Times of testing

“We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.”1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

At night, my flatmates and I study a chapter from the Bible, discuss it and pray. We have been studying the Book of Revelation. In chapter two Jesus is speaking to the churches. “Do not yield to fear in the face of the suffering to come but be aware of this: the devil is about to have some of you thrown into prison to test your faith. For ten days you will have distress but remain faithful to the day you die, and I will give you the victor’s crown of life.”Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Satan tests us. Right now he is attempting to control my attitude against a woman of God. Yet I have sought the Lord for His way. Offence is the wrong way, forgiveness and humility is the higher way. Revenge is always presented as sweeter, however that is God’s department and He does it so much better. Humility and prayerfulness is mine, it is good for personal pride, for it to die.

Choose the better way!

God is able

“The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today in church we had a message about Issac, how his life was similar to his father in most ways. One thing that differed was when a drought came in the land and Issac headed off to go to Egypt God told him not to go but stay in the land. He had travelled as far as Gerar, Abimelech’s land. Like his father he lied about Rebecca being his sister instead of his wife. Like his father he was unable to trust God for his beautiful wife. 

This is so typical of us. There are many things we are able to trust God in and yet many others we are not able. When necessary we can also pray, ‘Lord help my unbelief!’ If we are honest we all are tested the same and grown into faith or walk away from faith. The choice is ours.

Today as I face new challenges I must decide to allow God to be God and handle what He promises to handle. Amen!

Jesus is greater!

“The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We have have long-term difficulties and illness and have struggled to be free and in the continual seeking pray this prayer, ‘I believe but help my unbelief’. Jesus met this man where he was at. His honesty brought him a miracle.

His son had been afflicted for years by a demon and no doubt the father had gone to all of those who claimed they could help, but to no avail. Watching his son be cast into the fire by an evil spirit must have been horrifying. Living with this deomonic presence would have been soul destroying. Unable to cast out the demon would lead him to believe that the demon had more power than God, but that was a lie.

The disciples, embolden by there recent success, where demons did in fact obey them,  also failed. The father was again devestated. Who could set his son free? Jesus came down from the mountain where He had been transfigured before the eyes of Peter, James and John, He was the last chance! Could He set his son free?

The demon was no match for Jesus! The demon then threw the boy on the ground causing him to scream. Would it leave? It did! The powers of darkness cannot defy the powerful Son of God! Amen!

No matter what we face, Jesus is greater! Amen!

The life in the Spirit

“But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit.

 Fasten your hearts to the love of God and receive the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gives us eternal life. 

Keep being compassionate to those who still have doubts, and snatch others out of the fire to save them. Be merciful over and over to them, but always couple your mercy with the fear of God. 

Be extremely careful to keep yourselves free from the pollutions of the flesh.”Jude (Judah)‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭TPT‬‬

These verses encapsulate the essence of the gospel. Jude was Jesus’ brother. He appears to be a more compassionate brother, however, he does not hold back in addressing mockers and those who would seduce believers into corruption.

Jude encourages us to pray at all times in the Spirit; fasten our hearts on the love of God; deal with those who doubt with compassion and keep ourselves free from the lusts of the world.

We tend to distance ourselves from doubters, perhaps it would be better to pray for them and seek God’s words of life for them. After all, this life is not about us, we are here to complete a task. Amen!

Nonetheless, Jude 

How do you believe ?

“Jesus responded, “Thomas, now that you’ve seen me, you believe. But there are those who have never seen me with their eyes but have believed in me with their hearts, and they will be blessed even more!”

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬ ‭TPT‬‬

An encounter with the Lord caused me to know and confess my sin and ask Jesus to be Lord of my life. Prior to that I was searching for Him in the Catholic Church. I did not find Him there. He met me in my bedroom.

When I experienced His love I knew I had found Him. I did not need to see Him to believe, to feel His love was enough. The above scripture was Jesus speaking to Thomas who would not believe unless he saw with his own eyes.

Thomas had not had an encounter, even though he was a disciple. When Jesus came just for him he was born again, he believed. An encounter with Jesus changes everything! Amen!

Blessed believers

“Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”John‬ ‭20‬:‭29‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The above words were spoken by Jesus to Thomas who had doubted that Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus made a special appearance for Thomas to bring him doubt to belief. Jesus did not condemn him, as we might, but rather came to show Thomas He really had risen from the dead.

Thomas would have taken that encounter with him for the remainder of his life. Thomas , it appears, may have travelled to India to evangelise as he is celebrated there.

We have friends who struggle to believe God has wholeness for them in some part of their lives. Our challenge is to be faithful in prayer for them. It is God who brings divine encounters. Amen 

Let it shine

“Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty. Let it spring up freely from the joy of giving—all because God loves hilarious generosity!”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Today in class a student was eating a sweet and when asked he had none to share. The resident giver did that, she even gave one to the student who did not share. She already has a reputation for generosity.

I know which I prefer, a generous reputation. However, with one person I know I am viewed as ungenerous. He recently needed $3000US to have momentarily in his bank for his visa. I was willing but he also needed another 20,000R. He asked for that amount first, this then prevented me from giving the former amount.  It does not matter what perceptions people have, it matters that I am obedient to Holy Spirit. When I stand before Him that is the day I need to hear, ‘we’ll done’.

In my class two of us are Christians, we have a role to present Jesus. Generosity is one such way we show His grace. Consistency and good attitude are others. May His light shine! Amen!