by Jeanie | Oct 25, 2008 | Uncategorised
Exodus 32(KJV)
26Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
Last week, I shared with you, an attitude or if you like a posture we ought to assume when it seems like we are encountering delay. Today, I’m taking it little bit further and we’ll learn what it means to be on the Lord’s side.
When we hear the phrase ‘Taking Sides’, we of course would consider the fact that there is more than one side and then we’d go on to think of words like adversary, opponent, antagonist, controversy, dispute, argument and perhaps terms like complainant and defendant. When one is taking sides, they are supporting a group against another, they are positioned on one side in conflict with the other and they have an agenda and opinion that cannot concur with opposite sides.
Throughout scripture, you’ll see men and women assert their position; you’ll hear Joshua say “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”, and Ruth “Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God”; you’ll even come across Jesus saying to His disciples “Let’s go over to the other side”.
In the text above, Israel, God’s chosen people had just committed idolatry and Moses, just coming down from the mountain poses this question to them “Who is on the Lord’s side?” and the same time tells them how to respond “let him come unto me”.
It’s amazing how the scripture records that Moses stood at the gate of the camp whilst asking this question. We know that one of the functions of a gate is to make a demarcation between two areas; Moses was in other words saying, Folks; your action will prove your conviction; if you come to me then I’ll know you are on the Lord’s side. Can you see the correlation between this and James’ writing?
James 2
- What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
- So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
If you read the rest of Exodus 32, you’ll notice that everyone who didn’t cross over to Moses was slain, they died. Death, whether physical or spiritual is the result you get if you are not on the Lord’s side ; you start living a half-life, a life of gradual decay; you keep losing energy until you have none left. But a person on the Lord’s side Lives – They live by faith! They hear the word, believe in it, they talk it, walk it and act upon it; that’s why they make it through.
I want to encourage you to act like the Levites today, separate yourself from the crowd, cross over and slay anything that does not agree with what you do. Believe God, when He says It (whatever you are believing Him for) will happen; be it your healing, finances, relationship, marriage, fruit of the womb, long life, whatever it is. Put some attitude to your belief, lift your prophetic finger, point towards whichever direction you need to, make your position clear and speak! I’m crossing over, play time is over, I’ll quit saying “I can’t afford this” I’ll start saying “my needs are met according to God’s riches in glory”
I know someone reading this is scared they’ll die soon – No, you won’t! If you believe God’s word that says through Him your days will be many and years will be added to your life. Maybe your fear is not surviving this credit crunch – God delights in the prosperity of his servants and whatever God delights in, he brings to pass – you will not go under! You’ll cross over! Over to the winning side, over to the Living side – The Lord’s side.
More on this series:
Who is on the Lord’s side? 1
by Jeanie | Oct 16, 2008 | Uncategorised
Hello Friend,
This will not be long as I did not plan to do it but I believe that this will encourage you.
Exodus 32
26Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, who is on the LORD’s side? Let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
From the text, we know that it was around the time that Moses went to the mount to fellowship with the Lord but because he delayed in coming down, the children of Israel gathered around Aaron and convinced him to make them gods to lead them. Are you puzzled? I am too however, let’s continue.
Delay, delay, delay. This is only a five-lettered word but its effect cannot till date be numbered.
So what is delay? I love the definition that says it is an inactivity, which results in something being deferred until a later date. It doesn’t say that it is stopped or brought to an end. Whenever there’s inactivity, it is supposed to be a time of rest, a time of refreshing, a time of peace. God spoke to his people through his prophet Jahaziel in 2 Chronicles 20:17 – “You won’t fight this battle. [Instead,] take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the LORD for you, Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be frightened or terrified. Tomorrow go out to face them. The LORD is with you.” In other words, relax; I’ll take care of this one.
A person who’s on the Lord side knows this truth and if you develop this attitude towards delay, you will not be anxious another day of your life. You’ve heard the saying delay does not mean denial and it is true. Here’s another word of encouragement from God’s prophet, Habakkuk.
Habakkuk 2:3
The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward its goal. It won’t be a lie. If it’s delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won’t be late.
I want you to begin to encourage yourself with this word; say, my vision will happen, certainly, assuredly, definitely, it will happen. Friend, if it’s money especially in this season that we live in– just release your faith through the words you speak – it will happen. Is it a job? Is it your child (ren)? A family member? Whatever it is that you need, just confess that it will happen. It’s only delayed, not terminated. In fact, take a leap of faith and declare it done!
If you read the rest of the chapter and the next, you will notice that eventually, Moses came down. Do you feel like what you are believing God for is far up in the horizon, too distant for your reach; don’t worry, it will come down! Come on; let’s say it together IT WILL COME DOWN, IT WILL HAPPEN!
More on this series:
Who is on the Lord’s side? 1
by Jeanie | Sep 27, 2008 | Uncategorised
Psalm 106 is the last of the 4th division of the book of psalms. Within it is the summary of our last three lessons; it also begins and ends with a commendation to praise the Lord.
The psalmist says in verse 12
Then at last his people believed his promises
Then they finally sang his praise
Psalm 57:7
My heart is confident in you, O God
No wonder I can sing your praises
From these texts, we could conclude that praise and/or singing is an outward rendition or release of our faith. It is our trust and belief in God.
Sing!
Although Isaiah 54 speaks of the future glory of Jerusalem or if you like, The Restoration of Israel following their Babylonian captivity; God will have me encourage you today with this passage.
- Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
- Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
- 3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
- 4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
Isaiah 54:1-4
The prophet begins with the word “Sing”. In this passage, it means to shout for joy, a victorious praise. Please note that although singing is a form of praise, it is not the same as praise.
The next phrase of this verse says “O barren, you who have not borne”. In ancient Israel, a woman who was unable to conceive and bear children was considered a reproach. God through the prophet spoke to the exiles who had their glory stripped from them and were carried off to Babylon saying “sing” I know your needs, your desire to be free – sing , praise Me because I’m about to turn things around; Enlarge the place of your tent, because I’ve broken the shame of your unfruitfulness and will fill your barns with plenty, forget the former things, the pains and shame of the past ,behold I do a new thing , I am restoring you. Friend, Can you hear the word of the Lord to you today?
What’s Praise got to do with it?
The battle is won and the victory is yours, Heaven is just waiting on you to release your faith in God through praise so that the earth would yield her increase.
Psalm 67: 5-6
- Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
- [Then] shall the earth yield her increase; [and] God, [even] our own God, will bless us.
JUDAH – The history of this front liner
Judah is the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. In Judges, chapter 1, verses 1-12, Israel was preparing for battle and they inquired of the Lord, Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites? The Lord answered them …Judah is to go. Later, in Judges 20:18 we find the same inquiry, who of us shall go first to fight against the Benjamites? The Lord replied, Judah shall go first.
Why should Judah go first?
Because God encamps and moves wherever Judah is. He is known in Judah (Psalm 76:1), Judah is his sanctuary (Psalm 114:2).
Jehoshaphat caught this revelation and applied it when the Moabites, Ammonites and the Meunites came to make war with him. After he had inquired and heard from the Lord, he sent the singers ahead of the army. As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against his enemies, and they were defeated.
Many times God will give you the key to your breakthrough but before you use it send your praise ahead.
MORE ABOUT JUDAH – You break up, we make up
Judah occupied the hill country in the west of the Dead Sea and there came a time after the death of Solomon that the ten northern tribes of Israel broke away. Only the tribes of Judah were left to form the southern Kingdom; also called Judah.
In the midst of separation and conflict – praise and ‘praisers’ stand. It doesn’t matter what has happened to you, there is praise in you, send it forth. Never mind the things that try to break or oppose you instead release your faith in God with your songs of praise and watch God rebuild you.
Always ensure that your praise precedes your need.
by Jeanie | Sep 26, 2008 | Uncategorised
Dear Friend,
A few weeks ago, I briefly touched on what the proper response of a remnant should be. Let’s continue from there. I pray that you will be blessed.
Having read some portions of the scripture, I realised that in every age God has specified how he desires to be worshipped. There was a time he demanded that the tribe of Levi be separated and consecrated unto him and at another time he prescribed that altars be built and that sacrifices be made. There was also a time that he was no longer pleased with sacrifices and desired that his people would rend their hearts and not their garments; he was never going to despise a broken and a contrite heart.
But you are a chosen generation
A royal priesthood, a holy nation
His own special people , that you may proclaim
The praises of Him who called you
Out of darkness into His marvellous light. 1 Peter 2: 9 (NKJV)
This scripture says that we’ve been called out of darkness. I think this is a good cause to give God praise. It also says that we’ve been brought into his marvellous light; more cause why we should worship him.
I know the terms praise and worship are often used interchangeably but they are not one and thesame. Whilst praise is a response to God’s deeds, worship flows from the heart in humble adoration and reverence to God’s worth.
I’m not trying to say that we should worship God only when we’ve experienced his benefits; God is worthy to be worshipped and adored regardless. Do you know the reason God created and sustained you is that you would worship him?
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11 (KJV)
For his pleasure! The word pleasure and the word pleasing have thesame root word that denotes something acceptable, enjoyable, satisfying, palatable, and comely. Many times in scripture after people sacrificed, God will say, this is pleasing to me or it’s a sweet smelling savour to my nostrils; in other words I am delighted in what you’ve done.
Pleasure! That’s what Noah brought God when he built an altar and sacrificed. God was so pleased that he promised never to destroy the earth. His worship got him a promise, not just for his generation but for generations to come. This is deep; I hope you can feel it.
Hezekiah’s time was up. God had already concluded it and sent his prophet to notify his servant. You have to understand that Hezekiah whose name means “Jehovah is strength” was a good king. During his reign, he abolished idolatry in his kingdom and kept the ordinances of God (e.g. celebrated passover). When he got the news, the scripture says he turned to the wall and prayed to the Lord. I could almost hear him say: God, how can I die when you are my strength, what about your word that says that I will live and not die to declare your works. Remember how I’ve obeyed you, how I’ve given myself completely to you and done what is pleasing in your sight, how shall I then die?
The scripture records that before Isaiah left that building , God sent him back to announce to Hezekiah that he would be healed and live another fifteen years. Noah obtained a lasting promise; Hezekiah received his healing and prolonged living, what have you? Oh that our lives may please God and our worship will be to him a sweet smelling savour.
Related journals:
I’m still here!
THE TESTIMONY OF A REMNANT
by Jeanie | Jun 27, 2008 | Uncategorised
Hello Friend,
I hope that you are prospering in all things as God’s desire for you especially in this season. I was in a prayer meeting recently when the Spirit of the Lord said “We have the victory” and I want to encourage you regardless of what you are facing, that you walk victoriously with your head held high, talk like one who’s more than a conqueror and watch God shift things on your behalf. Amen!
We started discussing the complaining Spirit in the last journal, let’s wrap it up nicely.
Numbers 11:4-6
4 Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat?
5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic;
6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”
The Complaining Spirit – Pt 2
I found another definition of complain to be a loud low dull continuous noise which sometimes results in one making remarks or noises under their breath.
It is important that you carefully choose who you hang with. Your friends or group can build or ruin you. Here’s what Paul had to say:
1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
I love how the International Standard Version puts it “Stop being deceived: “Wicked friends lead to evil ends”.
I’d like to imagine that from Israel’s recent experience with God. They know that God hears and answers prayer but yet they did not do this rather they “Wept again” meaning they carried on crying, lamenting and complaining. I’m talking about folks who had just repented; they were sorry for what they did. They cried unto Moses and Moses prayed to the Lord and God in His mercy quenched the fire that burnt among them (Numbers 11:2).
They were probably still in shock and also happy that God had preserved their lives but the foreign rabble who were travelling with them began to crave the good things of Egypt and they too instead of trusting the God who before now had provided manna and water from nowhere, they joined the multitude and ended up asking the most unreasonable question ever: “Who will give us meat to eat”?
They had easily forgotten all the benefits God loaded them with; they had lost their joy and resorted to complaining yet again. 
If you read further down this scripture, you’ll see that God gave them their desire in abundance but while the meat was still in their mouths; God struck them with a terrible plague and they died; what for? Complaining (Numbers 11:33).
You might be going through a very difficult time now and yes you have prayed and praised about this but nothing has happened yet; I want to encourage you not to be weary in doing good because in due season (which is now) you will reap a harvest of blessing if you don’t give up. This is your set time of favour. Your hour is now!
John 16:21(NASB)
“Whenever a woman is in labour she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.
Friend, you are due and your time of delivery is close, much closer than you thought. Your expectation will not be cut short; you will not be denied. Your desire will soon be satisfied.
I hear God say, you will remember your pain no more. Shout unto God with a voice of triumph if you believe that the battle is won and you have overcome. Rejoice!
More in this series:
Conquer and plunder 1
Conquer and plunder 2
