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Month: August 2020

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REG SIEN = WARE EERBIED

Podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/5220070-reg-sien-ware-eerbied.mp3?blob_id=21055591&download=true

In ons reis die laaste paar weke, is ons besig om stukkie-vir-stukkie beter te sien. Die Here is besig om ons sig te genees, soos wat Hy ons harte reinig van enige ongeregtigheid.  Een van die klinkklare bewyse van mense wat begin reg sien, is eerbied! Wanneer jy God, jouself, jou naaste, begin reg sien kom eerbied, agting en respek outomaties. Jy begin dus werklik sien! Elke keer wanneer mense God regtig gesien het: het eerbied spontaan gevolg. Mense eer nie die Here of mekaar nie, omdat hulle blind is!  Mense het nie ‘n vrees vir die Here nie, omdat hulle Hom nie sien nie. 

Eerbied is besig om al hoe meer ‘n vreemde konsep in ons samelewing te word.  Mense glo hulle het ‘n reg tot hulle eie opinie, en gee nie om dit met enigiemand te deel nie. Die bybel en gees van Christus roep ons op tot ‘n lewe van eerbiedigheid. Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. (The Passion Translation) wees hartlik teenoor mekaar met broederlike liefde; die een moet die ander voorgaan in eerbetoning; (AOV) (Rom 12:10) 

Die Godheid bestaan in eerbied vir mekaar: Die Seun bestaan om die Vader te eer en openbaar (Joh 4:34) Die Heilige Gees bestaan om die Seun te eer, (John 16:14) en ons bestaan om die Seun te eer (John 5:23) Hier is ‘n wederkerige wisselwerking, wat ons nie moet miskyk nie. Wanneer eerbied net in een rigting werk, veroorsaak dit ‘n wanbalans en kortsluiting. Eerbied is soos ‘n elektriese stroom, almal in die verhouding moet aanhou om mekaar te eer. Wanneer daar byvoorbeeld regtelik verwag word dat gemeente lede hulle leiers moet eer (Heb 13:17), dan moet leiers ook leer om hulle onderdane te eer. (Mat 20:25-28) Die vrees van die Here is die tug van die wysheid, en nederigheid gaan aan die eer vooraf. (Prov 15:33) 

Eerbied vir jou vyande

Die wêreld is geneig om eer te bewys eers as jou dade en prestasies sigbaar en rugbaar geword het. Die Bybel vra egter ‘n baie meer dieper sien: eer jou vyande! 

Dawid eer Saul: Mag die Here my bewaar dat ek so iets aan my heer, die gesalfde van die Here, sou doen om my hand teen hom uit te steek; want hy is die gesalfde van die Here.

En Dawid het sy manne streng bestraf en hulle nie toegelaat om teen Saul op te staan nie.  (1 Samuel 24:1-23)

Daniel eer Nebukadneser: My heer, mag die droom u haters en sy uitlegging u teëstanders oorkom. (Dan 4:19)

Julle moet jul vyande liefhê; seën die wat vir julle vervloek, doen goed aan die wat vir julle haat, en bid vir die wat julle beledig en julle vervolg; sodat julle kinders kan word van julle Vader wat in die hemele is (Mat 5:44-45) 

Eerbied, agting en respek 

Wat is eerbied nou prakties? Is dit ‘n stemtoon? ‘n sekere buigende houding? Verseker is daar vele namaaksels van ware eerbied.  Ek glo eerbied is ‘n stemtoon, en ‘n buiging van respek, maar dit is nog baie meer: Dit is om die persoon wat jy eer; te alle tye te ken in wat jy doen.  Jesus se eerbied, agting en respek vir die Vader, beteken Hy doen niks as hy nie eers dit met die vader nagegaan het nie. (Mat 26:39; Joh 5:19-20, 30; Joh 6:38; Joh 8:28; Joh 12:49; Joh 14:10, 24, 31; Joh 16:13.) Ek het op hierdie gebied al gruwelike foute begaan, omdat ek so haastig van geaardheid is. Jy kan nie besluite neem, as jy nie eers almal daarin geken het nie. Ek het my vrou al menige kere baie seer verwond, en haar laat voel dat haar opinie, inset en deelname nie vir my belangrik is nie.  Hoekom is ons dan ‘n span, as ek haar nie inlig nie. Ons hoef nie mekaar altyd toestemming te vra nie, maar ons moet mekaar inlig, dit bespreek, en dan saam ‘n betrokke taak gaan uitvoer. Dis hier waar bestuur, hulle werksmag verloor. Dis hier waar kinders, begin om van hulle ouers in rebellie weg te beweeg. Die opinie van hulle maats tel meer, as wat hulle ouers sê. Rehabeam luister eerder na sy vriende, as die ouer wyshere, en verloor 9/10 van sy koninkryk. (1 Kings 12:1-19) 

So het Moses, Josef, Daniel, Nehemia, Esther onder bose regerings, nog steeds eer getoon aan hierdie bose heersers. Dis parodoksaal, maar ek sien geen nut daarin om teen die regering te praat nie. Jesus het homself nooit teen die regering uitgespreek nie, alhoewel hy uiteindelik deur die Roomse regering te dood veroordeel en gekruisig is. So het nie een van die dissipels of eerste volgelinge van Jesus, teen die regering of selfs valse gode gepraat nie. (Acts 19) Ons dien wie ook al die regering van die dag is. Jesus het Homself wel uitgespreek teen godsdienstige leuens, valsheid en dwaallering. 

Eer en respekteer die funksie/posisie

Wie ’n profeet ontvang omdat hy ’n profeet is, sal die loon van ’n profeet ontvang; en wie ’n regverdige ontvang omdat hy ’n regverdige is, sal die loon van ’n regverdige ontvang. (Mat 10:41) Wat jy in ‘n persoon eer/sien is wat jy van daardie persoon sal kan ontvang. “Names and titles are important. Mother, father, son, daughter, apostle, prophet, Christian, human being – such names define the role and identity of a person, and, when used correctly, establish the relationship defined by God in which specific rewards are given and received to strengthen us. A culture of honor is created when a community learns how to discern and receive people in their God-given identity.”[1] Ons gebruik nie titels soos byvoegsels in name nie. Titels is ‘n vorm van respekvolle sien. Ek sien die volgende gawe in jou, daarom kan ek jou hulp in daardie amp vra.  Daar is vir my niks mooier as kinders wat nog steeds, al is hulle al ouer en het hulle al hulle eie kinders, na hulle eie ouers as “mamma en pappa’ verwys nie.  Eerbied is mooi! Dit is om toe te laat dat God se lig op iemand val! Deur na iemand se geestelike amp te verwys, toon jy dat jy dit raaksien. So maak Paulus aanspraak op sy apostelskap ten opsigte van ‘n sekere groepering wat dit in hom erken. As ek vir ander geen apostel is nie, is ek dit tog seker vir julle, want julle is die seël op my apostelskap in die Here.  (1 Cor 9:2) Ons moet oppas om nie te familiêr te word met mekaar nie, en sommer byname, of spotname teenoor mekaar te gebruik nie. Ons het dikwels so ‘n vrees vir ‘n grootsheidswaan, dat ons sommer mense afbreek, voor hulle grootkop kry.  Wanneer jy dit doen, misken jy die rykdom wat in daardie persoon opgesluit is vir jou.  Ons kan selfs van ons kinders begin rykdom trek, deur hulle te eer, te prys, en te erken voor ander. 

In die goddelike ekosisteem van familie, staan niemand alleen nie. Ons is verweef in ‘n tapisserie van lewens wat ons vooruitgaan, en wat agter ons aankom. Elke besluit en aksie raak iemand. Wanneer ons oë oopgaan vir hierdie werklikheid begin ons leef met eerbied vir die oueres wat ons voorafgegaan het en die leiers wat oor ons aangestel is. Ons word bewus van elkeen se aandeel, en hoe alles in die lewe met mekaar verbind is. Ons het mekaar nodig. Omdat ons oë oopgemaak is, sien ons die netwerk van lewe, die hiërargieë, die verbintenisse, die orde, die opoffering van elkeen se gehoorsaamheid – dis HEILIG!

[1] Danny Silk – Culture of honor. 

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Sermons

How does God see finances?

PODCAST
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/5127436-how-does-god-see-finances.mp3?blob_id=20622940&download=true

Money, in and of itself, has no actual value; it can be a shell, a metal coin, or a piece of paper. Its value is symbolic; it conveys the importance that people place on it. Money derives its value by virtue of its functions: as a medium of exchange, a unit of measurement, and a storehouse for wealth. Before money was invented, people acquired and exchanged goods through a system of bartering, which involves the direct trade of goods and services.  Money doesn’t have a life. It cannot act on its own. It cannot do good deeds, and it cannot commit crimes. Basically, it’s neither good or bad. Money takes on the form of the one who controls it.  

  • 16 out of 38 of Jesus’ parables deal with money and possessions
  • Nearly 25% of Jesus’ words in the New Testament deal with biblical stewardship
  • 1 out of 10 verses in the Gospels deal with money
  • In the Bible, there are more than 2,000 scriptures on tithing, money, and possessions, which is twice as many as topics of faith and prayer combined.

The Bible is explicit to explain how not to make money! 

How does the secular world (unbelievers and ungodly) make money?: Toil (Prov 23:4); lies (Prov 21:6); interest (Exo 22:25; Deut 23:19); dishonest gain (Eze 22:13); ponzi and pyramid marketing schemes[1]; fraud; over-promise-under-delivery; slavery and oppression of the poor (Prov 22:16); unjust scales (Prov 11:1); quick-profit (Prov 13:11); default on payments (Ps 37:21; Rom 13:7); passive income (2 Thes 3:10); extortion and bribes (Luk 3:14); violence (Prov 1:19).

Beware of the love of money (1 Tim 6:10) 

God did not invent money, currency, or promissory notes. He does not bless us with money “raining from the sky”. We live from every word that proceeds out of His mouth (Mat 4:4). God is our source, not money or an income.  When we obey Him, He will provide. 

What is the currency of heaven? 

It is called FAITH, not beliefs, faith that is backed-up by works and actions.  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible (Heb 11:1,3,6). 

Calling ten of his [own] bond servants, he gave them ten minas [each equal to about one hundred days’ wages or nearly twenty dollars] and said to them, Buy and sell with these while I go and then return. (Luk 19:13 Amp).

The meaning of the word PRAGMATIC: 4231. πραγματεύομαι pragmateúomai; fut. pragmateúsomai, mid. deponent from prágma (G4229), matter, business. To be doing, to be busy, occupied, to do business, to trade or traffic (Luke 19:13). Deriv.: diapragmateúomai (G1281), to gain by doing business, to bargain; pragmateía (G4230), a transaction, affair.

Even our spiritual work is based on the principle of Pragma: distributing all manner of healing, deliverance, freedom, exorcism, salvation, exhortation in the name of Jesus, as a representative of His Kingdom. 

“Crucible work” (work refined by fire) births the core values of character. Work is the greatest remedy available for both mental and physical afflictions. BUT like physical exercise people can get addicted to work, and become too busy to make time for God. Daniel’s excellent work was based upon his prayer life (Dan 6:1-5).  Believers’ work is rooted in their faith, and dependence on God.  

We should not follow money; money should follow us!

For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10 

Money and prosperity follow and prevail where there is Justice, Fairness, Generosity, Order, Integrity, Faithfulness, Passion, Innovation and Hard work.

  • Consistency -– He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4 AMP
  • High Standards – excel in your work, it will bring you before Kings. Prov 22:29
  • Convenience (contribute added value to your product or service) 
  • A person – e.g.: Solomon, David. Investors may have a very good portfolio, but people connect with a person first. The owner of an insurance firm told me once how important it is to keep his staff happy and so they are faithful and committed their whole lives. Thus when a client phones, they always ask to work with  the same employee.  
  • Growth and favor – Multiplication (Mat 25:29). The servants who multiplied the most were blessed: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”
  • Productivity – The Japanese settlers have a social value called gambare, which roughly translates, “Try harder, don’t give up, never give up!” He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.  
  • Proverbs 18:9 He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer. When it comes to our work and our responsibilities – whether it is for ourselves (our own business or family) or for a boss – we must be faithful, diligent and hard working. If we aren’t, then the Bible says that we have the same impact as a vandal, or a person who actively works to destroy rather than build. Now, few of us plan to mess things up deliberately, but we need to realize that if we are lazy, unfocused, unfaithful, neglectful, and/or procrastinators, then we are having an actively negative effect on the areas of responsibility that are ours! Proverbs 25:19 AMP says that, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint.” A lot of people like to just coast along, looking busy, looking like they are contributing, meanwhile they are allowing others to “pick up the slack” and carry an extra burden. People do this at work and at home. In a family, you might have either one spouse  picking up more than their fair-share of the family responsibilities because the other person neglects or refuses to do their part. This is never a successful strategy in the long-term. The family is going to be unbalanced and lacking. Eventually it will fall apart, one way or another. The destruction that is caused will manifest in either the marriage failing and/or the children growing up in dysfunction. Ecclesiastes 9:18b says, “One sinner destroys much good.” One person can make a big difference – positively or negatively. Don’t be the one who ends up destroying a lot of good because you are lazy and irresponsible. Ask the Lord to help you do what’s right every day in your work and in your family responsibilities. 
  • Uniqueness – 1 Peter 4:10-11: God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.
  • Specific purpose – Not living a life of purpose – he who follows worthless pursuits will have poverty in plenty (Prov. 28:19);

Work is Worship

Glorify God through your work: 1Cor 10:31. May your good works glorify your father in heaven. Mat 5:16. We join with fellow believers to be filled, armoured, strengthened, to go out and fight the war in the marketplace every day.  Some dualistic Christianity teachings sees the world, work as secular, foreign, and evil. Although the Bible is clear that we should have no part in the world, it speaks of worldly thinking.  Brother Lawrence taught us to practice God’s presence in everything we do. If we sweep the floor, let it be with thankfulness and joy, praising our Maker! If we build or create something, let it be with the inspiration and imagination of the Creator. 

Work to Give

Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. Eph 4:28.  The innermost heart of humanity isn’t about ownership. Jesus Christ practiced a life of making many rich, yet He owned no land, and left behind no earthly possessions. A man’s true wealth is not determined by what he owns, but by what he gives away. The Christian Church grew most rapidly in the first 300 years. (Stark 1997:161–162; Hirsch, 2006:18-22; Viola & Barna 2008:246–250). The Christian Church became the State Religion because of its exemplary demonstration of intrinsic critical values: great acts of mercy and kindness • mutual support and love • self-control • respect for life. • To do good to each other. • Avoid evil such as theft, deceit and jealousy. • Show hospitality to strangers. • Take care of each other and share their food with each other. • Prove mercy toward all people. • Conduct care and nursing of the sick. • Households testify to dignity, personal responsibility, honesty and obedience. • Ethnic variety is accepted. • Women, children and slaves are treated with respect. • Respect for life prevents abortion and childhood murder. • Martyrdom and the willingness to ‘ take up your cross ‘ (see Mark. 8) [2]

This giving is directed to be caring for the poor: Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (James 1:27) 

The original meaning of economy:

Oikonos: “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Luke 12:42-48 

The worldview of individuality, selfies, self-centered-gain-for-my-pleasure has caused us to become alienated from local families. The internet has made the world smaller and has caused a wonderful convergence of resources and opportunities. But God’s economy is always centered around the family.  

Meaning of steward: οἰκονόμος oikonómos; gen. oikonómou, masc. noun from oíkos (G3624), house, and némō (n.f., see aponémō [G0632]), to deal out, distribute, apportion. An administrator, a person who manages the domestic affairs of a family, business, or minor, a treasurer, a chamberlain of a city, a house manager, overseer, steward. The concept of oikonomos (steward) refers to the  person responsible for the business affairs of a household. This Greek term later became the English word economy. Helmut Gollwitzer a concerned pastor, theologian and thinker known as a democratic socialist debated that regardless of our Christian political biases; we need to strive toward a social togetherness – “perfect togetherness without any conflict.” [3] This local community togetherness and economic justice cannot be achieved politically, culturally, economically or legislatively! #supportlocal #buylocal is becoming important new trends again. We need one another. We need our neighbours.  

[1] https://www.crown.org/blog/are-multi-level-marketing-companies-a-good-idea-for-christians/

[2] Dreyer, W., 2011. Praktiese Ekklesiologie En Bedieningspraktyk Met Verwysing Na Die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk Van Afrika (Afrikaans).

[3] See Gollwitzer,  Protestant Theology  : 191 –  2. Gollwitzer draws very briefly here on the imagery found in Mi 4.3f, Zec 3.10, and Rom 14.17.

Categories
Sermons

How to discern and prevent deception

Podgooi

The problem with being deceived is that you are usually the last one to find out that you are deceived. Sometimes this awakening comes too late.

Jesus Christ is truth, there is nothing more beautiful yet sobering than an encounter with Him. Deception comes in many forms: self-deception/delusion; people deceive with hidden motives and agendas; one can be deceived regarding doctrinal beliefs and one can be deceived in business.

Ultimate Deception is: Not knowing the Truth that is Jesus Christ, not seeing nor acknowledging Him as Friend, Savior, Redeemer, God, Eternal Lord.

The difference between ignorance and deception: ignorance is not yet knowing the truth; deception is believing a false truth. For Example, Scott Peck’s: “Truth is relative”

Rebellion is not accepting the truth.

Procrastination is not confronting and dealing with the truth.

UNCOVER ANY FORM OF DECEPTION THAT EXISTS IN YOUR LIFE THROUGH THESE SCRIPTURES:

  1. Knowing the truth yet not applying or living it. Scripture says this is like a man who sees himself in the mirror, and when he turns away, he forgets what he has seen. (James 1:22)
  2. Judging your brother and not seeing and recognizing your own mistakes. (Mat 7:1)
  3. Pride: Overestimating yourself and under-estimating others. “…wise in your own opinion…”, thinking you stand when you already have fallen (Gal 6:3). The pride of your heart has deceived you (Oba 3).
  4. Isolating yourself thinking that you are spiritual. (Proverbs 18:1)
  5. Double-mindedness  (James 1:8).
  6. “For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, beguiled and completely deceived me, and using it as a weapon killed me [separating me from God].” (Rom 7:11) “Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators…” ( 1 Cor 6:9). Continuing in secret sin is a great deception.
  7. Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor 15:33)
  8. “…giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim 4:1). Truth is a Person not a Doctrine – the Spirit of the Word is the Fruit.
  9. Being deceived by signs and wonders and the outward appeal of things (Col. 2:8, 23).
  10. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col 2:8).

THE OPERATING SYSTEM OF A DECEIVER:

Compromise: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Rev 3:14-19)

1 Kings 3 – Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter to further his diplomatic relations with Egypt. This led to spiritual decay, immorality and ungodliness.

The Holy Spirit taught me – Diplomacy is not a godly virtue.

Deceitful Tongue = Saying: “I do not want to be rude, yet…”

Flattery Prov. 24:24; Prov. 26:28; Prov. 28:23; Prov. 29:5; Rom. 16:18; 1 Thess. 2:5; Jude 16

Fraud and Dishonesty Prov. 11:26; Prov. 16:11; 1 Cor. 6:8; 1 Thess. 4:6; James 5:4

Hypocrisy Matt. 15:7-9; Matt. 16:5-12; Matt. 23:1-13, 15-35; Rom. 2:17-24; Gal. 2:13;

Lying and Falsity Prov. 10:18; Prov. 12:22; Prov. 17:4; Prov. 19:22; Acts 5:7-9; Eph. 4:25


How to Spot a Liar – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_6vDLq64gE

ERADICATE DECEPTION THROUGH:

The Holies of holies knows no deception. A moment in His presence and all you own self-deception is exposed. Surround yourself with people who abides in His presence. I confess my own mistakes and deception came, because I did not consult the Lord, I went and followed the dictates of my own heart.

  1. Being part of a church based on the foundation of the Fivefold ministries – Eph 4:11-16
  2. Apostolic alignment – Gal 2:11-15; Acts 2:42
  3. The Word is a discerner – Heb 4:12
  4. Thankfulness – 1 Thes 5:18
  5. Humility and meekness – Mat 11:29
  6. A lifestyle of repentance – Mat 3:2 Repent (change) for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heb 6:1-2
Categories
Sermons

How to see in the Spirit?

Podgooi
https://youtu.be/iYiAGdjPIO0

How does one see in the Spirit?

Imagine Covid 19 social distancing without the internet? For many people their only connection to the world, their family and friends is through social media.  Once your mobile phone is connected to a reliable wi-fi network, it can update software, and apps. You can now also connect to the world with Whatsapp, e-mail, and social media. You can upload and download, and share memories, photos, documents, and valuable information.  The connection is the vital link. 

However, we are also spiritual beings. How does one connect in the Spirit? God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (Joh 4:24) Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor 3:15-18) “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Cor 2:9-11

The reality is, in today’s modern world mankind is becoming more and more spiritually disconnected. The result is, that we’re not getting the new divine spiritual updates, and power apps/gifts to enable us cope with the complexity of daily living. God wants to give us divine spiritual direction and a kingdom roadmap to mitigate the obstacles of our times. We need a connection! 

JESUS IS THE CONNECTION! 

The Bible

For me to be spiritually ALIVE I need to busy my mind with spiritual things like regular bible study, prayer, praying in tongues. Also, engaging in spiritual deep discussions in fellowship and listening to an audio-bible. I also recommend attending bible-school, and weekly receiving my spiritual brother’s input in men’s group where we share kingdom perspectives, defend the faith and refer to and read spiritual books.

An important component of being spiritually alive is to regularly attend church where we build one another up, receive prophecy, teaching and testimonies. During such precious moments, we are sharing our faith, discipling others while being discipled. We engage in intercessory prayer for another, “laying on of hands”, and praying for the sick. We are also contemplating truths to meditate on from a sermon perspective. We discuss Kingdom blueprints for the economy, community, education, safety and health of our cities and towns.

From these meetings we aim apply Kingdom acts of kindness: serving the poor, being a “good Samaritan”, while defending the faith and making peace. We minister counseling, mediate healing in relationships, encourage someone with a scripture and testimony and care for someone in need like feeding the poor.

We make sure that we are doing this in a manner pleasing to God: with a heart of forgiveness and grace while listening to discern God’s voice and obeying His instructions!

What are you feeding on? 

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Rom 8:5-6)

Living With God

We are temple of the Holy Spirit. you are God’s temple and God’s Spirit lives in you (1 Cor. 3:16); the temple of God is holy. Which temple are you? (1 Cor. 3:17); Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19); we are the temple of the living God (2 Cor. 6:16).

Be God-inside minded. Christ within the hope of Glory. (Col 1:27) Live a seamless spiritual life, conscious that everything is spiritual. [1]

Talking To God

MATTHEW 6:5–13

Like any conversation there are many different ways, of communicating your thoughts and heart to someone. The same applies to prayer, thanksgiving, praise, confession, supplication, petition, intercession, travail etc.  But no prayer is one-directional. It is simple good manners, to not do all the talking, there should also be listening, reflecting and mirroring. 

Discovering God in the Bible

Studying the scriptures is like studying the mind of God. We get to know Him through the scripture by discovering His heart, motives and intention, and in obedience we discover His ways.

The Word is a light to our path. It teaches us to begin to think like God, so we can begin to act like God. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16) continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb 5:12-14) 

Sensing God in Creation

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (Rom 1:20) See Ps 19! Nature has an ability to bring me peace in a way nothing else does. Sure I get annoyed by bugs or get tired from hiking. But seeing the beauty, creativity, and complexity of what God has made has had a profound effect on my spiritual life.

Recognizing God In People

When man decided to rather be filled with the instant gratification of a desirable beautiful experience than remain loyal to divine family; he alienated himself from the only way to acquire godly maturity and divine wisdom.  A team of researchers “factor analyzed” all of the different treatment outcomes in order to understand what it was that really produced change, growth, and healing in a person. The researchers looked at each technique’s style, interventions on thinking and feelings, dynamics, and the like. While all of that was important, a professor explained, there was something else, some other factor that had really produced the curative force across each of these modalities: it is relationship. Not just any relationship, but the kind of meaningful, constructive, discipling that produces maturity in Christ. [2]

Finding God In Circumstances

GENESIS 45:4–15; 50:19–20

He sent a man before them—Joseph—who was sold as a slave.

They hurt his feet with fetters, He was laid in irons.

Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him. God used the famine, and in these circumstances delivered His people.  

Discovering God In Silence

He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. (1 KINGS 19:1–16). “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him” (Ps 62:5).

God Revealed In Visions & Dreams 

(ACTS 2:17, JOEL 2:28)

“Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:6) 

Sensing God’s Presence

Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road (Luk 24:31-32). Many times one read of one being in God’s presence and not being aware. Awareness and focus is thus the problem. We need to tune in. 

Encountering His Messengers

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Rom 10:14-15 Paul needed Ananias.

Wrestling With God

“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.”

And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.

So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Gen 32:25-28

Walking With God

Genesis 5:24, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. (Gen 6:9-22) Walking with God entails servanthood obedience.  [3]

[1] https://robbell.com/portfolio/everything-is-spiritual-2016-tour-film/

[2] Excerpt from: “The Power of the Other: The startling effect other people have on you, from the boardroom to the bedroom and beyond-and what to do about it” by Henry Cloud. Read this book on Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/308264926

[3] Connecting with God: A spiritual formation guide. (Renovare resource) by Renovare, Lynda L. Graybeal, Julia L. Roller, Richard J. Foster https://a.co/8jbUmf8