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.
Monday, March 23, 2009
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.
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