by Jeanie | Apr 18, 2016 | Religion
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendour. Deuteronomy 33:26
Lately, God has been speaking to me about being a help. I was reminded of:
The soprano psalm: God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
The song of ascent/degrees: I look up to the mountains–does my help come from there? Psalm 121:1
The psalm of prayer for victory: May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
Psalm 20:1-2
Each has its merit; however, today, I have a new vocabulary in my praise dictionary – The God of Jeshurun!
The God of Jeshurun is the God beyond the hills, ever present to help and answer in distress. He doesn’t just send help from his sanctuary rather he manifests wherever help is needed. He is the God of Israel and your God.
I have come to understand help is what you receive to:
- Strengthen you where you’ve been weakened
- Turn your sorrow into joy
- Enable you where you’ve been disabled
- Replace your incompetence with competence
- Empower you where you have been disempowered
As Moses blessed the tribes, he makes a profound pronouncement over Israel- Jeshurun. Jeshurun’s God is extraordinary and mounts the clouds to show up on his behalf. He takes the airwaves where no land, water or air traffic can hold him back.
Unlike the emergency services who would often delay in giving you the aid you require after you have spent a lot of time talking , this God takes into consideration the urgency of your situation and comes to your rescue speedily.
He also comes in his full splendour ..loaded .. weighty .. nyafu –nyafu, I dare say. Whatever your need or concern, he’s got it – be it healing, open doors, divine hook-up – he’s coming to your aid right away!
Would you #hollaapraise one time, for this God!
“Who is like You among the gods, O LORD? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders? Exodus 15:11
by Jeanie | Mar 27, 2016 | Religion
As we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Saviour this season, I would like to share a passage of scripture that reverberates the message of Easter.
But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel.” 1 Samuel 11:13
In the above passage, Saul had gone into battle to prevent a besieged city from being captured. When the Jabesh-gileadites were being talked into surrendering to Nahash the Ammonite, their response was:
“Give us seven days so we can send messengers throughout Israel; if no one comes to rescue us, we will surrender to you.”.” 1 Samuel 11:3.
Give us 7 days! I won’t go into much detail about the significance of the number 7; however, it is worth noting that it represents divine perfection and completion. Jabesh was, in other words requesting a full cycle to consider her options. 6What premature conclusions they could avert, what bad decisions they would change if granted sufficient time. There are 2 wisdom nuggets here:
Time is crucial – change can be made and sustained within available time but lost time cannot be regained.
People are invaluable – people are God’s extension on earth. Till the next time God sends manna from heaven, bakeries and bakers are in business.
Can you imagine what would have happened to the people of Jabesh if they had not negotiated for more time or engaged the people in their network? I dare you to make a demand on time and people the next time you find yourself in a tight corner, you’ll be amazed at the results.
But when the right time came, God sent his Son. Galatians 4:4a
Saul delivered the people by fighting with the sword. Although he put his life on the line, he never lost it but Jesus sacrificed his life for our deliverance and did not fight to save it in the process. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; took the humble position of a slave and became mortal.
“The Father loves me because I lay down my life that I may have it back again. No one can kill me without my consent—I lay down my life voluntarily. For I have the right and power to lay it down when I want to and also the right and power to take it again. For the Father has given me this right.” John 10:17-18
We’re alive today because Jesus died in the same way Jabesh did not go into captivity on account of Saul. Just as Jesus was despised, rejected and acquainted with sorrow, Saul too had his fair share. But when presented the opportunity to execute his sneerers (seems like justice), he showed mercy.No death, he said because the price has been paid. God has rescued! Paul reflects this thought in his letter to the Romans:
For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were rec6onciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 5:10; 6:23.
You can literally take this word and apply it as you see fit. No death for you could be no bankruptcy… no sickness… no debt…no lack …no delay…. no unfortunately …. No to anything that is contrary to what you are trusting and believing God for.
I am going to leave you with Jesus’ words through John:
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Prophesy! No death where there are signs of occurrence and no more death for recurrence.
by Jeanie | Feb 14, 2016 | Religion
As we celebrate Valentines today, I am drawn to share about 3 bible stories in parallel. These are familiar stories we have heard in various forms and settings. Here’s how it goes:
A famous Ambassador made a brief stop at a city on his way to another– his allies had gone to finalise plans for his short stay. While he waited in an open-space lobby – by the well, a certain lady showed up in the exact place he was. Is it mere coincidence or could there be a greater purpose? Like most brothers would, he quickly started a conversation. Sharp!
“Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7).
Worst icebreaker or pick-up line ever! Not even a hello, I am Jesus but you can call me J or what’s a beautiful lady like you doing out alone in the sun? Evidently, the lady is nothing like me – she is very polite but forthright. She clearly points out the social, religious and political differences between them- you are a Jew and I am Samaritan. As it seems Jesus wasn’t catching on, this is the point I would have referenced an author from my textbook:
How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15.
You Jews do not associate with us Samaritans, the woman continued. Why then do you ask me for a drink? This goes to illustrate the fact that there is nothing new under the sun. Present-day conflicts have their origin in the past. The ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ mentality is the outcome of the various racial and social divide people have experienced over time. If there was such a dissonance in Jesus’ day, why would ours be any different?
Jesus therein becomes the first diplomat with an agenda for peace. While the woman was very much fixated on the law; quoting the letter she said, you are Jewish and I am Samaritan. Jesus focused on grace, offering her what she needed – Living water. Back in those times, it was normal for water to be drawn from wells and may be streams, but fresh springs or living water was rare.
Jesus also makes it clear that the woman failed to recognise the gift of God and who she was speaking to. Oh for wisdom to perceive gifts, messengers, seasons and opportunities. How my tone and demeanour would have changed if I knew I was standing before the Prince of Peace. The one guy who can turn my life around. Sisters, you know what I am talking about
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, Ephesians 2:14
After much conversation delving into her relational and emotional life, the woman beckons to the community – come and see the man! They probably have heard her say it before. Come on babe, we are talking about man number 7! She said yes but this one is different. He told me everything I ever did. Everything I was, am and what I can become. Now I know I can get with God in Spirit and truth.. I don’t need no mountain! Good thing I showed up at the well today….this Jesus dude is da bomb! Come and see!
Long before this time, women have been known to draw water from wells. Rachel was a Shepherdess who often went to the well to water her father’s sheep. On one occasion, she met a man who later became her husband. The scripture illustrates how Jacob took an action to remove the obstacle. He rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. At the end of the working day, she presented the man!
We see the same pattern with Moses helping Zipporah by the well. It happened that other shepherds came taunting and chasing the Shepherdesses but Moses stood up, helped them, and watered their flock. When they got home narrating the day’s event to their father, he bade them to invite the man who became their sister’s husband.
In all 3 instances, each woman had come to the well with a purpose – specific need (desire, longing, and perhaps a prayer point) which was met by the men.
What is in a well?
A natural well is a water repository that may eventually dry up but Jesus is the well that won’t run dry.
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ “But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37 -39
It is worth noting that these women were well able to draw (they didn’t show up hoping bro so and so would manifest). They came prepared with their gears and were skilled to do as occasion demanded – it just happened that each brother was divinely placed to assist per time. Brothers, don’t just stand there and watch – do something! Jesus did, so did Moses and Jacob.
What spice do you bring? What difference do you make? Girl might be used to a certain lifestyle or routine which probably involves a painful past. You’ve got to have something fresh and reviving like ‘living water’. Something that will make her holler– come and see the man!
Other Valentine Editions
Love at the Upper Room – You Showed Me
Beloved
Love conquers all…
Will you be mine?
His Love, My Salvation
Because He Loved Me
Endless Love
You qualify!
I Love You
by Jeanie | Jan 1, 2016 | Religion
Hello Friend,
Welcome to 2016 – your year of establishment. As is my custom, I started the year from the book of beginnings and a few verses in, I already have heard a word.
Most of the world’s greatest achievers today are established – planted-grounded. Their foundations are deeply rooted so much so that a breaking news or shift in the world economy does not move them. They are firmly fixed, fastened and furnished. How do they achieve this?
They understand the principles of sowing or better still investing. They recognise the fact that nothing materialises out of thin air and so they spend a lot of time digging (researching), seeding (investing) and watering (sponsoring) their seed- dream – idea.
God had completed the creation of the heavens and the earth and having rested, he made man – his ultimate creation and grandest project. We understand by ecology that living things need an environment to rest, feed and grow. The same applies to human beings- they need a home to live in and nurture their young, a shelter from the changing weather and a safe place from the evil happening around them. For Adam and Eve, that place was Eden.
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. Genesis 2:8
Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. Psalm 127:1
Whilst the responsibility of building the home was up to Adam, God ensured their provision, safety and comfort by planting them a garden. A garden is a portion of land where a variety of plants including flowers, vegetables fruits and herbs are cultivated. Oftentimes, it is a yard or lawn adjoining a house – it is beautiful!
There were no plants or vegetation to cover the earth. The fields were barren and empty, because the Eternal God had not sent the rains to nourish the soil or anyone to tend it. In those days, a mist rose up from the ground to blanket the earth, and its vapours irrigated the land. The Lord God planted all sorts of beautiful trees there in the garden, trees producing the choicest of fruit. At the centre of the garden he placed the Tree of Life, and also the Tree of Conscience, giving knowledge of good and bad. A river flowed from Eden to irrigate the garden, and from there it separated into four smaller rivers. Genesis 2:5, 6,9,10.
There was a life tree in the garden. God intended for Adam and Eve to eat of it and live forever. What a loving God! What’s more interesting is that he sent rain to moisten the ground before the shrubs and herbs appeared. He set the atmosphere just like he did before you showed up – He prepared your Mom and enabled your Dad. It may not have been perfect but it was ok. It could have been worse (dry) but he sent the rain – a new house, job or perhaps a pay rise! You were born to bring about a shift. Why don’t you take a minute to praise God for rain… for you… for change?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 1:3
It’s quite a privilege to be planted – to be beneath the surface and connected to the nutrients essential for growth. How much more by streams of water – with limitless supply – more resources than you need …always thriving, never weakening? Can you picture that for a second?
Some years later, Jeremiah by unction declared:
They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers.
Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf,
serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season. Jeremiah 17: 8
Both the Psalmist and Prophet speaks of the righteous man – one who shuns evil and trusts in God. Who says there’s no reward for holiness? Not to say we should refocus and serve for the perks. The labourer is surely worthy of his hire – if you do not get tired of living the right way (doing good), a timely harvest will ensue. You can even have peace in drought but you’ve got to be in position.
There is nothing a good person can do when everything (foundations) falls apart. [Emphasis mine] Psalm 11:3
Naturally, the process of planting and burying are almost indistinguishable. Both involve digging and placing something in the ground except one springs up faster – the seed, although there is hope for a saint in the coming of our Lord Jesus. Therefore, it is important to not mistake the Lord’s planting for burying. Those dark seasons or places have been orchestrated for your development – You will emerge!
And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters never run dry. You will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour. Isaiah 58:1, Isaiah 61:3b
See, it’s all about the glory and at the end of the day, it’ll show forth! God will demo you for the world to look on. You are bigger and better than what you look like now. There’s such a brilliance and richness about you – your full worth is ineffable.
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. Psalm 92:12-13
The Psalmist herein notes the condition for flourishing as being planted. Do you desire to grow? Are there areas of your life you wish to make steady progress in? In order for that to happen, you roots need to go ad grow down before sprouting up.
I decree by faith that you will produce on demand – grow multi-fruits this year. Your leaves will not wither, nor will your fruit fail. Every month you will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to you. Your fruit will serve for food and you leaves for healing. Ezekiel 47:12
by Jeanie | Dec 25, 2015 | Religion
Merry Christmas Friend,
I trust you are having a fabulous time with your family, friends and food, or if you are alone- with your telly and turkey. The latter happens to be my reality and I am enjoying every bit of it 
.
Jesus is the reason for the season and quite worthy of the global recognition and celebration. Also, it is moments like this that stir up and awaken my faith and hope. A gift has been born. Your star is about to shine.
