♧Before Jesus said to Peter and the disciples, “unto you I give the keys of kingdom” He enquired on how they knew Him.
♧In our days, we may say they received a survey with two questions.
1.Who do MEN say that I the son of man I am?
2. Who do YOU say, Iam?
♧As you well know, they scored highly on the first question. They had ears on the ground they knew what people speculated Jesus is.
♧Whoever on the second question, it would have been so sad if what other people said is also what they said.
♧They walked, worked and practically lived with Jesus. That proximity and access meant that they knew him.
♧However, to really know Him, who He really is, Peter did not speculate, rationalize or critically evaluate. He received a REVELATION!
♧Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. Matthew 16:17 NIV
♧There is a knowing that is only received through Revelation. Not flesh and blood, nor looking at the outward appearance.
♧Like Peter may we open up to Revelation, act and speak with confidence because of the revealed Truth.
♧There are many who have missed the open doors, because we made decisions based on what people say or what we know from observation.
♧Samuel almost missed it when on assignment to anoint a king in Jesse’s house. However, he yielded and operated with Revelation.
♧But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
♧Before you dismiss someone, or act on your gathered intelligence, Give room for Heaven intelligence. Receive a Revelation that no flesh and blood can reveal.
Today, I went through my photos, and each had a story. Beyond what the eyes can see, each brings back memories. I guess that is why Thursdays are called TBT. ( Throwbacks Thursday) I went down the memory lane, and all I can say is that through it all, the Lord has been faithful
This reminded me of a sermon I recently shared with the Women Ministers Network. Enjoy the sermon notes as compiled by our network secretary Irene Njoroge.
• “I am in your story” that is what God is saying. In a story there is the plot, the venue where the story is taking place, and the end. God is in our story from creation, to now, and to the end. You may not know what lies beyond the corner but God the author knows. The story gets twists and turns and you wonder where the story is going. Sometimes you ask, “Where was God when this was happening?” But just know that God is in the story.
• Ruth gets married and her husband dies before she gets a kid, then gets married to Boaz. God was in her story.
• Orpha on the other hand got married, her husband dies, but she goes back to her home place, and that was the end of her story. Don’t quit before God writes your story.
• Ruth follows Naomi. She tells her, “Your people will be my people.” She wanted to know where her story was heading. She cringed to Naomi
• Think about Ruth. Your situation where you didn’t know what is happening. Our stories are read at the end of our life experience, at our funeral. It is our prayer that none of our story will be cut short because God is in our story.
• Ruth 3: 1-5 God had said that when you harvest leave some for the poor. Ruth and Naomi are the poor. Naomi says, “Don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara.” But Ruth reaped in a rich man’s farm. There is another chapter in her life. I don’t know how you are dealing with your chapter but there is another chapter because, God is in your story.
• Verse 5, “All that you say to me, I will do.” This is an attitude of obedience. Naomi knows Ruth wants security. God in our story knows what we need. At Highest praise international, in Pst Lucy Paynter’s sermon, Mary said to the angel, “Let it be as you say to me.”
• Naomi gives clear instructions. Some chapters in your story makes you down trodden, some are for preparation: wash anoint yourself, put on the best garment. Your attitude should portray the glory of God even if the chapter isn’t good. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Naomi is showing Ruth that there is no time for pity partying. Wash yourself, anoint yourself and put on garment. Are we prepared for the next chapter; the latter glory cum revival. This network is a fulfilment of 100 years ago prophesy that said that women would bring the latter glory.
• “Go down to the threshing floor.” It would be in vain if Ruth prepared but didn’t go out. In the threshing floor is where wheat and barley are threshed. Go where the action is.
• Some complain that they are not noticed or are not given an opportunity. Go to the action.
• God makes everything beautiful in its best time. Some don’t have the discipline of secrecy. We get to the threshing floor and start announcing ourselves. God help us wait for the right time. Waiting is a virtue. Some are there but keep saying, “I am coming out.” Don’t talk until Boaz has finished eating. David said, “I waited patiently….” Some have moved their eyes from the threshing floors that when it’s time to occupy, they didn’t know. Be focused and know that “My help comes from the Lord,” not people. Ruth focused on Boaz.
• It’s not everywhere you are supposed to go in. She had to notice the place, then go in. “Go in, uncover his feet, then you will find a place to lie down.” At the feet of Jesus, like in the case of Mary, is a very secure place.
• Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions. She lies and waits. At midnight, Boaz realized there was someone at his feet. How much time do you spend at the feet of Jesus until God realizes there is someone?
• Boaz asked, “Who are you?” You should be intimate with God until He asks, “Who are you?” like the lengthy wrestling with Jacob until God had to ask, “Who are you?” God knows its Jacob but there is a place you tarry: under the feet of Jesus until God asks, “Who are you?”
• In Form Two, Pastor Lucy Paynter was told to write, in the Social Ethics subject, “Who am I?” It was so confusing.
• Ruth said, “I’m just your maid servant, take me in your wing.”
• Boaz however calls her, “My daughter.” The angel addressed Gideon as, “Man of valor.” And Gideon wondered, “Who are you addressing? I am not mighty!” You will not observe your story as if it is of someone else, for you will tarry at the feet until God notices you.
• Verse 11: And now my daughter, do not fear. For all in my town know you are a virtuous woman. Even Boaz knows. Ruth thought they were calling her servant, maidservant, widow etc. but know you are a virtuous woman.
• Doesn’t matter which chapter you are in. God is saying, “Daughter, do not be afraid. I will do all your request, for you are a virtuous woman. Do not be afraid. At the feet of Jesus, you will encounter God.
• Probably you are wondering, “How about this anointing? All the prophesies in my life! Just know you are at the feet of Jesus. Thank God for you are in our story and are calling us virtuous woman. We are not defined by the chapters in our story. We will not drive through, we will tarry at the feet of Jesus.
• The next chapter, Ruth became the land owner. In the next chapter we will sing the song of victory. It can only get better, after tarrying at the feet. The story of Ruth doesn’t end there. She ends as the grandmother of Jesus. There is a next generation. There is a shift in our story. Doesn’t matter how it began. My next chapter is interesting. It is only getting better.
• At this point all arose and sang, “ /Look at me I am a wonder/ Doesn’t matter what you see now/ I’ll shine with glory/ Coz I know who I am/ I am walking in power/ I am walking in miracles/ I live a life of favor/ Coz I know who I am/ We are a chosen generation/ Called forth to show His excellence/ all I require for life God has given me/ Coz I know who I am/ I know who God says I am/ What He says I am/ All He says I am not/ I know who I am.”
PASS Through The Gates! ♧No limitations nor hesitation when the season is here and the grace is available pass through the open doors.
Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations. Isaiah 62:10 NIV
♧It is not just about changing locations or the environment. Understand the assignment, you have a work to do through the gates. There is no room for self or selfishness. It is about the people! 1. Prepare the way for others. 2. Build up the Highway 3. Remove Stones 4. Raise a banner for Nations.
♧ The fact that you struggled and waged warfare before this breakthrough does not mean the others behind have to pay the same price. Or entince you to get the tips on how you did it.
♧Freely you have received freely give.
As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:7-8 NIV
♧ If the Lord chooses you as a pioneer to pass through the gates, then prepare the way for others, build a highway, remove the stones and raise a banner! Let as many as possible who are connected to you be able to pass through too.
♧The Lord open doors and gates for us. But the responsibility of going through and entering is on us.
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Revelation 3:8 NIV
♧Staying in the proximity of open doors and gates is not enough. There is a call to trust wholeheartedly and push in obedience to His command to experience what’s beyond the open doors.
♧ Acknowledging our little strength or limitations is good, but what are you going to do about it? Excuses and complacency will get us nowhere.
Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. Acts 3:2 NIV
♧Like the man at the gate called beautiful, many are ok with the assistance we get to the gate, but it’s time to stir up a desire to go through the gates.
♧We got a promise, we are not alone, the one who opens doors is holding our hand. ARISE! GO THROUGH! HIS HAND IS HOLDING YOU!
“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: Isaiah 45:1 NIV
We have received the keys of the Kingdom which signify Power and Authority.
♧This month we will use the keys to unlock what needs to be unlocked.
And I will give you the *keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 NKJV
♧Let us continue to align with the Holy Spirit so that we receive directions on how to effectively use the Keys in binding and loosing* Matthew 18:18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will beloosed in heaven.
♧Let us continue to align with the Holy Spirit so that we receive directions on how to effectively use the Keys That we may not receive the revelations and knowledge and use it the wrong way.
“Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” Luke 11:52 NKJV
Our God, in His very nature, is infinite. He is an eternal, self-existing God and by nature, beyond our imagination and comprehension.
His thoughts transcend our own. His power transcends our power, his ways eclipse our ways and His wisdom by far outmatches our wisdom. The fullness of His essence surpasses any human experience.
This is the nature of our God that makes Him deserving of all adoration and the glory in our praises. Our association with this greatness places upon us a special responsibility to proclaim His name, to praise Him, to edify the world and to lead the people to adore Him.
His love and grace, His justice and majesty are nothing short of beautiful. It is, without doubt, a terror to the wicked, but to the righteous it is a treasure. An irresistible drawing power that calls us from the darkest of valleys into an endless admiration. A constant delight for the heart that has tasted of the beauty of the Lord’s holiness.
Our consciousness to the sublimeness and the splendor of His beauty becomes an invariable, a constant quality in our songs, in our lives, in what we say, and in the design of our worship.
It is this awareness that we see in David’s words in 1 Chronicles 16:27-30, when he says: Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
As we begin the series we’re calling “The Splendor of His Holiness”, we are going to dwell pretty much on this aspect of the Lord’s essence or nature and we will seek to understand what the Bible means by this phrase. You know, how does our own experience of this beauty influence our worship? How are we supposed to experience this beauty and how should this experience help us render to the Lord worship that is genuine and relevant, and transformative in our lives? How can we as believers transcend the mundane, fleshly realm of worship into the realm of the Lords splendor?
You see, we must rise above the realm of earthly blessings and realities. Above the visual and musical aspects of worship. Above the sounds and motions around us and into the realm of stillness where we can focus and behold the one on the seat of mercy in the fullness of His glory and strength. It’s only when we dive that deep in our worship, deep enough that we feel light enough to let go of everything that tethers us to the world, only then do we experience the splendor of His holiness in full.
It is only when we reach into this realm that our reservations are broken and the conflicts within us resolved and only then can we say with the conviction that David had, that splendor and majesty are before our God. That strength and joy are indeed in His dwelling place. Because it is no longer a rumor. It is no longer something we have heard someone say. It is no longer something we read in the Bible; it is something we have beheld, an intimacy we have experienced.
You know, sometimes we read the Bible and imagine that such intense intimacy and experiences with God are mysteries of the servants and prophets of old and apostles like John the revelator. But the fact is, a way into this realm was opened for us when the Lord Jesus became flesh. A way that is lit by a worship rendered in spirit and in truth and we really are capable of experiencing this holiness the way they did. And when we embrace and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of it, how could we not be prompted to cry out with the heavenly beings that Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty?
We are not called to mere outward actions but to explore an even greater depth of worship. To reorganize our attitudes and submit to a higher standard of holiness and worship that makes it possible to walk in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus and eligible to stand in the presence of a holy God. To comprehend His transcendent sovereignty and to appreciate His irreproachable purity.
For how else are we to experience His potent, overwhelming presence other than by dwelling in it? How else are we to experience the all-powerful God than by dwelling where He is exalted upon His throne? How could we understand the eternal consistence and infinite holiness of our God if we do not ourselves walk in holiness?
There is an old Irish saying, that “You do not know someone until you have lived with them.” And I dare say that this goes for our relationship with God too. We cannot fully appreciate what we have not experienced. We cannot understand God’s nature and the splendor of His holiness if we keep Him at arm’s length or avoid intimacy and contact with Him. We can never appreciate how deserving of our adoration and praise our God is until we let go of ourselves and immerse ourselves without reservations into His worship. Until we rid ourselves of all what holds us back. Until we’re light enough to be readily drawn into His presence by the beauty of it.
Today I want to start by stating something that may sound like a cliché, especially for us believers.
That everything our God does is for a reason. Everything in His design has its own end. His commands, His deeds… everything that has its origin in God has an object, and a reason for being how and where it is. It’s supposed to exhibit something; to tend to something with a higher purpose. His deeds are ordained to answer to His original design for them. But our capacity for freewill often makes us miss out on this design.
And so for the next ten days, we’re going to look into this purpose, and more so with regards to the abundance that we’re launching into the deep for, this year. We need to know how we’re supposed to behave when we get to that level. Because God isn’t going to bless us for the mere sake of it or simply because we asked for it? There’s a purpose beyond our own interests. God expects something of us at that level?
And so to start off on our series this month which we’re calling the Test of Abundance, we’re going to look at a text we read last month on DAY 3 of Launching in to the Deep: Luke 5:4-7. And Luke says, towards the end of the text, that after they had launched into the deep as the Lord had commanded, they caught a great multitude of fish and called out to those in other ships. They beckoned unto them to join in and load the fish into their own boats. And this is where I want us to put our focus on because therein lies the perfect domino effect of a believers life. They needed a catch, and the Lord gave them a condition, a command to launch into the deep. And they obeyed and got their hearts desires.
But does it end there? No! Verse 7 carries a test. The Test of Abundance whose results are hinged on how they do in that test.
And Simon knows better than to keep everyone else from the limelight. He knows better than to hoard the blessings all to himself. He beckons the other ships to join in!
And this is where we fail most as believers. We pray for blessings, we pray for abundance, and the Lord is gracious enough to invite us into His secret places of abundance. He opens the seasons of abundance to us. But what do we do with it? We fail the test! We get excited. We become selfish. We forget how we were in the previous season and those who’re where we were back then. We want the limelight all to ourselves.
We want everybody to see how different things are for us that we forget there is a higher purpose for what God bestows upon us. We forget that everything that has its origin in God has a purpose. An original design to which we must subscribe.
And I want us to reflect and ask ourselves today; Are we failing the test? Are we missing out on the end goal of our blessings?
What is the purpose of what God is doing for us? May we learn to look beyond the edges of our own needs this year. To notice and beckon unto the next man or woman to join in on what the Lord is going to do for us this year.
The best gift of this holiday season is to spend time with the one you love. I know we all go an extra mile this season and use money to buy gifts but nothing beats spending quality time with those dear ones.
*
My Love
My childhood memories of this holiday season entails more of the things we did together as a family not necessarily the gifts I got. The tradition or let me call it the family norm of Maina’s Family was to receive a new outfit every Christmas. There was no feigning surprise or checking under a tree, to see if Santa brought you something. We knew the truth, Mum and Dad went shopping on Christmas eve and got the six of us what would be our next Sunday best for a whole year. Considering, the weight of matter, the choice was not easily made and so they would spend hours shopping. Looking back at how precise and accurate they were, I feel greatly indebted to them. On Christmas morning we would all dress up and attend the Christmas service. I loved Christmas service because it was the only service in a year we got driven to church as a family. All the other sundays we got up and walked to church for either Sunday school or those teens service and mum and Dad would drive to church later for second service with the baby. But Christmas Service was no separation it was a family service.
Now you know why at Glorious Power Church we do not hold sunday school or Tweens and Teens on Sundays but on Saturdays, so that no child will feel what we felt on Sundays. To me Sundays are family Days.
From the service things just got better, mum and dad allowed us to participate in the cooking and Christmas was always the day we ate more than we needed. From the era of record player to cassette player music and dance always crowned the day.
To the Maina’s Family it was not about the gifts it was always about having time together as a family. Last year I shared with you a tradition that mum introduced later on when God continued to bless us.
We learn from our parents mostly through observation and just like the other tradition we borrowed, we can borrow this one too.
During my years of youth and Teens ministry, the words used as the title of this article have been said more times as a form of a complaint. As a parent I understand we may not be able to be there 24/7 for the children but just like my parents did we can create special memories where they have our undivided attention.
As we give gifts let’s add time to the receiver. The gift of time is not only wonderful to children but to all people, your spouse, your friends, relatives, neighbors.
Merry Christmas and Remember to give not only gifts but Time.
I attended a worship experience recently. What a great place to be since it was the last Sunday of the year. I was filled with gratitude and adoration for making it through. One thing was certain as I drove to the event, I needed a safe space to just let my father know that I am grateful for His faithfulness. As we worshipped, I felt the unmistakable, tangible, overwhelming presence of God fill the place. I don’t know whether the others felt it or not, but with tears streaming down my face, I whispered to Him my gratitude. I did not care about who else can feel him or what will people think about me. Needless to say, I had spent a chunk of my preparation time applying makeup that day. My daughter Patience, whose opinion I value on my makeup, was astonished at how good it looked. “Mum, today it’s professional; you look amazing!” She had commented. As with all praises and compliments, that approval had put a spring on my step for the day. (I know you understand that good feeling that adds to your confidence. )
But when His presence came down, I didn’t care for the makeup or the new outfit I had adorned. I had to choose between saving face or seeking His face. I chose the latter.
As we progress in pursuit of God this year, let us chose to seek His face. When Mary worshiped at the feet of Jesus. She did not worry about what the people in the room thought about her or even said concerning her. She wiped His feet with her tears. Broke an expensive alabaster box of perfume. She did not care about the cost. I am sure the box had a way to open and sparingly use the perfume in bits. But she broke it, meaning gave it all. That Worship touched the heart of Jesus.
Purpose with me this year to touch His heart. Imagine what an experience we would have if we gathered in one accord and with the unity of purpose. The purpose is to touch His heart, to seek His face. Where we break our ego, dignity, and titles. Where our seat of emotions is freely released to express hunger, a thirst, and a desire for Him alone. Where our prayers are not aimed at receiving financial, material, or social breakthroughs, but it is all about His will, ways, and purpose.
Like Moses, my heart cries show me your glory. I am amazed at His goodness and glory, but I want to know Him. Yes, it is about the Kingdom, but can we focus on the King? https://youtu.be/um1DkzgH5Y4
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings, hast thou established strength, Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
Understanding the power of praise will advance our levels and discipline of Praise.
Join us as we Praise through for our breakthroughs. Join us for the perfected praise summit as we learn about the power of praise and levels of praise.
June 30th, 2017 to 2 nd July 2017 every day from 5 pm to 9 pm at 40 Vinal Square North Chelmsford Ma 01863
It should be encouraging that even the heroes of the faith expressed their own misgivings about their abilities. Moses certainly did, and yet of the billions of people who have walked this earth, God chose Him to spotlight for generations to come. In the Bible, we see time and again how God worked through imperfect vessels to accomplish His great glory. As one book perfectly summed up, God plus nothing still equals everything.
