In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he encouraged them to rejoice in the Lord at all times. Is it humanly possible to always be joyful and find a reason to rejoice? What about those times when we are hurting or going through trials and difficulties? Paul went on to say that we do not need to be anxious about anything. His encouragement was to pray about everything with supplication and thanksgiving. Why do we pray about everything with thanksgiving? So that the peace of God, which is not possible to explain with human logic, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).

Peace is our ultimate pursuit which gives us confidence that God is with us. If we have peace with God then we have peace with ourselves and with everyone else. When we have peace then there is no reason why we cannot rejoice and be joyful in God. We can rejoice when we have surrendered our worries and cares to God because we know that he cares for us. For example, if you take your car to the garage, you are no longer worried about the car because you trust that it is in capable hands. You also know that the mechanics are trained to take care of it and to fix the fault with the car. Similarly, if we have approached God in prayer concerning a problem, we can rest assured that our problems are in capable hands and he will fix it for us.

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands” (Psalms 138:8). If we are being honest, we have to admit that we sometimes place a lot more faith in the things that we can see with our physical eyes, than we do in God. This is why faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of the things which we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). There are some areas of our lives that are easier for us to trust God with than others. Those areas where we lack faith are the areas that we most need to surrender. Oftentimes this relates to areas where we have experienced hurt or a deficit and it makes it harder to trust God.

Let us not miss out on the peace which is available when we fully surrender. Every new day that we live to see, brings a reason to rejoice. Gratitude is a powerful human emotion and a great antidote for stress. It is impossible to remain overwhelmed and burdened by our trials when we sing praises and rejoice in the Lord. “For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy” (Psalm 92:4).

A.P.-Y.

Paul was expounding to the Galatians about christian virtues. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). When we consider self-control, we can get the idea that we have something to do with our ability to be good. There are many choices that are left to our free will and when we decide to discipline ourselves, the result is good fruit.

There are some traits however, that are harder for us to temper and we have to rely on the work of the Holy Spirit to transform us. “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” (Jude 1:24). Our part in developing godly discipline is to listen and obey. This is obedience beyond what makes sense to our human reasoning. Often God will ask us to make decisions that go against our nature. His word to the person who is extremely proactive may come in the form of an instruction to be still and to wait for him to move.

Being asked to do what goes against our very nature can feel like a small death to parts of our natural selves. Very often God is saving us from ourselves because we sometimes don’t know our limitations. God will often challenge us in the areas where we need to grow. Left to our own devices, we would wear ourselves out trying to solve most problems on our own. There are things that we are responsible for. After we have done what we were told to do by God, we then have to surrender and wait. Wait for God to do what only he can do.

There is a strength beyond our strength; an understanding beyond what we can see; and wisdom beyond our human comprehension that only comes from God.

“Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

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Paul spoke to the Corinthians about his work in ministry. He made reference to the Christian journey being a race which each person runs to win. He made further reference to how athletes discipline their bodies in order to maintain the physical stamina for racing. “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

While it is important for us to maintain good physical health through diet and exercising, Paul’s reference relates to our spiritual well-being. As we live for God, we should grow in Christlike maturity and overtime lose the appetite for things that are contrary to the will of God. Similar to babies, Christians who are new to the faith need the word broken down in simple terms for them to understand. “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—” (1 Peter 2:2).

As we mature in God, there is an expectation that we grow in spiritual strength and develop the stamina for sound doctrine. Those who are mature in God should be in a position to not only read and understand the word, but to teach the word to others. Moreover, the mature have a responsibility to demonstrate behaviour which serves as an example to newborns and those who are unsaved to follow.

Paul also spoke about adjusting to accommodate those around him for the sake of the gospel. “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). God will continue to develop character in us and allow us to be tested in order that we will grow. Most parents don’t take pleasure in disciplining their children, but they are wise enough to understand that it is necessary to ensure that their children become valuable members of society.

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

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In Mark 9, a father carried his son to Jesus’s disciples to ask that they would pray for his healing. The disciples prayed but they could not cast out the spirit which tormented the boy. When Jesus arrived, the father ran to tell him what had happened. “And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes”” (Mark 9:23). The father acknowledged that he had faith, but that there was still some doubt in his mind. “Lord I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24)!

This story teaches us that it is possible to have faith mixed with some doubt or unbelief. There are times when I have felt that I needed really strong faith in order for God to act on my behalf. Let us look at what Jesus told his disciples in Matthew concerning faith. “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you”” (Matthew‬ ‭17:20‬).

Mustard seeds are extremely small seeds and are perhaps one of the smallest seeds that I know of. While we think that we need giant size faith to gain a small victory, Jesus is saying that we can do major things with just a small amount of faith. What that means is that faith is such a potent antidote, that an extremely small amount can do major things.

We often speak of ‘strong faith’ and admire people who seem to possess this. Paul made reference to each of us having a measure of faith which God has assigned (Romans 12:3). Faith increases through listening to the word of God and as we exercise faith, like a muscle it will grow. The final analysis is this, that I have not always felt strong in faith during the times when I have seen God move. What God needs is faith as much as a mustard seed and with that much faith we can move a mountain.

A.P.-Y.

Issachar was one of the twelve sons of Jacob who received a blessing. The blessing over Issachar sounded more like a curse, as he was bound to a life of hard labour. Not much is said about Issachar except for instances when there were battles. What is notable about this tribe was their mention during the times of David’s battles. These men had wisdom to understand the times and knew what Isreal needed to do. This skill can seem trivial, except if you consider the value that Solomon placed on wisdom and understanding. God blessed Solomon with wealth and influence, because his request was for wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-15).

It was Solomon who also taught us about the times and seasons for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). What is significant about this, is the need for the body of Christ to understand times and seasons. We have to be watchful to discern patterns and cycles. There are particular months of the year for example, that seem to be characterised by major atrocities. What should be the response of a Christian, if they realise that every year, around a particular month, that there is an increase in demonic activity. Many believers have described the months of September and October as being quite difficult months.

Some people have seen an increase in atrocities, bloodshed and major disasters. Perhaps someone will say that this is merely a coincidence, that events like 9/11 and other calamities have happened around this time. Some believers have chosen to increase their prayers, intercession and fasting ahead of what seems like difficult seasons. For other people, it may not be autumn, but they can notice particular patterns of difficulty and resistance around certain times of the year. We can simply accept this and resign ourselves to what will be, or seek the Lord to discern what is the cause of these activities. Some families may notice that a family member may die at a certain time one year and then every year after that, around the same time, there may be another death or some major disaster.

Could you be dealing with a demonic cycle or pattern, which has been created to target your family? Some families may also come under attack from a spirit of death for example. Are people willing to rise up and cry out within the porches and pray for redemption? There are also other seasons of intensity which are characterised by breakthrough. People may feel the pangs of travail and can mistake these for spiritual attack. Sometimes the pain is an indication to push through in prayer, as we have come into our due season. “When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world” (John 16:21). These are seasons to push through and travail until you experience joy.

Whether we are dealing with cycles of spiritual warfare and attack or a season of breakthrough, we need the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to understand the times. What is your current season and how are you positioned in the place of prayer and intercession? Do you know when you need to increase your fasting, prayer and intercession? Do you also understand when you are in a season of rest? Are you able to discern those seasons when you need to press in the place of prayer and push in order to give birth? We need the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God to maintain a victorious life, as we continue to discern and understand seasons.

A.P.-Y.

Context: Daniel, Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego were among the people taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. They were considered: “young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans” (Daniel 1:4).

The King instructed his chief Eunoch to provide daily for them, delicacies and drinks from the king’s treasure and they were to be on training for three years. Daniel made up in his mind, not to be defiled with the King’s delicacies or to drink his wine. The Jews had quite a strict diet which restricted them from eating food sacrificed to idols, for example. Daniel asked the Eunoch to test them for ten days with just vegetable and water. At the end of the ten days, their appearance was better than the other men who ate the King’s delicacies. The steward allowed them to continue eating vegetables only and to drink water. “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17).

In terms of the 21 days, Daniel sought the Lord in chapter 10, to get answers about the situation concerning his people. Daniel was concerned that his people were in bondage and wanted to hear from God. “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled” (Daniel 10:2-3). As Daniel fasted, Gabriel was sent with a message for him on the twenty fourth day. Gabriel assured Daniel that from the first day of his fast, that his prayers were heard and he was sent to give him with the answer. However, Gabriel was held up by demonic activities in the region where Daniel lived. “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia” (Daniel 10:13).

As Daniel continued in fasting and prayer, Michael the Chief angel was sent to help Gabriel in the spiritual battle. This allowed Gabriel to be released to bring Daniel’s answer, while Michael carried on fighting. This story gives us a glimpse into what is happening in the spirit realm, as we contend in prayer and fasting. Fasting is setting aside time to pray and seek the face of God. During this time, we limit our consumption of food and certain drinks as a sacrifice to God. Fasting is not a religious exercise and as long as we make a sacrifice to God, from a heart which is pleasing, God will respond.

Strictly speaking, Daniel and his friends ate vegetables and drank water. I believe that everyone can interpret the Daniel fast, based on their own conviction and different churches and denominations have interpreted this fast differently. What is generally consistent for most people, is giving up meat, processed foods, pastry and sweet drinks. If you are able to supplement your protein using vegetables and legumes then, that is great. Some people continue to have fish as a protein supplement. Pray and go as you feel led by the Holy Spirit. I would recommend cutting out excesses including: sugar, processed foods, anything deep fried, and meats.

The Daniel fast focuses on accessing divine favour and revelation knowledge to win spiritual battles.

A.P.-Y.

In Paul’s final letter to the church in Timothy, he exhorted them to preach the word in season and out of season. This means preaching whether people are willing to hear and accept or not. He wanted the church to be ready to reprove, rebuke and export. This is because the time will come when people will not want to hear sound doctrine. Having itchy ears, people will go after preachers to suit their own passions. “and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:4). He warned us to remain sober-minded, endure suffering and continue to do evangelism.

Paul was ready to be ‘poured out like a drink offering,’ as the time of his departure had come. Paul was in prison and he knew that the time was near for his execution. Nevertheless, Paul was ready for death and was convinced that he had done what God had called him to do. How many people can say with such confidence, that they have accomplished the mission set before them? Life and it’s many distractions, keep people from fulfilling their God given assignments. Either way, Paul’s determination was to end well. Endings are a natural part of life as much as beginnings. Many people are good at starting projects for example, but are not good finishers.

Some people are even more rubbish at ending relationships. Many people end relationships abruptly or in the midst of turmoil and difficulties. It is sensible to end relationships that have become toxic and dysfunctional. However, it is possible to end even bad relationships well. Let us consider Abram and his nephew Lot. When strife broke out between the servants of Abraham and Lot, Abram chose to separate. Despite their separation, Abram managed this well and they departed amicably. “Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen” (Genesis 13:8).

Despite being the elder among them, Abram allowed Lot to choose the area where he wanted to settle. Abram then settled on the remaining land that was left for him. This separation could have resulted in conflict and strife, however Abram used wisdom to prevent it from escalating. There are a few things that we can learn from the separation between Lot and Abram. 1. Know when a relationship or partnership has become counter productive and consider separating to maintain peace. 2. Separation does not have to include conflict and animosity. 3. End well so as not to damage a worthwhile relationship. Remember that later on, Abram had to go to Lot’s rescue when he was captured from Sodom (Genesis 14). 4. Show gratitude for what the other person has done, while the relationship lasted.

Endings do not have to be nasty and messy and walking in the will of the Lord means that you go where you are sent. Many relationships last for a time, season and purpose and not all relationships last a lifetime. This is not the case in marriages which God has ordained to last until death. Some marriages may end due to ongoing abuse and infidelity and even in these instances, it is useful to remain amicable, especially when there are children involved. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Proverbs 16:7).

A.P.-Y.