HE DOESN’T ALWAYS GO FOR THE MOST QUALIFIED
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27).
Many years ago, the Lord spoke to me as a young teenager. This was my very first time of hearing personally from God. He said to me, “I want you to take my people into their inheritance.” At that stage of my life, I knew nothing about any inheritance; I was just a beginner! No one had taught me that we had any inheritance in Christ.
In children’s church, we learnt about serving God with reverence and love, and many beautiful Bible stories, but no one ever mentioned an inheritance in Christ. However, when God said to me, “I want you to take my people into their inheritance,” I just accepted. I simply believed Him without understanding what the instruction was about. I knew He would have to show me what it was, and He did; and I’ve been about it ever since.
My experience with the Lord very much mirrors what Paul the Apostle said in Ephesians 3:8: “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God’s consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out” (AMPC).
Think about it: If He was looking for the most qualified people, Jesus should have been born of Caesar and brought up in a palace, but He wasn’t. The Bible says, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26).
2 Corinthians 3:5 says, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.” The word “sufficiency” can also be translated as competence or ability. He’s the One who has called you and endued you with supernatural ability to carry out His work. Never look down on yourself or think there’s nothing special about you. He’s made you competent; so, look beyond your physical ability. Always remember that you’re special to Him, and He’s divinely enabled you to fulfil His calling on your life.
FAITH: THE PRINCIPLE OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK
…according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3).
Faith is the principle of the Christian walk: “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2 Corinthians 5:7). The Bible clearly emphasizes that without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrew 11:6). There’s no Christian that doesn’t have faith, as we’ve all received the same measure of faith, according to our opening verse. You only need to grow your measure of faith.
The Word reveals to us how to grow a great and effectual faith. First, you have to stay continually in the Word; the Word stirs faith in your spirit: “...faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). The more of God’s Word you hear, the more faith you’ll have. The less of God’s Word you receive into your spirit, the less faith you’ll be able to express when you’re faced with the challenges of life.
Your faith is also built as you consistently attend church services and fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). In church, you’re taught the Word, and you also enjoy the rich fellowship of the Spirit in a way that energizes your faith. Howbeit, you must also express your faith. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” You build prevailing faith by consistently meditating on, and putting the Word to work in your life.
Acting on the Word is faith expressed, and our faith is the victory that overcomes the world. Faith that’s not expressed won’t prevail. Faith must always be with corresponding action: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). So, always express your faith in words and actions.
Don’t cry or complain to God about your situation; act on the Word! Use your faith. Jesus said if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you can tell a mountain to move, and it’ll obey you. The faith you have is enough; do something with it. Use it; it’s the currency for whatever you may desire. Hallelujah!
STRONG AND TOUGH IN THE HOLY GHOST
None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).
Like the Apostle Paul, it makes no difference the adversities we face; we stand strong and tough in the Holy Ghost! We affirm, “None of these things move me.” Hallelujah!
Occasionally, your commitment to Christ and convictions about the Gospel will be tested; as someone who lives by God’s Word, you’ll surely be persecuted. But be of good cheer, because greater is He that’s in you than all your adversaries and persecutors put together. They may come out against you one way, but they’ll flee before you seven ways.
Never be bothered about the tests and trials that come your way; the Lord allows them because He knows the stuff you’re made of. You’re more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37); you always win. You reign and rule in union with Christ; nothing can put you down. The fiercer the challenges you face, the greater your victories and testimonies. That’s why James, in his epistle, admonished, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2).
The reason the Lord would ask you to rejoice when all hell seems to be breaking loose is that He knows you’re a victor. No situation that you face has the power to overwhelm you.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” why? The answer is in the preceding verse 7; “…we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
The power in you to always win, to consistently triumph, make progress, rise like an edifice towering far above and beyond the adversities and persecutions that come your way, is of God!
Therefore, never cower, give in or faint under any pressure whatsoever. Remain strong and tough, for you’re born to reign, and win. Blessed be God!
LIVE ABOVE THE SYSTEMS
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11)
The life the Master lived here on earth was so impressive. Jesus was far removed from the decadence of the world, the penury around Him and the corruption and failure of His society. He lived far above, and beyond the government and systems of the day when He walked the earth.
We don't find Jesus interfering with their politics or trying to do something about their economy. In other words, He didn't bring some strange or heavenly currency into their system, yet He was never limited by money. Money was His slave. He was self-sufficient. Whatever He required, He didn't need to call out of heaven; He brought it forth from within.
This is the life that He's given us: He's made us self-sufficient, to function above and beyond the systems of this world. He said you're in the world, but not of the world. That means you're not to be ruled, dominated or influenced by the systems, that is the crippling and corrupting influences in today's world. You play by a different set of rules. Many around you may be influenced, and provoked to compromise as a result of the corruption in today's world, but be like Jesus. Be independent of circumstances.
Think and talk like Paul, who said, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). In the eleventh verse, while in prison, he wrote: "Not that I speak respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (independent of circumstances) (Philippians 4:11). He was self-sufficient. Furthermore, he said, "I can do all through Christ which strengtheneth me" (4:13).
Refuse to be enslaved by the system of this world; live above and beyond it. That's the only way. Learn God's Word and operate a law that's higher than the law that runs in the systems of this world. Job 22:29 says, "...When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up..." Keep your head up high and maintain your faith-composure. When it seems like you're beginning to feel the pressure, don't give in; keep doing the Word. Shut yourself in and talk the Word. Hallelujah!
A SPECIAL ATMOSPHERE
And the Lord will create over the whole site, over every dwelling place of Mount Zion and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be a canopy (a defense of divine love and protection) (Isaiah 4:5 AMPC)
Glory to God! The theme verse today foretells of a phenomenon previously experienced by Israel, a reference to the pillar of a cloud and of fire which attended them in their exodus from Egypt. They were under God’s divine protection, provision, love and care. Exodus 13:21-22 says, “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire….”
Even though they were in the desert, in that terrible arid land, they weren’t scorched by the sun. Then at night, they were kept warm by a pillar of fire. Thus, day or night—they were under a special atmosphere. That’s amazing! This didn’t happen for one day, three days, a few months or a year; it was for forty long years. God protected them!
Read the psalmist’s account of this in Psalm 105:37 (AMPC): “He brought [Israel] forth also with silver and gold, and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.” Deuteronomy 29:5 (NKJV) says, “And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet....” This is extraordinary; they were in God’s presence and He fed and nurtured them.
Nehemiah 9:20-21 (GNB) says, “In your goodness you told them what they should do; you fed them manna and gave them water to drink. Through forty years in the desert you provided all that they needed; their clothing never wore out, and their feet were not swollen with pain.” He hasn’t changed. The same God takes care of you and nurtures you today. His presence in, with, and about you today makes you an oasis of love and grace in a troubled world.
You live in His presence, in a divine atmosphere of joy, bliss and glory, where you’re absolutely independent of circumstances. Be mindful of this always. There could be chaos or anarchy everywhere, but in Him you’re at peace and in safety. Hallelujah!
REIGNING THROUGH CHRIST
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
We have received abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. Now we reign in and by Christ Jesus. We reign through Christ over the world and its systems, circumstances, and over Satan and his demonic community.
The Bible says whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the Name of Jesus (Colossians 3:17). His Name is the greatest and highest name in heaven, in earth, and in hell! The Name of Jesus commands the greatest respect. He told us we could cast out devils in His Name. Make sure you’re doing it. Hallelujah!
I recall something that happened when I was a student many years ago. There was a certain university that was troubled by cultists. I mobilized a few friends of mine and we went to the place where the foundation stone of the school was laid.
When we arrived there, we placed our hands on the stone and declared, “In the Name of Jesus Christ, you demons of darkness that have been controlling this school, controlling the students, responsible for cultism here, we break your authority and influence; be gone in the Name of Jesus!”
Guess what? On that same campus, we set up the fellowship that would become the largest fellowship on that campus, till this day. Of course, we don’t have to go to any foundation stone; from wherever you are, you can issue commands to demons anywhere, in the Name of Jesus, and dislodge them.
Christianity is living in the Name of Jesus. The Bible says, “… be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10); that means take advantage of His ability; take advantage of His might, of His power, standing in His Name and functioning under His auspices. You can’t have that Name and be helpless; never! Use it today and always, and live victoriously evermore. Glory to God!