Last month we looked at God’s instruction steering us towards an onward motion – to march forward amidst difficult situations and obstacles. Today, we will proceed to learn how we can overcome with the use of ‘The Rod’.
Lift up your rod …Exodus 14:16a
The rod symbolizes the word of the Lord. The word to a Christian is what the rod is to a shepherd. It is a weapon, a heritage from God and the believers mark of authority. In ancient times, the rod was an implement that functioned to provide correction and gentle guidance. No wonder Apostle Paul said:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
In an earlier dialogue regarding the rod, God said to Moses:
You shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs. Exodus 4:17 (WEB)
So, the rod is a vital tool in the believers’ arsenal. It is necessary for ruling, fighting, handling and executing. The word is what enables you to rule over and in the midst of your enemies. With the word, you can ward off and combat every evil attack on your life. The word will teach you how to effectively navigate and manage the various challenges facing you. Only by the word can you bind and loose, execute judgments, and perform miracles.
When the Israelites were faced with a problem, God told Moses to lift up his rod and He’s telling you the same today Friend, will you obey? You could be one step away from your miracle but if you don’t have the word to strengthen your faith Friend, what will become of your desires, promises and life, ultimately?
Why don’t you try this one thing? Lift up your rod!
There comes a time in one’s life when it becomes necessary to move forward or else death will ensue following long periods of inactivity.
Had the Israelites not moved forward, they would have been captured by the Egyptians, starved to death in the desert or perhaps drown by the overflowing Red Sea.
Life is about growth, gradual improvements and developments. It was William S. Burroughs who said that ‘When you stop growing you start dying’. Similarly, when you cease to advance in life, you begin to relapse.
God desires that you go forward, take this challenge and watch your life change for the better.
Love is truthful……. Love is faithful……. Love is beautiful…….Love is wonderful……. Love is powerful……. Love is…….Can you complete the blank?
If you have it, you ought to give it, if you’re not receiving it, go get it! I believe everyone deserves to be loved although in actual fact, that’s not the case. What could be the reason for this?
Perfect As human beings, due to the many imperfections and corresponding consequences we have been exposed to, there is a desire to almost be flawless – attain a level of excellence or assume a state of perfection. Everyone puts their best foot forward; afraid their true colours would be revealed, they project their strength and conceal their weaknesses – Why should my frailty be known, they ask and think?
Jesus in responding to the scribes of the Pharisees, who sought to condemn him for eating and drinking with sinners, said:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 (NIV)
So, if you need love Friend, you can have it regardless of your state; however, there is an action for you. You may have to “Go down to the threshing floor” or simply ask ”A certain lady out.” In any case, do something but don’t be limited to these.
Generally, it is patients who consult their doctors for advice, check-up, surgery, prescription, etc. Seldom do doctors visit patients without a request or consent but in the above passage, we can see Jesus did, why?
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Romans 5:8, Ephesians 5:2
Friend, when love comes to town, be sure to jump that train and catch that flame!
Love A lot has been seen, said, sung, portrayed and written about it. Some believe it’s just a feeling, others, a way of living; an invariable on all viewpoints remains “Love is giving”. Love has both saving and staying power, it impacts, hence, God gave, Jesus gave, you give and I too give!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Anyone can and that includes you Friend.
Merit So, you think he doesn’t deserve you because his pockets are not heavy, he thinks you’re not worth it since you’ve been ‘over spun’ and they think you lack potential, will amount to nothing, therefore not to be reckoned with. Friend, whatever your background, just know that you qualify!
Paul’s Letter to the Romans reads:
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8
While we were yet sinners… when there was no cause for him to befriend let alone visit us, he came and died for our redemption. I encourage you Friend to ponder on this scripture the next time you’re tempted to put a premium on your love for someone or underplay another’s love for you. After all, not all you are or have is by merit only; or else, you would be and have nothing.
You don’t have to be perfect to stand a chance; quit wallowing in your pain and shame, let someone love you, better still, Let Jesus love you! The love you give, refuse to give or receive today is bound to impact for better or worse, so think and ask yourself what outcomes you desire?
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
At the beginning of every year, most people make resolutions; commitments to achieve certain goals, complete various projects, and even reform old habits. I believe you have, one way or the other.
In Genesis 18, when Abraham presented his to God, the response he got was “Do as you have said”.
Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus who came to earth for a purpose, to save mankind.
Ephesians 2:10 tells us we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
So, you have been placed here on purpose for a purpose. Do you know what it is? If you do, what have you done to achieve it? If you don’t, are you actively seeking it?
A purposeless life is a meaningless life. Great prices are paid for purposeful items; equally, purposeful individuals are highly valuable and in great demand.
Every year, we celebrate the birth of a solution, Jesus. You too could be celebrated even as often, when you find and fulfil your purpose.
Instrument of Praise is a Music Ministry which operates on a national and international scale ministering physical, emotional and spiritual healing to the afflicted....
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