The other day while asleep, the word of God came to me in a very powerful and special way. This is a story i have read and heard many times, but this time is sounded so different- a new revelation. This is the story of Esau and how he sold his birthright for a plate of food (Genesis 25:29-34). In this excerpt, the Bible records that Esau gave in to Jacobs blackmail because he 'despised his birthright.' This got me thinking how we have easily given away our inheritance without much thought. We look for quick fixes in life like; marriage partners, well paying jobs, favours, better living standards and so on. No one cares to seek the heart of God in whatever it is. We seldom count the cost. As long as we are assured of the above or more, we quickly jump onto the bandwagon.
i guess this revelation came out of the sadness that had filled my heart earlier in the day when i ran into one of my former friends and churchmate we served together with in church so faithfully for long. I noticed she had disappeared and assumed it must have been work or something related. Only to bump into her on the streets excitedly sharing how she had moved to another church, gotten married as a FOURTH wife and enjoying it. This pierced my heart!
Why would a Christian who knows God's standards end up in such?! Do you know what her response was? God had taken too long to bring the right man along. She even mocked me when i said i was still waiting on Him.
I mean, why do we expect God to be patient with us even when we lose the way yet never want to be patient for His promises?! We are assured of eternity in Him?!
Is this not the same attitude that led Esau to sell his birthright?! Wanting to fill his tummy there and then - the fast foods style. As long as there is no waiting to it, its all well with us regardless of the price.
And what did Esau lose when he gave up his birthright? Jacob inherited all of his family's blessings. He was blessed with all of heavens blessings. He was to rule over Esau and would become the great nation that God had promised Abraham his grandfather (Genesis 27:28-29). Can you imagine that! Picture this; blessings of heaven's dew, earth's richness, abundance of grain and new wine, nations to serve you and peoples to bow down to you. Ruler over your brothers, those who curse you be cursed and on and on. Its only at this point that Esau realises that he has nothing left (Genesis 27:36-40). How sad!
Do you know what it calls for for use to receive all of the promises lined out for us? FAITH. Faith is said ti be things hoped for. Reliance. Trust. Confidence. Expectation. Belief. Loyalty. Creed.
The Bible records of many people who relied on God fully to fulfill His promises. Even when it did not seem realistic, when it made no sense, they still saw sense in trusting God. There are so many tetsimonies recorded about this persons. God Himself gave testimonies about them. What does God say about us? Would God stand out for you like He did for many other Bible characters? About Abraham He said, "a man of great faith." About King David He said, "a man after my own heart. About Job He said, "there is no one on earth like him, he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." About Jesus He said, "my Son in whom i am well pleased." About Mary He said, "blessed among all women." To name just but afew. If we were to replay the same What would the Lord say about you? That you are one whose care is only about what men will say or does He say He knows whatever may come your way, you will remain faithful?"
Would you honour His word and stay put in anticipation of your inheritnce? what is this inheritance/birthright? The book of John 1:12-13 states "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." The moment we receive Christ as Lord and Saviour, we become co-heirs with Him. So why then would we give up our heavenly royalty to dwell in hell with the devil for ever?! Why would short time pleasures precede our destiny?!
As the common cliche goes: patience pays. If only we would hold on a little longer. If only we would allow God to work His fear in us. If only we would focus our sight to things to come - things above. If only...
July 30, 2009
July 28, 2009
An encounter with demons
Recently i was at the Coastal town of Kenya for a mission. We had a tight schedule that included door to door evangelism, crusades/open air meetings, prayer meetings and a church service. This was an exciting moment for me even as i ministered and the Lord got to minister to me.
The peak of my moments was when i found myself together with five others in a house with two demon possessed girls. This is where the faith that can move mountains takes charge.
Here we were in this hut, a family, local church group and these two girls who had been tormented by demons for a whole two weeks and were now in their third week. The look on their parents face was one of deep desperation. The mother would not even move anywhere near her wild children, while the father was one of those who were tying their limbs to try and contain them.
First,when we were asked to come pray for them, i thought it was a simple case of fever and such. But when i arrived and was confronted by the situation on the ground, i was kind of taken back. The Holy Spirit quickly reminded me of Mark 16:18 that says And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." At this moment, i took courage that i have come in the strength of the Lord. And so i was. This was going to be the real taste of my faith where the rubber meets the tarmac. As we undertook to prayer, the demons started manifesting themselves as the girls went wild, kicked, laughed and sang and danced vigorously. The demon in one would mock us and say 'this is useless effort.' We did not give up though. We kept praying, sweating and commanding it to leave by the power of the Blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ. Eventually, we had a breakthrough after battling for two hours or so, the girl with the most verbal spirit - male snake was delivered. We led her to denounce the spirits and received Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Then the battle with the second girl continued. The demon in her refused any kind of contact. She did not want to be touched, she would block her ears and would kick and threaten to bite if you force your way. I actually got a very bad scratch from her that has left me with a scar as i tried to shield myself from her bite.
We battled on and on a few times diverted from the battle by the deceit the demon would engage. By this time, my whole body was soaked in sweat and fatigue. I started feeling drained and tired i just wanted to drop in a chair.
What a victory it was when the girl finally got delivered and just as the other denounced the spirits and got saved. The parents and the rest of the family got saved too. We then prayed a prayer of protection for the whole family and left. You should have seen the relief and excitement on our faces!
This had been a real litmus paper test. As the Lord Jesus Christ assured us Himself in Luke 10:19 that He has given us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; And that nothing will harm us.
View pictures of the mission on mndeta picasa web album
The peak of my moments was when i found myself together with five others in a house with two demon possessed girls. This is where the faith that can move mountains takes charge.
Here we were in this hut, a family, local church group and these two girls who had been tormented by demons for a whole two weeks and were now in their third week. The look on their parents face was one of deep desperation. The mother would not even move anywhere near her wild children, while the father was one of those who were tying their limbs to try and contain them.
First,when we were asked to come pray for them, i thought it was a simple case of fever and such. But when i arrived and was confronted by the situation on the ground, i was kind of taken back. The Holy Spirit quickly reminded me of Mark 16:18 that says And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." At this moment, i took courage that i have come in the strength of the Lord. And so i was. This was going to be the real taste of my faith where the rubber meets the tarmac. As we undertook to prayer, the demons started manifesting themselves as the girls went wild, kicked, laughed and sang and danced vigorously. The demon in one would mock us and say 'this is useless effort.' We did not give up though. We kept praying, sweating and commanding it to leave by the power of the Blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ. Eventually, we had a breakthrough after battling for two hours or so, the girl with the most verbal spirit - male snake was delivered. We led her to denounce the spirits and received Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Then the battle with the second girl continued. The demon in her refused any kind of contact. She did not want to be touched, she would block her ears and would kick and threaten to bite if you force your way. I actually got a very bad scratch from her that has left me with a scar as i tried to shield myself from her bite.
We battled on and on a few times diverted from the battle by the deceit the demon would engage. By this time, my whole body was soaked in sweat and fatigue. I started feeling drained and tired i just wanted to drop in a chair.
What a victory it was when the girl finally got delivered and just as the other denounced the spirits and got saved. The parents and the rest of the family got saved too. We then prayed a prayer of protection for the whole family and left. You should have seen the relief and excitement on our faces!
This had been a real litmus paper test. As the Lord Jesus Christ assured us Himself in Luke 10:19 that He has given us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; And that nothing will harm us.
View pictures of the mission on mndeta picasa web album
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