Sunday, September 28, 2008

What does it profit you to be a scholar of the scriptures without the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 22:24-28 "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?"

In verse 29 Jesus exposed the ignorance of these Sadducees. However, His answer to their question stresses the importance of scripture. “Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” NIV

There are two lessons to learn from this rebuke. Being a student of the Bible without knowing the Son Jesus leaves you
• ignorant of the written Word of God and
• robs you of the knowledge of God’s power.
Further more, if you don't know scriptures, how is the Holy Spirit going to work in your life?
My conclusion is this: If your confidence is in the scriptures without Jesus Christ, you are doomed. Worse still, if your confidence is in the scriptures, without the Holy Spirit even if you claim to know about Jesus you may be lost.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Jesus is the living Word and the Bible is the written Word of God.

Yesterday as I was studying I came across an article discussing the Word of God. The main theme of this writer was that “Jesus is the Word of God.” 100% TRUE: However he goes on to argue that the Bible is not the Word of God and those who study the Bible are not being taught by God but by human beings. He continues to argue that when we study the Bible we cannot hear from God because we are only listening to the Bible.

I was a bit disturbed by this extreme. Although I agree with him that studying the Bible without acknowledging Jesus and without letting the Holy Spirit teach us can be fruitless, we cannot deny the fact that the Bible is the written Word of God and without it we are at a great disadvantage.

It is true as he recalls that the disciples managed to spread the gospel without the Bible. It is also true that in those days there were few sects in Christianity than there are today. However, he continues his argument that this is due to studying the Bible. My question is ‘how can you tell how many sects there would be today if they continued to spread the gospel without the Bible? Would they have increased or decreased? Who can tell?’ My guess is they would have increased regardless.

Yes, Jesus is the living Word of God. He said “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63.
In John 14:6 He says; “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” No argument about that!

However, the Bible, the written Word of God, was inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by men and women of God. They were under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
I know it is frustrating when people study the Bible and use it as the Pharisees and Scribes used the Law and abused it. Jesus was opposed to that type of practice. They studied the law and tried to load it over the innocent and the disadvantaged. That was wrong then and it is wrong now. Studying the Bible for intellectual purposes or for selfish motives is not what it was meant for, still the sins of a few should not change the importance of the Bible.

The Bible is the written Word of God. It was written by men and women of God inspired by the Spirit of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." NKJ
Do not be discouraged from using the very weapon Jesus has put in your hands. Use it to enhance your life in the Lord. Let the Holy Spirit reveal to you the hidden secrets wrapped in it. He will make the words of the Bible become alive in your life. He will reveal Jesus and all that is of His to you.
Hallelujah!

Friday, September 19, 2008

God’s Word is living substance

The Bible is alive it speaks to me; it has feet it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold on me.” Martin Luther

As I was studying Psalm 119, I realized how little emphasis I have been putting on the Word. Looking at my daily events, I give the Word about 30 minutes to 1 hour a day. However, after reading or listening to the Word, I go about my business until something comes up. That is when I remember to meditate or recall the Word. Yet David tells us that every moment of life the Word of God should be in and on our hearts, on our mouths and in our actions. Psalm 119:11 tells us that if God’s word is carved or hidden in our hearts, we will be more able to resist the temptations of the devil and consquently the selfish demands.
Hebrew 4:"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

When we learn to think, speak, pray in line with God’s Word, we release the ability of God to work in our lives. Our lives are thus governed by God’s spiritual laws which are more powerful than the laws of nature that rule this world. Our lives are thus led and directed by the Holy Spirit who enables us fulfill both spiritual and natural laws and enjoy divine living.
We are so blessed to have the Spirit of the living God dwelling in us and revealing to us every detail and secret of Jesus and the written Word of God.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

The fear of God is the way to victory

The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God you fear everything else.” Oswald Chambers

I remember during Idi Amin’s reign in Uganda, his thugs from the army came to my parents home. They were on one of their regular killing raids. They rounded up every body who had not fled into hiding and they started harassing them. They said they had come for two things: money and weapons. My mom told them she had neither and they got really angry and out of control, threatening them with their guns.

They demanded for the weapons. “We know your children are abroad. We know they send money and arms to you. We also know that you support the rebels.”
Meanwhile my youngest sister who was 15, was crying and begging mom, “If you have any money please give it to them.”
Then my mom lifted up her Bible which she had been holding in her hand all this time and said; “This is the only weapon I know and it is the only weapon I have. God is our Protector.” She said it with so much boldness that they were shocked. It seemed as if it paralyzed their plans. They stopped harassing them and continued with the search of the house and then they left with nothing and hurting nobody. That was a miracle. I really believe it was the grace and protection of God. Because my mom feared God, she could stand on His Word and face the enemy without fear.

This reminds of how David, a mere youth, faced and defeated Goliath when even the king of Israel was afraid of him.
In one the worst persecution, Daniel stood, unmoved by either man or lion because he feared God! Joseph always came out in victory because he feared God and followed His leading. All these people prove to us that when we fear God we fear nothing else.

The fear of the God is the beginning of all wisdom. It is the only way to victory.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Worry is a habit. The more you do it the more worried you become

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” By Leo Buscaglia

I used to be a worry-holic. If there was nothing to worry about I would invent one. Life was miserable not only for me but for my loved ones as well. Of course I tried to fix it in my own way. Ego and pride was ruling! But what does the Word of God say?

1 Peter 5:7-9; “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Philippians 4: 8; “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

We have to be aware of the devil's tricks. We should never give him the opportunity to invade our peace. Further still, we should let go and let God be God. On our own we can do nothing. If we depend on His Word and let the Holy Spirit guide and lead us, anxiety and worry will never run our lives. Our confidence in the promises and the blessing of God can easily be measured by Our reactions to circumstances around you. Worrying means that we are carrying the burdens which Jesus took to the cross.

Quit worrying, it interferes with the body's functions and chemical balance by creating substances that are harmful to health.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Are you worried, anxious or stressed?

Worry does not only weigh us down and depress us, but it also steals the Word of God out of our hearts. Worry is a habit. The more you do it, the more you become addicted to it.
Worry is not from God, it is one of the devil’s weapons. It hurts and brings us into bondage causing fear, stress, sickness and disease. Proverbs 12:25 "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up."
Philippians 4:6-8 “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” NLT

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Everything God created is good:

Looking at our world, sometimes it is difficult to imagine the earth with everything good; but that is how Adam found it! Genesis 1 tells us that all the things God created were good and He was pleased with them.
Everything was perfect and fit for its purpose. This included Adam. He was whole, healthy, spirit, soul and body. God gave him a beautiful wife whom he named Woman
Instead of having a grateful heart, Adam and Eve chose to question God's intent. Sometimes I find myself doing the same, walking in fear, worry and doubt. But for the love of God, the Holy Spirit is always there to remind me of who I am in Christ. I am a child of God, coheir with Jesus Christ. God has given me everything that pertains to life and godliness. Why should I worry or complain ? When God is on ny side whom should I fear?
I have to give thanks to our loving Father for making me in His image and for giving me His Spirit to dwell in me. What a privilege what an honor!I will bless the Lord all the days of my life.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

The word of God is health and healing

My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:20-23 NKJ

When I feed my spirit man with the Word of God, it makes a demand on the flesh to line up with the Word. Just as physical exercise makes demands on the physical body, causing the heart to beat faster as more blood flows in to bring more oxygen to the cells so does the flesh respond to the Word of God through my spirit. I am aware that my body responds to my words in some way depending on their foundation.
I therefore delight myself in the Lord and He gives me the desires of my heart. Psalms 37.4
I am an overcomer and I overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. Revelation 10.11
I agree that the Word of God is law. The Word of God is the most important thing because it is life to me and healing to all my flesh. It is food to my spirit, mind, emotions and body.
Therefore I abide in the Word and let the Holy be my health mentor

Monday, September 8, 2008

How comforting to know that God is with me all the time!

Joshua 1:9 says; "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'”
Hebrews 13:5-6; ‘Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"’
The Holy Spirit dwells in me!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Listening to the small voice

My main goal in life has become learning to listen and follow the Holy Spirit but to my disappointment I failed flat yesterday!
As I was throwing my final load of laundry in the washing machine I heard a small voice saying: “Those new towels will run.” I disregarded the warning and went ahead with what I was doing. I loaded the machine with all the towels, old and new. Though I usually separate the colors this time I reasoned; ‘they never run anyway!’ I threw in a few other things of no significance and started the machine. I went about doing other things and came back to put the laundry in the dryer. To my horror, everything was the same color or should I say no color? Apart from the new towels all the others were just a dirty unbecoming color.
Trying to get the colors out cost me time, money and frustration. I knew it was my fault. I was warned but I did not listen. And what made it worse was the fact that I have been learning to listen to and obey the Holy Spirit. He speaks in various ways; sometimes He speaks through our spirit.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

The Holy Spirit gives us life

I looked at my life and wondered why I was not operating in His abundance. John 10:10 says: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” I had been quoting the second part of this scripture for the better part of my life but there was neither physical nor financial abundance in my life. ‘Why Lord? Where am I failing?’ I kept on asking.

I was then led to John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” I realized then that without Him I have no life. I treasure this scripture because it points to the two most vital aspects for life. The Spirit and the Word; as I am led by the Spirit I abide in the Word because the Spirit will always lead me to the Word.

The Holy Spirit confirms the truth in our hearts. The Spirit makes the Word alive in our lives. When we let Him be our mentor and do what He advises us to do then we walk in the abundant life. Even if it takes a little while it will still come!

Friday, September 5, 2008

The Holy Spirit reveals the things of God, gives discernment

Many a time I have this deep yearning to know more of God and to understand the things of God. Sometimes I even get frustrated as I try to study or work out something. Today was one of those days and I was drawn to these scriptures.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 11-16 “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:11 “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.?”
The Holy Spirit reveals deep things from God. What are these things? The things from God include His will for us, His wisdom, our righteousness, our redemption, gifts, spiritual things as well as physical things, great things which can change our lives! Our loving Father gave us the Holy Spirit to reveal these things and help us to appropriate them.

In other words, the Holy Spirit enables us to discern the things of God and He helps us to execute our gifts and to walk in our blessing. He discloses the truth to us and when we know the truth, the truth sets us free.
Isn't it funny how we tend to forge ahead in life without even inquiring from or referring to our Lord? Why go through the heavy stuff alone when help is there for the asking? As children of God in Christ we should be enjoying the blessing and all that our Lord acquired for us, but are we?

1 Corinthians 2:12-14 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Do you want to know the deep things of God? Submit to and be led by the Spirit of God. You are different from the world. Do not speak like the world. Do not act like the world. As we speak the Word of God and walk in faith like our Lord Jesus Christ, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, nothing will be hidden from us and we will be unstoppable!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

The Holy Spirit connects us to God

When He comes to dwell in you, He shades the love of God in your heart and literally brings God’s character in you. He connects your spirit (you) with God and shows you the will of God and helps you to accomplish it if you so wish; but leaves you to make the choice. God wants us to have His desires and the Holy Spirit helps us to know those desires through the Word of God. The reason Adam could not connect with God was because he had lost the Spirit and the life of God. But praise God, with the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us we are connected with God. In fact we communicate and fellowship with Him as often as we want and He is always talking to us! However many of us not only neglect His voice but His temple as well.
Are you taking good care of the temple of God where His Spirit dwells? Many believers are very good at taking care of the outside of the temple of God but they neglect the inside. If you are guilty of this you must be ignoring the warnings of the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:1-2 Listen and let the Holy Spirit be your Mentor!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Life is a journey and those who make the right choices reach their destination:

God has a good plan for your life, a plan for hope and prosperity (Jeremiah 29:11); He has blessed us with all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He has a good plan for our physical and financial prosperity and overall well-being. Jesus came to deliver us from the powers of destruction and translate us into His kingdom. However, our ability to enjoy the benefits of His kingdom is based on more than just believing. We have to play our part. The Word of God outlines what we must do. One of the most important choices we have to make is letting the Holy Spirit guide us and lead us. If you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit you will definitely reach your destination. He will not only lead you to the end of the journey but will show you how to enjoy God’s blessings here on earth.
Ignoring the leading of His indwelling Holy Spirit, knowingly or through ignorance, causes failure to receive the blessings God has for us. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He speaks in a still, small voice. He is not forceful but what He says always lines up with God’s Word. Unfortunately, many miss His voice or disregard His leading because of focusing either on our abilities or the cares of this world.

This reminds me of the charity walk in which I partcipitated with my grandsons the other day. Right from the start, it seemed as if Elijah (7 years) was giving up. Isaya (8 years)on the other hand was ready from the word go. He was focused on the destination. He kept on confessing “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” These two are brothers, both taught the same scriptures and both trained by the same dad; why this difference?
Well, it has to do with choices and decisions. Isaya decided to believe the Word and to follow the leader, his dad. Elijah wanted to give up and get out of the whole deal.
Do you ever get moments when you want to chicken out of a good thing? Why? Could it be due to fear? Fear of failure, fear of the effort needed, etc. In his case the commitment seemed too great and the walk impossible.

Yet I was on his side, encouraging him by pointing out the benefits of carrying out our mission. I also held his hand so that we could walk together. I even slowed down to accommodate his pace as long as he was moving. There were times though when he wouldn’t move. I let go of his hand but still stayed next to him making sure that he did not get lost or trodden over. This was an example of the part the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. He is always there, watching each and every move and choice we make. He is always there giving us advice and it is up to us to take it or leave it.
At times Elijah would ask, “Aren’t we there yet?” Like many saints he wanted the crown without any input.
As we approached the finishing line he became a different person. He wanted to finish so much that he ran the final meters. His feet were not aching anymore. It was as if he was on the starting line. Nothing can compare to the joy of completing a journey. Though we took our time we completed the walk but his success depended on his yielding to my instructions and following my lead.

Your success depends on whether you yield to the Holy Spirit in your daily walk. We all have to learn to yield, stop and let Him lead the way. We have to learn and practice to follow Him. He is our guide, our teacher and our mentor. In order to achieve to our divine plan we must yield to His leading.

We should stop making choices from our emotions. Our lives should be directed by the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Life is a journey and those who make the right choices reach their destination:

Monday, September 1, 2008

Seeing the finishing line:

Today my grand children Isaya, 8 years and Elijah, 7 years and my son Dan participated in the “US 10K Classic Race” for children in need. We had an amazing time. Our morning started at 4.30 am. as we had to get to the venue before 6.30 am when the roads were to close to the public for the race. Though we had to wait until 7.45 am. for our race (walking), the waiting period was very exciting as we watched different events set off; starting with Men’s ProAm Cycling, followed by the Women’s Cycling competition, then Inline Skate 10K National Champions tagged by Wheelchair (10K).

At long last our turn came. You could see the excitement all around us. The runners were next and we the walkers were to go last but that was ok. We had been preparing for this moment for two months. Starting with walking a mile per day, then two miles and for the last two weeks we managed to cover 4 miles. Every time we increased a mile we rewarded our efforts. Sometimes we were not so eager to practice but thanks be to the Holy Spirit who gives us power and encouragement.

When we took off we were all walking at the same pace but after only1 mile Elijah who is 7 started lagging behind. I advised Dan my son to go ahead with Isaya so that we don’t ruin his record. Both these boys are very sporty kids but they have different personalities. Isaya starts every game and every race to finish and to win and he never gives up or complains before the end. Elijah on the other hand loves to win but he wants it done quickly. As we walked the journey started to seem too burdensome to him and he wanted to be at the finishing line before we even reached halfway. Dan and Isaya continued at their pace and we lost sight of them. I held Elijah’s hand and encouraged him to walk on but most of the time he was pulling me backwards. It was not easy at all but I had to persevere. I could not leave him behind and neither could I let him give up. We had to finish the race because I wanted him to develop a champion’s spirit. A champion is committed, persistent and persevering. We kept on walking most of the time with his hand in mine. I kept on encouraging him and complementing his every step. When we finished the 3rd mile he started looking forward to the crown. He promised me that he would run the 6th mile to the finishing line.

After the 4th mile he said, “I may run I may not.” I could see that he was genuinely exausted and for that reason I did not push him. I just encouraged him to finish. We confessed a few scriptures, mainly “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am more than a conqueror” What is interesting is that his middle name is Muwanguzi which means champion or conqueror in Luganda so once in a while I would remind him of his name. The sign for mile 5 woke him up and his champion spirit returned. He wanted to run but I constrained him because I knew he would get too tired to finish before the end. When the finishing line was in sight with all the balloons waving at ius he could not help himself. He started begging; “Jajja,” meaning grandma, “please let us run. I want to finish. Where is daddy and Isaya?’ Then I let him loose and he ran to the end as his daddy was taking his pictures. They embraced each other as Elijah was shouting, “I finished, I finished.” And his brother was saying, “I won, I won.” And where was Jajja? Tagging behind, watching the champions!

God never gives up on us:
As narrated our race to my sister Cate in London, we got a few revelations.
• Just as I led Elijah through this race so does our Father through Word and the Holy Spirit lead us. He never gives up on us. If a mere woman of 64 would not let her grandson lose a race, how much more would our heavenly, loving Father stay with us and on us to make sure that we complete the race. His plans for our lives are good and perfect and He has done everything to make sure that we win. Looking back at my life I can literally recall several times when the Holy Spirit kept on nudging me and persuading me to continue. If it were not for Him I would not be here!
• Small consistent steps lead to great results. They are much better than gigantic isolated steps which result into nothing but failure. It is important to plan, prepare and train for whatever we are called to do. When we started out walking 1 mile it seemed insignificant but what an ending! These young boys are now planning to participate in various charity walks. They are not only enhancing their sportsmanship and health but developing a giving spirit as well; helping children in need all over the world.
• We must always have our focus on the finishing line. Jesus is our finishing line. He also is our starting line and in between. If we focus on Him, the Holy Spirit will lead us to Him and in Him.