Monday 28 January 2019

Our eyes are upon You Lord

Our Eyes Are Upon You

2 Chronicles 20:1 - 30
Jehoshaphat reigned in Judah and found favour with the Lord because he walked in the former ways of his father, David (2 Chronicles 17:3)
Then came a time when people of Moab, the Ammonites and other armies rose up against him in battle. This was quite a mighty force to deal with and Jehoshaphat shook with fear. However, he had the sense to give this problem to God and proclaimed a fast throughout the whole of Judah. He sought the Lord in prayer, pouring out his heart to Him, "O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You:" Verse 12. In other words, he was saying, 'Lord, I don't know what to do but You do and I'm counting on You.'

A lesson here is, when we're in this position - PRAY! Give the problem to God. He knows the way through, you don't. Jehoshaphat did just that and gathered the people of Judah to stand, fast and pray before the Lord. God spoke to a man, filled with the Spirit of God, who declared that there was no need to be afraid; the battle was the Lord's,  not theirs. He would be fighting for them. He told Jehoshaphat to get into position, in other words, STAND TRUST - BELIEVE and then Jehoshaphat told the people to praise God. Make music before Him. Sing His praises and their fear was turned into victory and blessing, in fact, total abundance.

The formula Jehoshaphat used was:
* ASK verse 12
* BELIEVE Verse 20
* PRAISE verse 22.  Praise opens door!
And finally: GIVE IT ALL TO GOD.

Many times we are in a position similar to this, where we are overwhelmed by the pressures of life and we just don't know what to do. Remember, God does. He will go before you and make a way forward where perhaps we couldn't see one.

What are you facing at this time? Is it a big decision you need to make? Is it something so urgent and pressing that you really don't know how to go about it?
Remember, 'OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU' v 12

Seek Him
Cast your burdens upon Him Psalm 55:22 and Proverbs 3:5 - 6
Praise Him

"Lord, we come to You today and place our worries, our burdens and our fears at Your feet.
Please help us in our time of struggle to find a way through this mess.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Sunday 27 January 2019

Joseph's brothers

Joseph's brothers

Read Genesis 42 - 43
One thing that had caused Joseph's brothers much frustration, was his dreams. He used to tell them about how he had dreamt that he would be superior to them and that they would have to bow down to him. Possibly Joseph should have kept this to himself, but we know that he was rather over zealous in his younger days and this just wound them up - big time.

This was fulfilled some 22 years later when Jacob sent Joseph's brothers into Egypt to buy grain. When they arrived, Joseph recognised them instantly but his brothers failed to recognise him. They bowed down before him and and requested that they buy food. ( 42:6 - 7). They told Joseph that they were from Canaan - some 50 miles away. After further questioning, Joseph accused them of being spies who had come to check out his land. Whatever they said, he pretended to disbelieve them and carried on with the accusation.

You know, what goes around comes around. Joseph had been falsely accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison. Now the brothers were getting the same treatment. God has a sense of humour at times. Joseph told them that one of them was to be imprisoned while the others went back to Canaan to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin back with them. He was Joseph's blood brother.
Whilst they were discussing this with each other, Joseph was listening, they didn't know he spoke their language because he had been using an interpreter.

 In 42:21-22 we see them coming under conviction as they said, "Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn't listen. That's why we're in this trouble. Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy?" Reuben asked. "But you wouldn't listen. And now we have to answer for his blood."

Joseph hearing all of this, turned around and began to weep. One would have thought he would now be able to take revenge on these men who had hurt him so badly. But no, he was full of compassion.
He sent them away with the food, keeping Simeon in prison and they journeyed the 50 miles back home. Joseph arranged for their money to be returned to their bags and they panicked thinking they would be further accused of stealing.

There were lessons to be learnt here. We'll always get caught out at some stage. God knows what we do; He sees all and will do all He can to get us to repent and put things right. Look at the compassion of Joseph. Could we act in the same way to people who have wronged us so badly? Do we need to forgive someone? Do we show compassion to people? Jesus did. That's why He gave us a second chance. Do we need to give someone another chance? Do we need to let them off the hook, thus freeing them and ourselves?
Think about it.


Saturday 26 January 2019

Honourable and Trustworthy

Honourable and trustworthy

Please read Genesis 41:37 - 57
Joseph had taken quite a few knocks in his short life. His brothers were jealous of him because of Jacob's favouritism towards him. As a young lad Joseph had perhaps been over zealous talking about the dreams that he had, describing him as a leader over them. They decided enough was enough and eventually sold him to travellers and he ended up in Egypt working in an officials house.

Joseph had favour from God and excelled in his work within the house. Therefore, the official - Potiphar promoted him to be in charge of the whole house and servants. Unfortunately, Potiphar's wife made sexual advances towards him but even though he refused her offers, he was accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison. Still God's favour was upon him and he was very quickly put in the position looking after the whole jail.

Eventually, because of Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams, he was brought before Pharaoh and asked to interpret  dreams that he had had - dreams that no one else could interpret. The Chief Butler remembered that Joseph had interpreted a dream for him and the Chief Baker, one in which he had promised he would tell Pharaoh about. He had forgotten and now it was two years later.
Pharaoh told Joseph about the two dreams he had had and Joseph was able to tell him that the dreams meant there was to be seven years of abundance and then a seven year famine and there was a need to prepare for this.

Pharaoh was astounded at the gift of this young man and said, "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God." Verse 38. Pharaoh knew there was something different about Joseph and recognised it was God. This is very similar to when Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin in Acts 4. In verse 13 we read, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marvelled. And they realised that they had been with Jesus." I call this 'Impact evangelism,' the type where one doesn't really have to say anything but people around notice that there is a difference in you.

God had recognised the talent and the faithfulness of Joseph. He had seen the tolerance and the patience; the diligence and the integrity that Joseph had, and He was ready to reward this man.
Pharaoh at once recognised this in Joseph and made him the second in command in Egypt. In fact, he was made the Prime Minister. Pharaoh gave him his signet ring which represented - 'Seal bearer to the king.' and from thereon, he was a highly trusted official in the land of Egypt.
His story is a rags to riches one and shows us how God honours His people. You may never be promoted to Prime Minister - and let's face it, who would want that? However, God will recognise all you do for Him, even though at the time you may not notice this, especially through the bad times.
Joseph got out of bed that morning a prisoner but went to bed that evening the Prime Minister.


Friday 25 January 2019

Communication

Communication

One of the biggest problems in life today is the lack of communication between people, especially within a marriage. Sometimes we go about our day and fail to communicate with people who matter. Possibly sometimes our head is so filled with what has to be done that we just assume that other people know what is happening and what needs to be done. However, by doing this, we show them  no dignity or respect.

Assumptions are dangerous and kill the moment. Husbands and wives assume that, 'this will be done,' and, 'we'll go there today,' etc etc without telling the other partner what they're planning. Sometimes we're tempted to hide certain things from our partners because we want to protect them, 'they don't need to know about this.' Sadly,  the other partner can pick up on something not being right and can form an assumption, only to get it all wrong. Arguments can then take place and we have a division.
This can happen in the workplace too, especially in a church. If the communication isn't good, people can feel left out and may feel rejected and of no value. Communication is essential.

When communication has been neglected, bad feeling can take place and then the devil can have a heyday with our thought life. The devil loves to bring division. It can split churches and work places alike. Don't forget:

"Stay alert! Watch out, for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:7  New Living Translation

Remember, what Kenneth Copeland says, 'If you let him into the back seat of the car, fretting soon he's gonna want to drive.' Given the opportunity, the devil will rip up whatever he can. He's no one's friend and if we let him in, he'll be only too glad to come in.

In Christian marriage, we're called to pray together. However, if there's division between us - a wall, that joining together is not there. there's a rift and we'll get no blessing from that until we put it right.

What is the communication like within your marriage. Does it need to improve? What is the communication like in your church, spot on or is there room for improvement.
God communicates with us, He expects us to communicate with people too, otherwise people become hurt, confused and feel as if they're surplus to requirements

Romans 12:10 in the New Living Translation says:
"Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honouring each other." 

Thursday 24 January 2019

Thoughts

Thoughts

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."   Proverbs 23:7

Let's try a little self analysis. Ask yourself:

* What do I think of myself?
* What do I think about situations I meet on a daily basis?
* What do I think in general?

Our thoughts can control our day and life if we allow them too. We can have mental battles in our heads, followed by conversations that are potentially dangerous to relationships and life in general.
However, it's all in our heads but if we begin to believe it, we are sucked into thinking that it is really happening. It can be anything from what a person thinks about you to a marital relationship.

Romans 12:2 tells us that we need to renew our minds. This literally means, changing the way we think and what we focus on. It is seeing things differently and changing our perspective.

Philippians 4:8 reads:
"Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things."

Basically this scripture is leading us to think about Jesus because He has all of these characteristics and more. Just stop and think for a moment, if God was to write a report about your thoughts, how would they read? Would it be a good report or an embarrassing one?
Think, can I honestly say that what God finds in my mind is of a good report? If not, then perhaps this is the place to start work by renewing the mind Romans 12:2.

It is very possible to turn things around - to change things. However, it starts with changing our focus and perception; changing how we think and act and having the determination to succeed.

God thinks you're a nice person. He loves you more than words could ever say. He always thinks the best of you. Therefore, He is on your side and wants to help you change things around.

Start right now. Draw near to Jesus. His arms are open wide.

Wednesday 23 January 2019

Blessings are coming

Blessings are coming

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think - according to the power that works in us; to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."    Ephesians 3:20 - 21

Read and meditate on these two verses. Let them speak to you and feed you. Pick the bones out of them and then chew them over in your mind. God is speaking to you. He can and is willing to do more than you could ever imagine but it is according to the faith we have; it is according to how much we let Him into our lives and let Him have His way with us. It is according to what we believe He can do. You may be praying for something very important right now. Do you believe God can do it? Do you believe that he wants to do it? Do you believe He loves you enough to do it for you? Of course he does. However, He is not a glorified Father Christmas, giving us everything we've ever wanted - a new house, car, more money than we have ever dreamed of or the finest designer clothes and shoes that we have only seen on the television or in a film. Of course he can do all of this, but He is interested in your needs not your wants.

I believe God is saying to His church:
* Get into place
* Let Me bless you
* I long to bless you
* Forget your pain-riddled history. There's a turnaround coming.
   Forget the confusion of the past. You have and can carry answers to your community

God is in control - if you put Him there. He is your provider - no one else.
Thank Him for all he has done. For the times he has rescued you from certain disaster. Thank Him for keeping your marriage together. Thank Him for your home, your family, your health - even if some fine tuning needs to be done there. Believe He can and wants to do it.

Get into place and let Him bless you

Tuesday 22 January 2019

Bartimaeus

22 January 2019

Bartimaeus.  (Mark 10:46 - 52)
Jesus was becoming very popular and wherever He went, He drew crowds. Some wanting Him to meet their needs and heal them; some curious and wanting to see what all the fuss was about; and then, the people who were against Him and wanted to stir up trouble wherever they went. Nothing has really changed today when you think about it, except that Jesus doesn't walk around the area like He was here.

There was a young chap called Bartimaeus. He had been blind from birth and was like an outcast. he couldn't work because of his disability so He had to beg, as no one else was there to really care for Him. He had heard the stories about Jesus and excitement was beginning build within him at the news that He was visiting his area. He sat  the side of the road waiting.

To be born blind in Jesus' day was thought to be the result of sin within the family, either the parents or the child. (John 9:2ff.) Bartimaeus therefore, had little going for himself and no one loved him or cared what happened to him. There are many in our day and age who also fit into this category - people with certain addictions, ex forces and ex prisoners to name but a few. This is one of the reasons why our streets are occupied by homeless people. They are the misfits of our society. When I was pastoring a certain church, we used to have many of them visit us at our day centre and thereafter, at our services. I was asked if I would consider having two services, one for the church members and one for the 'Down and outs.' I told this person that if they could show me in the bible where Jesus was reported to have done this, I would consider it. Obviously that finished the conversation.

Jesus was here. Bartimaeus jumped to his feet when he heard that Jesus was walking by. He knew this was his only chance and he was going to take it. 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.' He kept shouting this over and over, despite people around him telling him to be quiet. Then the moment came he had been dreaming about. Jesus heard him and called him to come forward. Bartimaeus ran over to Him, leaving his cloak behind, possibly his only possession. Jesus asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?' He replied 'Rabboni - which means My Great One - that I may see.' Jesus told him, 'Go your way, your faith has made you well.' Immediately his sight was restored and he chose to follow Jesus.

Life would never be the same again for him. He had been healed - I know that feeling so well, see my testimony - he had called on Jesus and scripture was fulfilled, 'For whoever calls upon the name of the lord shall be saved.'  Romans 10:13. God is a God of the second chance.

Do you need a touch from Jesus? Are you sick? Do you believe Jesus can deal with this - that is the condition, faith. Why not get on your knees and cry out to Him now and listen for those lovely words, 'What do you want me to do for you?'

'Lord Jesus, I call out to You today. I want to be well, please heal me. Amen'

Grace

" Then Paul stood up, and motioning with  his  hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen:   17  The God of this people  I...