Aug 21, 2009 |
Is Your God the True God?
In Jonah chapter 1 verses 5-6 we read “Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his god, and threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down into the lowest parts of the ship, had lain down, and was fast asleep. So the captain came to him, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” Great winds amidst mighty tempest confronted the ship on its way to Tarshish which necessitated every body to call upon his or her god to save the situation, but to no avail. Jonah however was fast asleep in this crisis and they had to wake him up to also call upon his God. Today we are in different situations that demand that we should call upon our God to help.
The global economic meltdown forces situations upon us where we need to call upon God to save us. People don’t know which one will work. Financial experts are calling on psychics or spiritualists to get directions. In this world’s ship that we all are travelling in, when they finally get to you like they got to Jonah, which God are you going to call upon?. Some marriages are not working and people are looking at which one is working, can your home be a model to them? That is can they call on your God to help them?
Is your office- ship drifting? Colleagues at work are looking up to you for breakthrough possibly in sales, marketing, research and development. Do you have what it takes to rescue them? Friends at school and other club members are desperately searching around you for a solution that works, can they call upon your God? In order words, is your life a reflection of His works or are you also like Jonah in a state of slumber? Unfortunately in some churches all they listen to are beautiful sermons that are entertaining but have no life changing impact and therefore are in a state of slumber like Jonah. Are you sleeping?
The challenge with Jonah in this story is that he had God – the True God, but he was not in a right relationship with Him at this moment of crisis. Today as you are reading this article:
Are you at the right place God has asked you to be?
Are you doing the right thing at the right time?
Do you have the cordial relationship with God that people looking desperately for help can rely on you to hook them up with your God for solutions?
Will you have to tell them stories like Jonah had to do or you are in such a relationship with God that you could be like the Lord Jesus Christ and ask the storms to cease immediately or like Paul in that ship, you could confidently say there will be no loss of life?
Some people have a relationship with God as they wake up and pray to God in the morning but as they get into their cars, trains and buses they begin to take instructions from the god of the traffic, weather and the subway system. When they get to their offices the identity of God they started the day with has faded and they tune to the god of the office. Their god varies with the different situations they are in for the day. Jesus Christ said I and my father are; one therefore any where, any situation they called upon Him He could link them up with God instantly. Same with Joseph, Daniel, Peter and Paul- they provided solutions to the immediate crises around them. If you are called upon this moment to help out, can you truly call on God?Is your God the true God and are you still connected?
Jul 24, 2009 |
True Men
We are true men, Genesis 42v 11. -‘We are all one man’s sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies.’ These were the words of Joseph’s brother as they tried to present themselves to the Governor (Joseph) of Egypt. How many times do we claim that we are true? Especially when we think nobody knows our real identity? How many times do we stand before different audience and we present ourselves as true.
Imagine what Joseph’s brothers had claimed versus the true version of what happened. They perfected their lies so much so that to them it became the ‘truth’. They told Jacob (their father) what they came up with as the truth. When they got back to their wives the day they sold Joseph into slavery they told them their version of the truth. I can imagine as the family was growing possibly not all of them were married at that time as they went for marriage and naming ceremonies they recounted the story of how the animals in the field killed their brother, some might have even shed tears as they spoke with a lot of emotions. This version they also told their children as they were growing up and to strangers that had come to settle amongst them.
What lie have you converted to be true in your life? In your marriage is there a cover up you have done, between your parents, brothers, sisters that you also presented yourself as true? Are you a Pastor, Apostle, Bishop and there is a lie you have covered up and you keep presenting yourself to your congregation as true ? .Do not wait until your Joseph will tell you to prove yourself like in Gen 42v 19 .When he challenged them ‘if ye be true ‘. In verse 21 of this same chapter their conscience troubled them- ‘And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us’. Rather than own up they still hardened their hearts and when they got back to Jacob after this first encounter with Joseph they lied to their father describing themselves in Gen 42 verse 31 as true men. ‘And we said unto him, we are true men; we are no spies:’ How long will you continue to lie?
These Joseph’s brothers were so bold in their deceit because they never knew Joseph was alive. Be careful too one day you may again present yourself as true and your Joseph will be in the audience! Why not turn to the only true person which is the TRUTH Himself. In John 14 verse 6 ‘Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me’. “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent,” (John 17:3).He is the only true person that can help you with the situation you are hiding and can intervene.
Today can you really say that you are a true person or you are just describing yourself as true? You may be standing before your Joseph very shortly .Are you a true man indeed?
Jul 20, 2009 |
Serving without Knowledge- How are you serving God?
We all remember the story of the prodigal son and his brother who continued serving their father when he went out for his famous riotous living and returned when he came to his senses. However, there was something about the brother who stayed to serve his father that was uniquely similar to many of us today: his narrow-minded view of his father. Our relationship with God is like that too. The question is, how did he serve? He was just simply carrying out the routines of the family business without adequate knowledge of what his terms and conditions of service plus the benefits were. The brother called the prodigal son knew a little more than the benefits; he also knew the father loved him with an everlasting love and he could always come back home.
The brother that stayed on at home to serve only knew about doing things. He did not know that it was possible to have his God given desires met. He had always wanted to have some fun, at least a party, or a form of celebration, but he was too timid to ask. No wonder he was angry and disappointed when the prodigal son came back and their father threw a party to celebrate his return. But he never asked the father what his terms and conditions were. He did not even know his inheritance until this incident. Many of us today are like this other son serving God without adequate knowledge of all our privileges and rights in Him. God wants us to serve Him and praise Him daily, having an aura of celebration in our lives but we sometimes only focus on keeping straight faces. The scriptures say we should serve him with gladness of heart.
Sometime ago I came across a sister who faithfully paid her tithes because her mother taught her to do so from childhood. But she never at any time opened her mouth to claim the benefits of protection and continuous provision associated with it, until we met of course. She was just making ends meet in spite of her consistent payment of tithes. After showing her, from the scriptures, her benefits from faithful tithing, she moved into a level of abundance with the testimonies of having more than she expected. Now she gives more than her tithes and offering. She has discovered the covenant relationship of serving God that is mutually beneficial.
Sarah was just serving God while her husband Abraham was relating with God in a covenant relationship. That was why she could offer a compromise solution of Haggai and Ishmael. Abraham in spite of the challenges served God faithfully and the Bible says he staggered not at the promises of God.
Mary and Martha served Jesus differently based on their knowledge of Him. Both were blood sisters. Today Mary is spoken of highly for her service to God based on what she did. She always listened and poured out the most expensive perfume at the Master’s feet.
The brother of the prodigal son was serving the father grudgingly as we could see from his complaints to the father after the father threw a party to celebrate the return of his brother. How are you serving God today? Are you angry at the celebrations and blessings in other Christians lives? The scriptures say, rejoice with those who rejoice. With a proper knowledge of who you are in Christ Jesus, you would find that God’s resources never run out and His timing always the best.
If I may ask, how are you serving Him?
May 5, 2009 |
Who did Better Lot or his Daughters?
At a recent family Bible Study on Genesis 19, the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, two incidents appear more vivid than the others. First, the decision of Lot to offer his two virgin daughters to be raped by a mob in place of the two visiting angels who had been sent by God to rescue him (Gen 19v8). Secondly the decision of Lot’s two daughters to sleep with their father because they assumed no man on earth would come to them (Gen 19v31).Which of these two decisions is right? Were they knowledge based decisions? .How far you go in life depends on the knowledge of God you have.
In an unusual hospitality gesture father Lot decided that he was going to offer his two virgin daughters to protect the two visitors that had come to rescue him from the pending destruction of the city. What motivated him to make that offer? Was he so concerned about his visitors that he did not mind his own daughters being destroyed by being gang raped? Possibly he thought with his own knowledge of the situation he had to do something to help. However when we look at this incident again, these two men were not mere mortal men they were angels on assignment. Did Lot not know they were sent by the Almighty God? Has he forgotten about this Almighty God Uncle Abraham had always talked about, that even recently came to rescue him from the confederation of kings that sacked that city? Some how his decision to offer his daughters to please those men was not based on a good knowledge of what was really going nor the power behind the mission .Thank God the angels intervened by causing the men of the city to go blind and his plan was not implemented.
In the second incident we see these daughters who could be described as the circumstantial victims of the first incident also made decisions based on what they thought was their problem .Was that the right decision to take ? How knowledgeable were they about the “earth “and the availability of men anyway. Unlike the first incident there were no timely interventions to prevent them from carrying out their decisions which had grave consequences. God had to instruct that these two races resulting from the incest (Moabites and Ammonites) be completely destroyed from the earth.
Looking at these two situations, what are you passing through that is pressurising you to make decisions hastily? Do you have a personal relationship with the Almighty God or Like Lot you are just in church and your relationship with God is circumstantial. Are you like the two daughters whose actions were based on only what they can see? They reasoned “no man on earth” existed, so you have to help yourself. Remember that maxim “heaven helps those who help themselves” is not biblical! Remember the parable of the prodigal son? Both the prodigal son and his older brother did not have good and adequate knowledge of their father. The prodigal son had very limited knowledge and took decisions that hurt him but thank God for the mercy of God, when he repented he was taken back. But what about the older brother, he was just serving without asking his father about his rights and privileges hence he turned cold and bitter when he saw his brother’s restoration. (Look out for an insight on the older’ brother’s life in the next issue).
So how knowledgeable are you on the issues of life that you are currently handling? What kind of decisions are you making? .Was any better? Lot or his daughters?
May 5, 2009 |
Cindy McGill: “Certainty in Uncertain Times – There is HOPE in Our Future”by Cindy McGill May 5, 2009
With all the world’s changes, you might find yourself wondering, “Where can we find a place of stability?” I am hearing of people returning to church and people leaving church. This revolving door of movement is causing us to reevaluate issues in our lives, our walk with God, our relationships and ourselves.
What is going on? Just when we think we have an understanding on things, something else comes up and we are back to this perplexing place of questioning and unsettledness. It is a “God” thing. The pressure is on and changes must be made. We are brought again and again to a place of choice. Do we choose to adjust our lives and mindsets to God’s order, or do we resist these changes and try and find comfort in the familiar ways of life we have known, yet are being shaken as well? Nothing and no one seems to be exempt from these trying times.
It Leads to Hope
While in the U.K., I had a dream about hope. In this dream, I was in a house that was not my own, and a family was in the house that I didn’t recognize. At the breakfast table, a well-known prophet was sitting there. I walked in the house, but I was covered with dirt from working outside. This prophet stood up to hug me and I quickly resisted the embrace because of the dirt. I knew in the dream that the dirt was because of hard work and not because of sin.
I asked the prophet what was going on, and his response was, “It results in hope.” At that moment he handed me a Scripture, but I couldn’t remember what it was. When I got up, I researched the Scriptures containing the word hope, and I found the one I felt he gave me in the dream. It is Romans 5:1-6:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”
If we understand why we are going through what we are going through, then we have strength and courage to go through it. God is taking us through a time of refining and purifying to prove our character and give us hope. As the Church, we must become strong in character, living in the hope of God that does not disappoint.
The Absence of Hope Results in Hopelessness
We have the strength of God to draw from in these troubled times, but the unsaved world is becoming increasingly hopeless. People are searching, and God is raising up men and women to shine in very dark times, proclaiming truth and displaying His power and love. We are being prepared to advance forward, unhindered, and give a message of hope and refuge in times of trouble when men’s hearts would fail them for fear. It’s a process that brings about proven results. Tribulation results in perseverance or endurance. Endurance is the ability to exert ourselves for a long period of time and is a key character trait we often neglect.
Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”
Endurance is the key to receiving the promise. So often we “jump ship” when things get hard. We often criticize what we don’t understand and make rash decisions that further delay the work in our lives. God is after something in us. He wants to perfect our character and walk with Him so our walk will not be shaken when the winds and waves hit our house.
Endurance produces proven character and proven character is moral and ethical strength that is noticed by others. It is a mind-and heart-resolve that will not yield to wrongdoing even when no one is looking. It is a built-in attribute that defines us; and proven character is a life stone that attracts God’s favor and anointing. This attribute produces hope that does not disappoint.
Learning to Cast Our Care
The word “cast” literally means to “throw with force.” As we walk through these difficult times, we must learn to cast our care on Him because He cares for us. There are things we are asked to deal with and there are things that are out of our hands to “fix.” If we don’t have the ability to “fix” something, then we must release it to the Lord and let Him take care of it. If we are weighed down with the cares of this life, we will fall under the pressure. Our hope and strength come from God, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. This dependency on God must be established in these days.
Jesus told us to take His yoke on us and we would find rest for our souls. In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
In this place of learning to separate ourselves from things too heavy for us, we realize that we really are partakers of a Divine nature—that Jesus lives in us and is for us. He is causing us to become strong and weak at the same time. He is with us in trouble to deliver us from it, and He is making sure His face is the focal point of our lives and vision.
There is Hope in Our Future
“Thus says the LORD: Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future, says the LORD, that your children shall come back to their own border.”—Jeremiah 31:16-17
We have hope. Hope is defined as a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in our lives. God is rewarding us for the work we have done and the work we will do. He is involved in our lives and our children’s lives. The one’s we have been praying for will come back from the land of the enemy. Satan has no hold on our kids whom God has promised to deliver back to us and their borders and destinies. THERE IS HOPE IN OUR FUTURE. At the end, three things are left…faith, hope and love.
Let’s not get discouraged, but let us be encouraged that this process will result in hope and we will see God’s promises fulfilled in our lives. We can do this thing. Let’s encourage each other and get God’s perspective on this, and we’ll all experience this victory together.
Bless ya,
Cindy McGillHope For the Harvest MinistriesEmail: dreaminslc@hotmail.com
Cindy McGill’s Itinerary:May 15-18, 2009San Francisco – Dream Team meetingsDream team training with San Francisco Dream team Email: dreamingina@sbcglobal.net
May 22-23, 2009Christ in You MinistriesDream workshop in Orange County, CAEmail: Ciriza7@aol.com
June 5-7, 2009Wild Kingdom Conference – Prophetic/activation conference with Ray Hughes, Steve Swanson, Cindy McGill and Joann McFatter Revolution Church650 West Lancaster Road; Hayden, Idaho Email: info@revolutionchurch.us or call 208-641-9380Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.
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