Thursday, June 11, 2009
EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF CHANGE. ARE YOU A FOSSIL?
If you are ever going to effectively enjoy the benefit in Gods kingdom, you must understand the nature of walking with the Lord. Walking with God means, making constant adjustments to His seasons.
When you adjust, you move, but when you don’t, you die. You should avoid existing in a changeless situation, stagnated, unsuccessful and never experiencing the blessings of your inheritance.
I have discovered that one of the biggest hindrances to successful living is the curse of tradition.
A Tradition is an inherited pattern of thought or action. A specific practice of long standing in your mind, family, organization, church etc that govern conduct and behaviour.
I inherited a way of doing things from my parents, who inherited them from their parents, who inherited them from their parents. They instilled in me some values which guided my way of thinking and living as long as I was under their roof.
When I married my wife and started to live on my own, I changed the way some things were done. If I had continued to hold and do things the way my parents did, I would never have broken ground in many areas of my life.
My plea to you today is “do not live your life by trial and error” There is a way you can live a rewarding, fulfilling satisfying life on earth. Even if you think your life is far spent.
People who live by trial and error [Experimenting until a solution is found]kind of assume and take for granted that eventually things will work out even if they are falling apart.
That their marriage will eventually work out.
That their friendship will eventually get better.
That relationship with people will just fall in place.
That a child grows to be a successful person without Godly supervision and values. That because you have an education, you automatically earn a right to wisdom.
That you can be rude, disrespectful and vulgar and still enjoy fulfillment.
That you can waste your life and still enjoy a flawless life without consequences.
All of us are born with a potential of all these things, in fact some of them were in my life long time. I was not born with the qualities which I posses at present. I had to do a very painful surgery to change and eliminate many things in my life. My mirror was the word of God. Anything that did not align to that mirror I plucked off and still continue to pluck.
Often I meet people stuck in various LIFE situations. They met with a challenging situation somewhere between the intersections of life. In between the point of departure and the point of destination they fell in a rut and boy oh boy they got STUCK and a journey began, a fast journey downhill towards frustrations, dissapointments and heartache, scrapping the bottom pan of life, yet they were destined for GREATNESS!
Sadly very Few people connect their personal stagnation in life to their failure to submit to the dictates of higher powers and authority; they live in subtle misplaced pride governed entirely by tradition and futility of their minds.
Let me teach you something. If you ever want to see unequal divine promotions in your life show deference to divine authority.
This means to respectfully yield to the authority of God in your life.Your stubbornness will stop you from effectively transitioning with God in all areas of your life.
For he resisteth the proud and gives grace to the humble. Religion and tradition is an absolute stronghold which sometimes causes people to become fossilized.
A fossil is a creature that failed to make the transition when change came. It became fossilized in its original state and did not adapt to the new, so we call it a fossil.
People, churches, movements, denominations and governments that are mentally inflexible can accurately be referred to as fossils.
It means they have become fixed and Set in their state. It means they are Hardened against the changes that God desires to bring about in their lives. You cannot be lead if you are stubborn. You cannot be led if you are not submitting. You cannot be led if you are afraid of change.
God wants to lead you into His seasons with the knowledge that He is the One guiding you. Your life can move up once again.
God is calling you towards this change Will you respond? I did.. ITS UP TO YOU
Pastor George Henry Ochieng
When you adjust, you move, but when you don’t, you die. You should avoid existing in a changeless situation, stagnated, unsuccessful and never experiencing the blessings of your inheritance.
I have discovered that one of the biggest hindrances to successful living is the curse of tradition.
A Tradition is an inherited pattern of thought or action. A specific practice of long standing in your mind, family, organization, church etc that govern conduct and behaviour.
I inherited a way of doing things from my parents, who inherited them from their parents, who inherited them from their parents. They instilled in me some values which guided my way of thinking and living as long as I was under their roof.
When I married my wife and started to live on my own, I changed the way some things were done. If I had continued to hold and do things the way my parents did, I would never have broken ground in many areas of my life.
My plea to you today is “do not live your life by trial and error” There is a way you can live a rewarding, fulfilling satisfying life on earth. Even if you think your life is far spent.
People who live by trial and error [Experimenting until a solution is found]kind of assume and take for granted that eventually things will work out even if they are falling apart.
That their marriage will eventually work out.
That their friendship will eventually get better.
That relationship with people will just fall in place.
That a child grows to be a successful person without Godly supervision and values. That because you have an education, you automatically earn a right to wisdom.
That you can be rude, disrespectful and vulgar and still enjoy fulfillment.
That you can waste your life and still enjoy a flawless life without consequences.
All of us are born with a potential of all these things, in fact some of them were in my life long time. I was not born with the qualities which I posses at present. I had to do a very painful surgery to change and eliminate many things in my life. My mirror was the word of God. Anything that did not align to that mirror I plucked off and still continue to pluck.
Often I meet people stuck in various LIFE situations. They met with a challenging situation somewhere between the intersections of life. In between the point of departure and the point of destination they fell in a rut and boy oh boy they got STUCK and a journey began, a fast journey downhill towards frustrations, dissapointments and heartache, scrapping the bottom pan of life, yet they were destined for GREATNESS!
Sadly very Few people connect their personal stagnation in life to their failure to submit to the dictates of higher powers and authority; they live in subtle misplaced pride governed entirely by tradition and futility of their minds.
Let me teach you something. If you ever want to see unequal divine promotions in your life show deference to divine authority.
This means to respectfully yield to the authority of God in your life.Your stubbornness will stop you from effectively transitioning with God in all areas of your life.
For he resisteth the proud and gives grace to the humble. Religion and tradition is an absolute stronghold which sometimes causes people to become fossilized.
A fossil is a creature that failed to make the transition when change came. It became fossilized in its original state and did not adapt to the new, so we call it a fossil.
People, churches, movements, denominations and governments that are mentally inflexible can accurately be referred to as fossils.
It means they have become fixed and Set in their state. It means they are Hardened against the changes that God desires to bring about in their lives. You cannot be lead if you are stubborn. You cannot be led if you are not submitting. You cannot be led if you are afraid of change.
God wants to lead you into His seasons with the knowledge that He is the One guiding you. Your life can move up once again.
God is calling you towards this change Will you respond? I did.. ITS UP TO YOU
Pastor George Henry Ochieng
Thursday, May 28, 2009
FAILURE IS AN EVENT ITS NOT YOUR DESTINY.
Failure is an event, not a destiny. This is good news because we all fail sooner or later, and if we are honest, we all fail over and over again.
It’s not our initial failure that ruins us. It’s what happens next that matters. It’s the art of self leadership that will determine the direction of the experience of failure.
It is only natural that we want to succeed in life. Isn't it wonderful when we achieve certain goals? As Christians it is especially inspiring when we see our hard labors blessed by God.
Yet so often we also experience failure in the Christian life. Sometimes it may appear to be failure when it is not and sometimes it is just plain failure.
We make mistakes. Yet even plain failure is important in the spiritual life. Without failure we would never learn. Without failure God would never be able to really begin His work within us.
This doesn't mean we should try to fail! God wants us to succeed -- but succeed His way, not necessarily on our terms. So when you fail even in a big way, remember that it's an opportunity to do things differently.
Experience has now taught me that when I fail, then lessons are learnt; how tragic for the one who fails and misses the lesson. If this be your case then there is a reason for worry.
When we have failed, especially when we have failed those we love the most; our mind becomes a swirl of emotions.
Embarrassment Anger Fear Shame
Despair.
Failure feels so bad because it directly affects our ego and sense of identity in relation to the world around us. We feel dirty and unworthy because we acted foolishly.
When we have hurt someone deeply, we want to know if they still love us or have we blown everything? Will they ever forgive me? Can I ever forgive myself?
If Failure lingers, one can feel ineffective, inadequate and isolated. Many people never realize that this stage of failure is only temporary and will pass. When it does, one ought to have taken advantage of the failure by analyzing what you could have done differently. Now that is power.
Since failure is an outcome of successive actions if you keep on doing things the same way you have done them before and expect different results then you are a fool.
Have you ever failed in some way and then been plagued by thoughts of the issue or event? Most of us have difficulty getting over large failures, but there are some ways to speed the recovery process.
It may sound simplistic, but simply taking stock of our successes can be a great way to get over a recent failure.
Lamentations 3:19-21I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. [Message bible]
Go over the various memories and focus on the feeling or essence of what contributed to the success of each respective goal. Reminding ourselves what it feels like to succeed can be a wonderful tool that seems to help open one up for the possibility of success.
Faced with an ominous task of dealing with Goliath, David brings to memory his past success against such odds. He informs King Saul of his success with lions and Bears. If the Lord delivered him from these potential threats and failures, isn’t it obvious that He would deliver him again! O ye of little faith..
This is the kind of lesson we need to take home in every given situation in life. Have you noticed that we tend to remember our failures with more clarity than our successes? Not David.
Are you in need of a masterful solution to a problem or experience you are facing at the moment? Please take a moment to lock in and appreciate from whence God has brought you and the successes HE has given you.
Lamentations 3:21 But there is one other thing I remember, and remembering I keep a grip on hope
Throughout life much of what we experience is based on what we’ve experienced in the past. If we take the time to think more about success than failure, we will find more success than failure in our daily lives. By focusing on success we draw success to ourselves.
You really can’t fail at life, God cannot allow it! You current threatening failure will through a process of elimination teach you on what not to do if you ever want to succeed.
Pastor George H O Ochieng
It’s not our initial failure that ruins us. It’s what happens next that matters. It’s the art of self leadership that will determine the direction of the experience of failure.
It is only natural that we want to succeed in life. Isn't it wonderful when we achieve certain goals? As Christians it is especially inspiring when we see our hard labors blessed by God.
Yet so often we also experience failure in the Christian life. Sometimes it may appear to be failure when it is not and sometimes it is just plain failure.
We make mistakes. Yet even plain failure is important in the spiritual life. Without failure we would never learn. Without failure God would never be able to really begin His work within us.
This doesn't mean we should try to fail! God wants us to succeed -- but succeed His way, not necessarily on our terms. So when you fail even in a big way, remember that it's an opportunity to do things differently.
Experience has now taught me that when I fail, then lessons are learnt; how tragic for the one who fails and misses the lesson. If this be your case then there is a reason for worry.
When we have failed, especially when we have failed those we love the most; our mind becomes a swirl of emotions.
Embarrassment Anger Fear Shame
Despair.
Failure feels so bad because it directly affects our ego and sense of identity in relation to the world around us. We feel dirty and unworthy because we acted foolishly.
When we have hurt someone deeply, we want to know if they still love us or have we blown everything? Will they ever forgive me? Can I ever forgive myself?
If Failure lingers, one can feel ineffective, inadequate and isolated. Many people never realize that this stage of failure is only temporary and will pass. When it does, one ought to have taken advantage of the failure by analyzing what you could have done differently. Now that is power.
Since failure is an outcome of successive actions if you keep on doing things the same way you have done them before and expect different results then you are a fool.
Have you ever failed in some way and then been plagued by thoughts of the issue or event? Most of us have difficulty getting over large failures, but there are some ways to speed the recovery process.
It may sound simplistic, but simply taking stock of our successes can be a great way to get over a recent failure.
Lamentations 3:19-21I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. [Message bible]
Go over the various memories and focus on the feeling or essence of what contributed to the success of each respective goal. Reminding ourselves what it feels like to succeed can be a wonderful tool that seems to help open one up for the possibility of success.
Faced with an ominous task of dealing with Goliath, David brings to memory his past success against such odds. He informs King Saul of his success with lions and Bears. If the Lord delivered him from these potential threats and failures, isn’t it obvious that He would deliver him again! O ye of little faith..
This is the kind of lesson we need to take home in every given situation in life. Have you noticed that we tend to remember our failures with more clarity than our successes? Not David.
Are you in need of a masterful solution to a problem or experience you are facing at the moment? Please take a moment to lock in and appreciate from whence God has brought you and the successes HE has given you.
Lamentations 3:21 But there is one other thing I remember, and remembering I keep a grip on hope
Throughout life much of what we experience is based on what we’ve experienced in the past. If we take the time to think more about success than failure, we will find more success than failure in our daily lives. By focusing on success we draw success to ourselves.
You really can’t fail at life, God cannot allow it! You current threatening failure will through a process of elimination teach you on what not to do if you ever want to succeed.
Pastor George H O Ochieng
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
THE POWER OF POSITIONING.
I am reminded of the story of a young man who needed a job badly. Day after day, he prayed for something to show up in the mail, but no offer came. He was just about flat broke when he cried out to God in anguish, pleading for a job. Suddenly, he heard a voice, clearly and distinctly: “Fill out an application and send it in.”
You see he was praying but he was not positioned. The point is you need to put yourself in a position where God can bless YOU.
2 Kings 3:16-18 And he said, "Thus says the LORD: 'Make this valley full of ditches.' 17"For thus says the LORD: 'You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.' 18"And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. NKJV
The three kings and their vast army and their animals were in danger of dying of thirst.Desperate, tired, thirsty and frustrated they remembered that they might do with a direction from the Lord. So the went to the prophet Elisha for direction.
Because of the involvement of Joram and the king of Edom, Elisha was none too happy about seeking God for this group; nonetheless he made himself available to God and received a surprising word.
16 And he said, "Thus says the LORD: 'Make this valley full of ditches.'
Talking about digging ditches is one thing. Digging ditches is another thing. Digging ditches involves work. I mean it is time consuming, energy sapping, thankless work!
And you know what?
It is even harder work when there seems to be no reason to dig ditches. Are you still listening to me? To dig ditches is hard work but to dig them when there seems to be no reason to dig is even harder. And do you know what is even harder? To dig them and there is no water to drink.
Is there something God knows that we don’t?
The prophet said to the kings the solution to your thirst and provision was in digging ditches. Now that is insane!
Digging ditches makes you thirsty and that was the problem to start with – they were thirsty. Yet God says, "Dig ditches.
Humans thrive whenever they see encouraging signs.
If you had potential suitor and they smiled at you regularly it might encourage you to ask them for a date. If you applied for a Job and got a letter to attend an interview your hopes are raised.
But, God was not going to give them any natural encouragement to dig, no wind, no rain, no clouds.
17"For thus says the LORD: 'You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain;
In other words there is no sign whatsoever to indicate that that thing will happen. You could be in a place right now where nothing seems to be encouraging your destiny and purpose for life. Are you Tired, thirsty, frustrated and almost giving up hope on a dream? IS THERE AN AREA IN YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU FEEL SO FRUSTRATED WITH?
Have you ever found yourself in a position like that of these kings?
Are you in a place where you feel as though God was guiding you but things are turning to be different and you are abit worried? Do you believe God is guiding you or has called you to something, but getting nowhere fast and now feeling like you are at the end of your resources?
This is exactly the point where many people give up. They decide that God hasn't really called them to whatever it was, so they pack their bags and go home.
If you're in that place, don't give up yet.
I bet you if you were digging a natural ditch to trap water and you saw the clouds and felt the wind blow; you would be motivated to dig and not hesitate to get that valley ready.
They had to dig in faith, trusting the word of the Lord. Today GOD IS asking you to prepare your heart and then says Trust me, even though nothing in your valley looks good at all.
“You dig, you be obedient, and I will do the rest! Your valley will turn into a well water place, because you have positioned yourself for blessing. God is stirring you to make places for His blessing.Lay aside your agenda and embrace the word of God for the hour. Get you heart open to the moving of the Holy Spirit.
Stop making excuses and say, “Yes Lord, I make room for your outpouring. “ Isn’t it exciting when God moves and you’re receiving the increase!
A hole in the ground doesn’t look that exciting, but fill it with water and that’s entirely different.
Many of you are now digging ditches. God has revealed to me that he is about to fill your trenches with water.
You might not like the process. Nobody likes the process. You may like the increase. Everybody likes the increase. But we can’t get the increase without the process.
Long time ago I learned the secret behind the process. I am always very keen on studying the process. If I master the process I can always bring about the increase.
Because many of us ignore the process we are unable to reproduce it when increase fails.
20 And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that,
behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water
So our valley must be changed from discouragement to expectation, for God is going to fill the valleys with water. God is saying Dig. Dig and get your heart ready to receive the filling He is bringing in this hour.
Will you respond? Will you obey? Will you dig and say, “I am ready for the filling of God blessing?” It isn’t a matter of will God send the increase?
It more a matter of are you positioned to receive it.
Pastor George H O Ochieng.
You see he was praying but he was not positioned. The point is you need to put yourself in a position where God can bless YOU.
2 Kings 3:16-18 And he said, "Thus says the LORD: 'Make this valley full of ditches.' 17"For thus says the LORD: 'You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.' 18"And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD; He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. NKJV
The three kings and their vast army and their animals were in danger of dying of thirst.Desperate, tired, thirsty and frustrated they remembered that they might do with a direction from the Lord. So the went to the prophet Elisha for direction.
Because of the involvement of Joram and the king of Edom, Elisha was none too happy about seeking God for this group; nonetheless he made himself available to God and received a surprising word.
16 And he said, "Thus says the LORD: 'Make this valley full of ditches.'
Talking about digging ditches is one thing. Digging ditches is another thing. Digging ditches involves work. I mean it is time consuming, energy sapping, thankless work!
And you know what?
It is even harder work when there seems to be no reason to dig ditches. Are you still listening to me? To dig ditches is hard work but to dig them when there seems to be no reason to dig is even harder. And do you know what is even harder? To dig them and there is no water to drink.
Is there something God knows that we don’t?
The prophet said to the kings the solution to your thirst and provision was in digging ditches. Now that is insane!
Digging ditches makes you thirsty and that was the problem to start with – they were thirsty. Yet God says, "Dig ditches.
Humans thrive whenever they see encouraging signs.
If you had potential suitor and they smiled at you regularly it might encourage you to ask them for a date. If you applied for a Job and got a letter to attend an interview your hopes are raised.
But, God was not going to give them any natural encouragement to dig, no wind, no rain, no clouds.
17"For thus says the LORD: 'You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain;
In other words there is no sign whatsoever to indicate that that thing will happen. You could be in a place right now where nothing seems to be encouraging your destiny and purpose for life. Are you Tired, thirsty, frustrated and almost giving up hope on a dream? IS THERE AN AREA IN YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU FEEL SO FRUSTRATED WITH?
Have you ever found yourself in a position like that of these kings?
Are you in a place where you feel as though God was guiding you but things are turning to be different and you are abit worried? Do you believe God is guiding you or has called you to something, but getting nowhere fast and now feeling like you are at the end of your resources?
This is exactly the point where many people give up. They decide that God hasn't really called them to whatever it was, so they pack their bags and go home.
If you're in that place, don't give up yet.
I bet you if you were digging a natural ditch to trap water and you saw the clouds and felt the wind blow; you would be motivated to dig and not hesitate to get that valley ready.
They had to dig in faith, trusting the word of the Lord. Today GOD IS asking you to prepare your heart and then says Trust me, even though nothing in your valley looks good at all.
“You dig, you be obedient, and I will do the rest! Your valley will turn into a well water place, because you have positioned yourself for blessing. God is stirring you to make places for His blessing.Lay aside your agenda and embrace the word of God for the hour. Get you heart open to the moving of the Holy Spirit.
Stop making excuses and say, “Yes Lord, I make room for your outpouring. “ Isn’t it exciting when God moves and you’re receiving the increase!
A hole in the ground doesn’t look that exciting, but fill it with water and that’s entirely different.
Many of you are now digging ditches. God has revealed to me that he is about to fill your trenches with water.
You might not like the process. Nobody likes the process. You may like the increase. Everybody likes the increase. But we can’t get the increase without the process.
Long time ago I learned the secret behind the process. I am always very keen on studying the process. If I master the process I can always bring about the increase.
Because many of us ignore the process we are unable to reproduce it when increase fails.
20 And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that,
behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water
So our valley must be changed from discouragement to expectation, for God is going to fill the valleys with water. God is saying Dig. Dig and get your heart ready to receive the filling He is bringing in this hour.
Will you respond? Will you obey? Will you dig and say, “I am ready for the filling of God blessing?” It isn’t a matter of will God send the increase?
It more a matter of are you positioned to receive it.
Pastor George H O Ochieng.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
NOT POWER NOR MIGHT BUT BY HIS SPIRIT
If you are going to ACCOMPLISH something in this Christian life or for that matter for the kingdom of God, Then you must know the right approach, the right formulae, and the right strategy.
You see Your Education, your abilities, your health, your wealth your experiences and your connections are all necessary for your advancement in this world. You definitely need those in order to compete favorably in this world.
But you must remember that as a Christian, even though you live in this world you are not of this world. You are a citizen of the kingdom of God. Your kingdom manual has instructed you in Romans section 12 and thereby the second paragraph that you should not copy the patterns, behaviors and customs of this world, instead you should allow God to change you into a new person. The manual reveals that by changing the way you think you enter into a relationship with God that allows you to know HIS WILL.
Your success in Gods kingdom will seldom be through your Education, your abilities, your health, your wealth, your experiences and your connections. Maybe you feel the need to study more, get more knowledge or get great education. I encourage you to do so especially if you want to compete in a worldly manner.
Recall that after living for three and half years with Jesus, after seeing all the miracles that Jesus performed, even then Peter’s boldness was so little that it could not find its place before a little girl.
Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Peter wept after he failed to stand up for Jesus. The world Jesus brought him into exposed him, he couldn’t compete favorably.
His hidden weaknesses was brought to the surface and made bare before all. If Peter was living in our modern society what options would people advise him take in view of his weakness.
Enroll him in a two months course on how to build self confidence and self esteem.
Buy a Dale Carnegie book of his day on positive mental attitude.
Join a yoga class to practice transcendental meditation.
Take up martial art training tae-kwondo, jujitsu and Judo.
By doing this he, would have been conforming to the pattern of this world. You must learn to deal with spiritual issues in your life the right way. His problem was spiritual not worldly. Spiritual maters require spiritual solutions. The hostile world and its competitive nature was way beyond his humble and ordinary life..
Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
If you love God and there is an area in your life that brings you Shame, which makes you lose confidence, if there be an area in your life that you believe disqualifies you from reaching your destiny I want you to remember that the apostle Peter was like that too.
The solution to his problem was not classes, courses and methods. it was the HOLY SPIRIT .
Act 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Consider with me carefully Vs 31. When they were filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke the word of God boldly.
We can briefly look at the disciples’ life before this experience.
They were so weak in their conviction, they were so weak in their faith, and they could not do anything unless Jesus was with them. After living for three and half years with Jesus, after seeing all the miracles that Jesus performed, even then Peter’s boldness was so little that it could not find its place before a little girl.
But after an encounter with the HOLY SPIRIT, after experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, he witnessed boldly through out Jerusalem.
Forget about the little girl, Peter stood before Sanhedrin, the religious ruling body of Jewish community and said, “We preach in the name of Jesus of Nazareth whom you crucified".
In order to have boldness, your life must be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us boldness to stand and share the word of God with courage and conviction. When the Holy Ghost enters into your life, you will be equipped with a gift of the spirit.
I see you standing before great men and women because of the Gift of God in your life. I see you speaking into their lives. Let the HOLY SPIRIT FILL YOUR LIFE.All peter needed was a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit and suddenly he caught up with the cream of the society. But now made even more powerful than those whom he originally feared.
My Bible says “it is not by might nor by power but by the Spirit says the Lord of hosts”.
You are about to be turned from a weakling to a witness.
Pastor George H Ochieng.
You see Your Education, your abilities, your health, your wealth your experiences and your connections are all necessary for your advancement in this world. You definitely need those in order to compete favorably in this world.
But you must remember that as a Christian, even though you live in this world you are not of this world. You are a citizen of the kingdom of God. Your kingdom manual has instructed you in Romans section 12 and thereby the second paragraph that you should not copy the patterns, behaviors and customs of this world, instead you should allow God to change you into a new person. The manual reveals that by changing the way you think you enter into a relationship with God that allows you to know HIS WILL.
Your success in Gods kingdom will seldom be through your Education, your abilities, your health, your wealth, your experiences and your connections. Maybe you feel the need to study more, get more knowledge or get great education. I encourage you to do so especially if you want to compete in a worldly manner.
Recall that after living for three and half years with Jesus, after seeing all the miracles that Jesus performed, even then Peter’s boldness was so little that it could not find its place before a little girl.
Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Peter wept after he failed to stand up for Jesus. The world Jesus brought him into exposed him, he couldn’t compete favorably.
His hidden weaknesses was brought to the surface and made bare before all. If Peter was living in our modern society what options would people advise him take in view of his weakness.
Enroll him in a two months course on how to build self confidence and self esteem.
Buy a Dale Carnegie book of his day on positive mental attitude.
Join a yoga class to practice transcendental meditation.
Take up martial art training tae-kwondo, jujitsu and Judo.
By doing this he, would have been conforming to the pattern of this world. You must learn to deal with spiritual issues in your life the right way. His problem was spiritual not worldly. Spiritual maters require spiritual solutions. The hostile world and its competitive nature was way beyond his humble and ordinary life..
Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
If you love God and there is an area in your life that brings you Shame, which makes you lose confidence, if there be an area in your life that you believe disqualifies you from reaching your destiny I want you to remember that the apostle Peter was like that too.
The solution to his problem was not classes, courses and methods. it was the HOLY SPIRIT .
Act 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken wherein they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Consider with me carefully Vs 31. When they were filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke the word of God boldly.
We can briefly look at the disciples’ life before this experience.
They were so weak in their conviction, they were so weak in their faith, and they could not do anything unless Jesus was with them. After living for three and half years with Jesus, after seeing all the miracles that Jesus performed, even then Peter’s boldness was so little that it could not find its place before a little girl.
But after an encounter with the HOLY SPIRIT, after experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit, he witnessed boldly through out Jerusalem.
Forget about the little girl, Peter stood before Sanhedrin, the religious ruling body of Jewish community and said, “We preach in the name of Jesus of Nazareth whom you crucified".
In order to have boldness, your life must be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us boldness to stand and share the word of God with courage and conviction. When the Holy Ghost enters into your life, you will be equipped with a gift of the spirit.
I see you standing before great men and women because of the Gift of God in your life. I see you speaking into their lives. Let the HOLY SPIRIT FILL YOUR LIFE.All peter needed was a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit and suddenly he caught up with the cream of the society. But now made even more powerful than those whom he originally feared.
My Bible says “it is not by might nor by power but by the Spirit says the Lord of hosts”.
You are about to be turned from a weakling to a witness.
Pastor George H Ochieng.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
ENLARGEMENT WITHIN TRANSLATES TO ENLARGEMET WITHOUT.
You have the ability to choose, in every situation, for every moment, how you will respond to any given issues.
You can choose to respond depending on your mood, depending on what "button" is being pushed, depending on the way we’ve responded to similar stimuli in the past.
You can be enlarged and choose to respond differently - in accordance with the principles taught in the word of GOD and in accordance with the most precious vision or dream God has placed in you. Even if that dream is so far from being a reality at this point.
People who are expecting enlargement work at changing their present reality and in the process they attract the desired future. You will notice people who are small by how they spend their time and energy focusing on less important things at the expense of important ones.
They major on minor things and minor on major things.
START WHERE YOU ARE WITH WHAT IS AVAILABLE
Start the process of enlargement within the circles you can directly influence at the moment, expansion will come at Gods appointed time.
1Sa 17:17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; 18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. 19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
David’s process of enlargement is brought into effect through this command from his father.David rose up early and left the sheep with a keeper. He is leaving the familiar territory to run an errand.
1sam 17-25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. 26 And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? : 27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.
David comes face to face with an opportunity of a lifetime and seizes it.While his brothers and the others sat without a clue whatsoever.
David derives his confidence from some major lessons he learnt in his young life. In his small circles of influence which no one paid attention to or no one cared to reward he built a pattern which given the right opportunity would propel him to heights of success.
And it did, someone once said that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.
It is likely that when he killed a bear while herding his fathers sheep no one noticed. [Preparation].
It is likely that when he killed a lion while herding his fathers sheep no one noticed. [Preparation]
When he comes into this Goliath scenario, His enlarged capacity in obscurity was now about to bring him to significance. His territory is about to be enlarged. He puts all his trust in God who gave him victory when he was a nobody. This difference this time is this, there is going to be a reward, a big one.
Listen to me; be the person you want to be in future when no one is looking then trust God that an opportunity will come that will elevate you to your dreams.
Many of us have been distracted and made ineffective people because of the busyness of life. Before we know it, we've lost hold of our soul.
We fall prey to the patterns of the materialistic world. [The one with the most toys wins. or the most power or prestige]
We take that road and begin to realize its goal is but a mirage, but it's so hard to turn back. We find ourselves frustrated that we aren't, we can't, be the people we really want to be and we project our anger upon those closest to us, those who we really wish to nurture and love.
Life has circular patterns which must be mastered and reproduced at the appropriate moment.
Become all you want to be when no one is looking, destiny will present you the opportunity when everyone is looking.
Pastor George H O Ochieng.
You can choose to respond depending on your mood, depending on what "button" is being pushed, depending on the way we’ve responded to similar stimuli in the past.
You can be enlarged and choose to respond differently - in accordance with the principles taught in the word of GOD and in accordance with the most precious vision or dream God has placed in you. Even if that dream is so far from being a reality at this point.
People who are expecting enlargement work at changing their present reality and in the process they attract the desired future. You will notice people who are small by how they spend their time and energy focusing on less important things at the expense of important ones.
They major on minor things and minor on major things.
START WHERE YOU ARE WITH WHAT IS AVAILABLE
Start the process of enlargement within the circles you can directly influence at the moment, expansion will come at Gods appointed time.
1Sa 17:17 And Jesse said unto David his son, Take now for thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to thy brethren; 18 And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge. 19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
David’s process of enlargement is brought into effect through this command from his father.David rose up early and left the sheep with a keeper. He is leaving the familiar territory to run an errand.
1sam 17-25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. 26 And David spoke to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? : 27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.
David comes face to face with an opportunity of a lifetime and seizes it.While his brothers and the others sat without a clue whatsoever.
David derives his confidence from some major lessons he learnt in his young life. In his small circles of influence which no one paid attention to or no one cared to reward he built a pattern which given the right opportunity would propel him to heights of success.
And it did, someone once said that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.
It is likely that when he killed a bear while herding his fathers sheep no one noticed. [Preparation].
It is likely that when he killed a lion while herding his fathers sheep no one noticed. [Preparation]
When he comes into this Goliath scenario, His enlarged capacity in obscurity was now about to bring him to significance. His territory is about to be enlarged. He puts all his trust in God who gave him victory when he was a nobody. This difference this time is this, there is going to be a reward, a big one.
Listen to me; be the person you want to be in future when no one is looking then trust God that an opportunity will come that will elevate you to your dreams.
Many of us have been distracted and made ineffective people because of the busyness of life. Before we know it, we've lost hold of our soul.
We fall prey to the patterns of the materialistic world. [The one with the most toys wins. or the most power or prestige]
We take that road and begin to realize its goal is but a mirage, but it's so hard to turn back. We find ourselves frustrated that we aren't, we can't, be the people we really want to be and we project our anger upon those closest to us, those who we really wish to nurture and love.
Life has circular patterns which must be mastered and reproduced at the appropriate moment.
Become all you want to be when no one is looking, destiny will present you the opportunity when everyone is looking.
Pastor George H O Ochieng.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
LET GO OF YOUR LIMITATIONS.
Luk 10: 38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Until you identify and learn and turn away from all that distracts and causes anxiety, the joy, power and excellence of Christian life will remain a dream to you.
The word of God is clear that Christ is before all things. Whether you like it or not, your frustration will never end until you get this part right.
Otherwise it’s best you remain a non-believer. The formula for progress starts here.
The story of Mary and Martha is a powerful example of knowing and following the plan of God in our lives even if it means going against people’s expectation and status quo.
Martha is busily engaged in all the requisite tasks of ancient near east hospitality. What she is doing it not wrong. The problem is that a woman's sphere of influence in those days was solely limited to the house and the domestic side of things.
Martha lived her life according to what she was taught by tradition in as far as the role of a woman.Mary had an inward burning desire to fulfill a burning passion within her and she went for it.
Mary was doing a very new and nervy thing, sitting at Jesus feet and letting him teach her, rabbi-to-disciple. This was something that was normally only permitted to men.
Mary was not allowing the vision and values of the culture dictate her life.
She had a passion for learning; she had the gift of acquiring knowledge and both were bubbling up inside her and she chose to follow these urgings to see where they might lead.
As she sat close to Jesus she heard him say, "You go girl! You are choosing the one thing that is needful and cannot be taken from you - your unique passions and gifts that are God's specific call for your life.
So what if they aren't what the world tells you your life is supposed to be about. Pretty much everything about the Kingdom of God is about taking "the road less traveled.
" Stay close to me and I will continually cheer on your choice to be different and follow your heart."
By the way, this is something that I as your pastor here at hope Christian fellowship seek to enable more for you.
I want to encourage you to follow your passionate dreams for your life and help you discover and strengthen the special gifts you have for making a difference and serving others.
I want to help you find your road
Christ FIRST in your life means that your path is cleared and your load is on his shoulder while you walk the path he sets for you.
Whatever road we are traveling and wherever we are on the journey, Christ has been there before and he knows exactly what it needed for the next step of the journey, if we will only listen to him and let ourselves follow his advice.
And, believe me, it really works. What's needed is to turn away from the distractions of our own egos.
Your will power and your own abilities will drive you to deeper frustration.
"I can do all things through Christ Jesus, my Lord."
Pastor George Ochieng.
Until you identify and learn and turn away from all that distracts and causes anxiety, the joy, power and excellence of Christian life will remain a dream to you.
The word of God is clear that Christ is before all things. Whether you like it or not, your frustration will never end until you get this part right.
Otherwise it’s best you remain a non-believer. The formula for progress starts here.
The story of Mary and Martha is a powerful example of knowing and following the plan of God in our lives even if it means going against people’s expectation and status quo.
Martha is busily engaged in all the requisite tasks of ancient near east hospitality. What she is doing it not wrong. The problem is that a woman's sphere of influence in those days was solely limited to the house and the domestic side of things.
Martha lived her life according to what she was taught by tradition in as far as the role of a woman.Mary had an inward burning desire to fulfill a burning passion within her and she went for it.
Mary was doing a very new and nervy thing, sitting at Jesus feet and letting him teach her, rabbi-to-disciple. This was something that was normally only permitted to men.
Mary was not allowing the vision and values of the culture dictate her life.
She had a passion for learning; she had the gift of acquiring knowledge and both were bubbling up inside her and she chose to follow these urgings to see where they might lead.
As she sat close to Jesus she heard him say, "You go girl! You are choosing the one thing that is needful and cannot be taken from you - your unique passions and gifts that are God's specific call for your life.
So what if they aren't what the world tells you your life is supposed to be about. Pretty much everything about the Kingdom of God is about taking "the road less traveled.
" Stay close to me and I will continually cheer on your choice to be different and follow your heart."
By the way, this is something that I as your pastor here at hope Christian fellowship seek to enable more for you.
I want to encourage you to follow your passionate dreams for your life and help you discover and strengthen the special gifts you have for making a difference and serving others.
I want to help you find your road
Christ FIRST in your life means that your path is cleared and your load is on his shoulder while you walk the path he sets for you.
Whatever road we are traveling and wherever we are on the journey, Christ has been there before and he knows exactly what it needed for the next step of the journey, if we will only listen to him and let ourselves follow his advice.
And, believe me, it really works. What's needed is to turn away from the distractions of our own egos.
Your will power and your own abilities will drive you to deeper frustration.
"I can do all things through Christ Jesus, my Lord."
Pastor George Ochieng.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
WHATS IN YOUR HAND
When the anointing of God settles in your life, the supernatural power of God will operate through the natural to produce results that are humanly impossible.
Do you know the greatest need in your life this year?
God in Your singing. God in your preaching. God in your marriage. God in Your business. God in your relationships. God in your gift. God in your talent. When God gets in any area of your life it can no longer be the same.
1samuel 10:6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
When God gets in a thing it can scare some people. Just like Moses who had never seen his rod do anything like that before. God got in a rock and caused a river to flow out of it that quenched the thirst of 1to 3 million Israelites. God got in a donkey and caused it to speak and rebuke a rebellious prophet. God got in an axe head of Iron and caused it to swim up to the top of the water wood. God got in a little pot of oil and caused it to multiply till it met every need and provided an abundant overflow. God got in a box, and they called it the Ark of the Covenant.
Today God has chosen to place his presence and glory in human tents; Our bodies are the temples of God.
2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this (treasure in earthen vessels,) that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Moses rod symbolizes something- That is weak. That has no life That has no energy of its own.
It symbolizes what the natural human power can do. But when it comes in contact with the power of GOD it becomes something else. In like fashion: We are weak.We have no life We have no strength. We have no power of our own.
It was only as Moses released his rod to God, that Gods power came into it. It is only as we surrender ourselves to God that his power will be manifested through us.
Too many times we are unwilling to give up what we have.We want to hold on to What we know.What we understand. What we are comfortable with. What we have leaned upon and had control of for so long.
God wants to release- Something new.Something greater. (But you have to be willing to let go of what you have).Trust God with that situation that is dying in your life. Trust GOD with that which is causing you anxiety.
The ROD of Moses became the rod of God.
That rod became the symbol of Gods authority and Power, The instrument by which God’s word and will were enforced.It is those who walk in the Spirit that God will use to enforce his will on earth.
One of the greatest problems we have as Believers is we have a tendency to underestimate what we have.
I have just enough meal and oil for one little cake said the widow of zarephath. I have just a little pot of oil, said the widow woman who was in debt and in danger of losing her sons to a life of slavery.
There is a lad here with two fish and five loaves of bread, but what is that among so many asked Philip a disciple of Jesus. But in each case their little bit was enough.
When they put it in Gods hands it became more than enough.
When Samson was assaulted by the philistines there were no superior weapons of quality design to be found.
He started looking around him for something, (anything that he could use.He found the jawbone of an ass and with it slew a thousand men.
What made this jawbone Samson’s weapon of choice? Answer: It was there, It was available, It was within reach.
Dear brothers and sisters God is not looking for greatness. Any old stick. Any old bush will do).All God needs is for you To make what you have, make yourself available to him. Put it in his hands.
When Samson looked at that jawbone of an ass. He saw something no one else saw.He saw a weapon of mass destruction and that’s what it became in his hand.
Had he despised that jawbone and thought That it was too weak.Too insignificant.Too foolish. he may have died at the hands of the enemy.
I believe many of Gods people have been defeated in life because we have allowed the enemy to cause us to despise our gift, or our talent, Like the servant who went out and buried his one talent, many have buried their talents because it seemed so weak, so small, so insignificant.
But the Holy Spirit is saying to us: It’s time to take the harp off the willow tree, dig up that hidden talent and put it in the masters hands.
Look what God did with a stick Whats In Your hand?
Pastor George H O Ochieng.
Do you know the greatest need in your life this year?
God in Your singing. God in your preaching. God in your marriage. God in Your business. God in your relationships. God in your gift. God in your talent. When God gets in any area of your life it can no longer be the same.
1samuel 10:6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.
When God gets in a thing it can scare some people. Just like Moses who had never seen his rod do anything like that before. God got in a rock and caused a river to flow out of it that quenched the thirst of 1to 3 million Israelites. God got in a donkey and caused it to speak and rebuke a rebellious prophet. God got in an axe head of Iron and caused it to swim up to the top of the water wood. God got in a little pot of oil and caused it to multiply till it met every need and provided an abundant overflow. God got in a box, and they called it the Ark of the Covenant.
Today God has chosen to place his presence and glory in human tents; Our bodies are the temples of God.
2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this (treasure in earthen vessels,) that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Moses rod symbolizes something- That is weak. That has no life That has no energy of its own.
It symbolizes what the natural human power can do. But when it comes in contact with the power of GOD it becomes something else. In like fashion: We are weak.We have no life We have no strength. We have no power of our own.
It was only as Moses released his rod to God, that Gods power came into it. It is only as we surrender ourselves to God that his power will be manifested through us.
Too many times we are unwilling to give up what we have.We want to hold on to What we know.What we understand. What we are comfortable with. What we have leaned upon and had control of for so long.
God wants to release- Something new.Something greater. (But you have to be willing to let go of what you have).Trust God with that situation that is dying in your life. Trust GOD with that which is causing you anxiety.
The ROD of Moses became the rod of God.
That rod became the symbol of Gods authority and Power, The instrument by which God’s word and will were enforced.It is those who walk in the Spirit that God will use to enforce his will on earth.
One of the greatest problems we have as Believers is we have a tendency to underestimate what we have.
I have just enough meal and oil for one little cake said the widow of zarephath. I have just a little pot of oil, said the widow woman who was in debt and in danger of losing her sons to a life of slavery.
There is a lad here with two fish and five loaves of bread, but what is that among so many asked Philip a disciple of Jesus. But in each case their little bit was enough.
When they put it in Gods hands it became more than enough.
When Samson was assaulted by the philistines there were no superior weapons of quality design to be found.
He started looking around him for something, (anything that he could use.He found the jawbone of an ass and with it slew a thousand men.
What made this jawbone Samson’s weapon of choice? Answer: It was there, It was available, It was within reach.
Dear brothers and sisters God is not looking for greatness. Any old stick. Any old bush will do).All God needs is for you To make what you have, make yourself available to him. Put it in his hands.
When Samson looked at that jawbone of an ass. He saw something no one else saw.He saw a weapon of mass destruction and that’s what it became in his hand.
Had he despised that jawbone and thought That it was too weak.Too insignificant.Too foolish. he may have died at the hands of the enemy.
I believe many of Gods people have been defeated in life because we have allowed the enemy to cause us to despise our gift, or our talent, Like the servant who went out and buried his one talent, many have buried their talents because it seemed so weak, so small, so insignificant.
But the Holy Spirit is saying to us: It’s time to take the harp off the willow tree, dig up that hidden talent and put it in the masters hands.
Look what God did with a stick Whats In Your hand?
Pastor George H O Ochieng.
Monday, March 23, 2009
WHAT SEEST THOU?
Jeremiah 1:11-12
11 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. 12 Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it. 17 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. 18 For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. 19 And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
Through Divine calling, purpose, dreams and Vision, God will directs a persons steps to a destiny of greatness both in this life and in the world to come.
What seest thou? God asked the prophet Jeremiah. God seemed pleased with the prophet’s response... God said to him “thou hast well seen”
What seest thou? I see a rod of an almond tree, thou hast well seen, for I will hasten my word to perform it.
In other words, that which you see.As long as it represents Gods will.As long as it’s what God has called you to declare.God says I will certainly bring it to pass.
He put it like this to prophet Isaiah “It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it”
In verse 6 the prophet had protested saying “Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
In Jeremiahs own words we come face to face with the present day dilemma of leadership. A leader’s biggest stumbling block.
The bondage of infancy- let break this down with scripture “Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
Galatians 4:1-3
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Spiritually the term “child” is associated with bondage..
under the elements of the world. Slaves to the- basic spiritual principles” of this world. So a person can be a CHILD even though they are grown up.
Exodus 1:7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
In this passage it is obvious the Israelites are fulfilling the creation mandate.
Fruitful. Multiply. Replenish. Subdue. Have dominion.
The same Egypt that once was a place of Refuge for Jacobs children. After it had served its purpose became a place of bondage. When the persecution began the Israelites was so infant that they became slaves to basics.
13 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor: 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor.
You see... The heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Immaturity will even restrict you from having access to your inheritance. Even if you believe you are fulfilling purpose.
What seest thou? God asked the prophet Jeremiah! What seest thou? God is asking you today...
All their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor.That’s why you need a vision… A mental portrait of a preferred future..
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Pastor George H O Ogolla.
11 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. 12 Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it. 17 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. 18 For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. 19 And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
Through Divine calling, purpose, dreams and Vision, God will directs a persons steps to a destiny of greatness both in this life and in the world to come.
What seest thou? God asked the prophet Jeremiah. God seemed pleased with the prophet’s response... God said to him “thou hast well seen”
What seest thou? I see a rod of an almond tree, thou hast well seen, for I will hasten my word to perform it.
In other words, that which you see.As long as it represents Gods will.As long as it’s what God has called you to declare.God says I will certainly bring it to pass.
He put it like this to prophet Isaiah “It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it”
In verse 6 the prophet had protested saying “Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
In Jeremiahs own words we come face to face with the present day dilemma of leadership. A leader’s biggest stumbling block.
The bondage of infancy- let break this down with scripture “Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
Galatians 4:1-3
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Spiritually the term “child” is associated with bondage..
under the elements of the world. Slaves to the- basic spiritual principles” of this world. So a person can be a CHILD even though they are grown up.
Exodus 1:7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.
In this passage it is obvious the Israelites are fulfilling the creation mandate.
Fruitful. Multiply. Replenish. Subdue. Have dominion.
The same Egypt that once was a place of Refuge for Jacobs children. After it had served its purpose became a place of bondage. When the persecution began the Israelites was so infant that they became slaves to basics.
13 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor: 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor.
You see... The heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Immaturity will even restrict you from having access to your inheritance. Even if you believe you are fulfilling purpose.
What seest thou? God asked the prophet Jeremiah! What seest thou? God is asking you today...
All their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor.That’s why you need a vision… A mental portrait of a preferred future..
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Pastor George H O Ogolla.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
TAKE THE LORD TO THE BATTLE
2chronicles 17, 22
17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
YOU SHALL NOT need to FIGHT in this battle - TOMORROW GO OUT AGAINST THEM.
How can this be possible? Is this a contradiction? Think about it! Not need to fight but tomorrow go out against them...
A BATTLE IS a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war.
Take your gift mix prayerfully to the battle.
I Sam 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.
Do you remember the powerful transformation that took place on the day of Pentecost?
When Peter was miraculously empowered through a dramatic visitation of the Holy Spirit. Peter boldly and courageously preached a sermon that brought 3,000 converts into the new church.
What happened? God empowered him to function. He got his unction to function! God wants you to take him to that place where your challenges are defiant.
David said the battle is of the Lord but he still went to the place of battle.
We have to "march down against them";
We must identify the thing we fear and face it.
That's sometimes the hardest thing in the world to do. Our natural inclination is to flee.
Judges 7: 18 when I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
When you tap into Gods awesome power, believe me, your gift mix becomes more than sufficient for the task ahead.
The battle cry of Gideon's band is full of instructive meaning.
"The sword of the Lord and of Gideon"
it is translated, but if you look closely at the verse in, you will see that the word "sword" is not in the original, and it might truthfully be translated "God and Gideon" or "Jehovah and Gideon."
It was indeed a startling battle cry -- "God and Gideon!"
The very words were almost as startling as the blast of the trumpet loud and long.
"God and Gideon!"
"God and Gideon," it was a fitting watchword linking together the two great principles of divine operation and human cooperation.
God is looking for men and women who will cooperate with HIM to show forth his glory.
God and Bro Kyle
God and Sister Clare
God and Bro Malcolm.
God and Sister Chanelle.
The bible says God and Gideon. God comes first, For the battle is the Lord's.
It is He who strikes down the enemy.
It is He who uses and prepares the instrument.
It is He who turns the foemen upon each other.
It is He who fills their hearts with fear, and really decides the battle before it begins.
There is the sword of Gideon, too. There is a place for man's obedience as well as for man's faith.
There must be perfect unity and precision of action.
How much courage do you have?
Would your friends, co-workers and family members call you a courageous person?
Proverbs 28:1. “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Courage can be defined as is the ability to face and deal with a dangerous or difficult situation.
There are two parts—first to face, and then to deal with.
It is interesting to read modern writers on the subject of courage because they give you some interesting definitions.
For instance, one that is often quoted goes this way,
“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
“Courage is the ability not to let people know how scared you are on the inside.”
“Courage is doing what you are afraid to do.
Where there is no fear, there is no courage.”
Think about the definition.
It is the ability to face and deal with a dangerous or difficult situation.
I ask you again: how much courage do you have?
Would your friends call you a courageous person?
Whether in a battle field or dealing life challenging issues courage is an attitude that has these four qualities
1. Bravery in the face of danger. - I won’t be afraid.
2. Steadfastness in the face of opposition. -I won’t give up.
3. Action in the face of resistance. -I won’t be intimidated.
4. Optimism in the face of despair. -I won’t lose heart.
Psalm 27:1-3. “1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
Take the Lord to the Battle.
17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
YOU SHALL NOT need to FIGHT in this battle - TOMORROW GO OUT AGAINST THEM.
How can this be possible? Is this a contradiction? Think about it! Not need to fight but tomorrow go out against them...
A BATTLE IS a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war.
Take your gift mix prayerfully to the battle.
I Sam 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.
Do you remember the powerful transformation that took place on the day of Pentecost?
When Peter was miraculously empowered through a dramatic visitation of the Holy Spirit. Peter boldly and courageously preached a sermon that brought 3,000 converts into the new church.
What happened? God empowered him to function. He got his unction to function! God wants you to take him to that place where your challenges are defiant.
David said the battle is of the Lord but he still went to the place of battle.
We have to "march down against them";
We must identify the thing we fear and face it.
That's sometimes the hardest thing in the world to do. Our natural inclination is to flee.
Judges 7: 18 when I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
When you tap into Gods awesome power, believe me, your gift mix becomes more than sufficient for the task ahead.
The battle cry of Gideon's band is full of instructive meaning.
"The sword of the Lord and of Gideon"
it is translated, but if you look closely at the verse in, you will see that the word "sword" is not in the original, and it might truthfully be translated "God and Gideon" or "Jehovah and Gideon."
It was indeed a startling battle cry -- "God and Gideon!"
The very words were almost as startling as the blast of the trumpet loud and long.
"God and Gideon!"
"God and Gideon," it was a fitting watchword linking together the two great principles of divine operation and human cooperation.
God is looking for men and women who will cooperate with HIM to show forth his glory.
God and Bro Kyle
God and Sister Clare
God and Bro Malcolm.
God and Sister Chanelle.
The bible says God and Gideon. God comes first, For the battle is the Lord's.
It is He who strikes down the enemy.
It is He who uses and prepares the instrument.
It is He who turns the foemen upon each other.
It is He who fills their hearts with fear, and really decides the battle before it begins.
There is the sword of Gideon, too. There is a place for man's obedience as well as for man's faith.
There must be perfect unity and precision of action.
How much courage do you have?
Would your friends, co-workers and family members call you a courageous person?
Proverbs 28:1. “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Courage can be defined as is the ability to face and deal with a dangerous or difficult situation.
There are two parts—first to face, and then to deal with.
It is interesting to read modern writers on the subject of courage because they give you some interesting definitions.
For instance, one that is often quoted goes this way,
“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
“Courage is the ability not to let people know how scared you are on the inside.”
“Courage is doing what you are afraid to do.
Where there is no fear, there is no courage.”
Think about the definition.
It is the ability to face and deal with a dangerous or difficult situation.
I ask you again: how much courage do you have?
Would your friends call you a courageous person?
Whether in a battle field or dealing life challenging issues courage is an attitude that has these four qualities
1. Bravery in the face of danger. - I won’t be afraid.
2. Steadfastness in the face of opposition. -I won’t give up.
3. Action in the face of resistance. -I won’t be intimidated.
4. Optimism in the face of despair. -I won’t lose heart.
Psalm 27:1-3. “1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
Take the Lord to the Battle.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
YOUR THINKING CAN CAGE YOUR LIFE.
Psalm 78, is a masterpiece! It highlights Gods consistency and faithfulness through a microscope, specifically Gods mercy on the Jews who came out of Egypt during the forty years in the wilderness.
Verse 41 says they limited the Holy One; they limited God. . That's an amazing statement!
The dictionary defines the verb "limit," as "to confine or restrict within boundaries."
We can confine, restrict, or limit God. God wanted to do so much more for Israel than they allowed Him. God is all powerful.
There is nothing too difficult for God wants to help you in every way. There is only one reason why God will not help you, and that is if you limit Him.
God is not limited to our shortsightedness: I’m black. I’m poor. I was born on the wrong side of the track. God has put us where He wants us to be. We were born to the parents we were supposed to be born to.
He knew exactly what He was doing and still is doing. Jesus says, "All things are possible to him who believes." Your faith releases God to work on your behalf. The opposite is also true; your doubt can limit God.
Matthew 13: 58, it says, "And Jesus did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." Jesus wanted to do miracles, but the people limited Him. The same can happen today!
If God has a goal for your life, If God wants something done, can it be done? Let’s put it this way, Can it be blocked, or its fulfillment proves uncertain or impossible?
Don’t we learn in secular leadership training that when you give a command that cannot be obeyed the result is undermined authority?
God doesn't assign to you goals you can't achieve. His goals for you are possible and certain. He wants us to remove the limits that hinder us from being all that He has called us to be.
If the sky is your limit then your thinking is small INDEED..
Pastor George.
Verse 41 says they limited the Holy One; they limited God. . That's an amazing statement!
The dictionary defines the verb "limit," as "to confine or restrict within boundaries."
We can confine, restrict, or limit God. God wanted to do so much more for Israel than they allowed Him. God is all powerful.
There is nothing too difficult for God wants to help you in every way. There is only one reason why God will not help you, and that is if you limit Him.
God is not limited to our shortsightedness: I’m black. I’m poor. I was born on the wrong side of the track. God has put us where He wants us to be. We were born to the parents we were supposed to be born to.
He knew exactly what He was doing and still is doing. Jesus says, "All things are possible to him who believes." Your faith releases God to work on your behalf. The opposite is also true; your doubt can limit God.
Matthew 13: 58, it says, "And Jesus did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." Jesus wanted to do miracles, but the people limited Him. The same can happen today!
If God has a goal for your life, If God wants something done, can it be done? Let’s put it this way, Can it be blocked, or its fulfillment proves uncertain or impossible?
Don’t we learn in secular leadership training that when you give a command that cannot be obeyed the result is undermined authority?
God doesn't assign to you goals you can't achieve. His goals for you are possible and certain. He wants us to remove the limits that hinder us from being all that He has called us to be.
If the sky is your limit then your thinking is small INDEED..
Pastor George.
YOUR LIFE CAN CHANGE
Acts 14:8-10"Now at Lystra there was a man sitting, who could not use his feet; he was a cripple from birth, who had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking; and Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, 'Stand upright on your feet.' And he sprang up and walked.
Life's dark moments can change whenever we tap into opportunities that come our way. Darkness can depart when light knocks. The man was sitting not because he wanted to, he was at the mercy of his condition. You could be at the mercy of a situation, well thats understandable...but it doesnt have to be so.
Do you want something changed in your life today? It does not make any difference whether the problem is physical, emotional, or spiritual; you are going to be held in its bondage until you recognize the opportunities that present themselves to you daily, begging to help you!
STAND UPRIGHT ON YOUR FEET! When you make the effort to obey, God will set you free. But he will never move until you obey. That is the way faith works.
Most people are kept from seeing God at work in their lives because they keep waiting for God to do something, in order for them to believe. No, he has already done all that he is going to do in advance. When you believe what he says, then he will give you the power to be free.
Life's dark moments can change whenever we tap into opportunities that come our way. Darkness can depart when light knocks. The man was sitting not because he wanted to, he was at the mercy of his condition. You could be at the mercy of a situation, well thats understandable...but it doesnt have to be so.
Do you want something changed in your life today? It does not make any difference whether the problem is physical, emotional, or spiritual; you are going to be held in its bondage until you recognize the opportunities that present themselves to you daily, begging to help you!
STAND UPRIGHT ON YOUR FEET! When you make the effort to obey, God will set you free. But he will never move until you obey. That is the way faith works.
Most people are kept from seeing God at work in their lives because they keep waiting for God to do something, in order for them to believe. No, he has already done all that he is going to do in advance. When you believe what he says, then he will give you the power to be free.
Friday, February 6, 2009
GOD WILL REVERSE YOUR SITUATION.
There is a kind of trouble that never seems to end. It’s as though nothing will ever happen to better that particular area in your life. I want all of you who long for a breakthrough in a particular area in your life to trust God as you read this post carefully.
Have you ever been in a situation in which you saw no way out?
A time in your life WHEN- All avenues seemed to be closed. All roads were blocked. There were no apparent routes of escape?
This is the situation in which King Hezekiah, king of Judah, found himself. In 2 Kings 20:1-11
In fact, the prophet told him that he was terminal - he was going to die. It’s not the first time Hezekiah is in trouble, He had been in difficult ones before and all it took was prayer and all was well again. But the current situation is determined to take him down, it’s gaining on him, He desponded and disillusioned.
"In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, ยต‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live'" (2 Kings 20:1-11)
What the prophet was saying to King Hezekiah is "there no hope" All hope of recovery seemed to be lost.
In fact, he went so farther to say, "Put your house in order." Nothing short of a miracle would reverse the prophet's pronouncement.
Sometimes things don’t happen in your life because you draw your life experiences from a self defeating prophetic word.
This word could be alive, active and in operation in a particular area of your life. Nothing ever happens for you in the area that you believe God in.
Like Hezekiah, there comes a time in your life when you need nothing short of a miracle.
"You will not recover" (v. 1).
This pronouncement did not leave a way out for King Hezekiah. He was still quite a young man – 39 years old.
What do you do in a situation like this? “You will not recover” Hezekiah was told.
"Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, ‘Remember now, O LORD, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart and have done what is good in Your sight' And Hezekiah wept bitterly" (2 Kings 20:2-3).
Hezekiah turned to the one whom he knew had the power to reverse his destiny. He pleaded to God through a memorial. Saying “remember now, O LORD I beseech you”
He pleads his case, outlining an impressive record of his walk and loyalty to God. “I have walked before you in truth, and with a whole heart and have done what is good in your sight” Hezekiah expressed himself in tears.
You might not have this kind of a memorial before GOD. In your case it might not be wise to ask God to remember how you have walked before HIM. You see, your memorial could kindle the anger of God and immediately God can strike you with blindness. [Joke]
I want you to see that if God is to change your circumstance today YOU MUST RESPOND IN PRAYER AND PLEADING. YOU MUST INSIST IN THE SPIRIT. Bring that area in your life that you want God to touch and lay it before him RIGHT NOW.
What followed Hezekiah prayer is recorded in verse V6 God remembered - "I will add fifteen years to your life".
A passionate prayer plea on the part of Hezekiah had suddenly changed his circumstances. God made a way when there seemed to be no way.
Simply put - God remembered! Needless to say, there is biblical account after account in which we are reminded that God has remembered and made a way when there seemed to be no way.
• God remembered Joseph in that Egyptian prison...
God “remembers” doesn’t mean God “forgets”. Forgetfulness is associated with memory weakness. Such deficiency is not found in Gods character.
If judgment has been passed and you do nothing it stays. If GOD says there should be no sin and you continue in sin, difficulties and hardship will come your way. Doors will close.
God loves you but HE cannot contradict himself, and scripture cannot be broken.
2chronicles 7:13-14
13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
If you go back to Hezekiah you find that he was terminally ill, but did nothing about it, he might have thought that being a “Godly man” his situation will automatically go away, God had to send the prophet to provoke him into prayer so that his condition could be reversed.
Today God has sent me to provoke you into prayer for your condition to be reversed. Let’s pray
Pastor George H O Ochieng.
Have you ever been in a situation in which you saw no way out?
A time in your life WHEN- All avenues seemed to be closed. All roads were blocked. There were no apparent routes of escape?
This is the situation in which King Hezekiah, king of Judah, found himself. In 2 Kings 20:1-11
In fact, the prophet told him that he was terminal - he was going to die. It’s not the first time Hezekiah is in trouble, He had been in difficult ones before and all it took was prayer and all was well again. But the current situation is determined to take him down, it’s gaining on him, He desponded and disillusioned.
"In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, ยต‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live'" (2 Kings 20:1-11)
What the prophet was saying to King Hezekiah is "there no hope" All hope of recovery seemed to be lost.
In fact, he went so farther to say, "Put your house in order." Nothing short of a miracle would reverse the prophet's pronouncement.
Sometimes things don’t happen in your life because you draw your life experiences from a self defeating prophetic word.
This word could be alive, active and in operation in a particular area of your life. Nothing ever happens for you in the area that you believe God in.
Like Hezekiah, there comes a time in your life when you need nothing short of a miracle.
"You will not recover" (v. 1).
This pronouncement did not leave a way out for King Hezekiah. He was still quite a young man – 39 years old.
What do you do in a situation like this? “You will not recover” Hezekiah was told.
"Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, ‘Remember now, O LORD, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart and have done what is good in Your sight' And Hezekiah wept bitterly" (2 Kings 20:2-3).
Hezekiah turned to the one whom he knew had the power to reverse his destiny. He pleaded to God through a memorial. Saying “remember now, O LORD I beseech you”
He pleads his case, outlining an impressive record of his walk and loyalty to God. “I have walked before you in truth, and with a whole heart and have done what is good in your sight” Hezekiah expressed himself in tears.
You might not have this kind of a memorial before GOD. In your case it might not be wise to ask God to remember how you have walked before HIM. You see, your memorial could kindle the anger of God and immediately God can strike you with blindness. [Joke]
I want you to see that if God is to change your circumstance today YOU MUST RESPOND IN PRAYER AND PLEADING. YOU MUST INSIST IN THE SPIRIT. Bring that area in your life that you want God to touch and lay it before him RIGHT NOW.
What followed Hezekiah prayer is recorded in verse V6 God remembered - "I will add fifteen years to your life".
A passionate prayer plea on the part of Hezekiah had suddenly changed his circumstances. God made a way when there seemed to be no way.
Simply put - God remembered! Needless to say, there is biblical account after account in which we are reminded that God has remembered and made a way when there seemed to be no way.
• God remembered Joseph in that Egyptian prison...
God “remembers” doesn’t mean God “forgets”. Forgetfulness is associated with memory weakness. Such deficiency is not found in Gods character.
If judgment has been passed and you do nothing it stays. If GOD says there should be no sin and you continue in sin, difficulties and hardship will come your way. Doors will close.
God loves you but HE cannot contradict himself, and scripture cannot be broken.
2chronicles 7:13-14
13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
If you go back to Hezekiah you find that he was terminally ill, but did nothing about it, he might have thought that being a “Godly man” his situation will automatically go away, God had to send the prophet to provoke him into prayer so that his condition could be reversed.
Today God has sent me to provoke you into prayer for your condition to be reversed. Let’s pray
Pastor George H O Ochieng.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
LET GOD DEFEND YOUR CAUSE.
PSALMS 37:6 “And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.”
Perhaps some of you have had this experience. You have been unjustly accused by someone who has deliberately sought..
To slander you.
To defame your character.
To ruin your reputation.
These people are wholly unjustified in these attacks. Maybe last year you faced this kind of a challenge from.
Your relatives.
Your friends.
Your husband
Your wife
Your children.
Your parents.
Your sisters or brothers.
YOU see absolutely no reason for their accusations.They are afflicting you, upsetting you, and attacking you without you having given them any reason to do so.
This year the Lord will give you vindication and justice. What is vindication and What is justice?
Vindication is The act of defending against criticism or dissaproval and Justice is The quality of being just or fair against your challengers.
King David in one of his psalms reflects upon the nature of this kind of problem. A problem which you are bound to experience or may have experienced.
[Psalm 109:1-5] 1 Be not silent, O God of my praise! 2 For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. 3 They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. 4 In return for my love they accuse me, even as I make prayer for them. 5 So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
This psalm describes the reactions of one who has been Unjustly accused and Wrongly treated. He has been set upon by those who are attempting to destroy him, yet without a cause.
This year GOD promises to make it as plain as the light of day where you were unjustly accused.
“And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.”
We see God's justice in the way he deals with Job's three friends.
Job 42:7-9 7 After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, 'I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. 8 So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.'9 So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them, and the LORD accepted Job's prayer.
Do you remember how Job had to put up with so much slander? How he was vilified over and over again and his character brought into question by these people?
Do you recall how he was accused of being- A hypocrite, harbouring wicked thoughts,and Gaining his wealth through sharp practice.That had been so painful. It simply was tearing him apart.
The more he protested, the more convinced his accusers became that he was hiding something. He desperately needed someone to come to his defence; someone who knew the truth and who would testify to his innocence. But there was only one who could do that, and that was God –
[1 Pet 2:22-23] He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly.
The apostle Peter in those scriptures describes an incident and the attitude of a person who understood the nature of life’s reality. One who understands how life operates. One who understands the truth behind the advice of Scripture.
JESUS TRUSTED HIS CAUSE TO HIM WHO JUDGES JUSTLY.
Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance [the act of taking revenge] and recompence [Payment or reward]; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
Roman 12:19-20 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Both in the Old and New Testament God is saying to believers..
"Vengeance is mine, says the Lord; I will repay," Vengeance is mine! Don't you try it, don't you attempt it. Don't try to "get even" If you do you'll only make the matter worse.
You will allow bad blood that may go on for years, even for centuries. The enemy could latch on this to destroy, wreck and damage potential good relationship. No, no, vengeance is mine, says the Lord. “I am the only one who has the wisdom adequate to handle this kind of a problem”. “Leave vengeance to me’” says God.
A Christian who has a relationship with God recognizes this and commits every cause to God. But they also understand something else. That God's name is involved in all this.
When God's people are being persecuted then God is also being persecuted. His name is involved in it. It is up to God to defend that name, not man.
Acts 9:1-5 1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Jesus appeared to him in light brighter than the sun, that Saul cried out to him and said, "Lord, who are you?" Jesus said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting."
Saul was persecuting the Christians, in so doing it was revealed to him that he was in effect persecuting the Lord. God is involved in your trials. God is involved in what happens to his own elect.
This year the LORD is promising to give you your judgment (that is King James Version for justice) for everyone to see, like light at high noon.
In conclusion, Please notice the two metaphors RIGHTEOUSENESS AS LIGHT AND JUDGEMENT AS NOONDAY.
When the Lord proves your innocence it will expose darkness and that those who are in the habit of criticizing or disapproving you will be ashamed in public.
Further proof: Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
Pastor George Henry Ochieng Ogolla.
Perhaps some of you have had this experience. You have been unjustly accused by someone who has deliberately sought..
To slander you.
To defame your character.
To ruin your reputation.
These people are wholly unjustified in these attacks. Maybe last year you faced this kind of a challenge from.
Your relatives.
Your friends.
Your husband
Your wife
Your children.
Your parents.
Your sisters or brothers.
YOU see absolutely no reason for their accusations.They are afflicting you, upsetting you, and attacking you without you having given them any reason to do so.
This year the Lord will give you vindication and justice. What is vindication and What is justice?
Vindication is The act of defending against criticism or dissaproval and Justice is The quality of being just or fair against your challengers.
King David in one of his psalms reflects upon the nature of this kind of problem. A problem which you are bound to experience or may have experienced.
[Psalm 109:1-5] 1 Be not silent, O God of my praise! 2 For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. 3 They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. 4 In return for my love they accuse me, even as I make prayer for them. 5 So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
This psalm describes the reactions of one who has been Unjustly accused and Wrongly treated. He has been set upon by those who are attempting to destroy him, yet without a cause.
This year GOD promises to make it as plain as the light of day where you were unjustly accused.
“And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.”
We see God's justice in the way he deals with Job's three friends.
Job 42:7-9 7 After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, 'I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. 8 So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.'9 So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them, and the LORD accepted Job's prayer.
Do you remember how Job had to put up with so much slander? How he was vilified over and over again and his character brought into question by these people?
Do you recall how he was accused of being- A hypocrite, harbouring wicked thoughts,and Gaining his wealth through sharp practice.That had been so painful. It simply was tearing him apart.
The more he protested, the more convinced his accusers became that he was hiding something. He desperately needed someone to come to his defence; someone who knew the truth and who would testify to his innocence. But there was only one who could do that, and that was God –
[1 Pet 2:22-23] He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly.
The apostle Peter in those scriptures describes an incident and the attitude of a person who understood the nature of life’s reality. One who understands how life operates. One who understands the truth behind the advice of Scripture.
JESUS TRUSTED HIS CAUSE TO HIM WHO JUDGES JUSTLY.
Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance [the act of taking revenge] and recompence [Payment or reward]; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
Roman 12:19-20 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Both in the Old and New Testament God is saying to believers..
"Vengeance is mine, says the Lord; I will repay," Vengeance is mine! Don't you try it, don't you attempt it. Don't try to "get even" If you do you'll only make the matter worse.
You will allow bad blood that may go on for years, even for centuries. The enemy could latch on this to destroy, wreck and damage potential good relationship. No, no, vengeance is mine, says the Lord. “I am the only one who has the wisdom adequate to handle this kind of a problem”. “Leave vengeance to me’” says God.
A Christian who has a relationship with God recognizes this and commits every cause to God. But they also understand something else. That God's name is involved in all this.
When God's people are being persecuted then God is also being persecuted. His name is involved in it. It is up to God to defend that name, not man.
Acts 9:1-5 1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Jesus appeared to him in light brighter than the sun, that Saul cried out to him and said, "Lord, who are you?" Jesus said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting."
Saul was persecuting the Christians, in so doing it was revealed to him that he was in effect persecuting the Lord. God is involved in your trials. God is involved in what happens to his own elect.
This year the LORD is promising to give you your judgment (that is King James Version for justice) for everyone to see, like light at high noon.
In conclusion, Please notice the two metaphors RIGHTEOUSENESS AS LIGHT AND JUDGEMENT AS NOONDAY.
When the Lord proves your innocence it will expose darkness and that those who are in the habit of criticizing or disapproving you will be ashamed in public.
Further proof: Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
Pastor George Henry Ochieng Ogolla.
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