Delay Is Not Denial

This vision is for a future time.

It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.

If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,

for it will surely take place.

It will not be delayed.

[Habakkuk 2:3, NLT]

Whatever God has spoken, promised or declared, it will come to pass. Delays in answers to prayers are not denials. In fact, during those periods of delays, there are deep secrets of love and wisdom that we have never imagined, if only we can open our eyes and hearts to see them. Though we would like things to happen our own way and at our own time, God wants us to wait until they are fully ripe.

“The LORD longs to be gracious to you.... Blessed are all who wait for him!” [Isa 30:18]. The Lord watches over us in all the difficult places, and He will not allow even one trial that is too much for us. He will use His refining fire to burn away our impurities and will then gloriously come to our rescue.

What God has promised you will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. Do not grieve Him by doubting His love. Instead, lift up your eyes and begin praising Him right now for the deliverance that is on its way to you. Then you will be abundantly rewarded for the delay that has tried your faith.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for Your unfailing and abundant love towards me. I know You long to be gracious to me and I trust that Your plans for me are only good. Even as I wait on You concerning this area of my life (mention any area where You are expecting an answer from God), may I not miss the treasures and wisdoms that comes in the waiting period. May I learn and understand all that You want me to during this period. I pray for grace and strength to wait on You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Doing A Beautiful Thing

...She has done a beautiful thing to me...

[Matthew 26:10, NIV]

A woman (supposed to be Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus) had a box of ointment very precious, which she poured upon the head of Christ as He sat at meat. The pouring of ointment upon the head of Christ was a token of the highest respect, for the smell was very pleasant, and the ointment itself was refreshing to the head. It was an act of love and respect to Him. This act of faith and love was so remarkable, that it would be reported, as a memorial of Mary's faith and love, to all future ages, and in all places where the gospel should be preached. This prophecy is fulfilled even until this day.

Where there is true love in the heart to Jesus Christ, nothing will be thought too good to bestow upon Him. Not what you own, your money, your time or your service will be too good for Him. None of the things you have done in gratitude, in love and respect for Christ is a waste. It is a beautiful thing to Him. 

If you have the opportunity to give anything, of yourself, of your possessions, of your time, to the service of God, let it come from the heart. Ask God to give you a heart that truly loves Him, that your deeds will be beautiful things to Him.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I am blessed to know some of the things that touch You. My love, faith and respect mean so much to You. I pray Father, that my value system and my priorities will be aligned with Yours. My Lord, I pray for opportunities to express my love to You. May I never withhold my very best from You. May my acts and my works be regarded as beautiful things to You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Worthy Custodian

For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.

[Matthew 25:29, NIV]

Have you ever wondered why it seems those who are wealthy keep getting wealth, and those who are talented keep expanding in the applications of their talents? The words of Jesus Christ, as He told the parable of the talents, shows the principle behind this. His words can be applied to several areas of our lives today. Let's look at the following areas: -

1. The blessings of this life - worldly wealth and possessions. God gives us these things to be used for His glory, and for the good of those around us. Those who have these things and use them for the purpose God desires, end up having in abundance, either abundance of the things themselves, abundance of comfort in them, and/or abundance of better things. Giving to the poor and sowing seeds are trading with what we have, and the returns will be riches and abundance.

2. Opportunities. Those who improve in the opportunities they have, God will enlarge them, and will set before them open doors, because he who is faithful in little will be faithful in much. 

3. Gifts and talents. Everyone has a special gift or talent, including gifts of the Spirit. Those who use their gifts for good will have abundance of them, for gifts improve by exercise, and brighten by being used. Those who do not stir up the gift that is in them, who do not exert themselves according to their capacity, their gifts rust, and decay, and go out like a neglected fire.

The sure word of Jesus tells us that for everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. Let us pray that we do not fall into the category of those whom the little they have is taken from them.

Prayer: My Loving Father, thank You for counting me worthy of Your blessings, of opportunities and of gifts and talents. Indeed these are blessings. Help me, Father, to recognize my gifts and talents, as well as opportunities which I may ordinarily overlook. I pray You open my eyes to see where and how I can use the blessings, opportunities, gifts and talents that You have bestowed on me. May I be counted as a worthy custodian of the things You have blessed me with. May I use them to Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Staying In Readiness

The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps
[Matthew 25:4, NIV]

The story of the ten virgins is part of a series of parables Jesus shared with his disciples to prepare them for his return to earth. He emphasized that his return will not be known by any as events will be business as usual. There will be signs of the season but the exact day and hour no one knows. He encouraged his followers to stay in readiness so he may find them on his return.

In the story of the ten virgins, the coming of the bridegroom is delayed; it did not happen at the time they expected to meet him, just as no one will know when Christ will return. During the time of delay all ten virgins got weary and slept, but the wise amongst them guarded themselves from the outcomes of drowsiness. They took with them enough oil to keep their lamps burning. They stayed in preparation and readiness of the master. Their spirit of readiness differentiated them as 'wise' and enabled them to feast with the bridegroom.

As children of God in a time that appears the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is delayed, let us not allow ourselves to go off guard by following after fleshly satisfaction. Let's not get carried away with the times, but keep our faith in readiness of our Lord. Keeping the oil of the Holy Spirit in us at all times will safeguard us from losing our brightness on the Lord's return. As with the foolish virgin's the time of Christ's return will not be the time to look for where to buy salvation and gather the Holy Spirit, also it will not be possible to share the salvation of another person, it will be too late at that time.

As with our cars, we have indicators and warning lights for when the fuel runs dry so we can top up. Examine yourself daily to know the amount of Christ that is in you (2 Corinth. 13:5), stay in fellowship with the Holy Spirit by doing the things of the Spirit and obeying the word of God. Stay in fellowship with other Christians in a bible believing church. Stay in readiness of the coming of Christ, stay wise in Jesus name.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I desire earnestly to feast with you on your return. I do not want to miss out. I invite you Holy Spirit of God, please fill me to the brim and keep me burning daily. Remove far from my life everything that contradicts your will and prevents my readiness for the Kingdom of God. I choose to be wise Lord. As I wait on you, please help me I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - July 06 2010 - Psalms 56-59 (OT), Ephesians 6 (NT).

Pray for someone today - Pray for Christians who are living under the oppression of the devil so that whatever efforts they put into their lives do not yield result, that the God of Jacob will deliver them and set them free for His glory.

God's love and mine...

The Certainty of God's Words

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

[Matthew 24:35, NIV]

Jesus Christ in this chapter [Matthew 24] speaks of His second coming, the signs of the end of the age, and encouragement for the disciples to be prepared and expect them. This message is still valid for us today. Jesus Christ here assures us of the certainty of His words. 

The word of God is more sure and lasting than heaven and earth. Whatever He has spoken, He will do it. We have more hope and assurance if we choose to stand upon the word of God than if we hope in pillars of heaven, or stand on the strong foundations of the earth. While the heaven and earth will be made to tremble and will one day be no more, the word of God shall remain, and be in full force, power, and virtue. Though the fulfilment of the prophesies of Christ may seem to be delayed, in God’s time, which is the best time, and in God’s way, which is the best way, it will certainly be fulfilled. Every word of God is very pure, and therefore very sure.

Are you standing on any word or promise of God? Though it may seem to be delayed, you can trust in Him, for His promise will come to pass at the best time and in the best way. He honours His word and He is always watching over it to perform it. Are you in a situation where you feel like there is no hope? You can find His word or His promise concerning that situation, and find rest in the knowledge that His word and promises concerning you will come to pass if you receive and believe them. Halleluyah!

Prayer: My Loving Father, thank You for Your Word that is pure, powerful and certain. You have assured me today that Your Word will surely come to pass. Father, today I choose to trust in You and stand on Your Word. I choose to be a testimony that heaven and earth will pass away but Your Word will never pass away. Your word will always be fulfilled. Grant me grace and strength as I wait on You, Lord, for the fulfilment of Your word in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Supporting Prayer

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
[Matthew 21:22, NKJV]

Prayer is a means of communicating with God, during which time we express our desires to Him or wait on Him for direction and instruction. Our prayers come in different forms; at times as short bursts of immediate need or purposeful time spent in fellowship with God. Whenever and however we pray, we desire one thing in common. Answers.

Over the years and on daily basis, God proves Himself a prayer answering God. He is specialized in surprising His people with amazing answers to prayers, which we sometimes share amongst folks as testimonies. Since we have a supreme God whose ears are inclined to hear and help us, let us all go with boldness to Him communicating our hearts desires and requests in prayer, considering none too small or too big.

When you go to God in prayer for anything you can't handle, support your prayers with faith, and believe that He will answer you. Faith opens your eyes to actions you need to take in order to receive your answers. Faith will position you positively to make the most of every God given opportunity. If however you pray and don't believe God to answer, you will not identify the moment when the answers come because of doubt and uncertainty, often time the opportunity is missed. He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, Heb 11:6.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

Prayer: Almighty God, I bless you for your love and ability to answer my prayers. I am especially grateful to have you in my life, thank you. Father I pour out to you every weight that has burdened my heart, every challenge that stands in my way and every weakness I bear, turn your ears to my prayer's Lord with answers that will glorify your name. I believe that as you have heard me, you have answered my prayers because of your unending love for me. Thank you Jesus.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - July 04 2010 - Psalms 44-51 (OT), Ephesians 4 (NT).

Pray for someone today - Pray for your family members, that each member of the family will live a fulfilled life according to the purpose and glory of God, that there will be many reasons to share God's faithfulness amongst yourselves. Lift to God any member of the family who is yet to accept Him in their life.

God's love and mine...