The abbreviation “FTT” is used in the medical practice in relation to child growth. A child referred to as FTT is one failing to thrive; i.e. the child’s physical growth will be below the expected level relative to age. This is not only found in physical growth of children but also in the spiritual growth of Christians. The ability of an individual to pursue a breakthrough and attain it is a function of growth and maturity in Christ. In the natural, babes are dependent on other people for every single thing they need. They are more susceptible to the elements of the world and we make sure they are warm, well covered up, not exposed to too much of the sun or even the wind. Guess what, it is exactly the same in spiritual maturity.
To understand this post you may need to read Galatians 3:23 – 4:7 (It’s a fairly long passage in relation to my posts). In this passage, In Galatians 4:1 Paul wrote, “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;” It is normal for a baby Christian to behave as a babe. Everyone including God understands that there is a stage of growth where one is a babe. But here we are referring to those who have been babes from “everlasting to everlasting”. Notice the scripture says, “…as long as he is a child…” You can be a child for as long as you will until you begin to accept responsibility and grow unto maturity. We grow progressively from complete dependence, to independence and to interdependence. When we are babes, we are not different from servants and we have to request for everything and rely on others for provision.
Verse 3: “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.” I realize that certain commentaries interpret this verse in confusing ways. I like the fact that he puts our bondage in the past tense. He says we were in bondage to the elements (Greek: stoicheion = fundamental, basal) of the world (Greek: kosmos = ornament, decoration, adornment. Orderly arrangement, that is, decoration). We are no longer in that bondage as we have become mature sons of God! The elements of the kosmos are no longer the controlling factor. Thayer’s Greek Definitions lists “government” under kosmos. That is why we have been taught in Celebration Church that the government does not determine the direction of our lives. We live in a higher Kingdom, the Kingdom of God (Righteousness, Peace & Joy in the Holy Ghost).
Verses 4-7: “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Notice that he says “…because ye ARE sons (Greek: uihos). It is done already. We have already been adopted! The word translated “adoption of sons” is “uihothesia” which refers to the placing as a son; i.e. the recognition of a mature son as in the Jewish culture. He says, “Wherefore/Therefore thou are no more a servant, but a son…!” The sons have authority. They know who they are. They are raised that way. Raised unto royalty. They know they are the heirs. Heirs of God through Christ (Glory to God!).
When you have grown, you put behind you childish mentalities. You stop relying on other people for everything. You declare scriptures over yourself and you know they will come to pass. You know absolutely (Greek: ginōskō) the character of your father (1 John 2:13, 14). You stop talking as a child. 1 Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I was speaking as a child, I was thinking as a child, I was reasoning as a child; but when I have become a man, I have put away the [things] of the child.” This is growing unto maturity: Putting away the things of the child, knowing absolutely the truth (for the truth will make you free).
In order for children to grow naturally, they need to eat. Spiritual children need food to grow. Their food is the word of God. The word renews the mind. It brings in the light of the truth. We have already been set free but it is the truth that will make us free. Growth is continuous. The moment you think you have finished growing in Christ is the moment you start dying in your spirit. Stay hungry and keep feeding. Desire more of God everyday. The more time you spend with anyone, the better you know them. Some think because they did Bible Knowledge at O’ level they know the word of God. Others think they learnt everything at theology school in college. You can’t learn all of God! Grow up!
Affirmation: I am God’s son of adoption. I am an heir of God in Christ. I am growing up in Christ everyday. The wisdom of God is operating in my life.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
How Dead Is Your Dream?
In the midst of mental turmoil and apparent failure, despair sets into people leading them to a state of depression and resignation. Dreams are written off as once fired up individuals succumb to external pressures and lose hope. The very thought of that dream brings pain into their hearts, and the default set up takes over; bury the dream. This is the separating time between winners and losers. Winners never quit. Losers accept defeat and bury their God given dreams. The moments of inspiration are quickly forgotten and only the ugly face of apparent failure consumes the mind. Never forget in the dark what God told you in the light. Set your eyes upon the promise and you will walk on the stormy seas.
The way we see the future is limited. God never fails. The “you” that he knows is a successful you. He wants you to see yourself in the same way. Look at what God had to say about Gideon in Judges 6:12, “And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him, and said unto him, Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.” Gideon had a different perspective of himself. In the 15th verse, “Oh, Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” The rest of the story shows that God had the accurate knowledge of who Gideon was.
I don’t know what happened to your dream. There are many different battles and circumstances that lead to death. Death however exists in the natural realm. In God’s realm there is no death. In Luke 7:14, 15 we read, “And having approached, He took hold of the open coffin. Then the ones carrying [it] stood still, and He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" And the dead [man] sat up and began to speak! And He gave him to his mother.” To everyone else, it was finished. The boy was gone. In God’s eyes it was different. There was still hope and the young man was raised.
In Luke 8:52-55 it says, “And all were weeping, and bewailing her: but he said, Weep not; for she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. But he, taking her by the hand, called, saying, Maiden, arise. And her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately: and he commanded that something be given her to eat.” That dream you think is dead is only sleeping. Call it to life by faith. Notice that Jesus commanded that something be given her to eat. When you have called your dream to life, give it something to eat. In the realm of the spirit, there is spiritual food. That food is the word of God. Everything has the capacity to hear the word of God. Speak the word into your life and your dream.
Joseph is the classic example of a dreamer who went through thick and thin but never lost grip of his dream. His brothers sold him into slavery; he became a servant in the house of Pharaoh, was wrongfully accused, went into prison yet never lost the dream. I don’t know what went on in his mind but he kept his honor for God and eventually he became the second in command in Egypt only after Pharaoh. If God gave you the dream it can never die. Only you can decide not to live up to your potential and let it die. Remember that God does not see potential in you. He sees you having already done what you are supposed to. Potential is the power to do; resting energy. God has seen you do it in the future already. “His Spirit has (notice the past tense) quickened your mortal bodies...”
In Ezekiel 37:1-3 it says, “The hand of Jehovah was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of Jehovah, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. And he caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord Jehovah, thou knowest.” The valley is the place of conflict. The bones were probably the victims of many different battles that had died a long time back (for they were very dry). We read in that scripture that as the man of God prophesied the word of God, they became living beings again. Prophesy over your dream. Continue to prophesy and never give up.
Affirmation: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.
The way we see the future is limited. God never fails. The “you” that he knows is a successful you. He wants you to see yourself in the same way. Look at what God had to say about Gideon in Judges 6:12, “And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him, and said unto him, Jehovah is with thee, thou mighty man of valor.” Gideon had a different perspective of himself. In the 15th verse, “Oh, Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” The rest of the story shows that God had the accurate knowledge of who Gideon was.
I don’t know what happened to your dream. There are many different battles and circumstances that lead to death. Death however exists in the natural realm. In God’s realm there is no death. In Luke 7:14, 15 we read, “And having approached, He took hold of the open coffin. Then the ones carrying [it] stood still, and He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" And the dead [man] sat up and began to speak! And He gave him to his mother.” To everyone else, it was finished. The boy was gone. In God’s eyes it was different. There was still hope and the young man was raised.
In Luke 8:52-55 it says, “And all were weeping, and bewailing her: but he said, Weep not; for she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. But he, taking her by the hand, called, saying, Maiden, arise. And her spirit returned, and she rose up immediately: and he commanded that something be given her to eat.” That dream you think is dead is only sleeping. Call it to life by faith. Notice that Jesus commanded that something be given her to eat. When you have called your dream to life, give it something to eat. In the realm of the spirit, there is spiritual food. That food is the word of God. Everything has the capacity to hear the word of God. Speak the word into your life and your dream.
Joseph is the classic example of a dreamer who went through thick and thin but never lost grip of his dream. His brothers sold him into slavery; he became a servant in the house of Pharaoh, was wrongfully accused, went into prison yet never lost the dream. I don’t know what went on in his mind but he kept his honor for God and eventually he became the second in command in Egypt only after Pharaoh. If God gave you the dream it can never die. Only you can decide not to live up to your potential and let it die. Remember that God does not see potential in you. He sees you having already done what you are supposed to. Potential is the power to do; resting energy. God has seen you do it in the future already. “His Spirit has (notice the past tense) quickened your mortal bodies...”
In Ezekiel 37:1-3 it says, “The hand of Jehovah was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of Jehovah, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. And he caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord Jehovah, thou knowest.” The valley is the place of conflict. The bones were probably the victims of many different battles that had died a long time back (for they were very dry). We read in that scripture that as the man of God prophesied the word of God, they became living beings again. Prophesy over your dream. Continue to prophesy and never give up.
Affirmation: Thus saith the Lord Jehovah unto these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am Jehovah.
Monday, March 17, 2008
What Are You Eating?
Anything that enters the subconscious mind is stored forever. The only problem is that we have a problem recalling what we have stored in our minds, but we never really lose what we have taken in. The mind is always feeding. It may be mind “food” that you consciously choose or things that you don’t even realize are becoming a part of you. In view of this knowledge, it is absolutely imperative that we consider what we feed our minds on at all times if we are going to become the sort of people we desire to be. If you are expecting a breakthrough in any area you better make sure you take in the appropriate food for the mind and not food that will be counter productive to your desires.
It is said that you are the average of the people you spend time with. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Stop being led astray [fig., being deceived]: "Evil associations corrupt good habits [or, morals]" [i.e. a quote from the Grecian philosopher Menander].” –ALT. The New King James version says, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” The constant association with a group of people makes you either rise or stoop to their level. It is profitable and worth the while to associate with people who have the characteristics that you are trying to mould in your own life. Associate with people who build you up, that are positive instead of talking you down all the time with their negativity to the world as a whole and to you as an individual.
Television takes up most of the time for a lot of people. Upon arrival from work, husbands and wives find themselves glued to the box of pictures taken away into the world of other people’s imaginations. They hardly have time to fellowship with each other or with the children as they exalt the fictional lives of their favorite soap stars. In the day to day running of their lives, they begin to manage themselves using a soap star’s conquests as a personal template. When things don’t quite work out as they did in the soap they get depressed. What they do not realize is that there is a script for the soap, and the outcome is predetermined. In real life, things are real! The idea is not to cut out all TV, but to watch in moderation without being the TV addict that appears to be a zombie in front of the box.
Books that you read will either build you or break you. Too many people find pleasure in reading material that will either fill them with fear or pervert their minds. They think it is just entertainment, just like watching pornography. “Life is too spiritual”, as one preacher loves to say. Have you ever stopped to think whether the creativity you are reading or watching emanates from the Holy Spirit or another spirit that is not of God? 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear (timidity); but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (discipline/self control)”. We need to exercise that self discipline and control ourselves even when no one is watching. Those that love horror are often timid and perennial victims of fear. Fear is a spirit, and the door to that spirit is opened by exposure to such horrific scenes that are imprinted into the subconscious.
The news is often filled with negativity and disappointments. They say bad news is the best news. Every day people buy the press to feed their minds with the negativity of the day. I am not against people knowing what is happening around them, but I can often tell those who rely on the news for all their actions and feelings. We know the truth in Christ. The things that happen around us do not determine who we are. “I’m not moved by what I hear. I’m not moved by what I see. I am moved by what I believe. My God will make a way for me in the wilderness”, said someone who knows who he is.
Make a decision to feed your mind with the right material. Read positive books and magazines. Choose to watch movies that bless your spirit. Develop a desire for knowledge. “Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.”- Proverbs 19:2. Also Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” If you are believing for a breakthrough in a certain area of your life, read the material that will build your faith for that breakthrough. Search the bible for scripture that is appropriate for the things you want in your life. Get on a bible reading program. Read a chapter or Proverbs every morning and Psalms every evening.
Affirmation: I feed my mind with positive material. I have the mind of Christ. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!
It is said that you are the average of the people you spend time with. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Stop being led astray [fig., being deceived]: "Evil associations corrupt good habits [or, morals]" [i.e. a quote from the Grecian philosopher Menander].” –ALT. The New King James version says, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” The constant association with a group of people makes you either rise or stoop to their level. It is profitable and worth the while to associate with people who have the characteristics that you are trying to mould in your own life. Associate with people who build you up, that are positive instead of talking you down all the time with their negativity to the world as a whole and to you as an individual.
Television takes up most of the time for a lot of people. Upon arrival from work, husbands and wives find themselves glued to the box of pictures taken away into the world of other people’s imaginations. They hardly have time to fellowship with each other or with the children as they exalt the fictional lives of their favorite soap stars. In the day to day running of their lives, they begin to manage themselves using a soap star’s conquests as a personal template. When things don’t quite work out as they did in the soap they get depressed. What they do not realize is that there is a script for the soap, and the outcome is predetermined. In real life, things are real! The idea is not to cut out all TV, but to watch in moderation without being the TV addict that appears to be a zombie in front of the box.
Books that you read will either build you or break you. Too many people find pleasure in reading material that will either fill them with fear or pervert their minds. They think it is just entertainment, just like watching pornography. “Life is too spiritual”, as one preacher loves to say. Have you ever stopped to think whether the creativity you are reading or watching emanates from the Holy Spirit or another spirit that is not of God? 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear (timidity); but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (discipline/self control)”. We need to exercise that self discipline and control ourselves even when no one is watching. Those that love horror are often timid and perennial victims of fear. Fear is a spirit, and the door to that spirit is opened by exposure to such horrific scenes that are imprinted into the subconscious.
The news is often filled with negativity and disappointments. They say bad news is the best news. Every day people buy the press to feed their minds with the negativity of the day. I am not against people knowing what is happening around them, but I can often tell those who rely on the news for all their actions and feelings. We know the truth in Christ. The things that happen around us do not determine who we are. “I’m not moved by what I hear. I’m not moved by what I see. I am moved by what I believe. My God will make a way for me in the wilderness”, said someone who knows who he is.
Make a decision to feed your mind with the right material. Read positive books and magazines. Choose to watch movies that bless your spirit. Develop a desire for knowledge. “Also, that the soul be without knowledge is not good; And he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.”- Proverbs 19:2. Also Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” If you are believing for a breakthrough in a certain area of your life, read the material that will build your faith for that breakthrough. Search the bible for scripture that is appropriate for the things you want in your life. Get on a bible reading program. Read a chapter or Proverbs every morning and Psalms every evening.
Affirmation: I feed my mind with positive material. I have the mind of Christ. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!
Monday, March 10, 2008
What Do You Need?
In our quest for wealth and riches, we often find ourselves spending so much energy, time and emotions at the expense of the things that are truly important in life. Children grow up without the knowledge of how it feels to play with their fathers. They have no idea what it is to have their father talk to them or even hug them. Today, even mothers go abroad leaving their children with care givers that are not their biological parents all for the sake of money. I believe that it is important to provide for families, but what is it really that we need?
In the book of Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, "But be seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these [things] will be added to you.*” A lot of times we quote this scripture but we don’t quite understand what it says. A plant that is in the business of brewing fermented products like the Zimbabwean traditional brew is essentially there to produce the brew. However, a by-product from the fermentation process is carbon dioxide. So the company can take advantage of the by-product and get to sell it to increase profit. The by-product is not the reason why they are in business. It is the same thing with seeking the Kingdom of God. The reason is not so that we can get the other things that will be added. Too many people come to the church because they have their eyes set on by-products. They decide to be Christians so that they can be rich, have nice clothes and fancy food to indulge their gluttonous spirits in. Seeking the Kingdom first means seeking the Kingdom first!
Once we are in Christ, the bible tells us that all things are ours. I don’t know about you but that makes me want to shout “Hallelujah”! The passage of scripture from Matthew 6:24-34 blesses me all the time. Money is very important. Realize though that it is a very good servant but a terrible master. Someone says it’s just like fire. Material things are great to have. The amazing thing is we have it all in Christ. In Romans 8:32 Paul wrote, “The [One] who indeed did not spare His own Son, _but_ [who] handed Him over on behalf of us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give to us all [things]?” The Wesley commentary says, “He spared not his own Son; therefore he will freely give us all things. He delivered him up for us all; therefore, none can lay anything to our charge. Freely - For all that follows justification is a free gift also. All things - Needful or profitable for us.”
I believe that all things belong to God for He created all things. In the first chapter of the gospel of John we learn that all things were created by Him (The Word = God = Jesus). Do you realize that when you receive Jesus as Lord you become this mysterious creature? You become the new creation. I am running out of words to explain what you become. Colossians 2:9-10 says, “Because in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead [or, Deity] bodily, and you* have been made full [or, have been completed] in Him, who is the Head of every rule and authority,” Earlier on in verse 3 he writes, “(Christ) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom (Greek: Sophia = insight into reality) and knowledge (Greek: Gnosis = scientific knowledge). What do you need given you have the fullness of the Godhead and the treasures of sophia and gnosis?
“Now if children, also heirs-heirs on the one hand of God, joint-heirs on the other hand with Christ, since we suffer together, so that we shall also be glorified together.” – Romans 8:17. A joint-heir is one who is a joint possessor with another. We own the world! What belongs to Christ belongs to us and Christ owns all things! Hallelujah! What then shall I be in need of? The psalmist says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!” Look at the boldness Paul had in the letter to the Philippians in chapter 4:19 – “Now my God will fully supply all your* need according to His riches [fig., abundance] in glory in Christ Jesus!” That’s a brother who understands who his God is. We all need to get there.
In response to Martha in Luke 10:40, 41, Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disquieted about many [things], but of one [thing] there is need. But Mary chose the good part, which will not be taken away from her." Are you concerned about the things that will not be taken from you or are you anxious and disquieted (troubled, disturbed) about many things that are not really the good part? Reflect upon this question and decide where you are standing.
Affirmation: My God is able to supply all my needs through His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I have all I need in Christ Jesus. I am a joint-heir with Christ!
In the book of Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, "But be seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these [things] will be added to you.*” A lot of times we quote this scripture but we don’t quite understand what it says. A plant that is in the business of brewing fermented products like the Zimbabwean traditional brew is essentially there to produce the brew. However, a by-product from the fermentation process is carbon dioxide. So the company can take advantage of the by-product and get to sell it to increase profit. The by-product is not the reason why they are in business. It is the same thing with seeking the Kingdom of God. The reason is not so that we can get the other things that will be added. Too many people come to the church because they have their eyes set on by-products. They decide to be Christians so that they can be rich, have nice clothes and fancy food to indulge their gluttonous spirits in. Seeking the Kingdom first means seeking the Kingdom first!
Once we are in Christ, the bible tells us that all things are ours. I don’t know about you but that makes me want to shout “Hallelujah”! The passage of scripture from Matthew 6:24-34 blesses me all the time. Money is very important. Realize though that it is a very good servant but a terrible master. Someone says it’s just like fire. Material things are great to have. The amazing thing is we have it all in Christ. In Romans 8:32 Paul wrote, “The [One] who indeed did not spare His own Son, _but_ [who] handed Him over on behalf of us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give to us all [things]?” The Wesley commentary says, “He spared not his own Son; therefore he will freely give us all things. He delivered him up for us all; therefore, none can lay anything to our charge. Freely - For all that follows justification is a free gift also. All things - Needful or profitable for us.”
I believe that all things belong to God for He created all things. In the first chapter of the gospel of John we learn that all things were created by Him (The Word = God = Jesus). Do you realize that when you receive Jesus as Lord you become this mysterious creature? You become the new creation. I am running out of words to explain what you become. Colossians 2:9-10 says, “Because in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead [or, Deity] bodily, and you* have been made full [or, have been completed] in Him, who is the Head of every rule and authority,” Earlier on in verse 3 he writes, “(Christ) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom (Greek: Sophia = insight into reality) and knowledge (Greek: Gnosis = scientific knowledge). What do you need given you have the fullness of the Godhead and the treasures of sophia and gnosis?
“Now if children, also heirs-heirs on the one hand of God, joint-heirs on the other hand with Christ, since we suffer together, so that we shall also be glorified together.” – Romans 8:17. A joint-heir is one who is a joint possessor with another. We own the world! What belongs to Christ belongs to us and Christ owns all things! Hallelujah! What then shall I be in need of? The psalmist says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!” Look at the boldness Paul had in the letter to the Philippians in chapter 4:19 – “Now my God will fully supply all your* need according to His riches [fig., abundance] in glory in Christ Jesus!” That’s a brother who understands who his God is. We all need to get there.
In response to Martha in Luke 10:40, 41, Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disquieted about many [things], but of one [thing] there is need. But Mary chose the good part, which will not be taken away from her." Are you concerned about the things that will not be taken from you or are you anxious and disquieted (troubled, disturbed) about many things that are not really the good part? Reflect upon this question and decide where you are standing.
Affirmation: My God is able to supply all my needs through His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. I have all I need in Christ Jesus. I am a joint-heir with Christ!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Who's Running The Show?
Maturity comes with the acceptance of responsibility. Babies are constantly expecting someone to make things happen for them. They look up to their parents for food, clothing, education and all other necessities. The younger the person, the more they rely on others to cater to their needs. This is true in physical growth, and it is also true in mental and spiritual growth. There are sixty year old people whose maturity is just like an eighteen year old. They refuse to take up responsibility for their own lives and often find someone to blame for their failures. They just do not realize it is their responsibility to make the choices that will shape their future.
Life essentially is the result of a series of choices a person makes. We choose the career path to take. We choose to stay in that career. We choose the partners to get married to (or not to get married). We choose the words to speak to those around us. We choose what to believe and what not to believe. We choose to accept Jesus as Lord or to reject His gift of salvation. It is all up to us. God made us volitional beings so that we could freely exercise the freedom to make choices because it is only with that freedom that those who truly love God will choose Him.
Any progress that you will make starts with you realizing you are responsible. You need to take 100% responsibility of the things you expect to see or get out of life. Blaming people around you will not make things any better. It is a sure way to keep things on the deterioration path. Some find themselves blaming it on their race, country of origin, gender, qualification (or lack of it) or any other thing that they can’t change. They have a victim mentality that thwarts their self esteem leaving them just as grasshoppers in their own eyes. The spies that came back with the report of the Promised Land in the bible said “…we were as grasshopper in our own eyes and so were we in theirs.” Low self esteem makes you small in the eyes of the world. It’s like walking around with a low price tag on the forehead.
In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:24, 25; the servant with the one talent said, “Lord, I knew you that you are a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering from where you did not scatter. And having been frightened, having gone away, I hid your talent in the ground. Look! You have [what is] yours! “ The servant was just plain lazy and he blamed the master for his inability to deliver results. People like this talk a lot. This particular servant spoke seven times more than the other servants. The other servants still made profits even though the master was the same.
In chemistry, there are ingredients that are called rate limiting factors. They determine the rate at which a chemical reaction will take place. Without them, the reaction can be very sluggish and non productive, but once they are added, the reaction can be hundreds of times faster. An individual who takes responsibility of his or her own life becomes the rate limiting factor in his or her life. Taking responsibility creates a drive in you to find solutions. As long as you are expecting someone else to do things for you, you will not develop that drive. You will blame the economic situation, the rain, the environment, evil spirits, the dog and everything else except you. You will never grow.
Affirmation: I am responsible for my life. I make the choices that shape my life. I choose to carry my cross and follow Jesus.
Life essentially is the result of a series of choices a person makes. We choose the career path to take. We choose to stay in that career. We choose the partners to get married to (or not to get married). We choose the words to speak to those around us. We choose what to believe and what not to believe. We choose to accept Jesus as Lord or to reject His gift of salvation. It is all up to us. God made us volitional beings so that we could freely exercise the freedom to make choices because it is only with that freedom that those who truly love God will choose Him.
Any progress that you will make starts with you realizing you are responsible. You need to take 100% responsibility of the things you expect to see or get out of life. Blaming people around you will not make things any better. It is a sure way to keep things on the deterioration path. Some find themselves blaming it on their race, country of origin, gender, qualification (or lack of it) or any other thing that they can’t change. They have a victim mentality that thwarts their self esteem leaving them just as grasshoppers in their own eyes. The spies that came back with the report of the Promised Land in the bible said “…we were as grasshopper in our own eyes and so were we in theirs.” Low self esteem makes you small in the eyes of the world. It’s like walking around with a low price tag on the forehead.
In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:24, 25; the servant with the one talent said, “Lord, I knew you that you are a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering from where you did not scatter. And having been frightened, having gone away, I hid your talent in the ground. Look! You have [what is] yours! “ The servant was just plain lazy and he blamed the master for his inability to deliver results. People like this talk a lot. This particular servant spoke seven times more than the other servants. The other servants still made profits even though the master was the same.
In chemistry, there are ingredients that are called rate limiting factors. They determine the rate at which a chemical reaction will take place. Without them, the reaction can be very sluggish and non productive, but once they are added, the reaction can be hundreds of times faster. An individual who takes responsibility of his or her own life becomes the rate limiting factor in his or her life. Taking responsibility creates a drive in you to find solutions. As long as you are expecting someone else to do things for you, you will not develop that drive. You will blame the economic situation, the rain, the environment, evil spirits, the dog and everything else except you. You will never grow.
Affirmation: I am responsible for my life. I make the choices that shape my life. I choose to carry my cross and follow Jesus.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
When Will You Let Go? Part 2
In a world consisting of over 6 billion people, the only person you can absolutely know and be sure that you will be with to the very end is yourself. You are the one who can make the decisions that can influence your own life. You are the one responsible for the direction of your life. You are the one who can change the course of your life. YOU! Now, isn’t it amazing how easily some people can forgive everyone else of any kind of trespass and yet they can’t seem to forgive themselves? It may have been one bad decision that they made, and it holds them captive in the space of time. Why is that so?
The bible says in 1 John 1:9 (ALT), “If we are confessing our sins, He is faithful [or, trustworthy] and righteous that He shall forgive us our sins and cleanse [or, purge] us from all unrighteousness.” In Numbers 23:19 (ASV) it says, “God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good?” If God said it, it is true! God said he will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Many Christians go for months or even years asking for forgiveness for one sin they committed a long time ago. They are unbelievers. If you believe in God you will believe His word. Living in self condemnation is not being holy, nor is it being humble. It is unbelief that makes people live in sin consciousness.
Dr Ed Cole said that failing to forgive ourselves is making ourselves greater than God. It means that we have standards that are higher than God and so we know the kind of sin that is not forgivable by any means under the sun. So we voluntarily punish ourselves and create our own little hell on earth where we burn in guilt. Romans 8:1 says, “Consequently, [there is] now no condemnation to the [ones] in Christ Jesus, [who] do not walk about [fig., conduct themselves] according to flesh, _but_ according to [the] Spirit [or, to spirit, and possibly elsewhere in 8:2-15].” We, being the new creation in Christ do not live according to the flesh nor according to the law of life and death but we live by the Spirit who grants us life and peace. To know the truth in the word of God and to live it is maturity in Christ. To live by the senses (the flesh) is to be a baby. Babies respond to every emotion they feel and they take every emotion to be true.
Thank God we have the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God as our part of our amour – Ephesians 6:17. The Greek word translated “word” in that scripture is “rhēma” which is the spoken word. “And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword;” - Isaiah 49:2. When there is a situation and I have confessed but I still “feel” terrible about what I did, I know there is warfare going on. The bible says the devil is the accuser of the brethren. So I take up my sword of the Spirit and I start to speak the word. I start to confess (Greek homologeo: to say the same thing with God) the word of God and say, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, nothing can separate me from the love of God!”
If you are one of those people living in self condemnation and sin consciousness, make a decision today to release yourself by forgiving yourself. Say this prayer, “Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you that I am forgiven. I repent of making my standards higher than yours. I believe that your word is true. Thank you for forgiving me and loving me unconditionally. I release myself from the guilt that has been holding me. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!” It says in Hebrews 4:16, “Therefore, let us be approaching with confidence [or, a joyful sense of freedom] to the throne of grace, so that we shall receive mercy and find grace for well-timed help.” We are meant to boldly collect forgiveness from the throne of grace. We are one with Christ; we are the body of Christ!
Today I recommend that you read the book of Romans Chapter 8 and get to see your position in Christ. This is one of the most powerful chapters I have ever read in the bible and I know it’s a lot of people’s favorite as well. If you still haven’t collected your PDF with forgiveness scriptures, it is still available on http://tinei.shamu.googlepages.com/aod now. God bless you and enjoy your week. – Tinei Shamu
The bible says in 1 John 1:9 (ALT), “If we are confessing our sins, He is faithful [or, trustworthy] and righteous that He shall forgive us our sins and cleanse [or, purge] us from all unrighteousness.” In Numbers 23:19 (ASV) it says, “God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good?” If God said it, it is true! God said he will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Many Christians go for months or even years asking for forgiveness for one sin they committed a long time ago. They are unbelievers. If you believe in God you will believe His word. Living in self condemnation is not being holy, nor is it being humble. It is unbelief that makes people live in sin consciousness.
Dr Ed Cole said that failing to forgive ourselves is making ourselves greater than God. It means that we have standards that are higher than God and so we know the kind of sin that is not forgivable by any means under the sun. So we voluntarily punish ourselves and create our own little hell on earth where we burn in guilt. Romans 8:1 says, “Consequently, [there is] now no condemnation to the [ones] in Christ Jesus, [who] do not walk about [fig., conduct themselves] according to flesh, _but_ according to [the] Spirit [or, to spirit, and possibly elsewhere in 8:2-15].” We, being the new creation in Christ do not live according to the flesh nor according to the law of life and death but we live by the Spirit who grants us life and peace. To know the truth in the word of God and to live it is maturity in Christ. To live by the senses (the flesh) is to be a baby. Babies respond to every emotion they feel and they take every emotion to be true.
Thank God we have the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God as our part of our amour – Ephesians 6:17. The Greek word translated “word” in that scripture is “rhēma” which is the spoken word. “And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword;” - Isaiah 49:2. When there is a situation and I have confessed but I still “feel” terrible about what I did, I know there is warfare going on. The bible says the devil is the accuser of the brethren. So I take up my sword of the Spirit and I start to speak the word. I start to confess (Greek homologeo: to say the same thing with God) the word of God and say, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, nothing can separate me from the love of God!”
If you are one of those people living in self condemnation and sin consciousness, make a decision today to release yourself by forgiving yourself. Say this prayer, “Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you that I am forgiven. I repent of making my standards higher than yours. I believe that your word is true. Thank you for forgiving me and loving me unconditionally. I release myself from the guilt that has been holding me. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!” It says in Hebrews 4:16, “Therefore, let us be approaching with confidence [or, a joyful sense of freedom] to the throne of grace, so that we shall receive mercy and find grace for well-timed help.” We are meant to boldly collect forgiveness from the throne of grace. We are one with Christ; we are the body of Christ!
Today I recommend that you read the book of Romans Chapter 8 and get to see your position in Christ. This is one of the most powerful chapters I have ever read in the bible and I know it’s a lot of people’s favorite as well. If you still haven’t collected your PDF with forgiveness scriptures, it is still available on http://tinei.shamu.googlepages.com/aod now. God bless you and enjoy your week. – Tinei Shamu
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
When Will You Let Go?
One of the greatest hindrances to progress in life is the very thing that a lot of people hold on to with both hands and legs for a life time. People swear and vow with their lives and are truly committed to stick to their vows, not knowing they are vowing to deep misery and pain by their own hand. It is probably the simplest, yet for a lot of people the hardest step to take to their breakthroughs in life. It is a one word action called forgiveness. A spirit of personal vengeance haunts people night and day. They spend sleepless nights and unproductive days scheming while their offenders are completely at peace and productive. They mentally go through the things that were done to them that made them so mad. They don’t understand the law of attraction, nor do they appreciate the law of vibrations. They dig their own pit without rest, and surely, they will see to it that they get buried in it.
Events that happen to us are not completely within our power to manipulate or change once they have happened. If something has happened, it has happened! The only thing you are in control of is the way you will respond to that event. That response will determine the outcome. Consider this, if someone says to me, “Tinei, you are a complete idiot!” I have the option to think that’s the truth and say to myself, “Oh, I’m such an idiot, everyone thinks so.” The outcome is that I will lower my self esteem and probably feel very low or depressed. On the other hand, I can choose to say to myself, “That guy doesn’t know who I am. I know who I am. Christ dwells in me, who is the embodiment of all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The outcome will be very different from the first example. This is usually stated in the equation E+R=O. This is Event + Response = Outcome.
"And whenever you* stand praying, be forgiving, if you* are holding anything against anyone, so that also your* Father, the [One] in the heavens, shall forgive you* of your* transgressions.”But if you* do not forgive, neither will your* Father, the [One] in the heavens, forgive your* transgressions." - Mark11:25, 26. It is true that sometimes we get offended in relationships whether in the work place, in marriage, in family and any other way that we relate to other people. Holding that grudge in unforgiveness will never make anything better. Unforgiveness has been associated with disease including arthritis, migraine headaches, ulcers, depression and many others. It is not worth the energy. When people release such bitterness and anger, they often experience amazing recovery even from the physical ailment duly developed.
Unforgiveness blocks your prayers from being answered. It brings you dis-ease. It retards your progress in other areas of your life. It stops you from moving on (as in the case of failed dating relationships or marriages). It leads you into depression. It leads you into making bad decisions. It stops you from operating in love and staying in the kingdom of God (i.e. right thinking, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost). It opens doors for demonic activity in your life. It just is not good for you! So why are you holding on to that wrong? Have you decided to sacrifice everything else just for that person or those people? Has God not done a lot more things for you already? Count your blessings today and see how much you are too blessed to be stressed by such little things.
If there are people you need to release, here is a prayer that you can pray today and get it done with. Remember that it does not mean that what they did was good. It does not mean you no longer feel hurt by it. It simply means you are choosing to forgive them and stop holding that thing against them. You sincerely wish them all the best in what ever they do in their lives. You know they do not have the power to determine your future because it is in your hands. Pray this prayer: Dear God, I thank you that you always forgive me when I repent. Today I bring ………… into your capable hands. I choose to release him/her/them. I forgive them of what they did to me. Now I open my heart to you and I receive the Holy Spirit. I thank you for healing the pain from all this. Thank you for your healing in the name of Jesus. Amen”
If you sincerely prayed that prayer I know you are already feeling different. Isn’t it such a great feeling to be free from that burden of bitterness and unforgiveness? It is. Now, I have a PDF document waiting for you if you just click http://tinei.shamu.googlepages.com/aod and get it for free. It contains verses from the bible that instruct us to forgive. Open it and see God’s heart on the issue of forgiving. God bless you and have a great week.
Affirmation: I know who I am. The outcome in my life depends on my response to events. I forgive those that offend me instantly. I hold nothing against any man for I wrestle not against flesh and blood.
For your FREE PDF just click the link www.tinei.shamu.googlepages.com/aod and save to your computer. Have a great week. - Tinei Shamu
Events that happen to us are not completely within our power to manipulate or change once they have happened. If something has happened, it has happened! The only thing you are in control of is the way you will respond to that event. That response will determine the outcome. Consider this, if someone says to me, “Tinei, you are a complete idiot!” I have the option to think that’s the truth and say to myself, “Oh, I’m such an idiot, everyone thinks so.” The outcome is that I will lower my self esteem and probably feel very low or depressed. On the other hand, I can choose to say to myself, “That guy doesn’t know who I am. I know who I am. Christ dwells in me, who is the embodiment of all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The outcome will be very different from the first example. This is usually stated in the equation E+R=O. This is Event + Response = Outcome.
"And whenever you* stand praying, be forgiving, if you* are holding anything against anyone, so that also your* Father, the [One] in the heavens, shall forgive you* of your* transgressions.”But if you* do not forgive, neither will your* Father, the [One] in the heavens, forgive your* transgressions." - Mark11:25, 26. It is true that sometimes we get offended in relationships whether in the work place, in marriage, in family and any other way that we relate to other people. Holding that grudge in unforgiveness will never make anything better. Unforgiveness has been associated with disease including arthritis, migraine headaches, ulcers, depression and many others. It is not worth the energy. When people release such bitterness and anger, they often experience amazing recovery even from the physical ailment duly developed.
Unforgiveness blocks your prayers from being answered. It brings you dis-ease. It retards your progress in other areas of your life. It stops you from moving on (as in the case of failed dating relationships or marriages). It leads you into depression. It leads you into making bad decisions. It stops you from operating in love and staying in the kingdom of God (i.e. right thinking, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost). It opens doors for demonic activity in your life. It just is not good for you! So why are you holding on to that wrong? Have you decided to sacrifice everything else just for that person or those people? Has God not done a lot more things for you already? Count your blessings today and see how much you are too blessed to be stressed by such little things.
If there are people you need to release, here is a prayer that you can pray today and get it done with. Remember that it does not mean that what they did was good. It does not mean you no longer feel hurt by it. It simply means you are choosing to forgive them and stop holding that thing against them. You sincerely wish them all the best in what ever they do in their lives. You know they do not have the power to determine your future because it is in your hands. Pray this prayer: Dear God, I thank you that you always forgive me when I repent. Today I bring ………… into your capable hands. I choose to release him/her/them. I forgive them of what they did to me. Now I open my heart to you and I receive the Holy Spirit. I thank you for healing the pain from all this. Thank you for your healing in the name of Jesus. Amen”
If you sincerely prayed that prayer I know you are already feeling different. Isn’t it such a great feeling to be free from that burden of bitterness and unforgiveness? It is. Now, I have a PDF document waiting for you if you just click http://tinei.shamu.googlepages.com/aod and get it for free. It contains verses from the bible that instruct us to forgive. Open it and see God’s heart on the issue of forgiving. God bless you and have a great week.
Affirmation: I know who I am. The outcome in my life depends on my response to events. I forgive those that offend me instantly. I hold nothing against any man for I wrestle not against flesh and blood.
For your FREE PDF just click the link www.tinei.shamu.googlepages.com/aod and save to your computer. Have a great week. - Tinei Shamu
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
What’s that Seed In Your Hand? Part 2
What’s that Seed In Your Hand? Part 2
In the last installment we explored the laws of attraction and vibrations. This week we will look at one way that you can manifest what you want in your finances and other areas. When I wrote “What Drives You” I mentioned that love is the greatest law. When you begin to operate and do everything out of love, you become unstoppable. When He was asked by a certain lawyer which was the greatest commandment in the law He said to them, “You will love the LORD your God with your whole heart [fig., your entire inner self] and with your whole soul and with your whole understanding.' [Deut 6:4,5] This is [the] first and great commandment. But a second [one is] similar to it, 'You will love your neighbor as yourself.' [Lev 19:18] On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Love is the key to be in the same vibration with The Father.
I want to tie this with another principle called “The Act As If Principle”. This principle is simple. It states that when you want to have or be something, you just act as if it has already happened. I know at first sight it may look a bit silly but it is the exact same thing which is called belief or faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. One who has faith begins to act in a way that shows that he knows what he believes for has already been granted to him. He acts as if he has already seen it. So in other words what I am saying is, “Have Faith”.
I want to show you a way that expresses love and faith at the same time. It is called giving. It is written in Luke 6:38, “"Be giving, and it will be given to you*-good measure, having been pressed down and shaken and running over, they will give into your* bosom [or, lap]. For with the same measure with which you* are measuring, it will be measured to you* in return." The rich young ruler was told, “If you desire to be perfect, be going away; sell your possessions and give to [the] poor [ones], and you will have treasure in heaven. And come! Be following Me!" God is not trying to make you poor; He wants you to increase in blessing. You will not go broke because you gave to the less privileged members of society. Proverbs 19:17 says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 14:21 says, “He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.”
Every time you give, you are sowing seed that God honors. God is a good God. He honors His word and can not lie. The reason why the Dead Sea is dead is because all water comes into it and none goes out. It kinda hoards! We are meant to be receiving and giving. There is no use in getting a lot of money and keeping it all in a bank account. God will only bless you more as you distribute His blessing upon your life. Today I want to offer you an opportunity to sow into a worthy cause. AFRICAID is an organization I know of that is helping cater for the needs of children living with HIV. To get the details of the organization just click AFRICAID and you are on your way to making a difference in a child’s life.
Affirmation: I use my wealth for a cause greater than myself. I am a cheerful and willing giver. I operate by the law of love! – Tinei Shamu
Don’t procrastinate, do it NOW and unlock your prosperity!
In the last installment we explored the laws of attraction and vibrations. This week we will look at one way that you can manifest what you want in your finances and other areas. When I wrote “What Drives You” I mentioned that love is the greatest law. When you begin to operate and do everything out of love, you become unstoppable. When He was asked by a certain lawyer which was the greatest commandment in the law He said to them, “You will love the LORD your God with your whole heart [fig., your entire inner self] and with your whole soul and with your whole understanding.' [Deut 6:4,5] This is [the] first and great commandment. But a second [one is] similar to it, 'You will love your neighbor as yourself.' [Lev 19:18] On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Love is the key to be in the same vibration with The Father.
I want to tie this with another principle called “The Act As If Principle”. This principle is simple. It states that when you want to have or be something, you just act as if it has already happened. I know at first sight it may look a bit silly but it is the exact same thing which is called belief or faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. One who has faith begins to act in a way that shows that he knows what he believes for has already been granted to him. He acts as if he has already seen it. So in other words what I am saying is, “Have Faith”.
I want to show you a way that expresses love and faith at the same time. It is called giving. It is written in Luke 6:38, “"Be giving, and it will be given to you*-good measure, having been pressed down and shaken and running over, they will give into your* bosom [or, lap]. For with the same measure with which you* are measuring, it will be measured to you* in return." The rich young ruler was told, “If you desire to be perfect, be going away; sell your possessions and give to [the] poor [ones], and you will have treasure in heaven. And come! Be following Me!" God is not trying to make you poor; He wants you to increase in blessing. You will not go broke because you gave to the less privileged members of society. Proverbs 19:17 says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 14:21 says, “He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.”
Every time you give, you are sowing seed that God honors. God is a good God. He honors His word and can not lie. The reason why the Dead Sea is dead is because all water comes into it and none goes out. It kinda hoards! We are meant to be receiving and giving. There is no use in getting a lot of money and keeping it all in a bank account. God will only bless you more as you distribute His blessing upon your life. Today I want to offer you an opportunity to sow into a worthy cause. AFRICAID is an organization I know of that is helping cater for the needs of children living with HIV. To get the details of the organization just click AFRICAID and you are on your way to making a difference in a child’s life.
Affirmation: I use my wealth for a cause greater than myself. I am a cheerful and willing giver. I operate by the law of love! – Tinei Shamu
Don’t procrastinate, do it NOW and unlock your prosperity!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
What’s that Seed In Your Hand? Part 1
At any given time, you are sowing a seed of some sort and also reaping the fruit after the kind of seed you sowed in your past. Whether it is intentional or not, the law of seed and harvest will always be at work in all our lives. I have seen a lot of times in our garden that we often discover a fruit tree growing where no one deliberately planted it. Only because the right conditions prevailed, this seed germinated into a plant and started growing. That is the same thing that happens in our lives. The difference is that the seeds we sow are thoughts and words.
In the book of Job 4:8, Job says, “According as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, And sow trouble, reap the same.” In Galatians 6:7-8, Paul says,” Stop being led astray [fig., being deceived]: God is not mocked! For whatever a person shall be sowing, this also he will reap. Because the one sowing to his own flesh from the flesh will reap corruption [fig., moral ruin], but the one sowing to the Spirit from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Maybe you could be wondering how anyone can sow seed in the sense that I am trying to drive home in this message. Allow me to show you.
1) Thoughts Become Things
Every thought you have has the power to create the very things you are thinking of. The more you think about the same thing, the more you are likely to see the manifestation of that very thing in your life. People generally think a lot about the things they love, are passionate about or that they are fearful of. The more you think about any of those things, the more likely they are to happen. Proverbs 23:7a says, “For as he thinketh within himself (in his heart), so is he…” What a person thinks of most of the time defines him. There is a whole lot of information on this particular subject that I do not have the space to explore in this short post. The Secret DVD is based upon this ancient truth which is described in the law of attraction. The law of attraction states that there is a cause and effect to everything we think and do. If we think about a particular thing, we end up getting it. Another law called the law of vibrations states that everything in the universe, no matter what it may be, is energy. Maybe I need to explain this bit further.
If you look at anything like say your hand under a powerful microscope, you’d see a mass of cells. Cells are made up of different parts (organelles) which are made up of molecules and at the very basic level, these are made up of atoms. Each atom is made up of electrons orbiting around protons which are energy. At the centre of you is energy. So we can conclude that your physical body is a mass of energy that is in constant vibration. Your thoughts are also vibrations, which when they are coupled with emotions have the power to attract the very things that you vibrating in sync with. Maybe one way to put it is that for your thought to manifest, you need to believe in them, i.e. when your thoughts agree with your subconcious programming you create a powerful vibration that makes things manifest.
2) Your Words Contain Life or Death
Every time you speak, you are either creating or destroying something. Remember, we are made in the image and likeness of God. In Genesis 1:3, “God SAID…, and there was…” Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” James 3:5 - “So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!” Want more? In Mark 11:23 Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.” Words are powerful. They have the ability to change everything. Even the spoken word of God is powerful in your mouth just as powerful as it is in God’s mouth. If you are going to even change your thoughts, one great way is to say out your affirmations. When Ezekiel saw the vision of the dry bones, God told him to prophesy. As he started to prophesy, the bones started coming to life.
What you confess with your mouth forms the covenant with the unseen world. Even salvation itself is founded on the power of the confessed word. Remember in the book of Romans in the 10th chapter in verses 9 and 10 Paul teaches us, “because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” The Greek word translated “confess” is “homologeo ̄” which means to assent, covenant, acknowledge. That is what we do in speaking. I don’t know about you but I made up my mind I will speak words of life out of my mouth!
Now What?
If you think deeper about what I have put above, you will realize that the two ways of sowing I just explored are linked. It says in Matthew 12:34, “Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Also in Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34 Jesus said, "For where your* treasure is, there your* heart [fig., inner desire] will be also.” What you esteem becomes your treasure. You meditate upon your treasure that is on your heart. You begin to speak the things that are in your heart. In so doing, you send out vibrations into the universe and you manifest your treasure. Job said, “The thing that I feared most has come upon me” because that thing was constantly on his mind, so it came. You need to renew what you think about most. Dwell on positive things. Read positive material. Romans 12:2 Paul wrote, “And [you* are] to stop conforming yourselves to this age, _but_ [are] to continue being transformed by the renewal of your* mind, in order for you* to be proving what [is] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Renew your mind with the word of God. Stop thinking about what you do not want, and start thinking about what you want. That way, you are constantly thinking or what will manifest what you want.
Affirmation: My lips are anointed with the word of God. I think the word and I speak the word. Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!
In the next installment, we will explore how you can unlock the law of seed and harvest in your finances. I know it will bless you.
In the book of Job 4:8, Job says, “According as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, And sow trouble, reap the same.” In Galatians 6:7-8, Paul says,” Stop being led astray [fig., being deceived]: God is not mocked! For whatever a person shall be sowing, this also he will reap. Because the one sowing to his own flesh from the flesh will reap corruption [fig., moral ruin], but the one sowing to the Spirit from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Maybe you could be wondering how anyone can sow seed in the sense that I am trying to drive home in this message. Allow me to show you.
1) Thoughts Become Things
Every thought you have has the power to create the very things you are thinking of. The more you think about the same thing, the more you are likely to see the manifestation of that very thing in your life. People generally think a lot about the things they love, are passionate about or that they are fearful of. The more you think about any of those things, the more likely they are to happen. Proverbs 23:7a says, “For as he thinketh within himself (in his heart), so is he…” What a person thinks of most of the time defines him. There is a whole lot of information on this particular subject that I do not have the space to explore in this short post. The Secret DVD is based upon this ancient truth which is described in the law of attraction. The law of attraction states that there is a cause and effect to everything we think and do. If we think about a particular thing, we end up getting it. Another law called the law of vibrations states that everything in the universe, no matter what it may be, is energy. Maybe I need to explain this bit further.
If you look at anything like say your hand under a powerful microscope, you’d see a mass of cells. Cells are made up of different parts (organelles) which are made up of molecules and at the very basic level, these are made up of atoms. Each atom is made up of electrons orbiting around protons which are energy. At the centre of you is energy. So we can conclude that your physical body is a mass of energy that is in constant vibration. Your thoughts are also vibrations, which when they are coupled with emotions have the power to attract the very things that you vibrating in sync with. Maybe one way to put it is that for your thought to manifest, you need to believe in them, i.e. when your thoughts agree with your subconcious programming you create a powerful vibration that makes things manifest.
2) Your Words Contain Life or Death
Every time you speak, you are either creating or destroying something. Remember, we are made in the image and likeness of God. In Genesis 1:3, “God SAID…, and there was…” Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” James 3:5 - “So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!” Want more? In Mark 11:23 Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.” Words are powerful. They have the ability to change everything. Even the spoken word of God is powerful in your mouth just as powerful as it is in God’s mouth. If you are going to even change your thoughts, one great way is to say out your affirmations. When Ezekiel saw the vision of the dry bones, God told him to prophesy. As he started to prophesy, the bones started coming to life.
What you confess with your mouth forms the covenant with the unseen world. Even salvation itself is founded on the power of the confessed word. Remember in the book of Romans in the 10th chapter in verses 9 and 10 Paul teaches us, “because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” The Greek word translated “confess” is “homologeo ̄” which means to assent, covenant, acknowledge. That is what we do in speaking. I don’t know about you but I made up my mind I will speak words of life out of my mouth!
Now What?
If you think deeper about what I have put above, you will realize that the two ways of sowing I just explored are linked. It says in Matthew 12:34, “Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Also in Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34 Jesus said, "For where your* treasure is, there your* heart [fig., inner desire] will be also.” What you esteem becomes your treasure. You meditate upon your treasure that is on your heart. You begin to speak the things that are in your heart. In so doing, you send out vibrations into the universe and you manifest your treasure. Job said, “The thing that I feared most has come upon me” because that thing was constantly on his mind, so it came. You need to renew what you think about most. Dwell on positive things. Read positive material. Romans 12:2 Paul wrote, “And [you* are] to stop conforming yourselves to this age, _but_ [are] to continue being transformed by the renewal of your* mind, in order for you* to be proving what [is] the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Renew your mind with the word of God. Stop thinking about what you do not want, and start thinking about what you want. That way, you are constantly thinking or what will manifest what you want.
Affirmation: My lips are anointed with the word of God. I think the word and I speak the word. Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!
In the next installment, we will explore how you can unlock the law of seed and harvest in your finances. I know it will bless you.
Monday, January 28, 2008
What Drives You?
The force that drives you, just like your source, will determine how much you will achieve. There are forces that may be called “low” or “negative vibrations”, which are greed, envy, jealousy, strife, anger, etc. These are truly forces that can propel you in a certain direction for a very long time and will make it seem like you are actually achieving great results. The truth however, is that you will only reap corruption and a lot of dissatisfaction from these results. Jesus said, "In the same way, every good tree yields good fruits, but the rotten tree yields evil fruits. A good tree is not able to be yielding evil fruits, nor a rotten tree to be yielding good fruits. – Matthew 7:17, 18.
There is a better force that can motivate you to achieve true and lasting breakthroughs in your life. At the very core of this is the one force called LOVE. Everything that is done out of love achieves much. “But now these three remain: faith, hope [or, confident expectation], love-but [the] greatest of these [is] love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13. Love brings with it all the “high” or “positive vibrations”, which are joy, gratitude, peace, patience, etc. “But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace [or, freedom from anxiety], patience, kindness, goodness [or, generosity], faith, gentleness [or, considerateness], self-control. Against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22, 23.
You may be asking how one can make a decision to be motivated by love. In his book “You Were Born Rich”, Bob Proctor says, “Love people, use money”. I believe this is sound advice coming from a great man. Once you reverse the statement and begin to love money and use people, you will suddenly find yourself operating under the negative vibrations and according to the law of attraction, negative vibrations bring negative results! Paul advises Timothy, “But the ones desiring to be growing rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires, which sink people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some by longing for [it] went astray [or, wandered away] from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, be fleeing from these [things], and be pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patient endurance, [and] gentleness [or, considerateness].” – 1 Timothy 6:9-11. This is a scripture that is commonly misquoted to say that money is the root of all evil. Notice that it says “For the love of money…” Money is actually good and we require it in our daily living even to spread the gospel and to feed our families! I recommend that you read books like “The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace D. Wattles and “You Were Born Rich” by Bob Proctor. I really found them awesome.
Summary: Love people and use money. Love is the most powerful vibration that you can use to drive you towards your breakthrough. The Spirit of God will come with the fruits that are based on love.
Affirmation: I use money and love people. I operate by the law of love. I make my goals based on love and I strive towards a breakthrough that benefits others. - Tinei Shamu
There is a better force that can motivate you to achieve true and lasting breakthroughs in your life. At the very core of this is the one force called LOVE. Everything that is done out of love achieves much. “But now these three remain: faith, hope [or, confident expectation], love-but [the] greatest of these [is] love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13. Love brings with it all the “high” or “positive vibrations”, which are joy, gratitude, peace, patience, etc. “But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace [or, freedom from anxiety], patience, kindness, goodness [or, generosity], faith, gentleness [or, considerateness], self-control. Against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22, 23.
You may be asking how one can make a decision to be motivated by love. In his book “You Were Born Rich”, Bob Proctor says, “Love people, use money”. I believe this is sound advice coming from a great man. Once you reverse the statement and begin to love money and use people, you will suddenly find yourself operating under the negative vibrations and according to the law of attraction, negative vibrations bring negative results! Paul advises Timothy, “But the ones desiring to be growing rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires, which sink people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some by longing for [it] went astray [or, wandered away] from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, be fleeing from these [things], and be pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patient endurance, [and] gentleness [or, considerateness].” – 1 Timothy 6:9-11. This is a scripture that is commonly misquoted to say that money is the root of all evil. Notice that it says “For the love of money…” Money is actually good and we require it in our daily living even to spread the gospel and to feed our families! I recommend that you read books like “The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace D. Wattles and “You Were Born Rich” by Bob Proctor. I really found them awesome.
Summary: Love people and use money. Love is the most powerful vibration that you can use to drive you towards your breakthrough. The Spirit of God will come with the fruits that are based on love.
Affirmation: I use money and love people. I operate by the law of love. I make my goals based on love and I strive towards a breakthrough that benefits others. - Tinei Shamu
Thursday, January 10, 2008
What’s your source?
Your source of power, inspiration, provision, vision, etc determines how far you will go. If your source is your personal intellect, you are limited and your results will only be as mortal and limited as you are. May I introduce you to my source…?
In the beginning was the Word [or, the Expression of [divine] Logic], and the Word was with [or, in communion with] God, and the Word was God [or, was as to His essence God]. This One was in the beginning with God. All [things] came to be through Him, and without Him not even one thing came to be which has come to be. In Him was life, and the life was the light of the people. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not apprehend it. He was the true Light which enlightens every person coming into the world. – John 1:1-5, 9 (Analytical Literal Translation). So from this passage I learn that The Word = God = Light = Creator = Life. Let’s look at another interesting passage of scripture from the creation account. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” – Gen 1:1-3 (American Standard Version). Notice that this took place on the first day of creation. So on that first day there was light. Let’s take a look at what happened on day three: “And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made the two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:13-18 (American Standard Version). God made His presence come to earth on day one!
From the scriptures above, I may now make a conclusion that the light that is mentioned in the book of John is the light that is mentioned in the first day of creation that “shines in the hearts of man and that shines in the darkness and the darkness can not comprehend it. That is the light that is the Word of God that came into the world and the world knew Him not (John 1:10). That is the same man (for the word became flesh - John 1:14) about whom the apostle Paul says, “...For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” – Colossians 2:9; and also, “...In whom are hid all the treasures (deposit, wealth) of wisdom (Greek: sophia) and knowledge (Greek: gnosis)” – Colossians 2:3. This means that when I accept the Lordship of Jesus and I receive Him into my heart I receive the wealth of sophia (which is insight into reality) and gnosis (scientific knowledge). I think that’s a good deal. Because God is the source of infinite intelligence, I have no problems believing His wisdom is much better than worldly knowledge and wisdom.
May I encourage you today to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? It is only after you receive Him that you can begin to partake of the benefits of being the new creation. Only then will you be able to live in His Kingdom which is right thinking, peace and the joy of the Holy Spirit. Only then will the true light that shines in the hearts of man shine in your heart. Only then will you feel the true connection that fills in the void in your heart. If you would like that may I lead you in a prayer of salvation? Just say the following from the bottom of your heart: “Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I believe that you came to earth in the form of man and that you died for me. I believe that you were raised from the dead and that you are seated with the Father today. Today I ask you to come into my heart and be the Lord of my life. I surrender my all to you. With these words, I believe I’m born again. Thank you Jesus! - Amen”
Congratulations, you are a new creation! The bible says in 2Corinthians5:17 that old things are passed and all things are new for you. I encourage you to find a bible believing church where you can learn more about Jesus and what you have just done. Have a great week!
Affirmation: I am the new creation. I have the mind of Christ. Wisdom is working in my life. I am operating in the wisdom of Christ. I have the wisdom of God!
In the beginning was the Word [or, the Expression of [divine] Logic], and the Word was with [or, in communion with] God, and the Word was God [or, was as to His essence God]. This One was in the beginning with God. All [things] came to be through Him, and without Him not even one thing came to be which has come to be. In Him was life, and the life was the light of the people. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not apprehend it. He was the true Light which enlightens every person coming into the world. – John 1:1-5, 9 (Analytical Literal Translation). So from this passage I learn that The Word = God = Light = Creator = Life. Let’s look at another interesting passage of scripture from the creation account. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” – Gen 1:1-3 (American Standard Version). Notice that this took place on the first day of creation. So on that first day there was light. Let’s take a look at what happened on day three: “And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made the two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:13-18 (American Standard Version). God made His presence come to earth on day one!
From the scriptures above, I may now make a conclusion that the light that is mentioned in the book of John is the light that is mentioned in the first day of creation that “shines in the hearts of man and that shines in the darkness and the darkness can not comprehend it. That is the light that is the Word of God that came into the world and the world knew Him not (John 1:10). That is the same man (for the word became flesh - John 1:14) about whom the apostle Paul says, “...For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” – Colossians 2:9; and also, “...In whom are hid all the treasures (deposit, wealth) of wisdom (Greek: sophia) and knowledge (Greek: gnosis)” – Colossians 2:3. This means that when I accept the Lordship of Jesus and I receive Him into my heart I receive the wealth of sophia (which is insight into reality) and gnosis (scientific knowledge). I think that’s a good deal. Because God is the source of infinite intelligence, I have no problems believing His wisdom is much better than worldly knowledge and wisdom.
May I encourage you today to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? It is only after you receive Him that you can begin to partake of the benefits of being the new creation. Only then will you be able to live in His Kingdom which is right thinking, peace and the joy of the Holy Spirit. Only then will the true light that shines in the hearts of man shine in your heart. Only then will you feel the true connection that fills in the void in your heart. If you would like that may I lead you in a prayer of salvation? Just say the following from the bottom of your heart: “Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. I believe that you came to earth in the form of man and that you died for me. I believe that you were raised from the dead and that you are seated with the Father today. Today I ask you to come into my heart and be the Lord of my life. I surrender my all to you. With these words, I believe I’m born again. Thank you Jesus! - Amen”
Congratulations, you are a new creation! The bible says in 2Corinthians5:17 that old things are passed and all things are new for you. I encourage you to find a bible believing church where you can learn more about Jesus and what you have just done. Have a great week!
Affirmation: I am the new creation. I have the mind of Christ. Wisdom is working in my life. I am operating in the wisdom of Christ. I have the wisdom of God!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
2008, Your Best Year Ever!
May I start this year by congratulating you on making it into this wonderful year of 2008. I must say I am very excited to be writing this post. I believe that this is the year that a lot of you will see your breakthroughs. For some of you who may be working on long term goals I believe that with the strategies that I will be posting you will be able to go far towards those goals. Persistence is the key! There's lots I have in store for you this year and I believe you'll be blessed by the gifts I have prepared for this year. I will be sending out gifts this year that are consistent with the theme, breakthrough. We shall be looking at breakthroughs in the line of health, weight control, finances, relationships, spirituality, study and lots of other topics. The very first gift is an action plan. It's for FREE and you can access that by just sending me a blank e mail on tinei.shamu@gmail.com with the subject "Action Plan" and I will be happy to send you that action plan that you can use for this month or for the next four weeks. You can even use it for the next month as long as you save the original document. It's quite awsome I must say and many thanks to my friend Max Soutter who helped me out with the graphics on that piece. By the way, if you are looking to start up a business and you want a boost you can send me an e mail and we will be happy to contact you and work together with you in conjunction with Max's company: Fast Company. That could be the breakthrough for you hey...
So now that we have started the year, this thursday I will start posting the regular posts that will help you get that breakthrough. If you are from Celebration Church (or anyone else interested) you can also e mail me and I will send you another awsome gift on "Year of Establishment".
May the Lord bless you and establish you this year. May you be filled with His peace and joy. May you receive His blessings in abundance and manifest your breakthrough this wonderful year. This is your best year ever!
So now that we have started the year, this thursday I will start posting the regular posts that will help you get that breakthrough. If you are from Celebration Church (or anyone else interested) you can also e mail me and I will send you another awsome gift on "Year of Establishment".
May the Lord bless you and establish you this year. May you be filled with His peace and joy. May you receive His blessings in abundance and manifest your breakthrough this wonderful year. This is your best year ever!
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