Unlocking the Truth of CRYING OUT TO GOD

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CALLED OUT TO HIM?

The LORD hears our cry, because He is our God; we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.  Whether we are driven by adversity or sinking in a rising water of pain, anxiety, financial and marital depression, He is not handicap as some may think. You may have performed the best of your ability on that sinking ship, but like Peter when he momentarily walked on water. God has a fixed interest in us which qualifies us for His heritage, so cast your burden upon him, He will sustain you remember the Psalmist David said “As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord will save me.”

When you are embedded or located in the shadow of His wings, you have an exclusive heritage or birthright. When you follow in the footsteps of the likes of Peter, Daniel expect a remarkable turnaround which exudes the handiwork of God.

 Peter cried out “Lord save me!” Moses called out to God when the Israelites moaned, carped and whined against him and his leadership style. Israel under the leadership of Joshua was defeated in battle and Joshua cried out in Joshua 7:6-7 “Then Joshua rent his clothes and lay on the earth upon his face before the ark of the Lord until evening, he and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.

Joshua said, Alas, O Lord God, why have You brought this people over the Jordan at all only to give us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us? Would that we had been content to dwell beyond the Jordan!”

And there was a spontaneous response. Instantly the LORD replied Joshua in Joshua 7:10-12 The Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why do you lie thus upon your face?

 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. They have taken some of the things devoted [for destruction]; they have stolen, and lied, and put them among their own baggage.

That is why the Israelites could not stand before their enemies, but fled before them; they are accursed and have become devoted [for destruction]. I will cease to be with you unless you destroy the accursed [devoted] things among you.”

The Psalmist David said because you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Let me not be ashamed. Psalm 38:9 (Amplified Bible) Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You.

The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]-Psalm 37:

YOUR CONFESSION

His favour is for a lifetime or in His favour is life. I know that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I know the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD. He is my strength in the time of trouble because the LORD delights in me; my steps are ordered by the LORD.  The LORD my God is a very present help in trouble. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Shepherds Guide Jan 2010

1ST -2ND JAN 2010 HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

A lot of people make New Year resolutions perhaps because they are holding unto things that God has not put as part of their life. Sometimes we try so hard and become so desperate to change-manipulate our destiny, we try so hard to change the concept of how we live by serving eviction notice on every negative behaviour, thought and lifestyle that is holding us back. The battle to overcome is not ours to make-it is the Lords. He said “My strength is made perfect, fulfilled, completed and effective in your weakness…” Therefore, there is no mind that cannot be renewed or reprogrammed, no attitude that cannot be changed and no situation/circumstances that cannot be served eviction notice as long as you are empowered by faith constantly speaking the word of God. The following tips will help you maximise your new year resolutions and live victoriously. I pray you enjoy God’s peace in the year 2010. Happy New Year

PLS TO READ : 10 WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS Click on the link below

http://christiandrive.wordpress.com/category/10-ways-to-maximise-your-new-year-resolutions/

 

3RD JAN 2010   I HAVE PRIVILEGES. HAVE YOU?

It is absolutely important we know our entitlement so we can claim them. Study the word to show yourself approved, advantaged for every situation, not giving out your rights to people who don’t deserve it. Don’t gamble away your rights, your entitlement to happiness and fulfillment, it is profitable, fruitful and advantageous for you to know even the very basic of all your claims and utilize them to your benefit.

4TH JAN 2010   BE THANKFUL FOR THE LAMP 

The Psalmist David said “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105 NLT). There is a stark difference between the shinning lamp of God fed by the oil of the Holy Spirit which directs us in our work and way and the lamp in the world which cannot drive away the darkness that is in the world. His word is a door way that lets in light hence Psalm 119:130 says “The unfolding declaration (the entrance, the teaching) of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Opening God’s word let in light, so whenever we open God’s word our life is illuminated by the knowledge and wonders of His extravagant love.

The Psalmist David said “In the middle of the night I will get up to give you praise, because of all your right decisions.” Psalm 119:62 In the middle of the night His word will guide us when we begin to give praise so no care or grief should take away God’s word out of our minds, or hinder the comfort it bestows. There is no situation on earth in which a believer has not cause to be thankful.

5TH JAN 2010      DO IT ON YOUR KNEEL

Avoid making mentally fabricated plans why don’t you do it on your kneel? Work it out with prayer because prayer works. The Bible says “The earnest heartfelt, continued-nonstop prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available dynamic in its working. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.

6TH JAN 2010  UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN CHRIST (1)

2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone (the present, visible and undeniable change are gone) the new has come! Excerpts from Wesley’s notes states He has new life, new senses, new faculties, new affections, new appetites, new ideas and conceptions. His whole tenor of action and conversation is new, and he lives, as it were, in a new world. God, men, the whole creation, heaven, earth, and all therein, appear in a new light, and stand related to him in a new manner, since he was created anew in Christ Jesus.

7TH JAN 2010  UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN CHRIST (2)

To be in Christ is to

• Be a true believer in Christ with a new moral, spiritual condition and conviction
• Be united to Christ by faith as a branch is in the vine
• Be in communion (common union) with Christ
• Be renewed with the Spirit of Christ
• Be newly created- born anew, a new person spiritually purged of carnal views acting upon new principles, new rules with a promised and expected end and in new company
• Be a new nature different from anything previously existing made new by God, who gives the spirit of regeneration
• Be a new workmanship of God with a heart not mere reprogrammed or set right but a new heart delivered and given him
• Be recreated in will to will well and empowered to do well
• Be crucified with Christ, buried into Christ death Christ and risen to walk in the newness of life
• Have a new character and conduct which reflects and desires everything Christ really is-that is the beauty in the Saviour

 8TH JAN 2010   HE THAT DWELLS  -  NOTE THIS PRIVILEGE

Psalm 91:1 says “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

Notice this as you read, the term “He that dwells under……..” denotes an exclusive protection, an un-imaginable shadow of defence; an armament of protection, enjoying the sovereign immunity of one that exercise absolute and exclusive power over all creation(s). What else would you be doing under the shadow of someone? Can you figure out something you can do with someone’s shadow?

Is this not suppose to be one of your entitlements? When you live, notice the word live, to live is to be instruct able, to dare to follow, to obey and be obedient, to be teachable and answerable, to stay teachable and instruct able, to listen and to overthrow the flesh in you, to have an un-rebellious spirit, When you live or dwell under the shadow of His protection and His perfection your defence and protection schedule is God’s business. That is the unfading beauty of God’s protection.

9TH JAN 2010    HE THAT DWELLS  -  ENTITLEMENT (2)

What else would you be doing under the shadow of someone? Can you figure out something you can do with someone’s shadow?

A shadow screens, cloaks, shield and shelter me from the sun-the scorching troubles of life; it hides-conceals, masks and veils me from my adversaries, my sad and unrepentant enemies; my defeated and disappointed foes. How joyful? I live in an exquisitely friendly fortress, not some delusional worldly protection and false security guaranteed by men that trembles when cruel enemies sound their trumpets.

 

10TH JAN 2010    HE THAT DWELLS  -  ENTITLEMENT (3)

The overshadowing roof of your house is there to shelter you from the blustery, squally, turbulent and raging stormy weather out there.  When you live, notice the word live, to live is to be instruct able, to dare to follow, to obey and be obedient, to be teachable and answerable, to stay teachable and instruct able, to listen and to overthrow the flesh in you, to have an un-rebellious spirit, When you live or dwell under the shadow of His protection and His perfection your defence and protection schedule is God’s business. That is the unfading beauty of God’s protection.

2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV) “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

You may be hard pressed on every side by circumstances or situation; the scorching troubles of life-marital issues, financial burden and crisis, threatening business climate, family problems, friends and peer pressure; you will not be crushed because you live and abide under the shadow of the almighty; And because you are carrying about in your body the liability, exposure and the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus is shown forth in you.

11TH JAN 2010    HE IS A WAKEFUL AND WATCHFUL  KEEPER (1)

When difficulties and dangers are greatest where do you go to for help? Who do you call on for help? Some may rely on great men of influence, princes and men of wealth David said “Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.”

Your confidence should be in God only, Psalm 121:1 “I WILL lift up my eyes to the hills from whence shall my help come?” Stop polishing your chariots and stop grooming your horses-A faithful man shall abound with blessings packaged with faultless and flawless enduring protection- Read Proverbs 28:20 and Proverbs 30:5. We must see all our help in God and from God because trust in Him brings a sense of well-being; from him we must expect it, in his own way and time.

12TH JAN 2010  HE IS A WAKEFUL AND WATCHFUL  KEEPER (2)

The safety of those that put their trust in God is paramount to him-He doesn’t go on holiday when you need him; His phone lines are not dead, disabled or unreachable when you need to access Him in emergency for super security; And He doesn’t go on business trips when great difficulties and dangers are threatening, pushing or knocking down your natural walls of protection. He is a wakeful, watchful Keeper! He is always near his people for their protection and refreshment. He is ever there to add His super to our natural to make it supernatural.

13TH JAN 2010    THE FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH (FAITH CONFESSION)

I refuse to be weakened in faith by what I see because what I see is provisional, I refuse to be intimidated or nudged by the facts; notwithstanding the facts may say one thing but the truth says, nourishes and conceive something else and one of the greatest truth for me is Isaiah 26:4 “Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” and  Isaiah 25:4 “God is a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat…” We are potentially on the verge of a major change what matters is pitching your faith right, surely there is an end; and you expectation shall not be cut off. Remember Abraham was fully persuaded that what God has promised He clearly was able to perform.

14TH JAN 2010        MY CONFESSION and YOUR CONFESSION

His favour is for a lifetime and in His favour is life. I know that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. I know the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD. He is my strength in the time of trouble because the LORD delights in me; my steps are ordered by the LORD.  The LORD my God is a very present help in trouble. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. For thou has been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy, so I will sing praise unto thy name O LORD forever, that I may daily perform my vows.

15TH JAN 2010  WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CALLED OUT TO HIM?

The LORD hears our cry, because He is our God; we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.  Whether we are driven by adversity or sinking in a rising water of pain, anxiety, financial and marital depression, He is not handicap as some may think. You may have performed the best of your ability on that sinking ship, but like Peter when he momentarily walked on water. God has a fixed interest in us which qualifies us for His heritage, so cast your burden upon him, He will sustain you remember the Psalmist David said “As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord will save me.”

When you are embedded or located in the shadow of His wings, you have an exclusive heritage or birthright. When you follow in the footsteps of the likes of Peter, Daniel expect a remarkable turnaround which exudes the handiwork of God.

16TH JAN 2010  MY CONFESSION:   (I WILL SING A NEW SONG AND I WILL NOT BE GREATLY MOVED)

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.  From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. FOR GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved.

 

19TH JAN 2010   HOW WELL DO WE UNDERSTAND OUR JUSTIFICATION?

What is justification? What does it mean to be justified? Who is justified? Are sinners justified?

Justification means reason, grounds, defence, excuse and vindication. To be justified means to declared ‘not guilty’ to be ‘vindicated’  acquitted or exonerated before God from condemnation or death sentence passed by the law as a result of sin. 

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].

Why was our redemption and justification so important to God?

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

A key idea here was reconciliation; the whole of humanity sinned and as such were separated from God. The Bible says “ all have sinned and are falling short of the honour and glory which God bestows and receives.” Romans 3:23 (Amplified Bible)

However, God sent His only Son Jesus to die in place of the unrighteous, you and I not just under the bondage of sin but slave to sin in every capacity.

 

20 TH JAN 2010   HOW WELL DO WE UNDERSTAND OUR JUSTIFICATION? (4)

Again the central idea here was to save humanity from eternal destruction so we can have eternal life; John 3:16 says “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.”

 Another question of importance is why did God send his only Son Jesus? Someone unrighteous cannot die or save the unrighteousness, we owe a debt we could never pay even in a billion years time, and someone who is qualified had to pay our debt.

God wanted someone adequate and acceptable as substitute, someone without blemish to redeem those under the law so that the sinners might receive the full rights of sonship. The substitute was him who knew no sin. Jesus the righteous died for the unrighteous so that his holiness and righteousness can be credited to us. He paid a debt he didn’t owe with his blood, gave his life as a ransom for our redemption so that God no longer sees our unrighteousness when he looks at us. He sees the righteousness of Jesus, him who knew no sin. Amazing grace, God imputes the righteousness of Jesus to all believers.

21ST JAN 2010   HOW WELL DO WE UNDERSTAND OUR JUSTIFICATION? (3)

Before justification we were convicted unrighteous sinners on death roll, we were all under condemnation-under a sentence of death. However, by penal substitution; ‘sacrifice’ and ‘substitution’ came justification hence we are free, no longer under the law and condemnation but under grace.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthian 5:21 (Amplified Bible) “For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].

TEN WAYS TO MAKE YOUR RESOLUTIONS EFFECTIVE IN THE NEW YEAR 2010

 

10 WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

A lot of people make New Year resolutions perhaps because they are holding unto things that God has not put as part of their life. Sometimes we try so hard and become so desperate to change-manipulate our destiny, we try so hard to change the concept of how we live by serving eviction notice on every negative behaviour, thought and lifestyle that is holding us back. The battle to overcome is not ours to make-it is the Lords. He said “My strength is made perfect, fulfilled, completed and effective in your weakness…” Therefore, there is no mind that cannot be renewed or reprogrammed, no attitude that cannot be changed and no situation/circumstances that cannot be served eviction notice as long as you are empowered by faith constantly speaking the word of God. The following tips will help you maximise your new year resolutions and live victoriously. I pray you enjoy God’s peace in the year 2010. Happy New Year

1.  Seek Help from God: He takes pride in you, He will do His best for you but seek, aim at and strive after His kingdom and His righteousness and the perfection you seek in the new year will be added

2.  Quit trying to fight the battle yourself

3.  Change your mindset

4.  Keep working on that doubt problem-The Devil knows everything starts with your thought.

5.  Avoid making mentally fabricated plans, do it on your kneel work it out in prayer. The Bible says “The earnest heartfelt, continued-nonstop prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available dynamic in its working. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.

6.  Behold the word in the perfect law of liberty: be a doer of the word. Doing mirrors hearing and that is active faith the Bible says faith without work is dead. James 1:23-24 “For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. Humble yourself and keep asking God for help

7.  Ask for skilful and godly understanding-that is wisdom the principal attribute of God almighty: If you have the understanding (skilful and godly wisdom) you will have foundation to build upon and carry on for the rest of the year. Foolishness is just lack of wisdom. Conversely we may say that wisdom is knowledge righteously and appropriately applied. Wisdom is the principal thing so get it. Proverbs 4:7 “The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).”

8.  Avoid Power Outage in your life, be empowered: He has empowered us to disrupt and reverse expectations of the devil. Even desperate situations can be controlled by living a supernatural life not just an ordinary life just trying to do it yourself. Allow God to add His super to your natural. Avoid the power outage in your life; sometimes a lot of people live without the power because they focus on getting rather than doing God’s will.

9.  He calls those things that be not (non-existent) as if they are. speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existedDoing it God’s way not mans way. For this world’s wisdom is foolishness absurdity and stupidity with God, for it is written, He lays hold of the wise in their [own] craftiness.

10. You don’t have to face the situation alone, even our wisest decisions or resolutions fall short of the expectation of Him who has called us and have the ability and capability to stop and discontinue the situational experience the power of the prayer of the faithful in Christ.

TEN Benefits of Walking After the SPIRIT

Ten Benefits of Walking After the Spirit By Ivan Ukiwah

If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.  Galatians 5:25 (Amplified Bible)

 How do we walk in the Spirit? Obviously God expects us not just to walk in the Spirit but also live in the Spirit. However let’s look at Romans 8:1 that verse of the scripture introduces us to the concept of walking in the Spirit.  

THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit-Romans 8:1 Amplified Bible.

To walk in the Spirit is to desirously uphold the dictates of the Spirit and live within His operational guidelines and principles and not manipulate or manoeuvre or attempt to modify or alter the guidelines. As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. In summary walking in the Spirit could be interpreted as:

a)  Regulating our lives and conducting ourselves in conformity with the Holy Spirit

b) Upholding the dictates of the Holy Spirit

c)  Living our lives in union with the operational guidelines

Ten Benefits of Walking After the Spirit

1.  Relief  from the heavy load of law and condemnation-Romans 8:1

2.  Walking in the newness of life absolute freedom from the law of sin and death. Romans 6:4

3.  Visible growth in Christ Jesus-you refocus on Jesus through the grace. Romans 3:24

4.  Guaranteed life and peace when you are spiritually minded-Romans 8:6

5.  There is a noticeable and remarkable change in your language. Your language is reprogrammed to express the victory and the gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord rather than the failure you are likely to experience in the flesh. Romans 8:3

6.  Walking after the Spirit redefines how we express love and delights in truth no matter our circumstances.

7.  There is an inner connection and commitment in fellowship and association with the Holy Spirit which reinforces and validates our confidence in God who is in charge of our future and moving on from the absurdities of our preposterous past washed away by the blood of Jesus.

8.  There is a blessed union-The Holy Spirit is in us and we are in Him. Our body is the temple (a sacred citadel) of God, His Spirit dwells in us

9.  There is a new quickness and sharpness of recognition and consciousness in us, we are conscious of the things we do and the things we say-there is an increased sensitivity to sin. The word of God becomes clearer and much more alive to us even the hidden things are revealed in a way for our understanding and benefit.

1. Life becomes very simple, we don’t have to struggle with everything because He is our provider.

 

I have carefully outlined these ten benefits during a Bible study, more and more benefits are there in the Bible and will be updated as time goes on. However feel free to add to those listed above and keep me in the loop too. Thank

Ivan Ukiwah (CDN) Direct Email: iukiwah@gmail.com or Christian.drive.network.cdn@gmail.com or christianupdateoutreach@yahoo.com

HOW TO ORIENTATE YOUR PRAYERS

Excerpt From: Don’t  Give Up Yet Pray Like This  – By Ivan Ukiwah

Prayer is commanded and is the key to threshold of God Kingdom that exist in three spheres: Power, Grace And Glory. Undoubtedly Prayer can access the threshold to the throne of grace, the kingdom of glory and majesty where God’s will, and the ornamentation of God’s heavenly presence cannot be darkened or diminished. So Don’t  Give Up Yet Pray Like This.

When we pray, we must orientate our prayer to reflect the truth of our connection with God establishing our location in Him as sons and heirs; The Bible says we can now call Him Father haven received the Spirit of adoption heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. So when we pray we must

1.  Get our bearings right –That is praying according to His will regardless of what we want. The Bible says in Matthew 6:8 “…for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” Once again emphasis is placed on getting the basics of our bearings right- Remember this all about God’s will and His Kingdom, not “My kingdom come my will be done.” Look at this fragment of the scripture in Matthew 6:9 Jesus said “After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”  God’s kingdom is not about some kind of ‘man’s fair play’  or man’s imagination in an altered state of spiritual consciousness disconnected from God embraced by ignorance based on man intellect. Niether is His kingdom based on man’s delusion of fairness as we may think.  It’s all about grace- fairness based on grace foundation because we are justified freely by grace because in that realm or sphere, God’s dazzling glorious will is unquestionably and delightfully done-a compliant honest and obedient heart receives! When our bearings are right, it implies we have full and unquestionable submission to the will of God

2.  Establish our location in His will (the will of the Father) as directed by him who freely justified us by his grace. Knowing and understanding where we are now and what God is saying about us is important, so that when we ask we don’t ask amiss. How God chooses to handle something is His will, the Holy Spirit is there empowering us to speak recognizing our weakness. Jesus model teaches us how to ask God to preside over every situation in a way that He deems best. We should never allow our will to flood His will for us. Sometimes in our desperation we stumble in our faith-walk causing God’s will for us to be flooded and overtaken by ‘Our Will’ because of the rising urgency in our sense of need and probably because of the dimness of our understanding of who God really is. His will for us is irrevocable and unchangeable though we may slow it down and cause it to go into hibernation but surely because He is able to deliver what He has promised it will come to pass.

December Edition Of Shepherds Guide

5th DEC 2009    DEVELOPING PATIENCE (1)

Patience is easy to demonstrate when everything is going our way. The true test to our ‘remarkable’ patience comes when our faith is being tested by delays. Check out the relic of our patience when cut in traffic? or when our rights are infringed invaded. DEAR LORD refresh our understanding of the fruit of the Spirit, …as followers of Christ AMEN. Hebrews 12:1 “THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,” I TELL YOU THIS! PATIENCE DOES NOT DEVELOP OVERNIGHT God’s power and kindness are crucial ingredients for the development of godly patience. May those ingredients be given to us in Jesus Name.

6TH DEC 2009      DEVELOPING PATIENCE  (2)

There is an impatient child in each of us that wants God to grant every request immediately even when God says ‘NOT YET’. Dear LORD all we ask You this day is to develop in us the following character builders:-discipline, trust, compassion and submission and above all the quality of patience (not being hasty or impetuo…us) in difficult circumstances in Jesus Name.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper]. But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

7TH DEC 2009   HE IS A WAKEFUL AND WATCHFUL  KEEPER (1)

When difficulties and dangers are greatest where do you go to for help? Who do you call on for help? Some may rely on great men of influence, princes and men of wealth David said “Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.”

Your confidence should be in God only, Psalm 121:1 “I WILL lift up my eyes to the hills from whence shall my help come?” Stop polishing your chariots and stop grooming your horses-A faithful man shall abound with blessings packaged with faultless and flawless enduring protection- Read Proverbs 28:20 and Proverbs 30:5. We must see all our help in God and from God because trust in Him brings a sense of well-being; from him we must expect it, in his own way and time.

8TH DEC  2009   HE IS A WAKEFUL AND WATCHFUL  KEEPER (2)

The safety of those that put their trust in God is paramount to him-He doesn’t go on holiday when you need him; His phone lines are not dead, disabled or unreachable when you need to access Him in emergency for super security; And He doesn’t go on business trips when great difficulties and dangers are threatening, pushing or knocking down your natural walls of protection. He is a wakeful, watchful Keeper! He is always near his people for their protection and refreshment. He is ever there to add His super to our natural to make it supernatural.

9TH DEC 2009     FINDING  PURPOSE IN YOUR PAIN

One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

Do you know that finding purpose in your pain can help you to assembles your confidence?

The Bible in Job 1:22 said “In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God. Finding purpose in your pain reinforces your trust and believes. When true trust is established in pain and great fear, you will be strengthened to see, and to know and consider and understand together, what the hand of the LORD is able to do. When you find the purpose in pain His Super will be added to your natural ability to increase your enablement to a supernatural level.

 

10TH OCT 2009     FINDING  PURPOSE IN YOUR PAIN (2)

Do you know that the capacity for finding purpose in your pain comes from knowing who God really is – He majors in impossibilities? Remember Joseph? Remember David? Remember Esther?

Genesis 50:20 Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

11TH DEC 2009    FINDING  PURPOSE IN YOUR PAIN (3)

The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. Then came the pain and challenge- and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me! She called to the men of her household and said to them, Behold, he [your master] has brought in a Hebrew to us to mock and insult us; he came in where I was to lie with me, and I screamed at the top of my voice.” Our pains are sometimes there to disengage us from our comfort zone and the comfort factor in our lives and open us to new possibilities. And Joseph’s master took him and put him in the prison, a place where the state prisoners were confined; so he was there in the prison. Joseph may have been sad, depressed, miserable, gloomy and dispirited. But remember we serve an almighty God that major in impossibilities. Genesis 39:21 says “But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and loving-kindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison.” This in actual fact was going to be the beginning of rigorous training for Joseph to assume the position of Prime Minister of Egypt. When you find and discover the purpose in your pain, God-the master planner and organizer will orchestrate, marshal and steer you in a new direction with a fresh mandate.  

12TH DEC 2009  LET YOUR SPEECH BE WITH GRACE

Sometimes our minds like the computer needs reprogramming and uploading with latest softwares before it crashes; God’s word from TV, Conferences, Christian podcasts & messages online; and from reading books and observing your quiet time are what we need to prevent the mind from acutely crashing. Sometimes our minds like the computer needs reprogramming and uploading with latest softwares before it crashes; God’s word from TV, Conferences, Christian podcasts & messages online; and from reading books and observing your quiet time are what we need to prevent the mind from acutely crashing.

Re-program your self talk! It’s a wonderful experience. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how ye ought to answer every man-Colossians 4:6 GOD BLESS YOU IF YOU ARE READING THIS!

Re-program your self talk! It’s a wonderful experience. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how ye ought to answer every man-Colossians 4:6 GOD BLESS YOU IF YOU ARE READING THIS!

 

13TH DEC 2009   ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives. Isaiah 59:19

14TH DEC 2009     HE DAILY EMPOWERS ME

I will serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. I will not be afraid to request His glory in this matter; because the LORD GOD whom I serve is longsuffering and gracious. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies (vindicated me on this matter),  You honour me by anointing my head with oil (daily empowered me),  My cup overflows with greater blessings. Psalm 23:5

15 TH DEC 2009   MY PRAYER FOR TODAY- REQUEST FOR INFILLING

Dear Lord I need a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit, let the Holy Spirit breath upon me and create order out of this chaos. I want another divine visitation from you LORD on this matter; let this cup pass over me Lord Jesus, now that the day is near. I have given up on trying to orchestrates events myself, because your word says “…he who began the good work in me will carry it to completion I know what the LORD ordains, He sustains!

16TH DEC 2009   A SIMPLE FAMILY REQUEST & PRAYER

Dear LORD I thank you for giving me and my family the daily grace to carry on despite the flood of intense trials, all I ask is to cause me to focus more and not to ignore what you want me to learn from all these and give me the exclusive wisdom to accomplish more for you in JESUS’ name AMEN!

I will serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. I will not be afraid to request His glory in this matter; because the LORD GOD whom I serve is longsuffering and gracious. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies (vindicated me on this matter),  You honour me by anointing my head with oil (daily empowered me),  My cup overflows with greater blessings. Psalm 23:5

17TH DEC 2OO9    BLESSINGS FOR OBEDIENCE

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

Moses made it clear that all that is required is obedience. In short this implies living your life  in line with His commandments.

  

18TH DEC 2009    GET A PRAYER PARTNER (1)

Why do I need a prayer partner?  Sometimes when we are up against something too big to handle alone or when we are overwhelmed by challenges and we find yourself retreating into persecution mentality instead going on our kneels and asking God for assistance. Then it becomes necessary to make a pact with someone who must be a Christian, a praiseworthy ally who share the same doctrinal principles and values and reverence for God to pray with you and for you.

A Prayer of agreement will rekindle your faith irrespective of your imperfection or shortcomings. Your faith is incensed or roused by the the daring faith and the fearlessness of others praying with you. Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego -Daniel 3: 17-18

 

 

19TH DEC 2009      GET YOUR BEARINGS RIGHT

 

Getting our bearings right –That is praying according to His will regardless of what we want. The Bible says in Matthew 6:8 “…for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” Once again emphasis is placed on getting the basics of our bearings right- Remember this all about God’s will and His Kingdom, not “My kingdom come my will be done.” Look at this fragment of the scripture in Matthew 6:9 Jesus said “After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”  God’s kingdom is not about some kind of ‘fair play’ because it is not based on man’s delusion of fairness as we may think.  It’s all about grace- fairness based on grace foundation because we are justified freely by grace because in that realm or sphere, God’s dazzling glorious will is unquestionably and delightfully done-a compliant honest and obedient heart receives! When are bearings are right, it implies we have full and unquestionable submission to the will of God

20TH DEC 2009  ESTABLISH YOUR LOCATION IN HIS WILL

 

Establish our location in His will (the will of the Father) as directed by him who freely justified us by his grace. Knowing and understanding where we are now and what God is saying about us is important, so that when we ask we don’t ask amiss. How God chooses to handle something is His will, the Holy Spirit is there empowering us to speak recognizing our weakness. Jesus model teaches us how to ask God to preside over every situation in a way that He deems best. We should never allow our will to flood His will for. Sometimes in our desperation we stumble in our faith-walk causing God’s will for us to be flooded with ‘Our Will’ because of the rising urgency in our sense of need and probably because of the dimness of our understanding of who God really is. His will for us is irrevocable and unchangeable though we may slow it down and cause it to go into hibernation but surely because He is able to deliver what He has promised it will come to pass.

 

21ST DEC 2009  HIS PROMISES HAVE BEEN FULFILLED IN CHRIST

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

 Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge—a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.

27TH DEC 2009  A SIMPLE PRAYER IN THE NEW YEAR FOR OPEN DOORS

Lord you said “…Knock and the door will be opened to you.” I may have tried and knocked too hard in 2009; Dear Lord Jesus teach me to tone down my knocking, teach me to knock reverently-a simple knock to open the right doors in the New year 2010, so I can enter and evolve into that which you have destined for me. 

Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need and knocking sensibly in 2010. Happy New Year.

28TH DEC 2009   TALKING TO DADDY GOD

Prayer is talking to God, our spirit man having a flow of spiritual desire to spend quality time with the Holy Spirit of God individually or collective in the congregation of the faithful. In the big picture, prayer is our spirit connecting and relating with God. Jesus specifically instructed us to pray every day just like he did to maintain communication with His father. There are several ways believers in Christ can talk to and maintain communication God and even evolve in their spiritual intimacy and relationship with God. Believers can talk to God by adoration, praise, thanksgiving, oblation, petition, and intercession.

However, we need to evaluate or review our prayer life in other to evolve it into something that will upgrade our relationship with God and identify areas for spiritual development/growth and also bridging the gaps in our lives to keep our life challenges as simple as possible.

 29 TH DEC 2009     OUR EARTHLY RESIDENCE IS TEMPORARY

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him therefore our Earthly residence is transitory, provisional and temporary because we know that our old (un-renewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin. By His grace (His unmerited favour and mercy), we are freed (loosed, delivered) from the power of sin [among men].

30TH DEC 2009  FASTING AND PRAYER AS THE YEAR 2009 COMES TO AN END

Fasting provides a penetrating view of events in our lives and highlights His will for us as we tune in and listen in spirit because God is a Spirit Being. God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality). 

Prayer changes the forecast even when predictions are out of step with the word of God. Fasting releases the power for change and aligns the situation so that God’s name may be glorified.

Fasting takes you out of ‘temporal spiritual retirement’ unnecessary diversions and changes your priority.

When you fast, you become less transparent about your situation (wants, needs, desires) because you are catapulted or spirited into another realm to enjoy a more involved and robust conversation and relationship with God.

  

A LONG DRINK OF SALVATION

All believers like Paul and Silas are not delivered or preserved in a way which lowers them and makes them feel degraded in the society, workplace or in their businesses, far from it, the Lord’s salvation bestows honour upon those it delivers. Joseph said “As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.” Listen to me “When your deliverance is pioneered by God, it not only reshapes your life, it reshapes the lives of those around you for productivity and prosperity of His word”

HE IS ALWAYS NEAR IN SYMPATHY AND IN POWER

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him. (Psalm 91:15 NIV)

If you hold unto me I will be with you in trouble, notice this in Romans 8:15 we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption to be called joint heirs with Christ. As joint heirs you are invariably alert/aware of a special divine presence in times of severe trial, hence you shall not be consumed, devoured or swallowed up because God (Ab’-ba father) is always near in sympathy and in power to help.

Remember the story of Paul and Silas; let’s rewind again and replay the whole scenario in sequence; they were mobbed-set upon, severely flogged and miserably beaten by an aggressive and monstrous crowd who had no mercy. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to put them under heavy guard so there would be no chance of escape. He did just that—threw them into the maximum security cell in the jail and clamped leg irons on them.

At about midnight, Paul and Silas were prayed and sang robust hymns to God, and the other prisoners who were listening to them couldn’t believe their ears. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;

We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed. Why? Because God said when you call upon me, He will answer, He will be with you in trouble and He will deliver and honour you.

All believers like Paul and Silas are not delivered or preserved in a way which lowers them and makes them feel degraded in the society, workplace or in their businesses, far from it, the Lord’s salvation bestows honour upon those it delivers.

Recall Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers because they hated him and put into prison because he was lied upon by his masters wife for refusing to sleep with him but in all these the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy in the prison and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison-Genesis 39:21-23.

Genesis 45:5 Joseph said to his brothers “But now, do not be distressed and disheartened or vexed and angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life”

In Genesis 50:20 Joseph reiterated the obvious fact that believers are not delivered or preserved in a way which lowers them and makes them feel degraded. When he said to his brother “As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.” Surely He gives a conquering grace with a reward that is beyond our imagination and expectation.

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
      ”I’ll get you out of any trouble.
   I’ll give you the best of care
      if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
   Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
      I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
   I’ll give you a long life,
      give you a long drink of salvation!”

 A LONG DRINK OF SALVATION is the Copyright of Ivan Ukiwah Founder & Co-ordinator Christiandrive Network (CDN)/ChristianUpdate Int. For comments and suggestions, please Email: iukiwah@gmail.com  or visit our twitter page www.twitter.com/christiandrive  and on facebook www.facebook.com/christiandrive  

MONEY, GIVING AND THE CHURCH.

MONEY, GIVING AND THE CHURCH.

THE CHURCH TODAY ONLY CARES ABOUT MONEY. IS THIS TRUE?

God so loved the world that He gave….  Giving can change your financial and spiritual landscape and simultaneously fast-track you to productive prominence. Look at Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift (a man’s giving and parting ability) maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

• Is the church placing too much emphasis on money and giving?
• Is it right to make giving compulsory in the House of God?
• How do I know that my offerings/money is going for a good cause?
• Abuse and Misuse of Church fund-should that stop me from giving?

The trend of Giving may be influenced by

1.  The failure of some churches to provide a credible, believable and compelling financial vision and transparency for how the money will make a difference in the world.

2.  Ignorance: Failure to fully understand the church’s financial expectations, potential and responsibility towards salvation of souls. For example Matthew 28:19 is a very challenging responsibility, and God needs our resources in ways that will bring salvation to lives or affect lives giving them a meaning.

3.   Failure to overcome the Giant of Self obsession: please read http://christiandrive.wordpress.com/category/10-facts-about-self-obsession/

Catering for the appetites and impulses of our carnal nature ignores God. Self Obsession is a complex act of extreme and continuous preoccupation with the thought of yourself and everything that involves you or should involve you. Self obsession is undoubtedly extreme and irresistible state of selfishness. When your priorities revolve around your personal/physical needs and desires then looking after the needs of the church is scaled down your priorities and falls to the bottom. Despising the things of the spirit because of self obsession is dangerous.

What does the Bible say about Giving? Who do you give your offerings to? Your Church? Your Pastor? or God?

The offering may go to the church, but we don’t give to a church neither do we give to the Pastor all offerings goes to God who said in Malachi 3:8 “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings”

Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that……and prove me now herewith saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”

Study the Bible for yourself, we don’t have to strive with giving, give as the Lord proposes, give cheerfully-with a cheerful heart not twisted or dishonest warped by what you see or hear that the Pastor doing. Remember salvation is personal, everyone of us will give account of our stewardship before Him that hath called us. Giving is God’s instruction, not Pastors and it’s for our own good. Study the Bible and see the will of God concerning your finances, giving and tithing. Here are suggested fragments of the scripture, study these key verses and I pray that the entrance of His word will give you light and understanding as it does to the simple who have humbled themselves in submission to       God’s will:

 

James 1:17

Matthew 25:21

Matthew 7:11

Luke 6:38

1 Timothy 6:7

Deuteronomy 8:18

Proverbs 11:24

1 Corinthians 16:2

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Romans 11:36

Romans 8:32-33

Acts 20:35

2 Corinthians 9:7

John 3:16

2 Corinthians 8:9

 

 

A GIVER NEVER LACKS

GET A FRESH START

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, engrafted-he walks not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, he is a new creation- a total transformation of nature through the phenomenon of spiritual rebirth by his grace and redemption that is in Christ Jesus; the old has gone knowing that our previous moral, spiritual and sinful recalcitrant nature is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed, the new has come-we being transformed, completely changed to be conformed to the likeness of His son!

Get a fresh start, it is fun for you to take on things you would normally shy from. I have discovered many things from studying the scripture; The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action). So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

When you study the scripture continually you will almost see and feel a sense of expectation of growing in faith and the opportunity to expand your thinking in line with the word of God. GETTING ON TO A FRESH START WITH GOD is not optional or discretionary-make a very deliberate or conscious choice to study the scripture. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 13:8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth, perhaps there a things in your life that are ripe for that transformation-ONE TOUCH from God. Have you fallen off the wagon? Are you still in the desert of your wilderness? Have you lost the appetite for the word and relationship with God? GET A FRESH START!

When you regularly study the scripture, you will find out that everything in life is wrapped in it and you will find it useful to learn to maintain good works and to avoid unfruitfulness and put on the ‘I can do attitude’ as you play your role in life. We can get on the right path given the limitless opportunity in the word of God, so get a fresh start, your overall enjoyment hinges on it.  

Remain Blessed

Ivan Ukiwah

Founder and Co-ordinatorCDN (Christiandrive Network)

Please email: iukiwah@gmail.com or christian.drive.network.cdn@gmail.com

A SIMPLE PRAYER

1. Dear LORD, cause me to validate what Jesus did for me on the cross, energize my spirit to listen and follow your instructions.
2. Lord you said “…Knock and the door will be opened to you.” I may have tried and knocked too hard in 2009; Dear Lord Jesus teach me to tone down my knocking, teach me to knock reverently-a simple knock to open the right doors in the New year 2010, so I can enter and evolve into that which you have destined for me.
3. Dear Lord, teach me to understand how to ASK and not ask amiss, let your humble spirit impact my life and tone my asking, so that I can receive and live in fulfilment that expresses God’s Glory. Amen
4.  Dear Lord, I thank thee for thy loving kindness, thy mercy and favour towards me; cause me Lord to cleave more unto you and not waver in thy word, let your word dwell and prosper in me exceedingly in Jesus’ Name AMEN.
5. The Psalmist David said “Before I was afflicted I went astray…” Walking within the communique (declaration) of God’s word is all we need to have dominion over situation and circumstances. Affliction can only come after the violation of the covenant agreement I have with God. Dear Lord remove from me that compulsion t…o sin, quicken me according to thy word. Uphold me according thy word, that I may live; let me not be ashamed of my hope in Jesus’ name AMEN
6. O LORD, how great are thy works, how deep are your thoughts, let your beauty be upon me and establish thou the work of my hands. May the word thou hath sent concerning me prosper me in that which you have sent it in JESUS’ NAME.
7. Dear Lord cause me not to be moved by what I hear or what I see, but to be self conscious of the new spirit within me which is not of fear; but a spirit of power, and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind (sound mind) and discipline and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7); capable of experiencing the dynamic power in the Kingdom of God-1 Corinthians 4:20.
8. O LORD fulfill in me the potential to rightly divide the word of truth, so I will be able to come to the full knowledge of truth and be conformed to the likeness of your Son Jesus. AMEN