by Jodi Hamilton
Expectations are the breeding grounds for disappointment. They are false burdens that keep us in bondage and expose us to offence. Expectations provoke us to become easily let down or hurt as they change our perspective of reality causing us to be 'set up' for disappointment. We cannot predict or forecast another persons behaviour. If we purpose in our hearts to remove all expectations from those around us, our focus will soon shift to seeing the good as we are no longer 'fixated' on how they have let us down.
It is true that we must always always hope and believe the best of all people. To do this effectively we must avoid boxing them in to our unrealistic or idealistic views. How often do we get all stressed out when somebody hurts or offends us? How often does it instantly become all about us? 1 Peter 4:12 says, 'Beloved, think it not strange the fiery trial that is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you'. How often do we get all worked up when we are treated unfairly? If we don't expect anything we will be prepared for everything! We must learn to walk in total acceptance and unconditional love in order to give our 'shock absorbers' a rest. When all expectation is removed we start to see and accept the person for where they really are as opposed to where we would like them to be. This new perspective opens the door enabling us to fully embrace our 'trials' with a Christ like perspective as we rise above our emotions. Only then are we able to clearly hear and follow the Holy Spirits leading to WALK through our circumstances.
Friday, 13 May 2016
Monday, 9 May 2016
WOMEN: WHAT'S WITH ALL THE 'FLUFF & BUBBLE'?
by Glenice Mills
Hey women it’s time to grow up!!! Stop ‘fluffing’ around! Stop playing childish games, for example, in Christian meetings, making stupid noises thinking it is so ‘spiritual’, and behaving like some pretty little girl twirling around demanding and getting attention. Being ‘sickly sweet’ and insipid is futile. You use your ‘feminine wiles’ to get what you want, manipulating, using words and emotions to try and win over people, thinking it is the right way to act and behave to get noticed. Stop being ‘airy fairy’ spiritual lightweights! Come on we are better than this! Where’s your substance? Surely the Lord has deposited a deep well of His Spirit in you? I know He has, so come on get over yourself, and draw from the well of life.
GROW UP! GROW UP! GROW UP!
Come on women, snap out of it, there is a job to be done! Evil is increasing! We dare not stay in our immaturity, but rather open our eyes and see what is going on around and about us. We are in a battle – a battle for our loved ones, for the body of Christ that is really in serious strife, and for our nation and the nations.
How long are you going to keep wanting prophetic words, chasing after the latest preacher wanting the next ‘high’, and seeking out whoever will speak to you what you want your itching ears to hear? Come on you are better than that? Surely you have enough of a relationship with the Lord to be able to receive all you need from Him? He is requiring much more from you right now.
These aren’t just words on a page. This is God’s prophetic word and His heart to us right now!
The Lord reminded me of a dream He gave to me a couple of years ago. This is one part of the dream that I feel to share.
‘There was a group of about 20 women sitting in a circle making daisy chains. They had flimsy dresses on, with wreaths in their hair. They then stood up, remaining in their circle, held hands, and then moved in and out singing a song (I know it was a children’s song).
I was calling out to them: “Come on there is work to be done”. They did not hear me. They were oblivious to my voice, to my desperate cry. ‘
So what is the Lord saying in this dream?
The women were varying in age, however they were immature in their character and behavior, caught up playing childish games. They were distracted, in their own selfish world. The holding of hands was symbolic of a unity, however it was a false unity. It was a unity of like-minded women caught up in their games.
Come on we women need to watch for any false pretence, a false spirit so we don’t become sideswiped and lose our way. God is looking for authenticity – being the true and full expression of how He made us to be.
So get over yourself, look at the big picture – what the Lord is looking for in His women today, and be proactive in walking in your true call and destiny. Time is short. We dare not bow to the enemies’ schemes but rather rise up and be and do all He requires at this time. It is a time to influence, to speak, to grow up and to come away from immaturity.
This word is a rallying cry – let’s gather together in unity – unity of the Holy Spirit, and rise up, take our God given position in the Spirit, to influence our nation/s.
Hebrews 12:1,2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Come on this word is:
A RALLYING CRY! A RALLYING CRY! A RALLYING CRY!
Hey women it’s time to grow up!!! Stop ‘fluffing’ around! Stop playing childish games, for example, in Christian meetings, making stupid noises thinking it is so ‘spiritual’, and behaving like some pretty little girl twirling around demanding and getting attention. Being ‘sickly sweet’ and insipid is futile. You use your ‘feminine wiles’ to get what you want, manipulating, using words and emotions to try and win over people, thinking it is the right way to act and behave to get noticed. Stop being ‘airy fairy’ spiritual lightweights! Come on we are better than this! Where’s your substance? Surely the Lord has deposited a deep well of His Spirit in you? I know He has, so come on get over yourself, and draw from the well of life.
GROW UP! GROW UP! GROW UP!
Come on women, snap out of it, there is a job to be done! Evil is increasing! We dare not stay in our immaturity, but rather open our eyes and see what is going on around and about us. We are in a battle – a battle for our loved ones, for the body of Christ that is really in serious strife, and for our nation and the nations.
How long are you going to keep wanting prophetic words, chasing after the latest preacher wanting the next ‘high’, and seeking out whoever will speak to you what you want your itching ears to hear? Come on you are better than that? Surely you have enough of a relationship with the Lord to be able to receive all you need from Him? He is requiring much more from you right now.
These aren’t just words on a page. This is God’s prophetic word and His heart to us right now!
The Lord reminded me of a dream He gave to me a couple of years ago. This is one part of the dream that I feel to share.
‘There was a group of about 20 women sitting in a circle making daisy chains. They had flimsy dresses on, with wreaths in their hair. They then stood up, remaining in their circle, held hands, and then moved in and out singing a song (I know it was a children’s song).
I was calling out to them: “Come on there is work to be done”. They did not hear me. They were oblivious to my voice, to my desperate cry. ‘
So what is the Lord saying in this dream?
The women were varying in age, however they were immature in their character and behavior, caught up playing childish games. They were distracted, in their own selfish world. The holding of hands was symbolic of a unity, however it was a false unity. It was a unity of like-minded women caught up in their games.
Come on we women need to watch for any false pretence, a false spirit so we don’t become sideswiped and lose our way. God is looking for authenticity – being the true and full expression of how He made us to be.
So get over yourself, look at the big picture – what the Lord is looking for in His women today, and be proactive in walking in your true call and destiny. Time is short. We dare not bow to the enemies’ schemes but rather rise up and be and do all He requires at this time. It is a time to influence, to speak, to grow up and to come away from immaturity.
This word is a rallying cry – let’s gather together in unity – unity of the Holy Spirit, and rise up, take our God given position in the Spirit, to influence our nation/s.
Hebrews 12:1,2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Come on this word is:
A RALLYING CRY! A RALLYING CRY! A RALLYING CRY!
Monday, 25 April 2016
ARISE MY ANZAC ARMY
by Brett Hamilton
There’s a shift coming. The Church worldwide stands on the brink of coming into power, precision and privilege in the Spirit like never before. The end time army of the Lord is about to arise! As Australians, we are poised to lead in this. The Anzac spirit that we are known for around the world is set to make its mark. The love for our brothers and sisters, and the willingness to lay down our lives for each other, is going to be a leading light in the end times. It is time that we love each other AS HE LOVED US. Jesus said of His church that ‘By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ and that ‘Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’. Is this not the Anzac spirit? This is the call of the Australian, of every Australian. We, the Australian church, will lead by example and show those around us, those around the world, the true Godly intention of the Anzac spirit. The nations will look to us to impart, teach, train, and equip them in this. This is our destiny. We MUST get the revelation of who God is in us and who we are in God.
This is the day, this is the hour – ARISE Church of Australia! Put on the Anzac spirit that God ordained for us and come into your destiny!
There’s a shift coming. The Church worldwide stands on the brink of coming into power, precision and privilege in the Spirit like never before. The end time army of the Lord is about to arise! As Australians, we are poised to lead in this. The Anzac spirit that we are known for around the world is set to make its mark. The love for our brothers and sisters, and the willingness to lay down our lives for each other, is going to be a leading light in the end times. It is time that we love each other AS HE LOVED US. Jesus said of His church that ‘By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ and that ‘Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’. Is this not the Anzac spirit? This is the call of the Australian, of every Australian. We, the Australian church, will lead by example and show those around us, those around the world, the true Godly intention of the Anzac spirit. The nations will look to us to impart, teach, train, and equip them in this. This is our destiny. We MUST get the revelation of who God is in us and who we are in God.
This is the day, this is the hour – ARISE Church of Australia! Put on the Anzac spirit that God ordained for us and come into your destiny!
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
ABDICATING OUR CALL
by Glenice Mills
We as Christians are truly blessed. We are the Lord’s royal priesthood, a people belonging to Him.
Stop and think about this: we are ROYALTY. What is royalty? It is a position of high standing, of authority, a set apart people, worthy of honour. We are children of the King with a divine royal decree upon our individual lives – a command to go and do what He has called us to.
We have a responsibility to do ALL we can to fulfill ALL God requires. When we don’t, we can ‘abdicate’ the divine position given to us, and give up the precious gifts we have been given.
To abdicate means a failure to fulfill a responsibility or duty. It is relinquishing a throne, a right, and a power.
In recent British history we saw where a king abdicated, changing the course of history. When this happened it meant a new person was needed to fill the position. It was not the one ordained to do it, but rather the next one in a hierarchal position was put in place. As a result a whole new lineage began.
It is no different for us as Christians. It happens to us spiritually. We can abdicate our calls. This will result in someone else taking the position, as the Lord still has to get the job done. I have often heard someone say that they weren’t the first to do a particular call in God, that He had given it to someone else, but they had chosen not to walk in it.
So, I wonder how many of us even now are or have abdicated our call for whatever reason? How does the Lord feel about this? How can we make sure we don’t lose our way and abdicate what was the Lord’s plan for our lives?
I know there are one’s at this time who have chosen to walk away from God’s plan for their lives. This grieves God’s heart. I have felt His grief as He has given opportunity to many but they have succumbed to fears, and/or self-will. The truth is: our life is not our own, we are bought for a price – the shed blood of Jesus Christ for our sins.
Our King has bestowed upon us a most precious gift – our FREE WILL. Sadly this is a gift that we can take for granted. God has a plan for our lives however He never crosses our free will. He brings many opportunities across our path to steer us in the right direction. He never coerces or places demands on us. That’s why the enemy loves to bring control – whether that is through a family member/s, the church, in the work place or through some other wrong authority in our lives.
James 4:17
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
This is a powerful Scripture. We can interpret this to mean when we knowingly sin we are answerable. However if we take it a bit deeper we could also say, if we, by our free will decide we will not walk in what we know we should then we are in sin. As we know there is always a consequence to sin. It does bring death – death to dreams, our vision, and our soul – our minds, will and emotions.
1 Timothy 1:19
having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck
The reality is: we can hide in our games, thinking we can get away with compromise, justifying our actions, and putting things off, however our conscience will become seared, opening the door to deception. We deceive ourselves thinking it won’t matter, that it will sort itself out, or it will go away.
Who do we think we are? God is not mocked!
The big question is: what do you value most? Walking in God’s perfect will for your life or choosing what is often an easier way, bringing with it a sense of false peace and security?
Remember: there is always a cost in following the Lord. Be careful you don’t abdicate His divine position by choosing what appears an easier way.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.
We as Christians are truly blessed. We are the Lord’s royal priesthood, a people belonging to Him.
Stop and think about this: we are ROYALTY. What is royalty? It is a position of high standing, of authority, a set apart people, worthy of honour. We are children of the King with a divine royal decree upon our individual lives – a command to go and do what He has called us to.
We have a responsibility to do ALL we can to fulfill ALL God requires. When we don’t, we can ‘abdicate’ the divine position given to us, and give up the precious gifts we have been given.
To abdicate means a failure to fulfill a responsibility or duty. It is relinquishing a throne, a right, and a power.
In recent British history we saw where a king abdicated, changing the course of history. When this happened it meant a new person was needed to fill the position. It was not the one ordained to do it, but rather the next one in a hierarchal position was put in place. As a result a whole new lineage began.
It is no different for us as Christians. It happens to us spiritually. We can abdicate our calls. This will result in someone else taking the position, as the Lord still has to get the job done. I have often heard someone say that they weren’t the first to do a particular call in God, that He had given it to someone else, but they had chosen not to walk in it.
So, I wonder how many of us even now are or have abdicated our call for whatever reason? How does the Lord feel about this? How can we make sure we don’t lose our way and abdicate what was the Lord’s plan for our lives?
I know there are one’s at this time who have chosen to walk away from God’s plan for their lives. This grieves God’s heart. I have felt His grief as He has given opportunity to many but they have succumbed to fears, and/or self-will. The truth is: our life is not our own, we are bought for a price – the shed blood of Jesus Christ for our sins.
Our King has bestowed upon us a most precious gift – our FREE WILL. Sadly this is a gift that we can take for granted. God has a plan for our lives however He never crosses our free will. He brings many opportunities across our path to steer us in the right direction. He never coerces or places demands on us. That’s why the enemy loves to bring control – whether that is through a family member/s, the church, in the work place or through some other wrong authority in our lives.
James 4:17
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
This is a powerful Scripture. We can interpret this to mean when we knowingly sin we are answerable. However if we take it a bit deeper we could also say, if we, by our free will decide we will not walk in what we know we should then we are in sin. As we know there is always a consequence to sin. It does bring death – death to dreams, our vision, and our soul – our minds, will and emotions.
1 Timothy 1:19
having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck
The reality is: we can hide in our games, thinking we can get away with compromise, justifying our actions, and putting things off, however our conscience will become seared, opening the door to deception. We deceive ourselves thinking it won’t matter, that it will sort itself out, or it will go away.
Who do we think we are? God is not mocked!
The big question is: what do you value most? Walking in God’s perfect will for your life or choosing what is often an easier way, bringing with it a sense of false peace and security?
Remember: there is always a cost in following the Lord. Be careful you don’t abdicate His divine position by choosing what appears an easier way.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.
Tuesday, 15 March 2016
WHO HAS THE WORD OF THE LORD?
by Glenice Mills
“Who has the word of the Lord?” There is a desperate cry from many in the body of Christ who are searching for God’s word at this time. We are in a defining epoch time that is strategic for what lies ahead in the next season for many Christians, the body of Christ, and for nations.
The Lord has had me quiet the past couple of months. I have been quietly observing what is happening in the prophetic and what I see is very concerning.
The truth is: it is very easy to succumb to pressures from people who say to you “what is the Lord saying.” There are so many words out there, some saying one thing, others saying something else. Confusion is ruling over many. As we know God is not the author of confusion, satan is.
For example we just need to listen to prophetic words about America and who is going to be the new Republican nominee. Some are saying Donald Trump is going to win, others have said Marco Rubio, and some say Ted Cruz. All the prophetic voices are saying they heard from the Lord. Each is adamant they have heard correctly. However some will prove to be correct and others will be incorrect. So what happens to the one’s who get it wrong? Will they willingly put up their hands and say I got it wrong. Probably not. Will they take some level of responsibility and accountability for their inaccuracy? Probably not.
It is easy to speak what we think is right when we want something to go a particular way. It comes from our will, from self, rather than from the Lord. It is our soul realm that is speaking, rather than by the Holy Spirit. It is an easy trap for prophets to fall into. If we want something bad enough we will ‘conjure’ up words to make them fit our desires. Conjure is witchcraft and it is rife in the body of Christ right now.
Also some speak from a wrong motivation. Just like with the girl who followed the apostle Paul speaking words that sounded right but were from a wrong spirit - in this case a demonic spirit.
Acts 16:17,18 this girl followed Paul and us, and cried out saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”
And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
Discernment is needed like never before. Sadly this is one gift that is lacking in the body of Christ. We need one’s like Apostle Paul to speak up and confront the spirit – the spirit of divination.
There are so many opinions, ‘words of the Lord’, and demanding wants from many Christians. It is opening the door for deception. Who are we to place demands on God? It is born out of a sense of self-entitlement – if I can’t have it then no one else can. It is about our motivations – whether we pray from a place of faith, coming to a Holy God, and seeking Him for what He would want for us, or wanting something because we think we should have it. There is a big difference.
Another area of great concern is the competition among the prophets for ‘who’s got the word of the Lord?’ There is rampant competition out there birthed out of selfish ambition. We have a jostling for position, for who is the number one trusted prophet. Often they can be the one’s who speak words that tickle the ears of those who want to hear the good things. This is dangerous ground for a prophet, it is where compromise sneaks in, watering down a prophetic word so as not to offend. Now more than ever we have to be aware we don’t bow to political correction because it makes the people hearing the word feel good. However it is a feel good in the moment, rather than a sustaining word.
A word from the Holy Spirit, that impacts a person, bringing repentance, leads to greater truth and understanding with new life coming. A ‘feel good in the moment word’ keeps the body of Christ immature. There is a higher standard and greater maturity required of God’s people in this hour. We cannot stay babies on the milk; we must grow up and grow into Him in a greater measure.
There is a frightening downward spiral when selfish ambition takes root in a prophet. It opens the door for a spirit of delusion to come; bringing spiritual blindness that ultimately deceives. It is pride birthed in self – every idol of self.
One of the most insidious is self-promotion. With Facebook, websites and other forms of social media there is a platform for the prophets to speak. This is great, as the words get out into the cyber realm speaking to many in the nations. However the problem arises when we have a competitive jostling of whose got the loudest voice, who has the most followers, who is the ‘in’ person at a given time.
It is a powerful privilege and honour to be a spokesperson for the Lord, to be His prophet. We should not adulterate ourselves in order to appease. There is a lot of spiritual adultery – selling ourselves for gain, whether that be financial, notoriety, or promotion, it must not and cannot be in a prophet.
There is a higher standard required for the prophets and the prophetic. Let’s watch out for the traps that would derail us, that would bring the name of Jesus Christ into disrepute.
“Who has the word of the Lord?” There is a desperate cry from many in the body of Christ who are searching for God’s word at this time. We are in a defining epoch time that is strategic for what lies ahead in the next season for many Christians, the body of Christ, and for nations.
The Lord has had me quiet the past couple of months. I have been quietly observing what is happening in the prophetic and what I see is very concerning.
The truth is: it is very easy to succumb to pressures from people who say to you “what is the Lord saying.” There are so many words out there, some saying one thing, others saying something else. Confusion is ruling over many. As we know God is not the author of confusion, satan is.
For example we just need to listen to prophetic words about America and who is going to be the new Republican nominee. Some are saying Donald Trump is going to win, others have said Marco Rubio, and some say Ted Cruz. All the prophetic voices are saying they heard from the Lord. Each is adamant they have heard correctly. However some will prove to be correct and others will be incorrect. So what happens to the one’s who get it wrong? Will they willingly put up their hands and say I got it wrong. Probably not. Will they take some level of responsibility and accountability for their inaccuracy? Probably not.
It is easy to speak what we think is right when we want something to go a particular way. It comes from our will, from self, rather than from the Lord. It is our soul realm that is speaking, rather than by the Holy Spirit. It is an easy trap for prophets to fall into. If we want something bad enough we will ‘conjure’ up words to make them fit our desires. Conjure is witchcraft and it is rife in the body of Christ right now.
Also some speak from a wrong motivation. Just like with the girl who followed the apostle Paul speaking words that sounded right but were from a wrong spirit - in this case a demonic spirit.
Acts 16:17,18 this girl followed Paul and us, and cried out saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”
And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
Discernment is needed like never before. Sadly this is one gift that is lacking in the body of Christ. We need one’s like Apostle Paul to speak up and confront the spirit – the spirit of divination.
There are so many opinions, ‘words of the Lord’, and demanding wants from many Christians. It is opening the door for deception. Who are we to place demands on God? It is born out of a sense of self-entitlement – if I can’t have it then no one else can. It is about our motivations – whether we pray from a place of faith, coming to a Holy God, and seeking Him for what He would want for us, or wanting something because we think we should have it. There is a big difference.
Another area of great concern is the competition among the prophets for ‘who’s got the word of the Lord?’ There is rampant competition out there birthed out of selfish ambition. We have a jostling for position, for who is the number one trusted prophet. Often they can be the one’s who speak words that tickle the ears of those who want to hear the good things. This is dangerous ground for a prophet, it is where compromise sneaks in, watering down a prophetic word so as not to offend. Now more than ever we have to be aware we don’t bow to political correction because it makes the people hearing the word feel good. However it is a feel good in the moment, rather than a sustaining word.
A word from the Holy Spirit, that impacts a person, bringing repentance, leads to greater truth and understanding with new life coming. A ‘feel good in the moment word’ keeps the body of Christ immature. There is a higher standard and greater maturity required of God’s people in this hour. We cannot stay babies on the milk; we must grow up and grow into Him in a greater measure.
There is a frightening downward spiral when selfish ambition takes root in a prophet. It opens the door for a spirit of delusion to come; bringing spiritual blindness that ultimately deceives. It is pride birthed in self – every idol of self.
One of the most insidious is self-promotion. With Facebook, websites and other forms of social media there is a platform for the prophets to speak. This is great, as the words get out into the cyber realm speaking to many in the nations. However the problem arises when we have a competitive jostling of whose got the loudest voice, who has the most followers, who is the ‘in’ person at a given time.
It is a powerful privilege and honour to be a spokesperson for the Lord, to be His prophet. We should not adulterate ourselves in order to appease. There is a lot of spiritual adultery – selling ourselves for gain, whether that be financial, notoriety, or promotion, it must not and cannot be in a prophet.
There is a higher standard required for the prophets and the prophetic. Let’s watch out for the traps that would derail us, that would bring the name of Jesus Christ into disrepute.
Sunday, 13 March 2016
TO THOSE WHO HAVE EARS
by Patricia Usiobaifo
I have never really understood why we seek advice from leadership or those in authority over us if we have no intention of heeding that advice. I see this time and time again both in the church and the work place when we give someone permission to speak into our lives and situations and yet then either fail to implement or act on the advice given or indeed we do the opposite to what has been suggested or asked of us. In the church we seek out wisdom from a trusted source often because we are not hearing for ourselves what God is saying to us concerning a specific situation or concerning a decision we need to make. Surely we are not seeking an opinion from that person, or even their earthly wisdom, surely we are seeking to hear from them a God perspective since they have the Spirit of God residing within them and they are the Godly authority placed over us for our covering and protection. Is that not why we ask that person to begin with, because we trust Christ in them? So why then would we seek out an Apostle for their advice if we have no intention of following that advice? It is not only a waste of their precious time but it is also incredibly disrespectful.
Staying stuck in your stuff because you haven’t heard from God concerning your situation is simply an excuse, it is either so you can keep doing what you are doing, it is rebellion or it is fear. Either way God has spoken to you loud and clear regarding His heart for your situation …….you may not have heard the audible voice of God or had it written in the sky but you have heard clearly through His chosen servant and mouthpiece. Who better to ask than someone who will stand before God and give an account for how they were Christ to you while you were in their care?
Just as loving parents want to save their children from hurt and pain, from repeating the same mistakes they have made in their lives, so an Apostle will advise you to save you falling into snares and traps set for you. They speak from the heart of God and from their countless experiences.
Do yourself a favour, if you don’t intend to follow instruction then don’t ask. Remember once you have asked you are then without excuse. Shalom.
I have never really understood why we seek advice from leadership or those in authority over us if we have no intention of heeding that advice. I see this time and time again both in the church and the work place when we give someone permission to speak into our lives and situations and yet then either fail to implement or act on the advice given or indeed we do the opposite to what has been suggested or asked of us. In the church we seek out wisdom from a trusted source often because we are not hearing for ourselves what God is saying to us concerning a specific situation or concerning a decision we need to make. Surely we are not seeking an opinion from that person, or even their earthly wisdom, surely we are seeking to hear from them a God perspective since they have the Spirit of God residing within them and they are the Godly authority placed over us for our covering and protection. Is that not why we ask that person to begin with, because we trust Christ in them? So why then would we seek out an Apostle for their advice if we have no intention of following that advice? It is not only a waste of their precious time but it is also incredibly disrespectful.
Staying stuck in your stuff because you haven’t heard from God concerning your situation is simply an excuse, it is either so you can keep doing what you are doing, it is rebellion or it is fear. Either way God has spoken to you loud and clear regarding His heart for your situation …….you may not have heard the audible voice of God or had it written in the sky but you have heard clearly through His chosen servant and mouthpiece. Who better to ask than someone who will stand before God and give an account for how they were Christ to you while you were in their care?
Just as loving parents want to save their children from hurt and pain, from repeating the same mistakes they have made in their lives, so an Apostle will advise you to save you falling into snares and traps set for you. They speak from the heart of God and from their countless experiences.
Do yourself a favour, if you don’t intend to follow instruction then don’t ask. Remember once you have asked you are then without excuse. Shalom.
Saturday, 6 February 2016
DESIRE & DENIAL
by Patricia Usiobaifo
The human spirit is a powerful force; it compels us to rise above the most devastating of circumstances, to hope throughout the darkest of times and to survive against the greatest odds. There is an innate quality in many of us that causes us to rebel against every restriction we have placed on us; that seeks to prove people wrong when they tell you that we are not capable of something. This drive, this desire to prove others wrong, can be an asset and a strength, but it can also be a weakness and to our detriment. It is at its best a powerful motivator, however, it is also, at its worst simply rebellion.
I have often pondered how the enemy uses our strengths against us in the most basic and subtle ways.
For many of us, when we are told we cannot or should not have something, we immediately filter that through our thought processes as being denied something which is rightfully ours to have. We do not immediately reason as to why we shouldn’t have that particular thing, that it is potentially harmful to us, to our health, our relationships or will lead to future complications, or negatively impact those around us. We seem to magnify instead the fact that we have been told “we shouldn’t”, “we can’t”, that we must deny ourselves that thing, that experience. As we focus on denying our senses, our desires, we magnify that denial and in turn our desire for it.
Take for example food.
If we were given a bottle of liquid or a bowl of substance that was clearly labelled as poison, we would not readily consume it. We would rightly refuse it because our natural thought process would tell us that it would lead to death. We would consider it insanity to readily consume that poison. However, every day of our lives, a huge number of us consume substances and liquids which we know bring death and not life to our bodies, whether it is in the form of junk food, alcohol, illicit substances, highly processed foods etc. We are bombarded with medical and scientific evidence that warns us that these things are not good for our health and wellbeing. That in many cases, the continued consumption of these products, is a direct link to sickness and disease and yet we still continue to consume them.
Often our continued consumption is because we do not see why we should have to deny ourselves that pleasure, that experience, or we struggle with the temptation, justifying our actions by lying to ourselves that just a little will not do us any harm, and yet the truth is, that the only thing we are truly denying ourselves is LIFE.
Let’s begin at least to be honest with ourselves and see things, label things, for what they truly are; if it brings life it is of God and is designed and created to be enjoyed, if it does not impart life it can only impart death, and was never intended for us to partake of.
The human spirit is a powerful force; it compels us to rise above the most devastating of circumstances, to hope throughout the darkest of times and to survive against the greatest odds. There is an innate quality in many of us that causes us to rebel against every restriction we have placed on us; that seeks to prove people wrong when they tell you that we are not capable of something. This drive, this desire to prove others wrong, can be an asset and a strength, but it can also be a weakness and to our detriment. It is at its best a powerful motivator, however, it is also, at its worst simply rebellion.
I have often pondered how the enemy uses our strengths against us in the most basic and subtle ways.
For many of us, when we are told we cannot or should not have something, we immediately filter that through our thought processes as being denied something which is rightfully ours to have. We do not immediately reason as to why we shouldn’t have that particular thing, that it is potentially harmful to us, to our health, our relationships or will lead to future complications, or negatively impact those around us. We seem to magnify instead the fact that we have been told “we shouldn’t”, “we can’t”, that we must deny ourselves that thing, that experience. As we focus on denying our senses, our desires, we magnify that denial and in turn our desire for it.
Take for example food.
If we were given a bottle of liquid or a bowl of substance that was clearly labelled as poison, we would not readily consume it. We would rightly refuse it because our natural thought process would tell us that it would lead to death. We would consider it insanity to readily consume that poison. However, every day of our lives, a huge number of us consume substances and liquids which we know bring death and not life to our bodies, whether it is in the form of junk food, alcohol, illicit substances, highly processed foods etc. We are bombarded with medical and scientific evidence that warns us that these things are not good for our health and wellbeing. That in many cases, the continued consumption of these products, is a direct link to sickness and disease and yet we still continue to consume them.
Often our continued consumption is because we do not see why we should have to deny ourselves that pleasure, that experience, or we struggle with the temptation, justifying our actions by lying to ourselves that just a little will not do us any harm, and yet the truth is, that the only thing we are truly denying ourselves is LIFE.
Let’s begin at least to be honest with ourselves and see things, label things, for what they truly are; if it brings life it is of God and is designed and created to be enjoyed, if it does not impart life it can only impart death, and was never intended for us to partake of.
Thursday, 4 February 2016
MAKE SPACE
by Patricia Usiobaifo
God has impressed upon me the need to create “space” (and time) in my life, for my husband who is soon to join me here in Australia.
We have been friends for over 6 years now, and married for almost seven months, however we have only spent 2 short weeks together(in the same nation) since becoming husband and wife.
Creating a physical space for him in my world will be by far the easier aspect of this entire “space” concept. Wardrobe space, drawer space, bathroom space, space for all his “stuff” may be slightly challenging for me to relinquish, but in all honesty it will be of no significance compared with creating a ‘Space “in my life for this precious man.
In order to even receive your partner you must first make space in your heart, to accommodate their love for you and indeed your love for them. God enlarges your heart, stretching it at times to what feels like breaking point, but through that stretching and enlarging your heart is also strengthened. Just as most things in God are a paradox: you find yourself feeling so incredibly vulnerable and yet it is in that overwhelming vulnerability that you find strength. Our hearts can be full of pride, offence, grief, disillusionment, disappointment, hurt etc. layer upon layer of self-protection and emotional debris that we are not even aware of. Residue of past relationships and hurts can remain as a subtle yet insidious film through which we perceive reality. We are wise to seek counselling and healing from our past, it is imperative; however, I have also come to understand that the true degree of our deliverance can rarely be tested and measured outside of intimate relationship.
God (in His kindness) magnifies every flaw in our thinking, attitudes and beliefs when we enter into covenant relationship. He highlights every area of un-wholeness in order that we can continually be adjusted and refined, dismantled and restored.
Like any solid building project this takes time, planning and precision; a joint vision, as well as patience, tolerance and sacrifice. It is a labour of love.
It is not enough to simply accommodate a partner or integrate them into your family, social circles, church or ministry etc. you must rather create a “space “where they can find their true place; a safe, secure space (and time) in which God can slowly and painstakingly lay the foundations for your marriage /union in Him; a foundation that will be sure and solid, designed specifically for the scaffolding and building which is to take place as you both map your future together in God.
God has impressed upon me the need to create “space” (and time) in my life, for my husband who is soon to join me here in Australia.
We have been friends for over 6 years now, and married for almost seven months, however we have only spent 2 short weeks together(in the same nation) since becoming husband and wife.
Creating a physical space for him in my world will be by far the easier aspect of this entire “space” concept. Wardrobe space, drawer space, bathroom space, space for all his “stuff” may be slightly challenging for me to relinquish, but in all honesty it will be of no significance compared with creating a ‘Space “in my life for this precious man.
In order to even receive your partner you must first make space in your heart, to accommodate their love for you and indeed your love for them. God enlarges your heart, stretching it at times to what feels like breaking point, but through that stretching and enlarging your heart is also strengthened. Just as most things in God are a paradox: you find yourself feeling so incredibly vulnerable and yet it is in that overwhelming vulnerability that you find strength. Our hearts can be full of pride, offence, grief, disillusionment, disappointment, hurt etc. layer upon layer of self-protection and emotional debris that we are not even aware of. Residue of past relationships and hurts can remain as a subtle yet insidious film through which we perceive reality. We are wise to seek counselling and healing from our past, it is imperative; however, I have also come to understand that the true degree of our deliverance can rarely be tested and measured outside of intimate relationship.
God (in His kindness) magnifies every flaw in our thinking, attitudes and beliefs when we enter into covenant relationship. He highlights every area of un-wholeness in order that we can continually be adjusted and refined, dismantled and restored.
Like any solid building project this takes time, planning and precision; a joint vision, as well as patience, tolerance and sacrifice. It is a labour of love.
It is not enough to simply accommodate a partner or integrate them into your family, social circles, church or ministry etc. you must rather create a “space “where they can find their true place; a safe, secure space (and time) in which God can slowly and painstakingly lay the foundations for your marriage /union in Him; a foundation that will be sure and solid, designed specifically for the scaffolding and building which is to take place as you both map your future together in God.
Wednesday, 3 February 2016
STAY TRUE
by Patricia Usiobaifo
I was speaking recently with one of the most important people in my life and during the course of our conversation they asked me to make them a promise. After listening to their request I had to tell them that I could not make the promise they so desperately desired. I understand their need and their situation, and there was nothing wrong with their request, however, I had made a promise before God which was in opposition to what they had asked. I knew my friend was so very disappointed and that they were feeling hurt, maybe even slightly rejected. My only recourse was to explain that I had made a promise to God and ask them to consider, if I have given my word whether to God or man and I then broke that word, how could I ever be trusted again? How could I be viewed as a person of integrity? How could they as a friend trust my given word knowing that I had compromised myself for their sake? Our conversation ended with my friend having nothing further to say, their disappointment and disapproval evident in their silence. Their friendship is incredibly important to me and I knew that my response to them had put that relationship at risk; however, I felt I had no choice, how could I break a promise made before God? Some 48 hours later, my friend called and apologised to me for their response. They said that as they meditated on what I had said, it had pierced their heart like an arrow and that they knew that honouring my word was a huge part of who I am, and again that they were truly sorry. I am so incredibly grateful to God for the outcome; however, I needed to be prepared to risk the friendship for my convictions. God in His mercy sent His Holy Spirit to whisper into their heart and for that I am so very grateful and I know our friendship is stronger than ever because of it. Had I give in to their needs in order to protect our friendship I would have lost respect for myself and also eventually their respect as well, and eventually our relationship would have unravelled . We will always be to some extent misunderstood, only God can possibly fully understand us and know the true motives of our heart, don’t be tempted to go against your own beliefs and convictions to please another, despite how much you love them, eventually it will lead to loss, if not of their love and friendship then of your own self-respect. Shalom.
I was speaking recently with one of the most important people in my life and during the course of our conversation they asked me to make them a promise. After listening to their request I had to tell them that I could not make the promise they so desperately desired. I understand their need and their situation, and there was nothing wrong with their request, however, I had made a promise before God which was in opposition to what they had asked. I knew my friend was so very disappointed and that they were feeling hurt, maybe even slightly rejected. My only recourse was to explain that I had made a promise to God and ask them to consider, if I have given my word whether to God or man and I then broke that word, how could I ever be trusted again? How could I be viewed as a person of integrity? How could they as a friend trust my given word knowing that I had compromised myself for their sake? Our conversation ended with my friend having nothing further to say, their disappointment and disapproval evident in their silence. Their friendship is incredibly important to me and I knew that my response to them had put that relationship at risk; however, I felt I had no choice, how could I break a promise made before God? Some 48 hours later, my friend called and apologised to me for their response. They said that as they meditated on what I had said, it had pierced their heart like an arrow and that they knew that honouring my word was a huge part of who I am, and again that they were truly sorry. I am so incredibly grateful to God for the outcome; however, I needed to be prepared to risk the friendship for my convictions. God in His mercy sent His Holy Spirit to whisper into their heart and for that I am so very grateful and I know our friendship is stronger than ever because of it. Had I give in to their needs in order to protect our friendship I would have lost respect for myself and also eventually their respect as well, and eventually our relationship would have unravelled . We will always be to some extent misunderstood, only God can possibly fully understand us and know the true motives of our heart, don’t be tempted to go against your own beliefs and convictions to please another, despite how much you love them, eventually it will lead to loss, if not of their love and friendship then of your own self-respect. Shalom.
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
BECOMING ONE
by Patricia Usiobaifo
As I wait for my husband to join me in Australia and I prepare all the practical things for his arrival, God has impressed upon me some truths to consider…….
All too often, we meet people and as it becomes clear that they wish to share our life journey, or enter into covenant relationship, we can find ourselves saying things like “this is who I am, this is my life, these are my beliefs, my commitments, my responsibilities, my faults, my strengths etc., and basically what you see is what you get …..take it or leave it …..that’s just how it is.” But the truth is we cannot become one with another individual and still remain the same. Two individuals can share a space, co-habitat so to speak but they are not a couple, they are not one flesh. In order to become one flesh we must make “space “for another to “be” in our lives. We must allow God to unravel some of the fabric of our existence and weave the two fabrics together to produce something that is greater than the two original individual tapestries of life. We must allow God to lay and strengthen the foundation of our marriage/union/relationship. When people become a “couple” they are no longer independent of each other. Each individual’s actions and movement affects the other. If you are “coupled” you are joined ( just as a train carriage is coupled to an engine ) so your actions will either cause momentum and ease as you move together in the same direction or it will cause friction and stress/tension as you strain and pull in opposite directions. Either way you cannot move/grow/fully function without it impacting on the person you are coupled with.
If we are entering into relationship we cannot expect people to “fit in” with our lives, rather we must provide a secure safe place in which both individuals can find their place as God reduces them to their most vulnerable state in order to meld them together into something new. We must be intentional in this, continually surrendering to God our fears, independence, pride, intolerances, defensiveness, insecurities, self-protection, selfishness, etc. We must also allow God to be who He says He is, and allow Him to relate to us in His fullness. Allow Him to be to us, our defender, protector, strength, refuge, comforter; strong tower etc. in order that our needs can be met without placing unrealistic expectations on each other.
Making “space” for another person in our lives can be complex and challenging. We give that person access to areas that we have consistently kept private from most people; access to our thoughts, emotions, dreams, desires, finances, bodies and territories. Courage to be truly vulnerable is needed and grace, patience and a forgiving heart essential as you find your new “rhythm” together.
God Himself is the ultimate Creator; marriage is God’s plan, a Godly concept and so it stands to reason that we cannot and should not consider our partners as additions to our lives but rather that we should create a “space” and time in which God can truly unite two individuals as one.
As I wait for my husband to join me in Australia and I prepare all the practical things for his arrival, God has impressed upon me some truths to consider…….
All too often, we meet people and as it becomes clear that they wish to share our life journey, or enter into covenant relationship, we can find ourselves saying things like “this is who I am, this is my life, these are my beliefs, my commitments, my responsibilities, my faults, my strengths etc., and basically what you see is what you get …..take it or leave it …..that’s just how it is.” But the truth is we cannot become one with another individual and still remain the same. Two individuals can share a space, co-habitat so to speak but they are not a couple, they are not one flesh. In order to become one flesh we must make “space “for another to “be” in our lives. We must allow God to unravel some of the fabric of our existence and weave the two fabrics together to produce something that is greater than the two original individual tapestries of life. We must allow God to lay and strengthen the foundation of our marriage/union/relationship. When people become a “couple” they are no longer independent of each other. Each individual’s actions and movement affects the other. If you are “coupled” you are joined ( just as a train carriage is coupled to an engine ) so your actions will either cause momentum and ease as you move together in the same direction or it will cause friction and stress/tension as you strain and pull in opposite directions. Either way you cannot move/grow/fully function without it impacting on the person you are coupled with.
If we are entering into relationship we cannot expect people to “fit in” with our lives, rather we must provide a secure safe place in which both individuals can find their place as God reduces them to their most vulnerable state in order to meld them together into something new. We must be intentional in this, continually surrendering to God our fears, independence, pride, intolerances, defensiveness, insecurities, self-protection, selfishness, etc. We must also allow God to be who He says He is, and allow Him to relate to us in His fullness. Allow Him to be to us, our defender, protector, strength, refuge, comforter; strong tower etc. in order that our needs can be met without placing unrealistic expectations on each other.
Making “space” for another person in our lives can be complex and challenging. We give that person access to areas that we have consistently kept private from most people; access to our thoughts, emotions, dreams, desires, finances, bodies and territories. Courage to be truly vulnerable is needed and grace, patience and a forgiving heart essential as you find your new “rhythm” together.
God Himself is the ultimate Creator; marriage is God’s plan, a Godly concept and so it stands to reason that we cannot and should not consider our partners as additions to our lives but rather that we should create a “space” and time in which God can truly unite two individuals as one.
Tuesday, 26 January 2016
EXPECTATIONS
by Glenice Mills
As we begin a new year we all come expectant that God will move and new doors of opportunity will open up. Expectations are great so long as we are expectant in the things God has promised us. The problem arises when we want things that we think God wants for us. Sometimes our expectations can seem noble and we try and make things fit, hoping that God will endorse it. However, I am so aware that as time marches on, as we get older, we have less time to focus on what we think we want. Now we need to be more concerned with doing only what God wants.
I know many in the body of Christ are disappointed that certain things haven’t happened the way they thought, or what they thought would happen hasn’t happened at all. Sometimes the complete opposite happens from what you thought. This is where our expectations have gone awry. Somehow in our journey with God we have slightly deviated off course. It can seem that the time has been wasted, or that what we thought would happen, will not happen now.
The Dictionary meaning of expectation: it believes that something is going to happen or believing that something should be a certain way. Always accompanying expectations is an eager anticipation. There is an excitement in our spirits - a deep felt joy.
In times past it was often said when a woman was pregnant she was expecting. Expectations are like the baby we carry, waiting for the appointed time of their delivery. You know it has to happen; there is no turning back, no matter what the baby will be delivered. So it is with those things we hope for in God, the dreams, and visions that have been sown deep on the inside of us, often many years earlier.
We have expectations for our call, our ministries. Often attached to the expectations are our mental pictures. Our minds work overtime in anticipation for what is coming. We can work out ways for things to happen quickly, maybe pushing doors open that the Lord never wanted for us. It happens subtly but before you know it we have made things happen in our own strength.
The truth is: we can make things happen. It doesn’t mean God is in it. It may appear to be so, however, over time there is no fruit, or what was meant to be a very powerful ministry has faded away. Let’s think about it: how many ministries have come and gone, often leaving devastated people as a result? Was God ever in it in the first place? How many people are disillusioned because what they thought would happen hasn’t happened? Sadly many have even walked away from God because of wrong expectations. God is not a ‘sugar daddy’. Often prophetic words have been misinterpreted, taken out of context, or manipulated to make it fit a desire that might not even be what God wants. Unfortunately this happens all too often.
Perhaps one of the biggest problems with expectations is the timing. At the APPOINTED TIME – this is a crucial key to having our expectations met.
The appointed time – exactly on time, not a moment too late or a moment too soon. It is the Kairos time. It is God’s perfect timing! Everything is in place. We are prepared, other people are ready, and the influence and effectiveness will result in incredible change.
Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
One of the biggest traps we can fall into is striving. This often occurs when the enemy is pushing and pushing us even when we know deep down we should not be doing something. Striving is often birthed out of rejection – doing something to receive acceptance and approval. If we are driven in our character, it can easy make us do something, not necessarily for God, but because it gives us a ‘false high’ with the adrenaline rush of having to do something. Striving will block and stop us coming into an appointed time. This is more so when we see the vision, we know it is close, and we have no doubt that we are able to do what the Lord requires of us.
Striving and performance are contrary to the Spirit of God. He is a God of free will and will not make us do something because we have to, but rather because we want to. We want to because the Lord has equipped us and trained us ready to do His Kingdom purposes.
We live in a time when we need to be exactly on time, in God’s appointed plan for our lives. We need to watch that we don’t preempt something because of expectations.
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