In the book of Mark 5v22-43, there is a story of Jairus daughter. This man was a ruler of synagogue. His daughter was dying and he went to Jesus asking for help. The bible says he fell down at Jesus feet and earnestly pleaded with him to come to his house. This shows how desperate this man was,remember he is a ruler of the synagogue, well respected by the society and more over not the majority of his colleagues accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus agreed to accompany Jairus to his house, on the way they face a delay and a discouragement.
DELAY
Jairus must have felt relieved after he had presented his problem to Jesus and now that they are walking together to his house. However on the way, apart from the obstacles caused by the crowd following and pressing around them, they also face a delay. A woman with a disease touches Jesus for healing. Jesus realised that power had gone out from him and stops to talk to the woman. This again confirms that Jesus was not a respecter of a person. He will answer your call regardless of your social status. He never ignored the woman of the issue of blood even if he was already dealing with this ruler of the synagogue. We see two people with two different status here, one from low background and the other from a highly respected background but Jesus pays attention to both of them
This encounter delayed them from reaching where Jairus daughter was dying, Jairus hold on and carried on walking with Jesus to his home. The delay of a miracle is not indeed a denial.
A DISCOURAGEMENT
Verse 35 of Mark chapter 5 the bible says; while Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler, "your daughter is dead," they said, "why bother the teacher any more?"
The bad report will still come, even if our problem is being dealt with, that is to test us if we could carry on. There is one simple thing Jesus is telling us to do if this happens, he says, "just believe "verse 35.
The carriers of bad news will be excited to remind you that your situation will never be turned around. They will try to convince you that it does not make any sense to carry on when the worse has already happened. In the case of Jairus daughter they said, "why bother the teacher any more" meaning that the reasonable thing to do at that time was to let Jesus go and carry on with his work and for him to go to his house and start burial arrangements.
The devil will come with strong arguments to make you lose your faith. Jesus says don't fear,just believe!
THE TWELVE YEARS OLD JAIRUS DAUGHTER RISES FROM THE DEAD
The story ends in a victory when Jesus arrived at the scene and raised the daughter from the dead.
We have to hold on until he shows up, he will definitely show up no matter how long it takes and it will never be too late.
In the story of Lazarus Martha thought that Jesus should have come earlier to pray for Lazarus but still Jesus raised Lazarus after four days of being in the grave. He will never be late.
We learn the following points from our story of Jairus' daughter;
-Jesus will look into your issue no matter how low or high your social status is.
-Do not stop walking with Jesus even if there is a delay in your miracle,carry on.
-Do not get distracted by the carriers of bad news, just believe don't lose hope.
-Hold on until Jesus shows up
-Jesus will never come late in your situation, his time is the best.
Monday 16 March 2015
Thursday 26 February 2015
THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
In the book of John 4 from verse 1, Jesus was passing through Samaria on the way to Galilee. He came to a town called Sychar near the well of Jacob where he met the Samaritan woman. Jesus asked her for a drink, the woman realised that she came from a marginalised group of Samaritans, and also noted that Jesus was a Jew. She reminded Jesus that the Jews have got no dealings with Samaritans
Jesus ignored her background and the differences between the Jews and the Samaritans. He started teaching her about the Living Waters and a true worship through her questions.
SAMARITANS
Origins
The samaritans came as a result of intermarriages between the Jews left in Samaria and people from Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim whom the King of Assyria brought from Babylon to settle in that area.(2Kings17v24). Samaria become empty when king of Assyria took its citizens to captive. He then brought other tribes to occupy the city and these foreigners intermarried with the Jews who we were not taken into captivity.
Samaritans and the native Jews
The Jews who never mixed with these foreigners and the ones who returned from Babylon did not accept the Samaritans as pure Jews and they had many differences. Samaritans were idol worshippers. The foreigners who came from Babylon did not only intermarry with the locals but they also brought with them their idols. The idolatry practice by the Samaritans was not pleasing to God and they believed they had lion attacks as a punishment. The king of Assyria sent them a priest (2Kings17v26-28) from the Jewish captives to teach them the laws of God. The samaritans retained their idol worship and only accepted five books of Moses. They then formed a religion comprising of Judaism and idolatry.
There were also tensions between these two types of Jews during the rebuilding of the temple. Therefore they differed in the places of worship. The pure Jews believed the place of worship was Jerusalem whilst the Samaritans believed it was Mount Gerizim.
LIVING WATERS
Jesus started teaching the Samaritan woman about the Living Waters. He told her to realise the gift of God in front of her who can give her the living waters . The woman thought this was the same water as the one drawn from the Jacob's well, she asked if Jesus was greater than Jacob who provided that Well to her ancestors. Jesus did not straight away answer her question of greatness but he went on to describe the type of water he was offering, the type of water which when one drinks,he will never become thirsty again. This time the woman realised that this was not an ordinary water so she became interested with this water.
In accordance to John 7v38, this Living waters is the holy spirit which will be poured out to the believers.
when she showed an interest to the Living Waters, Jesus asked her to bring her husband, we may come up with different views on why this request came from Jesus. It is also noted that when Jesus told her that he knew about her previous husbands and the current one who was not her husband, she confessed that Jesus was a prophet and she went ahead to ask a more advanced question about the place of worship.
Among many of the duties of a prophet was to teach people about the laws of God, this woman now realised that she had meet a prophet and she wanted to learn more from him.
WORSHIP
Jews
The Jews believed Jerusalem to be a place of worship because Solomon built a temple in Jerusalem. He however joined idol worship when he married many foreign wives, he joined them in their places of worship until he lost his Kingdom. (1 Kings 1:1-11).
Jerusalem is also believed to be a traditional place of worship by the Jews because it is where Abraham made an alter to sacrifice his son Isaac, Mount Moriah(2 chronicles v3:1)
Samaritans
The samaritans as already mentioned accepted only the five books of Moses. They chose Mount Gerizim as their place of worship. This was in accordance to Deutronomy 11v29.
Jesus entrusted this Samaritan woman with the vital information about the true worship. He told her that the true worship was one done in spirit and truth.
The place of worship does not matter anymore and this was also prophesied in Malachi 1v11"My name will be great among all nations,from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among nations," says the Lord Almighty.
We learn from the story of the Samaritan woman that Jesus' mission was for the salvation to reach Judea, Samaria and the other parts of the world. (Acts 1v8)
The story also teaches us that God can use anyone available to preach the gospel more especially these days where he said that the labourers are few.
He used the Samaritan woman who was despised because of her Origins and her marriage history. She took the message across and many people came to hear for themselves from Jesus.
We also learn that we can worship God anywhere including our bedrooms. We are no longer required to travel to any chosen place for our prayers to be heard. However we cannot stop gathering together to fellowship with other believers.
Jesus ignored her background and the differences between the Jews and the Samaritans. He started teaching her about the Living Waters and a true worship through her questions.
SAMARITANS
Origins
The samaritans came as a result of intermarriages between the Jews left in Samaria and people from Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim whom the King of Assyria brought from Babylon to settle in that area.(2Kings17v24). Samaria become empty when king of Assyria took its citizens to captive. He then brought other tribes to occupy the city and these foreigners intermarried with the Jews who we were not taken into captivity.
Samaritans and the native Jews
The Jews who never mixed with these foreigners and the ones who returned from Babylon did not accept the Samaritans as pure Jews and they had many differences. Samaritans were idol worshippers. The foreigners who came from Babylon did not only intermarry with the locals but they also brought with them their idols. The idolatry practice by the Samaritans was not pleasing to God and they believed they had lion attacks as a punishment. The king of Assyria sent them a priest (2Kings17v26-28) from the Jewish captives to teach them the laws of God. The samaritans retained their idol worship and only accepted five books of Moses. They then formed a religion comprising of Judaism and idolatry.
There were also tensions between these two types of Jews during the rebuilding of the temple. Therefore they differed in the places of worship. The pure Jews believed the place of worship was Jerusalem whilst the Samaritans believed it was Mount Gerizim.
LIVING WATERS
Jesus started teaching the Samaritan woman about the Living Waters. He told her to realise the gift of God in front of her who can give her the living waters . The woman thought this was the same water as the one drawn from the Jacob's well, she asked if Jesus was greater than Jacob who provided that Well to her ancestors. Jesus did not straight away answer her question of greatness but he went on to describe the type of water he was offering, the type of water which when one drinks,he will never become thirsty again. This time the woman realised that this was not an ordinary water so she became interested with this water.
In accordance to John 7v38, this Living waters is the holy spirit which will be poured out to the believers.
when she showed an interest to the Living Waters, Jesus asked her to bring her husband, we may come up with different views on why this request came from Jesus. It is also noted that when Jesus told her that he knew about her previous husbands and the current one who was not her husband, she confessed that Jesus was a prophet and she went ahead to ask a more advanced question about the place of worship.
Among many of the duties of a prophet was to teach people about the laws of God, this woman now realised that she had meet a prophet and she wanted to learn more from him.
WORSHIP
Jews
The Jews believed Jerusalem to be a place of worship because Solomon built a temple in Jerusalem. He however joined idol worship when he married many foreign wives, he joined them in their places of worship until he lost his Kingdom. (1 Kings 1:1-11).
Jerusalem is also believed to be a traditional place of worship by the Jews because it is where Abraham made an alter to sacrifice his son Isaac, Mount Moriah(2 chronicles v3:1)
Samaritans
The samaritans as already mentioned accepted only the five books of Moses. They chose Mount Gerizim as their place of worship. This was in accordance to Deutronomy 11v29.
Jesus entrusted this Samaritan woman with the vital information about the true worship. He told her that the true worship was one done in spirit and truth.
The place of worship does not matter anymore and this was also prophesied in Malachi 1v11"My name will be great among all nations,from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among nations," says the Lord Almighty.
We learn from the story of the Samaritan woman that Jesus' mission was for the salvation to reach Judea, Samaria and the other parts of the world. (Acts 1v8)
The story also teaches us that God can use anyone available to preach the gospel more especially these days where he said that the labourers are few.
He used the Samaritan woman who was despised because of her Origins and her marriage history. She took the message across and many people came to hear for themselves from Jesus.
We also learn that we can worship God anywhere including our bedrooms. We are no longer required to travel to any chosen place for our prayers to be heard. However we cannot stop gathering together to fellowship with other believers.
Friday 20 February 2015
JOHN THE BAPTIST
We all know the story in Luke1 v5-25 that John was born from Elizabeth and Zachariah when they were both old and when Elizabeth was known to be barren.Angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah as he was ministering,the angel said he will have a child who will be great in the sight of God and he will be filled with the Holy spirit from God.
The angel continued to say that John the Baptist will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elija.
The coming of John the Baptist was also foretold by other previous prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 40 v3).
His mission was to preach about repentance and to baptise,preparing people for the coming Messiah. However the priests and Levites did not know who exactly he was. They sent messengers to ask him. As he continued to grow in popularity, they wondered whether he was the Christ, Elija or the Prophet.
Surprisingly John the Baptist denied to all of the tittles suggested including that of a prophet.
PERCEPTIONS
Christ
The priests had a wrong perception of the Messiah or Christ. They thought he will come with power as a warrior to rescue them from the Romans, some bible scholars will argue with me that they had a right understanding of the Messiah because that is how he will appear. However that will be his second if not third coming when he will appear like that. The first coming he came as a saviour, a sacrificial lamb,very calm and patient, the second time he will come to call his children to his banquet and only the righteous will go,the third time he will come as a mighty warrior, the Lion of Judah,he will judge the world of its sins.
Definitely John was not the Messiah because he did confessed freely that he was not the Christ.
Elija
They also thought that John could be Elija coming back again. However Angel Gabriel did not say that Elija will come back through somebody to prepare the way. The angel said; "And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elija."(Luke 1v17)
Definitely he was not Elija,only that his anointing and power was that similar to Elija.
The Prophet
They also wondered if he was the Prophet, John answered, no but Jesus said he was even more than a prophet because of his assignment of preparing a way for the Messiah (himself ).
Why is John the Baptist denying to be The Prophet?
John the Baptist was indeed the Prophet foretold in Isaiah 40v3 and Malachi 3v1,
was John contradicting then when he said no, am not the Prophet either? No,
John knew that people had a wrong perception of the Prophet to come,mainly about his role. They understand him to be so powerful that he will deliver them from the Roman rule. They took this from Deutronomy 18v15 because in this chapter, it was Moses telling the Israelites that God will rise up a prophet among you like me. If you recall, Moses delivered the Israelites from the oppression of Pharaoh, so up until the time of John the baptist, the Jews were still waiting for the prophet who will take the role like that of Moses, but if you read Deutronomy, you will understand that it refered to the Christ himself not John. Therefore when John said no,am not the Prophet,he was responding to the literal meaning of it from the point view of the priests, their perception and understanding of the coming prophet.
There are alot of things we can learn from John the Baptist, the following are the few among them;
FOCUS
He was a focused man of God who knew his job discription very well, there was a chance for him to put himself at the highest rank at the time when the Jews were confused about him, remember they were so desperate waiting for the prophet to deliver them from the hands of the Romans. He could have started misusing his popularity at this point.
BOLD
John the Baptist was very bold just like all other prophets before him. He boldly spoke to religious leaders who boasted to be sons of Abraham, he told them to repent and produce fruits like that of Abraham (Matthew 3v7-11)
He also spoke to Herode about his unlawful marriage to Herodias,his brother Philip's wife. That is when he was put in prison and later beheaded.
COMMITMENT
He was very committed to his job. This was not a paying job and nobody was there making sure that he reports for his duties every day, but we read that anyone who wanted baptism went to the wilderness and they got baptised.
HUMBLE
He realised that Jesus was above him when he came also to be baptised. He tried to refuse because that was his master asking for baptism, until when Jesus explained to him that, it was to fulfil all the righteousness, that is when he accepted
This could have been a chance for him just to jump in and start confusing his followers, giving an impression that he is above Jesus since he came to him for baptism.
His followers at one point tried to divert him by attempting to bring in tension between themselves with Jesus disciples over ceremonial cleansing. After they had this argument about ceremonial cleansing with Jesus disciples, the disciples of John came to report a different story to John, they told him the man whom you baptised is also baptising and is gaining so many people (paraphrasing John 3v22)
John maintained his position by continuing to say that Jesus was greater than him because he came from above,if anything they should all go to him because he will baptise them with the Holy spirit, i only baptise you with water for repentance,he said, and I must decrease so that he will increase, otherwise he is saying i can't compete with him.
Everyone has got an assignment here on earth, at the same time forces will come against us and even temptations as we gain popularity but if we are strong and focused we will overcome all of it.
We have seen even good leaders in our society lose focus because of popularity.
Be careful of circles of people who will surround you, praise you, yet they are destroying you by engaging you in an unnecessary fight, that is what John's disciples were trying to do.
The angel continued to say that John the Baptist will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elija.
The coming of John the Baptist was also foretold by other previous prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 40 v3).
His mission was to preach about repentance and to baptise,preparing people for the coming Messiah. However the priests and Levites did not know who exactly he was. They sent messengers to ask him. As he continued to grow in popularity, they wondered whether he was the Christ, Elija or the Prophet.
Surprisingly John the Baptist denied to all of the tittles suggested including that of a prophet.
PERCEPTIONS
Christ
The priests had a wrong perception of the Messiah or Christ. They thought he will come with power as a warrior to rescue them from the Romans, some bible scholars will argue with me that they had a right understanding of the Messiah because that is how he will appear. However that will be his second if not third coming when he will appear like that. The first coming he came as a saviour, a sacrificial lamb,very calm and patient, the second time he will come to call his children to his banquet and only the righteous will go,the third time he will come as a mighty warrior, the Lion of Judah,he will judge the world of its sins.
Definitely John was not the Messiah because he did confessed freely that he was not the Christ.
Elija
They also thought that John could be Elija coming back again. However Angel Gabriel did not say that Elija will come back through somebody to prepare the way. The angel said; "And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elija."(Luke 1v17)
Definitely he was not Elija,only that his anointing and power was that similar to Elija.
The Prophet
They also wondered if he was the Prophet, John answered, no but Jesus said he was even more than a prophet because of his assignment of preparing a way for the Messiah (himself ).
Why is John the Baptist denying to be The Prophet?
John the Baptist was indeed the Prophet foretold in Isaiah 40v3 and Malachi 3v1,
was John contradicting then when he said no, am not the Prophet either? No,
John knew that people had a wrong perception of the Prophet to come,mainly about his role. They understand him to be so powerful that he will deliver them from the Roman rule. They took this from Deutronomy 18v15 because in this chapter, it was Moses telling the Israelites that God will rise up a prophet among you like me. If you recall, Moses delivered the Israelites from the oppression of Pharaoh, so up until the time of John the baptist, the Jews were still waiting for the prophet who will take the role like that of Moses, but if you read Deutronomy, you will understand that it refered to the Christ himself not John. Therefore when John said no,am not the Prophet,he was responding to the literal meaning of it from the point view of the priests, their perception and understanding of the coming prophet.
There are alot of things we can learn from John the Baptist, the following are the few among them;
FOCUS
He was a focused man of God who knew his job discription very well, there was a chance for him to put himself at the highest rank at the time when the Jews were confused about him, remember they were so desperate waiting for the prophet to deliver them from the hands of the Romans. He could have started misusing his popularity at this point.
BOLD
John the Baptist was very bold just like all other prophets before him. He boldly spoke to religious leaders who boasted to be sons of Abraham, he told them to repent and produce fruits like that of Abraham (Matthew 3v7-11)
He also spoke to Herode about his unlawful marriage to Herodias,his brother Philip's wife. That is when he was put in prison and later beheaded.
COMMITMENT
He was very committed to his job. This was not a paying job and nobody was there making sure that he reports for his duties every day, but we read that anyone who wanted baptism went to the wilderness and they got baptised.
HUMBLE
He realised that Jesus was above him when he came also to be baptised. He tried to refuse because that was his master asking for baptism, until when Jesus explained to him that, it was to fulfil all the righteousness, that is when he accepted
This could have been a chance for him just to jump in and start confusing his followers, giving an impression that he is above Jesus since he came to him for baptism.
His followers at one point tried to divert him by attempting to bring in tension between themselves with Jesus disciples over ceremonial cleansing. After they had this argument about ceremonial cleansing with Jesus disciples, the disciples of John came to report a different story to John, they told him the man whom you baptised is also baptising and is gaining so many people (paraphrasing John 3v22)
John maintained his position by continuing to say that Jesus was greater than him because he came from above,if anything they should all go to him because he will baptise them with the Holy spirit, i only baptise you with water for repentance,he said, and I must decrease so that he will increase, otherwise he is saying i can't compete with him.
Everyone has got an assignment here on earth, at the same time forces will come against us and even temptations as we gain popularity but if we are strong and focused we will overcome all of it.
We have seen even good leaders in our society lose focus because of popularity.
Be careful of circles of people who will surround you, praise you, yet they are destroying you by engaging you in an unnecessary fight, that is what John's disciples were trying to do.
Tuesday 10 February 2015
NDINU ODALA(YOU ARE BLESSED )
Often you hear people saying;"that family is blessed" meaning that blessings can be associated with the family you come from. In the book of Luke 11:27 a woman said to Jesus "blessed is the womb that bore you and the breast at which you nursed."Jesus replied to say "blessed rather are the one that hear the word of God and keep it " that means anyone can be blessed as long as he hears the word of God and keep it, you don't have to be born from a royal family, a rich family, just keep and follow the word of God.
Indeed Mary was blessed among the women. However Jesus said, I have a wide family and the blessings shall follow believers in generations to come.
Therefore brethren don't distance yourself from blessings, you belong to the family of God, the blessed family.
Ndinu odala,dalitsikani mwa ambuye (God bless you, stay blessed )
Indeed Mary was blessed among the women. However Jesus said, I have a wide family and the blessings shall follow believers in generations to come.
Therefore brethren don't distance yourself from blessings, you belong to the family of God, the blessed family.
Ndinu odala,dalitsikani mwa ambuye (God bless you, stay blessed )
Tuesday 3 February 2015
THE ACCUSERS DISPERSED
There was a time when Jesus was teaching in the temple courts when people brought in a woman caught in adultery. They started quoting the law of Moses which stated that anyone caught in adultery must be stoned ( John 8v1-11).
Jesus told them that, "If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." The bible says they started leaving one by one until there was none left to accuse her
In this story the people who brought this woman did not only want to condemn her but also to use her to trap Jesus, but Jesus knew their mind and stopped them from harassing the woman.
The accusers will always come in our life to put us down, the woman was not perfect just like her accusers but they ignored their sins and start pointing fingers at the woman. The devil like accusing, because he does not want anyone to change and receive salvation. They wanted to kill the woman because she was a sinner and they thought Jesus will approve it, they still didn't understand Jesus mission of saving the sinners not condemning them.
Again, Jesus throughout his teachings, he never allowed anyone to judge another person. He said in Luke 6v41, "why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
They brought her to Jesus to finish her life without knowing that they are bringing her to her salvation. They gave her a chance to speak to the saviour of the world, may your accusers give you a chance to talk to people of the highest rank, in Jesus name!
People may try to finish you off. It can be at work place, they highlight your mistakes and send them to your boss or head office. If this happens while you are closer to Jesus or if you take the issue yourself to him, he will disperse them and no one will be there to testify against you. This can also turn for your own good. The brothers of Joseph sold him to end his dreams but God turned it for his good. May their evil reports against you turn for your good, in Jesus name!
The people accusing this woman were hiding their sins and wanted to be seen by Jesus as good law enforcers, may those trying to be recognised at the expense of your success be exposed in Jesus name.
They wanted to influence Jesus to make a decision against that woman, to allow them to stone her.
Again may those sending a bad report about you to people who can decide your promotion or any breakthrough be put to shame, let the decision makers discover that they are worse than you, and because your destiny is decided from above, no matter how many will join to destroy you, they will scatter in different directions until none will be left to accuse you.
Jesus told them that, "If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." The bible says they started leaving one by one until there was none left to accuse her
In this story the people who brought this woman did not only want to condemn her but also to use her to trap Jesus, but Jesus knew their mind and stopped them from harassing the woman.
The accusers will always come in our life to put us down, the woman was not perfect just like her accusers but they ignored their sins and start pointing fingers at the woman. The devil like accusing, because he does not want anyone to change and receive salvation. They wanted to kill the woman because she was a sinner and they thought Jesus will approve it, they still didn't understand Jesus mission of saving the sinners not condemning them.
Again, Jesus throughout his teachings, he never allowed anyone to judge another person. He said in Luke 6v41, "why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
They brought her to Jesus to finish her life without knowing that they are bringing her to her salvation. They gave her a chance to speak to the saviour of the world, may your accusers give you a chance to talk to people of the highest rank, in Jesus name!
People may try to finish you off. It can be at work place, they highlight your mistakes and send them to your boss or head office. If this happens while you are closer to Jesus or if you take the issue yourself to him, he will disperse them and no one will be there to testify against you. This can also turn for your own good. The brothers of Joseph sold him to end his dreams but God turned it for his good. May their evil reports against you turn for your good, in Jesus name!
The people accusing this woman were hiding their sins and wanted to be seen by Jesus as good law enforcers, may those trying to be recognised at the expense of your success be exposed in Jesus name.
They wanted to influence Jesus to make a decision against that woman, to allow them to stone her.
Again may those sending a bad report about you to people who can decide your promotion or any breakthrough be put to shame, let the decision makers discover that they are worse than you, and because your destiny is decided from above, no matter how many will join to destroy you, they will scatter in different directions until none will be left to accuse you.
Sunday 1 February 2015
JESUS PAYS ATTENTION
A blind man called Bartimaeus saw Jesus passing (Mark 10v46). He shouted for mercy,for his healing. This man had been sitting by the road side begging. People rebuked him and told him to be quiet.
This all happened on the last day of Jesus in Jericho. He was heading to Jerusalem. Jesus stopped and asked for Bartimaeus to come forward. He asked him what he wanted and he said, "I want to see." Jesus told him,"your faith has healed you."And he received his sight immediately.
Bartimaeus kept on shouting even though people stopped him. He knew that this Jesus was different from the people resisting him. The tradition did not allow people like him to mix with the clean people because the sick were regarded as unclean.
The leprosy were not even allowed to sit on the roadside. They were in total isolation, atleast he was just blind,and he should have just sit there quietly. I could imagine the people angry with his noise, wishing they could seal his mouth with something like adhesive tape, a strong one.
The woman of the issue of blood touched Jesus secretly because she knew she was not supposed to be there. Jesus realized that someone has got a miracle but she is hiding,afraid of the people. He called her back and said to her, "Daughter your faith has healed you"(Mark 5v34). He called her daughter, that shows how close Jesus was to the neglected,the condemned.
Jesus pays attention to everyone who calls upon him. It doesn't matter where the society has put you. Bartimaeus aim was for his voice to be heard by Jesus. He ignored the people stopping him. The woman with the issue of blood made up her mind to get her healing despite the crowd pushing her,she pressed on.
Jesus will pay attention to you just call upon him in prayer. If Bartimaeus did not shout, he would have remained the same blind beggar, remember it was the last day of Jesus in Jericho. He was heading to Jerusalem. Brethren,shout until he stops for you, who knows why Jesus took the route where Bartimaeus was and why Bartimaeus chose to be sitting on that particular roadside. Brethren don't miss your opportunity, you are in a position to receive your miracle, shout!
This all happened on the last day of Jesus in Jericho. He was heading to Jerusalem. Jesus stopped and asked for Bartimaeus to come forward. He asked him what he wanted and he said, "I want to see." Jesus told him,"your faith has healed you."And he received his sight immediately.
Bartimaeus kept on shouting even though people stopped him. He knew that this Jesus was different from the people resisting him. The tradition did not allow people like him to mix with the clean people because the sick were regarded as unclean.
The leprosy were not even allowed to sit on the roadside. They were in total isolation, atleast he was just blind,and he should have just sit there quietly. I could imagine the people angry with his noise, wishing they could seal his mouth with something like adhesive tape, a strong one.
The woman of the issue of blood touched Jesus secretly because she knew she was not supposed to be there. Jesus realized that someone has got a miracle but she is hiding,afraid of the people. He called her back and said to her, "Daughter your faith has healed you"(Mark 5v34). He called her daughter, that shows how close Jesus was to the neglected,the condemned.
Jesus pays attention to everyone who calls upon him. It doesn't matter where the society has put you. Bartimaeus aim was for his voice to be heard by Jesus. He ignored the people stopping him. The woman with the issue of blood made up her mind to get her healing despite the crowd pushing her,she pressed on.
Jesus will pay attention to you just call upon him in prayer. If Bartimaeus did not shout, he would have remained the same blind beggar, remember it was the last day of Jesus in Jericho. He was heading to Jerusalem. Brethren,shout until he stops for you, who knows why Jesus took the route where Bartimaeus was and why Bartimaeus chose to be sitting on that particular roadside. Brethren don't miss your opportunity, you are in a position to receive your miracle, shout!
Thursday 29 January 2015
REBUKE THE STORM!
The disciples were in the boat with Jesus (Mark 4v36). As they sailed on, a strong wind came with waves which entered the boat and it was nearly swamped, verse 37 of Matthew 4. Jesus was sleeping and the disciples woke him up. They said "Teacher,don't you care if we drown?" He got up and rebuked the wind and it calmed down.
The interesting part of this story is that the disciples who had been with Jesus, followed his teachings daily, still asked one another "who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!"verse 41.
You would think that at this point the disciples should know the kind of authority Jesus had. They saw him driving out evil spirits, healing the man with leprosy and the paralytic who was brought by the four, plus many healing miracles which he did. They still got surprised when he calmed the storm because they never knew he had power even over natural disasters. The bible says in John 1v3 that through him all things were made, meaning that even the sea and the wind were created by him, so his creatures should obey him. We read in Mark 6v45 that he walked on water, this adds on to prove that he had authority over everything created by him. The water could not drown its creator.
We can start our walk with Jesus but still not realising how much he can do for us,some know him as a saviour which is not bad but there is more to know about him, to others he is a healer and a teacher. Jesus can also take care of our problems starting from the small ones to the huge or the challenging ones. He can even rebuke the storm around you. He said in Matthew 28v18 " All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" If Jesus is in you, he is greater than any other problem.
The disciples thought they will die in that storm but that could not happen because Jesus had called them on a mission, that is to carry on with the gospel (Matthew 28v19)
Everyone is here on earth for a purpose, therefore refuse to die without accomplishing your purpose. Rebuke the storm around you in the name of Jesus, the one who was there when the earth was created, the author of your life.
The interesting part of this story is that the disciples who had been with Jesus, followed his teachings daily, still asked one another "who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!"verse 41.
You would think that at this point the disciples should know the kind of authority Jesus had. They saw him driving out evil spirits, healing the man with leprosy and the paralytic who was brought by the four, plus many healing miracles which he did. They still got surprised when he calmed the storm because they never knew he had power even over natural disasters. The bible says in John 1v3 that through him all things were made, meaning that even the sea and the wind were created by him, so his creatures should obey him. We read in Mark 6v45 that he walked on water, this adds on to prove that he had authority over everything created by him. The water could not drown its creator.
We can start our walk with Jesus but still not realising how much he can do for us,some know him as a saviour which is not bad but there is more to know about him, to others he is a healer and a teacher. Jesus can also take care of our problems starting from the small ones to the huge or the challenging ones. He can even rebuke the storm around you. He said in Matthew 28v18 " All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" If Jesus is in you, he is greater than any other problem.
The disciples thought they will die in that storm but that could not happen because Jesus had called them on a mission, that is to carry on with the gospel (Matthew 28v19)
Everyone is here on earth for a purpose, therefore refuse to die without accomplishing your purpose. Rebuke the storm around you in the name of Jesus, the one who was there when the earth was created, the author of your life.
Wednesday 28 January 2015
BEYOND THE GUARDS CONTROL
There were alot of confusions during the death of Jesus,especially among those who did not believe him. The book of Matthew 27v62. The guards were planning to tighten the security at his tomb,they thought Jesus' disciples would come and take away his body. They did not believe in the resurrection.
This first plan of tightening the security failed because the bible says in Matthew 28v3-6 there was a violent earthquake, the stone was rolled,the guards shook and became like dead men. The angel of the Lord spoke to the women at the tomb and told them that Jesus has risen,he is in Galilee. He rose from the dead and passed the security.
The guards did not stop there, they devised another plan with the chief priests. They collected money from the priests so that they should say Jesus disciples came in the night and stole his body. This plan did not work again because the news spread all over from that day up to today.
The whole salvation plan was from God himself. Therefore everything which was happening around Jesus crucifixion was already predicted,ie the Judas betrayal, Peters denial, but the plan to stop the resurrection news was not from God, not even in line with God's mission of bringing salvation to mankind. Therefore nobody will just come with an idea to stop it, nobody can stop God's plan.
When Jesus stopped answering Pilate's questions during his trial,Pilate said in John 19v10 "Do you refuse to speak to me? Don't you realize i have power to either free you or to crucify you?"
Jesus answered in verse 11 "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.
This tells me everything happening at that time was authorized by God,otherwise no one will be able to touch him.
The same applies to his believers, God has already destined each one of you,no devil is allowed to frustrate God's plan over your life, reject any attempt from him to do so,in Jesus name!
This first plan of tightening the security failed because the bible says in Matthew 28v3-6 there was a violent earthquake, the stone was rolled,the guards shook and became like dead men. The angel of the Lord spoke to the women at the tomb and told them that Jesus has risen,he is in Galilee. He rose from the dead and passed the security.
The guards did not stop there, they devised another plan with the chief priests. They collected money from the priests so that they should say Jesus disciples came in the night and stole his body. This plan did not work again because the news spread all over from that day up to today.
The whole salvation plan was from God himself. Therefore everything which was happening around Jesus crucifixion was already predicted,ie the Judas betrayal, Peters denial, but the plan to stop the resurrection news was not from God, not even in line with God's mission of bringing salvation to mankind. Therefore nobody will just come with an idea to stop it, nobody can stop God's plan.
When Jesus stopped answering Pilate's questions during his trial,Pilate said in John 19v10 "Do you refuse to speak to me? Don't you realize i have power to either free you or to crucify you?"
Jesus answered in verse 11 "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.
This tells me everything happening at that time was authorized by God,otherwise no one will be able to touch him.
The same applies to his believers, God has already destined each one of you,no devil is allowed to frustrate God's plan over your life, reject any attempt from him to do so,in Jesus name!
Tuesday 27 January 2015
YOU ARE TOO PRECIOUS, HE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE YOU.
In the book of Luke 15, Jesus gives three parables; the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin and the parable the lost son.All with the same message. All of them conclude with celebrations.
Jesus made it clear to his desciples that he came for the lost. He even demonstrated it by associating with them. He said in Matthew 18 v11 that 'the son of man came to save that which was lost. God values each one of his children and he is not willing to lose any of them. He gives an example of a lost sheep in the same way the owner will leave the rest of the sheep and look for the one missing that God will also go look for his lost children,even if its only one, the father of the prodigal son did not give up on him although he had another one working hard on his farm, he kept on waiting for him. God will never give up on you although he has many faithful ones, you are still precious and the most valued.
It could be that you have never accepted Jesus who died for your sins and you are thinking God does not care about me. He actually gave his only son for you. He is not willing to lose you. The main mission of Jesus coming on earth was you, you are the reason he left the throne to die a shameful death.
There might also be someone saying i received him but wondered away like the prodigal son or the lost sheep, you are the one he is looking for day and night. The heaven will rejoice when you come back. He can't afford to lose you after shedding his blood, dear you are too precious.
Please join us in making this confession prayer;
MY FATHER IN HEAVEN, I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS,
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM A SINNER AND AM SORRY FOR MY SINS,
I CONFESS JESUS AS THE LORD OF MY SOUL,
AND WITH MY HEART I CONFESS THAT GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD
I ACCEPT JESUS AS MY OWN PERSONAL SAVIOUR.
THANK YOU JESUS FOR DYING FOR MY SINS,
THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME
IN JESUS NAME I PRAY,
AMEN
Jesus made it clear to his desciples that he came for the lost. He even demonstrated it by associating with them. He said in Matthew 18 v11 that 'the son of man came to save that which was lost. God values each one of his children and he is not willing to lose any of them. He gives an example of a lost sheep in the same way the owner will leave the rest of the sheep and look for the one missing that God will also go look for his lost children,even if its only one, the father of the prodigal son did not give up on him although he had another one working hard on his farm, he kept on waiting for him. God will never give up on you although he has many faithful ones, you are still precious and the most valued.
It could be that you have never accepted Jesus who died for your sins and you are thinking God does not care about me. He actually gave his only son for you. He is not willing to lose you. The main mission of Jesus coming on earth was you, you are the reason he left the throne to die a shameful death.
There might also be someone saying i received him but wondered away like the prodigal son or the lost sheep, you are the one he is looking for day and night. The heaven will rejoice when you come back. He can't afford to lose you after shedding his blood, dear you are too precious.
Please join us in making this confession prayer;
MY FATHER IN HEAVEN, I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS,
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM A SINNER AND AM SORRY FOR MY SINS,
I CONFESS JESUS AS THE LORD OF MY SOUL,
AND WITH MY HEART I CONFESS THAT GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD
I ACCEPT JESUS AS MY OWN PERSONAL SAVIOUR.
THANK YOU JESUS FOR DYING FOR MY SINS,
THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME
IN JESUS NAME I PRAY,
AMEN
Monday 26 January 2015
ORDAINED PRAISE
Jesus entered a temple in Jerusalem and cleared the temple by driving out all who were doing business inside the temple. He then started healing the sick,demonstrating the main purpose of the temple. As Jesus is working in the temple, the children who heard people shouting 'hosanna!' join the praise team and continue praising him. The Chief priests and the teachers of the law got offended on how the children were using the special word 'Hosanna ' on Jesus because they did not recognise him as the Messiah.
HOSANNA
Hosanna was used by the Hebrews on the Jewish festivals like the feast of Tabernacles. Its a joyous exclamation of Praise. The people in Jerusalem used it to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah. They saw him healing the sick, setting the captives free. Therefore they accepted him as their saviour. Hosanna also means please save us, some scholars say they were celebrating the anticipated salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Chief priests saw this as a disorder, they expected Jesus to stop them mainly the children. Jesus refered them to the prophecy in Psalm 8v2 which says, 'from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.The traditional of the chief priests did not allow children to be at the forefront shouting 'hosanna ' it is a special expression to the almighty God.
JESUS PAYS ATTENTION TO THE WEAK AND SMALL
He told the teachers of the law that yes i have heard them shouting hosanna, first of all it is a fulfilment of a prophecy that even babies shall praise God, secondly their praise is perfect and pure because they are innocent. If we could read 1 corinthians 1v27 the bible says that 'God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise,God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. The chief priests in the temple thought they knew the law and the children didn't know what they were doing but they missed the point that even God in heaven accepted that praise.
The praise from the lips of the oppressed is very significant. Praise God even if you feel you are low in the society, praise God when you are in trouble like Paul and Silas (Act 16 v
25-28). The devil will stop you because its a weapon to silence him (psalm8v2) The children and other people who welcomed Jesus in Jerusalem knew that their salvation has come, the Messiah is here, they said blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest. Dear reader you better start singing this song because it is a privilege to praise God.The devil lost this privilege long time back and he will try to stop you.
Praise him for the salvation, he ordained you to praise him in any circumstance.
Hosanna to the son of David!
Hosanna in the highest!
HOSANNA
Hosanna was used by the Hebrews on the Jewish festivals like the feast of Tabernacles. Its a joyous exclamation of Praise. The people in Jerusalem used it to acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah. They saw him healing the sick, setting the captives free. Therefore they accepted him as their saviour. Hosanna also means please save us, some scholars say they were celebrating the anticipated salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Chief priests saw this as a disorder, they expected Jesus to stop them mainly the children. Jesus refered them to the prophecy in Psalm 8v2 which says, 'from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.The traditional of the chief priests did not allow children to be at the forefront shouting 'hosanna ' it is a special expression to the almighty God.
JESUS PAYS ATTENTION TO THE WEAK AND SMALL
He told the teachers of the law that yes i have heard them shouting hosanna, first of all it is a fulfilment of a prophecy that even babies shall praise God, secondly their praise is perfect and pure because they are innocent. If we could read 1 corinthians 1v27 the bible says that 'God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise,God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. The chief priests in the temple thought they knew the law and the children didn't know what they were doing but they missed the point that even God in heaven accepted that praise.
The praise from the lips of the oppressed is very significant. Praise God even if you feel you are low in the society, praise God when you are in trouble like Paul and Silas (Act 16 v
25-28). The devil will stop you because its a weapon to silence him (psalm8v2) The children and other people who welcomed Jesus in Jerusalem knew that their salvation has come, the Messiah is here, they said blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest. Dear reader you better start singing this song because it is a privilege to praise God.The devil lost this privilege long time back and he will try to stop you.
Praise him for the salvation, he ordained you to praise him in any circumstance.
Hosanna to the son of David!
Hosanna in the highest!
Saturday 17 January 2015
Hidden Treasures
In the book of Matthew 13v44, Jesus is teaching in a parable talking about the Kingdom of God. He says it is like a hidden treasure. Many people do not know the benefits found in the Kingdom of God because they are hidden, only revealed to those who choose to understand it fully .
The owner who sold the field
The owner of this field did not realise that he had treasures in his field and he sold it, sometimes we belong to the Kingdom of God with all the resources around us but we fail to see it or we do not know how to utilise it.
Jesus teachings on the Kingdom shows that the Kingdom principles are revealed to few people,those who have taken time to understand it. However he does not hide the teachings to those who oppose him like the pharisees. He said though they hear but they do not understand. We can hear stuff on daily basis but it takes another effort to understand it. The problem with the pharisees is that they did not believe Jesus at all, therefore did not make an effort to ask Jesus to explain further the meaning of the parables.
Many of us Christian we don't spend much time to discover the hidden treasures in the Kingdom of God, we are citizens and believers but we don't claim all the benefits entitled to us. The one who purchased this field in the story of Jesus realised that what he had was nothing compared to treasures hidden in the field.
May God give us understanding of his principles so that we discover all our benefits in the Kingdom of God
The owner who sold the field
The owner of this field did not realise that he had treasures in his field and he sold it, sometimes we belong to the Kingdom of God with all the resources around us but we fail to see it or we do not know how to utilise it.
Jesus teachings on the Kingdom shows that the Kingdom principles are revealed to few people,those who have taken time to understand it. However he does not hide the teachings to those who oppose him like the pharisees. He said though they hear but they do not understand. We can hear stuff on daily basis but it takes another effort to understand it. The problem with the pharisees is that they did not believe Jesus at all, therefore did not make an effort to ask Jesus to explain further the meaning of the parables.
Many of us Christian we don't spend much time to discover the hidden treasures in the Kingdom of God, we are citizens and believers but we don't claim all the benefits entitled to us. The one who purchased this field in the story of Jesus realised that what he had was nothing compared to treasures hidden in the field.
May God give us understanding of his principles so that we discover all our benefits in the Kingdom of God
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