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
Thursday, May 28, 2009
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.
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