Be a Contributor to Bless, Influence and Transform Lives

People need hope in this hopeless world. They try to find it in many things but the real and lasting hope is in God. It's a priviledge to be His representative of hope. Most people have a distorted perception of God either as a controlling taskmaster or an impersonal being who does not bother to intervene. Yet we know who He really  is - He's our God who gives real joy and hope! Today, share with your friends the beautiful message of the God of hope so that they can experience His peace and salvation. You will find them utterly overwhelming when they finally meet and embrace the God of Hope. Meditate on Isaiah 52:7

Often times, when we see a need, we may not rise up to meet the said needs as doubts will arise in our mind that the needs may not be genuine or someone else will do it. In Genesis 24:18-20, we read of how Rebekah was QUICK to let her pitcher down to serve Abraham's servant and proactively offered to draw water for his camels too. Again, she QUICKLY emptied her pitcher and RAN to draw water. Her prompt service is for the well being of others. And we know the ending of this story that she was blessed to be the grandmother of the 12 tribes of Israel. So? The next time you see a need, do you want to sit and wait OR rise up and take initiative to enquire, investigate, verify and do something for the well being of others?

A Christian must intentionally fix his or her gaze on God and His Word and remain faithful in devotion to Jesus. When we do not abide in His presence, we will be tempted by the enemy to resort to human wisdom rather than Godly guidance and principles. For example: a demanding relationship may drains us of the energy God gave us to serve Him. Or we may be accused of weaknesses that urge us to deny our usefulness to God. Nevertheless, do not get off track. Do not allow him to steal your joy and degrade your relationship with Him as the enemy  "comes to steal, kill and destroy......." (John 10:10). Fix your eyes only on Jesus!

Rarely do we view the difficult circumstances of life as statements of Jesus' love for us. In our best moments, we interpret them as tools God uses to stretch our faith. In our worst moments, we may see them as His disfavour. Nevertheless, God's hand is in even the most difficult circumstances, letting affliction has its deepest results. He is always the Lord of our situation and He is specific in His purposes. If we are in pain, He knows it and He allows it to happen. Revelations 3:19 "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline." However, too often, God tries our faith so that we may try His faithfulness! We fool ourselves if we think our love for God + our  obedience to Him are separate issues. They are 2 sides of the same coin. Jn 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command."  We have become so paranoid of having a theology of "righteousness = works" that  we have ignored obedience altogether, as though it did not matter to God. Obedie...

In the parable on persistence in Luke 11, a man seeks help from his neighbor on behalf of his friends, knocking repeatedly on his neighbor's door at midnight with an unusual request for bread. But because of his perseverance, the neighbour answers. How persistent then are we in seeking God's help for the needs of others? When we are told to 'bear one another's burdens'(Colossians 3:13), do we interpret that as a brief mention in a prayer meeting? Or are we bold in our approach to God? Far from offending God, this boldness pleases Him. Let us consider our zeal on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Does it equal the boldness of the persistent neighbour?

Nowhere in the Bible does God promise to spare us from temptation. Our faith will be assaulted in numerous ways and God allows it. The evil one may insist to God that our faith is not genuine because it is not tested. If he can prove that it is not, he can slander the Almighty with his skeptism. God takes him up on the challenge. Are you feeling that your faith is tested? Hang on. You are in a process God has allowed. Your sifting will not last. Your faith will be tested but there will be no chaff to it. That's God's sovereignty over the enemy. Read Luke 22.

If you need a breakthrough in your life, learn from David in 1 Chronicles 14:10 "And David inquired of God ....".  Yes - have you first talked it over with the Lord? God does not respond to your need, He responds to your OBEDIENCE. When you have obeyed, you will see the victory. Sometimes God will do it for you, other times  He will do it  through you. That is why you must HEAR from Him before you make a move. You cannot do God's part and He will not do yours. It is not just a matter of 'doing something,' it is a matter of doing what God tells you! When you do, you will get a breakthrough! Ponder on 1Chronicles 14:10-17 and get a glimpse of David's secret of getting a breakthrough.