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).

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Jeremiah had this calling on his life, before his conception and birth. A prophet to the nations, “Set over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:10). Jeremiah’s birth signalled a major threat to the kingdom of darkness. His birth would also advance the kingdom of God in the earth. Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet, due to his constant lamentations over Israel. Imagine being the mouthpiece of God, who can sense the emotions of God concerning your nation. Jeremiah lamented their backsliding, idolatry and eventual bondage due to their sins.

Despite his cries to repentance, the people were hard hearted and disobedient. Jeremiah also faced physical threats and chastisement. “Then Pashhur beat Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that were in the upper Benjamin Gate of the house of the Lord” (Jeremiah 20:2). This made Jeremiah consider taking a vow of silence, yet the word of God was to Jeremiah a burden, or a burning sensation that he could not quench. Jeremiah was not the only prophet despised, as we also see death and destruction surrounding the birth of Moses. Pharaoh was threatened by the increase of the Israelite population.

“And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us” (Exodus 1:9). The initial order was to oppress the people, but they multiplied even more. Next was the order to the midwives to kill all the male children. As this did not work, the next order was to throw all the male children into the river Nile. This would include Moses, but his mother was defiant about keeping her son alive. Howbeit, Moses was a child of promise. A prophet and a deliverer of God’s children. The devil could not kill Moses, but that certainly did not stop him from trying.

The birth of Jesus was also threatening to the devil and his agents. Herod sought to kill him and when this plan fell through, he also killed all the male children in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-18). The devil can sense greatness in a seed and somehow knows when a child is conceived for greatness. His strategy will be to try and prevent conception, or to order annihilation at birth. This is his attempt at stopping the impact, which God intends for his prophets. We know that the plans and purposes of God, always outweighs the schemes of satan. He cannot usurp God’s divine authority. He can try to frustrate and cause misery, but God makes all things new.

Your conception and birth may have been surrounded by difficult circumstances. Yet you are chosen of the Lord, to proclaim the good news of the gospel to the world. Remember that your very existence serves as a constant irritant to the devil. You will not be silenced, frustrated or constantly bombarded by the enemy. God has a winning strategy and as you remain connected, he will destroy the works of the darkness. “So shall they fear The name of the Lord from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19).

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Yesterday we explored eight names of God, including Jehovah Jireh and Elohim. Today we will continue to look at some of the other names, used by bible prophets to describe the nature and character of God. Adonai (Great Lord) is used over four hundred and fifty times in the bible. David made reference to God in Psalms in this context. “that they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth” (Psalm 83:18). Melchizedek described God as El Elyon (God most high), after Abraham defeated the Kings and rescued his nephew Lot. “and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything” (Genesis 14:20).

Moses spoke to the people about God being Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Sanctifies). “Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 20:8). Hagar experienced God as El Roi (God sees Me), after she conceived with Abraham’s child. “So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me”” (Genesis 16:13). God introduced himself to Abraham as El Shaddai (All Sufficient One). “When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1).

David defiantly defended his people against Goliath, as he called on Jehovah Saboath (Lord of Host). “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). Isaiah described God as El Olam (Everlasting God). “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Of all the names listed between yesterday and today, which name is your favourite description of God? The name that we use may differ depending on the time, situation or circumstances that we find ourselves in. David’s description of God as Jehovah Saboath (Lord of Host), stood out for me. David is one of my favourite bible characters, because he is good mix between a worshipper and a warrior. There are days when you will need the God of peace, and other days you may need the Lord who sanctifies. Whatever your need, I pray that these writings have helped you to develop a greater understanding of the character and nature of our father God.

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God told Moses in Exodus to refer to him as I am. I am encompasses the one who was, is to come and will be forevermore. Other names are used to make reference to our God throughout scripture. The names denote the meaning and significance for each person who sought to describe God. The extent of the names used to describe God, explains how he is everything and in all things. Ezekiel described God as Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is there). “All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE”” (Ezekiel 48:35).

Jehovah Jireh (Our Provider), was Abraham’s name for God. “And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided”” (Genesis 22:14). Jehovah Rapha (Our Healer) as referenced by Jeremiah; “For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord, ‘Because they called you an outcast saying: “This is Zion; No one seeks her” ’” (Jeremiah 30:17). Gideon described God as Jehovah Shalome (Our Peace). “So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites” (Judges 6:24).

Jeremiah also described God as Jehovah Tsidkenu (Our Righteousness) “In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:6). David described God as Jehovah Rohi (Our Shepherd). “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1). To Moses, God was Jehovah Nissi (Our Banner). “And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner” (Exodus 17:15). The entire bible testifies to our God as Elohim (All-Powerful One Creator). “yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live” (I Corinthians 8:6).

Despite the different names used by these prophets to describe God, none of them are incorrect in their descriptions. God is so all encompassing, that we can never use too many words or attributes to describe him. This also means that God is whatever we need. He is everywhere and ever present with us, he is also our provider, our healer and our peace. God is our righteousness, our banner and defence and our all-powerful creator God. He is unfathomable, indescribably, inexplainable and no one can completely understand him. This is why it takes faith and trust to serve God and to experience him for who he is.

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There is a wind of time to shift and change things in our lives. A new wind will remove old obstacles, challenges and trials and make way for a fresh new season. The word wind has been used in the bible, to represent the move of God, the Holy Spirit and the angels of God. “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). The Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, came in like a rushing wind and filled the house. Immediately, those present spoke with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance. This was the manifestation of the Holy Spirit which was promised.

David made several references to angels, appearing like the wind and the messengers like a flame of fire. We know that God created the elements and manifests his presence through them. It was an east wind, which drove back the waters of the Red Sea. “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided” (Exodus 14:21). God also instructed Ezekiel to summon the wind to fill the valley of dry bones. “Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live” (Ezekiel 37:9).

Jesus also made reference to the wind, as the spirit of God in the New Testament. “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). The Holy Spirit within us, like a mighty wind, fills our bodies with power for service. The wind of God also drives away, people out of places and positions which they occupy illegally. “Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away” (Psalm 35:5)! They also push back the enemy, who try to pursue God’s children.

I sense a fresh wind, a mighty wind to bring in a new move of God. A mighty move of God is taking place and the spirit and breath of God, will clear every obstacle which stands in our way. The breath of God brings new life and the north wind of winter and rain, gives way to the south wind. This brings spring time and harvest and a fresh new vegetation. It’s time for planting in the kingdom of God and for new things to be established. The wind also carries us and gives us fresh new momentum. Like an athlete who is supported to run with the wind behind him, we are being accelerated by the spirit of God. There is new life coming into dead situations and this wind will bring revival.

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There is a familiar example of a supplanter in the Old Testament. Jacob’s name translates to mean the supplanter. A supplanter is someone who seizes an opportunity from someone else, a person who circumvents or usurps authority. “Afterward his brother came out, and his hand grasped Esau’s heel, so he was named Jacob (one who grabs by the heel, supplanter). Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them” (Genesis 25:26). Esau was born before Jacob and true to form, Jacob grasped Esau’s heel as he came out of the womb. The name given to him was characteristic of his birthing position.

The name followed Jacob throughout his life and we see him usurping his brother’s authority. Jacob was clever, observant and able to use his brother’s weaknesses against him. “Jacob answered, “First sell me your birthright (the rights of a firstborn)”” (Genesis 25:31). Jacob observed that Esau was impulsive, impatient and someone who was unwilling to delay gratification. Esau conceded to sell Jacob his birthright because he was hungry and tired after a long day’s work. On the second occasion, Jacob had help from his mother to deceive his father.

“Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me”” (Genesis 27:19). Esau was so angry when he discovered his brother’s scheme, that he made up in his mind to kill him. Jacob had help from his mother to escape, so that his brother could not harm him. There are a few lessons that we can learn, from Esau’s mistakes with his brother Jacob. We have to be discerning of supplanters, who may wait for the right opportunity to circumvent our blessing. Esau had to take responsibility for his impulsivity, when he sold his birthright.

His brother had so carefully studied his movements, that he knew the times when he was at his weakest. Don’t make decisions on impulse and particularly life changing decisions. Understand the value of what you carry and don’t trade something of lasting value for a moment of pleasure. We have to also pray and be discerning enough to decipher destiny helpers from supplanters. A destiny helper will help to push you into purpose and destiny, while a supplanter will look for opportunities to exploit your weaknesses. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

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Often we run into people who we knew from childhood. Sometimes people will make comments, about whether we have changed or not. At times, changes are frowned upon and people will comment negatively about some changes. We are expected to grow as human beings and while our personalities don’t change significantly, our character traits should change. The born again experience is one of trading the old with the new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Paul is a prime example of someone who went through a major transformation. He went from a persecutor of the church, to a devout missionary. A relationship with God and the salvation experience, is often a catalyst for major change. Other people can change significantly, based on life changing circumstances. These can relate to health related issues, a breakdown in a relationship or at times a change of environment. Either way, human behaviour change is inevitable and something to be embraced. We hope that people do not change negatively, as negative experiences can also leave some people bitter, for example.

This can leave people feeling cynical and jaded about life and other people. The caterpillar is often used as a symbol of change. This is due to the cycle of metamorphosis, which transforms it from a caterpillar into a butterfly. Similarly, humans adapt, grow and change with new experiences. Some people can seem to remain the same and often don’t grow or develop. It is sometimes difficult to continue to engage with people, who seem stuck in repetitive cycles. This especially when you are on a journey of growth and development.

Either way, my perspective is that we have to grow, in order for our lives to be meaningful. Christians are encouraged to grow in Christlike maturity. I think that many things that we ask God for, is dependent on our growth. We need to expand our capacity to receive from God. This is not to say that abundance equates to growth. What I am saying is that if you are serious about living for God, then continue to grow and be transformed into his image. As we continue to reflect the image of God, change will happen from the inside out. Eventually, our external realities will match up with the abundance that is happening internally.

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Solomon spoke about his observations of people, striving to compete with their neighbour. This is a person expending their efforts and working hard, in order to measure up to someone else. Solomon described this as vanity, foolishness and chasing after the wind. This attitude is also deeply rooted in pride. Remember that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. We have to constantly question our inner motives for doing things. Make sure that you are not working hard to attain material possessions, in order to measure up to someone else.

It is good to admire other people and we all draw inspiration from others. Most of us have mentors and role models that we emulate. What I am describing is envy, rivalry and competition. This stems from a deep sense of insecurity and inferiority. We have to learn to be comfortable in our own skin, run our own race and live life at our own pace. There is a predetermined path for everyone. I am not good at everything, but I know the things that I am good at. It would be wise to spend time mastering my gifts, rather than to spend my time competing with someone else, in an area where I am not naturally gifted.

“By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). Every single person on this planet has been blessed with gifts. There are enough resources available to meet the needs of everyone. If someone succeeds, it does not stop you from succeeding. It makes sense for us to celebrate with others when they do well. “Rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). We celebrate other people’s season of success, because our season is coming. Every person has a desire for something that they don’t currently have.

Faulty perspective can make us envy someone, while ignoring our own blessings. Nurture what has been entrusted to you. Nurture your own marriage and spouse, so that there will be less time to envy someone else’s relationship. Nurture your children, pray over them and don’t spend time wishing someone else’s child belonged to you. Focus on your God given assignment and don’t strain to compare yourself to other people. God made us all unique and there is an assignment for each of us. There is nothing more admirable than someone walking in divine purpose. You are confident and secure in who you are and who you are created to be.

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In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray. A lame man was carried to the gate of the temple each day, to beg from the people who went to the temple. The man begged Peter and John for something to meet his physical needs. Peter had no money to give to the man, but offered something worth much more than money. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk””(Acts 3:6). Peter held the man by his hand and immediately, his feet regained strength. The man leapt to his feet and went into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

The people who saw this man walking were amazed. They ran towards Peter and John because of this great miracle. Peter did not accept the glory for himself, but used this as an opportunity to minister about Jesus Christ. He told them that Jesus had been sent to save the world from their sins. In their ignorance, they rejected Jesus Christ and commanded that he be crucified. Peter acknowledged that they did this out of ignorance and to also fulfil what was prophesied. All was not lost for the people, but Peter admonished them to repentance.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). Peter confirmed that their act of repentance, would lead to times of refreshing in the presence of God. As such, the people could approach God with a clear conscience. Although the people had sinned against God, he was faithful to forgive their sins and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. ““Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Sin can separate us from God, because a guilty conscience makes it difficult for us to be truly free before God. The good news is that the solution is extremely easy. Confess your sins to God, repent of your sin and accept God’s forgiveness. God places our sins into the sea of forgetfulness and he remembers them no more. When the devil tries to remind you of your sins and mistakes, remind him of his future in hell. God does not condemn you, so walk in freedom, knowing that you are forgiven. Whom the son sets free is free indeed. With this freedom, you can come boldly before God, knowing that you will be refreshed.

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Earlier in Genesis 37, Joseph was thrown in a pit and later sold by his brothers into slavery. Joseph’s brothers hated him because he was favoured by his father. Added to this was Joseph’s dreams which suggested that he would rule over his brothers. Fast forward a few years and Joseph is now the Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph presides over a famine and has stored up enough grain, so people from other countries came to buy supplies. Joseph’s brothers also turned up in Egypt to buy supplies for their family. Joseph recognised his brothers, but they did not know that it was Joseph.

Joseph treated them harshly, as a test of their character. He first put them in prison and ordered them to send for their younger brother. This younger brother was Joseph’s brother that his mother bore. Joseph reasoned that if his brothers hated him, then they would also hate his brother. This is because Jacob loved Joseph’s mother more than his other wives. He was likely to cherish Joseph’s brother since he has lost Joseph. “Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us”” (Genesis 42:21).

Joseph wept as he listened to his brothers, as their conversation signalled remourse for their wrong doing. Despite this initial acknowledgment between them, Joseph tested them again. This time he threatened the life and safety of his brother Benjamin. Joseph’s brothers showed a willingness, to sacrifice their own lives for their brother. This provided the evidence which Joseph needed to assure him that his brothers had changed. He was now confident that he could reveal himself to them, because they were no longer a threat to his life.

Joseph had forgiven his brothers long before their visit to Egypt. What Jospeh needed to establish was whether or not he could trust them. We have to forgive anyone who has hurt us. Establishing trust is another task and we cannot give away our trust. The reality is that we can never guarantee that people will not hurt us. However, when people have demonstrated the capacity to cause you harm, it is wise to establish trust. Allow people to earn your trust and demonstrate evidence that they have changed. People do grow and change, but it is unwise to assume that time alone creates change. We need to set standards and allow people to demonstrate that they are trust worthy.

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