No More Contest Rev 10-11

No More Contest

Rev 10-11

A mighty angel that resembled Christ appeared to declare that the contest was over (10:1, 6). The angel was holding an open scroll. Earlier Christ received a scroll with seven seals to open them.  He now held an open one and asserted God’s authority on earth. The contest of satan against God’s purpose and people was over. The defeat of satan was being revealed without delay (10:5-6; 2 Peter 3:9). With Christ’s unique responsibility accomplished, he shared with John the responsibility to spread the good news.  John was told to eat the scroll. It was sweet in his mouth and bitter in the stomach. What God has stored for his people is sweet but the consequences of rejecting Christ are sorrowful. The gospel therefore has personal benefit, which comes with an awesome responsibility to share it with others (10:11). John was commissioned to prophesy to many people, nations, languages and kings. We also have received the gospel and have a mission to reach out to others (Romans 10:10-13).

The two witnesses in Revelation 11 apart from their prophetic value provide lessons on how God sends his witnesses.  Believers in Christ are God’s witnesses (Acts 1:8). When God sends witnesses:

He gives a message (11:3). Their message was one of repentance. They shared the message in humility and identified with the sinners by wearing sackcloth. They carried a message of God’s love warning people of the consequences of disobedience. Humility before God was their covering, warmth and comfort. They were identified by it.  They were not hiding with the message. The first prerequisite for being a witness is not to be ashamed (Rom. 1:16). When you are not hiding with the gospel, you have found your hiding place. The message was that the contest was over (Gen. 26:22). The same applies to believers today, our victory is granted even though we wrestle (Eph. 6, Jam. 4:7, 1 Cor. 10:1-3).

He gives power or supernatural abilities (v4, 6).  The two witnesses had power to stop rain, could turn water into blood, and such signs and wonders. The two were identified as the olive trees and lamp stands. A reminder of the lamp stand and olive trees in Zech. 4:1-4 where the lamp stands were filled automatically from the olive trees. When Zechariah was puzzled about what he was seeing. The explanation he got was that it was ‘not by power nor by might but by my Spirit’ that these things were accomplished (Zech. 4:6). Our work also as witnesses of God will only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit’s enablement (Acts 1:8). Is your lamp stand receiving automatic refilling from the heavenly olive tree? Your fire should never go out and your light never goes deem.

He gives protection from harm (11:5). Fire proceeded from their mouth against their enemies. Our enemy is not flesh and blood but satan and his demons (1 Cor. 10:1-2). When you confess God’s word as resistance to the enemies’ temptations and attacks you breath fire against them (Mat. 4:1-5, Jam. 4:7). As long as they walked in obedience to God and used the firepower in their mouth they were indestructible.

He gives grace to finish. The ministry of the two witnesses was to last three and half years.

God allowed them to finish their term despite the threats they faced. You also will finish your assignment. You are indestructible. You shall not die but live to declare the goodness of the Lord.

He Gives ‘Come back’ (11:7). Later a beast that appeared from the abyss/bottomless pit fought and killed the two witnesses when their assignment was completed. The king of the abyss called destroyer – abbadon in Hebrew and apollyon in Greek (9:11). The beast represents the incarnation of the anti Christ spirit. The priority mission of the satanic anti Christ spirit is to silence the witnesses of Christ. When the two witnesses were killed, the whole world celebrated and shared gifts.  Nevertheless, to show who was in charge God made the two witnesses to rise up and ascend to heaven in view of the whole world that was scurrying due to an earthquake. God gives comeback to his people. Come back as in the resurrection of Christ happens when the enemies are celebrating and brings them back to their rightful places. When you are unashamed of God, he will not put you to shame. When it seems the enemy is winning, the battle is not over yet. Wait for the next episode. Every set back is a set up. The world accused the two witnesses of tormenting the world with TRUTH. Morally, light not darkness frightens humanity most. God created light first but man loves darkness rather than light. We can do nothing against the truth, but something for the truth. Truth will rise from its own ashes.

He gives His confirmation and//reward (11:15-19). Jesus assured his disciples of his presence when they went out to win souls and make disciples. The presence of God becomes tangible in the life of believers when they praise God and when they share Christ with others (Mat. 28:18-20). The things they warned the world about happened thus confirming the ministry of the two witnesses. God backs up his word.  The seventh trumpet also termed the third woe brought the second return of Christ (Rev.11:15-19). The coming of Christ will be a wow for those in Christ and a worst of all woes for those who reject him now. Will this day be a day of celebration or despair for you? It was the worst woe because it closed the opportunity for repentance. The one who is advocate will take his place as judge.  Choose this day to follow and serve him as a faithful witness.

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Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

This is Our Time Rev 8-9

This is Our Time

Revelation 8-9; 11:15-19

The book of revelation reveals Jesus as the victorious king. It presents Him as the ruler of all and the only shield, strong tower and hiding place when storms and turmoil visit earth.  The sixth seal left people of all social and economic status seeking a place to hide but they could not find any. It was as if every direction away from Christ had, ‘Sorry, no hiding place.’ In the midst of all the terrible judgments, there was constant reminder of God’s love confirmed by the multitudes worshiping in heaven. Their praise reminded of Gods loving nature demonstrated by provision of a way to escape the judgment and his patient restrain and warnings for a long time. The book makes us appreciate the many privileges we take for granted. We ought to be grateful when the sun rises and sets as expected; we can find fresh water, smell fresh air, can get our supplies from the supermarket and can be warm when it is cold and dry when it rains.

Now is our opportunity to put trust in Christ. The six seals exposed the false security in worldly things and systems. Human reason and strength will fail. Peace making will fail. Economies will fail. Self-preservation will fail. Connections with key people will fail. Opposition to Christ will fail. If holding to anything of this world it will shake and give way.  Jesus will remain and his throne will last forever.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides forever. - 1 John 2:15-17

You cannot blame God for the judgment that has or will come on people of the earth. Satan is the ruler of the world (John 10:10, Gen 3). God does not cause poverty, starvation, suffering, corruption, horrible crime, tragedies, abuses, wars, sickness, polluted rivers, etc. God has not called us to wrath.  From him come good things if we live in obedience to his word. He will not judge the righteous with the unrighteous. Before the world was destroyed by water, He secured Noah and his family. Before Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, He rescued Lot. When the first-born children were destroyed by the angel of death, He protected his people by the blood applied to their doorposts (Exodus 9:18-26). When the angel of death saw the blood, it passed over them. The judgments that come on earth will pass over those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. God knows how to deliver the righteous. Devastation was held back until God’s servants were sealed (Revelation 7:1-3).

The setting for opening of the sixth seal, which contained the seven trumpets, begins with something untypical of what we have known of heaven thus far. There was silence in heaven for thirty minutes signifying the seriousness of the business to follow Revelation 8:1-5. Seven angels had trumpets and one other had a golden censer with the prayers of the saints such as ‘thy kingdom come’. The prayers together with some incense were burnt in offering to God.

The blowing of the first four trumpets destroyed natural resources, food and water supply making it hard to sustain life.

First Trumpet (8v6-7). The earth was burnt up and 1/3 of vegetation destroyed. The implication would have been destruction of food for human and animals destroyed.  A warning to those whose bellies is their god.

Second Trumpet (8v8-9). A burning mountain (possibly a giant meteorite) fell into the sea turning the sea to blood. One third of sea ships and life died.

Third Trumpet (8v10-11).   A great star crashes to earth contaminating sources of fresh water.

Fourth Trumpet. (8v12-13). A darkening of the sun. Affected supply of light to affected areas.

The last three trumpets are also called the three woes.

Fifth Trumpet resulted in strange locust like creatures from the bottomless pit that did not kill but tormented earth dwellers without God’s seal for five months. People wished they were dead.

Sixth Trumpets causes air pollution (Rev. 9:13-19).  A third of men were killed, by the fire, by the smoke, and by the brimstone.

Despite all the horrible events and absolute terror the people on earth still had a chance to turn to God in humility and ask for mercy. Instead, no one turned (8v20-21) thus justifying further judgment. Now is your time to turn to God.

When things do not go your way will your heart be sealed in God or seared against Him? Our time to respond to the grace of God and serve Him is now. Ask for a heart of flesh. How much more do you want to see before you believe God is on the throne? God has done the best for you in preparation for the worst that can ever happen. Carry the cross of life with you through life.  Do not reject now what you will desperately need down the road.

Seventh Trumpet. Final judgment on the triumphant return of Christ (Revelation 11:15-19). Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa  

Migrating to Your Destination

Migrating to Your Destination

Act 13:4ff  ‘So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed  ….”

By Kurai Chitima

Fulfillment of purpose requires alignment, assignment and achievement.   One cannot achieve a purpose without plans, passion and action. A dream without a plan to make it happen is a daydream.  Achievement begins with a deliberate decision to practically pursue something. We have read, we have heard, we have seen great things God can do. It is time we experience it happen in and through us. Our discipleship mission is to help people realize their dreams in God. Help people be free to be themselves and release their God given potential. You can make your dream come true. You can live your dream.

> You need to be led by the Holy Spirit. From Acts 13 onwards we see how Paul was led by the Holy Spirit in his mission. In other words you need to walk close to Him.

>You need passion. Passion is the fuel for great accomplishments. Passion is a focused energy to succeed. Passion is strong desire to want to achieve or improve. A dissatisfaction with status quo that reaches out for better and greater things. A fire that drives the vision. Something that makes you wake up to read/ pray. Makes you sacrifice. Dominates your thinking. Makes you take risks. Makes you stay stretched. Woe to those who are at ease in Zion. Makes you not give up.  Makes you find time. Makes u come alive. Makes you talk about it. Makes you read about it. Makes stepping out to swim or sink better than doing nothing.

> You need to prayerfully set goals and steps to reach them. Greatest responsibility is ability to direct your aspirations and choices. Come up with the course of action that take you to your goals. Goals help you set your priorities and arrange yourself to win.

> You need boldness to take action. Bold uncommon  moves of faith activate God's power.  Without implementing your plan no progress happens.

> You need perseverance to finish. Dreams are not always popular. They face resistance from people, Satan and circumstances (Gen 37:19-20). Delays, setbacks, discouragements, being misunderstood, being mistreated, etc may come.  Dreams require faith in God (39:2-3, 21, 23. 50:20). Like with eagles opposing forces if handled well cause you to rise up. It took Joseph 13 yrs to reach his pinnacle (37:2; 41:46), David took 15yrs.  Keep your eyes on God and the outcome of obedience. The clearer the dream the stronger the driving force.

> You need other people. Other people play a part to synergize, mentor, encourage, provide opportunities, etc

> You need to evaluate progress and ensure you are on course.

PRACTICAL STEPS

1.      Pray (James 1:5). Also pray through out.

2.      Write down your goals.

3.      Write a list of what actions are required to reach your goal.

4.      Prioritize your actions by asking these questions.

·         What must I do in the first year?

·         What must I do in the first month?

·         What must I do in the first week?

·         What must I do now to get started?

Front line Calling

Frontline/Overcoming Calling: 

Antioch Church I

Acts 11:19-30

By Kurai Chitima

The passage from the book of Acts presents a development ten years after the Church was launched (Acts 2). The scattered believers were still preaching only to Jews (Acts 11:19). The church that emerged in Antioch was however different. It was a frontier pushing church with a trail blazing/cutting edge anointing that opened up new cultural and geographical territories to the gospel. It offered something new of value to the Christian experience of the day by preaching to Greeks also (11:20).  They believed God could do more for more through more. People who were unknown in Jerusalem made notable contributions in Antioch. Antioch had a population that included a great variety of races. It was a city named after a heathen king and had no historic Jewish significance yet it permanently redefined missions. God’s calling comes with the necessary anointing. This is some of what this church did.

>It preached the lord Jesus (Acts 11:20). It carried the banner of Christ. It relied on the authority of his name. It pointed people to Christ. It put Christ at the center of all it did. It exalted Christ to the highest place (Colossians 1:13-20). They preached Jesus the person (1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:2) not his people, power, teachings, ideas and experiences. Everything about him can be relevant to him but does not make him. He is more than the sum of issues and descriptions about him.  You only get the fullness of him by a relationship with him which begins when you admit your need of his forgiveness and life and believe he is the Lord and savior in your heart and confess it with your mouth (Romans 10: 8-11).

Who was this man they called Jesus.  He is the all in all. That means he is sufficiently what you best need at any given time, in any given situation and at any given place. He is God the son who was there in the beginning (John 1:1-2, 14; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 12:2).  He appeared as the fourth man to deliver the three thrown into fire by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3).  In the fullness of time he was born of Mary to live and die for our sins (Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:6,7). He did many miracles of compassion to  provide food, deliver from storms, raise from dead, forgive sins, deliver from evil spirits, etc. On the cross, he paid for it all (Isaiah 53). What he died for must be true in our lives today (Isaiah 53:11). We can call to him in faith (Psalm 28:1-3).  Every one has to call to someone - sangomas, education, experience, people connections , etc but may your choice be fixed – ‘I will call to Jesus.’ He will not let you be ashamed.

>It had the Lords hand on it and there was evidence of grace (11:21, 23, 26). Believers at the Antioch church were so Christ like that they were first called Christians here. Christ is not Jesus’ surname.  The name Jesus Christ means Jehovah our salvation (Jesus) the anointed one (Christ). It also means Messiah. The believers were thus acknowledged as 'anointed ones.'(Cf. John 7:38; 1 John 2:20, 27).  Anointing is being set aside to serve God with power and grace to do the naturally impossible, to make the difficult easy and enjoyable. That’s us. Lets believe it and live it. We have similar aggressive and persevering faith. They reached out for more of God’s revelation, the Holy Spirit, his word and prayer. Receive his promises and thank him.

>It brought the harvest in (Acts 10:21). They were outward looking and took bold action. A great number of people turned to the Lord. It was a going and growing church. It was a fruitful and expanding church.  God wants us to expect a great harvest (Isaiah 54:1-3).  Antioch church is a church that possesses the land (Deuteronomy 1:8).

Securing Your Self Worth

Securing Your Self Worth

Acts 12:25; 13:1-3

By Kurai Chitima

Life is short. Will you leave behind something better than what you inherited from the previous generation? The future is coming towards us faster than we think. To finish well you have to fulfill your purpose. Fulfillment of purpose requires alignment, assignment and achievement. The grace of God for your purpose waits for you and works in your place of assignment/appointment. You need to be faithful to your ministry specifics - matching purpose, place, position, time and associations.  Doing the right thing with the right people at the right time, in the right place for the right reasons. Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time and place have coincided.

In Acts 13:1-3 the Holy Spirit points Paul and Barnabas to their appointment for the next season of their lives. To arrive at this clarity of direction Paul has come through a lot. He had to forget the past (Phil 3:13) - regrets about persecuting believers, bitterness because of rejection he suffered after his conversion, etc. Instead, with Barnabas’ encouragement he was busy doing something for God (Acts 11:26, 30). Now he is with prophets and others fasting and ministering to the Lord.  God then said separate Paul and Barnabas for a work/assignment I have prepared for them. God prepares a place for you, which is easiest, and then He prepares you for the place and leads you to the place. Paul and Barnabas were commissioned to a God ordained role. 

Faithfulness in your place and season of appointment will bear fruit. If not immediately, it will eventually. We believe God has appointed us to Faith Ministries Johannesburg FLC. We will be faithful and see his great power. God’s grace, provision, favor and presence are stored up for you in your divinely ordained sphere.

In the world, a person’s worth is closely tied to his/her assignment. One’s performance in the assignment determines meaning, self worth and significance. Self worth is the feeling or perception you have about yourself. You are constantly evaluating yourself based on information such as what you have been through - past disappointments, relational failures, abuses, rejections, comparisons with our peers, academic degrees, profession, bank balance, etc. Often a wrong standard is used. The right evaluation standard is God’s word. What you say to yourself about yourself is more powerful/deadly than what others say about you. Others believe your view and treat you accordingly. Assignments and performance can change making one’s worth to fluctuate.  That is why the older or incapacitated one is the more miserable they become.

In Christ, however your assignment does not define your worth. You have intrinsic value. Your worth is secured/anchored in Christ. It is not so much what you do but who you are and who asked you to do it.  

> The Father chose you (Eph 1:4). He did so well in his infinite wisdom and grace. He wanted you to be like him.

> The Son paid the penalty for your sins (John 3:16). You are worth the life of God’s Son. You are more precious than anything else is in this world.

> The Holy Spirit resides in you (Eph 3:20).  Even if you had no worth, his presence in you gives you eternal worth. 

The Hazard of Misaligned Purpose

The Hazard of Misaligned Purpose

Acts 12:20-24

 By Kurai Chitima

Year-end is fast approaching. Everyone is looking forward to a deserved break from the usual work schedules. This time of the year is an opportunity to do a ‘time out’ review. We all desire for a more complete fulfilling life and service. We long for more of his power and evidence of his presence. How are things progressing? Three fundamental questions to human life are who am I (identity), why am I here (purpose), and where am I going (destiny). Life is devoid of meaning if these questions go unanswered.  Identity sets basic boundaries within which purpose lies. Destiny is the ultimate dream. It is a preferred mental end picture of what success in your life looks like. It is what you are striving to become.

Purpose is the reason for existence. It is your mission on earth. Following your purpose takes you to your destiny. Your purpose in God guides your values, choices and actions (Proverbs 29:18) and addresses a need or solves a problem (Ephesians 2:10). God has a purpose in having you on earth (Genesis 1:28; Ecclesiastes 12:3; Isaiah 43:7; Jeremiah 29:11; Luke 4:18/John 20:21, Matthew 28:18-20, etc). How much does your life purpose align with that of God? How much does your dream align with His? (For Paul -Acts 20:24).  Your purpose ought to be in alignment to ensure maximum focused and effective flow of God’s grace through your life. That means having your purpose and God’s in a straight line such as with plumbing pipes. Supporting each other, pulling in one direction, on same side about issues with nothing positioned across in obstruction to flow.  Misalignment has consequences.

Misalignment resists God’s will/ways. Herod resisted God’s way (Acts 12:20). He was opposed to the gospel. He disregarded God’s values and priorities. He had a purpose opposed or misaligned with that of God. Yours may not be misaligned to the same degree but the effect of misalignment is in the same direction as that of Herod.

Misalignment misdirects God’s glory. Herod picked up a quarrel with Tyre and Sidon. When they sought peace they praised his speech and called him a god (Acts 12:22). Herod took the glory to himself instead of relaying it to God. The spirit that resists God and the gospel also seeks to displace Him.

Misalignment results in a lost dream. It is terribly painful when a life dream does not come true. Time, effort and resources are irretrievably wasted. Herod failed despite having power, position/status and money. He failed in his drive to persecute and destroy the Church.  He died a humiliating and strange death (Acts 12:23). Instead of his body being eaten by worms after death, worms caused his death. He died but the gospel he sought to kill ‘continued to increase’ (Acts 12:24). God’s word is eternal and when you hide it in you, you become eternal. Nothing can win against what God ordains.  God’s will and purpose will always prevail (Proverbs 19:21). Anything that comes between you and God is an idol. God targets it as an enemy. Eventually you lose it because God loves you.

As you transition to 2012 first remind yourself of God’s purpose to put everything else into its rightful perspective. Recommit to God’s person, purpose and people. Reignite passion for God first (Psalm 37:4). What is displacing God from first place in your life? Are there competing passions? What is competing with God for your time, thoughts, and giving? What do you depend on, consult, run to, that is not God? (Mathew 6:33). 

Chosen Vessels

God’s Chosen Vessels

Acts 9:19- 31

By Kurai Chitima

Countless examples make clear that God calls and uses inadequate/imperfect people. Why does God choose imperfect people like Saul of Tarsus? He does so because that is all he has available. He does not choose the perfect but perfects the chosen. He chooses based on his love, faithfulness and purpose. Based on the nature and merit of the chooser not that of the chosen (2 Corinthians 12:9, Deuteronomy 7:7, Ephesians 2:8, 9, Hebrew 4:16, John 15:16, Galatians 1:15). This is why many were puzzled at the choice of Saul (Acts 9:13, 14, 21). Apart from the grace of God, none of us would qualify.  By mercy, God withholds what we deserve. By grace, he gives us what we do not deserve. The entire work of God to humanity is of grace. Faith is the means by which humanity receives God’s grace. The grace of God is unmerited favor. It is getting what you do not deserve. It is God’s enablement. It is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.  Christ paid in full for all your past, present and future.  When God asks you to do something, you have been highly favored. The call comes with grace that matches the task.

Grace for the wrongs done.        Helps you to start well.

Paul became a fruitful servant of God because God forgave his past wrongs. His past was gone and he was a brand new person (2 Corinthians 5:17, 7:2; 1 John 1:9).    He could say I am no longer the person you knew who persecuted the church. Be honest to God about your sins/weaknesses/shortcomings. Your past wrongs if you turn away from them do not disqualify you from obeying him in what he wants you to do. The grace was however given not for you to continue sinning but to enable you to stop sinning (John 8:11; Romans 6:1, 11).  Receive forgiveness by faith and start doing what God wants (Acts 9:20, 22).

Grace for the work            Helps you to run your course well.

God’s work is an outflow of his grace in the life of his servants. Your call is to be an ambassador of Christ. God’s call comes with assurance of his presence ‘I will be with you’ (Exodus 4:12, Jeremiah 1:8, Judges 6:16, 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).   In other words, God’s promise is - I will be your ability and all that you need. All that God is and has is at your disposal. We are well able to do God’s will in our homes, jobs, businesses, studies, etc (Numbers 13:30).

Grace for the valleys/wilderness.            Helps you to finish well.

By God’s grace, we can accomplish and complete all that God wants us to do. Every act of obedience has a promise but it also faces a valley before the promise. When you obey God’s call you will face challenges, set backs, trials, delays, threats, times of ‘lost signal’ and temptation to give up. Hold on to your confession of faith (Hebrew 10:23). Remember the hope of your calling (Ephesians 1:18). Ability to hold on to one’s faith as individuals and as a young church in Johannesburg in face of hopelessness and resistance determines whether one finishes well or at all. Paul despite suspicions and life threats he grew stronger in preaching Christ (Acts 9:21, 23, 26, 29; 2 Corinthians 4:8). God was with him to provide the support he needed (Acts 9:25, 27, 30). He was helped to escape through an opening on the city walls in a basket. Excitement of getting started has to give way to the faith and discipline of the process to achieving God’s call. Are you becoming weary of well doing? Be encouraged by Paul’s example (2 Timothy 4:7, 8). Move on with trust and focus on God and his promise will see you through. Do not doubt in darkness what you saw in the light. 

Too Certain to be Denied

Unbelievable but too Certain to be Denied

Acts 12:1-19

By Kurai Chitima

Faith in God works wonders. Yohh!  Living by faith does not provide every explanation but has convincing efficacy. It whets an appetite for more of God.  After you have shared and heard experiences with God, something still calls within – there must be more than this. We have to dare believe God.  The church in Judea was not going through an easy time (Acts 12:1-3). About this time, they were facing severe hardship through a severe famine and now a wave of persecution from ruthless king Herod.  King Herod had James put to death by the sword. When this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter. The context suggests he wanted to appease the Jews by killing Peter also. So it was a time of shaking. Shaking comes to test foundations. But praise God whenever there is persecution look out for the best of the church.  God supernaturally intervened to rescue Peter from ‘the death row’.  The rescue was so unbelievable that Peter initially thought he was dreaming. The believers gathered to pray called news of the rescue madness and King Herod thought it was mischief on the part of the guards.

It was as Dreaming. In prison, Peter was bound with two chains to two soldiers. The jail was guarded by four squads of four each. The night before his trial Peter was sleeping.  Like the Lord Jesus he was sleeping in a storm (Mark 4:38). Peter had peace passing all understanding (Philippians 4:7, Isaiah 26:3).  Peace is an on going inner condition that is manifest in times of trouble. When overcome by fear and worries there is something you have not handed over to God. In your midnight hour watch out for the break of dawn – even in darkness light dawns for the upright (Ps 112: 4).  God moves the immovable and stops the unstoppable. Grace suddenly appears when its time.  Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared (Acts 12:7) at unexpected time, without warning, in unusual form and untraditional way. Everyone was surprised or shocked.  It was so incredible yet too certain to deny (Like Psalm 126).  In his live ‘dream’ peter was woken up by the angel. The guards went into deep sleep. Light shone. Chains fell off. Without haste, he told Peter to put on his clothes and follow but did not announce he was rescuing him.  Peter did not argue with the angel. Arguing with God wakes up the guards. Further, Peter allowed God through the angel to finish his job. He just took one-step at a time and the steps led him out of the prison.  Your daily obedience is leading to His fullness. Just dropping of chain, or dressing up or going past first guards, etc Peter needed to follow all the way to final breakthrough. The angel left Peter when he was able to continue on his own. The angel did not come to take over but to take him through. When Peter was free, he reached out to others.  He had been sustained by their prayers. You need others to pray for you. Sometimes you are too weak, too unaware of the danger you face, you need the enhanced power of agreement prayer. Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail (Luke 22:32).

>It was Madness. The Jerusalem church was not new to persecution and they always responded in prayer. The church was most powerful when it prayed. They prayed until something happened. They prayed with dramatic results. That is how it was born (Acts 2).  Earlier, they prayed and the place where they were shook (Acts 4:31). This time they earnestly prayed (Acts 12:5, 12) and shook heaven, hell and the prison.  However, when Peter knocked at the gate of the house of John Mark where they were gathered to pray the answer to their prayer took them by surprise.  A servant girl Rhoda was quick to believe it was Peter knocking (Acts 12:14). To the rest it was too good and too quick and they concluded she was out of her mind. She had to persist until they thought perhaps Peters angel or ghost was outside.  Sudden breakthroughs require faith, humility and a heart to recognize God when he comes in unexpected ways. Watch out for what the Rhodas have to say. 

>It was Mischief (Acts 12:18, 19). The guards only realized Peter was gone in the morning. The King would not believe their story and executed them for negligence or connivance. The rule was they suffer the same kind of punishment the prisoner should have suffered.  God will do for you that which your enemy cannot stop. He gives you the victory and leaves confusion in the enemy’s camp.  God fought the battle. Things were happening by themselves - people praying. guards over sleeping, light shining, chains falling off, gates opening up, etc  Yours is only to cooperate by patiently obeying God’s word and leading step by

What is in Your Hands

What is in Your Hand?

Acts 11: 29, 30

1 Kings 17:1-14 ‘… the jar of flour will not be used and the jug of oil will not run dry…’

 By Kurai Chitima

God is establishing his influence on earth through his people. His people cannot achieve this as long as they lack means. Because of your God given purpose, you will not lack basics of food, shelter, clothing, health, retirement care, care for loved ones when you are alive and when you die. God is able to supply for both your needs and wants (Psalm 37:4) as you delight in him. Do not focus on your perceived source but your only source who owns the whole earth and its fullness. God uses what you have to provide for you and His purpose for you.

The answer to financial freedom begins with wisdom regarding what you have in your hands – material possessions, time, ideas, dream, relationships, skills, gifts, personality, spiritual assets, etc.  Elijah received from God when it seemed he had nothing. He had so much confidence in God that he said as long as the lord the God of Israel whom he served lived he would keep his promise. God’s promises will fail only if God ceases to live. But that will not happen because God is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2). Obedience to God is the source of true security including security of living and ministry supplies (1 Kings 17:2, 5, 9). God has ravens and widows,  unexpected means, to send to you also. Elijah did not despise the ways God chose to use. Even if circumstances change, God does not run out of ways to provide for you.

The widow enjoyed divine provision when she had flour and oil for the last meal. From what looked small obedience to God guaranteed her adequate supplies for herself, her son and for Elijah at a time of drought.  The key lessons are:

> Elijah helped the widow to see what she had, differently. She thought she had nothing – ‘only a little’. She had become depressed and suicidal. Her problem was largely a mindset one that reduces what is in the hands to nothing. Instead of multiplying what is in the hands by faith in God. She failed to see in what she had opportunity, potential, value, solution, and possibility.  She worried about what was not there, what she did not have, and what she lacked. Jesus multiplied two fishes and five loaves to feed at least 5,000 people (Mathew 14:15). Despite the helpless attitude of the disciples, he thanked God and acted – broke the little and served it out. God wants you to take note of what you have and be thankful.

> Elijah ordered the widow not to be afraid (1 Kings 17:13). When you look at the inadequacy of what you have, fear not. Trust in God. God will bless what you have and it will work wonders for you. Allow God to let what you have work for you instead of you working to have things.

> Elijah instructed the widow to put God first. He asked for a small cake first. Putting God first in precedence and importance attracts His favor, and blessing on what you have. It will also give you confidence before God.  Give your best to God first (Malachi 1:6-14). Because of her obedience, her personal needs as well as those of God’s work were met. Her flour jar was not used up and her oil jug did not run out. She had sustenance,  more than enough.

If you put God first now (Mathew 6:33), even if you made mistakes in the past GOD will redeem. He will free you from a poverty mindset, and strengthen your faith by his word. Be thankful for what you have. See it as the seed or key you need for the rest.

The Power of Giving

Being Believers of Means: The Power of Giving

Acts 11:29, 30 ‘…every man according to his ability, gave…’

 By Kurai Chitima

When you talk about money, you touch people’s hearts.  People’s hearts follow their treasure (Mat 6:21). Giving of one’s treasure to God’s cause directs one’s heart to God (Mat 6:21). The Bible teaches that giving is the key to breaking the curse of poverty and a limited life. The church at Antioch had people who were able to give towards ministry needs.  The advance of the gospel was made possible by the generous giving of God’s people (Luke 8:3).  In addition to people who pray and work, God is looking for givers. To people who give, God promises sufficiency in all things (2 Cor 9:8; Phil 4:19). John’s highest desire for God’s people was that they prosper in all things and be in health as they prospered spiritually (3 John 2). The principles of life in God’s kingdom are based on righteousness (Mat 6:33), love (1 Cor 13:8) and faith (Mark 9:23).  Giving frees you to receive the reward/blessing of the cross. Its ‘I don’t have because I don’t give’ NOT ‘I don’t give because I don’t have’. If you don’t use your treasure to build the tabernacle you will use it to build an idol (Exodus 32:4). Three facts to remember:

>God is a giver and has given His best for us implying His heart is for us(John 3:16). We owe God everything. He gave us life, breath, eyes, all things. You were once lost but He pursued you until you saw the light. Nothing less than 100% is due to Him. You can give without love but cannot love without giving. Love so amazing/immeasurable so divine demands your soul, your life, your all. Anything you give to Him is a mere token. He already owns everything and you are just managers/stewards (Hag 2:8; Psalm 24:1; Ps 50:10; Prov 3:9; 1 Chr 29:14). You will give an account (Luke 19:12-26).

>God wants you not your gift. It’s an easy and joyful experience to give when you have first given yourself to God. The Corinthian church first gave themselves and it became easy to give despite their own severe trials (2 Cor 8:5).  Can you say its no longer I who lives but Christ living in me (Gal 2:20, Rom 12:1). Willingness to give to God, tithes and offerings,  indicates how much you have surrendered to Him (Mal 3:8, 10, 11). Can God trust you with your money? If not, how can he trust you with true riches (Luke 16:11).

>God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7). Your offering is a portrait of your passion and confidence in God. Its not true that if you give you will not have enough (Luke 6:38; Prov 11:24, 25; Prov 3:9,10,. Prov 19:17). Its not the quantity but the quality, sacrifice and patient consistence that matters (Mark 12:41-44). 

NOTE:

-          Over 2000 verses in the Bible relate to money. There are more verses on money than on heaven and hell combined. Money is not evil (1 Timothy 6:10, Prov 13:22b, Ecc 10:19). It only takes the character of its owner. How you handle money says a lot about your spiritual condition and life priorities. It is OK to be rich but seek first God and not Gold (Numbers 6:24; 3 John 2). What matters is the motives, means and usage (James 4:3). God gives the power to create wealth (Deut 8:18). God is not worried by a person with possessions, but with one possessed by them.  You can have good things as long as the things don’t have you. The goal in material prosperity is not affluence but influence for God. Money is a means to an end not an end in itself. 

Oxygen of the Soul

Oxygen of the Soul

Acts 11:22-25

By Kurai Chitima

Just as the human body needs oxygen, the human soul (will, attitude and mind) needs encouragement to be alive, strong and positive. Oxygen for the body makes humanity survive and encouragement makes humanity thrive. We live in a world with negative people, negative news, negative circumstances and negative outcomes. We go through seasons of despair, distress and grief. Without encouragement, we will be paralyzed in fear, lack of resolve and failure to imagine solutions and possibilities. In Christ, even when we are down He raises us. When afraid, we receive faith and courage. When we are weak, we receive strength.

The church at Antioch, a predominantly Greek city, was least expected to be a chief voice among churches. The church achieved the unexpected because it reached to people that were unnoticed and became noticed itself. They reached to people that were being excluded and were themselves included. Extraordinary moves result in extraordinary news.  Word went out to the Apostles in Jerusalem. What news are we generating? Testimonies draw in the critics, curious and seekers.  They unlocked potential of others and God sent people to unlock theirs.  They attracted friends, partners and participants (Acts 11:22, 25, 27; 13:1).  God through the church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to encourage the young church. Expansion must be balanced by capacity strengthening. To move to a level you have not been, you need someone. The key to the next level is a person. You cannot do it by yourself.  Barnabas was a Levite named Joseph and later the Apostles called him Barnabas - son of consolation/encouragement (Acts 4:36). He encouraged the young Antioch church (Acts 11:23).  Thank God, they sent Barnabas an encourager. He, despite the Greek outlook of the church, was delighted with what he saw.  In his view the evidence of God’s grace overshadowed lack of circumcision. He encouraged them to remain true to the Lord (Acts 11:24). What made Barnabas an encourager?

>He was a good man (Acts 11:24). Goodness inspires (Rom 5:7).  Barnabas’ character and heart to serve qualified him as an encourager. He was trustworthy. That is why he was sent to Antioch. Trustworthiness is crucial to being an encourager. People receive encouragement from someone whose knowledge and motives they can trust.  He was a caring and giving man. He gave from his heart, from his own pocket and through mobilizing help from others. Acts 4:37 11:30. To be an encourager one should show and strengthen others in love, hope and faith.  An encourager lifts the heart. He/she points others to hope. He/she instills confidence by helping people realize they are important, able and can make a difference.

>He had an eye for potential in people. He took time to listen to people’s stories. He spent at least a year teaching at Antioch. He came alongside Saul soon after his conversion, when he was a religious outcast opposed and held with suspicion by fellow believers. But Barnabas saw an uncut gem in Saul and took the risk by putting his credibility/reputation on the line for him (Acts 9:27).  At Antioch he went to Tarsus to look for Saul to come and help him teach and make disciples (Acts 11:25, 26). After this experience they became a formidable team and Saul was never the same (Acts 12:25; 13:1-2, 7, 42; 14:14). .  Where it began as ‘Barnabas and Saul’, it evolved to ‘Saul and Barnabas’. Barnabas then saw potential in John Mark and helped harness it (Acts 15:37; 2 Tim 4:11). He focused on strengths. He focused on what was well not what was wrong, what was there not what was not there. Celebrating what is there will release strength needed to attract or build what is missing. God is an encourager, He called fearful Gideon, man of valor (Judges 6:12). Childless Abram was called father of nations. Shaking reed Simon was called Peter a rock, etc

>He disregarded the cost. Encouraging has a cost. It means involving yourself in another’s problem. It means having loving patience with people. It costs resources of time, material possessions, physical and emotional strength you have to give away to encourage. Barnabas believed in Saul enough to face angry believers on his behalf. Later he faced angry Saul on behalf of John Mark. He left a secure and comfortable life to suffer with Saul to encourage him.  You can encourage by helping in practical ways, by kind words (Ephesians 4:29), sharing relevant scriptures, words of affirmation, hopeful words, by an inspiring example, listening (Job 13:5; 19:2, Proverbs 25:20), touching (Mark 1:31, 41), writing (Paul’s epistles), by linking with a resourceful person, a book, DVD, etc. Do not wait to be asked see the need and respond (Romans 12:13). There are times when there is no one to encourage you except God (1 Kings 19:3). Sometimes you have to encourage yourself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).  The Holy Spirit is our comforter who comes alongside (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) to encourage, comfort, help and enable in all life situations.  

People Unlike You

Reaching To People Unlike You

Acts 11: 1-18 ‘….You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them…’

By Kurai Chitima 

Peter caused a stir among Jews by visiting Cornelius. He did an illegal thing. Not every legal thing is right. You still need to choose on basis of biblical morality. Peter transgressed the traditions of the elders. Following Christ can set you on a collision course with the traditions of your family, your clan, your peers, etc.  Peter not only associated with Gentiles, but went into their house, stayed there and ate with them. This was a grave offense (Luke 15:2). Peter recounted the story of Cornelius (Acts 11:4-14) and there were no further objections that day (Acts 11:17, 18), but the issue does resurface many times in future (Galatians 2:12). God selected you to benefit other people including those who are unlike you.  The Gospel is also for people unlike you. The Christian Jews were struggling to accept this concept. They were New Testament in spirit but Old Testament in thinking (Rom 12:2).

Going beyond treating well people you are comfortable with, is a true test of the God kind of love, which is unconditional. What is your attitude to people of different views, background, nationality, culture, personality, life style, language, character, social status, age, place, gender, race, interests, profession, and ideological persuasion? As Christ’s witness, you reach out to several of these. God in Christ cleans all the unclean (Acts 11:9). The love of Christ neutralizes all barriers (John 3:16). It dissolved the eternal barrier that existed between God and humanity. A major value God put on earth is dynamism and diversity. Sameness is the formula for stagnation and poverty of ideas and resources. God’s selection of an individual, a few or a nation is for a purpose.

God’s selection. God selected the Jews (Gen 12:1-11) to bring the messiah our lord Jesus through them. Nevertheless, he did not exclude the rest of humanity.  In fact, some Old Testament gentiles were a part of the ancestry of Christ. God has now selected everyone else in Christ (Eph 1:3-13). You as a believer in Christ are on God’s side (Psalm 103:1-5). This makes you different but not exclusive.

God’s intention. Divine selection is for a reason.  God’s missionary heart reaches out to whosoever believes. The nation of Israel was raised to be a blessing to the rest (Gen 12:2). God's intention was to include all peoples (Gen 1:28).  God’s intention in building his church (in saving you) is also to be a blessing to all people groups( Gal3:27 -29; Mat 28:18-20, Mark 16:13-19, Acts 1:8, Rev 7:9).

God’s expectation. God expects his chosen people to express the Christian message into forms and languages all people can hear and understand. We should let all types of people know that Jesus paid it all. Jesus is Lord of all (1 Cor 1:23). They can receive mercy and grace right now. They do not have to remain the same. There is no reason to remain in bondage. There is no reason to languish in poverty, there is no reason to suffer in sickness, carry offense, and continue in sin. Faith Ministries JFLC is expecting God to bring many people. They will largely be previously unknown and diverse in their cultural backgrounds. Will they feel welcome? By God’s grace, they will feel welcome. We look out for opportunities to reach out to them.

I Too Am Just A Man

I Too Am Just A Man

Acts 10:23-48 ‘…But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man…’

By Kurai Chitima

The Bible is very clear about honoring servants of the mighty God who do their work well and labor in the word (1 Tim 5:17-18; Hebrews 13:17). The more they serve with joy the more you benefit. The anointing you respect and honor is the anointing you benefit from. The question however remains - can reverence become improper? Is there a limit to what we can do to honor? Peter demonstrated that yes there is a limit. Cornelius fell at his feet in reverence (proskuneo) and immediately he corrected him and redirected attention to Christ (Acts 10:25-29).  The onus is on the servant of God to correct the people. Cornelius had crossed the line. You cross the line when you see yourself as being inferior, when you see God’s servants as being more than human and when you fail to see God rightly.  No matter how many miracles or no miracles one does one remains only human (Acts 10:26).  By ‘I am also human’, Peter communicated to Cornelius that:

>You are not inferior. I am as human as you are. I came all the way from Joppa risking my reputation among Jews because you Cornelius are special. You are too special to fall to me. You do not deserve to do that. I could just as well fall at your feet if I did not know better. We all have equal standing before God. The ground at the foot of the cross is level. God shows no favoritism. We all have equal access (Heb 4:16; James 5:17). All the people God has used remarkably are just like you. Be encouraged each time you see someone being used by God because it gives you an idea of what God can do with you also (John 14:12). No one has a monopoly of God.

>I am not special. Peter was saying I do not deserve worship. Apart from God, I am a shaking reed. I am imperfect like other faith heroes (Rahab, Ruth, David etc). I denied the Lord. I have just realized Christ died for Gentiles also (Acts 10:34, 35). I face doubts, I am tempted, I also need help and I have unanswered questions. Nothing makes me special- not even my Jewish background, my gender, my education, my totem, etc BUT grace through faith in God. Peter was saying I have no ambition to be the fourth person in the Trinity. I am content with my place at the cross of Jesus. I desire that I decrease and God increases. The glory is in earthen vessels. I desire to be broken enough to let the glory come out. If I am human there are times when the earthen vessel dominates so do not gullibly just swallow everything search the Scriptures and discern when it is the glory and when it is the earth.

>I am just a witness.  Peter redirected the reverence and glory to Christ who they knew. Jesus, anointed by the Holy Spirit, went about preaching the gospel of peace and doing good works was the one they bore witness.  He was put to death but God raised him on the third day (Acts 10:38f).  Jesus is Lord of all. All the prophets also bear witness that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43). As Peter spoke the chief witness the Holy Spirit came down (Acts 10:44-46). The Holy Spirit comes where Christ is glorified.

At Faith Ministries JFLC, God can also use you. Trust him and walk with him in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Build your supernatural ability by enriching yourself in the Word of God (Col 3:16) and prayer.  God wants your confirmation. Peter asked, why have you called me (Acts 10:29)? What do you want? Confess with your mouth. Open your heart, your life, your situation to Christ. Let him have his way. Yours is not to judge others. Only God sees the heart. Simply examine your own heart as a giver or recipient of ministry.  Also, share with others what God is doing. Peter took others with him to Cornelius’ house (Acts 10:23). Cornelius called his relatives and friends (Acts 10:27). 

A Memorial Offering

A Memorial Offering Before God

Acts 10:1-22 “…Your prayers and giving to the poor have come up as a memorial offering…”

By Kurai Chitima

When you do not see what God is doing, you think your works of faith are going unnoticed.  The story of Cornelius illustrates how every work of faith counts. Serving, believing, loving, forgiving, praying and giving work. Just because you cannot see, it does not mean God is doing nothing. Cornelius was not only a gentile but also a centurion in the Roman occupational forces in Israel. Cornelius however was a God-fearing man hungry to know more about God. God noticed Cornelius’ prayers and gifts and moved things for him. God appeared to both Cornelius and Peter when they were praying (Acts 10: 9, 30). The encouragement from this story is that:

a) God remembers your labor of faith.

Every persistent prayer and giving/serving is a memorial offering (Ps 112:7; Jam 1:8; Heb 6:10; 1 Thes 5:24). For Cornelius, despite being a gentile, they were a reminder similar to a written petition, monument or some other. It stood out in heaven and drew attention and honor. Prayer and works of faith are inseparable and both are evidence of faith. It is impossible to have good quality of one and not have good quality of the other. Each proves the strength of the other. In the Old Testament, the grain offering included a memorial portion, which could be an offering of grain (with oil and incense), made by fire and was an aroma pleasing to God (Lev 2:2, 3). It favorably reminded God of the person who made the offering. It reminded God of his covenant obligations. It was pleasing to God. We please God by faith (Heb 11:6).  A memorial offering is an offering of faith and patience that God cannot ignore, forget, nor overlook. In the case of the grain offering, the rest of the offering was ‘a most holy part’ and belonged to the priest (1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6).  For each memorial offering, more of the grain offering remained to the benefit of the priest who made the offering.

b) God says what you should do

God remembered Cornelius and appeared to him through the angel. God asked Cornelius to send for/summon (metapempo) Simon who was called Peter (Acts 11:14)’.  God’s answer required further obedience from Cornelius. Angels do not have the role of communicating the gospel. It had to be done by a believer. In this case, Cornelius had to summon Peter. He obeyed even though it was unimaginable that a Jew would come to the house of a gentile. It challenged his culture. He was likely to be misunderstood. Cornelius’ obedience despite the obstacles triggered everything that happens after. He activated divine support to his God ordained summons. Peter did not only come but stayed and ate at his house for two days. As a part of Faith Ministries JFLC, God has summoned you to someone in bondage to sin, in desperation, looking for answers. The Great Commission (Mat 28:18-20) summons us to the house of Cornelius. A person of a different culture but searching for the Christ we have.

c) All your things are coming together

God always works on all ends. When you obey Him, he works on all the pieces and people necessary for your answer and eventually brings them together (Psa 16:6).  Cornelius stepped out in faith. On the second day of the journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray.  Through a vision, God prepared Peter for something beyond his norms. The messengers arrived just in time. The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter.  All things are coming together in pleasant places for you. Things are coming to the right places at the right time.

What Legacy Are You Building

What Legacy Are You Building

Acts 9:39 ‘...all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments’

By Kurai Chitima 

God wants you to leave behind a rich and lasting legacy.  You were born with clasped hands. You were born with something to offer. Each life is trusted with God given dreams.  The worst tragedy that can happen is to live a wasted life. A wasted live is one not lived for Christ and others. Myles Munroe wrote that the richest place on earth is not the diamond fields, gold mines, the oil fields but the graveyard. For at the graveyard lie dreams, solutions, projects, books and vast potential that never came to be. Determine in your heart that you will not enrich the cemetery. David served his generation according to God’s purpose (Acts 13:36). What matters most is not living a life full of years but living years full of life.

A legacy is what you leave behind after you move on. It can be positive or negative, temporal or lasting. The Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel invented dynamite. In 1888, when his brother died, a French newspaper mistook the death for that of Alfred and described him as a merchant of death for having invented dynamite (used in making bombs). Not wanting to leave behind such horrible memories Alfred Nobel created a will that established the now famous Nobel peace prizes. You will be remembered for problems you solve or create. Today you have a chance to determine what people will remember of you. Make that your life vision.

When Tabitha (Dorcas) died (Acts 9:39) people who knew her:

-          Had something they missed. Tabitha was deeply missed. Will you be missed? Tabitha’s body was washed and ready for burial. The disciples and the widows mourned her. Mourning is an emotional response to an irretrievable loss.  When the wicked die the city rejoices. It was different for disciple Tabitha.  The day of death is better than the day of one's birth (Ecc 7:1).   The day of birth is a day of promise that of death is of fulfillment/evaluation.  It is more important how you finish than how you start (2 Tim 4:7; 1 Kings 11:4-6)

-          Had something to say. People had good things to say. They could talk about the good person and good works that Tabitha was. It is not only what people say at the graveside that is really telling but also what they say in the hearts and homes. What will God say? What will you say? What will others say? You are writing the script each day you have opportunity to live.

-          Had something to show. They could support what they said of Tabitha by showing the robes she made and gave to support widows.  What ‘robes’ will be shown about you?  She went beyond her circle of obvious relations to help others. ‘Let your light shine before man so they can see your good works (Mat 5:16). Prosperity is not how much you keep but how much you give. Mother Theresa is well known for work among disadvantaged people. She is not known for accumulated material wealth but by the contributions she made in ministry to the poor, helpless, sick, and orphaned. She believed every needy, unwanted, uncared, forgotten person was Jesus in disguise (Mat 25:44-45). 

-          Had something to follow. Tabitha left something good others could emulate.  You will die some day Heb 9:27.  You will cross the threshold to eternity. Life is a short opportunity to make a positive difference (Eph 5:16; Ecc 1:2; 12:13; 3:14). Love Jesus with all your heart, strength and soul. Make the most of the brief life. Begin now even in small things/good works. Whatever you do - do it well.

Take Care of Your Mat

Take Care of Your Mat

“… Get up and take care of your mat.” - Acts 9:34 (NIV)

By Kurai Chitima 

When you have an encounter with God not all stuff goes. Even our Lord Jesus, in his resurrection, still had the scars turned stars (John 20:27. Often you still have to deal with the same family situation, work situation or school situation. Further, there are consequences of your past life you have to live with. Good news is you are no longer under but above the circumstances. We talk a lot about stuff that we threw away or let go and very little about what remained. To Aeneas, the mat became proof/fruit of what God had done. It was also proof that he was the same person who had been bedridden for eight years. It became a tool for sharing what God had done. Memory of grace can overwrite abuse and bad things that happened in your past. The mat became a constant reminder to Aeneas of what God had done. It inspired him to set his expectations in walking with God by that basis. Expectations matter. Expect better things (Hebrew 6:9). What did the mat remind Aeneas?  We all can identify with Aeneas because God has done something in our lives. The mat became a symbol of:

> The transforming power of Christ - When you receive God’s grace expect change and transformation. An encounter with Jesus disturbs the status quo. He brings a new order.  He brings a new birth – a new mind, focus, possibilities, perspective, wisdom, knowledge, word or reason for living. He may not change your situation but will give a new way of seeing so that all things become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Some things you resent become material to build on/redefine. Some places you would avoid become places you shake.  Some people who stay and you have to love and influence.  Light in you shines in the darkness of your situation. A new way of seeing demands a new way of living/doing. Aeneas had been cared for by the mat but from now,  he is taking care of it. Taking care of the mat required a new way of seeing/thinking. What was bed, chair, shoe, etc was now just for sleeping. Christ transformed its use. Instrument for limiting freedom now was an instrument for illustrating freedom. Just as the cross a symbol of brutality is now of love. The mat, a symbol of torment, was now a symbol of rest. To move with Christ give up how you used to make decisions and do things.

> The miracle working nature of God. With God all things are possible (Luke 1:37). Aeneas had been unable to walk for eight years. God did what was impossible with human ability (Matthew 19:26). God intervenes in the natural course of things to show his love. You may have convinced yourself about your condition of need but God wants you to know that there is a way. What you need is new information. What you need is a fresh revelation.

> The supernatural potential in a faith choice. When Christ addresses your situation expect to make a choice. The decision to do something in obedience is yours the ability is God’s. God cannot make the decision for you. Your greatest decision is to trust and surrender to God and let him enable you. You have to choose to receive. God shows an open door where it seemed there was none (Revelation 3:8). He brings an opportunity to cross over to a new day. You can rise up or stay confined to a mat. Opportunities are obvious or disguised (Matthew 14:26). When an opportunity comes you can - miss it, watch it pass, talk about it, waste it OR GRAB IT.   Take your opportunity today. Each moment choosing Gods’ way (Matthew 16:24).  The mat reminded Aeneas of how he stirred his faith to do what he could not do. He had fears about how he would provide his needs, whether he would find a job. Remembering how he received his miracle of healing helped him to experience more miracles in his new life (Colossian 2:6).

Making Faith work

Making Faith Work

Acts 9:31-33

 By Kurai Chitima

After a narration of Saul’s dramatic conversion and his early ministry, focus is back on Peter. He performs two remarkable miracles of restoration. Aeneas who had been bed ridden in Lydda for eight years receives healing. Tabitha who had died in Joppa is restored to life.  The clear message is that God is able to restore. God brought back what Aeneas and Tabitha had lost.  He can do the same for what you have lost. Instead of dwelling on what happened to Aeneas and Tabitha, let us consider how Peter made it happen. Restoration occurs when someone steps out in faith like Peter. You can be God’s agent to address situations in your life and around you. God is not just interested in giving you fish but nets, skill and opportunity to fish. God wants you to be a giver and not just a receiver. A minister not just an object for ministry. A participant not just a spectator. Being blessed is more than what God does to/for you. It includes what He does through you.

Walk worthy of faith. Peter was walking with God. He walked in submission to Christ. When he healed Aeneas, he said ‘Jesus Christ heals you.’ (9:34) When he raised Tabitha, he prayed first (9:40). His confidence shows that he knew his God and his position (Daniel 11:32, 1 Timothy 1:12).  The way Peter ministers to Aeneas and Tabitha clearly shows he was following the model of Christ (John 5:8, 9; Mathew 9:25, John 20:21). Peter is part of a church described as being Spirit filled, Spirit encouraged and living in the fear of God (9:31). You cannot touch His people if you have not touched Him. Peter’s right walk with God was the basis for the authority and power he demonstrates. For you to step out in faith and act or speak with power walk right with God. Exercising faith is different from positive thinking psychology. Faith comes from a love and trust relationship with God that frees Him to work in a situation.

Take a step of faith.  Peter did not just live right. He did not just pray. Having done everything else necessary, he took a practical step of faith by speaking to the situations he faced. To Aeneas he said ‘Get up and take your mat. (9:34)’. To Tabitha, he said ‘Tabitha, get up’ (9:40). Faith is based on God’s word (Romans 10:17) and should be exercised (James 2:24). When Peter took the bold steps of obedience, something happened. Walking with God gives authority (John 1:12) but taking action enforces and proves that authority. In the example at hand, Peter used words. You need to speak to your situations more. Situations have ears. Address them and align them with God’s will. Words are not tools for communication only (transfer of thought/meaning) but also for resisting the enemy (Matthew 16:23; James 4:7) and transfer of power, blessings, life, encouragement, etc (Numbers 6:24; Genesis 1:3f; Proverbs 18:21).

Hold fast to your faith. Peter took the risen Tabitha and helped bring her to her feet (9:41). You may have to maintain your stand of faith and wait patiently for things to become exactly as you believe God.  For Peter it was a shorter wait than can be. In any case, you hold fast by acknowledging and thanking God for working. You refuse to waver in your faith (James 1:8).

Led to Significance: Ethiopian Eunuch

Spirit Led to Significance

Acts 8:26-40

God leads by speaking to us and we follow by obeying.  Trusting in Christ as your savior and Lord brings you within his voice range. All you need is to tune in and listen.  Being led by the Spirit is a mark of being God’s children (John 10:27, Romans 8:14). In acts 8:26-40, Phillip provides an example of being led by the Spirit in sharing Christ. He was a person with a heart to obey.

Being Spirit led requires FAITH- ‘Go south to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza’. To the extend you hear you have faith. Faith comes when God speaks because fit is required in responding (Romans 10:17).  Phillip started out to the desert road not knowing how and why. He simply trusted God. Following God requires faith and commitment. He took a move based on God’s word despite feelings, economics, science, circumstances, likely consequences, etc.  Walk of faith is walk of obedience. Walking by faith is being led by the Spirit.

Being Spirit led POSITIONS for Significance. God works on the way. While on his way, Phillip saw a chariot and the Holy Spirit instructed him to go near it. Note that it was in the middle of him going about his life of obedience … not only quiet with eyes closed somewhere. He obeyed swiftly (he ran) and that positioned him for significance. Success is not good enough without significance from making a difference in other people’s lives. We need to get close enough to people to hear their needs/questions/problems (v. 29). From a distance, everyone looks fine. The Eunuch was reading aloud – you cannot miss people’s needs when you get close. People are looking for spiritual solutions. We need to be close enough to identify with people (Mat. 5:13-16). The Eunuch was a man of influence and a bridge to taking the gospel to Africa.  He had gone to Jerusalem to worship but now ON HIS WAY back with unanswered questions. God honors hunger and thirst.  Where there is hunger God will always appear.  

Being significant requires COMPASSION (Acts 1:8; Mat 28:18-20).  When Phillip realized the eunuch had a need he immediately knew why God had led him to the desert road. Notice that he does not need to be told what to do next. People who are truly born again and led by the Spirit are unable to keep the message of Christ to themselves (2 Cor 5:11). Be eager, ready and not ashamed (Rom 1:13-16). Phillip had compassion to initiate conversation around the felt need or area of concern to the eunuch (Acts 8:30, 31; Rom 10:14). Compassion is deep care about a need that moves to involvement. The key to your next level is a person. The eunuch's divine appointment with his destiny had come. He invited Phillip onto the chariot (ref the donkey that carried Jesus –Luke 19). It was not often that he was on a chariot with such a top official but he remained focused on the mission. Do you SEIZE the opportunity to ask people in need ‘How can I pray for you?’ How may I serve you?’ Do you want to know how I would deal with this? Etc. We are not in Johannesburg to grow a church but to serve and meet needs. Church growth is only a result. Lets direct the good news to the needs/questions/problems of people. Begin from where people are (v. 35).  The Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized (v. 36).

Being Spirit led is the key to POWER. The greatest ministry power is demonstrated when you pass on enough to another that they no longer need you. Phillip left the rest to God. He was suddenly snatched away (harpazo) in a miracle of transportation (Acts 8:39, 40) to preach in other places.  The eunuch went away rejoicing despite the disappearance of Phillip. He found in Jesus what he had not found in Jerusalem. Hearing and obeying God is the key to walking in the supernatural. Blessed are the feet of him who brings good news. A divine manifestation happens when a man who is searching and a man of faith who is available and ready meet on their ways (v. 27, v.28, v.39). 

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa  

Receiving New Letters: Paul's Conversion

RECEIVING NEW LETTERS
Paul's Conversion

Acts 9:1-19

Despite the mayhem/disruption he has already caused (Acts 7: 58, 59; 8:1-3), Saul was still breathing murderous threats (Acts 9:1). Satan’s appetite to destroy is insatiable. He always asks for more. God however would not permit Saul to pursue the scattered believers outside Jerusalem v. 3-4. There are limits to what the enemy can do. Christians in Damascus heard he was coming and most likely were praying.  Saul had letters from the high priest in Jerusalem to arrest believers in Damascus and bring them to Jerusalem. Instead, the risen king, the true High Priest (Heb 8:1) ambushed and arrested him as he neared Damascus and handed him over to the hands of believers in Damascus. The people he wanted to destroy became his door of hope. He received new letters that totally reversed his mission and made him the most triumphant apostle who took the gospel far and wide and wrote letters we still read. God can rewrite the script of your life. What script is guiding your life and driving your motivations. You can also receive new letters. God’s new letters however:

*Come at a PRICE. Our Lord Jesus Christ paid the real price for all blessings at the cross. For your part, every spiritual progress requires that you let go of something. Exchange something of no value or temporal value for something of immeasurably greater value.  You have to lose something you are holding on to make room for God’s best. Saul was able to let go of his sinful ambition, the familiar, the old letters, and all past gains because he got a revelation of Jesus as Lord – ‘who are you, Lord (v.5)’… ‘I am Jesus whom you are resisting’. When you receive a revelation of Jesus, no price is too high to pay to know him better (Phil 3:4-13; Acts 9:7, 9)).  Oh how we need this revelation daily even if its not as dramatic – ‘I am Jesus speaking to you, calling you, fighting for you, providing your needs, with a wonderful plan for you, etc’. Saul conceded defeat and allowed Jesus to rule. He made himself available for God - ‘What will you have me do?’ Every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord (Phil 2:11). How much are you willing to let go to win the things of God. We should pay the ashes to gain beauty (Isa 61:3).

*Come with a RACE.  Saul was carrying letters from the high Priest (Acts 9:2). Jesus described the letters as letters of self-destruction - ‘it is hard for you to kick against the pricks’ (Acts 9: 4, 6).  The Lord gave him new letters in line with his calling from birth (Gal 1:15) that commissioned him to preach the good news primarily among Gentiles.  From breathing murderous threats, he began to preach life and peace. From carrying letters of self-destruction, he received letters of life. Which letters are you carrying? Are they letters of life or of destruction? Each person was born for a purpose. Each has a race to win. Every believer is on earth to represent Jesus (2 Cor 5:20; Mat 28:18-20; Mak 16:15-18) who represents us in heaven as our High Priest.  

*Come with GRACE. Scales fell off and Saul had a new vision (Acts 9:17, 18). God calls, transforms and uses inadequate/imperfect people. God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called. God gives vision, power and passion for doing his will (Eph 5:18). God’s favor seeks for you at the place of your calling. Your natural/own strength will not accomplish God’s work. The forces of darkness are too strong for your own strength. You need power from on high to make things happen, to strategize, to execute,  to compel, to open up, etc (Jer 1:10, Acts 1:8).

*Come with an EMBRACE. Ananias received Saul as ‘Brother Saul’ (9:17). Saul lost favor with some but gained favor with people who mattered to the fulfillment of his new letters.  God raised a new support network to celebrate, encourage, inspire and hold him accountable for the new mandate he received (Acts 9:10-14, 17, 25, 27).

[Cross-reference with Acts 22:3-21; 26:9-23; Gal 1:11-24, Phil 3:4-13]

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa