Taking Responsibility VIII: Two Futures Pt 2

Message 23 October 2016 Taking Responsibility VIII # Two Futures Pt 2

Refer to last words of Moses, Samuel, David, and the Lord Jesus

This message is a continuation of the message Two Futures Pt 1. Every life situation has two futures - a future when you are there and one after you have left. The one is about your significance the later about your legacy. You have a responsibility to look at the two futures and do something positive to prepare for both. The last message looked at what to consider in planning for a future when you are present.  We now look at what to consider in planning for what happens after you leave.

2) Responsibility for the Future that exists after you go

When serving in a situation you have a responsibility to plan for its future without you. Something positive or negative happens when you are not or no longer there - have moved on or died. Often people are better at preparing for their presence than for their absence. Yet presence in a situation sows seed for one’s prospects when one leaves.

What will you leave behind to your life situations? You cannot release yourself from being a part of the future without you. The way you handle your exit or move makes you an accomplice in the failure or partner in the success of the situation that remains.  You have an opportunity today to plan to influence the implications of your departure and absence. Your legacy is what you leave behind. The following are lessons from Samuel, Moses, David and the Lord Jesus of how they prepared for the day of their departure and absence. You need to leave behind the following.

a) What you did together (Memories)

Things you do together with people create memories, especially, times together in informal experiences of life, holiday, sharing gifts, visiting places watching a sport or movie, social occasion. Times you love and cry together. Times you seek God together.

Joshua had such inspiring and assuring memories with Moses because he followed him and witnessed his face to face encounters with God. They fought battles together and won together by faith in God. No wonder, when Moses died God encouraged Joshua by these words, I'll be with you just like I was with Moses—I'll neither fail you nor abandon you (Joshua 1:5). These words were assuring because Joshua knew firsthand how faithful God had been with Moses. The children of Israel also had positive memories of their experience with Samuel. He asked them if he needed to make anything right with them and they found nothing wrong  to point a finger at him (1Samuel 12:1-5). Samuel asked for an evaluation because he must have had for this outcome as a life goal.

b) What others watch you do (A Model)

What you do generates critics and followers. People in your situation are watching you and that is a big responsibility. They are observing how you handle challenges and make choices. How you honor principles, boundaries and commitments. The example you set lends weight to the words you say. Samuel set a good example of integrity and patience that others admired (1Samuel 12:1-5). They said, “You have always been honest with us. You have not made it hard for us, or taken anything from any man’s hand.” Samuel said to them, “The Lord has heard you. And His chosen one has heard this day that you have found nothing in my hand.” And they said, “The Lord has heard.”

c) What others hear you say (Words) 

You have a responsibility to speak words of wisdom and faith that inspire courage in your absence. Take responsibility by communicating beginning in simple courtesies such as sending apologies and contributions to issues at hand if you will not make it to a meeting.  As a parent or leader say what you have learnt in life. Speak out principles you want to pass on as a guide to those who come after you. Write something down. Record it for it will be remembered and valued - if not immediately, eventually it certainly will.

As last words David said something (last chapters of chronicles and 2 Sam 23:1-7). For example he encouraged Solomon his son. "Be strong and courageous, and get to work. Never be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor will he abandon you right up to your completion of the task (1 Chronicles 28:20).

Samuel said something. Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid. You have done all these sins. But do not turn aside from following the Lord. Worship the Lord with all your heart. Do not turn aside after things that have no worth and cannot save you, for they are nothing. The Lord will not leave His people alone, because of His great name. The Lord has been pleased to make you His people. And as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by not praying for you. But I will teach you the good and the right way. Only fear the Lord and be faithful to worship Him with all your heart. Think of the great things He has done for you. But if you still sin, both you and your king will be destroyed.” 1 Samuel 12:20-25

Moses also said something similar to exhort his audience to remain faithful to the Lord.

d) What you live for (A Cause).

What you spend time and resources on, you make a priority and are passionate about is a cause you leave behind for others to catch and take further. What you live for is essentially what you die for, it is more important than mere dates when you were born and died. What matters is the significance of the life time. As well said, it's not the years of life that matter but the life in the years.  God wants you to leave a cause behind. He wants you to outlive your lifetime, Jesus left a cause that must be passed to every generation (Mathew 28:18-20). Start or contribute to something that will keep the next generation positively employed. Every person found benefit and work in the initiatives, effort and dreams of others – preachers, politicians, inventors, innovators etc. You should also leave a cause as a heritage to the next generation.

e) What you leave behind (An Inheritance)

David made a deal with God to build a house. Solomon was to build it but David designed the building and identified the site, He also gathered materials and mobilized labor and supportive networks. Jesus also promised his spiritual presence and Holy Spirit as resources after he left.

Samuel promised not to sin by not praying for those who came after him as long as he could do so. A type of Christ who after he left became a high priest interceding for those he left behind.

What will you leave behind for the situation you are and those following after you? It should concern you what world your children will inherit? Is there a future for them and those who remain? The righteous leave an inheritance - tangibles and intangibles. Don't go with everything. Leave something behind. - plant fruit trees, take insurance policies, provide solutions, successors, structures, peace and order, values of respect for life, dignity and work. Pass the baton don't hide it. Do not mortgage the next generation by creating problems and blunders they will struggle to remedy instead of a foundation they can develop from going forward. 

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

Johannesburg,

South Africa 

Taking Responsibility VIII: Two Futures Pt I

NOTE a critical responsibility that must be highlighted. 

In all that has been covered in the taking responsibility series, laying a firm bible foundation for life is vital for success. As the saying, BIBLE stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

The Bible reveals God. Your ignorance and rejection of God is a mark of foolishness for the fool says there is no God. Therefore the bible by revealing God makes you wise.

The Bible leads back to God.   It does that by taking you back to the cross each time you read it. In Jesus, you are reconciled with God. The wise still seek Jesus. You can't use it to go anywhere else. If the Bible takes you to anything else you have misread it. If it doesn't take you to the cross you haven't understood it.  It will take you there to stay there. When you go astray it takes you back to the cross again and again.

The Bible brings a powerful life from God. The Bible introduces a life companion, the Holy Spirit. God through his Holy Spirit guides you through life. He reveals God through the Bible and life experiences. He will not forsake you or fail you. He shows you the path of life. He imparts wisdom, courage, and grace necessary to take responsibility in life.  The Bible imparts wisdom for life.

Taking Responsibility VIII # Two Futures Pt I

Refer to the last words of Moses, Samuel, David, and the Lord Jesus

This message is the last in the series on Taking Responsibility. It is about taking responsibility for two futures of life situations. Every life situation has two futures - a future with and without you, a future with your presence, and one in your absence. A future when you are there and one after you have left.  You have a responsibility to prepare for both.  Examples of the two futures are: when at home and after you leave home. When at a school and after you leave the school, when at a workplace and after you leave the workplace, and when at a church congregation and after you leave the congregation. In the end, it’s when you are on Earth and after you have left Earth, which are the main perspectives in this message.

Every person is responsible for the two future perspectives and to prepare for them. You can either prepare for the future or wait to have accidents with them. Accidents with the future always tend to cause serious injury if not fatal. How then does one prepare for the immediate future when you are present.

1) Responsibility for the Future with your presence

God’s heroes such as Moses, Samuel, David, and the Lord Jesus lived purposeful lives. Their attitude was to receive God-given responsibility with gratitude as an opportunity to glorify his name and give the best in each situation.  They committed to do everything as unto the Lord to make the most of every opportunity. They allowed his light to shine in relationships and faithful and diligent service. For them, each situation established a firm base for their futures, and needed to provide favorable references for them.  How can one achieve this?

• ·         Realize today's choices have future consequences. And today's actions are seeds with future harvest. You therefore should care how your actions affect your relationship with God and others, especially those depending on you.
•  ·        Dream and dream again. Wherever you are, celebrate every opportunity instead of mourning and murmuring about what it doesn’t have. Your future depends on how well you handle the immediate situation. Pursue your God-inspired dream. However, as with David, the path to your dream may not be obvious when you begin. Have a life plan and allow time for your career and ministry progression. When you suffer setbacks do not give up. All is not lost. The future can bring restoration. Hope for better days. What's ahead is better than the good old days. Replace your regrets with aspirations. The future has opportunities that will appear as you keep moving forward. Stop looking at others and wish you were like them. Wishes are not horses that is why beggars are not riding on them. Let go of your hang-ups and let God pull you up. Dwelling in the past is being Irresponsible for the future.
•  ·         Learn and develop skills and positive attitudes. Take responsibility for your betterment. The future and its opportunities depend on you preparing for it. Never forget that attitude is a better predictor of success than IQ. Don't stop learning. Build capacity and support networks.  Be patient. Microwave personal development solutions do not exist,
•  ·         Engage, be involved, and make a positive difference. Come down from the spectator terrace and commentator booth and make your hands dirty. Come out from hiding. Embrace the value of work, discipline, and persistence.  Remember you will not always have instant success.  Serve with integrity and skill (Psalm 78: 71-72). Participate and give liberally and cheerfully to the work of the Lord. Care about the less advantaged. Keep promise. Pay dues on time. See tasks through.
• ·         Take care of your health and grooming. You need it to possess the future. Maintain wellness e.g. spiritually, socially, and physically. 
•  ·         Trust and hope in God. Pray to shape the future because what will happen is from your prayer or, lack of it. You can access strength and shape the future by prayer. Prayer was a lifeline for David. True prayer brings divine instruction that births peace, strategy, action, and praise. Seek God's kingdom and his righteousness first (Mathew 6:33).
•  ·         Prepare the next generation or those coming after you. Lay godly values and raise effective leaders. Every mature person has a formative responsibility to multiply him/herself. Spiritually it's the responsibility to nurture others in Christ. Parent young ones. Model for and mentor someone else.  

Jesus when present on earth was focused heart and soul to completing his mission well. His food was to do the will of his father. He made a name for the Father and instructed beneficiaries from his ministry to go tell what God had done. He only left when he had finished the work he came to do (John 17). 

• Part II follows – Responsibility for the Future after you leave

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

South Africa 

Taking Responsibility VII: Excellent Spirit

Message 9 October 2016 Taking Responsibility VII # Excellent Spirit

Daniel 6:3 - Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit [exceptional qualities] was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 

Numbers 14:24 - But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Daniel and Caleb distinguished themselves as having an excellent spirit. A person’s spirit provides the inner stamina and fortitude needed to overcome life pressures and challenges. The bible says a man’s spirit sustains him in infirmity. But when the spirit is crushed, wounded or injured it takes away from the person the ability to cope with situations that normally others will be coping with (Proverbs 18:14). A healthy spirit gives health to the body and facilitates physical healing.  So, inner health helps in coping with outside physical situations. Lack of inner health can worsen or even cause physical unwellness. A person with a crushed spirit is easily crushed and overwhelmed by adverse situations.

An excellent spirit attracts favor with God and also often with people. A person’s spirit can be wholesome or wounded. A wounded or infected spirit is hurtful and contagious in relationships.  It can sow discords and strife. The spirit of a person comprises the invisible parts of the person such as the spirit being, emotions, attitudes, and ways of thinking, seeing and deciding.  The aspects which if they are unwell the medical doctor will still give you a full bill of physical health.  You therefore are often on your own when it comes to preserving and recognizing ill health of the spirit. The signs of ill health show in a person’s attitudes, speech and behavior. Sometimes the person is not aware of the signs and needs to pay attention to feedback from people.

A healthy spirit is noticeable by admirable godly qualities of the Holy Spirit: Love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, patience, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Galatians 5:22-23). A health spirit is full of faith, hope and love. A person with a healthy spirit confidently trusts God Has a positive disposition to life. Has a positive expectation of the future. Has a positive perspective of situations. Has no guile (John 1:47).

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. – Daniel 6:4

He that has knowledge spareth his words [uses words with restrain, says little]: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit [even tempered, calm]. - Proverbs 17:27

An excellent spirit shows itself in several ways that include.

>>What you do in the midnight hour. In times when trouble comes and things have gone wrong one’s spirit is tested. Daniel was threatened with the punishment of being thrown into the lion’s den if he did not stop worshiping Yahweh. He kept his faith despite the dangers (Daniel 6). He was thrown into the lion’s den but God kept him. Paul and Silas kept their confident trust in God when they were in chains and on the death row. God delivered them (Acts 16). An excellent spirit sees above and beyond the circumstances to see God and future consequences of present actions.

>>What you imagine in your mind when alone. The challenge with imagination is you can imagine anything. So when alone and reflecting on life situations, imaginations of the unseen and unknown have no limits. They can be positive, negative or exaggerated. It’s so very easy to exaggerate and be unreal. The bad report by ten of the spies in Numbers 13 exaggerated the threat in Canaan.   They reported that the land swallowed up its inhabitants and that they were like grasshoppers in the eyes of the giants (Numbers 13:32, 33). Both were far from reality and only existed in their own fearful imaginations.

>>What you say in interaction with people. It is easy to confess faith in private. When in conversations with people the pressure is strong to fit in, be culturally and politically correct. When people ask you about situations the tendency is to give answers they want to hear. You want to avoid being odd. Caleb and Joshua even though in the minority maintained positive and hopeful confession (Numbers 13). They did not follow the crowd. They were bold enough to stand up when it was necessary. They were more concerned about pleasing God than the comforts of this world. As such they believed, obeyed and spoke what God said. Daniel was renowned for providing solutions. ‘Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel (Daniel 5:12).’

>>What you conclude in the face of Giants. Caleb looked at the giants with eyes of faith. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it (Numbers 13:30). It’s amazing how a change of perspective changes everything. Caleb and Joshua remembered that God was much bigger than any giant. But the other spies looked at the giants from an earthly human point of view and concluded they are stronger than them.  All the spies saw the same giants but brought two different reports. An excellent spirit sees in the present reality God the hope, answer, solution, the author and designer.   It sees the bigger picture of God’s plan from the beginning. It sees the grasshopper in the giant. It sees possibility in impossibility. It sees morning beyond the night.

Remedy

1) Meditate on God’s word to strengthen your faith. Do whatever it takes to maintain a positive spirit.  Stay away from negative people and associations that sow a negative spirit unless you are able to dominate. Do not be a person who only sees the negative side of things and people. In photography, even negatives produce beautiful pictures. When a negative spirit takes root even when surrounded by the best people – best parents, best church, best spouse, and best background you will still be negative about them. Such people are hard to please or love because they cannot believe you. The problem is not the situation but the attitude you choose to embrace.  If the spirit is right the worst becomes right. If the spirit is wrong the best becomes wrong. By trusting God you are able to find a positive perspective even in worst of situations.

2) Ask for healing. Jesus came to heal broken hearts and crushed spirits (Luke 4:18). This remedy often requires that you release people or experiences that hurt you in the past. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Heb 12:15, Proverbs 6:19). Receive healing by faith and adopt a life style of thanksgiving and praise.

3) Repent of sin and ask God to renew a right spirit in you. In life you pick up all kinds of seeds into your spirit. But God is there to continually renew an excellent spirit in you. David after a year of hiding his sin cried to God - remake my heart and renew a right spirit and joy in me (Psalm 51). That year he had been serving as usual as king and a worshipper. He was doing the right things in a wrong spirit.  Check out the spirit behind what you do. Is it greed, pride, prejudice, to control, or show off. Seek to distinguish yourself by living out God’s principles of integrity.

Notes:
Beattitudes
Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

Johannesburg,

South Africa 

Taking Responsibility VI: Side with God

Message 2 October 2016 Taking Responsibility VI: Side with God

 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country. And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: - Joshua 2:1-4

Before the children of Israel crossed into the Promised Land, Joshua sent two spies to gather information about the land especially Jericho. In Jericho a prostitute called Rahab housed them.

Why would the spies choose to live in the house of a prostitute? The possibilities are many. Apart from the fact that prostitutes would have been welcoming to strangers and good at keeping it a secret, bear in mind that the Canaanite religions worshiped fertility gods. Sexual purity was not a fundamental value in Jericho. Their gods such as Baal and Ashtoreth were portrayed by symbols of war, fertility and erotic love. So it's likely any other accommodation would have been as questionable. By the way in Jericho, being a prostitute, like increasingly is the case today, did not carry a stigma as under the Jewish and Christian value systems. Further her house was located on an outer wall of the city where escape was possible. Being a secret fan of Israel, she may have taken them in out of her faith in the God of Israel. Also God in executing his sovereign purposes could also have led the spies to her house.

Why would a story of spies of God's people living with a prostitute be in scriptures? After all, the spies' mission was not critical to the success of the battle of Jericho (Joshua 6). The bible is even open about her being a prostitute. Yet given that the flax drying on the roof of her house made it likely she prepared linen thread and perhaps clothing (Joshua 2:4, 6). Was it not better to focus on Rahab as a well to do business woman than her being a prostitute. The bible is however a book of redemption. As such whether people had weaknesses or strengths it did not matter because redemption sorts out both. So bible stories don’t hide the implausible aspects of their role players. For Rahab, when the spies visited, she saw an opportunity to side with God for her future rescue.  She seized the opportunity. The encounter left behind three lessons covered below.

1)      The encounter Exposed fear and weaknesses in the heart of the enemy.

The spies wanted to find out the strengths and weaknesses in Jericho. By staying with Rahab she told them that the people were afraid of them. 'Our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you (Joshua 2:10-11)'.  'And that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you Joshua 2:9'. They were so afraid that their hearts had melted. Often believers are afraid of the future, the obstacles, and the giants that face them. May God reveal the reality that the things you fear are actually afraid of you. May he reveal the vulnerabilities and weaknesses behind the enemy facades of Intimidating walls, words and faces. The things you fear are heartless and powerless against you. May you hear the call of possibility in impossibility and of the victory in the battle.  And of the opportunity in the threat.

2)      The encounter Uncovered faith and spiritual strength in the heart of Rahab.

Often when facing formidable challenges all you see is your terrible past and your disqualifications for vctory. Rahab allowed the best in her to rise above the worst. Challenges can bury you or raise you. In God, for every challenge there is potential, latent power and resources in you enough to deal with the challenge. There is enough virtue to wipe out every vice in your life. When soldiers came to Rahab's house to arrest the spies she allowed faith in her to rise above her fears. She put her very life on the line by defying the king's edict and hiding the spies and telling their pursuers she did not know where they had gone. By welcoming the spies and helping them to escape safely she showed her faith in the God of Israel. The residents of Jericho heard the same stories about Yahweh as Rahab and were filled with fear and prepared for battle. She heard and sided with God. Faith is siding with God.

Rahab acted out of faith and her faith is acknowledged in the New Testament.  

By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient (Hebrews 11:31).

Was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? (James 2:25). She believed Yahweh had more power than the gods of Jericho (Joshua 2:11). As a result, she is mentioned in the same breath as Abraham, the father of faith (James 2:23).

Rahab's faith saved her and others. She bargained for the salvation of others - her parents, brothers. True faith is seen in zeal to share it with others. If truly good for you it must be good for ones you love and care about. Rahab pleaded if you do good for me please also remember my loved ones. She may have reasoned, after all their life styles were better than hers. As everyone should be in their own sight, she failed to see why if a worst of sinners is rescued anyone else should be left out. If you received salvation everyone else can receive the same because you were as bad if not worse. Rahab, typical of her trades, took the opportunity to pull out promises from the spies when they most needed her help. And she clinched a deal where they would rescue her and all she brought into her house. She made them seal the deal by an oath.

Rahab's faith secured the future. If all people made decisions with the future in mind the world would be full of wise people.  A prostitute became a prophet - 'I know that the LORD has given this land to you (Joshua 2:9). She was probably more confident than the spies about what God was about to do. The spies swore to protect her when Jericho fell but she had to tie a scarlet cord her window (Joshua 2:17-21). She had to also bring all she wanted saved into her house. anyone in the house would be saved. Such is true in Christ. Salvation not so much about your works but where you are. At the end it will not first be about what one did but where one is found. Did you go into the ark and did you go behind door posts with blood applied to them. All those found in Him and in faith shall be saved.

3)      The encounter Revealed God's amazing grace and unlimited provisions.

God showed wonderful grace to a prostitute. Rahab as the grandmother of Boaz was counted among the ancestors of the Lord Jesus Christ who include King David and Christ himself (Mathew 1:1-5). The Lord’s genealogy in Mathew mentioned Rahab among five women. The others were Ruth, Bathshéba, Tamar and Mary who each had a story that would disqualify them in the eyes of many. Praise to the Lord. He is in the redeeming business. No matter what you may have done in your past life, God is ready to forgive you and give you a new life if you choose to side with him by faith.

Side with God every time, tie the scarlet thread on the window of your house and get as many as you can into the house.  As you do that, may the fears and weaknesses of your challenges be exposed. May our faith and strengths be uncovered. May the grace and unlimited provisions of our God be revealed.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

Johannesburg,

South Africa 

Taking Responsibility V: Guard your heart

Message 18 September 2016 Taking Responsibility V: Guard your heart

Proverbs 4:20-23 - My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.  Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.  For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.  Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues (boundaries, source, outgoings), of life. 

A car owner hired different mechanics to fix his car at home. They all failed to get the engine to run. The problem persisted despite the owner being asked to by one new replacement part after another. I advised him to call a garage I believed could solve his problem. His car was towed. They told him the problem was the car’s computer control unit. When it was replaced the car was back on the road. He in fact did not need to have replaced the parts he had purchased previously. No matter what he changed - even if he changed the whole suspension or engine it was as helpless as changing the paintwork, the car would still not start as long as the control unit was faulty. The digital instructions for how the car should run were in that unit.

The human spiritual heart is just as the car control unit. If it is faulty one can change churches, incomes, places of residence, bible versions, prayer time and still fail to fix one’s life. That is often why people hold all-night prayer,  call fire and fury down yet wonder why nothing is happening. The heart of the matter is the heart. 

Left to its whims the heart of mankind is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). To fix human life and to deal with humanity God sorts out the heart and evaluates human life by looking at the heart. David was chosen based on the quality of his heart and was commended for serving with skilful hands and integrity of heart (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 78:71-72).

The person who qualifies to ascend the mountain of the Lord and stand in his holy place has clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4). How can a person purify his/her heart? A pure heart is a heart full of faith – One that does ‘not trust in an idol.’ At the prayer meeting today we were encouraged not to let our hearts be troubled but instead to believe.  An unguarded heart is one empty of faith. A hard heart is one that refuses to be ruled by the word. Faith comes from the revealed word of God about Jesus (Romans 10:17). Meditating on God’s word renews the mind and heart. When the word fills the heart the heart is filled with faith. The word washes away sin (anything not of faith) from the heart. The word in the heart keeps it healthy. A pure heart is important because from it comes clean hands. Clean decisions, attitudes, and actions.

Proverbs 4:20-23 exhorts readers to guard their hearts because the hearts bring forth issues of life.  Out of the heart come forth the dimensions, source and outpourings of life. The word of God  must be kept at the center of the heart – ‘keep them in the midst of thine heart.’ Guard your heart, means don't allow the wrong seed to find root in your heart. It does not mean hiding away from a sinful world. But being in the world but not being of the world. Not being conformed to the world but being transformed by the renewing of your mind by God’s word. As salt and light and God’s yeast and voice in all situations, some are called to shine the light in difficult careers or life situations. So the issue is not so much where you are but not allowing your heart to be defiled. Influence every unfavourable environment for Christ as his ambassador and refuse to become a victim or casualty of it. However if a situation is not supporting your faith and there is no grace for coping secure your heart by running away with your life as Joseph had to do when he could not stop sexual advances of Potiphar’s wife.

The passage in Proverbs referred to three ways to guard the heart. These three avenues to the heart that must be guarded are eyes, ears and experiences. The three are the access points or doors that require control to ensure only what feeds faith goes into the heart. What you allow into your mind find its way into your heart when entertained.

Guard the ears

Incline your ears to God’s word. As much as within one’s control be selective with what you pay attention to and listen to. This includes the music, videos and conversations you entertain. It also includes messages that distort your view of God and that of you in God. The content you listen to brings either food for faith or poison to your heart. Instead create opportunities to listen and read the word of God from the bible or other communication means.

Guard the eyes

Let not your eyes depart from the word of God. Be selective and wise with what you allow your eyes to see. Look at what casts faith images on your heart and builds your faith. Job said he had a covenant with his eyes not to behold a woman. Avoid looking at and watching things that bring fear, temptation and defilement of heart. This includes the things you watch on TV, postings on your walls and the websites you visit.

Guard the experiences

Do it with all diligence. Do everything possible to fill your heart with God’s word in order to neutralize any negative effect from the world around you  (Psalm 119:11). The word when dominating neutralises sinful seed that enters the heart. Be wise in the places you go to, the company you hang out with and the things you expose yourself to. As encouraged at the prayer meeting, always ask, ‘Lord what are you saying?’

You will not avoid hearing or seeing evil but can protect your heart by being richly indwelt by God's word. Compensate for times you spend in worldly work situations by exposing yourself to fellowship with believers and the teaching of God’s word to refill and refuel your heart during times you are off work. 

Additional Notes:

Above everything else, guard your heart diligently. Do not sleep nor slumber.
1 Samuel 16:7 God looks at the heart. As you prepare to physically look good to people. What are you doing daily to look good to God?
2 Kings 22:19; Mathew 15:19; John 15:3; Ezekiel 11:19; Mark 11:23; Romans 10 - you believe in your heart.
God speaks to the heart and a renewed mind hears it. People speak to the mind and meditation sinks it to the heart. Listen to your heart of flesh with a right spirit. When unsettled, listen it's the referee.
Psalm 51:10
Mathew 6:21 Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.
To keep your heart in Gid give the things you treasure to God. Abraham and Isaac. Alabaster breaking

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

Johannesburg,

South Africa 

Taking Responsibility IV: Faith Response

Taking Responsibility IV:  Faith Response

John 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace

Without knowing Jesus you cannot know yourself. You cannot know and realize your nature, abilities, and rights in Him for they are revealed in him. When you look into God he mirrors to you his best for you so you can aspire and receive it. It is only when you give God his place that you will find your place in him. As Paul our life goal should be to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.

All that God has done and made available to believers can be described by one word - Grace. Grace is God's trust in humanity (man). Faith is man’s trust in God. God trusts that man will respond well to what he has done for them. He is so confident he chose you for his race. He even boasts of you as he did about his servant Job. On the human side, believers trust that the provisions God has provided without merit are enough for  all the needs for life and godliness. Grace is what God has already initiated and established.  What God has done in the past is sufficient for all your future requirements. That which happened by Grace in the past we make happen in our world by faith today. Even though grace by nature is unmerited it is however more than just favor. It is God come down.  It is God's presence. It is God's hand extended towards humanity. It is God self-revealed. 

When God makes a move it is done.  Human core business is to respond well to access and benefit. Responding well to what God has done is called faith. Faith is therefore the human response to Grace.  The Christian makes choices to respond to God in relationship with people and situations. For you, God has believed in you and made a move in your favor. Your business is to also believe in him and move in his favor. He has extended his hand of grace and your business is in turn to extend your hand of faith. God has acted and spoken also act and speak the same. Give thanks for what he did for you and take corresponding action.

The bible says a pure heart and clean hands qualify a person to go up God's holy hill. A pure heart is a positive condition and attitude of faith.  So faith is an attitude of believing whereas clean hands are the works that show faith.    Faith works and faith is seen by works. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and choices are made. Faith is therefore not complete without corresponding confession and action. If the attitude of faith does not result in action it is dead. Note, without works faith  is not absent but dead.. unresponsive, unproductive and lifeless. Corresponding action gives life to faith and puts it to work (James 2). Faith in action is evidenced by for example, changed lives, taking a stand for righteousness and good works. The challenge of faith is to express or demonstrate your faith. To act on God's word for the miracle – seeing God at work.

Often we have learnt faith from many Bible, historical and contemporary characters. What can be learnt from God? He created the universe by faith.  Out of faith in himself he spoke things that were not as if they were (Hebrews 11:3). Let's also learn faith from Jesus the author and finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus is the best example of a person who lived by faith. He demonstrated that taking actions of faith can raise dead situations.  When Jesus was confronted with an impossible situation of Lazarus’ sickness and subsequent death he showed faith in the following ways (John 11:1-44).

He had a divine agenda. Faith needs a divine agenda. Faith is substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1).  Faith is informed by Gods will.  For every fear  and worry God has a word of peace to calm the threatening storms. Jesus boldly said the sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God.  He understood it was an opportunity to serve the purpose of glorifying God.  Jesus declared a plan to glorify God and a goal to wake Lazarus up from death.  God’s plan for humanity is a good plan to give hope and a desirable end (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus had confidence in his strengths and capabilities from trusting God. When Jesus says yes nobody can say no. Is clear, is unstoppable. He declared the plan in advance when there was no guarantee it could happen except by his word.  He did the same when he declared what he was going to accomplish by the anointing on his life (Luke 4:18). He knew that nothing can say no when God said yes. Nothing was impossible to him who believed. He world not call him dead but asleep. Faith will not call it what it is not. It's not hopeless when God hasn’t said so.

He let nothing stand in his way. Faith involves risk and requires commitment. Jesus’s credibility was now on the line. He had already said the sickness was not unto death yet the person was now dead.  He overcame threats to his opportunities.  He would not allow the crisis to prevent what he had to do where he was. He was so calm about the disturbing news that he even took two days to round off his business before going to Lazarus. Going to raise Lazarus was a high risk choice Jesus made.  So risky that even His own disciples tried to dissuade him because last time they were in the area the people there wanted to stone them.  But Jesus was committed to going anyway.  If you have faith to raise the dead you might as well have faith God will protect you.  Nevertheless, the threat was so real that Thomas the worst candidate to encourage anyone encouraged the disciples to go along with Jesus so that they could die with him there.

Walking by faith is not always easy. God himself demonstrates faith by sending his son (John 3:16).  God can move anything, pull down any barriers, fight any battles, make any sacrifice, and pay any price to reach people with his love.  Further they had a long walking journey to take to reach Lazarus’ house. Nothing will stand in his way. He watches over his word to perform it.

He wept. Faith works by compassion. Jesus did not have to weep since he was to raise Lazarus from the dead anyway.  His heart was however touched by the hard experience people affected by the situation were going through. He acknowledged it was hard to go through the night even though joy comes in the morning. 

He perhaps may also have reflected on his night on the cross that was coming.  Jesus may have also been touched by the much suffering God’s people go through only because of failing to believe. He also wept over how lack of faith blinded God’s people from seeing God’s glory. He reminded Martha, ‘did I not say, if you believe you will see the glory of God’. 

He reopened a closed case. Faith sees opportunity NOW. To the people at Lazarus house it was over regarding Lazarus - the bus had left. It was too late and they could only wish things had happened differently.  If only Jesus had been there Lazarus would not have died. Wishful thinking did not help what they needed was faith.  Martha also believed in the resurrection but at some future date. She relegated her miracle to the future.

Jesus reopened a closed case because he knew he was the resurrection NOW. God is the great I AM, the now God not the I will be God.  He believed God could raise Lazarus but also that the time was ripe. Lazarus was dead and buried for four days but that was not the end of his story. Jesus still believed what he declared when he first heard about the sickness - his sickness was not for death but for the glory of God.

He took action. True believing results in action. The action brought about the miracle.  Jesus asked to be taken were they had buried Lazarus. He told them to remove the tomb stone. He prayed and called out, Lazarus come forth. He risked embarrassment. He broke graveside silence, decorum and decency. Sometimes as blind Bartimaeus showed, the choice is as stuck as you forget about people’s opinion and shout in faith for your miracle or be blind for the rest of your life.  

Loose him and let him go. Faith frees people.   Lazarus came out wrapped in grave clothes. It was however not enough for Lazarus to be alive he also had to be free to be what God created him for. Jesus’ faith freed the lives of other people. Faith is not just for self-consumption but for the loosing of people.  Jesus could have made Lazarus his slave but respected his freedom.  Faith takes away grave clothes and lets you go free. Faith will undo heavy burdens.  Faith will break yokes of bondage.

If you can believe you can also bring dead situations back to life. If you believe, you will see the glory of God in your situations. In your body, in your bank account, in your relationships, at your work place, in your ministry, and everywhere else every time. You will see waters part. You will see God rain manna and send the ravens to feed you.  You will move mountains and kill giants. You will see the glory of God. You will reveal the glory in gloomy situations.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

Johannesburg,

South Africa