Inspiration 4 Generations

Take a break or you will break
learn the difference between setting a high standard for yourself and setting unrealistic or impossible ones.
Come apart and rest else you’ll come apart in distress
Do not allow what you have not been able to do to undo you
Don’t allow overachievers to lurch you into an overdrive
Learn to delegate without feeling guilty
‘take time for the people who matter, otherwise you'll lose them. Busyness is a destroyer of relationships’ All the success in the world won't compensate for the joy and treasure of your family and your loved ones!

"Get some rest." Mark 6:31 NIV

Know that all things are possible,
When you take God at His Word.
He’ll help you scale the hurdle,
As you believe what you have heard.

All barriers are penetrable,
When you hear and obey.
The Most High will turn the tables,
To show that He is the way.

All things are conquerable,
When you speak what you believe.
You will do the formidable;
Mammoth breakthroughs you’ll receive.

Representing God the Father, he provides just like the father of the prodigal son

He provides shelter, food, comfort, education, godly character for emulation such as integrity, commitment, hard work.

He is the intercessor for his children and wife, leaving an inheritance for them and even their children’s children.

He has a vision and makes known the vision to his family, reminding them of where they are going.
He hears from God regularly and communicates the same to the family.

He is the priest of the home who leads in worship, prayer and bible study.

He disciplines the children when they err realizing that if he spares the rod he will spoil the child and that foolishness is often bound up in the heart of a child and that if he trains up the child in the way he should go when he is old he will not depart from it.

He is also the protector of the family- protecting it from intruders such as the devil, parents, friends, relations.

He knows he is a custodian and steward who will give an account one day to God about the children entrusted in his care.

He is a teacher of the word, skillfully handling the word of truth, expounding it faithfully, using it for correction, instruction in righteousness, doctrine reproof so that his children will be thoroughly equipped, not lacking anything good.

He encourages members of the family in times of crisis, reminding them of God’s goodness in times past and inspiring them to stand in faith to see His salvation.

Lord, help me to me a good father, being the priest in my house, training my children in the way they should go, disciplining them, interceding for them, leaving an inheritance for them and their children, reflecting You, in Jesus’ name.

[size=18]F[/size] aithful provider, leader

[size=18]A [/size]ccepts responsibility of training

[size=18]T [/size]eacher, priest, protector, Pastor

[size=18]H [/size] umble, an example, role model, mentor

[size=18]E [/size] ncourager intercessor, counselor
[size=18]
R [/size]eflector, imitator of the Father

Happy Father's Day

[quote]
The Parable of the Lost Son

11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[b]'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
[/quote]

Medication for Meditation

[quote]

Medication for meditation

[b][size=12]On leaving an inheritance[/size][/b]

22[size=12] A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children,
but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.[/size] Prov.13:22

[size=12]On teaching[/size]
[size=12]The living, the living—they praise you,
as I am doing today;
fathers tell their children
about your faithfulness.[/size]

4[size=12] Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [/size][a] 5[size=12] Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [/size]6[size=12] These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [/size]7[size=12] Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.Deut6:4-7[/size]

[size=12]Isa38:19[/size]
2[size=12]I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings,[/size][size=12] just as I passed them on to you.1Cor11:2[/size]

On training
6[size=12] Train [/size][size=12] a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.. Prov. 22:6[/size]

[size=12]On Discipline[/size]
5[size=12]And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
[/size]6[size=12]because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[/size]
7[size=12]Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? [/size]8[size=12]If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. [/size]9[size=12]Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! [/size]10[size=12]Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. [/size]11[size=12]No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.[/size]
[size=12]Heb12:6-11[/size]

[size=12]on Work[/size]
10[size=12]For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."[/size]

[size=12]2Thes 3:10[/size]

[size=18]on service[/size]

15[size=12] But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."Jos24:15[/size]

[/quote]

Representing God the Father, he provides just like the father of the prodigal son

He provides shelter, food, comfort, education, godly character for emulation such as integrity, commitment, hard work.

He is the intercessor for his children and wife, leaving an inheritance for them and even their children’s children.

He has a vision and makes known the vision to his family, reminding them of where they are going.
He hears from God regularly and communicates the same to the family.

He is the priest of the home who leads in worship, prayer and bible study.

He disciplines the children when they err realizing that if he spares the rod he will spoil the child and that foolishness is often bound up in the heart of a child and that if he trains up the child in the way he should go when he is old he will not depart from it.

He is also the protector of the family- protecting it from intruders such as the devil, parents, friends, relations.

He knows he is a custodian and steward who will give an account one day to God about the children entrusted in his care.

He is a teacher of the word, skillfully handling the word of truth, expounding it faithfully, using it for correction, instruction in righteousness, doctrine reproof so that his children will be thoroughly equipped, not lacking anything good.

He encourages members of the family in times of crisis, reminding them of God’s goodness in times past and inspiring them to stand in faith to see His salvation.

Lord, help me to me a good father, being the priest in my house, training my children in the way they should go, disciplining them, interceding for them, leaving an inheritance for them and their children, reflecting You, in Jesus’ name.

[size=18]F[/size] aithful provider, leader

[size=18]A [/size]ccepts responsibility of training

[size=18]T [/size]eacher, priest, protector, Pastor

[size=18]H [/size] umble, an example, role model, mentor

[size=18]E [/size] ncourager intercessor, counselor
[size=18]
R [/size]eflector, imitator of the Father

Happy Father's Day

[quote]
The Parable of the Lost Son

11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.[b]'
22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'
28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
31" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
[/quote]

Medication for Meditation

[quote]

Medication for meditation

[b][size=12]On leaving an inheritance[/size][/b]

22[size=12] A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children,
but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.[/size] Prov.13:22

[size=12]On teaching[/size]
[size=12]The living, the living—they praise you,
as I am doing today;
fathers tell their children
about your faithfulness.[/size]

4[size=12] Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [/size][a] 5[size=12] Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [/size]6[size=12] These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [/size]7[size=12] Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.Deut6:4-7[/size]

[size=12]Isa38:19[/size]
2[size=12]I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings,[/size][size=12] just as I passed them on to you.1Cor11:2[/size]

On training
6[size=12] Train [/size][size=12] a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.. Prov. 22:6[/size]

[size=12]On Discipline[/size]
5[size=12]And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
[/size]6[size=12]because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[/size]
7[size=12]Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? [/size]8[size=12]If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. [/size]9[size=12]Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! [/size]10[size=12]Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. [/size]11[size=12]No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.[/size]
[size=12]Heb12:6-11[/size]

[size=12]on Work[/size]
10[size=12]For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."[/size]

[size=12]2Thes 3:10[/size]

[size=18]on service[/size]

15[size=12] But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."Jos24:15[/size]

[/quote]

[quote]8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God

Micah 6:8 (New International Version)
[/quote]

Have you ever thought: What does God require of me? How can I get right with God? How can I have the peace of God?
Some people have thought being right with God is doing good deeds, like being charitable, being kind, stopping smoking, praying , going to church, being baptized, punishing one’s self, climbing a mountain to show humility etc. etc.

In the Old Testament it was the case that man tried to appease God by keeping the Ten Commandments. Besides the Ten Commandments, they also had hundreds of rules and regulations that were like a mill stone on the necks of the people. They tried to appease God but no one was able to keep the law perfectly. They could not do it in their strength.

This was why we had to have another covenant that came through Jesus Christ- the Law of the Sprit of life. If the Old covenant was sufficient there would have been no need for Jesus to die on the Cross.
No one can earn their salvation. All our righteousness is just like filthy rags before the Lord. Paul in spite of his legalistic righteousness came to a place where he regarded every thing as rubbish for the sake of knowing Christ. He had to judge his past to move forward. Everyone of us must come to that place.

[quote]15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. (Rom7:15,21-25)[/quote]

Paul in the above scripture acknowledged the futility of trying to please God by keeping the Law. We will always fall short of God’s glory so we need to surrender like Paul did:
[quote][b][i]24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! [/quote][/i][/b]
Only Jesus can save from condemnation, damnation and separation. Only Jesus can reconcile any man to God- not our good works; not our piety, not our religious credentials.

I was a religious man until 1981 when I realized that trying to be good to please God was foolishness. God opened my eyes to see that I was lost and without hope. I accepted the Lord and was born again.
The law we were told, was like a schoolmaster that brought us to the cross. It is through Jesus that we cross over to the other side.

[quote]Wherefore the law was our [b]schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Gal3:24)
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ John1:17
[/quote]

We are justified by faith in Jesus, not in our righteousness or goodness. No one is good by God’s standard. We have all missed the mark.

[quote][b]10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Rom.3:10)
10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James2:10)

[/quote][/b]

Jesus is the way to rightness with God. Acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Saviour is the first thing we need to do. He gives us access to the Father. He gives us peace with God. Doing any good deeds before accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour is like putting the cart before the horse which is futile.

[quote]Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [b]duty of man.
Eccl 12:13[/quote]

We the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and the first commandment according to Jesus is to love God with all your heart. You cannot love the Lord with all your heart if you reject His Son, His Redemption plan, the perfect sacrifice, the Mediator between God and man.
For He who knew no sin was made to be sin so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

[quote][b]8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast
Ephesians 2:8-9 (New International Version)
[/quote]

[quote][b]9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."[Rom 10::9-10

33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:33[/quote]

Let’s put first things first- Jesus first, salvation first, peace with God first, then our names will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We can then follow this step with good works because we are children of light, and co-workers with Him. Yes, we were created for good works but not before we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.[/size]

[quote]8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God

Micah 6:8 (New International Version)
[/quote]

Have you ever thought: What does God require of me? How can I get right with God? How can I have the peace of God?
Some people have thought being right with God is doing good deeds, like being charitable, being kind, stopping smoking, praying , going to church, being baptized, punishing one’s self, climbing a mountain to show humility etc. etc.

In the Old Testament it was the case that man tried to appease God by keeping the Ten Commandments. Besides the Ten Commandments, they also had hundreds of rules and regulations that were like a mill stone on the necks of the people. They tried to appease God but no one was able to keep the law perfectly. They could not do it in their strength.

This was why we had to have another covenant that came through Jesus Christ- the Law of the Sprit of life. If the Old covenant was sufficient there would have been no need for Jesus to die on the Cross.
No one can earn their salvation. All our righteousness is just like filthy rags before the Lord. Paul in spite of his legalistic righteousness came to a place where he regarded every thing as rubbish for the sake of knowing Christ. He had to judge his past to move forward. Everyone of us must come to that place.

[quote]15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. (Rom7:15,21-25)[/quote]

Paul in the above scripture acknowledged the futility of trying to please God by keeping the Law. We will always fall short of God’s glory so we need to surrender like Paul did:
[quote][b][i]24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! [/quote][/i][/b]
Only Jesus can save from condemnation, damnation and separation. Only Jesus can reconcile any man to God- not our good works; not our piety, not our religious credentials.

I was a religious man until 1981 when I realized that trying to be good to please God was foolishness. God opened my eyes to see that I was lost and without hope. I accepted the Lord and was born again.
The law we were told, was like a schoolmaster that brought us to the cross. It is through Jesus that we cross over to the other side.

[quote]Wherefore the law was our [b]schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Gal3:24)
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ John1:17
[/quote]

We are justified by faith in Jesus, not in our righteousness or goodness. No one is good by God’s standard. We have all missed the mark.

[quote][b]10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Rom.3:10)
10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James2:10)

[/quote][/b]

Jesus is the way to rightness with God. Acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Saviour is the first thing we need to do. He gives us access to the Father. He gives us peace with God. Doing any good deeds before accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour is like putting the cart before the horse which is futile.

[quote]Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [b]duty of man.
Eccl 12:13[/quote]

We the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and the first commandment according to Jesus is to love God with all your heart. You cannot love the Lord with all your heart if you reject His Son, His Redemption plan, the perfect sacrifice, the Mediator between God and man.
For He who knew no sin was made to be sin so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

[quote][b]8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast
Ephesians 2:8-9 (New International Version)
[/quote]

[quote][b]9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."[Rom 10::9-10

33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Mat 6:33[/quote]

Let’s put first things first- Jesus first, salvation first, peace with God first, then our names will be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. We can then follow this step with good works because we are children of light, and co-workers with Him. Yes, we were created for good works but not before we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.[/size]

A Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
(Ps103:1-5)

I may not feel like it on some days when it is cloudy and my sun has gone down, or when I have the wrong end of the stick or dealt a devastating blow. I may be going through some excruciating pain in my body or in my life. But the word of God tells me ‘Bless the Lord O my soul.’
God is in control. He loves me, He cares for me, I am the apple of His eyes. He is good all the times regardless of the circumstances.

In fact in the passage of scripture the Psalmist takes time to tell us why he is telling his soul to bless the Lord and this is what we shall focus on in this article. how easy it is to forget what God has done for us in times past when we are going through the mill. That is why he tells his soul, ‘Forget Not His benefits’
What are these benefits? He goes on to list 6 benefits:
1. He forgives all our sins
2. He heals us of all our diseases
3. He redeemed our lives from destruction
4. He crowns us with Love and compassion
5. He satisfies our mouths with good things and
6. Renews our youth like the eagles

Now notice, forgiveness of sin comes first. Isn’t that amazing? That is the blessing of all blessings, the miracle of miracles- the assurance of forgiveness of sins, salvation. It is the sound and sign of peace with God and the gateway to the peace of God and other blessings from God. Without forgiveness of sins any blessings we receive will blind us and lead us into oblivion. I need to remind myself daily, bless the Lord, O my soul, He has forgiven your sins. You are now New Creature; the old has gone and the new has come. Your eternity has begun. You were dead in trespasses and sin, separated from the commonwealth of the promise of God, an alien, afar off, but He reconciled you to Himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The next blessing is healing. How inspire is this scripture again to rope in healing with salvation! How marvellous! Jesus did not just die for my sins; He also by His stripes purchased my healing- physical, emotional, mental and psychological. I can latch unto His word when faced with these issues today and pray; ‘He took my infirmities and carried my sorrows and pains and by His stripes I am healed. There is balm in Gilead. His word is medicine to my body; it is spirit and life; it is powerful, dynamic living sharper than any two-edged sword. Jesus is my Great Physician I can count on that cleansing healing blood that flowed through His veins. He heals all my diseases!

He redeemed my life from destruction.
Even though I a saved, I am in a spiritual warfare and I have an enemy who sets snares to destroy me. In fact we are told in the scriptures that the adversary has come to kill steal and destroy. That is his job description. But bless the Lord O my soul, for the Lord who has come to give me life in its fullness. He came to open my eyes to the snares and wiles of the devil and redeem me buy- me back from the slave market of sin and death. Even if I fall mistakenly I have a compassionate Saviour who will reach down and pick me up. Bless the Lord O my soul. He redeemed your life from destruction your life is hidden in Christ in God. I am passed from death unto life. Christ had redeemed me from the curse of the law.

He crowns me with love and compassion.
O what a crown! O what a love- unfailing love, everlasting love, great love and unconditional love. It ‘rises and reaches to the highest mountain. It flows through the lowest valley’ Little wonder He did not spare Jesus but delivered Him to die for me. Greater love hath no than this man that a man should lay down his life for his friends, Jesus said. This love is not in words, it is moved into action. It sacrifices all for me. So bless the Lord o my soul.

He satisfies my mouth with good things.
What a Good Shepherd, Who daily loads me with benefits to enjoy. He supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.( Phil4:19) With Him on my side I shall not lack anything good. He leads me to my green pastures, there He restores my soul. He presides, so He provides for His sheep. ( Ps23) Bless the Lord, O my soul!

In time of need I will think of the times He supplied and look forward to His deliverance from poverty and lack and I will pray: ‘You have redeemed me from the curse of the law so that the blessing of Abraham might rest on me. You are my Shepherd I shall not want. You will prepare a banquet for me in the presence of my enemies You will anoint my head with oil and my cup shall run over.’
‘You will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. You said in Your Word; 1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper..(Ps1:1-3)

I thank you Lord that You promises are yes and amen in Christ! I will not be put to shame for putting my trust in You.
‘He satisfies my mouth with Good things’ does not mean that we don’t come to bumps on the road to supply, but we can hold on to the promises and pray it back to God and look forward to a great expectation from a great God.

Renews our youth like the eagles
The story of how the eagle renews her strength is fascinating. At certain stages in the life of an eagle, the feathers become lose, weak and the eagle begins to struggle, unable to mount up to take advantage of the wind current as before. It is as if night has set in, its all over. However the eagle knows within it that it has an option- the complete shedding of the old feathers and returning with a brand new, resilient and formidable, shinning coat. You can see that the road to this glory is gory. but she must have guts and go for gold.

We are constantly in a spiritual warfare and we will grow weak from time to time especially after fighting horrendous battles which come in all forms, sizes and shapes. We need to be wise to retreat to the presence of the Lord and refuel. Without Him we can do nothing but with Him we are more than conquerors and can do all things He had foreordained for us.
David knew this secret when he penned One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.
5 For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. …As the dear pants after water so my soul longs after you… God told Moses, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock’’

I pray that we will lay hold of this benefit and learn to wait on the Lord as to renew our strength and mount up with wings as the eagles, run and not be weary,, walk and not become tired or faint. In His presence is fullness of joy and at his right hand there are pleasures forever more. (Ps16:11)

We have many benefit in Christ and if we take time to search the scriptures we will find them especially in Paul’s letters where they are often hinted or introduces with phrases such as ‘In Whom.. Through whom,. In Christ..’

Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not His benefits.

Vision has a voice and at the appointed time it shall speak and not lie. It shall not delay a single day. What is your vision? And what is it saying? Vision has a power that will drive you into purpose. It enables you see beyond the now. You are able to see through the eyes of God and taste tomorrow, today.
John the Baptist, the fiery preacher was born to Zacharias and Elizabeth at their old age. He was a miracle child. Hundreds of years before he was born there was a prophecy concerning him and at the appointed time it came to pass. They were considered hopeless- gone past child-bearing age, but God had a different plan for them; and so the forerunner, the voice of the redemption vision came. He was the voice who cried out in the wilderness: prepare ye the way of the Lord.(Luke3:4-6, Isa40:3-5)
This voice of the vision was uncompromising. He called a spade a spade and sin, sin. He was raw and rough, ate honey and wild bees and wore Carmel’s clothing. He was a sight to behold. His speech was laced with fire and brimstone: ‘You brood of vipers’ he challenged his audience, ‘Who warned you to flee the wrath to come?’ (Luke3:7)
He wanted them to show him fruits for their repentance. He was a thorn in the flesh of the authorities, including king who had married his brother’s wife even when he was still alive. John the Baptist told him to his face: ‘It’s unacceptable, whether or not you’re the king.’ This infuriated Herodias his stolen wife and the king. John was imprisoned and she demanded the head of John the Baptist on a platter. It was as if the voice of the vision had been silenced. (Luke 3:19-20)
John suffered a lapse of faith and sent message to Jesus: ‘Are you the coming One, or do we look for another?’(Matt. 11 :3) This was the same prophet who had recognised Jesus afar off and proclaimed: ‘Behold the lamb that takes away the sin of the world.’( John1: 29) He was the one who initially refused to baptise Jesus on the grounds that he was not worthy to untie the latchet of His sandals, but in the heat of the moment faith took flight.

This is the violence of vision
Violence of vision is a coin with two sides. On one side is what happens to Christians as they voice their vision and follow God’s plan for their lives- fulfilling the vision. Satan gets mad, opposition rises and violence is unleashed, just as it happened to the prophets and saints of old. David was a man after God’s own heart but was hounded from pillar to post by his enemies and even his son at one time.
Jesus ‘came to His own,’ but was not only rejected but was tortured and crucified. Paul, who was a persecutor himself, turned to the Lord but suffered persecution himself and was executed in the end. Daniel stood for what he believed but was thrown in to the lion’s den. Similarly, Daniel’s friends were thrown into the fiery furnace that had been heated seven times hotter because of their uncompromising stance. The list can go on and on.
Little wonder Jesus said, ‘In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.’ This is the reproach of Jesus which every believer who practices what they preach will suffer. But we thank God that the holy writ also says if we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him. In fact it says ‘our present suffering cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed.’ Again it says ‘our light afflictions worketh for us an eternal weight of glory.’ As the outward man wastes away, the inward man is renewed day by day. We are reminded that those who will live this righteous life will be persecuted like He was. We should rather be concerned if we are loved by everyone. It may well be that we are compromising our beliefs. Someone said, ’if the devil is not bothering you, you should be bothered.’
The other side of the violence of vision is our response to the opposition or persecution.
First of all, we need to renew our minds to the fact that opposition will come when we are in Christ and even especially so. Opposition is not a lack of faith or an evidence of disapproval from God. In fact it may well be a sign or seal of approval if we are suffering for righteousness sake. What does God want us to do at such times?
We need to realise that we are in a spiritual warfare and acknowledge the Captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ. This is the time to put on the whole armour of God and stand our ground.
‘the trial of your faith works patience
We need to realise that God is sovereign and that there are certain circumstances that He may deliver us from and there are other circumstances that He may want to ‘take us through’. He decides the occasion. Ours is to surrender to His will, like Jesus did, ‘Not my will but Your will be done.’
Faith still has a role to play in that He wants us to remain in faith and faithful all the way, whether or not we are taken out of the situation or taken through. ‘The just shall live by faith.’ If we seek His face diligently, He may reveal to us whether He would take us through or out of the situation. But He remains the final arbiter. He is not obliged to tell us.
Therefore in Hebrews 11 and in biblical history, we see two procession of saints- those who were escaped the sword, received their young back from the dead, survived the fiery furnace, smelling like rose rather than suffocating to death or incinerated and the others who were burned alive, cut into pieces, crucified upside down etc. etc. God was with these two groups. Some saints took part in the triumph or seeming demise of both processions in their life-time. In recent times it has happened in Nigeria when Christians have been burned alive by Moslem fanatics and it happens in many Islamic countries.

God often allows persecution to wake us from spiritual slumber. Here in the West we are very laid back in our Christianity. We are afraid to speak the truth in love regardless of the consequences. It is true that we need wisdom not to offend for the sake of offending but we need to use the mind of Christ to speak what He wants us to peak and the way He wants us to speak -without fear or favour, yet in love. We need the boldness that the disciples had such that the unbelievers ‘knew that they had been with Jesus.’ We need the fervour and passion of Peter and Nehemiah, in the face of opposition, Hannah and Esther in the face of barrenness and humiliation. .
Some of us will not pray earnestly until danger, the dagger or death stares us in the face. When the disciple were persecuted in Acts 8, they were disperse and in so doing spread the Gospel. They responded appropriately, proclaiming the truth, the life, the light and the Way and many were added to their number; there was revival.

Yes, at that time the Kingdom of God suffered violence and the violent took it by force. That is the will of God for us- to set our faces like flint and stand against the hordes and hosts of darkness. It is a time to put on the whole armour of God and stand in the evil day. It is the time to realise that unless we are strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, we are easy prey to the enemy. Unless we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God we are bread to the devil. This is the time to avoid all strife and give no place to the enemy. It's a time to realise that weapon of our warfare are not physical but mighty with divine power and potency to destroy every scheme and strategy of the devil. Jesus said: ‘In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have over come the world. It is written: ‘for this purpose the son was made manifest, that He may destroy the works of the devil. ‘Jesus disarmed principalities and powers and made a public spectacle of them triumphing over hem even through the cross.'

Paul said, ‘shall tribulation nor distress, shall persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? Who can separate us from the love of Christ?’
‘Nay ! In all these things we are more than conquerors. Neither death nor life nor angel, nor powers impending or threatening, nor height nor depth nor any creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus? (Rom.8:37-39) ‘They overcame him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony that they loved not their lives even unto death.’( Rev12:11) We have to be determined, passionate undaunted regardless of the opposition. If God is for us who can be against us? ( Rom. 8:31). Whoever is born of God overcomes the world and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. 1John5:4, 1John 5:5)

The Validation of Vision
God will validate our faith. We may deny Him but He would not deny himself. He may not respond the way we want Him to or at the time we want Him to, nevertheless God loves us with an everlasting love. He will prove His word to be true in our lives so long as we hold on to the vision and operate within its boundaries. Heaven and earth will pass away but His word will not pass away. The word that has proceeded out of His mouth will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish that which He pleases.’ Jesus knew why He came and followed His vision from an early age. 'I must be about my Father’s business.’ He said. John the Baptist led the way and when His work was done he was martyred. Jesus validated the ministry of John the Baptist.
When Jesus began his ministry, God -the -Father validated Him: ‘This is My Son in whom I am well pleased.’ The ministry of Jesus was further validated by the miracles He performed- the lame walked, the blind saw and the dead were raised, sin was forgiven and man was reconciled back to God. At His death the elements validated His uniqueness. (Matt. 11:4-6)
Elijah’s faith was validated as He stood against the prophets of Baal and called down fire from heaven.1Ki.18:36-40) Paul was validated as he set his face like flint to fulfil the vision God had called him to: I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,’ he proclaimed. And despite being flogged with rod, shipwrecked, imprisoned he penned 13 best sellers of all time and encouraged the saints and is still encouraging us today after thousands of years.( 2Cor.4:7-11, --11:22-30, --12:7-10)
So child of God, stand to see your salvation, vindication and validation. Preach the word in season and out of season. God will show Himself strong on your behalf. He will demonstrate beyond doubt that His promises are yes and amen in Christ Jesus. He will open doors that have been shut for too long. He will perform the miraculous from the ridiculous, like bringing froth water out of a rock. He has not changed. He remains the same yesterday, today and forever. The blind will see, the lame will walk, the dead will be raised from the dead, the sick will be healed and every eye, including those of the doubting Thomases will see it, and God will take the glory and the honour and praise.
Therefore, let your vision speak. Let not your hands be weak. You have set it on the divine plough. Look straight ahead. Look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith. Wait on your vision until its appointed time. Wit on the Lord and renew your strength so that you can mount up with wings like an eagle. Let its voice not be silenced by any intimidation. In spite of the violence of vision, let the violent-redeemed-of-the Lord take the kingdom by force. Stand to see God’s salvation. The rider and the horse shall be hurled into the sea. The sea will see the glory of God in you and flee.

Listen to your Saviour: 18 Jesus replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to walk all over snakes and scorpions. You will be able to destroy all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.(Luke 10:18-19)NIV

Born to shed His light in the dark
To set face like a flint in spite of flack
Ride on the wings of the wind
And even in the rain, sing.

Through His death He fortified
Through His blood He justified
He edifies daily to beautify
That is why, my God will be magnified

Through the garden of His word
I will feed and be fully satisfied.
Through my digging shall come a reward
To His Word I shall be married.

Born to glorify the Son
Bask daily in His glorious sun
This race, with grace I will run
Until His face I see and my work is done.

He daily moulds me to His form
To stand strong in every storm
I fix my gaze on Him, not on the foe.
I will go wherever He bids me go.

My vision shall not be ambushed
It shall not be dashed or crushed
When I fall I shall rise again
His love shall never be restrained
It shall overflow and abound to me
For that reason He came to me.

So do not cheer and recline to jeer
Because of this wound from my fall
Faithful God would wipe my tears.
He will not forsake when I call

Do not say it’s over
My God will pull me over
He holds the keys of death and life
Being the Resurrection and the Life.

His power is more real when it’s tough
His grace is sufficient when it is rough.

So I will give glory to the High and Holy
Whose is the last word and laugh
He will stand by me, change my story.

His plans and purposes must stand
No one makes void His command.

I Am Alive!
I Am Alive!
Praying for you,
Routing for you,
Rooting out for you,
Fighting for you,
Interceding for you.

I am your Attorney,
Advocating for you,
Pleading your case.
I shed my blood for you,
for you to rise,
even as I rose.
I have faith in you,
Do you have faith in me?

Roll away the stone!
Loose him, now!
Let him go!
Let her go!
Take away the grave clothes!
It’s a New Day!
It’s a New Dawn!
It’s done, yes, it’s done!!

Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?

Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for he is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us.

Romans 8:32-34 NLT