Shifts - Impressions for the year 2012

What's in store for us in 2012? 

The Lord promised light and understanding to us, that we may walk securely on firm ground. It is not in God’s character to leave His children in the dark. 

I believe 2012 shall be marked by “SHIFTS.”

In his 8^th habit companion DVD, Steven Covey coined the fast-paced and turbulent changes happening in our day as “Permanent Whitewater.” He stated, “Everything is changing. And not only is it changing, but it is changing at an accelerated rate…The old successful patterns, practices [and] processes no longer work…[Permanent whitewater] is a constant changing churning environment.”

The Lord is changing the times and seasons. Daniel 2:20-22 declares,

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him."

As he gives us understanding of the times, may God’s Word light our path and order our steps. As we walk in His truths, we shall be strong. We shall thrive even in the midst of unexpected, turbulent and shifting tides.

The following are my impressions on 2012. You may disagree on my views. The scripture quoted above, however, cannot be disregarded. I believe the Lord is fulfilling His word even as we speak. Blessed are those who pay attention to His words.

Shifts in Life Cycles: 

Prevalence of Deaths and Births

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, NKJV)

Changes in global weather patterns will intensify Jesus’ prophecy about the earth’s birth pangs. “There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Matthew 24:7-8, NLT) 

The earth’s landscape is undergoing massive shifts. As a result, communities will die due to calamities, famines and pestilences, and will find re-birth through displacement, migration and assimilation to other cultures.

When God decrees famines, earthquakes and pestilences toward a land because of its wickedness and corrupt ways, the righteous living in it will not be able to stop it. They can only save themselves by their righteousness. There is peace to the righteous but constant trouble to the rebellious. (See Ezekiel 14:14-16)

According to Ezekiel 14:12-22, God’s four disastrous acts of judgment against the land are:

(1) the sword (wars, invasions, violence), 

(2) famine (scarcity of food and natural resources), 

(3) wild beasts (may also possibly include examples such as foot and mouth disease, bird flu, mad cow disease and other diseases transmitted by animals), and 

(4) pestilence (plagues and infestations). 

In addition to environmental turbulence, there may also be wild shifts in governmental leadership, that may either result to or result from changes in national policies, processes and economies.

If people in the land repents of its wickedness and turns to God, the Lord will stay His hand and spare that land from judgment.

What does the Lord require of us?

“What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 10:12, NKJV)

“But He’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously - take God seriously.” (Micah 6:8, MSG)

This is an exciting time for the church because doors will swing wide open to influence the world for good. The church must be ready to harvest souls to the glory of God. Let us pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.

“Father in heaven, in your mercy and grace, send out workers to your harvest and bless our land for Christ’s name’s sake, amen.”

Shifts in Moral Climate: 

Righteousness and Ungodliness Will Both Intensify

“The Angel continued, ‘Don’t seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don’t put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness.’” (Revelation 22:10-11, MSG)

The parable of the wheat and tares relates that the righteous and the wicked will both grow together. (Matthew 13:24-30) The angels and servants of the Lord asked why there was wickedness among the righteous when only good seeds (wheat) were planted in the field.
(Picture on the left: the stalk in the middle is a tare, the stalk in the far left is a mature tare, and the one to the right is a mature wheat. Young wheat and tares are indistinguishable.)

The Lord told them plainly that an enemy, Satan, sowed bad seeds (tares) among the good ones (wheat). The angels then asked if they can immediately pull the bad ones out. The Lord said, “No” because in doing so, the good ones might unintentionally be uprooted. 

This speaks of God’s great mercy towards those who are called saints but still associate with ungodly people. Some of these ungodly people have crept in the church and established strong relationships with unsuspecting saints. Tearing them apart may cause undue damage. The saints entangled with ungodly people may lose their opportunity to grow in the Lord, become offended and leave. God is truly merciful and does not want anyone to perish.

On the other hand, we are not saying, “Do not befriend sinners.” For how can we win sinners to Christ if we treat them as enemies? Associating with the ungodly in the above means attaching yourself with those who call themselves Christians but are immoral, rebellious and unruly. 

Jude 16-19 states, “These people are grumblers and complainers, they follow their evil passions, their mouths speak grandiosities, and they flatter others to gain advantage. But you, dear friends, keep in mind the words spoken in advance by the [Apostles] of our Lord [Jesus Christ]. They told you, “During the End Times there will be scoffers, following their own godless passions.” These are the people who cause divisions. They are controlled by their impulses, because they don’t have the Spirit.
(Picture on the right: Mature Tare on the left and fruitful wheat on the right. Tares contain black seeds that when eaten causes dizziness and nausea.)

The Lord said, “Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.” (Matthew 13:30, NLT)

In our society, righteousness and wickedness will both grow together. The unrighteous becomes more brazen, while the saints becomes more powerful in their testimonies. 

Even in the church, righteousness and wickedness will grow together. If it is a shock to you that there are wicked people in the church, consider what the Lord said in Matthew 7:21-23,

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On Judgment Day, many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” (NLT)

This calls for discernment among the saints. Jude exhorts us,

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked our for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 3-4, NKJV) These so called ‘ministers’ are driven by their own fleshly motives, selfish ambitions and greed (Jude 10-13)

We can determine them by observing the fruit of their lives and ministries. 

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” (Matthew 7:15-20, NLT)

Is there godliness or Christ-likeness in their speech, manners, principles and character? A godly tree will bear godly fruit.

Shifts in Acts of the Holy Spirit: 

Kingdom Movement Invading All Areas of Society

I believe we have entered into one of the most glorious times of the church. The Holy Spirit is stirring up great spiritual hunger in every area of society - individuals, families, people groups, governments, sports and entertainment, academe, marketplace and even world religions, to turn people to God.

Sure, there are troubles here and there, but the spiritual climate is shifting in favor of the church. The Kingdom of God is invading every area of society with His glory.

I also believe that the Lord is bringing revival in the family. The enemy forged a vicious attack here but God says Satan will not get away with it. The Lord is stirring up a fresh spirit of unity, love, righteousness, peace and joy in the home. 

God wants our families to be the expression of heaven on earth. Coming home will be such a delight because of God’s glorious presence and goodness residing with us at home. This is truly a “Home sweet home!” 

The Lord wants “to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17, NIV) God wants families to be ready for the second coming. Restoration of families is God’s end time move.

In the church, the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit is blowing. She is not backing down but advancing with new life, power and glory of God. There may be a renewed satanic attack against the church, but God has a glorious plan and the enemy will never succeed. The Lord has the upper hand, and He already declared Himself and His saints as the winner.

John 1:4-5 declares, “In [Christ Jesus] was life and the life was the light of mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not suppressed it.” (CJB)

As you flip the switch in a dark room, light instantly chase away darkness. In the same way, darkness scampers when God shows up. We, as children of light, will overcome darkness in a big way.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (I John 4:4, NKJV)

I believe this is God’s word: “I have pronounced blessings to my church.” 

We are not referring only to a local church but the whole body of Christ. It is high time to focus on God’s kingdom and agenda, and not on our own little fences. Favor has been granted to the saints and we shall overcome.

The following is a picture of the church and the world. For not allowing the children of Israel to leave Egypt, the Lord executed ten plagues in that land. Plague number nine is “darkness that can be felt.” Exodus 10:21-23 states,

“Adonai said to [Moses], ‘Reach out your hand toward the sky, and there will be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness so thick it can be felt!’ Moses reached out his hand toward the sky, and there was thick darkness in the entire land of Egypt for three days. People couldn’t see each other, and no one went anywhere for three days. But all the people of Israel had light in their homes.” (CJB)

In the world, there is trouble. In the church, there is joy.

In the world, there is chaos. In the church, there is peace.

In the world, there is confusion. In the church, there is understanding.

In the world, there is darkness. In the church, there is light.

Reflections:

The church must be ready with God’s solution when people cry out for answers. Revival is just around the corner, and we must live consecrated lives as His royal priesthood walking in holiness, righteousness and declaring His praises. (1 Peter 1:13-2:10)

When our lives are fully committed to the LORD, He makes the times and seasons of our lives beautiful. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NKJV)

There may be jolts, unexpected shifts and turns all around us but we will not be shaken. God is our rock - steadfast and unshakable.

James 1:17-18 declares, “Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning. Having made his decision, he gave birth to us through a Word that can be relied on…” (CJB)

In the face of chaotic shifts, we must stand firm on solid ground. When changes are happening all around us, we must hold on to someone who never changes. God has no shifting shadows. God is constant, immovable and perfect. When He blesses, He never recalls His word. We can fully trust Him.

As we navigate through 2012, let us focus our sights in Christ. Colossians 3:1-3 says,

“So if you were raised along with Christ, then seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Focus your minds on the things above, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you too will appear with him in glory!” (CJB)

“Therefore, put to death the earthly parts of your nature - sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed (which is a form of idolatry); for it is because of these things that God’s anger is coming on those who disobey him. True enough, you used to practice these things in the life you once lived; but now, put them all away - anger, exasperation, meanness, slander and obscene talk. Never lie to one another; because you have stripped away the old self, with its ways, and have put on the new self, which is continually being renewed in fuller and fuller knowledge, closer and closer to the image of its Creator. The new self allows no room for discriminating between Gentile and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, foreigner, savage, slave, free man; on the contrary, in all, Christ is everything.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with feelings of compassion and with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.

Above all these things, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly; and let the peace which comes from Christ be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body.

And be thankful - let the Word of Christ, in all its richness live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts. That is, everything you do or say, do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:5-17, CJB)

Blessed be the name of the Lord. Come, Lord Jesus, amen:)

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* If you are sick and tired of living a sinful life, go to Jesus and start a new life. God is ready to forgive and welcome you back. Pray this simple prayer from your heart: “God, I am sorry for all my sins. Please forgive me. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross in order to suffer terrible punishment in my behalf. Lord Jesus, be my master. I will love and obey you for the rest of my life, amen.”

**If you call yourself a Christian yet displease God by your life, turn from your sins and recommit your life to Jesus Christ. He is knocking at the door of your heart. Open your heart to Him and get back to your first love. 

Pray this prayer: “Lord, please forgive me for not living the way I should. I am sorry to offend you by not walking in your paths. I turn away from displeasing and offending you. Pour out your Spirit upon me and be truly the Lord over my life, Lord Jesus, amen.

***If you are a believer that is dissatisfied with your current spiritual state and want to grow closer in the LORD, pray this prayer: “My Father in heaven, in your mercies and grace, separate me from the world and its ways. Make me wholly yours and use me for your glory. Lift me up higher and cause me to walk in your highway of holiness. Show me the right way to live and cause me to walk in your paths. Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit again and again until I become just like you. I place my hand in your hand. Take me where you are. I love you God with all my heart. Be pleased with my life, as I live in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Jesus became a human being to show us how to truly live a life of abundance, peace and favor

The birth of Jesus Christ signaled a new era in the history of the world. Free access to the Kingdom of heaven became available to humankind again.

After our first parents, Adam and Eve, sinned, the Holy Spirit lifted from man and the heavens shut. Jesus Christ came to repair the breach and open the heavens wide for God’s love and favor to shine on earth in a big way.

God’s eternal purpose is to reside with you and in you. Jesus Christ is Immanuel - God with us. 

Jesus came to make heaven real in your daily experience, to show you how to have a life full of meaning, purpose and abundance.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give [you] a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10, NLT)

As you follow His way of life, you will increase in wisdom, distinction, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:52)

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light which gives life.” (John 8:12, CJB)

Here are three things Jesus lived by:

1. The greatest is the one who serves.

The God of the universe came not to be served but to serve. The false gods of world religions demand endless and costly sacrifices to appease their anger. Yet their subjects remain unfulfilled, lost and broken.

Our Heavenly Father is different. He is a God of love. He demands worship by asking us to love and treat others with dignity and respect, to “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.” In short, be a true servant.

In this world, people in high positions tend to abuse power. 

One time, James and John (led by their mom!) jockeyed for the highest position. They wanted to sit to at the right and left side in Christ’s kingdom. 

Jesus asked whether they were willing to suffer the same suffering, and fulfill the same calling He would go through to obtain the high position. They ignorantly said yes. Jesus looked forward in time and told them that indeed they would be able to do so. This seemed to approve their request.

As one would expect, this angered the rest of the disciples because they also want the same prestige. Jesus resolved the issue by saying,

“You know that among the Gentiles, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors become dictators. Among you, it must not be like that. On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must become your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave! For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve - and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28, CJB)

Is this rule of life practical nowadays?

Consider going to a restaurant where the waiters do not pay attention to your requests, leave you on your own and give you a really bad service. Will you go back? Most probably not.

Companies and businesses prosper because of excellent products and services. Where do you bring your branded watch for repair when it’s broken? To an expert who can service your watch well. 

A true servant will be promoted while the abusive self-serving person in authority will soon lose support. A person with a servant’s heart will always have opportunities available.

Last November, my wife hired carpenters to renovate a place for her salon. They installed a leaky water tubing, painted the walls and ceiling without sweeping cobwebs or removing nails or plastering holes, and installed a gutter that was short by five inches. She felt robbed. We ended up re-doing the same jobs. Money, time and effort were wasted. Needless to say, the carpenters were quickly dismissed.

On the other hand, a good friend, Rolly, helped us construct a small house for Nanay Vicky, an old single lady. Tirelessly, he would wake up early in the morning, prepare food for the carpenters, travel an hour to the site and supervise the work hands-on. Sometimes, he would even shell out some of his money to keep the construction going. He was a hardline servant.

He was out of a job for more than a year due to a sickness. Upon recovery, he looked for a job but was never hired. While doing this charitable service, the Lord blessed him and he now works at the accounting department in a reputable security agency.

Being a true servant brings dignity, honor and prestige.

You call me ‘Rabbi’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right because I am. Now if I, the Lord and Rabbi, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other’s feet. For I have set you an example, so that you may do as I have done to you. Yes, indeed! I tell you, a slave is not greater than his master, or is an emissary greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:13-17, CJB)

2.  It is more blessed to give than to receive

The Lord greatly loves and He greatly gives. He gave His only begotten Son as the sacrifice for our sins.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved.” (John 3:16-17, CJB)

There is great joy in giving and there is great blessing in giving generously.

Paul understood this and said, 

“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:33-35, NLT)

In 1997, I became a full-time church worker. Staying at the office alone one day, a widow came for a chat. We shared encouragements from the bible and when it was about time for lunch, she indicated to leave. She appeared so happy all the time she was there.

Then Lord spoke to my heart to give her Php100 pesos. It was a struggle because that was my only money. She certainly did not appear to have any need at all. Moreover, I had no lunch yet and will have nothing more to pay for my fare going home. I excused myself and went to the comfort room to have a chat with the Lord. 

“Lord, you know this is my last money. If I give this away, I will have no more. But because I love you, I will give this as a sacrifice offering.” The Lord must have been amused at my faithless prayer. It had a good heart though.

I gave the money and told her, “The Lord wants you to have this.” She suddenly broke down in tears. For two weeks, she and her two small kids had been eating just rice sprinkled with sugar. When the sugar ran out, they resorted to salt. That morning, the rice ran out. She went to some of her friends to borrow money for food but there was nothing. Instead of going home depressed, she dropped-by at the office for some encouragements but did not expect any money.

As she was relating this, tears rolled down my cheeks. Joy flooded my heart, grateful to the Lord for choosing me to meet her need. I could have given more if I was able.

After she left, another person came up to have a chat. When he realized it was past one o’clock, he said, “Let’s have lunch.” I couldn’t go because I had no more money. So I said, “I’m okay. Go ahead.” He replied, “Please don’t turn me down. I want to treat you for lunch. Let’s go downstairs and fellowship some more.” My lunch was covered.

Later that day at four o’clock in the afternoon, another person came up for a chat! Before leaving, she handed me Php100 pesos. I never said anything about my need or the happenings earlier. The Lord restored my money through her.

It was the only time three persons came up for a chat in a single day. I suspect the Lord set me up.

There is a great promise to those who generously give their material wealth to advance God’s kingdom and meet people’s needs.

“Moreover, God has the power to provide you with every gracious gift in abundance, so that always in every way you will have all you need yourselves and be able to provide abundantly for every good cause.” (2 Corinthians 9:8, CJB)

3. “I have come to do your will, O God”

We give God the greatest glory by living according to His will. 

“That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God,

‘You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings.

But you have given me a body to offer.

You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin.

Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God - as is written about me in the Scriptures.’” (Hebrews 10:5-7, NLT)

Jesus repeated on this theme again and again:

“My father has been working until now, and I too am working.” (John 5:17, CJB)

“Yes, indeed! I tell you that the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; whatever the Father does, the Son does too.” (John 5:19, CJB)

For I have come down from heaven to do not my will but the will of the One who sent me. (John 6:38, CJB)

“I say in the world only what I have heard from [the Father].” (John 8:26, CJB)

When you walk in the center of God’s will, there is harmony all around you. Everything works well. Everything looks bright and everything falls into place.

When you are out of synch with God, everything is dark. There is confusion, trouble and chaos. You hit a brick wall and you lose God’s gracious hands at work. Rebellion and idolatry robs you of God’s favor.

As you fully commit yourself to God and His kingdom, He will cause you to ride on the heights. He will make you walk in His holy highway. He will give you the arsenal of heaven to accomplish His purposes in your life. No one will be able to stop you from succeeding.

Joshua knew this full well. He was told, “Only be strong and very bold in taking care to follow the commands which Moses my servant ordered you to follow; do not turn from either to the right or to the left; then you will succeed wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7, CJB)

Joshua reaped the benefits. At 110 years old testified, “Not one of all the good things the LORD your God said concerning you has failed to happen; it has all come to pass; nothing of it has failed.” (Joshua 23:14, CJB)

Jesus submitted himself fully to the will of God even to the point of death and God Almighty granted him the name that is above every name.

Promotion does not come from the East or the West, promotion comes from the Lord.Walk in his ways and you will live a life filled with God.

“No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.” (Psalm 75:6-7, NLT)

As you commit yourself to doing God’s will as Jesus did, your life will be ordered by the Lord. God will arrange your schedules and will use all His power to accomplish His divine plan over your life.

In his book “Angels on Assignment,” Pastor Roland Buck testified that God had given him 120 specific prophecies. Those 120 things began to happen in sequence exactly as God told him. As an example, God said he would meet a person and would accept Christ on February 4, 1977 and would die on May 30, 1977. It seemed impossible but it happened exactly as God told him.

God told him on January 21,1977 that He was choosing Karol Wojtyla of Poland as pope. It was fulfilled on October 16,1978 when Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II.

At the time of writing of the said book, 117 prophecies already came to pass in sequence. Pastor Roland Buck testified, “God has scheduled each day of our lives. As we walk with Him, he will direct our path, and though unknown to us, he will bring to pass his purpose for each of us, just as surely as he has caused, or will cause, the 120 events to happen which were given to me that glorious day in the Throne Room.” (Angels on Assignment, page 72)

As you walk in God’s will, you also will enjoy His pleasure and presence.

“You make me know the path of life (or God’s will); in your presence is unbounded joy, in your right hand eternal delight.” (Psalm 16:11, CJB)

You and I are designed to carry God’s reality to people around you. God wants to shine His glory in you and through you. We were made to be God’s dwelling place on earth. 

Jesus Christ became the perfect picture of God the Father. He became the full manifestation of God on earth. 

This is also our calling, to represent Jesus Christ on earth to the glory of the Father. Jesus showed us how to live. We will do well to follow His way of life.

Merry Christmas!

Immanuel’s birth - God’s grand favor has come personally to you!

It came unexpectedly. A fearsome angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to a handful of shepherds followed by a vast number of angels blasting the night sky with a heavenly concert of “Gloria in Excelsis Deo!”

“In the highest heaven, glory to God! And on earth, peace among people of goodwill!” (Luke 2:14, CJB)

Just handful of shepherds for an audience to share the greatest news of all! The messiah was found wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a poor manger. Rather unimpressive don’t you think? 

The shepherds later spread the good news but the authorities dismissed it as nonsense.

More people could have appreciated the news, than simply entrusting this good news to a bunch of uneducated shepherds. Why does the Lord do this?

A few months ago, two ladies in their sixties came to me at the church after the service a little past one o’clock. They already went down but came back to be prayed for. There were only three of us at the church left. 

One of the elderly ladies had an accident while trying to get off a jeepney. The driver apparently without regard to her, sped off while she was still holding to one of the jeepney’s back rails. She was pulled like a rag doll and smashed her left knee on the pavement. She has been suffering for two months and sorely missed church.

She attended the ten o’clock service that day and another lady helped her go downstairs. Then the lady helping her told the limping lady, “Hey, wait a minute. I saw pastor and he is still upstairs. Let’s go back and ask for prayer.” So they inched their way and took the escalator back to the third floor.

I saw their faith and asked the Lord to do something. The Lord impressed in me to pull her leg like a water pump. Needlessly, I got scared. She was obviously in great pain.

Pulling her leg was easy, but it took me some more faith to pull through. Thoughts of the lady being rushed to the hospital, newspaper tabloids accusing me of worsening her condition and pointing fingers raced in my mind. It was not an easy time.

I decided to obey the Lord’s impression and took her left leg and began pumping. She grimaced in pain just as I suspected. I asked her to walk in Jesus name. She took a few steps and then exclaimed, “Oh!… Something came loose!”

A few more pumps and prayers and then I asked her to walk again. She began walking and to our joy, the pain was all gone! She got so excited and walked around the sanctuary crying and thanking the Lord! The glory of the Lord hit and we had a glory service, yes only the three of us!

We were all crying for joy at her healing. She stayed until the five o’clock service full of joy and worship to the Lord.

I wondered why the Lord allowed only three of us to experience this wonderful healing. God could have done it while there were more than three hundred people in the service earlier. The impact would have been greater.

One thing is sure, God grants the privilege of experiencing the glories of heaven on earth to those who readily believe Him. 

God is not a “master showman” but a God who really cares. He loves to meet our needs on a personal basis. He reserved the most glorious moments to a handful of shepherds on Jesus’ birth, to a couple in a manger…and to an elderly lady believing for a miracle. 

It seems God has a knack of displaying His glory with a private audience. I suspect God dislikes curious onlookers.

Enoch walked with God. He spoke to Abraham on a personal basis. Jacob wrestled and received his greatest blessings while alone with the angel of the Lord.

Elijah and Elisha both resurrected a dead boy alone inside a room. Jesus resurrected a dead girl with only her parents and a few disciples. Jesus walked on water in the middle of the night seen only by a handful of men. Ezekiel had glorious divine encounters while alone with God.

Peter was released from maximum security prison by an angel in the dead of night. So did Paul and Silas in a Philippian jail. Peter, James and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration while alone with Jesus on a high mountain. Apostle John received his glorious revelations while exiled in the island of Patmos.

As you spend time alone with God today, never think that it is just a mundane and dull moment. The birth of Jesus was witnessed by only a handful people yet it was one of the most anticipated news event in the history of the universe! No kings and religious authorities to authenticate it.

Our dear Lord Jesus came to save the whole world yet God had you as an individual in mind.

He does not come for show. He comes because He cares. Alone with God today could be your most glorious moment yet. Merry Christmas!

Slaying Giants Before Possessing the Land of the Giants 2

Deuteronomy chapter 3

In all the years of their desert travels, the pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by day never parted from the Israelites. This was a constant reminder of God’s awesome power.

Merely two years after coming out of Egypt, the children of Israel refused to enter their promised land because they saw giants in the land! 

This is a reminder to all of us to keep our focus on the Lord. Focusing on your circumstances can eat away your confidence in God and cause you to miss out on your Divine inheritance.

Forty years of desert wanderings did two things - one, it purified the camp from rebellion and unbelief. Two, it matured their character and strengthened their resolve to do God's will.

Desert trials does something to you. It purifies your motives and strengthens your faith in the Lord until you rise up in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Never underestimate your wilderness trials because overcoming them will make you a giant slayer.

David was a wilderness shepherd before he became a Goliath slayer.

While running away from king Saul for many years, David lived in caves, barren lands, mountains and other inhospitable locations. "Then all the people in distress, in debt or embittered began gathering around him, and he became their leader; there were about four hundred with him." (1 Samuel 22:2, CJB)

From this band of ragtag characters came forth some of the greatest warriors in Israel. Under David's wings, the once undesirables and doldrums became the thirty mighty men of David. Giant slayers and invincibles.

Here’s a few of them: (1 Chronicles 11:11-25)

Jashobeam using only his spear killed 300 men in a single encounter.

Eleazar (with David) killed numerous Philistines while defending a field of barley. 

Three of the mighty men broke through the Philistine army and through the gate only to draw water for David!

Abishai weilding a spear killed 300 men.

Benaiah was a man of many exploits. He killed two lion-hearted men of Moab, killed a lion on a snowy day and killed a 7 1/2 feet tall Egyptian. Benaiah was a giant slayer!

Jesus Christ fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness and came out in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 4:14) It may be said that our Lord Jesus was redeeming the 40 years of Israelite rebellion and unbelief in the wilderness, one day for each year.

Overcoming your trials again and again will make you strong, mature and unshakable.

In Deuteronomy chapter three, 40 years of desert training made their faith immovable. After crushing Sihon king of Hesbon, they cut down Og king of Bashan, a ferocious giant more than 11 feet tall!

“So the LORD our God also handed over to us Og the king of Bashan with all his people, and we defeated him until he had no one left. At that time we captured all his cities, all the region of Argov, the kingdom of Og in Bashan; all of them fortified cities with high walls, gates and bars - in addition to a great number of unwalled towns. We completely destroyed them, as we did with Sihon king of Heshbon, annihilating every city.” Deuteronomy 3:3-6, CJB

King Og was the last survivor of the giant-kind or “rephaim” (Deuteronomy 3:11). While Og was the only one mentioned, his relatives and other subjects were also of the giant-kind. It may also be possible that Sihon and Og were relatives. Deuteronomy 2:20  indicates that their territories were the land of the giants. The Israelites annihilated them.

The map below shows the extent of the territory that the children of Israel possessed while en route to the Promised Land. 

The vast lands they conquered became the inheritance of Reuben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh. (Highlighted in red, purple and brown. Map taken from the Bible Atlas, Access Foundation, Zaine Ridling, Ph.D., Editor)

The children of Israel became so successful that Moses yearned with all his soul for God to allow him to enter the promised land. As you may recall, Moses was barred from entering the Promised Land for dishonoring the Lord in Kadesh Barnea at the Meribah springs. (http://richardnillo.blogspot.com/2011/09/can-leaders-miss-mark-too.html)

Learn to recount your past victories. Write them in your heart. Stay away from evil.

“Your eyes have seen everything that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. The LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms you encounter when you cross over. Don’t be afraid of them, because the LORD your God will fight on your behalf.” (Deuteronomy 3:21-22,CJB)

Your testimonies of God’s miracles in the past gives impetus to greater victories in the future.

Joshua and Caleb, the only successful desert wanderers in their generation, experienced the fullness of God’s promises.

At 110 years old, Joshua testified, “not one of all the good things the LORD your God said concerning you has failed to happen; it has all come to pass; nothing of it has failed.” (Joshua 23:14, CJB)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The Israelites traveled through the King’s highway toward the Promised Land.

Moses told Sihon and Og, “Let me pass through your land. We won’t turn aside into fields or vineyards, and we won’t drink any water from the wells. We will go along the King’s Highway until we have left your territory.” (Numbers 21:22, CJB)

Why did Sihon and Og, roused all his army to fight Moses when the Israelites just wanted safe passage?

According to the Bible Atlas, this highway was a trade route of spices and perfumes and other goods coming from the Arabian Peninsula. Whoever controls this land excises taxes on the goods brought in for commerce. Who would dare challenge the giants?

Moses told the two kings that he was not a merchant but a nation simply passing through to claim an inheritance in the land of Canaan. Moses and the children of Israel would pay for everything they consume including food and water. Moses and the Israelites are exempt from tributes and other taxes. Moses did not express any feeling of intimidation, just showing dignity and honor.

By now, the fearsome reputation of the LORD in behalf of Israel gained renown in these parts. Egypt and Amalek were already reduced to nothing. But Sihon and Og would have none of it. Crushing the Israelites in battle would bring in for them vast treasures and multitude of slaves.

Perhaps due to greed or pride, they falsely thought that mighty fortresses and sheer size would bring them invincibility. But the name of the LORD is the true banner of Victory - Jehovah Nissi (The LORD is my Banner). Sihon and Og took the death blow.

When you walk through the King's Highway, the giants at the gateway of  God's promises will oppose you. They will come like a devouring lion. But rise up in the name of the Lord and resist them in the power of the Holy Spirit. You shall conquer, amen:) (1 Peter 5:8-11)

The King’s Highway

To spiritualize, the King’s Highway is the Lord’s Highway of Holiness.

“A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it… But the redeemed shall walk there.” (Isaiah 35:8-9, CJB)

It is important to note that the King’s Highway is ‘a must’ before you reach your Promised Land. Before you can obtain your fullness of blessings, you need to walk in holiness.

The Highway of Holiness trains you to be godly

“Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray.” (Isaiah 35:8, NKJV)

For [our parents] disciplined us only for a short time and only as best they could; but [our Heavenly Father] disciplines us in a way that provides genuine benefit to us and enables us to share in his holiness. Now, all discipline, while it is happening, does indeed seem painful, not enjoyable; but for those who have been trained by it, it later produces its peaceful fruit, which is righteousness. (Hebrews 12:10-11, CJB)

“Keep pursuing shalom with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14, CJB)

Walking on the HIghway of Holiness brings Divine Protection and Retribution:

“Israel was holiness to the Lord, the firstfruits of His increase. All that devour him will offend; Disaster will come upon them," says the Lord." (Jeremiah 2:3, NKJV)

“No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there.” (Isaiah 35:9, NKJV)

The Spirit of holiness brings about God’s power

“and [Jesus Christ] declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” (Romans 1:4-5, NKJV)

The Highway of Holiness brings forth beauty, joy and gladness.

Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2, NKJV)

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:10, NKJV)

The King’s Highway of Holiness will bring you to your Promised Land

"But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. (Obadiah 17, NKJV)

Some people call it “old fashioned,” or even “irrelevant.” But holiness will never be irrelevant nor impractical. God’s Holy Highway is the safest passage to His fullness of blessings. 

God has no other highway but holiness. “The unclean will not pass over it.” 

If you call yourself a Christian yet behave in an ungodly manner, you will never obtain God’s promises. Trouble, sorrow and defeat will mark your days. What more? You are living a lie. Shape up and get back to godliness. Make up your mind and walk in the righteousness marked out for you in Christ Jesus. 

As the old time saints used to say, “Take time to be holy.” 

Slay your giants as you march in the King’s Highway of Holiness. The giants of lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life will oppose you greatly but take heart, the Lord will fight with you.

“So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” (James 1:21-23, NLT)

As people who obey God, do not let yourselves be shaped by the evil desires you used to have when you were still ignorant. On the contrary, following the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in your entire way of life; since the Scripture says, “You are to be holy because I am holy.”  (1 Peter 1:14-16, CJB)

“ And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as "foreigners in the land." (1 Peter 1:17, NLT)

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 

All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” (Jude 24-25, NLT)

Marching toward God’s Promises

(Re-writing Deuteronomy chapter 2)

As soon as every rebellious and unbeliever died in the desert, the Children of Israel started moving again. They went in circles in Kadesh-Barnea for a long time until disobedience and unbelief died out.

“The time between our leaving Kadesh-Barnea and our crossing Vadi Zered was thirty-eight years - until the whole generation of men capable of bearing arms had been eliminated from the camp, as Adonai (the LORD) had sworn they would be.” (Deuteronomy 2:14)

God was ready with the Israelites 38 years ago but the Children of Israel refused to obey Him. God had to wait. They had to die. Ouch!

(Photo: Aroer, border town of Amorite king Sihon. This is part of the 50x50m trading post with large rooms.)

Often, we do not experience promotion until we develop full trusting in God. What hinders us from moving to greater heights is our self-life. The self-life, accustomed to the bodily senses, trusts what it sees, feels and hears more than the 'intangible' promises of God. 

“To see is to believe,” one might say. Yet upon closer scrutiny, this statement does not make sense. Do we really need faith for the things we already see and feel? Do we have to exercise faith for the things we already hold in our hands?

No, to "believe" after you have seen it or felt it is not faith but conceding what is true after all. "Believing" in this sense is not the exercise of faith because one is compelled to "believe." "To see is to believe" is a statement from a vantage point of doubt and not trust. On the other hand, God-given faith is in itself the evidence even when one does not see it yet. (Hebrews 11:1) Thus, you trust God for the things you do not yet have! You exercise faith for the things God showed you, things He will do, and things He promised while waiting for their fulfillment.

Our problem is that we trust more in what we see, feel and hear thinking that they define what is to come. We mistakenly infer that our circumstances will still be the same in the future. We fail to consider that our world can crash in an instant, the people we depend on can become weak, the economy can spiral out of control, and a host of other uncertainties. Contrary to what others would have us believe, we live in a very shaky world.

The only thing we can be sure of is trusting in the One who holds eternity in His hands. Trusting in Someone Who has perfect tract record in fulfilling His word. It makes a lot of sense to trust God more than in our circumstances. This was where the old generation of Israelites failed. They saw, heard and felt the prospect of entering the land of giants was impossible, but they failed to recognize that with God all things are possible.

“Moreover, Adonai’s hand was against them to root them out of the camp until the last of them was gone. When all the men who were able to bear arms had died and were no longer part of the people, Adonai said to me, ‘Today you are to cross the border of Mo’av at ‘Ar.” (Deuteronomy 2:15-18)

This reads as though the Lord had been itching till everyone in the old generation died out. There is a great spiritual lesson here. God cannot work in the presence of unbelief. God demands our trust before he will act. “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17) During his ministry years in his own hometown, Jesus could not work mighty miracles in Nazareth because of their unbelief. 

Mark 6:5 says, “And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.” Their unbelief hindered the miracles. Jesus was so astonished as to why they won’t believe! 

Why does He demand faith from us? Does He lack attention that we need to acknowledge Him in all His works? I don’t think God needs any of our praise or acknowledgment. God is already blessed and full of it. He doesn’t need our hands to lift Him up or our encouragement to make Him feel better.

God requires us to trust Him for our sakes. God wants us to personally know Him and experience Him firsthand. The Lord desires a covenant love-relationship. Our part is to be a human subject, His part is to be our God Almighty. Our part is to trust Him, God's part is to manifest His glory in our lives.

Our faith proves that we belong to Him. In fact, we are His children, and if children, then co-heirs with Jesus Christ. When we live on trusting God, we show that we are His children. Furthermore, when we trust, we relive the experiences of great men and women of faith in the scriptures. We no longer just read the stories in the Bible, God recreates those stories and make them come alive in us today. When we believe, the impossible becomes possible. 

(Photo: Aroer, border town of Amorite king Sihon. This is part of the 50x50m trading post with large rooms. Fortifications during this time must have looked very intimidating.)

Going back to the Israelites, as soon as disobedience and unbelief were eliminated from the community. A new sense of direction, life and destiny came upon them. They began to conquer even before they even stepped into the promised land!

God gave them a foretaste of victory. They completely crushed mighty Sihon king of the Amorites and all his territory. Following the train of thought in Deuteronomy chapter two (v 20-24), king Sihon must have been a terrible giant who lived in a well-fortified city. Fearsome and impenetrable, this formidable territory must have been very intimidating. But with God and sheer trust in Him, they marched through and conquered!

Deuteronomy 2:34 says, “At that time we captured all his cities and completely destroyed every city… there was not one city too well fortified for us to capture - Adonai our God gave all of them to us.” We serve and Awesome God!

God said to the Israelites, “Today I will start putting the fear and dread of you into all the peoples under heaven, so that the mere mention of your name will make them quake and tremble before you.” (Deuteronomy 2:25)

To apply this in ourselves, when we get rid of sin, disobedience and unbelief, we will immediately experience God’s power and victory. Our sheer trust and in what the LORD can do through us sends chills to the devil’s spine. Satan knows that when our trusting in God no longer wavers, he is done for. There is no way he could ever win from that point on.

As you read the Bible, do not treat it as a history book or a philosophy book. Read it as a book of life! Read it with open eyes and a receptive heart. The Holy Spirit wants to make the scriptures real in your experiences today. As you fully trust in the Lord Jesus, never wavering in unbelief, you will inherit all His good promises. Amen:)

Prayer for Complete Self-giving

     Prière d'une âme qui désire se donner à Dieu sans réserve

By Francois de Salignac de La Mothe Fenelon

My God, I wish to give myself [completely] to you. Give me courage to do so. Strengthen my weak will, which sighs for you. I stretch my arms to you. Take me. If I do not have the strength to give myself [wholly] to you, draw me to you by the sweetness (or fragrance)  of your perfumes. Lead me to follow you by the cords of your love.

Lord, to whom to do I belong, if not yours alone? It would be cruel bondage to belong to myself and to my own passions! O true freedom of the Children of God! We do not know it. Happy is the one who discovers where it lies, and seeks it no longer where it is not. A thousand times happy is he who depends on God for everything, no longer to depend on himself alone.

But how is it, O my Divine Bridegroom, that we fear to break our chains? Do fleeting pleasures mean more than your eternal truth, and [more than desiring] you yourself? Is it right to be afraid to give ourselves [fully] to you? O monstrous folly! That would be to fear for our own happiness. That would be to fear to go out of Egypt to enter the promised land. That would be to complain in the desert, to lose taste for the manna, remembering the flesh pots of Egypt.

It is not really I who gives myself to you. But it is you, O my love, who gives yourself [wholly] to me. [Therefore], I do not hesitate to give my heart [completely] to you. What joy to be alone with you and to be there with you, no more to hear and no more to speak what is empty and useless, so that I may listen to you! O infinite wisdom! Do you not [truly] speak to me of better things than these foolish men? You will [indeed] speak to me, O love of my God! You will teach me, you will make me flee fleeting pleasures and lying. You will feed me from yourself. You will hold back in me all idle curiosity.

Lord, when I consider your yoke, it seems to me too mild. And is this then the cross which I ought to carry as I follow you all the days of my life? Have you no other cup, more bitter with my passion to make me drink to the dregs? Will you limit [my yoke] to this peaceful rest? Under a holy [and righteous] rulership? And among such good examples, the severe showing of sorrow and repentance which I have deserved for my sins? O love! You only make me to love you. You do not strike me. You spare my weakness. After this, should I still fear to draw near to you? Can the crosses of being alone frighten me? Those which the world overwhelms us ought to frighten us. [The world and the empty pleasures it promises.] What blindness not to be afraid of them!

No infinite misery, which your mercy alone can overcome! The less I have had of light and of courage, the more I have deserved your compassion. O God, I have made myself unworthy of you, but I can become a miracle of your grace. Give me all that I lack and there will be nothing in me which does not exact your gifts.

(From the book Christian Perfection, Bethany House Publishers, 1975, pages 74-75)

Fenelon (6 August 1651- 7 January 1715) was a French writer and Archbishop of Cambrai. He became well-known as a skilled spiritual counselor and even successfully tutored the grandson of King Louis XIV. His role in counseling and pastorate made his writings very practical. He urged others to be diligent about their spiritual walk but not to take it “too far.” Those who were overly concerned may fall into unwarranted fears that are more destructive than helpful.

Regarding himself he says, “I am to myself…the whole of a great diocese, more burdensome than the outside one, and a diocese which I am incapable of reforming.”

Christian Perfection is a collection of letters and addresses, still relevant to our generation.

Ten hindrances to your fullness of blessings part 2

“This is why you had to stay in Kadesh as long as you did.” (Deuteronomy 1:46, CJB)

It would be cruel to allow an eight-year-old, Grade two pupil to enroll in the university, get a course in Nuclear Physics and delve into atoms, electrons, neutrons, positrons, neutrinos, theory of relativity, M-theory, quantum fields, etc. 

No crayons, no playgrounds, no trips to the zoo or to the children’s library. And definitely no licking lollipops during lab sessions in inorganic chemistry! 

This pupil will not be able to cope with the demands of research, laboratory experiments, assignments, lessons and overall demands of college life. This kid would wish he’d never been born.

In the same way, it would be cruel if God allows someone to receive great blessings if those very blessings will destroy him. It makes sense to qualify first before allowing you to enter your promised land. 

God in His goodness will never set you up for failure. In Him is a good fight of faith. It is a good fight because God already knew you will win by the His grace. Passing your tests then are absolutely necessary before you can rise to the next level of blessings or usefulness in God’s Kingdom.

For two years in the desert since the crossing of the Red Sea, the Lord led them to difficult situations to test them. They scored zero in all their tests! You can almost feel God’s heartbreak. Two years of constant nurturing yielded no fruit.

Number 14:22-23

“None of the people who saw my glory and the signs I did in Egypt and in the desert, yet tested me these ten times and did not listen to my voice, will see the land I swore to their ancestors! None of those who treated me with contempt will see it.”

Here are the ten hindrances to your fullness of blessings: (Adapted from Dr. Brian Bailey’s book The Journey of Israel, 2002, pages 264-266)

1. Opposition from the world (Exodus 14:11-14)

These are worldly temptations and seductions that lure you back to the world and its ways. A great part of it is persecution from ungodly people - your loved ones, too. (2 Timothy 3:12)

When you announce to your family that you are now born again, they may jeer and say either you are just joking, it’s just a fad or you’ll only last three months. They honestly think you will go back to your old  habits. If you go beyond three months, they would say you are taking these religious stuff too seriously you might lose your mind.

Even your ungodly friends persuade you to stop your “religious” madness because you might pass beyond heaven for being too godly. They most likely say this to ease their own conscience. When believers get serious in their walk with God, unbelievers take notice and they become uneasy. Now, they need to see their sinful lives in light of God’s righteousness. For the ungodly, it’s easier to throw mud at somebody who just got cleaned up than admit their own dirty lives.

If you follow Jesus, know that persecution will come your way. Take heart, Go will strengthen you. Satan will throw great temptations to lure you back to the bondage of sin. Take heart, God will provide a way of escape.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (! Corinthians 10:13, NLT)

Either way, you must take a firm stand for our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground. You cannot participate in the sinful lifestyle of your ungodly friends and win God’s approval at the same time. We are in the world but we are not of the world. We lovingly win our friends to the Lord, but we need to take care not to participate in their sins.

Pharaoh and all his army chased the Israelites all the way to the Red Sea to enslave them again. God gave a directive to them “never to go back that way again.” (Deuteronomy 17:16, CJB)

Egypt is a type of the world and bondage to ungodliness. God wants us to walk holy and keep on growing in His righteousness. Make a firm stand for Jesus Christ and never go back to your dirty ways again.

2. Bitter Waters (Exodus 15:22-27)

Bitter waters refer to bitter experiences. After three days of crossing the Red Sea, they came to a wadi of water. They started drinking but the water was bitter. They grumbled and said, “What are we to drink?” (Exodus 15:24)

Christians go through bitter experiences and disappointments. 

To extract the precious essential oils of flowers used in making perfume, the flowers goes through steam distillation whereby the heat of the steam breaks the cellular structure of the flowers and releases the precious fragrances.

When we embrace bitter experiences with Christlike attitude, they will produce in us a sweetness and graciousness in our spirits. Our character becomes fragrant with Christlikeness. Sadly, there are those who remain bitter after the experience.

In the narrative of the Israelites, God instructed Moses to cut a particular wood and throw it in the water. The water became sweet and drinkable. We overcome bitter experiences by taking them to the cross of Christ. As you surrender your heart to the Lord, He will give you the ability to manifest grace even while under pressure.

3. Hunger (Exodus 16:1-12)

Hunger speaks not only of physical hunger but also of economic trials. Dr. Brian Bailey says, These are “times when we do not have enough money or the things that we really want.” This may refer to material needs or financial pressures.

“The people of Israel said to them, ‘We wish Adonai had used his own hand to kill us off in Egypt! There we used to sit around the pots with the meat boiling, and we had as much food as we wanted. But you have taken us out into this desert to let this whole assembly starve to death!” (Exodus 16:3)

Was this true? They were the lowest of slaves in Egypt was it not? They did not have as much food as they wanted. Or else they would not have called on the Lord to save them from extreme slavery.

In life, we will experience periods where we don not get what we want or there is not enough. These seasons challenges us to exercise our faith and dependence on God. 

4. Thirst (Exodus 17:1-7) 

According to Dr. Bailey, these are dry and boring experiences. Exodus 17:1-7

“The people quarreled with Moshe, demanding, ‘Give us water to drink!’ But Moshe replied, ‘Why pick a fight with me? Why are you testing Adonai? However, the people were thirsty for water there and grumbled against Moshe, ‘For what did you bring us from Egypt? To kill us, our children and our livestock with thirst?’… ‘The place was named Massah [testing] and M’rivah [quarreling] because of the quarreling of the people of Isra’el and because they tested Adonai by asking, ‘Is Adonai with us or not?’” (Exodus 17:2-3,7, CJB)

It is when we go through dull and mundane seasons we are called to exercise faithfulness more than ever. It’s easy to slack but God challenges us to heighten up our spiritual disciplines. Keep on reading and meditating your bible, keep on praying, keep on obeying the Lord, keep on doing good. For in due time you will reap a good harvest if you do not give up. (Galatians 6:9) 

5. Idolatry (Exodus 32)

An idol is anything that replaces your love toward God. It steals your heart away from God.

Aaron made a scathing remarks on the Israelites, “You know what these people are like, that they are determined to do evil. So they said to me, ‘Make us gods to go ahead of us; because this Moshe, the man that brought us up from the land of Egypt- We don’t know what has become of him.’ I answered them, ‘Anyone with gold, strip it off!’ So they gave it to me. I threw it in the fire, and out came this calf!’” (Exodus 32:22-24, CJB) 

Idols are cheap substitutes for God. Idols cheat those who honors them. Idols promises good things but they do not live up to their promise. For instance, when you love your gadgets more than you love God, you will have fun for a while but later on you will feel empty inside. Then those gadgets will call for more gadgets, fooling you into thinking that more of them will make you happier. But then again, you still feel dissatisfied. How much gadgets do you need to be happy? When you allow these to “use” you, you will never be happy. Electronic gadgets are good when you rule over them and not them ruling over you.

Stay away from anything that cools down your love for God, anything that steals your heart away from Him or anything that distracts you from a pure and simple love-relationship with the Lord. 

6. Complaining

Dr. Brian Bailey says, “[They] constantly complained about their circumstances. Complaining causes us not to  find favor with God. Philippians 2:14 says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” (NIV)

Complaining has deadly consequences: “But the people began complaining about their hardships to Adonai. When Adonai heard it, his anger flared up, so that fire from Adonai broke out against them and consumed the outskirts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1, CJB) Complainers never get what they want. They will crave for a good life but it will never come. Instead they will always run into trouble, arguing, fighting for their “rights.” Like the sensation of burning, they will experience “searing situations.” They are uncomfortable, uneasy and hard to live with.

7. Unthankfulness

“The children of Israel never learned to give thanks to God. They were unthankful for the manna He provided for them; they wanted quails. Unthankfulness is one of the first steps to backsliding.” (Journey of Israel, Dr. Brian Bailey)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we run into difficulties, we need to recognize what God is up to. When we see God’s hand, thankfulness will naturally spring from our hearts. Why, we know that “all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

There are no accidents in the Kingdom of God. Things just didn’t happen. Everything has a purpose and a plan. Things did not happen by chance. The enemy may have a hand in your troubles right now, but God will have the upper hand. This will give occasion for His miracles to work in your life.

When we give thanks even in troublesome times, we declare our trust that God is in control of everything. And He is definitely in control. 

The unthankful, however, will never see God’s hand at work. This person will miss the opportunity to see God’s glory at work in his own life. Learn to count your blessings and practice thanking God in everything. You will realize that God has been actively working in all aspects of your life. How great is the love of God towards us who believe!

8. Gluttony

Dr. Bailey defines this as “lust for food, and every other kind of excessive desire.”

God wants us to exercise discipline. Self-control helps you stay on track, keeps your desires in check, and helps you keep your eyes on the goal. 

Gluttony is craving for more than what you need. This may lead to unhealthy and destructive addictions. 

9. Criticism

Even Aaron and Miriam criticized Moses. (Numbers 12:1-2) Miriam never made it to the promised land.

Ungodly criticism does not build up. It tears apart and does not strengthen ties. Criticism on your leaders attacks God because He placed those leaders over you. (Romans 13:1-2) So, God takes it personally when you dishonor your leaders in this way.

10. Unbelief

Dr. Bailey tells that “the ten spies infected the whole congregation with fear and unbelief.”

Unbelief is distrusting God. It refuses to believe God and His good promises. It questions God’s goodness. 

For the Israelites, it struck God at the heart because the people who were supposed to uphold His covenants, believe in Him and obey His commandments, were the very same people who disowned Him. He came to His own but His own did not believe Him. (John 1:11)

“None of those who treated me with contempt will see it.” (Numbers 14:23, CJB) You may be tempted to think that God was being capricious. This is not the case. The Israelites came to the point where they became hopeless. They just don’t want God to rule over them. They don’t want to trust Him. They want to their own thing. And they wanted to use God for their own pleasures. 

They constantly demanded their “rights.” And when they got it, they acted like a spoiled brat. When God corrected them for their wrongs, they complained and rebelled. 

When they fell into unbelief, that was beyond hope. They will never believe whatever God says. The only thing left to do is to just let them die. What a scary thing to be in! May the Lord have mercy on us. 

These ten hindrances to your blessings are like warnings. They tell you to stay away from what poisons your character. Imagine if there were no warning signs. No stop signs at intersections and cars charge ahead; no warning labels on insect sprays and sprays it on your food; no warning signs like dead end - bridge out and you keep driving on. But when the warnings are up there, it would be foolish to ignore them.

God wants us to enjoy His blessings to the fullest. The ten hindrances above spoil the fun. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1, NIV)

“Every trial should be a steppingstone to greater heights in God. However, because the children of Israel failed in their tests, the tests became stumbling-blocks that hindered them from moving on with God. Therefore, we must seek to pass the trials and tests that we experience so that we will succeed in life.” (The Journey of Israel, page 264)