Honour God with Our Time

“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks” (Hebrews 11:4).

We read in Genesis where Cain and Abel brought sacrifices unto the God. The Lord had regard for Abel’s offering, but not for Cain’s. Cain was very angry that God accepted Abel’s offering and had disregard for his offering. “The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen” (Genesis 4:6)? God’s warning to Cain, was that his anger had opened a door for sin. God cautioned Cain to take authority over his sinful desire. Cain however, allowed his sinful desire to dominate and this led to the murder of his brother.

This story demonstrates to me that it is possible, to offer God an acceptable sacrifice and an unacceptable sacrifice. The commandment in the Old Testament was to bring animal sacrifices and grain offerings to God. In the New Testament covenant, we no longer need to offer animals as sacrifice for sins. Our sacrifice is our lives, including our gifts, talents and abilities. I believe that one of the main sacrifices that we can offer to God is our time. Time in praise, worship, prayer and service to God is our sacrificial offering to him.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name” (Psalm 100:4)! Paul also spoke in Hebrews about offering sacrifices of praise unto God. We offer praises unto God with the fruit of our lips. Our attendance at church, honours the requirement to assemble together as saints. This is for the purpose of encouraging, supporting and edifying each other. Our consideration should always be about how much time we give to the things of God. As we seek first the kingdom of God, all things will be added to us.

Our careers should not take priority over our relationship with God. Do we make an effort to get to work on time, yet habitually arrive for church late? Is God pleased with our sacrifice of praise, if we give God a half-hearted sacrifice? When we honour God with our time, he will honour us. I have found that when I honour God with my time, he blesses my efforts at work. We cannot commit more time to things that do not have an eternal significance. I know that our career, surrendered to God is also an act of worship. That being said, we have to treat the things of God as sacred and offer a sacrifice which is acceptable.

A.P.-Y.

Redemption Power

**“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).**

Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus about the spiritual blessings of God in Christ Jesus. Through Jesus we have been blessed with all things, and we were chosen and predestined before the foundations of the earth. Jesus Christ redeemed us through his blood and has forgiven us of our sins through his grace. Through Jesus Christ, we have gained an eternal inheritance, which was predestined to us before creation. This promise of Jesus Christ has been sealed through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit acts as a guarantor of our eternal inheritance, until we are fully redeemed to God.

Although we all have sinned, God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all wrong doing (1 John 1:9). We have to start with confessing our sins. It does not make sense to deny our wrong doing and to pretend that it never happened. “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment” (Psalm 51:3-4). David did some very evil things, but he confessed his sins and gained forgiveness. Our God is eternally gracious and always ready to forgive us.

Denying our sins allows the devil to keep us in bondage. Isaiah said that God’s hand is not short so that he cannot save us, nor is he deaf so that he cannot hear. If you are praying and you feel like your prayers aren’t being answered, then you may have unconfessed sins. “but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). There is no point trying to deny our wrongdoing when God sees everything. His eyes are in every place, beholding the good and the evil (Proverbs 15:5). It is interesting that we are more concerned, with being seen by other people and not as concerned that God sees everything.

I say all of this to say that God is in the redemption business. God is faithful, just, kind and gracious and he is always waiting to forgive us and restore us to right relationship. As a parent, there are times when a child does something wrong and you are aware. You may pretend not to know, while you wait and hope that the child will admit what they have done wrong. God is waiting for us to come to Him and confess, so that the devil cannot continue to blackmail us with what we did wrong. What else will the devil have to use against you when you have already confessed to God? There is peace in knowing that we are forgiven and that we have a clear conscience before God.

A.P.-Y.

We have an Entitlement

“**The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1)**.

It is God who created the earth and everything in it. Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ, as Lord and saviour have been adopted into the family of God. “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18).

As dear children of God we ask him for what we need, to supply all of our needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). God owns everything and when he created us he gave us dominion and authority over everything.

Satan took that authority when he caused Adam and Eve to fall into sin. Jesus Christ came to earth, died and rose again and took back from the devil the keys of death and hell. Christ’s death, burial and resurrection signalled our redemption to God. The word redeemed is to gain or regain possession of something in exchange for payment. Through Jesus Christ we regained the authority given to Adam before the fall.

Just before Jesus ascended into heaven he called his disciples and told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). Christ then delegated that power and authority to us. That is the story of our redemption to God. And with that redemption comes authority to decree a thing and it shall be established (Job 22:28).

Do not let the enemy bombard you with fear, guilt and doubt. Change your language and your expectations, of what God can do in your life. God will grant you the desires of your heart. Search yourself and ensure that your desires line up with God’s will and purpose. You develop an understanding of his will, through the study and understanding of the word. As long as your desire is not birthed through envy and covetousness and it lines up with the word of God, then it will be granted unto you.

Ask God for what you want. Stand on his word and on his promises and continue to decree what you want to be established. We are not beggars; it is our entitlement. Once you confess your faults, God forgives you and he does not hold your sins against you. The promises in the word belong to us, so if God promised it, then you can surely have it.

A.P.-Y.

Living in Abundance

**“I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly” (John‬ ‭10:10‬)**.

Abundance refers to rich and satisfying, having all that you need and not lacking in anything. This is the life that Jesus wants for his children and promised when he came to give his life for us. God has a good and perfect plan for us. The devil also has his own plan and his work is to rob us of what God has in store for us. He comes to kill, steal and destroy. But Christ came that we may have a good life where we lack nothing.

When we live a life that is completely surrendered to God, he orders our steps and He delights in our ways (Psalm 37:23). The Lord will also make perfect everything that concerns us (Psalm 138:8). Our desires for good things, signals the plans of God for us and yes God wants us to have good things. He wants us to live a good and satisfying life. A life where we feel complete and fulfilled. It is when we sit between two positions where we sometimes struggle.

When we stay connected to God, he renews our strength and daily loads us with blessings. Goodness and mercy follows us everyday of our lives. Everything we need is in Christ Jesus and he supplies all of our needs according to his riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Living for God is not mundane and full of boredom and hardship. In fact it is the only way to have a full and complete life. If you want to have a satisfying life, submit to God who has all that we need and he will make our joy complete.

A.P.-Y.

Faith vs Facts

**“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).**

We live in a modern age, where the world is driven by the access to information and technology. If our faith has ever been at risk, it is now when information is readily available at our fingertips. Our faith is constantly at odds with scientific and empirical evidence. Let us look at some of the ways in which our faith has and continue to come in conflict with modem facts. Facts states that every person on this planet is at risk of catching and spreading airborne diseases. Faith says, “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you” (Psalm 91:7).

God has promised many times in the bible that his children will walk in divine health. The bible is filled with scriptures that indicates, that sickness does not come from God. Facts also say that when you reach a certain age, that your body is likely to deteriorate. Faith says, “who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:5). We also see bible examples of prophets such as Moses, who lived up to one hundred and twenty years old. “Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever” (Deuteronomy 34:7).

Facts say that you need a certain amount of money to access certain benefits. Faith says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Jesus performed many miracles of supernatural supply, to demonstrate to us God’s divine provision. Facts say that a man and woman are unlikely to be able to conceive and have children naturally after a certain age. Faith says, “And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb” (Romans 4:19).

There are real time examples of people, who defy the odds and have knocked science on its head. I am not saying that you do not take the advice of doctors, financial analyst and that you completely ignore science. My question to you is; What do you do, when your faith is at odds with the science and information? Do you abandon your faith and stick to the facts or do you listen to the facts, hold that in mind while maintaining what the word says. Another position is to dismiss the facts altogether and meditate on the word of faith. Either way, it is difficult to sit between both positions. Both of these systems are constantly at odds with each other. “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

A.P.-Y.

Forgiveness Brings Healing

“**Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).**

I once heard about a treatment called forgiveness therapy, for people who have unexplained illnesses. Doctors have confirmed that unforgiveness is linked to some lifestyle diseases. It is amazing when science confirms what was written in scripture years ago. Although most scientists will not affirm scripture, we see traces of the truth in psychology and other medical disciplines. God revealed this to Daniel in the Old Testament and we see this manifesting today. “But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Daniel‬ ‭12:4‬).

God asks us to bear with one another, because we recognise that it is likely that we will offend others. We appreciate that we also have weaknesses and the capacity to make mistakes. We have to acknowledge that despite our mistakes and failures that God has forgiven us. So as God forgives us, we extend that forgiveness to others. “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians‬ ‭3:13‬).

The requirement for us to receive forgiveness from God is to forgive others and God warns us that our prayers will not be heard unless we forgive. Hurting people hurt people and most people who are nasty have their own share of troubles. I suppose some people need our sympathy and insight into what is causing them to hurt. Jesus commands us to love our enemies and to also pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).

God knows that the task of forgiveness is not an easy one, which is why his advice to Peter was seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22). We don’t always score great marks on the forgiveness test and it is a constant struggle to ensure that we stay in grace. We have to pray for those who persecute us, because it is the only way to ensure that we do not harbour hate. If we hate and do not forgive then we are no better than the person who did wrong to us. Bitterness, hurt and hate are contagious and the only way to keep these poisons from getting inside of us and staying free is to forgive. Make a list of the persons who have offended you, pray for them and bless them. Where possible, there are also people who we have offended and need to make restitution.

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew‬ ‭5:23-24‬).

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Deliverance Starts With Repentance

**“We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws” (Daniel 9:5).**

We see in the book of Daniel, where the people of Israel and Judah were taken into captivity in Babylon. Others had been scattered into other countries, following the overthrow of Israel by the King of Babylon. Daniel was an upright man and he and other skilled Jews, were taken to Babylon to be used for the King’s service.

Daniel prospered and excelled in Babylon despite being in captivity because he walked in the favour of the Lord. Daniel also had the ability to interpret dreams and visions that even the greatest magicians in the land could not interpret (Daniel 5:12). Despite Daniel’s excellence he experienced many trials and prosecution as others were jealous of his success (Daniel 6).

Then in chapter 9 Daniel spent 21 days in fasting and prayer to ask God to deliver his people. At the start of his fast Daniel cried out to God and confessed the sins of his people. Daniel recognised that some of the challenges that he had experienced and was experiencing was as a result of the sins of his ancestors.

There are some challenges and battles that we find ourselves in the middle of, due to mistakes made by our parents, grandparents and great grandparents. God is faithful to forgive and he has promised, “The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself” (Ezekiel‬ ‭18:20‬).

Once we repent and renounce the former works of the past, then we can walk in the freedom and favour of the Lord. In this season let us cry out to God in repentance for our country and our nation and trust in God to heal our land. Confess your sins, renounce every work of darkness and accept God’s forgiveness.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

A.P.-Y.

Place of Abundance

David sang praises unto God and declared the awesome works of his hands. He recalled how God delivered his children at the Red Sea, causing them to cross over on dry land. David declared that although the people of God had experienced hardship and testing, they were now in a place of abundance. It was for this same reason, why Isaiah told us not to fear. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2).

Even in the midst of trials and adversity, God is still with us and is able to help us. God will never leave us nor forsake us and being tested, does not negate God’s presence. “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence” (Psalm 139:7)? We have to rest assured, that nothing can separate us from the love of God. The challenges, difficulties, persecution or distress does not mean that you are any less godly. The devil will whisper lies and accusations. This is to convince that you that you must have done something wrong, in order for God to not love you.

If you believe that you have done any wrong, simply pray the prayer of repentance. Once you have repented before God, then the devil has nothing to hold against you. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword” (Romans 8:35)? The devil enjoys taunting us with judgement and condemnation, in order to make us feel unrighteousness. This can also lead us to become judgemental of others. Trust in God to defend, protect and shield you from harm and dangers. Stay connected to God and hide in his protection.

This weeping will endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning. Your restoration season is here and God will level the crooked places. God will not allow never ending oppression and harassment. Surrender the battle to him, rest in his presence and let him fight your battles. God will restore the places that have been broken down by persecution. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).

A.P.-Y.

Realign and Restructure

**““I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron,”(Isaiah 45:2)**

Throughout 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 and Ezra 1-6, we see where God stirred up the heart of Cyrus, the Persian King to support the Jews to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Cyrus was known for his domination and he successfully conquered major kingdoms and territories. This included Babylon where the children of Israel had been taken captive.

Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and it was his declaration which resulted in the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. “Cyrus the king also brought out the vessels of the house of the Lord that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his gods.” (Ezra 1:7)

Isaiah speaks of Cyrus as being anointed by God to subdue kingdoms, to displace kings and to open doors and gates. God also promised to go before Cyrus and remove all obstacles and allow an easy passage for him. God’s promise was also to bless Cyrus with great wealth in order for him to complete the assignment which he had set before him. “I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.” (Isaiah 45:3)

All of this God did to demonstrate his power and might and to show that he can use whoever he chooses. If it was up to us, there are many people who we would disqualify, due to their origin or our measure of their standard of holiness. It was God who chose Cyrus who did not even know him. God blessed Cyrus and gave him victory over many nations and kingdoms. The wealth that Cyrus accumulated was then used to support the restoration, realignment and restructure of Jerusalem.

“I have stirred him up in righteousness, and I will make all his ways level; he shall build my city and set my exiles free, not for price or reward,” says the Lord of hosts.”
‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭45:13‬)

A.P.-Y.

Offenses Will Come

**“Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come” (Luke 17:1)!**

Jesus spoke to his disciples about offences, within the context of being tempted to sin. His woeful lamentation was in respect of the person who causes the offence or temptation. While we have to resist temptation and offences, the person used by the devil is not obsolete. The devil needs agents and will use people as host to carry out his acts. Open doors of bitterness, resentment and anger creates room to be used by the devil. Similarly, God uses us for his glory and to establish his kingdom. The devil wants to copy everything that God does. Demons cannot act without a human body.

The devil will work through people who he knows can have an effect on us. Oftentimes the devil will work through friends, family members, co-workers and even other Christians. We see this manifested in Jesus’s own disciples. “But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man”” (Matthew 16:23). Unfortunately, Christians are not exempt from being used by the devil. “After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me”” (John 13:21).

Judas’s betrayal of Jesus caused so much guilt and shame in him, that he took his own life. Peter also went on to deny Jesus, but sought repentance and was restored to the faith. Sins are forgiven through repentance and restoration. Despite God’s forgiveness, some sins leave lasting consequences. God is able to save and restore in the areas, where we experienced losses due to disobedience and sin. We have to guard our hearts and remain in the presence of God, so that we do not become a pawn for the devil. “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:2).

The consequences of causing someone to stumble or sin are major. This is especially for those of us who are believers. The reality is that we should know better and practice what the word says. We are exhorted to do good, especially to other believers. We are also cautioned not to stand in the way of sinners. Do not in your ignorance or arrogance, cause someone else to stumble. “But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48).

A.P.-Y.