THE PONDER SERIES #14 (CHALLENGING YOUR MIND WITH THE WORD) – THE AWESOME HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

HELP is an experience we can relate to because in our daily lives, we require some form of assistance to enable us function efficiently. However, an understanding of the nature of help needed is where we have challenges. Often we think that help/helpers are easily discerned but unfortunately many have experienced a great deal of unpleasantness from an inability to apply wisdom on this. 

The world recognises help only in the form of human assistance and determined from one’s intellect but the consequence is that we are gravely affected by such kinds of ‘help’ that are often deceptive and deceitful. I believe we all have stories of such experiences. Seeing that we will always require help as no man is an island, how can we recognise genuine assistance?

BUT PONDER on what the Word says” My help comes from the LORD...” Psalm 112.2. Then it goes on to let us know who administers God’s help. Jesus said “And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper that He may abide with you forever. The Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him for he dwells with you and will be in you” John 14.16-17NKJV

Therefore God is the Source of all genuine forms of assistance and the Holy Spirit administers. The question is are you relying on the Holy Spirit daily to provide the true help/helpers or trusting on hearsay and gut feelings. No one knows the motives behind human assistance only the Holy Spirit does. Many in disobedience have been afflicted and hurt. The world is getting more complex and dangerous to live in without divine guidance in all matters.

The Holy Spirit knows the true position and exposes what is not right. He provides wisdom to help us judge righteously all things. Christ is Truth and only the Holy Spirit gives us the experience of truth in absolute terms. Our mind has been made to function with the Holy Spirit not exclusively. Intellectualism without the Spirit is why the world is dealing with dangerous human misbehaviours.

“Direct my steps by your word and let no iniquity have dominion over me’ Psalm 119.33NKJV. This is wisdom for living by the spirit. Always commit your day into the hands of the Holy Spirit. It is a lifesaver as I have experienced. Beware ‘Greek gifts’ that abound in various forms (help/helpers). Live free in the liberty of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3.17). He will guide you to the true help/helpers.

THE PONDER SERIES #13 - (CHALLENGING YOUR MIND WITH THE WORD) - GOD'S COMMENDATION IS BEST

The natural man has a fondness for peer approval. We all do want it in some form or another. The world has set a system of commendation from the intellectual to the mundane; the Nobel Prize to the Oscars. People want their accomplishments validated and applauded. Nothing wrong with a good, honest and reasonable dose of praise. But sometimes, it gets too far when all manner of scheming and desperate measures become a part of seeking such commendation.

The result is often a ‘people’ influenced projects, causes and works. Sincerity is no longer a measure of one’s work but winning at all cost becomes the focus. Yet inspite of all these various forms of validation, the scriptures teach us about the true worth of any man’s work. Unlike the world’s applause that is not concerned with motive (and often can’t tell) it is not so with God.

BUT PONDER on what God says” There is going to come at Christ’s Judgement Day to see what kind of material each builder has used. Everyone’s work will be put through fire so that all can see whether or not it keeps its values and what was really accomplished. Then every workman who has built on the foundation with the right materials and whose works still stands will get his pay” 1 Corinthians 3.13-14. Living Bible.

In other words, everyone’s work will be judged to see if it passes the test of motive. Furthermore, the Bible teaches us not to be so quick to enthrone self approval except God has indeed done that.” When someone boasts about himself and how well he has done, it doesn’t count for much but when the Lord commends him, that’s different” 2 Corinthians 10.18. Living Bible.

So how can we know if indeed we are approved of God? Well, the easiest way is to ask yourself if you are doing what He asked you in the way he instructed. Are you living by the code of the world in order to seek their praise? Would all that you are doing pass the God test even though you passed the ‘people test’. God said this of Abraham “FOR I KNOW HIM that he will command his children and his household after him and they shall keep the way f the LORD, to do justice and judgement” Genesis 18.19KJV (emphasis mine)

Can God give this commendation of you? Regardless of what you are engaged in today (good not bad), if God does not approve, it amounts to nothing. Heaven is not moved first by works but by the pureness of heart (motive) and then the correct form of works will follow from an obedient heart. Take stock of your life with the help of the Holy Spirit so that you will not while on this earth have a life that was not satisfactory to God. For in the end, that is really what counts.

THE PONDER SERIES # 12 - OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS THE FOUNDATION OF VICTORY

All over the news and our daily experiences, we know that these times we live in are indeed challenging. Despite the rise of more intellectual proficiency yet the world is growing in wickedness of inconceivable dimension and having its impact in huge problems that defy logic.

 The signs are there for the discerning mind that the challenges we face can’t be resolved by our dependence on the mind alone yet we keep going at it like the ‘ostrich’ burying our heads in the ‘sands’ and expecting that the solutions will come up like the ‘big bang’ myth.

NO! NEVER! The excesses we experience are a direct consequence of the hearts of men growing in self righteousness rather than Christeousness; the love of man above the love for God. Is it any wonder the problems defy solutions? BUT PONDER on what God says “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”2 Tim 3.4NKJV. A world in love with the glorification of self is a sign of disobedience to God and therefore opens itself to wrong influences.

Obedience is key to our relationship with God because it signifies trust, reverence, faith and love. It is crucial to victory. As we listen and act on His Word, we shall prosper in all things in righteousness (Josh.1.8)”Behold to obey is better than sacrifice....for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft”1 Sam.15.22-23.NKJV. No one is exempted. Saul and Moses were men of destiny but that ended abruptly because they didn’t follow through on what God had instructed. Are you listening and acting on God’s Word or living by your own wisdom. Don’t be compliant in part but in whole for in the end,the results of disobedience have unpleasant consequences whether on a nation or individual.

God knows the BIG PICTURE and His way is the only WAY (John 14.6). If the world is not listening, don’t do the same. Joseph, Paul and Daniel distinguished themselves in their nations. Whatever we desire of God – doing what He asks of us in His way is basic to experiencing our breakthrough. BREAKING NEW – THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS OR QUICK FIXES WITH GOD ONLY OBEDIENCE!!!

THE PONDER SERIES #11 - THE POWER OF GOD'S LOVE

 Our world is increasingly filled with frightening events as famine, wars, terrorism, recession, immorality, economic and systemic collapse – the boundaries of what was once the familiar fabric of society is coming apart. World leaders are jostling to find solutions (which seem very illusive). The impact on anyone naturally is a great pressure on emotional stability leading sometimes to depression, mental illness and sickness.

These are indeed extremely challenging times. How can we cope in a world that is rapidly descending into dangerous times- politically, socially, economically and relational. The breaking news is that the solution does not lie in the various summits and reports for the contradictions of the human mind are huge. BUT PONDER on what The Word tells us about this. Jesus spoke to his disciples about His presence in their lives “and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly and on every occasion) to the (very) close and consummation of age”Matt.28.20.Amp.

That Presence is His LOVE that envelopes us in a protective way to give us comfort, direction and security no matter what we each face. That LOVE is perfect to separate us from the genuine concerns we have that often causes fear.”There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect”1Jn.4.18NKJV. God’s LOVE is secure to drive way threatening thoughts that tend to cripple us in fear and therefore unable to make the right decisions. It helps us see the way forward, providing strength for the journey.

It was the understanding  and experience of this LOVE ( letting go of my fears) to trust Him that was instrumental to the turnaround in my life – restoring me to facing each day with inner confidence, boldness and assurance that despite the daily challenges, I come through in Triumph.

Do we always know what is ahead? NO! But take HOLD of this truth because GOD LOVES YOU. The only experience recorded by your name in Heaven is VICTORY. Therefore, you alone must seize that truth and run with it in dealing with ALL issues. Abide in HIS LOVE always. It is indeed perfect!

THE PONDER SERIES # 10 - TRUE SONSHIP

 God created man with a plan for his presence on earth but the entrance of sin created a disconnection between man and God. However, that perfect plan also had a restoration path for those who are willing. In the Body of Christ, we are all the children of God. That is the general idea and it is good especially as it is a huge step from those who are still in the world. There are good benefits that proceed from being born again spiritually in Christ of which the greatest is the gift of eternal life.

However, there is often a misconception that is born out ignorance or arrogance (of being born again) and that is idea that the quality of life for all is the same because we are the children of God. That is not true and recognising this will help to give commitment to becoming the person that God created you to be. Otherwise, the downside is a life that is limiting and less than God’s plans for you. Unfortunately most Christians are living their life at that lesser level.

The scriptures reveal this highest level of living as True sonship. Romans 8.13 explains this “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” Amplified. Being a child of God does not confer sonship. That is the undeniable truth. Sonship is the best quality of life and that comes from being influenced, controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit in all things.It is the type of life that Daniel, Joseph had and which is described in Daniel 11.32 as those who are strong(in power and authority) and do exploits that make them unique.

These set apart sons (generic form) of God are able to deal with all manner of circumstances only from the place of the spirit – the spiritual man as opposed to the carnal/naturally inclined life. A person who is daily being transformed, amenable to correction by the Holy Spirit and submitted to God. Willing to make the sacrifices of being a light to their generation. These are the collective that God will entrust His plans into their care.

Don’t  just seek to be  a ‘floor’ member of the Body of Christ. Set yourself apart as a son of God by living at the highest level of life and doing exploits for God. Be a person that God will speak highly of as He spoke of David as’ a man after His Heart’. The choice is yours to make and follow through. I pray for you as I do for myself that you will commit to walking in the experience of true sonship everyday.

THE PONDER SERIES # 9 - THE BLESSINGS OF OBSCURITY

 FAME is a powerful experience for anyone. It is natural for people to want to be recognised by their peers. The thrill of the limelight is overwhelmingly attractive and many will do anything to continually be in it. Hardly does anonymity seem a natural choice for anyone yet God has a lot to teach us about the blessings of obscurity (for a season). In a world where people are jostling for the attention of others, to be hidden from view is abhorrent to the natural man.

BUT PONDER on what The Word teaches through the life of Jesus Christ who despite being God came in the form of an ‘obscure’ birth, background and personality (carpenter) in order to restore us to our godly heritage. “But made Himself of no reputation taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men” Philippians 2.7NKJV. His manner of birth was the same “And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloth and laid Him in a manger because there was no room in the inn “Luke 2.7NKJV.

Yet, in the end, Jesus was restored to Glory having accomplished His work. His life teaches us that there is a time for obscurity in order to fulfil the plans of God. Don’t be afraid to experience it for a season for God uses those times to develop us in spiritual maturity for the time of exposure. Our character is being formed and our mistakes are not known so that we quickly make changes. Joseph and David are two examples of people who were formed for greatness in the place of the unknown.

To be obscure does not mean unproductivity but a time of being out of the limelight and unknown to the larger community for a time. Those who allow God to do His work in them at this time, daily walking in His guidance will go on to play greater roles and will not fall for the deceptive lifestyle of the limelight and success.

The beauty of a diamond is not when it was polished and put on showcase but when it was being formed in the dark recesses of the earth for if it didn’t get its formation right, it would not become a DIAMOND to the world. Don’t be too quick to seek the commendation of men but be patient while the Lord works on you for a time will come when true commendation will come with effortless ease.

THE PONDER SERIES # 8 - THE VIRTUES OF GODLINESS

Prevalent in the world is the unspoken yet acceptable norm made popular by Niccolo Machiavelli that “the end justifies the means” – by this the success of any objective is said to validate the process by which it is achieved. Therefore there is no regard to how the goal is attained. Following this point, we are assaulted with the image of such ‘successes’ on TV, magazines, advert and books. Success has been encased in the robes of immorality, lusts, covetousness, greed and gets rich quick schemes. The values of decency, contentment and GODLINESS are seen as religious fanaticism.

Unfortunately, many Christians have imbibed this success syndrome and have limited the impact that their lives as light should have on others. There is an unbridled quest to succeed at all costs that drives people to engage in any manner of activity to achieve their objective – the commendation of men. Another myth is that such actions are necessary to achieve financial success. Is this the TRUTH? BUT PONDER on what God says.

Unlike the worldview, every aspect of achieving success is important to God – the principle of Godliness. 1 Timothy 6.6 “Now godliness with contentment is great gain”NKJV. God wants to direct our affairs to give us the best and also honour Him. Acting otherwise is disrespectful and disobedience. Moreover seeking after wealth rather than God is what creates this false life. It is important to know that material success is a blessing from God (Deu.8.18, Psalm 112.3)

Therefore it is error to think that the person who walks in godliness will not experience material success. The Bible warns that we should not be deceived by the “prosperity of the wicked” – those whose practices offend the law of God yet receive the accolades of men.(Psalm 37 & 73). We must take comfort that our best interests are known only by God and through the Holy Spirit these plans are revealed to us. They give us true lasting prosperity, fulfilment and contentment at every level. Our relationship with God is untainted and our soul is not held in bondage to sinful practices. This in turn strengthens our authority over the devil and his influenced.

Daniel, Joseph, Abraham and Jacob all learnt the way of Godliness in their lives and they all prospered. Your personal dignity and fellowship with God thrives in Godliness. Be resolute in your daily life to live by this virtue. It has both spiritual and natural gain. Don’t throw caution to the wind and seek to follow in the ways of the ungodly. 1 Timothy 6.11 urges us to flee from ungodliness rooted in the love of money and pursue GODLINESS.