A call to be fruitful

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when he noticed a fig tree, he stopped to have some of its fruits but found only leaves and he said to it, may you never bear fruits again! and immediately the fig tree withered up (Mathew 21 verse 18-19). As Christians, we are called to be fruitful. In John 15 verse 16, Jesus says 'You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain'. It's funny how nowadays someone hears you talking about Christ and the next thing they ask you is 'Are you a pastor now?' the truth is this, preaching Christ, or sharing his love is not only the job of pastors, we have all been ordained by Christ himself to share his love. Read the parable of Jesus in the book of Luke, chapter 13 and from verse 6. A certain man had planted a fig tree in his garden and for three years, he found no fruit on the tree. So he says to the dresser of the vine yard, why should this tree remain if for three years it did not bear any fruit, it's just taking space in the garden, cut it down! Today, God has planted us here and for a reason, he has planted you in your church and for a reason. Search your heart, if you are good with children, make yourself available to help in the children's church, whatever you think you can do and do well. Be a worker in the house of God. Beyond the walls of the church, continue to bear fruits by impacting lives for Christ. Share his love in your home and make good use of every opportunity you have out there. Psalm 40 verse 10 says 'I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness'.

Lord, is it I?

Judas was one of the twelve disciples of Christ. Whenever he walked or sat with the disciples, he acted like he was indeed one of them but when he got to the camp of the leading priests and elders who wanted to have Christ arrested, he also danced to their tune. It's sad we find Christians like that today, who are only 'Christians' on Sundays and maybe during prayer meetings and bible studies. No wonder the bible says God searches the hearts of men and examines our secret motives (Jeremiah 17 verse 10). The disciples asked Jesus a question as they sat round the table, after he told them that one of them would betray him, they all asked one after the other, Lord, is it I? You might want to ask the same question today. A true Christian is no Chameleon, it shouldn't matter if you are alone or with a multitude. Will you deny him when next you sit at the table with your friends? Will you betray him at that family dinner? Will you deny him when you are with your colleagues? Judas betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver and he regretted it. The silver became to him like ashes, he threw them all out and hung himself (Mathew 27 verse 5). Today we betray him for different reasons. The truth is this, no reason will ever be good enough. Ephesians 1 verse 18 says. 'I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance'. Note that it says confident hope. We have got to be bold and unashamed of Jesus. 1 Timothy verse 1 addresses all believers to be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience and genuine faith. If Christ was ashamed of you, he never would have gone to the cross.

Hold nothing back

You will find the story of Ananias & Sapphira in Acts chapter 5. The couple had sold some of their property and brought part of the money to the Apostles, claiming it was the full amount and keeping the rest for themselves. Peter, disappointed at the couple asked Ananias why he had let Satan fill his heart and why he had lied to the Holy spirit by keeping some of the money for himself, after all the property was his to sell or not to sell. Ananias after hearing this fell to the ground and died. About 3 hours later, he was joined in the grave by his wife, Sapphira. Dear believer, do you know that we are in a similar situation today. God has given us life, plus the free will to give him that life or not. When we confess him as Lord and claim we have given him our life, then we must be prepared to give him all. You can't afford to hold anything back, not yourself, your time, your money, your children, your dreams and aspirations... Nothing at all. There is no room for 'half-believers' in heaven, if there is any word like that. Our life is not like departments where you can have different Lords over the different departments. It's got to be one Lord, the One you confessed. Ananias and Sapphira were not strangers in the church but this is what the Lord says in Ezekiel 33 verse 13 'When I tell righteous people that they shall live, but then they sin, expecting the past righteousness to save them, then none of their righteous acts will be remembered. I will destroy them for their sins'. Ananias and Sapphira gave only that which was convenient, what have you given him? You may need to pray for grace today, grace to give him all, all the time. Deuteronomy 23 verse 23 says 'But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the Lord your God'.

I found victory on my knees

I found victory on my knees because not only did my knees bow, my heart also did and so did my will. My God, My Maker! I let go of every burden, I held on to him, to my future. My God, My Father! I looked up to heaven, convinced it was open. My arms were open, convinced I would receive. I exchanged my emptiness for his fullness, my ashes for his beauty. Silenced for too long, he gave me a voice. My God, My Shield! I went down empty, I rose up full. He restored unto me what the years had taken. My God, My Restorer! He poured his oil of gladness over my head and it runs to my toes. He silenced the wicked. He showed himself strong and mighty. My God, my Deliverer! Totally dependable, totally capable, more than able. In him there is no deciet. He is the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1 verse 17). My God, My Shelter! He has done exceedingly, abundantly, beyond all I could ever ask or imagine. Ephesians 3 verse 20 is my testimony. My God, My Song.... What can I say?

A time to put asunder

Fear is an intruder. It comes together with every new idea. Fear turns up every time you are about to take a bold step in the right direction. The good news however is that even though fear doesnt need your permission to come, it definitely cannot stay without your express permission. David never could have faced Goliath if he entertained fear, same for Jehu as he killed Jezebel. Gideon never could have faced the Assyrian army that was so many times larger than his own if he entertained fear. Fear is anxiety, fear cripples, fear blinds, fear delays, fear manipulates, fear steals your peace, fear aborts plans, it stops the future from the present. Fear is an incomplete picture. It is a voice you need to silence. Some of us are afraid of taking that bold step but Isaiah 41 verse 13 says 'for I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you'. Some of us live in the fear of other people but the bible says in Hebrews 13 verse 6 'So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, What can man do to me'. Some of us are scared of taking that bold step because of the enemies we face today, But this is what Moses said to the people in Exodus 14 verse 13, 'Do not be afraid, and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today, The Egyptians you see today, you will never see them again'. When you have a vision and fear tags along, quickly put asunder. Phillipians 4 verse 6 says 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God. Verse 7 says and the Peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Dont let fear take away that peace today. Let God take the lead, all you have to do is follow.

Did I stop walking?

I asked myself the question, did I stop walking? I never did, I never will. The walk got tougher so I needed him more. It felt lonely so I needed him closer. I was weak so I needed his strength. Oppressed so I needed to look up to him. Weary so that I may know that without him I will achieve nothing. I got to a crossroad so I needed direction. He heard me, he held me, he led me and once again my heart is filled with praise. Lead me Lord, lead me along the best pathway for my life.