by Jeanie | Oct 3, 2014 | Uncategorised
He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7
I’ve got to be sincere– This is not the kind of word I wanted to hear this bright and sunny Friday. Lately, God has been taking me on a journey to think positively, talk wisely and walk circumspectly. Nothing could possibly be harder.
In case you don’t know me, speaking is the major unction I function in. I’ve got a word for everything and have a habit of saying something in response to anything that meddles with me, their intention notwithstanding. That ‘something’ could be nice, mean, or somewhere in between.
…….he was treated harshly. The writer here gives us an insight into the things Jesus suffered. He was assaulted, insulted and humiliated. Can you handle being offered vinegar from the very people you turned water into wine for? Being stripped naked by the ones you came to clothe with glory and honour? Being beaten by the folks you came to rescue? Being spat on by the ones you came to free from shame? He was stricken unjustly…while doing the right thing yet he opened not his mouth.
As if that were not enough, we’re given an imagery of a lamb dumb before its shearers. So was Jesus before his judges, accusers and executioners. Through his ordeal, he stayed silent. I’ve been through some difficult things in life but never have I been provoked to this extent! Has life thrown you upside-down and sideways till you were mute and enrolled for sign language 101?
By keeping his mouth shut it seemed he was guilty and helpless. He did not assert, plead, defend, threaten or complain rather he kept his mouth shut. I wonder why he who upholds everything by the word of his power would keep quiet. Not even a “let there be…” came out. This reminds me of the time:
He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of. Luke 9: 52 -55
Looks like James and John got one of those rebukes I had growing up “Sharap” meaning shut up or even – Hush children! Where did you get that from?
They had an unholy indignation (spirits) such as wrath, anger, resentment, revenge …evil desires and Jesus rebuked them because their behaviour was nothing like his and did not reflect him. They hadn’t fully grasped what he meant when he said:
…. learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart. Matthew 11:29
It takes a meek and humble spirited person to say nothing when being ridiculed and disgraced unreasonably. If that were me, I would call the legions of angels, thunders, lightnings, winds, fire and every possible element to show them who is who. You should hear me ‘prophesying’ when offended, it’s horrid!
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21
Could it be Jesus was thinking about the consequences of his words when he chose not to open his mouth? He was intentional about the things he said how and when he said them!
When he said father forgive them, it was purposeful and powerful. How about when he said to the thief “today you will be with me in paradise. “? How assuring! The deal sealers were “It is finished” and “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”.
He finished well with an unfaltering commitment. He ended up saying some things but only at the right time. You may be going through some kind of persecution thinking perhaps if you open your mouth aid will come, justice will be served, your innocence will be proven and reputation saved. Stay meek (patient, long-suffering, forbearing) and lowly (humble, respectful, submissive).
Your words are more potent than explosives, they have creative abilities. Learn to shut up when you have nothing useful to say- when your words are counterintuitive and destructive. Make a decision today to only speak positive, palliative, productive and constructive words.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
by Jeanie | Sep 26, 2014 | Uncategorised
by Jeanie | Sep 21, 2014 | Uncategorised
But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. Genesis 37:4
Hate is a negative emotion set to counter the love motion in one’s life. It is a passionate contempt for someone. It is disruptive and destructive. Joseph was loved by his father but his brothers hated him.
Just as Jacob gave Joseph a coat of many colours to affirm this love, God has given you a robe of righteousness. The enemy has no new tricks, because you are loved by the Father, he dislikes you intensely.
Satan is set to attack whatever source of love in your life: be it God, your spouse, children, friends or even loved ones. He unleashes antipathy to substitute feelings of empathy or sympathy. He seeks to steal, kill and destroy. Remember Jesus said “I and my father are one”. John 10:30. He further said:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:2
Oh that you will stand firm to the end!
Joseph was hated to the point no kind words were spoken to him. No soothing words. No polite gestures. No friendly hugs. No playful jokes. No fun games. Peace eluded him. He was stripped of his glory and beaten so much so he lost his joy. He was thrown into a pit and later sold to slavery. His life was gradually ebbing away. They stole his identity, killed his liberty and destroyed his credibility.
You may be fighting for your peace as you read this piece and the only reason is, you are loved. I don’t know where you are right now. You might just be at the stage where folks are being impolite, unfriendly, and unruly towards you or perhaps you’ve been stripped, beaten and thrown in a pit, the deep – into obscurity; you may have even been sold… betrayed..denied. I can hear the sobs, pants and quivers. Jesus hears and he cares.
Here’s one reason you should endure. 22 years later, due to a famine Joseph’s brothers arrived in Egypt where he was. God will orchestrate events to connect you with your enemies. Aren’t you glad to know they will show up in your future except the tables will be turned? Joseph said:
As far as you’re concerned, you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20
Friend, your present pain is working out future pleasures for you! No matter what you are going through, be rest assured God is in it and he’s tuning, tightening and turning things for your favour.
Monumental breakthroughs will be accomplished in and through your life. It will save not just a few but many. You will become a household name. A formidable brand. A force to be reckoned with.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
It’s all worked out friend. You are loved!
by Jeanie | Sep 16, 2014 | Uncategorised
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4
Lazarus was a good friend of Jesus yet he fell ill and died so God would take the glory. God’s ways are past finding out!
Eli was the high priest of Shiloh. He spoke a word over a barren woman called Hannah: “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” This word triggered a ministry that led to the
conception of Samuel. One day, Eli and his sons died and the ark of the Lord was captured in war; when his daughter-in-law who was about to give birth heard the news, she named her newborn baby boy ‘Ichabod’ following the events.
Israel was no longer a heavy weight. She had been defeated. She lost her champion and the championship – the greatest treasure. Gone was the Chabod – the glory. The symbol of God’s essence and presence. Without this, they could not compete in the next tournament or upcoming season. After all, how would they win?
The whistle blew, trumpets sounded, children rip their clothes and put on ashes. Across the streets of Israel, mothers were wailing as the men beat their chests lamenting: the glory has departed. Who would imagine? Where’s our glory? Perhaps you are in a similar situation this minute.
I have been pondering on ‘Chabod’ and ‘Ichabod’ for the past few hours and here’s the word: In the beginning there was glory and in the end, there’ll be glory – no matter what happens in between.
Whatever’s been seemingly lost in your life will be retrieved, rebuilt, repaired, renewed, restored, reinforced, revived, and refined.
Question: Are you ready for the NEW glory?
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:9
Shout Glory!
There might be chaos right now as a result of the things no longer in your possession or control; those things you are unable to find or recover – LOST. Faith, hope, ambition, child, husband, house, job, contract, ministry, opportunities, or whatever! Here’s good news, in this same place God bestows peace. Peace in the Hebrew is SHALOM meaning completeness, prosperity, and welfare. In essence, nothing missing and nothing broken.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.
Receive PEACE!
Lazarus was raised back to life, the ark of the Lord returned to Jerusalem, and the desolate temple was rebuilt. You’ll get your stuff back!
by Jeanie | Sep 4, 2014 | Uncategorised
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?”. So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means “well of the Living One who sees me”). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 16:13-14
Do you feel lonely and deserted? That no one cares about you or what you are going through? Friend, you are not alone. God cares and is near, here, everywhere, and right there with you. He has your best interest at heart and will come through just for you.
When Hagar put away her child – promise, future, hope, destiny, and dream in fear that he would die of thirst, God came to her rescue. Interestingly, he did nothing but open her
eyes. Could it just be that’s all you need right now?
Insight, illumination, revelation is invaluable. Once Hagar saw, her problems were solved. God did not bring the well to her, she got to the well and did what was necessary.
I have noticed fear sets in when we lose sight of God’s magnificence and grace. Do you see a God who abandons? Who will bring you halfway and disappear? Who would promise health and wealth and let you wallow in pain and lack? Noooooooo! God is too good. He will not give you more than you can bear. May he open your eyes to see the purpose and promise in your problem?
The reason you are going through those challenges is for your ‘thereafter’. It won’t always be like this. There is coming a new season after this. Do you see?
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17
There’s a glory that is yet to be revealed in you that far outweighs your present circumstances. I pray today you have a ‘thereafter’ encounter. An experience that will give you a fresh revelation into the person and power of God. God will speak to you and open your eyes to the opportunities and possibilities around you.
Hereafter, you’ll call God by a new ‘another’ name. You are the God who [fill in the blanks]. You’ll know him more intimately and personally. Your testimony [your well] will not be blocked or stubbed out. It will remain for all to see and be encouraged.
The precise account and place will be preserved – between A and B [the scene] named C [your experience/ breakthrough] meaning D [the significance of your encounter/breakthrough].
Thereafter. Fresh vision. Another name. I am excited about your breakthrough and testimony. Please feel free to share with me.
