The Covering

Jesus came to do away with our sin  (Hebrews 9:26, 1 John 3:5) and not cover our sin.  Animal sacrifices {as done before the time of Christ} covered sin (Hebrews 10:4-11). This is my perspective; the problem with covering sin is that it has the potential to grow again like weeds. Therefore, people in the old testament had to sacrifice animals regularly to cover their sin. Jesus came to uproot and completely take away sin so that it does not grow again and bear fruit. When we accept Christ's sacrifice, it is like a new seed planted that has the potential to grow and bear many good fruits.

The unattractive attraction

People say make Jesus famous, but most if not all people in the world know about Jesus. It appears as if Jesus is famous but not attractive. Isaiah 53:2 states that Jesus was unattractive in appearance. He was unattractive to many because of what he stood for.  He was all about God's and the things He said were heavy and challenged many to the core especially those that deemed themselves righteous due to their religious standing. His words penetrated people's hearts like a double-edged sword that threatened what they preferred and accepted. They rejected Him because the requirements were too high than what they were willing to give. He made them feel uncomfortable and saw Him as a threat. They preferred comfort and didn't want challenges that rocked their world. He was a constant reminder of righteousness that exposed their shame, their short falling and didn't want to see themselves as such. Their resolve was to get rid of Him so they could get back to their way comfortably. In their blindness, they wanted to stay. Seeing was too uncomfortable for them to bear. Sight knocked off their pride and exposed their need for help but admitting that is shameful. The truth they knew by knowledge but the heart will not accept. "Its too hard" and all they had to do was give Him them. As they are, He will renew them, wash them, cleanse them and dress them in clean clothes. Inside out the light can glow if they only let Him. Stubborn! they were rooted in sin hidden the covering of their hearts. Only a few knew that running to Him will hurt just for a moment, an exchange for a lifetime of joy. Many ran from Him as their "happiness" was unsatisfied, the happiness of the world that needs constant refreshing. The length people would go to get that "high" but at least His door remains open and has been and will be but not for long. You've got to run to Him, comfort brings a lifetime of delay and halts progress, one still maintained by bouts of water. In time you will thirst again. Come back, come back to Him, He is attracted to you, His love proof of the price He paid. Come back for His burden is light and His water never runs dry. 

Take your position

The Enemy

Most people know the famous story about David and Goliath, the boy against the taunting giant and with one rock it was a knockout. There's more to this story of victory as seen in 1 Samuel 17.  The story begins with two armies on opposite hills, the Philistines and the Israelites. The enemy was described as Philistinian Giant name Goliath (verse 1-11). Goliath was described as massive, heavy, mighty and 💪 strong too, a champion of a nation. His past accomplishments, capabilities and strength made him confident in his own might. He wasn't alone as the entire Philistinian army was with him. Goliath stood proud with his weapons taunting the Israelite army for forty days both day and night.

These are the lessons learnt

1. The enemies job is to taunt us day and night to make us fearful of him and that is what satan does to us relentlessly. He had to keep the fear alive to keep us from progressing.
2. He portrays his might, accomplishments, capabilities and weapons to make us know that we don't stand a chance. Giving up is our best option.
3. There are many enemies, but our biggest enemy may be our door to greatness, it all depends on our response.
4. The enemy knows us, he knows our weakness and the buttons to press, so he taunts to fear in us consistently so that we run from progress and destiny. He knows when we face challenges we become stronger to face the next one and the next one till we become who God called us to be.

The Request

David was a shepherd and his father Jesse sent him to check on and take food to his brothers who were part of the Israelite army. Early the next morning, David left as per his father's request to the Israelite army camp. He left his sheep under the care of another shepherd. He arrived at the time the Israelites were shouting their battle cries ready to fight. David left the supplies to the keeper and ran to greet his brother and that is when he heard Goliaths taunt to Israel. The Israelite army saw him and they were afraid and so they retreated.

1. David was responsible, he took care of what God gave him, he never left his sheep stray instead he left them under the care of another shepherd.
2. Obedience to the simplest and probably meaningless requests may direct you to the opportunity that can change your life.

The Opportunity

The army men started to speak about the giant, his day to day taunts and the Kings reward. David heard what the soldiers were saying and he asked for was the verification of the information. David questioned the IDENTITY of the enemy while magnifying God "who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?". Moreover, David wanted to know what was the REWARD of killing the Goliath. David's brother was angry with him as they KNEW him and thought he wanted to just see the fight. His brother reminded him of the character of his pride and deceit and his job as a shepherd. David verified the information again from another group and he received the same answer. Three times David heard the same information. His questions grabbed the attention of King Saul.

1. Your identity is on what or whom you focus on. David's identified with God and the enemy was not a match.
2.  No one does anything for nothing. David needed to know what was the reward. I think it was the contents of the reward that grabbed his attention. The reward would benefit not just him but also his entire family (exemption from paying tax). 
3. On the path to greatness or success, often they are people who remind us of our position based on things we did on a daily basis. This is what David's brother did reminded him of his position as a shepherd and nothing more. And this how dreams are killed by listening to those close to us (some who mean well) who derail us from our destiny because they can't see or fathom the extent of the greatness God has put within you. So they see you as what you've always been and identify you with what they see you do on a daily basis.  Eliab saw David the Shephard.
4. Persistence pays. David asked the same question and received the same answer. he persisted and his persistence got the attention of one who reported to King Saul.
5. Cease the moment that would change your life.

The qualifications (CV)

David told the King he can take on Goliath. The King saw David as just a boy with an understanding of Goliath history as a man of war since his youth. The unfazed David told the King about how he killed bears and lions to protect his flock and also go after the animal to rescue his lamb. Plus he knows how to defend himself and because of this, he can take on Goliath. Saul finally agreed and told him the God be with you.

1. Do not despise the times of small beginnings, it is there you gain the necessary skills that will enable you to maintain the position or place of where God is taking you.
2. David might just have been a shepherd but it this place he loved, protected and defended his flock. The skills he learnt at this time helped him later on in his position as the King of Israel. Just like he did with his flock, he fought and protected the people of Israel. David's CV qualified him to take on the giant.
3. God allowed certain challenges to happen during the course of Davids life to prepare him for greater things to come. What you learn when facing challenges and overcoming them prepares you for your destiny. These challenges are necessary for one's growth and development. Moreover, they highlight your dependency on God to overcome them which cements your relationship with Him.

The Fight

Saul offered David his own armour a bronze helmet and coat of mail. David took two steps and realised he can't use and he is not used to them.  He picked up his weapons of choice which were five smooth stones and went to face Goliath. The enemy still taunted with curses and demeaning comments and David acknowledged his weapons and that they were beneath what David had come with. He came in the name of God and he told Goliath his fate as if he was sure of what was to happen.  David took that opportunity to magnify God. Goliath attacked, David threw his stone using a sling and it hit Goliaths's forehead and he fell face first.  David took Goliath's sword and cut off his head.

1. Sauls armour can be viewed as one using another's equipment, skill or experience to face an enemy. The problem with that is that this can be uncomfortable and derail one from performing optimally. In other words, don't put on other people shoes, it might not fit and cause you to trip. People deal with things differently, and their way may not work for you.
2. The enemy will taunt till forever, and he will continue until you face him.
3. Know who you are in God, remind yourself of what is says about you to extinguish the lies whispered by the enemy.
4. David had his skills but they weren't enough. One's talent or skill can only go far but with God's anointing, nothing is impossible.
5. Goliath fell face first signifying the shame of a fallen enemy. 
6. The weapon the enemy had planned to use was used on him instead. No weapons formed against you will prosper.
7. This was the fight that got David known to people but God knew his heart prior to this hence he was anointed as king of Israel (1 Samuel 16). This was David's time for greater things to come.

The Victory

When the Philistine army saw what happened, they ran and the Israelite army pursued them. They killed and wounded many of them. David too continued to fight. Saul watched and wanted to know about David. And when David returned with the enemies head, King Saul asked about his father and where he came from.

1.  Even after such a huge victory, David never stopped pursuing the enemy, he kept on fighting. We need to fight whatever enemies we face. An enemy could be depression, anxiety, procrastination, fear etc anything that derails our progress. When you conquer one enemy especially the big ones, keep on fighting the ones left till you conquer them. This is why we all are a working progress.
2. When is victorious over an enemy, you give others the courage to face their enemies and fight.
3. A victory that benefits many gets one recognition and people want to know more about him/her.
4. David was courageous and skilled but it was God who was with him that gave him the victory.
5. David took his position against his enemy and gained victory.

The power within you

God is limitless and is not confined in time and space. He is a Spirit (John 4:24) and no one has ever seen Him (John 1:18). We are created by His own image (Genesis 1:27). His image is the Spirit and not what we look like physically. This then means even though we are confined in the space of our physical bodies, our "spirit" is limitless and its confinements are determined by our soul (mind). What we achieve is even more than we can think and imagine because of the power within us (Ephesians 3:20) because we are more than just our bodies can do, since our flesh is limited. He knows what we are capable of in Him when we abide and trust in Him, the impossibilities become possible as the spirit is not led nor driven by physical laws. 

David killed Goliath at the age of 17 years, yes the accuracy of his slingshot (with much practice protecting his sheep from wild animals) ended the physical life of the giant but the might of the sling was from the unseen power of God in David (1 Samuel 17). What was seen as an impossible situation for David (a small boy fighting a giant) was possible through God's power that was within him. This story is an example of how the spiritual and the physical converge.  Age is not a factor of what God can do through you, I believe it's through availability, will and total surrender to Him. Spiritual maturity through worship, prayer and studying from the scripture not only brings one closer to God but an individual is re-introduced to oneself and who one was created to be by the One who made him/her. A spirit is eternal and exists forever, and where we go after the earth is determined by our choices. 

I have heard people say that things are birthed first in the spiritual realm before the physical realm. Since the spiritual realm is unseen, to pray for things into being (according to God's will) takes Faith which is to hope for things not seen and believe that they are hence being thankful to God for receiving what one just prayed for before it is present. Just like the body needs food, feed your spiritual man by the meditating upon the word which will direct your path (Psalm 119:105) into your destiny that God had already planned. Limit not the power of God within you.

Real Love

I have often been told that you'll know one's character when there are challenges. Friends and families characters are tested in those stressful, confusing, grief-stricken, sorrowful and in need-of-help moments. Who will be there is the question even though not the focus at that moment in time.  Christ displayed love by action and words, He walked the talk. He proved then and now that LOVE is the root of a big tree that produces much fruit such as trust, kindness, loyalty, faithfulness, sacrifice, patience, forgiveness, no judgement, endurance, joy, peace, presence, perseverance, commitment, understanding, compassion, generosity and much more. In the book of Ruth chapter 1, Ruth displayed what real love is to her mother-in-law Naomi. During the time, Naomi felt that there was nothing else left to offer her daughters in law and rather wanted to let them go back home and have a better life than what she could offer. The other one left but Ruth stayed as said "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go: wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us" (Ruth 1:16-18). Here she displayed her love by words and actions. Naomi has nothing to offer Ruth but she stayed. She was loyal, faithful and patiently endured the tough times with Naomi. She sacrificed the opportunity for a better life by not going back home. She remained faithful in the dark times not knowing what the future holds for her. She even was willing to give her all to identify more with Naomi saying her people will be my people and her God will be my God. She was committed to endure whatever path that may come her way as long as she was with Naomi, only death could separate them. For me, that is real love with no conditions and such love is tested, trialled and never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).  It is the foundation that can and is capable of weathering storms of any kind I believe. Love is built with time and doesn't just happen and it is also a choice. I have learnt that real love has no expectations because if expectations are present there were conditions. If the conditions are not met, well there is no love. I believe that Naomi loved Ruth too and was willing to let her go for the betterment of her future. Love endures all things even when it hurts. Love is putting another's needs before yours even though it is not reciprocated as Jesus had shown to the point of dying on the cross for us so that we may have eternal life. Love is willing to do even what you don't want to do so that others may benefit. If we all loved like Christ loved, the world would be a much better place. But God's mercies and grace carry us in our imperfect state as we are all a working progress. And that's just the surface of God's love (agape love) and it is deeper and incomprehensive.

In terms of relationships that lead to marriage, I believe that this is the type of love (as deep as it can be) that should be displayed. But since I am not relationship expert neither do I have much experience in this area further research and testimonials are warranted (in other blogs or internet websites) for those seeking to understand more on this. If you are successfully married and know the ropes on this and have further insight on this subject feel free to comment and share.

Thought of Today

When it comes to prayer and/or ushering God's presence, the environment and atmosphere are two separate things. The church is an environment, you can be present there and still not experience God's presence even after much worship and this happens due to various reasons. However, when you are in a place within that really wants, hungers or yearns for God's presence and you put your focus and energy into that, that's when (for me) God's presence starts settling in filling me with serenity. This happens at home, church and even in a quiet bathroom because God's presence is not contained in a specific environment. One can be in church but focused on other things or the mind is deeply disturbed that even when the worshippers set the atmosphere for you, God's presence feels out of reach. Therefore, the environment is where you are in, the atmosphere is what you create. The environment is external and the atmosphere is internal/spiritual.

Partnership

We all have dreams and when you are born again, that makes God our partner in seeing our dreams realised. Afterall He appointed us for specific plans even before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5). In every successful progressive relationship, two qualities are required; communication and willingness. Communication is important so that both parties are on the same page. Understanding what role each one plays and what is required to progress. The willingness to do your part is important as this not only leads to progress but also strengthens the relationship because no one is burdened by the other. Moreover, as time goes trust, integrity, accountability amongst other things are built. One can communicate but without willingness, not much or nothing is achieved.

Understanding the part we play in God's promises or our dreams being realised is of the utmost crucial. Partnership from both sides stemming from communication and willingness is important. Think of a team of two people rowing in a double scull boat at a competition.  A double scull boat requires both competitors to use both hands to row. The technique is discussed and practised beforehand. When one individual decides that he/she is tired or don't do their best, not only will the team fail but also they both suffer the consequences.

Fortunately for us, God does His part and we have to do our part so that there is progress. At times we do our part without consulting our partner and then things don't work out. It is important to also submit to the timing of God, after all, He knows the path we have to take and what time we should take certain steps. Failure to do our part due to procrastination (thief of progress), disobedience, faithlessness, sin and amongst other things may delay your progress. Therefore, delaying oneself for whatever reason may also be delaying the work that the Lord wants to do in and through you. The good news is God gives us several chances because He is patient. When we repent and remain focused on the vision we have been given and get back to the path that He constructed for us, much can be accomplished more than we can ever think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20) for the benefit of others and ourselves.

Do good there's a reward

I  was taught to do good to those who needed help and those who could return the favour when I needed it. I called the latter the boomerang effect ones. When I was 14 years old I volunteered in at a soup kitchen in the East Coast. The organisers would go to the supermarket and get almost expired food for free. I was part of a team of three elderly ladies that worked there. Our job was to turn the food that was brought in into a meal. First, we would throw away any food items that smelt spoiled or rotten (in the case of vegetables). Whatever remained, we would use it to make soup. One thing I loved about the place is how everyone was so peaceful and happy there. The organisation which was Christian based would also provide the volunteers with food at lunchtime. The atmosphere was beautiful and serene. Anyway, out of the vegetables we made soup which would be eaten with bread. One day, I tagged along with the team that went to the city centre in Durban. There there were poor people, some slept on the streets, while others were unemployed as a result they couldn't afford to eat. My task for that day was to pour soup in the styrofoam cups and hand it to the people who had already foamed a line. Thereafter, they would receive two slices of bread from the next volunteer. Some were thankful, others said nothing but showed a face of gratitude while others would insult you in their mother tongue thinking that you don't understand what they were saying. What they said was enough to make me change my attitude towards them. Since I was limited in my speech (I mean I came with a Christian organisation), my only vengeance was to put less soup in their cups. I opted no to do that, rather I gave them a look of disapproval to let them know I understood all they said.  Afterwards, those who wanted would sit on the grass and listen to the preacher preach.

Doing good may not buy you your salvation (Ephesians 2:9) but it has its rewards. Jesus gave a parable of a man who invited his friends for a great feast (Luke 14:15-24) and all had excuses of why they couldn't come. Eventually, the man sent his servants to invite those on the street, who people looked upon or outcasts for lack of a better word. This man invited those who could not repay him. God rewards those who do good to those who cannot pay back (Luke 14:14). When you are good to those who can pay you back, your reward is that they paid you back (Luke 14:12) and probably you find favour with them. Moreover, the bible says in my own words that there’s nothing special about that since even sinners do that (Luke 6:33).  Doing good towards your enemies (besides heaping coals on their heads) will be like acting like Christ and He will give you your reward.  The reward may not be here on earth but in heaven where I believe it is multiplied than what you gave on earth. I call this laying treasures in heaven where neither moths can eat nor thieves can break in and steal (Matthew 6:19). However, when you do good, do it out of love as Jesus did all He did out of love. Do not be weary in doing good for in the proper time we will reap a harvest (Galatians 6:9). In this world, it’s a choice to plant seeds to harvest in the next life. Therefore, do good to all even those that do not deserve it, for you shall reap the rewards. 

Falling Short

In different ways, we continuously prove that we fall short of the glory of God. This is revealed when we are challenged according to what we know and fail because within us is still the nature of evil, for example, imagine leaving your home in a cold day, you are on your way to work, you see a man in need of a jacket who is homeless, This man is cold and clearly shivering, by this time you've covered quite a distance plus you are wearing your favourite jacket. Would you give your very expensive, favourite jacket for this homeless man? Out of honesty, I really do not think so but maybe a few would, however, for the majority still unlikely. Such situations teach us about us, we still have it in us to be selfish, inconsiderate, greedy and other things given the right circumstances. We tend to put our needs first even when we have plenty at home ( given this scenario) and that is why Jesus said no one is good except God (Mark 10:18). Since we fall short of the glory of God we should count ourselves beyond blessed because of what Jesus did on the cross. We are saved through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). He is our righteous and even our good works cannot save us only by God's grace which is a gift (Ephesians 2: 8-9). This does not mean we shouldn't do good works, in fact, we should, it is a choice each day to imitate Christ and to die to oneself. To completely surrender and allow Him to live through you. Hopefully one day, years to come, we will look back and say we are better than we were before (speaking of being Christ-like) because at the end of the day we are working progress as the bible puts it, we are being moulded.

Trust Before Love

I have often wondered what true surrender is? Is love the reason why people respond to an altar call? I have discovered that the most intimate marriage there is is the one you have with Christ. But for those who have recently discovered Christ because of the familiarity of the spirit (I mean we are from him) but do not know him, what makes them respond, is it the love they have for Christ? When I read the old testament often the Israelites would sin then come back to God in times of distress and ask for his help and truly tap into the nature of God's mercy. Our loving God would respond to their tears that despite what they did (even worshipping other gods), His love would prevail above it all and they would be saved. Often this was the cycle and God would forgive and meet the Israelites needs.

In the new testament, people came to Jesus most of whom needed something from Him like healing and He would heal them. Others were fascinated in what sounded like a new gospel that satisfied their souls hence they would gather to hear him teach. And there were those who simply loved Him and followed Him. And yeah let's not forget those tried to catch him out because of jealousy (the subject of another day).

Practically speaking when one meets a person that looks like a potential partner, often one likes the person and necessarily love that individual. To love another takes time that is invested in knowing that individual. However, I have come to believe trust comes before love. These people trusted that they would be healed, faith-driven by the testimonies they have heard. He (Jesus) did not have a failure rate and had a success rate of 100% and this spoke volumes to those who needed healing in all aspect physical (numerous accounts), emotional (the Samaritan woman), spiritual (all who heard His teachings). 

So those who come to Christ, come to Him because they know He will satisfy their needs and I believe that is the altar call is done after the preaching/teaching. These individuals respond by faith and trust that He can be trusted. Just because one loves another does not mean that that individual can be trusted. However, when you trust one, one's dependability on that person is increased and surrendering to that individual is easy.  Consequently, with time one begins to love that individual because of the spent with Him.  To believe His promises becomes easy since He has never failed you. Therefore, trust comes before love and since It is  God who breaks no one's heart, this relationship is the most intimate marriage one will ever have better than marriage to Prince Charming in this earth (humans are limited and they make mistakes). So trusting and surrendering to the all Perfect one, who knows your beginning and end, who knows the plans He has for you, plans to prosper you to give hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). The more you spend time with Him through prayer and the word, the more you love Him because you understand nature and the fact that He loved you first and through all our sinful ways. So take the first step and trust Him.

God's promises

I volunteer at kid's church and at times I also learn with the kids. I may have heard and read the stories countless time but in that same story, there is a new revelation. When God promised Abram to leave his country and people to go to a land that He promised (Genesis 12). Abraham did that, he believed God and left to go to an unknown land. I find this sense of faith, a faith bigger than a mustard seed. Leave all you know and have ever known to an unknown land, uncertain on what lies ahead because of a promise. Faith is to hope for things not seen, rendering them as if they are (my definition). I once heard that the currency of God's kingdom is FAITH, I now see it as seeds planted, patiently waiting for the abundant harvest. No wonder it was counted as righteousness when Abraham believed God. I sometimes wonder because we are from Him, the familiarity of His voice is known to us even though He has not spoken to one before. Now Abraham's harvest was more descendants more than the stars he can count. Abraham's need (lack of a child) was met in abundance not just in descendants but all areas of his life was blessed. And that blessing continued to his descendants. 

However, for God's promise to be fulfilled we have a part to play so that it comes to fruition. In the book of Joshua 21:43-45 (the Israelites have arrived in Canaan and settled), God fulfilled His promise to the Israelites. God's promises are not subject to time but they are subject to one's obedience.  The faithless generation died (40 years) so that the faithful ones can go and occupy the promised land. Abraham leaving his place was him obeying God. Faith precedes obedience. It seems like promises are like contacts between (in this case) God and man. Just like any contract, both parties have a part to play so that what is to be achieved (promise) can come to pass. The Israelites had to fight for the land to occupy it. God was always with them, He helped them conquer all their enemies. He fulfilled all His promises to the Israelites. God funds His plans. When God promises, we should not only have faith, we should obey (action) Him so that His promises are fulfilled.