Aligning with the will of God: Hearing the Holy Spirit

Aligning with the will of God: Hearing the Holy Spirit

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. - Colossians 3:15.

After the Holy Spirit prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. - Acts 16:6,7

The Holy Spirit is a faithful companion through life. He is not a mere spectator from the terraces. He is far from being a silent listener in every conversation. He comes along to equip, coach, and lead you. The Holy Spirit is a member of the threesome nature of God (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit) and serves as the Spokesperson and Executive Director. Paul was led by the Holy Spirit on his missionary journeys. As in Acts 16:6, places that also had people who needed to hear the good news were at times avoided in favour of others the Holy Spirit pointed out. Paul would not go where the Holy Spirit was not telling him to go and would keenly go where the Holy Spirit was leading him. That certainly was the secret to his great success.

What must you know about how the Holy Spirit speaks?

The Holy Spirit has a way of communicating which if you ignore you will miss his voice.

1) The Holy Spirit is Gentle. He is a gentle person who does not impose himself on people. He does not override their wills. He may even wait patiently and sadly is often grieved and quenched when he speaks and is not taken seriously (1 Thessalonians 5:19; Ephesians 4:30). He is as harmless as a dove to God’s people and fire to their sin and enemies. He often speaks in a still small voice which requires attention.  Without listening the voice may be missed. He is also not rushed. They that wait upon the Lord are the ones whose strength is renewed (Isaiah 40:31). Elijah dramatically learnt the gentle voice of God.

Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest (1 Kings 18). The God who would bring down fire to burn the sacrifice on an altar he had rebuilt would be the true God. They did everything possible including cutting themselves as they sought to persuade Baal to bring down fire. They failed dismally and painfully. On the contrary, Elijah despite even pouring water on the Altar prayed a simple prayer and fire came down and consumed the sacrifice. He went on to punish the false prophets by killing them. When King Ahab told his domineering wife Jezebel what had happened to their prophets she was furious and sent a message to Elijah. It read, May my gods deal severely with me if by this time tomorrow you have not suffered the same fate as the prophets you killed.  This message set Elijah on the run. He was so hopeless that lying under a tree and he prayed to God that he may die. He stretched himself on the ground as if ready to depart. He however slept and was woken up by an angel and was served fresh cake and water. He slept and was woken again to the same. With the energy, he traveled to Mt Horeb where God would speak to him. A mighty wind, a great earthquake, and a fire, reminiscent of when God spoke to the people at the same mountain as recorded in the book of Exodus, came but God was not in them (1 Kings 19:11-13). After the fire, he then heard God speak in a still small voice.

2) The Holy Spirit has something to say. He wants to speak to you. He longs for a chance to say something (Luke 10:41-42). His mission is to reveal things that no eye has seen, no ear heard, or mind imagined, that God has prepared for those who love him. God has revealed these to us by his Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

3) The Holy Spirit is the best communicator. Believe you can hear his voice. Jesus declared that his sheep hear his voice. ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27)’. He does not lie nor was he mad. His word is truth to be believed. Commit to learning his language. Nurture your relationship with God through listening, personal devotions of prayer, and meditating on God’s word. That is the way to develop the ability to recognise God’s voice. Elijah knew it was God speaking when he heard his voice (1 Kings 19:11). You may not be able to describe the experience but you know when he spoke. You are most familiar with the voices of the people you spend the most time with. The same is true with God. Hearing and understanding the voice of the Holy Spirit is a product of love or a relationship, not just an occasional consultation as is done with a witch doctor.

4) The Holy Spirit can sound crazy to the human mind. It is very easy to brush aside his voice as impossible, illogical, or outrageous. ‘Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days-- You would not believe if you were told (Habakkuk 1:5).’ He speaks to the heart, not to the head. What he says may not follow human logic and requires that you walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)

5) The Holy Spirit Requires openness. He speaks to those who desire and are ready and expect to hear from him.  He speaks to those that are not already set on something else but are open to being led. He speaks to those who are willing to obey. Hearing God is therefore also a readiness to obey.

6) The Holy Spirit needs a word environment (Colossians 3:16). That is why meditating on God’s word day and night is the recipe for success in all things (Psalm 1:1-3). When he speaks to the heart you pick it up through a renewed mind (Romans 12:2).

What are some ways by which the Holy Spirit leads?

>> He blows a whistle..And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. —Colossians 3:15. The peace of God is a referee. He uses his inner peace to mean yes and an inner unsettling, upsetting or ruffling to mean no or wait or exercise caution.

He illuminates scripture. He speaks through the word of God when it is heard, or read. He uses the Bible preachers, literature, and any avenue through which one can hear the word of God.

>> He places a burden or nudge in the heart to do or say something. Often the burden is a call to prayer. ‘Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed (Mathew 26:38-39).

>> He gives a supernatural awareness or knowledge of something just comes. You are looking for something misplaced and bang you decide you should check in the locker. You are not sure what to say and bang the answer comes to mind.

>>He sends people. Believe his prophets ‘Believe in the Lord your God; so shall ye be established. Believe His prophets; so shall ye prosper (2 Chronicles 2:20). He will send a Nathan to challenge your wayward ways. He uses people and sometimes he may even speak through nonbelievers.

>>He orchestrates circumstances and events. He will dry up the water source as with Elijah or cause a storm as with Jonah. God allows certain situations to draw your attention or to confirm his word.

>> He can place a song in your heart to encourage you. I experience this often.

>>He may also speak through an audible voice, visions, and dreams.

What if I get him wrong?

There are ways to test and confirm what you believe God has spoken to you. For example:

·         Alignment with the word of God. The word of God is the first and ultimate test of what you hear. God does not lie.

·         Alignment with his revealed calling and will for your life. Take heed to fulfill his calling. God is not a God of confusion.

·         Alignment with edification. The word says to only speak to others that which edifies (Ephesians 4:29). He cannot be worse than what he requires of us. The Holy Spirit will speak to uplift and redeem. He convicts and does not condemn. He aims to exhort,  comfort, empower and encourage (1 Corinthians 14:3). Any voice that puts you down and says ‘you are a mole’, you are nothing, etc is not his voice.  

·         Alignment with your spouse and key people affected by a decision. He is peaceable.

·         Alignment of several communication avenues. If the word says it, you sense it, your close spiritually mature associates say so, circumstances are lining up, etc then pause and give the message careful consideration.

Exhortation

There is a River that is flowing over your dry and thirsty heart (Psalm 63:1; 46:4) and flowing from you (John 37:38). The question is will you flow with it. The way to follow and flow with the Holy Spirit is by developing a relationship with him so close that you hear his voice and obey it. Flowing with the river means moving in the will of God. It means being led by the Holy Spirit. Ezekiel was led into a river until he was no longer in control as the water carried him and he flowed with it (Ezekiel 47:1 ff).

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. - John 16:13.

In your seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed because you have obeyed My voice. -Genesis 22:18.

By Kurai Chitima

Aligning with the will of God

Fresh Dimensions II: Aligning with the will of God

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother  Colossians 1:1

Paul was an Apostle called to preach the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ and plant churches among the gentiles. He knew who he was in Christ and his mission.  Pause and think how Paul, who previously was Saul an enemy of believers, became the apostle Paul. His own answer was - by the will of God.  He declared that he was an Apostle by the will of God. He wasn’t just appointed by man or benefitted from chance.  He did not just seek profit or self-interest but to fulfill what God willed and to please him.  If you do anything by the will of man you will be let down by man. But when you follow the will of God you can be sure and rest in his provision and security. God’s will is an impenetrable covering in life.

‘How can I know God’s will?’ is a frequently asked question. The simple answer is by following the Holy Spirit. As many as are led by the Spirit they are the sons of God. To fulfill your God-inspired plans in 2017 you need to cultivate an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Three benefits the Holy Spirit brings to your pursuance of God’s will.

1)      He reveals the will of God. He leads to all truth and glorifies Jesus Christ. That way he sanctifies believers. The primary work between the time one believes in Jesus (justification) and when one comes to the end of earthly life (glorification) is sanctification. Sanctification is the process by which the Holy Spirit (Jehovah Makkadesh) transforms lives to the will and character of God – the image of Christ. He sanctifies by revealing the will of God. The Holy Spirit reveals and implements the will of God.  The will of God is holiness[1]. The will of God is good, acceptable, and perfect. Anything outside or separated from God’s will is unholy. Anything set apart for God is holy.

Whatever God says and will is put into action by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, therefore, follows the will of God to bring it to pass. He is the revealer, establisher, performer, enforcer, and executor of God's will. Wherever the will of God should be done expect the Holy Spirit to appear. The believers’ prayer ‘thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven’  required the Holy Spirit to come. That is why Jesus said it was good for him to go so that the Holy Spirit would come. In Genesis 1 the Holy Spirit hovered over the void that existed then - a sign the will of God was about to be done. When God declared his will, whatever he spoke the Holy Spirit brought into being.  

That is why Jesus left two complementary resources to his disciples - His word and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will take you to the word of God and the word will take you to the Holy Spirit. That is why true worshippers shall worship in spirit and in truth.

The word of God expresses the will of God and is the operative ingredient of the Holy Spirit. When God speaks the Holy Spirit goes to action. When the word is believed the Holy Spirit takes action in favor of the believer. The Holy Spirit watches over God’s word to perform it. He makes sure it does not go back to God without accomplishing its purpose.

2)      He leads the way in the will of God. He provides direction and guides on the way. He answers the ‘how’ question. Jesus is the way and his great commission is the mission.  Jesus did not leave behind a map, a formula but a person, the Holy Spirit. He did not leave us alone as orphans. Cultivating an intimate with the Holy Spirit is the key to following God’s will.  Be thirsty, welcome him by faith, listen and cooperate. Empower him with tools of God’s word richly dwelling in your heart. Be prayerful, word full, and obedient to his voice and abide in his way. Offer your body as a living sacrifice. Be in a daily walk with him. What worked yesterday may not work today. Things permissible to others may not be acceptable to you. He may pause, accelerate, and turn. You, therefore, need to be in tune with him. He will help you make godly decisions when faced with choices - should I or should I not. Going deeper in following the Holy Spirit takes you higher in experiencing him. If you lose the way the Holy Spirit will patiently reroute you where you should go if you allow him to lead you.

3)      He equips for the will of God. His will is an abundant life of fruitful service. The Holy Spirit empowers such a life in the work of God. He equips for a powerful life of witness (Acts 1:8). He enables the powerful life. He gives supernatural abilities.

Jesus is the model of life and ministry. He said as my father sent me so send me you. His ministry was radically empowered when he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18). The Holy Spirit raises a standard to match every need and challenge for life and godliness. The whole bible speaks of the amazing work of the Holy Spirit. The spirit gives life and service capacities.  The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding/revelation, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD (Isaiah 11:2). For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7).

May the unfailing will of God, established in heaven, be done in the following areas of your life: ministry, wealth creation, career and employment, financial wellness, promotion, learning and school, relationships, marriage, parenting, all health and nutrition, as well as material needs.  Because the will of God is about to be done in your life the Holy Spirit is ready to implement it as soon as you embrace him and believe the promises of God.

Message by Kurai Chitima

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[1] Holiness summarizes all God’s attributes = perfection, completion, without limitation, without blemish, without ignorance, all seeing, no failure, nothing exposed, nothing missing, without beginning, without end, lacking nothing, nothing impossible and all loving.

Fresh Dimensions in 2017

Fresh Dimensions in 2017

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother - Colossians 1:1

The beginning of the year is a good time to recommit to values of intimacy with God, healthy family life, personal integrity, pastoral accountability, kingdom mentality, and servant leadership.

We are stepping up, higher into fresh dimensions with God. God is taking the work he began further and will be faithful to complete it. The Lord Jesus did not leave behind just a general plan or map but a person called the Holy Spirit. To him we needed the presence of a guide, more than just guidelines for life. It was necessary for the Holy Spirit to come. Commit therefore to walking close to him and allowing him to lead and guide you.

While in Durban in December 2016 we drove around to see holiday attractions. What amazed us was that some places that had looked very ordinary became meaningful on a guided tour. The tour guide explained the significance of city features and places so well that the ordinary suddenly became meaningful and significant. He also took us to spots with views we would not have known and helped us discover holiday possibilities we could have missed. With the Holy Spirit guiding you each day and every situation of 2017 will be meaningful and significant for your good and for his glory. He will glorify Jesus in you and reveal to you things that are best.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— John 14:16 Amplified Bible (AMP).

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. John 14:26 Amplified Bible (AMP).

Notes: Greek word for Helper in John 14:16, 26 is Paracletos - one called alongside to help.

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—Isaiah 11:2 New International Version (NIV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 New King James Version (NKJV)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Example of Paul

Paul was transformed by faith in the Lord Jesus and being full of the Holy Spirit. From zealously leading a campaign to arrest and persecute believers in the gospel of the Lord Jesus, he became a champion for the same gospel to the Gentiles. God redeemed and redirected Paul’s inherent drive to go all the way in whatever he believed. 

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother  - Colossians 1:1

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17

After encountering the Lord Jesus on the way to Damascus the Apostle Paul needed the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Through Ananias who showed extreme faith to dare go meet him, a notorious persecutor, Paul (then Saul) received sight and the Holy Spirit. He was never the same. His life and ministry became powerful examples of the transformation and effectiveness the Holy Spirit can bring about. The Holy Spirit was so close to Paul that he chose to write a good portion of the New Testament through him.

Paul was not only transformed but he in turn transformed his circumstances. When he was in prison where he needed to be comforted he wrote letters to encourage the saints such as in Colossae. He served despite the odds he faced. Your enemies, obstacles, and challenges are irrelevant when the Holy Spirit is your guide. They will line up to stop or hurt you but will only watch you enjoy a meal prepared for you by the Lor (Psalm 23:5).

By growing your relationship with the Holy Spirit you can be God’s chosen vessel to reach people in your circles with the gospel.

• ·         Ask God to fill you afresh with his Holy Spirit
• ·         Commit to allowing him to lead and guide you
• ·         Ask for two or more people you will reach or help to grow in Christ in 2017

Message by Kurai Chitima

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