Reflecting On Our Lives' Meaning

Jesus Christ Is Saviour

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:11 NIV).

Being Christians, we cannot overlook the importance of celebrating the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, to us it is not about the correctness of the DAY or date but the message and GIFT (of salvation for those who believes and accepts His Grace) the Lord God Almighty brought us. It was this GIFT from God to deliver us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:15), the penalty and bondage of sin and to render us blameless before a Holy God (Colossians 1:22). Scripturally, His (Christ) is the only LIFE that have been predicted, (Isaiah 9:6; 11:12; 28:16; 53:5; Micah 5:2) purposed and predetermined to STAND OUT as coming from the Father (John 1:32-34) to bring redemption and eternal salvation and peace to mankind (Luke 1:8-14).

Does My Life Have Purpose?

When we are born into this world, we have no prerecorded outline of our lives on how we will be leading our lives. Unlike animals which grew and develops through instinct, as humans on the other hand, we receive our development through learning (Proverbs 22:6) including the various social influences which directs our decisions and forms part of the way that we are to follow. Generally, as we pass through our various developmental stages so does our right and wrong senses (conscience) adapts and setting the limitations. The non-Christian follows the guides of his or her traditions and teachings. While the way of the non-Christian is not absolute, God will call into account the 'record' of the conscience that directs faith in God's truth so that no-one will have an excuse when being judged by the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 2:14-16).

The Christian Life Have Purpose In Christ

In contrast and biblically perceived, a truly born-again Christian lights up his or her life through scriptural instruction and the Holy Spirit to produce a Christ-like image of humility, submission, obedience, patience, giving, helping, love and faith to mention but a few (Hebrews 5:8; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Therefore, this and many other scripturally charged virtues (2 Peter 1:5-8; Romans 12:9-21) should complete and add purpose to our lives. In other words, such scriptural guidance serves as an individual ministry to others, showing the faith we profess informs our lifestyle and purpose in life. 

Furthermore, as Christians, our lives purpose does not just consist of our educational background, the kind of job(s) we have, our wealth or our social stand or class. If that is how we view our purpose in life, we swing the pendulum outside our Christ-like driven purpose. In my experience, I came across countless Christians who are great preachers and gifted talkers who are not rooted in their faith, their actions and output from their hearts exposes their mouths confession. As it is, such behavior renders us fake and not true to our faith and purpose thus betraying what we believe while we smother and silence the conscience that we should rely on for guidance (Galatians 2:14; Matthew 26:69-75). 

In Conclusion, my fellow Christian brothers and sisters let us ARISE with GUSTO and FAITH reclaiming our lives purpose and be Christ-like in a decaying world filled with violence, hatred, and selfish injustice.

Blessed Christmas and Christ directed New Year to you all

Brother Glenn and family.

Love, The Drawing Power Of God

So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself’ ” (Luke 10:27 NKJV).

Often, these words of great inner transformation are being ignored by Christians because most think that the Lord was just making a statement. To understand and apply this message into our lives we need to deliberate, meditate and internalise this message. In other words, we should bring this message closer to our hearts and own it so that the effect of this command should take root and possess our inner being by releasing the energy of this love in our hearts.

What is Love and Where Does it Originate?

Briefly, love is being defined as a variety of different feelings of strong attraction to someone or something. Therein is trust, peace and security with a comfort that this force of love has no end. As we know, love in any relationship often starts with a promise of lasting endurance, but as a relationship matures our promise of long lasting faithfulness changes into a conditional love, which we base on the promise, actions, and commitment of the other party, and often with selfish and unrealistic demands.

Unfortunately, love is not without ‘eyes’ and it was never meant to operate blindly. Biblically, love has built-in values which should manifest spontaneously when duty calls. The Bible gives us in the book of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 some distinct characteristics of love and any absence of any of these creates an imbalance leading to an incomplete love. In this context, I find no distinction that love should be departmentalized to apply differently to God, family or our neighbours. If it would, we would not be operating on the full force of love as Scripturally defined (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). In our giving of love to others, we sow and a return is guaranteed (Galatians 6:7; Luke 6:38). Like we said in the Good Manners article, love works in co-operation with respect and some of the values we discussed.

Brethren, we cannot emphasise enough that the Christian faith is meaningless unless we prove it through love and the outworking of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22). The Lord likens Christians to a tree which attracts people by the good fruit it bears and a bad tree is for the fire (Matthew 7: 16-20). A good and ideal Christian finds his or her fruits from the Vine, which is Christ (John 15:1-4). In contrast an abrasive, rude and an unkind Christian dwells in the parched land and away from the fruitfulness and nourishment found in Christ alone (Jeremiah 17:6). In Christ love dwells and in a Christian love should blossom as an attractive force of peace and comfort (Philippians 4:7). As we mention in the Experiencing True Peace article, where there is no peace, there is no love because these two fruits co-exist (Galatians 5:22). The Bible says God is love (1 John 4:16). Therefore, with God being love who lives in us, why are we allowing hateful feelings, slander and deceitful living to control us? Are we desiring good and bad to walk with us (Matthew 6:24)? If that is our position, the fullness of God’s Goodness will give way, for light have no companionship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:15-16).

Identifying the Dark Patches that Clouds our Souls

We are warned in the Bible not associate with sexually immoral Christians (1 Corinthians 5:9-11), those who have a form godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5), and bad company which corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 NASB). Otherwise, are we always trying to avoid the company of someone we know? If yes, why? I’m sure you have the answer for that. Whatever our reasons, can we truly say that we are loving God and showing love to that person? The full force of love, which has been packaged by God to resist unlovingness, has built-in values and will always defy human reason and feelings in its quest to fulfil its destiny. What I mean is when love compels against the danger of rejection, reason cease and love fulfils (2 Corinthians 5:14). This tells us that love is not selfish and it NEVER FAILS! It fulfils. In addition, when we operate by our will to decide on love, we give conditionally; but when we give by the will of the Holy Spirit, our lower nature suffers and the Spirit fulfils. This is beautifully summed up by what the Apostle Paul when he said, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:12-14 NIV). If ‘we have an obligation’, the Holy Spirit is supposed to control us and when He controls, why do we give love short?

The Bible says that fear is an obstruction to love (1 John 4:18); that is why some people are afraid to love. They reason that others might take advantage of them. Are we not sometimes taking advantage of the Lord’s great love for us when we sin or disobey wilfully? Yes, we do! Are we not sacrificing love, a continuing debt we owe (Romans 13:8), which is our obligation and fulfilling fear, which is our distraction? Our will must serve the requirements of Scripture (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Furthermore, are you always trying to be right and never wrong and rejecting correction while self-serving? Do you pursue quarrels and always in a self-pity mood? By examining yourself, you might find that you don’t have love in yourself because you are taking and not giving. Brethren, while this is not a good rebuke to share but for the benefit of everybody, the Lord rebuked a sister sharply for her lack of love, saying that “My daughter Dawn (not real name) does not have love in herself”. This was a deep rebuke that exposed the patches of anger, hatefulness, selfishness and rejection of the Holy Spirit, who equals love, God and Christ (Romans 8:9-10). In the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ also showed that rejecting Him and seeking glory and recognition from men while failing to seek glory from God displays that a Christian is lacking the word of God and love within themselves (John 5:37-44).

Where to Find and Grow Love

We have all been naturally endowed with basic love to show care to our children and immediate families. However, love to serve others and to treat others with dignity as brethren is found in God alone. By serving and asking God we grow love as He prunes it to develop fully. This is also evident in the animal realm and their love is observed by the care and protection they give to their young (Job 39:1-3; Matthew 23:37). In some occasions in the Bible, animals even show love for God and care for human beings (Numbers 22:21-30; 1 Kings 17:2-6; Jonah 1:17; 2:10). Unlike animals, humans love is dynamic, transitional and incomplete. Our love has a Source, God through Christ (1 John 4:8; John 3:16) and Biblically if we have no union with Christ, there is no God and no Spirit no love (1 John 4:8; Romans 8:9; John 13:20). This truly sets Christianity apart from other religions who are founded on cultural values. We know culture yields laws and if violated punishment, but in Christ, however, we are commanded to love and love covers over a multitude of sin (1 Peter 4:8).

The Lord’s love is real and having been a loveless person myself through my past life of hateful feelings and violence, I gave up my old life to follow the Lord’s ways. In being a Christian, I learned that my love was growing as I walked closer with the Lord. Therefore, the more we spend time in God’s Presence through prayer, worship, church services and Bible reading, the more we generate love (James 4:8). By Word reading, we develop the reality and discernment regarding what love really should be. Human love is interest driven and being fickle we are always looking for the gratification of our ever increasing desires for more and these serve as distractions. God purposely allowed the various distractions (Matthew 13:29) to test our endurance as He refines the dross from the pure gold (1 Peter 1:7). Like we said, operating from two or more personalities stifles the Holy Spirit, which hinders our walk and giving strength to our lower nature to dominate us (Romans 8:13-14). Love is the Golden Key to Heaven and we MUST possess it in abundance. As the love of many is growing cold in these last days (and indeed this is evident everywhere around the world) we encourage you to have love in yourself to give and attract the lost to Christ. Love is the greatest Cause, the single unifier of the human race. All people can identify with the force of love, for it is the only remedy known to man that calms the storms of life in the troubled human soul. This love, is God's gift to us that brought us peace (Romans 5:8; Isaiah 53:5).

In conclusion, have you been failing to seek God daily and remain in the Lord Jesus Christ, the true vine, that you may bear good fruit (Galatians 5:22; John 15:1-5)? Have you been skipping your personal time with the Lord and yielding bad fruit and cold love (Jeremiah 17:6; John 15:6)? If so, seek the Lord in repentance while loving Him and others as yourself (Luke 10:27).

If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, please get started by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments about this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed love in fear of God,

Brother Glenn and Preparing for the Kingdom Ministry Team.

Bad Company Corrupts Good Character

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

The above Scriptural warning is vastly overlooked and ignored by countless Christians who think that this and other Scriptures does not apply to them. Well, we have testimony and personal experience on the danger of ignoring Scriptural admonitions which are meant to protect and safeguard our salvation. However, before we share those experiences, let us briefly examine Scriptural teaching on this important matter. As always, we encourage all our readers to carefully examine the referenced Scripture verses as they augment and qualify our message.

God’s Message to Christians in Managing Relations with Unbelievers and Doubters

Essentially, human relationships are built on the premise of interaction with others, and this joins us together into a group or community that shares common interests. As a group, we influence or are being influenced by others into accepting ideas, behaviours and attitudes (Exodus 23:32-33). Right at the beginning of establishing a relationship with the children of Israel, the Lord gave them His Word to influence their lifestyle and to separate them from the rest of the other peoples around them (Leviticus 18:30; Deuteronomy 18:9-13). Thus the hatred, ridicule and rejection Christians are experiencing today is largely due by this call by the Lord to "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE" says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you." And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:17-18 NASB).

Given the above  Bible references, don’t you think that the Lord foretold our hardship and persecution when He said, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword…”? (Matthew 10:34-36 NIV). As it is, these Scriptures concern the value of our relationships with others. In other words, would we value our relationship with others whether friend or relative by conforming to the way of life they follow more than what Christ called us to? (Matthew 10:37-39).

Therefore, it is abundantly clear from Scripture that our choice of company must always be pleasing to God. Exactly why? The answer is twofold. First is to protect us from being corrupted through temptations leading to lusts and from evil desires coming through the company we keep (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Peter 2:7-10). Being a holy priesthood, we should proclaim His praises, holy living must be uncompromising for this is our only guarantee to Heaven (1 Peter 2:9-12; Hebrews 12:14). On the day of reckoning, many Christians will discover that their slothful and disobedient worldly living resulted in a Christ-less eternity. The second reason is to set us apart (being holy) as belonging to God for His glory and as objects of His mercy (Romans 9:22; Deuteronomy 10:8-9). Scripturally, from the earlier times we see God accepting people into a relationship with Him based on their choice of obedience (Genesis 4:4-7). As we know, The Lord God gave each person freedom to choose and He desired that we choose to follow His will. He says: “… I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live…” (Ezekiel 33:11). If we remain obedient, He sets us apart for His glory (Romans 8:30).

Should We Vilify Those Outside of Our Fellowship?

Truly, vilifying those who are not in our fellowship group is not a directive we received from the Lord. In contrast, He commanded us to pray and love those who persecute us (Luke 6:28; Matthew 5:44). Furthermore, our works of service and our attitude of obedience towards the Lord should serve as an encouragement to unbelievers leading them to salvation (1 Peter 3:15-17). Evidently, as Christians it’s inevitable that we have to work with people who are not Christians in all spheres of life. Being a light shining in the darkness, we cannot hide our light from non-Christians; we will have to face and show them what we’ve got (Ephesians 5:8-11).

Often, Christians don’t know how to behave in the company of non-Christians. Some have reportedly said that they feel strange, unwelcomed, and rejected by lukewarm Christians and unbelievers because of their faith in the Lord. Brethren, we must remember that it is not us they have a problem with! They dislike the new life of obedience to the Lord that we follow. Inasmuch as it is tormenting to share a company with non-committed Christians because of their sometimes unwelcoming insults to our faith, this is a test to our faith where we should not allow offensive insults to weaken our confidence in Christ (Hebrews 10:35-36). In terms of interaction, keep the company to achieve shared objectives, especially work or community-related things, but without compromising your faith. Where necessary, give reasons for your refusal to comply, especially when it concerns things that go against the Lord’s will (Exodus 23:2). We must not imitate evil, even if we are pressured to sin (3 John 1:11). As Christians, our association in sharing a company with the unsaved is to reveal Christ by sharing our testimony, and to display through our behaviour the lifestyle He called us to (1 Peter 2:12; Colossians 4:5-6).

Lone Christians

Naturally, all human life is made up of community and through birth, individual members are entering this community resulting in social cohesion. Through this, we learn and develop certain social skills to help us live better and peacefully with others (Genesis 11:1-6). Therefore, God intended that we have social company, but according to His choice for our well-being (2 Corinthians 6:14; Hebrews 10:25). This ministry is not encouraging "lone ranger Christianity"! In essence Scripturally, when we do meet, we get the opportunity to benefit from the gifts for our edification and growth in the Lord (1 Peter 4:10). In joining a Christian grouping, we need discernment from the Holy Spirit to help us identify like-minded believers (Philippians 2:2-4; 1 Peter 3:8), regardless of their social class or standing in society (Romans 12:16).

A brother, who was in the habit of always excluding himself from fellow Christians, was rebuked by the  Lord  for dissociating himself from the brotherhood. Sadly, and with love, this brother was in the habit of always rejecting calls by fellow Christian brethren to join them in sharing the gospel and his testimony. This habit grieved the Lord and He gave us a message to encourage the brother to make use of opportunities to meet and benefit from the gifts from others while seizing the opportunity to preach the gospel. We should share whether we like it or not; our command is to preach in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).

Brief Testimony on The Influence of Worldly Company on Christians

A few months ago, we wrote extensively and by a command from the Lord on the negative influences of some social networking activity (refer to Social Media: Godliness or Worldliness? article).In this message, we pointed out how some Christians and non-Christians use this technology platform as a tool to work for Satan by gossiping, flirting resulting in adultery, fornication, and avoiding fellowship with God through prayer and Bible reading. Brethren, the testimony we are sharing below is not to expose, or slander but the Lord permitted that we share it to show other Christians the dangers of our disobedience and stubbornness in going against Scriptural warnings. When we fail to heed Scriptural warnings, we will have to live with the consequences of our bad choices. After all, bad company does corrupt good habits!

Having said this, we had a sister in our fellowship who served the Lord very faithfully and this was echoed by the Lord Himself through messages He let us give her. In her faithfulness, she never skipped our fellowships as commanded by the Lord. However, she loved the company of her worldly friends who shared their lustful appetite with her, eventually influencing her to have similar desires. She did her best to stay up very late in social networking sites. Upon discovering, as a ministry who loves her, we cautioned her on the dangers of such activity and the resulting consequences. Sadly, these were ignored! The Lord issued her several messages warning her that Satan was using unsaved people to destroy her life (Proverbs 13:20). Yes, these were the exact words of the Lord. Through subsequent messages from the Lord, He warned her and through these messages we could understand that she was involved in a relationship with an unsaved man, which later developed into a sexual affair. As it is, we lovingly confronted her, showing how this had ruined her relationship with the Lord and that she should repent and serve faithfully. Brethren, this sin of infidelity that the sister committed against the Lord hurt Him very much, for Charis could feel His pain when He gave her a message for this sister saying, “My daughter Joyce has hurt this ministry, her children and herself and she lost her innocence before Me, and I will punish her for this”. As a result of this message from the Lord, we were equally hurt as members of this ministry. In our concern that this might affect others, and after providing Godly counsel to this sister which she rejected, she decided to quit our ministry. Beloved, I can tell you this ministry has suffered the leaving of many people, who could not endure living holy. For when the Lord exposes our sinful living, it is for us to choose either to repent and secure eternal life in Heaven, or continue sinning eventually resulting in His judgements (Hebrews 12:6). I choose the Lord’s discipline!

Similarly, the Lord warned a young man against lustful behaviour and worldly ways. This man kept his worldly friends and social networking habits alive while serving the Lord. This led him to question the Lord’s teaching on separation from worldliness, including worldly music. My wife and I counseled him briefly, explaining to him the will of the Lord and the things He warned us against. In his anger with us and the Lord for correcting him, he walked out on us, choosing worldliness. In a prophetic vision and before we knew he would quit, the Lord showed Charis how this young man was angry, wrinkled and untidily dressed (signifying his spiritual condition and deterioration through sin), saying, “Behold, the worldly man!”.

In conclusion, I would like to share a brief testimony. Dear brethren, please bear in mind that I am not sharing this to elevate myself or portray myself better than you, but to encourage you -- especially those of you who feel weak in faith and need courage. Earlier on in my walk with the Lord, about 24 years ago, I suffered many insults and abuse at the hands of both colleagues and friends, for choosing to avoid their company after they tried to win me back into sinful fellowship with them. In their quest to humiliate me, when they would see me I would hear some of my colleagues laughing loudly while looking at me. However, with God’s help I kept sincerity to my faith and showed love despite their ridicule. I once overheard a conversation one of them was having with some of the others where they were comparing religions and the conduct of some ‘Christians’ in relation to others. To my surprise, I was blessed to hear him saying in agreement that my faith was real and my obedience matched what the Bible teaches. After all, through the humiliating experience I had endured, they recognised the Lord Jesus in me and they also seemed to have changed their perception about me. From then on, I enjoyed peace and respect from them. The Lord knows how to use our obedience to draw people to Him to save (Proverbs 16:7).

Finally, have you been allowing yourself to hang out with and be wrongly influenced by bad company? Have you failed to be a light in obedience to Christ by showing good behaviour, bearing good fruit, and serving as an encouragement so others can be saved (1 Peter 3:15-17)? Remember, we are in the world but not of the world and therefore we must not do as they do. The Bible says, Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers (Psalm 1:1-3).

If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please begin by praying this Prayer of Sincere Repentance. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed Grace in Peaceful Company,

Brother Glenn.

Being Ungrateful Displeases The Lord

Expectations For Cravings Not Need

“But godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 HCSB).

We will be very brief with our message this week. The Lord commanded that we share with you this message because in His sight, many people ask and work for things they don’t really need; they just want to have "stuff" because they envy what others have (1 Samuel 8:4-5; Ecclesiastes 4:4). From what is known today, the prosperity teachers encourage envy, greed, laziness, and a demand for more material things from God. They tell people to dream up worldly things and "name it, claim it and receive it!" Unfortunately, they are encouraging a destructive lifestyle that uses God for worldly gain, instead of preparing the saints for a life of worship, holiness and reverent service to God (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Peter 1:5-11). Naturally, we are all ungrateful grumblers! aren't we? Yes, we are never happy about the weather and what we have (Philippians 4:11-13). If I may recall, there were people how asked us to inquire a message for them from the Lord and after hearing the Lord's message they simply remark, 'Is that all He said' or 'I expected Him to say so and so!'.

Personal Ambitions Is Self-Driven

Having experienced first hand the Lord's blessings, while we may have some great expectations in order to stress our faith, the Lord would release an initial blessing first (Genesis 39:22) before unveiling and releasing the ultimate blessings (Genesis 41:41). We need to point out that personal ambitions does not feature in God's plans, He blesses us in accordance with His purpose (Philippians 2:3). When I asked God for a job He did not give me what I expected but I accepted and expressed my thankfulness and a humble attitude He accepts which might lead to a refreshing supply of more blessings. We encourage you dear brethren, the least you have be content for God measures your attitude and hearts condition in trying times (1 Chronicles 29:17; Jeremiah 17:10). Scripturally, we know that personal cravings comes not from an actual need but from a demanding spirit (Numbers 11:4). However, disobedience and faithlessness robs us of God's blessings (2 Chronicles 24:20; Mark 11:24).

Furthermore, the worldly lifestyles many Christians are living today have become the acceptable norm. Brethren, I have news for you: The Lord cannot be forced by man into encouraging a lustful lifestyle and giving us what is unnecessary. Having said this, I am not encouraging or advocating deprivation among Christians, neither does the Lord; He promised to give us our daily bread (Matthew 6:11), meet ALL our needs (Philippians 4:19), and enrich us in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion resulting in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11). Truthfully, the increase of earthly possessions brings anxiety and the fear of losing it. Additionally, most people nowadays have not learned to acknowledge or believe that the Lord has provided them enough (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12).

Many brethren might not agree with me here, but I must share what the Lord revealed to us. The Lord said that the business principles employed by the world are based on greed, because their aim is to "maximize profit or gain". This is said to be stimulating "growth"; which is true indeed, but to the benefit of the few (investors, shareholders and business executives), while it impoverishes the masses. If you have studied business in college, you are probably familiar with the words "wealth maximization" or "profit maximization", which describe the prime objective of businesses. As it is, this solid rule is being applied blindly even by Christian institutions without questions of conscience. A few people in the church hierarchy (such as senior pastors) usually benefit from business transactions while the lay believers are left used, abused and confused, without any benefits. Biblically, trade among Christians should not be for selfish gain, but to help one another and the needy; we should not be greedy but content (Deuteronomy 23:19, 24-25).

Every person born into this world thinks that they deserve, or are entitled to, everything that is available.  Because of this kind of attitude, we complain, slander and envy (Numbers 11:4). An ungrateful person is driven by a spirit of greed, discontentment and rebelliousness (Numbers 11:4-6). From experience, my brethren, I can tell you that The Lord turns a deaf ear to such an attitude.

In sharp contrast, I have witnessed that the truly humble and grateful inherits blessing, peace and freedom from discontentment. In the Bible, Ruth is one of person who was abundantly blessed for her humility and gratitude. Not only did she leave her family to follow her mother-in-law, but she also humbled herself by picking up leftover grain from the fields. She ended up gleaning in Boaz's field and found favor in his eyes (Ruth 2: 1-14). Through her obedience, she eventually became his wife (Ruth 4:9-12) and was blessed to be an ancestor of Israel’s kings, including The King of Kings --Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:1, 5-6). Moses also humbled himself by abandoning his royal privileges to be a shepherd in Midian for 40 years (Exodus 3:1). However, the Lord blessed him with a great calling to go to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10; 6:10) and he found favor in God's eyes.

Greedy Christians

In most of our articles we address Christians, and the Lord has called this ministry to challenge, encourage, rebuke and correct the brethren. Those outside our community of faith have no appreciation for our message; if they did, they would obey the Lord and His teachings (John 10:27; Matthew 7:24-27).

Naturally, as human beings we always have very high expectations from God, and when we ask Him something we expect that He will provide according to our will. Again, in our experience with the Lord, He does not succumb to the human will or pressure; He provides in accordance with our faith, need and for His glory (Philippians 4:19). It is known that human expectations are self-centered and we will always overvalue or overestimate what we really need, and this is a proven fact throughout human history (Exodus 16:18). In the same breath, ungratefulness has led many people to change their physical appearances, jobs, marital partners, ministry calling, and other things in order to match the expectations of others. Therefore, when the need is supplied we develop a need for more; meaning greed takes over; why? The fear of too little troubles us, so greed steps in and controls us. Admittedly, often when the Lord promised me something (and He would use the term "something"), this would always run up my expectations to wild imaginations of great things. When the blessing came it would only be what I needed, and though disappointed, I would accept with a good lesson of contentment.

A Word of Encouragement

Faith is not based on feelings, but on an attitude of trust in God’s ability. Our ever fluctuating emotions and feelings are not a measuring stick for faith; instead, our relationship to Jesus Christ proves our faith by our character. Therefore, the fruit of our faith personifies Christ’ indwelling and the values of society are challenged by a gentle, caring and kind conduct. A life richly lived in Christ by faith shows contentment in all situations (Philippians 4:11-14). Paul said “…..I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”( Philippians 4:11-13).  What we will need is simply just faith in acknowledgment and a grateful attitude to appreciate what was provided. How many of us simply want something because others have it? And how many of us when we have received something undeservingly give it up because it was not what we expected?

Remember our expectations are self-centered and The Lord, who is all-knowing, gives what is needed. Surely, we might get away with manipulating people to meet or match our expectations, but not so with God! Wherefore, a humble spirit is unfading, gentle, gratified and at peace. I would like to conclude with this Scripture: “…godliness with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 HCSB). And remember the Lord said "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear" (Matthew 6:25-24); But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). Honor Christ in your conduct and your faith would bear fruit and attraction to Christ!

Vision of God The Father

I had a vision this morning (December 1, 2014). I was outside in a big empty space when I saw a figure of a Man in pure white. His appearance was blurred but I immediately knew it was our Heavenly Father. When I recognized it was Him, I prayed saying, "Father please keep me from
falling!" He did not answer and the vision changed giving me a 3D view. I then saw The Father standing far away, yet close enough, but with His appearance blurred. "Glenn!", He called me by my name in a gentle whispering voice, while looking at me pleasingly. The vision then ended.

I am overwhelmed by His love and gracious care. I did not expect this vision! I love the LORD with all my heart. The LORD knows our future and things that might hinder our walk with Him.  He came to show me what I needed to do, and His answer to my prayer was His presence and reassurance of His love. This same love is available to you as well! (John 3:16-17) All the Lord wants of us is to repent and turn away from our sins, wholeheartedly seek Him and obey His Word. Aren't you grateful for what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us, redeeming us with His precious blood and paying the price for our salvation? I am eternally grateful.

Have you been complaining and expressing a lack of gratitude for your life and the things God has done for or given you? Are you waiting until you “have more” before you can love and be obedient to Christ? If so, please repent. Let us accept and be thankful for the things God has provided, however few we may perceive these; then we will be even more thankful for the many things God will provide (Matthew 25:23) in this life and moreso in heaven. If you would like to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and begin the journey of freedom and contentment, here is a Prayer of Sincere Repentance to get you started. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed truth and peace,
Brother Glenn.