulnerable for me. Yahshua, teach me to be humble in every area of my life, especially as I try to deal with life’s hostile situations. God, show us how Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. In Jesus’ Name! Amen.

A special word from the Lord, from Pastor Ray Patrick

April 13, 2019April 13, 2019

OH, HOW THEY LOVE TO MOCK US

Christianity has taken on many forms in past centuries. It started out with righteous purpose, but people soon realised that there was power to be had, and they took it. Fast forward to the present, and we have hoards of people openly mocking our faith and our LORD Jesus with little or no consequence- yet.

Let me stress that although the religion of Christianity changed due to the hands it fell into, our LORD Jesus and His message have never changed, and I am confident that there were faithful people throughout the ages. However, the world has gathered together to mock us in the most demeaning and disgusting manner that leaves me in no doubt that we are in the End Times. It seems that people are taking these changes through time and using them as ammunition to prove how senseless and false our faith is, blaming us for all that is wrong in the world. Funny that. We’re essentially being blamed for the wrongdoings of others because it is easier to do that than find out the truth of GOD’S Word. Go figure.

Anti-Christian movies have been a firm favourite, a hobby with Hollywood (or Hellywood as many have started calling it!), always portraying Christians as arrogant, annoying, mean-spirited, and dangerous Bible-thumpers. It is ridiculously easy to find a film that misrepresents Scripture and Christians, disrespects GOD, and overall seeks to make our faith into a joke. In the 1960 movie Inherit the Wind, Hollywood tried to falsely represent the Scopes trial in an attempt to smear Christianity. Basically, the Darwinists were portrayed in a positive light while William Jennings Bryan was made out to be a deceitful low-life who died in the courtroom in a fit of madness. The reality is that he won the trial and kept his Christian values to the end, while Darrow (a Darwinist) was the real snake. Footloose, 2012, Father Ted, The Exorcist, Religulous, Monty Python and The Holy Grail, 12 Years A Slave and many more are all examples of attempts to misrepresent our faith.

Netflix seems to have taken this hobby to new lengths with that offensive series Miss Magic Jesus. It’s centred around a teenage girl who loses 70 pounds and enters the Miss Magic Jesus Pageant in which the winner dons a “crown of thorns.” The series carries several LGBT storylines, promotes all sorts of sexual and gender identity exploration, has fat shaming, and the most horrendous of all, it has sexual references to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. There is one particular scene that is one of the most offensive (read about it but couldn’t bring myself to watch it), in which a song is sung with words that disgusted me to no end. I will not even bother to give a line, you can easily find it on a google search.

It is not hard to find examples of mockery. You can find it on Broadway, Hollywood, schools, places of work, comedians, restaurants, and anywhere else that I have not mentioned. I also honestly believe that we are one of the reasons for the mockery. Oh, I can blame history (which I did), the devil, Hollywood, etc., but it wouldn’t be fair if I did not put us into the equation as well. It’s so easy to make ourselves into victims, but we forget the part we play in not only mocking ourselves but Jesus as well. Whenever we have knowingly sinned, we have made a mockery of his sacrifice upon that cross. Whenever we have not taken His Word with all sincereness and respect, we have mocked His power. And yet, we are forgiven if indeed we truly repent.

You know, I can take mockery if it is for Jesus, but I’m not so understanding when people openly mock GOD. You can mock how seemingly boring I am because I do not need alcohol to loosen up and have a good time, you can mock me for not joining in when you cuss out someone. You can mock me for refusing to wear clothing that highlights any part of my body, telling me that I might as well be Muslim for the amount of skin that I show. You can mock me for quoting Scripture for every occasion, you can even ridicule me for following my Saviour, a Man whom you think is an average man we have merely idolised for the sake of control. I’ll not concern myself with all that mockery (at least, I try not to), but when you make a mockery of Jesus, GOD, or the Holy Spirit, then the only thing that will keep me from reprimanding you is the Holy Spirit Himself.

It’s not a case of ‘I hate you for saying that’, but a case of ‘Do you realise what you are saying? Whom you are talking about and mocking? Is there no fear in you?’ I am fearful for these foolish people because to fall into the hands of the Almighty is a frightful thing indeed. I will not sit back and not warn them if it is within my ability to. Perhaps they will not listen, but that is no excuse for not telling them the truth, especially if the Holy Spirit is prompting you to. There will always be opposition to GOD’S Word, but that is never a reason to stop proclaiming His truth. You may not reach that person now, but whose to say that your words will not echo in their hearts in days or years to come? It’s not Bible-thumping when done with a sincere heart, a genuine fear for their souls.

March 24, 2019March 24, 2019

Am I A True Christian?

None of us can run away from doubt, it is always hot on our heels. There is good doubt, the type that keeps you out of trouble, and there is bad doubt, the one that puts you in trouble. The problem is, we tend to get our wires crossed when it comes to our faith.

The question ‘am I a true Christian?’ is one that is often asked by many of us at some point in our lives, but it is the wrong question to ask. This question tends to have a mindset of doing, and not believing. Often, people will start to list the things that make them a good Christian (been there, done that!) such as giving to the poor, observing certain holidays, going to church, being a kind person, showing love, and the list goes on. While those activities and qualities are present in the Christian life, they are not the things that you should measure yourself by because you will always find someone better than you. Comparing yourself to this person will make you doubt ‘how Christian’ you really are.

I had a habit of doing this, measuring myself against other Christians and seeing how I stacked up. It drove me crazy, I tell you. I would find myself listening to different sermons on how to grow spiritually, how to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice, how to be more discerning, how to pray, etc. while trying to listen out for any false messages by the Christians speaking on this teaching. I wanted to be the best Christian that I could be, and so I believed that if I read my Bible religiously every day, or prayed for a certain amount of time a day, then I would be okay. Or if I jotted down in my journal everything that I could possibly think of that may mean something whether it was a dream that I had or something that I noticed around me… It all just became overwhelming because I was doing it for the wrong reasons. I started to doubt that I was even Christian because I was not as good as the others that I was comparing myself to. There was always someone who was more giving, or kinder, or who was more discerning or was more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. In short, I tortured myself with these thoughts, thinking that if I did not get that aspect of my Christian walk ‘right’, then I was not good enough.

Although I did not admit it to myself at the time, I knew that I was doing it to be accepted by GOD. Crazy, isn’t it? Even though I knew that I had asked Jesus to become the LORD of my life, and was washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, I was still trying to earn His approval because I did not think that I was good enough. The bottom line is that I did not understand just what it meant to be redeemed by Him, to be purchased, to be His. In our own futile thinking, we look at our relationship with GOD as though it is conditional: as long as I do this, I am good with GOD. What nonsense. The truth is that GOD does not need a bunch of ‘good’ Christians, He needs obedient and humble Christians who are prepared to do His work.

There is also that mindset that if we do something, then we will get something from GOD. Therefore, our relationship with GOD becomes more about getting something out of Him, and not genuinely appreciating Him. Our GOD is a rewarder, He gives abundantly, but when we look at His hand and not seek His face, we are heading for troublesville .

I believe that the question we should ask ourselves is how committed are we to Christ. When we know our level of commitment, then doubt becomes void because you know where you stand. If you’re a once-a-week type of Christian, then you know that you’re not right with GOD. If you only call on Him when you’re in need, then you’re the ‘user’ type of Christian. If you talk-the-talk but do not walk-the-walk, then you’re a hypocrite. If you have one foot in the Body of Christ and one foot in the world, then you’re a lukewarm Christian who is in danger of being locked out of heaven.

We doubt because we do not understand what GOD requires of us. We base our relationship with Him on the human model which is flawed. Humans love, but we struggle to love unconditionally especially when people have done us wrong. GOD loved the world so much that He gave us His Son while we were still sinners. He made way for us to come to Him, He did not put stumbling blocks in front of us or give us a bunch of rules before we could be saved. He said that whoever believes His Son and confesses Him will be saved- that was it. After that comes our level of commitment to Him.

The Bible says the he who stands firm to the end will be saved, not the one who believed, confessed, and then went back to living in the world. He told us to come out of the world, to separate ourselves. So I leave you with this: if you have doubt about how Christian you are, check your level of commitment.

March 20, 2019March 20, 2019

LGBT lessons row: More schools stop classes

Gay campaigners celebrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London. AFP: Andrew Cowie

LGBT lessons row: More schools stop classes

In the latest update from crazy ville here in the UK today British politicians in parliament will be discussing whether they have the right, not you, to decide what relationship and sex education advice your child will have in school.

One hundred and six thousand parents have signed a petition saying that they should be the ones who decide when and who teaches their children about LGBTQ matters. But the government ‘big brother’ says it knows best. It wants to make its new relationship and sex education lessons compulsory by 2020 and they’re already beginning to roll those in.

Now what it means for four and five year olds in the UK is that they will be taught LGBTQ issues and they will be taught about transsexual relationships. Now this is before they’ve ever really had a proper science lesson or a biology lesson and this before they’ve had a chance to go out, run about, play and be a child or in fact learn how to use a bathroom or nappy nightmares. 70 percent of schools say kids are starting school in nappies. So our British government thinks that before a child has learned to use a bathroom or be out of nappies the most important thing is to make it compulsory that they learn about LGBTQ issues and accept the latest narrative on trans.

Something is going very badly wrong here in Britain. Our kids are being indoctrinated in schools and it’s time parents stood up and made a stand. Get involved.

Get in your schools, get those letters in saying you do not want your child to be part of this mandatory madness and perhaps before a child is indoctrinated into the latest trans thinking they should at least be able to enjoy life or find out a few biological facts for themselves. Get involved. Write to your school. Do not be complicit in the indoctrination of our children.

March 20, 2019March 20, 2019

Drown Out Critical Voices

One of my greatest pet peeves is negative critical people. Whenever you set out to do something great in life, there will be negative destructive critics. If you’re going to be a great business person, coach, student, leader or employee, there will be opposition. The more success you have, the more opportunities there will be for distractions. The higher you go, the more haters will come out.

When you start stretching to a new level and pursuing what God has placed in your heart, the jealous people, the critical people, and the small-minded people come out of the woodwork and start making negative comments, but you don’t have to let that distract you. If you feel under pressure, if the critical voices are coming against you, know that it’s because you are making a difference. Don’t let them throw you off course.

Today, instead off letting negative critical voices pull you down, dig your heels in, set your face like a flint, and say, “I will not get distracted. I will not get drawn into battles that don’t matter. It doesn’t matter what others think; it matters what God thinks!” Today, look beyond the critics. Stand strong in adversity. Press forward to what lies ahead and win the prize of life that He has prepared for you!

“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise”¦”
(Micah 7:8, NIV)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I choose to let go of the negative voices, offenses and hurts from critical voices. Father, I choose to focus on You and the good plan You have for me. God, please give me Your peace and joy, as I move forward in the victory You have prepared for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

March 18, 2019March 19, 2019

Your Blessing Is On It’s Way

Sometimes it seems like God is taking a very long time to answer your prayers. Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their blessing come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory.

It always seems darkest just before the dawn. Remember God is faithful, and He’s working on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today, because your reward is coming. And just like a new mother forgets about her labour pains once she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise. Today, while you are waiting on God, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My blessing is coming. I will reap my harvest.” Stay in faith and look for His hand of blessing, because He has promised you victory, and it’s closer than you think!

“Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.”
Hebrews 10:35, NKJV

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I stand believing that You are working things out for me. God, give me Your strength to stand in faith, until I see every promise You have for me fulfilled in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

March 16, 2019March 19, 2019

GOD is Love

“He who does not love does not know God, for”¦ God is love”
1 John 4:8

“I AM WHO I AM”

Or in other words I am the one who is ‘eternally existing’, outside of time and space, which He has created. John wrote in his Gospel account of the life of Jesus that:

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men”
John 1:4

Later in the same Gospel Jesus spoke the following awesome words:

“Most assuredly I say unto you, before Abraham was, I AM”
John 8:57

No wonder the soldiers fell before Jesus when He spoke the words “I Am”¦” to them. “I Am” is the name of God which translates into the Hebrew tetragrammaton – YHWH (Yahweh). It is in this name that we discover the essence of God — who He really is. He is life that has always existed, exists now and will exist forever. The flames that Moses encountered in the burning bush did not destroy it because the bush had been created by the Creator. We also read in Scripture that God is a consuming fire – fire as in energy or life. The word “life” in Greek is the word “Zoe” which means a life giving force or energy.

Just imagine for a moment an energy source far more powerful than the stars or even the sun. The sun itself is a ball of energy with billions of atoms and molecules whizzing around at high speed. Yet God created the sun and the stars and indeed the whole universe. When we contemplate the night sky or the world around us the evidence of the existence of God is plain for all to see. Nature adheres to laws that have been set in place by a Creator God. For there to be a design in nature there has to be a designer – God. Only a fool says in his heart there is no God! (Psalm 14:1). Atheists are like clay pots who say there is no potter!

What does all of this energy do? God is a consuming fire — but not a fire that destroys — else the bush would have been burnt to cinders. No, this fire is a fire that burns with life. So how does this fire or life express itself? Where does all that energy go? Or does it just burn where it is — just being, just existing, just “amming”?

When we examine the Scriptures it is clear that God did not want to just ‘Be’ or ‘exist’ on His own. When we read Genesis 1 we see God creating light, the stars, the planets and the earth, plants and animals and then finally man, in His own image. Man was the crown of God’s creation; but why did God create man in His own image? Well, what did God do with Adam and Eve after he had created them? Did He just ignore them and let them get on with tending the Garden? No! Instead we read in Scripture that He fellowshipped with them in the ‘cool of the evening’. This energy, force, power, this life created mankind for a purpose — relationship. Why? The Godhead itself is a loving relationship — intertwined and inseparable. The love relationship within the Godhead was to be reflected in God having the same intimate and loving relationship with mankind. We read in Genesis 1:26:

“Let Us make man in Our image according to Our likeness”

Well, that statement in the Word of God just blew away all monotheistic religions! God is ONE but that oneness expresses the UNITY in love of the triune Godhead. A perfect love expressed in a oneness that is indivisible. Didn’t Jesus Himself command us to be one — as He and the Father are one? One united in a bond of love. So, God is one but also three. This is the very nature and mystery of the Godhead. We are also, individually, triune beings — spirit, soul and body made completely in His image. Isn’t that an awesome thought?

Let’s now consider the first three verses of Genesis Chapter 1. Here we find the Spirit of God hovering over the face of the waters — the Holy Spirit brooding, like a mother hen, full of energy but, as yet, no direction or purpose for that energy to flow. In the Hebrew the Word for the Holy Spirit is Ruach or Chai. This word literally means ‘breath’. Then God, the Father of this triune entity, thinks ‘Creation’. However, nothing happens until the Father speaks the Word, the ‘express image’ of the Father (Hebrews 1:3). The Word is, of course, Jesus. He is the ‘Wisdom’ of Proverbs:

“When He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him as a master craftsman’
Proverbs 8:29, 30

And the ‘Word’ of John’s Gospel

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us”¦
John 1:14

Notice that the very first thing that God created was light — again energy, power and life:

‘Then God said “Let there be light”; and there was light.’
Genesis 1:3

In order for God to extend the relationship already existing within the triune Godhead it was necessary for Him to create another being in His image – a creature that would be able to freely converse and have relationship on the same level as God. Why did God do this? Because ‘God is love’ — love within a triune entity. The ‘all consuming’ fire that Moses met in the burning bush was and is a passionate love; a desire for intimate relationship. This desire can only be expressed fully when there is someone to pour out that love upon. However, love is a gamble. Will that created creature reciprocate or return that love? Rejection is painful. It was a risk that our loving creator God was prepared to take.

Herein lay the challenge — creating a being that can freely choose to love — or not to love. That creature has to have the freedom to choose — otherwise it’s not love but control or manipulation.

Adam and Eve fell into sin and that was their free will choice. They chose to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This violated the ‘Covenant of Love’ they had with God – just as a marriage is broken by adultery so Adam and Eve committed spiritual adultery. Instead of love and life, sin and death came to rule and reign in their hearts. The enemy enticed them to break their covenant with God — but he could no more make them sin than God could make them love Him.

So, why didn’t God wipe mankind off the face of the earth and start all over again? Love constrained Him. Love seeks restoration and reconciliation — never separation.

The closest relationship we have in the human sphere to this expression of God’s love is the covenant relationship that exists between a husband and a wife. That’s why divorce is so painful. When there is no one to shower your love upon; you suffer bereavement. Yours raison d’etre (reason for existing) is removed. Likewise God suffered bereavement when Adam and Eve committed spiritual adultery. Sadly, we often look at things from our own selfish perspective — rarely from God’s. How Adam and Eve’s transgression must have pained Him!

So, a God, who is love, could not wipe out mankind when Adam and Eve sinned. Instead He provided a way to restore that fellowship – so that love divine could continue to flow and express itself.

The Father part of the triune God sent the Word, the Son, to provide a way for the world to be saved through Him:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”
John 3:16

Notice the word ‘gave’ — love always seeks to give and never to take. Just as Jesus hung, in naked agony on the cross — so the Father heart of God was naked for the entire world to see. Just as Jesus’ heart was pierced by the Centurion’s sword — so the heart of God was pierced and a river of love gushed forth cleansing the world of sin — for all who choose to come and drink from His cup of sacrificial love. Such amazing love!

Love also trusts. Trust is an attribute of love. You always trust the one you love. That they will never hurt you, leave you or forsake you. When Adam and Eve sinned they broke that trust. The serpent cast doubt upon God’s Word. Remember his words:

“Did God really say?”
Genesis 3:1

Oh if only Eve had adhered to the Wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs 3:5:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding”

Adam was as much to blame. He was standing beside Eve. He did not rebuke the serpent and so failed in his duty as steward over God’s garden. He broke the trust God had placed in him to take care of His creation. Their suspicion, that perhaps God was hiding something from them, gave birth to a rejection of His love.

They doubted His kindness, His goodness and His love for them. They were told not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil for their own benefit; just as a loving mother may tell her child not to touch the fire — or it will burn them.

However, love is always ready to forgive. God’s first action was not to destroy, to seek revenge, or even to teach them a lesson. He is not a God of wrath — whom we must seek to appease — lest He come and strike us dead with a bolt of lightening! Oh no, far from it! Instead He immediately sought a way to restore fellowship. Love does that. God sacrificed an animal and clothed Adam and Eve with its skin. This was the first blood sacrifice ever recorded in the Scriptures.

Why was a blood sacrifice necessary to restore man’s relationship with God?

Adam and Eve saw that they were naked. The glory covering of the Father’s love was gone and the glory of God cannot rest upon anyone who is in sin. Sin brings separation just as adultery separates a husband and wife. Only a blood sacrifice can bring restoration to a broken relationship with a holy God. Fig tree leaves will not suffice. Their sin, in that animal blood sacrifice, was covered. However, it was only a covering. Their sin could not be completely erased. Only the shed blood of God Himself could do that.

Imagine a coffee table that has a stain upon it. Visitors are coming and you don’t want the stain to show so you cover it with a white tablecloth. Hence, the blood of animals covered the sin nature of man – but they could never remove it. However, the blood of Jesus was more than sufficient to erase the stain completely. So Jesus, who is God, came and shed His blood, the blood of God Himself, on the tree of Calvary. His sacrifice has now given life to all who seek restoration of their love relationship with God.

But why was it necessary for blood to be shed?

We find the answer in Leviticus 17:11:

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul”
Leviticus 17:11

And:

“”¦without shedding of blood there is no remission” [forgiveness]
Hebrews 9:22

God is love and life is the expression of that love. When life-giving blood is shed as a sacrifice of love then un-forgiveness becomes forgiveness and separation becomes reconciliation and restoration.

God always seeks to have fellowship with us. That’s why Enoch was translated (taken up out of the world to be with God forever). God could no longer bear to be without him (Genesis 5:24). We all need to spend quality time with the Lord. The very first ministry of every Christian is to fellowship with God. Remember the first commandment – to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. He created us for that reason. All too often we get busy doing things for God instead of being with God. That’s why Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better portion (Luke 10:42). It is only from a deep intimate love relationship with God that everything else will flow.

Jesus admonished us to build our house upon the ‘Rock’. Without our foundational relationship with the Father being in place we can forget about anything else (Luke 6:47-49). The marital analogy is a good one. When a husband and wife begin to spend less quality time together it won’t be long before that marriage will begin to crumble. It’s exactly the same concerning our relationship with the Lord.

Oh, how many times have I been in a Church meeting and the Pastor ministers to his congregation our of ‘dry bones’! He/she is so busy they have little time to spend with the Lord. Often this is because the five-fold ministry is not in place in many Congregations and the Pastor is trying to do everything. No wonder there are undernourished sheep everywhere living on stale manna instead of on the fresh and living bread of the Lord. Fresh manna can only be given out of an overflow of the heart of the person ministering who has been, and continues to be, in deep intimate communion with the Lord.

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things”¦”
Matthew 12:34, 35

Proverbs 8:17 states that our Father loves those who love Him and who diligently seek Him. The word diligent means to be thoroughly industrious – to attend to everything with proper care and attention. We all need to ask ourselves the question — are we seeking God’s hand i.e. what He can give us or are we seeking His face i.e. God the Father for Himself regardless of any reward.

In Proverbs 4 we are admonished by the Lord to give:

“”¦attention to My words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.”
Proverbs 4

To ‘attend’ to something means to give our full undivided attention. How many times, however, do we leap out of bed in the morning and dash off to work without even saying grace over our eggs! Or hurry our lunch and fail to say thanks to the Lord for blessing the work of our hands that morning! How many times do we rush home at night, have our supper, and then collapse in front of the T.V. – feeding our souls on programs that Jesus would never dream of watching. Then, finally, we crawl into bed at night, setting our alarm for the next day too exhausted to even say goodnight to our Lord and Saviour — let alone pray! If we treated our wives/husbands in the same way they would soon be filing for divorce. Too many of us reserve God for ‘Sunday only’.

Oh, how we daily pain our Father’s heart – and then we have the audacity to expect Him to reward us! However, the writer of Proverbs, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, quite clearly says that God rewards only those who diligently seek Him. Our heavenly Father causes those who truly love Him to inherit wealth and to fill their treasuries (Prov.8:21). This is the key to walking in God’s divine prosperity.

“I love those who love me and those who seek me diligently will find Me”¦
That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth,
That I may fill their treasuries.
Proverbs 8:21

The apostle Paul admonished us not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). God is easily grieved. Why? – Because He is love.

Only as we truly love the Lord for who He is and not for what He can give will we be blessed with long and prosperous lives. The Lord looks upon the heart. He sees our heart motives in everything we say and do (1 Samuel 16:7). So, let’s repent of our luke-warmness towards God lest we suffer the consequences:

“”¦because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)

When we are lukewarm we are covenant breakers — we are guilty of breaking the first commandment as I mentioned previously:

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart with all your soul with all your strength, and with all your mind”¦”
Luke 10:27

With the awful possibility that Jesus may say to us at the judgement seat of Christ:

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” and then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you’”
Matthew 7:22, 23

Intimacy with our Father must always be the number one priority in our lives. Everything else will then fall into place. Whatever trials, tribulations or troubles we may face our heavenly Father has the answer to every one. Nothing is too difficult for our Father who created the Universe. The size of your challenge is dependent upon the size of your God. Remember David and Goliath. David knew that he was well able to slay the giant as he did not consider this ‘mighty warrior’ towering over him. Instead his focus was on his much mightier Father God with whom he had a blood covenant.

How will you hear your heavenly Father’s voice, from many other voices speaking to you, if you don’t spend quality time with Him? How can we know whether it’s His wisdom speaking into a situation? It could be our flesh speaking to us, the pizza we ate last night, or, worse still, the devil.

If an acquaintance of mine phones me I might not immediately recognize their voice. Perhaps I have only spoken to them once or twice before. However, if my son phones up I will at once recognize his voice. Place him in a crowd of a million other boys of the same age and similar appearance and I would still be able to tell him apart from all the others. Likewise, with our heavenly Father. We need to make Him the number one priority in our lives and then we will know His voice. This is easy to do when we have a deep revelation of His love — for He loves us with a love deeper than the deepest ocean, wider than the east is from the west and higher than the highest mountain!

Jesus Himself said that His sheep hear His voice and they follow Him (John 10:27). So, if you are one of the Lord’s sheep then you will hear His voice and you will follow Him.

Finally:

“”¦We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”
Romans 8:28

I will never forget the day when divine love pierced through the darkness of my life. I had recently returned from Greece where I had been responsible for overseeing a travel business. I had a baby to bring up by myself and my mother, whom I loved very much, had just died of cancer. I had no money at the time — just a pile of debts. I was suicidal. I knew exactly how many paracetamols to take to end my miserable existence. However, I myself was constrained by love — love for my baby son. Who would look after him if I took my life? There was no one. Nobody cared — or so I thought.

As my son was sound asleep one night I picked up an old Bible. I’d not read the bible since I was a child. I remembered with affection my father, who was a God-fearing man. He always insisted that my older sister and I attended Sunday school every week. We had to walk two miles to the local village and back from our Devonshire farm house. I remembered the worksheets we were given to do at school and the strict Christian R.E. teacher urging us to complete them before the bell went for the next lesson. I remembered the times that I was in the Sunday school play and the detestable poetry verses I had to memorise. Once I obstinately refused to memorise them — to the horror of my sister who glared at me from the audience as I stumbled over my lines. ‘Who cares?’ I thought ‘It’s only a stupid Sunday school play for stuffy old pew warmers!’ I was quite rebellious at times but, in my own way, I believed that there was a God — out there somewhere who had some purpose for my life. I remembered walking through the beautiful countryside near our home. I’d try to reach up and touch God — but this Creator God seemed to live far, far away up in the clouds. He remained, for me, aloof and distant.

Now, as I took the slim black, rather dusty old Bible in my hands, I remembered with affection, the parables of Jesus I used to read as a child. So I decided to read them again. There was nothing else to do and I was tired of watching the everlasting soap operas on TV — after all the actors on these programmes always spent their time gossiping, bickering and falling out with one another. They certainly didn’t have any of life’s answers.

As I began to read those parables again the love of an ‘aloof and distant’ God began to touch me. The darkness in my bedroom, where I sat, began to brighten until it felt as if the sun itself was shining on those old, worn out pages. I felt an awesome presence of love’s warmth break through my clouds of despair and embrace me. It was like a shaft of sunlight on a summer’s day — warm and inviting with the assurance that the long, cold winter was over. Love embraced and enfolded me with Her arms – a love deeper than any I’d experienced in my life before. Tears rolled down my cheeks and, before I reached the Gospel of John, I had received a taste of the divine love of God. A love willing to sacrifice everything for me, even a horrific death on a cross, so that I might have a deep, intimate relationship with Him.

No one had ever died for Alison — no one, apart from my mother, had ever really cared. However, here was God, the majestic, awesome, sovereign Creator God of the Universe, reaching down and wrapping me, a mere ‘speck of dust’ in the Cosmos, in the warmth of His intense, passionate embrace.

One of my favourite hymns is the one that was written by Charles Wesley – ‘Love divine all loves excelling’. This hymn epitomizes, above all else, the supremacy of the Agape love of God. Finally, after struggling with such a deep revelation of God’s love for a pitiful, lonely, depressed and suicidal single mother, I fell on my knees before my Creator.

I didn’t know any eloquent prayers. I didn’t even know how to pray. I simply responded to His love. How? I told Him I loved Him. But that was enough! God, who is love, came rushing into the open door of my heart and I’ve never been alone since. Whatever happens in life I now know that God loves me.

I had sought for unconditional, sacrificial love all my life. I’d sought for it in my parents, in friendships, in the arms of a lover, even in my work. I mistakenly thought that, if I were a successful business woman, people would love and respect me for it. I was trying to find my identity and my true worth in what I did. I now know that the only place to find such love, such true and ever lasting love, is in the arms of a loving Saviour. In the arms of the One who will never leave you nor forsake you — no matter what silly, stupid mistakes you might make. That’s unconditional love.

The love of God is the all-consuming fire that Moses experienced. It’s just as intense, if not more so, than if you touch a hot stove. That’s the intensity of the love of God. If we truly reciprocate His love then we will never seek to hurt Him. Instead we will always try to please Him in all that we do every day of our lives. It’s upon this ‘Rod of Love’ that everything else, all of God’s laws and principals, will hang in place. Remove this Rod and everything else will simply fall down – just as a pair of curtains will if you remove the curtain rail. So, let’s ensure our ‘Rod of Love’ is always in place — burning passionately and intensely for God – who is love.

By Dr Alison Brown

Extracted from ‘Images of God — reflected in a Victorious Christian Lifestyle’

Available from Amazon

March 14, 2019May 6, 2022

You Don’t Control The Outcomes Of Your Life, Principles Do.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

There always have been and always will be two classes on the earth to the end of time–the believers in Jesus, and those who reject Him.

Sinners, however wicked, sinful, evil, abominable, and corrupt, by faith in Jesus Christ will be purified and made clean, through the doing of His word. and the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed on calvary.

Those who reject Christ and refuse to believe the truth will be filled with bitterness against those who accept Jesus as a personal Saviour. But those who receive Christ are melted and subdued by the manifestation of His love and His humiliation, suffering, and death in their behalf.

The peace that Jesus Christ gave to His disciples, and for which we pray, is the peace that is born of truth, a peace that is not to be quenched because of division. Without may be wars and fightings, jealousies, envies, hatred, strife; but the peace of Christ is not that which the world giveth or taketh away. It could endure amid the hunting of spies and the fiercest opposition of His enemies…. Christ did not for an instant seek to purchase peace by a betrayal of sacred trusts. Peace could not be made by a compromise of principles.

It is a grave mistake on the part of those who are children of God to seek to bridge the gulf that separates the children of light from the children of darkness by yielding principle, by compromising the truth. It would be surrendering the peace of Christ in order to make peace or fraternize with the world. The sacrifice is too costly to be made by the children of God to make peace with the world by giving up the principles of truth…. Then let the followers of Christ settle it in their minds that they will never compromise truth, never yield one iota of principle for the favor of the world. Let them hold to the peace of Christ.

March 9, 2019January 15, 2024

Abortion: A License to Kill

The world went from calling a ‘clump of cells’ nonhuman, to allowing abortions when the clump of cells begins to ‘look human’, accepting third-trimester abortions, and now pushing for the termination of babies moments before birth, or in some cases, just after birth. It seems that what they are seeking is an all-inclusive licence to kill.

Just the other day, a cousin wanted help with writing up an argument for a school debate. The debate? Whether you agree with abortion or not, and why. She took the pro-life route, but not without some backlash for it. Another pro-choice family member said that the world did not need any more unwanted children and that women who were not ready to have children and take care of them must abort their babies to save the rest of the world some trouble. I sat there for a moment, merely listening to the debate going back and forth. The pro-choice side was quite strong and appeared to be winning, but I decided to speak up and deliver one line: you will answer to GOD for what you have done, I hope you’re ready for it. Everyone sort of looked away, looking for something to say, but as they were supposed professing Christians, they had nothing to say. Murder is murder, no matter the stage of life. The excuse that a woman should have a right over her own body at the expense of the growing baby in her stomach is weak. No amount of getting angry or violent will change that fact.

I believe that most people reading this are aware of what the Scriptures say about murder, life, and being known by GOD before even conception has taken place. The most beautiful verse about growing life is Psalm 139: 13-18, verses that I take comfort in during times of uncertainty concerning my purpose and worth. As Believers, we know that we can turn to GOD’S Word and find the words that we need to overcome whatever challenges we are facing, but the rest of the world does not. They are hellbent on living their lives as they will, not accepting the consequences for their choices. Every problem must be looked at in context, but sin does not need a framework to be considered sin, it just is because GOD has said it is, and murder is a sin. For example, a young cousin of mine has recently fallen pregnant due to her promiscuous lifestyle. She is 18 this year, and instead of being in her last year of school, she is only beginning her high school year as she has failed several times. This can be blamed on her lack of school attendance. You dig deeper, and you’ll find that she was not disciplined as a child growing up, in fact, she was primarily left to live her life as she wished. Both her parents have now passed away due to AIDS, and she lives with family members but does not respect them. Most of my family wanted her to get an abortion because her baby would mean one more mouth to feed as she is not working. According to the world, this context for abortion would be acceptable, but to GOD it is not. What they are saying is that a life should be extinguished due to the mistakes of the mother. So, if I was to use their reasoning then the family of a murder victim should be allowed to kill the murderer’s mother, father, siblings, or child to atone for what the murderer has done. It doesn’t sound so acceptable when used in another situation, does it?

Another family member had a botched abortion, by botched I mean that the baby lived. She is also living with HIV, and the father of the child is also HIV positive. We all (or should) know that HIV can be avoided being passed down to the foetus; however, her situation led her to take the abortion route. She already has three children by three different men, does not have a stable job, and is an alcoholic. She does not take care of her children, in fact, two are now considered adults and can mostly defend for themselves. The last born is taken care of by family members. The local clinic told her to have an abortion due to these circumstances, but she waited until she was five months to do so. Off to the hospital she went to remove the child from her womb, thinking that she would not have to deal with another baby in her life. They removed the baby, put it in a black bag, and tossed it on the cold floor of the morgue. A nurse entered the morgue several hours later only to find mewling noises coming from the bag. She opened it and realised that the aborted baby was alive! This sent the hospital into a panic. They quickly got the baby into an incubator and informed the mother that the baby was alive. Could you imagine the shock? For the next five months, the baby was kept in an incubator, damaging her eyesight in the process. When she was finally allowed to be taken home, the mother was told that her baby would never be able to walk, talk, and would likely die as a toddler. To top it all off, the baby was HIV positive. Ten years later, the little girl is walking, and though she cannot speak, she uses sign language. She is the sweetest little girl with a cheeky attitude of her own and is well aware of all that goes on around her. She goes to a special school, is learning how to write more clearly, and loves anything to do with drawing and colours. In short, she is a girl like any other, even with her special needs.

Abortions can bring about emotional trauma that may not be experienced immediately after, but let me tell you that when it comes to bite your rear end, it takes a chunk. I know of an old woman who is riddled with guilt for the two abortions she had as a young woman. It gets so bad that she becomes gravely ill and has to be admitted into hospital and put under observation. Her mind comes and goes, sometimes not recognising her living children and calling out for those who have died. Her reasons for abortion were tied to the hard times of the country when Apartheid was still in effect. She is a black woman who had had relations with white men (I do not know if it was rape) resulting in two pregnancies. She managed to abort two of those pregnancies for fear of being found with a mixed-race child, but she was not able to do so with her third pregnancy. Now as an old woman, those abortions have come back to haunt her and do not give her peace.

Of course, the argument of high-risk pregnancies also comes up. Let me stress here that I may speak frankly, but I do not feel disgust for the people but for the sin. People will say that a medical reason to abort the baby is acceptable, especially if it puts the mother at risk. Also, if the baby is to be born with a deformity, then it would be better to abort the baby before he/she is born. I hear what the argument is, but my stand does not change. Abortion is wrong because it is murder. People would sooner laugh in my face when I say that Jesus is the Great Physician than listen, but it is true. Do you not think that He would be able to save both mother and child? Do you not believe that He can help that child with the deformity? The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is within us today if indeed we are His. Nothing is impossible for GOD, but only if we believe. To doubt is to tell Him that we do not believe that He can do anything for us. He created the world, for goodness sake, will He not help a mother in need? But the world chooses to reject Him still, and even His own people doubt His power to heal. People would sooner find an excuse for their sin than humble themselves and fall to their knees before Him to seek grace and mercy. Or, worse yet, His own people deny that He still performs miracles and wonders in the world today.

Forgiveness is available to those who have had abortions in the past but regret having done so. If you serve our Sovereign LORD, then you should know that He will forgive you for there is no condemnation for those who believe. He scatters your sins away and makes you clean. Do not miss this opportunity due to your guilt. He loves you in spite of your sin, but you need forgiveness from Him and yourself to be set free.

All I know is that the GOD we serve does not change, neither is He cold to the plight of people. He loves us all, but not all of us are His. He loves the downtrodden, the deformed, the unwanted- all of them! The world may reject them, but Jesus stands with open arms to accept them. What He did back then He can do today, and what He considers sin is a sin no matter the reasons the world may give. At the end of the day, you need to understand that there are consequences to everything, and perhaps you will not experience those consequences now and go about your life as you want to. But when you stand before the Ancient of Days and give an account of your life, do not say that you were not warned.

March 4, 2019March 19, 2019

What Am I Putting First?

One of the most charming love stories in recent history was that of former United States President, Harry Truman, and his wife of 53 years, Bess. Having met in Independence, Missouri, in 1890, the love story began to unfold. Harry wrote 1,300 letters to his beloved wife during the war, his career and tenure of presidency. Harry had a lifelong rule: write to Bess every day they were apart.

Diplomatic and historical scholars examining these letters hoped to shed some light on historical events of the time. However, what is more fascinating and striking is Harry’s simple desire to continually write to his wife amidst dealing and negotiating with the world’s most powerful leaders. Priority. Harry desired Bess to know that she always came first, no matter what business and political decision-making he was in the process of. Harry prioritised his beloved wife.

Just as Harry wanted to demonstrate that Bess came first, in Luke 2:41-52, Luke wants the Christian to see what comes first in their life. What is the priority for the Christian? Who or what is the primary object of our affection and devotion? I wonder, is God our priority?

After Jesus parents have been on a wild search for their only child, they find Jesus sitting in the temple. Residing there, Jesus claims “why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). Instead of an apology, which we expect following his parents’ stressful and anxious search (2:48), Jesus insists they should have known where he was. In a moment of tension between parents and son — Jesus claims a priority to God above all. Jesus is claiming it is necessary he be about the Father’s business first and foremost. As John Calvin highlighted:

The responsibility that Jesus owes to his Father in heaven ought to be immeasurably preferred to all other human responsibilities.

This does not mean we become lazy and laid-back to the responsibilities of life. It means in view of everything we do, God must be first priority. Preferring Him and His business to everything else.

Revolving Around:

For the Christian, God is our priority now on earth. Not soon, not when you think you have sorted everything out, not when you clean up your act or tick off that bucket list! God as priority tops every list.

However, it can be difficult. We live in a ‘revolving around’ generation. There is so much information coming our way: notifications, alarms, buzzers, texts, emails, news alerts, an endless list. We are stressed and anxious; exhausted with the toil of life. What often happens is that our world revolves around ourselves. Revolving around our own heads and hearts we try to press through life.

Yet, Jesus, in the very first recorded words we have from him, indicates everything revolves around God. The priority for Jesus is God. With all the noise around us, why do we not take the time to sit with our Father like Jesus?

Yes, we will fail. But, we stand in great recognition of the grace God has lavished on us through His Son. Put aside the weights and burdens of this world, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Christ. It is not an easy call; trials and tribulations will come. But even when we fall in our sin, Jesus upholds us. The mistakes and failings of our lives can be taken to the cross and forgiven. Past, present and future.

With the indwelling Spirit, pray God would point us towards Him first that we may grow to be more like Christ. And to recognise He is the centre of it all. The first words of Jesus are some of the simplest, but they capture the essence of Christian living. It is not about us; it is about submitting gladly and obeying joyfully the Father first because of His great love for undeserving sinners.

Riches I heed not nor man’s empty praise; Thine my inheritance now and always. Thou and thou only, first in my heart. High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.

March 3, 2019March 19, 2019

More than these

Growing up with several siblings can make you feel like you have fallen through the cracks. This creates in you a desire to be special, a favorite of somebody’s, anybody’s. Thus, began the life pursuit of trying to be somebody’s favorite whatever. I tried it on as a favorite child, a favorite friend, a favorite singer. I even used to want to be one of God’s favorites. But, Praise God, He doesn’t have any favorites, and that is where healing from this malady began. I picked up on what may have been a similar struggle in the Apostle Peter’s life.

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,

“Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.
(John 21:15-17)

This is a precious passage where I believe Jesus is restoring Peter from the three denials he committed, as Jesus stood being questioned before His death (John 18:25-27). By asking Peter if he loved him three times, Peter was able to be restored by saying three times. “Yes, Lord, I love you.” But I believe there is more going on here than just restoration.

The first time Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him has an extra phrase, “more than these.” Peter was a natural leader, which is seen as you watch him in several passages of Scripture, which I cannot expand on now. But one obvious indication of his leadership call, is prophesied by Jesus Himself.

And Jesus said to him,

“Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
(Matthew 16:17-19)

Now perhaps I am taking liberties here but bear with me. Peter perhaps thought he must be a favorite of Jesus by being called the Rock and building the church on that rock. Perhaps we have thought more highly of ourselves through a similar call or position God has put us in.

I believe the fall of Peter, through the denial of Jesus, was something Jesus used to help Peter realize that God has no favorites. “Do you love me more than these?” is a question that God has shown me I was unconsciously asking and believing for quite a long time. I longed to be somebody’s favorite, so I tried to be God’s.

But the true freedom is found in belonging to a God who has no favorites in His Kingdom at all. He just has Beloveds. He loves us all equally, completely, perfectly. Perhaps God is having to show you that He has no favorites, just beloveds. He showed me through the same kind of fall that Peter went through. I was knocked off my high horse like the Apostle Paul in Acts 9. But it was the love of God that knocked me off that horse, and it was the love of God that left me in a suffering situation longer than I would have liked. It was the Love of God that told me I was not a favorite of His because He has none. I don’t try to be a favorite anymore. I don’t need to because like all the children of God, I am a favored one, a beloved one, a treasured one; as are you all, Dear Believers. Rest in His all-consuming, never-ending, completely restoring Love.

March 1, 2019March 19, 2019

A Letter to YOU from the Devil

I am working.

I do not care, and although people tend to depict me as an ugly two horned beast and a fork tail, this is false.

The truth is whoever knows the bible knows very well that I can still appear as an angel of light.

Actually, I go to church more often than many and feel particularly happy when I come across Christians who neglect to pray or read the Bible on a regular basis.

It is in this that I am filled with joy and even applaud.

This is because the less you pray and read the Bible, the more control I can exert over you.

My greatest joy is when at the moment of preaching, many are talking, distracted on the their mobile phones or to concerned with their appearance.

My greatest sadness is when I see the church singing. I turned against God along time ago, because I wanting to be his equal. As a result I was expelled from heaven and lost all my privileges and so I have made this earth my home.

Today in the church, *music is what I hate most*.
Therefore *I have set a spirit of pride and prostitution for the musicians*, (Ezekiel 28: 12,13,14,15).

*My end is near*. That is why in recent times I am working hard to bring crowds with me to hell.

My mission is to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).

I attract crowds with songs, dances, parties, alcoholic drinks, drugs, social networks, soap operas, movies, fame, fashion, lust, money, sexual pleasures etc.

I like to see women exposing there bodies to arouse the sensuality of men.

Many go to church with tight pants and short skirts.

I’m not afraid to reveal my secrets. I know very well that even when all this is said, there will be no improvement in you.

The things that make me angry in the church are: *fasting, prayers, intercession, and offerings*.

When I want someone not to go to church, I put thoughts like:

‘You are tired’, you are not fit to go to church … Then do not go!

‘The services are long and tiring’, do not go !!!

‘Rest, enjoy the TV!’

February 28, 2019March 19, 2019

Almost Done

Math is not a strong suit of mine. I can do it, I’m just not crazy about it. I can perform math functions without even realizing it and it pleases my brain to do so that way. If math turns out to be a side note or byproduct of another action, even better. But perform math deliberately, nah.

As I was eating breakfast this morning it dawned on me that as I was equally distributing my portions, I was actually performing mathematical functions. Perhaps percentages, as I needed to know how much bacon per forkfull of cakes. Maybe some geometry and a little algebra. I frequently needed to solve for “x” or what it was I was going to put into my mouth next to complete this full bodied, flavorful bunch of sweetness.

Have you ever noticed the way that we eat our food? I mean the way that we portion each item just so. I ate each bite of pancake with a bite of bacon. I even took a sip of juice according to the amount of moisture, or lack thereof, into my mouth as needed. Why is this topic important you may ask. Well, it shows that we are much smarter than we think.

Here I am performing percentages and partial geometric equations and solutions over a stack of pancakes and bacon. Including the liquid adds another dimension of smarts to my repertoire. It reminds me that being intelligent is apart of our being whether we’re conscious of it or not. We are smart. You may say, “That doesn’t take smarts, just hunger.” and you would be partly correct. However, that’s even more of the miraculous about our makeup as human beings.

Even in a state of lack or deprivation, our brains still have the capacity and wherewithal to perform the most trivial of tasks by proportionately allocating bite-sized morsels into our mouths in just the most satisfying of combos. Whew, that was a mouthful. (no pun intended) If God created, and he did, such seemingly complex features in just this small area of our makeup, how much more will he complete the major things in our lives. Especially when it comes to our purpose.

God always finishes what he starts, know that what he started in you he will most definitely complete. So the next time you sit down to have a stack of pancakes remember, you’re a mathematical genius and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you too are not half done.

Scripture references: Colossians 2:10; Philippines 1:6

Britain’s War on Christianity

Godinterest’s Manifesto of Ethics

“I AM WHO I AM”

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