ARE YOU SOLD OUT TO JESUS?

Mark 10:21
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Where are you willing to go with Jesus? What if you had achieved great wealth while following Jesus and suddenly He said: “sell everything, give it to the poor and follow me to a different place now,” could you do this? Are you sold out to Jesus? Could you leave your job in an instant if He said: “we are going this way now, quit your job, leave your things and follow me.” Do you trust Him enough to do that? Is your treasure on earth or in heaven? What if your bills weren’t getting paid and the house and car were being foreclosed on, would you still follow Him?

How about if you were whipped, flogged, beaten, and thrown in jail as some of the disciples were, would you still follow Jesus? I wonder sometimes if our idea of following the Lord means that life will be in perfect order and there will not be struggles and trials. That’s not what the Bible says. James 1:2 says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,”

I believe what Jesus is saying to us is, for us to be completely sold out to Him; we must not let anything we have or desire to obtain keep us from serving Him. We must remove anything from our lives that will hinder our service to Him and for the work of Kingdom. Christ loves us enough to die for us and He also loves us enough to talk straight to us. He does all this for us because, His love is complete and gives us life-changing challenges.

Reflections:
What is in your life today that is hindering your service to God?
Is it your position? Your level of income? Your statues in society? Whatever it might be, don't let it limit your service to God. He never promised following him would be easy, but He did promise to light the way that we should go.

Power verses:
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.--Matthew 5:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.-- James 1:12

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;--Romans 5:3

2011 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

HANDLING DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Matthew 1:18-19

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.


When people wrong us, there can be all sorts of things that go through our minds that perhaps we would like to do to bring disgrace into their lives. Recently, I had a Christian brother take advantage of my good nature by me agreeing to lend him some money only for him to stiff me up. We met through a mutual friend and he was in die need of money to travel to visit his parents. So he asked me to lend him some money only for two months, but he never honoured his promise. As the story goes he assured me he would pay me back as soon as he has some money. That was several months ago and he has not returned not even one of my so several calls and it's almost coming up to a year. I wrestled with the thought of contacting his friends and perhaps someone he worked with, but decided not to after the Lord brought this verse to my attention.


When I read that Joseph did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace, I dropped the idea of contacting this man's friends and bringing shame upon him. Today's scripture says,  that Joseph was a righteous man. That’s what I would like to be also, a righteous woman. There are specific ways of handling difficult people that God would have us do or not do. Prayer is the best way to start dealing with troublesome people and situations.


Power verses:

The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."-- Exodus 14:14

You yourselves have seen everything the LORD your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the LORD your God who fought for you.--Joshua 23:3

There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!-- Joshua 10:14

Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you."-- Deuteronomy 3:22

2001 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

REMEMBER HIS GOODNESS

Psalm 77:11
I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember your wonders of old.


When we remember the great things that God has done in our lives, we will find a place where our faith begins to be renewed. The more I thank God for what He has already done the more God takes care of things I am presently facing. I don't know what your situation is today, however I know that memories of God's goodness and faithfulness has sustained my sisters and myself through some really difficult times. Thus building our confidence with the knowledge that He is capable and trustworthy. Whenever I face any difficult situations in my life or that of my family's be it to do with my nephews being rebellious against their mother, my business, my faith or any trials, I remember the works of the Lord and what He has done for me and my sisters. And this strengthens my faith!
 
It is our faith that moves the hand of God on our behalf not the circumstances that surround our lives. Take a moment to recall some of the great things that God has done in your life. Find those situations from the past where God proved His promise that He would never leave you nor forsake you. Trust God today with every area of your life. He loves you! He can handle all of our difficulties. God has been good to us.


Reflections:
What are some of the things that He has done for you?
Write them down in a journal and allow them to renew your faith in God remembering as He has done it before, He will do it again.


Power verses:
"You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself."-- Exodus 19:4

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."-- 2 Corinthians 4:16

"who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."--Psalm 103:5

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."-- Isaiah 40:31

2011 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED

Romans 1:11-12
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.


In the beginning of the New Testament Church we see many believers gathering together and fellowshipping with each other. We can understand the importance of interacting with other Christians by examining the following short passage of scripture. When we connect with other believers, God causes something to happen in us and through us that can only be understood by having the experience. When we gather together, one person may have the gift of healing, another the gift of discernment and yet someone else may have a prophetic word.  Fellowshipping together causes these various spiritual gifts to work in unity together like a car engine with all of its parts properly in place.

As Christians and Believers we should always look to give and receive when are together through fellowship with another. The beauty and joy of that is, our mutual faith gives us a common language and a common purpose for encouraging each other. A greater understanding of the importance of fellowshipping together can be understood by reading the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 12. In the chapter you will see that there are many parts to the church body being whole and functioning together.


Power verses:
There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- Ephesians 4:4

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.-- Hebrews 2:4

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.-- Ephesians 4:7

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.--1 Corinthians 12:18


2011 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

PERSECUTED CHURCH

Hello Saints,

I just came across this video and thought why not share it with you all. It happens to be a timely reminder of what real love means since Valentine's day is just a few days away. A lot of Christians will argue the idea of celebrating Valentine. I am a firm believer of using every given opportunity to share my faith. And Valentine's day happen to be a celebration of love for many worldwide. Isn't this just a fantastic time to share "Jesus" the very essence and true meaning of Love?

"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life down for one's friends."-- John 15:13


Real love isn't always pretty, romantic, or even pleasant. As this video shows, real love means sacrifice. Valentine's Day, Celebrated in memory of a Christian martyr, should help us to remember that true love is Jesus and this could mean martyrdom, death and persecution.

In this movie, you will see images of believers in countries that are opposed to Christianity. You will hear of the stories of their faith and their death. This Christian video communicates the essence of true love, and evokes compassion for Christians around the world who are suffering for their faith.

You and I are blessed to live in countries where we can freely and willing live and share our faith with no fear of persecution, being tortured and tormented. Why don't we take advantage of this great gift to help share and spread the good news - our Faith to more and more people. Starting from our families, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and just anyone we come in contact with.




1 John 3:16, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

Please share your thoughts, blessings......................

UNFAILING LOVE

Jeremiah 31:3
..."I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."

It has become very evident to me how much effort and trouble Jesus has gone through just to reassure us of how much He loves us. Not just with words but with deeds and actions by sacrificing His life for us on the cross. From this scripture what I draw from it is, His idea of His love for us is intimacy. He created us to desire a relationship with Him. "With an everlasting love, unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." Here, Jesus stresses on the idea of belonging together with us in a love relationship that will ultimately out live any relationship - not even death can part us from Him. As I was reading this scripture and text, it kept playing in my mind over and over again. I imagined Jesus reaching out towards us His Children with compassion motivated by a deep and steadfast love. I see a beautiful Father who is so eager to be the best for us if only we will let Him into our hearts and lives.

When I think of all the many challenges life throws at us and how painfully difficult and uncertain life can be, His everlasting and unfailing love is a breath of fresh air to me. Rather than worrying unnecessarily and being burdened with all the ugliness of life's storms, I am encouraged. And as I look up to Him, I see Him tenderly and carefully drawing me towards His loving embrace. The word of God is so mind-blowing and not easy to comprehend. I just wished I had words to express what it does to my spirit. If you are feeling really low today for whatever reason, Jesus wants you to know He loves you with an everlasting and unfailing love one that even death can't separate as from.

Power verses:
And I will take you as my bride for ever; truly, I will take you as my bride in righteousness and in right judging, in love and in mercies.-- Hosea 2:19

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-- Psalm 103:17

I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us--yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses-- Isaiah 67:7

2011 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.

GOD'S PLEDGE TO US

Ephesians 1:13-14(NASB)
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of  God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.


When we believe in Jesus Christ, this puts us in a covenant marriage with Him. The Holy Spirit is God's seal that we belong to Him and His guarantee to us that He will do what He has promised. This is like a down payment, a deposit - in the Ghanaian culture we call it a dowry a secured payment from the Bridegroom to have the bride's hand in marriage. At this point His Spirit comes to live within us when we believe in Him and the presence of the Holy Spirit in us demonstrates the genuineness of our Faith and proves that we are His and secures our eternal life with Him when He returns. This makes us very intimate with God.  We can't get any closer to someone than having them dwell within us. Jesus says in John 14:16-17, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be  in you." Actually come to think of it - it is an intimacy that none of us can have with anyone not even those of you in a marriage relationship, because it is supernatural; and a God thing!

The word pledge in the Greek language is a solemn promise. Even today in Greece the word pledge can mean engagement ring. I believe we all know an engagement ring is a guarantee from a man to a woman that he will marry her. How appropriate because as Christians we become God’s bride. So the Holy Spirit is God’s pledge to us like an engagement ring. He is God’s symbol of love given to us so we can know without a shadow of a doubt we are God’s beautiful bride forever. Instead of wearing the love symbol on our finger we wear Him in our hearts. How very romantic and beautiful that Jesus died for you and I so we could become His beautiful Bride as a corporate body as well as each individual in His Church.

As believers, we who are the bride of Christ waiting in great anticipation for the day when we will be united with our Bridegroom. Until then, we remain faithful to Him and say with all the redeemed of the Lord, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Reflections:
Have you been faithful and do you pledge to remain faithful to Him till His return?

Are you prepared to pledge your heart to your Bridegroom as you wait in anticipation for His faithful return? If not it's, not too late to repent receiving into your heart as a seal of His promise till His return.


Power verses:
For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay.--Hebrews 10:37

"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book."-- revelation 22:7

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.-- Revelation 22:18

"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done-- Revelation 22:12

"Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."-- Revelation 16:15

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.-- Revelation 1:3

2011 By Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.