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.
David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him. 1 Samuel 22:1-2
David had just been driven away by Achish after pretending to be mad. He had served with him having run from Saul. Once again he’d gone from being special to ordinary; from the kings’ courts to a cave. What do you do when things go from bad to worse? Where do you go?
A cave is an underground chamber or enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea. One can easily sneak in or out without notice. It’s a confined zone. A safe haven. A hiding place.
Most people have caves, men especially. A place they recline into and shut the rest of the world away. It is where buried emotions are excavated, hidden fears exposed and hard life puzzles cracked. It could be mental or physical. According to our text, families, friends, fellows, followers as well as the distressed, debtors, and discontented are the kinds of people you can expect to see in caves. Now you know where broken hearts go.
From the ends of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is high above me. Psalm 61:2
You have a choice of places to go when life messes you up: the castle, caravan, camp, crypt or cave. While some are deadly, temporary, and inconvenient abodes; one is luxurious, comfortable, and ideal.
David was an exceptional leader. I say that because not everyone would be willing to identify with such a lifestyle – living in a cave. If someone was in prison, you would usually pay them a visit and leave afterward. If they were sick, you would visit them in the hospital and go back home. If they were dead, you’d take them to the cemetery or crematorium, bury or burn them, and leave crying
It’s one thing to be available, to give moral support and empathize, and another, to stay permanently and unconditionally with the vulnerable. It’s the height of commitment. Friend, you are not alone! Even in your cave, God is with you. Destiny helpers are there. You have been promoted. Congratulations!
Though you have allowed me to experience much trouble and distress, revive me once again! Bring me up once again from the depths of the earth! Psalm 71:20
David had something that made the people gravitate towards him. He was faithful over the sheep and God made him ruler over many people. They might have been distressed, discontented, and debtors; yet they were people. Question: Why do people incline to you? Hint: You might just be a problem solver! The solution to their global, societal, organizational, financial, emotional, mental, and health issues.
2 Samuel 23:8-39 lists the names of the mighty men whom David had. Some of these men were part of the cavemen. Friend, there’s a mighty man/woman in you! You might be distressed, discontented, and in debt right now but you’ve got potential. You are a king, a queen, a chief among the captains, a maid of honour, a strong warrior, great mentor, armour bearer, and nurturer.
The cave is a season that will pass, a process that will come to an end. When the season and process is over, you’ll come out different than you went in. It is important for you to transition from that haven to your heaven; from the hiding place to the palace. Why? Because kings don’t dwell in caves! Mighty men live in barracks!
There is a castle and conquest with your name on it. Note: Every mighty man/woman you see today has at one point or another been a caveman. Selah!
So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. Then he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring me the ephod!” So Abiathar brought it. 1 Samuel 30:4,7
Most people go through situations – tribulations that inflict and incite pain and tears. Have you ever been there? David and his men were; and in fact scripture tells us they cried until they could no longer cry. Yes, men do cry especially the macho, bossy, handsome and eloquent ones. The one walking, sitting, eating, drinking, living, and sleeping with you. Selah!
After David and his crew exhausted their energy crying, he knew to seek the will of God! Friend, you can cry all you want over that challenge but until you get in the WORD, change will not come. Grab the ephod! The Holy Spirit is near to help, why don’t you activate your divine recovery?
And David asked [consulted] the Lord, saying: Shall I pursue after these robbers, and shall I overtake them, or not? And the Lord said to him: Pursue after them: for thou shalt surely overtake them and recover the prey. 1 Samuel 30:8.
What has the enemy plundered you of? Have you been robbed and emptied of health, wealth, love, peace, joy, hope, or simply put, fulfilment? Quit crying. Wipe your tears and get ready to recover the losses!
I heard a word: Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and the prey rescued from the tyrant.
Isaiah 49:25
They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11a
I’ve known the hymn ‘We’ll Understand It Better By And By ’in its entirety for well over 25 years. It’s one of my family’s top 5.
Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand
All the ways of God would lead us to that blessed promised land;
But he guides us with his eye,
And we’ll follow till we die,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.
By and by, when the morning comes,When the saints of God are gathered home, We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome, For we’ll understand it better by and by.
Temptations, hidden snares often take us unawares,
And our hearts are made to bleed for a thoughtless word or deed;
And we wonder why the test when we try to do our best,
But we’ll understand it better by and by.
In 1991 I tried to understand while and after singing it during my grandma’s burial. I couldn’t.
In 1992 during my mum’s funeral, it didn’t make sense at all but I memorized the words anyway and sang weeping uncontrollably.
In 1998, my grandpa with whom I spent a lot of time passed. That was beyond the limits and confused me the more yet I kept singing. See, I’ve never lost my PRAISE!
God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. Genesis 1:5
The evening has to pass (expire) before the morning can come (begin). The old has to go so the new can come. The former has to make room for the latter. Get ready friend because like the breaking of dawn, your breaking news shall be heard!
There is wisdom in the writings of the ancient:
Weeping may ENDURE (prevail or persist) for a night BUT joy COMES (arrives or occurs) in the morning. Psalm 30:5
But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 2 Peter 3:8
A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Psalm 90:4
Whether a thousand years or watch in the night, by and by; before long, eventually, ultimately, or finally, you will tell your story.
A story contains details and specifics of an act or occurrence or course of events. Events are significant circumstances that happen at particular places and times. Places and times are key components of events.
There is a season for everything and a time for every event under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
I don’t know what, when, and where you’ve been through but I know there’s a purpose for it. To give you a story – a testimony!
Everybody has a story, some sort of history, or chronicle of accounts. Every part of your story is important. There is nothing you have been through that’s a waste. It might be complicated but it’s complete. It might have very little or many reference points but that’s alright. It may not be common or predictable because it’s unique to you. Some people might not take interest in it, but many others would pay to read, view or hear it. Another interesting thing about stories is you recall past memories in order to tell them. Your mind comes alive with a story.
I know in journalism, reporters often highlight developing stories to enlighten and update the public but they don’t quite captivate and satisfy like a complete story. Just as half-cooked foods are detrimental to the body, so can semi-complete stories be to an audience. You’ve got to wait for an atmospheric and seasonal shift to occur before you tell it. Let it come together before you share.
You might be pleased to know:
The night is far advanced, and day is about to dawn. Romans 13:12a
Get ready to testify, to TELL the STORY of how you OVERCAME!
For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things. 2 Peter 1:3a
Most people claim to have power or believe in ‘someone or thing’ that does. Our text shows that God’s power is divine. It’s supreme, excellent, colossal, and creative, and the ultimate. This power cannot be challenged mainly because its possessor is an uncreated being.
In the beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned) created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
God existed before the beginning. He is the only uncreated creator. Every other inventor including you and I were created by HIM. Take a moment and ponder on God’s creative power. Selah! David did and in Psalm 8 gives a profound response.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent [majestic, magnificent, lofty] is thy name (Elohim, Adonai, Yahweh) in ALL the earth! Psalm 8:1
I say response because the ultimate purpose of every creation is to reflect the aims and intents of the creator. A knife is created to cut, a house to provide shelter, a human being to praise.
I have formed these people for myself. They will praise me. Isaiah 43:21
Praise is always in response to an act or display. You are always inspired to praise an actor or art. Selah!
Have you experienced the love, mercy or strength of God lately? That’s an act, praise Him for it. Have you seen his reflection in creation perhaps the galaxy, people or other objects? That’s art, praise HIM for it. Give the right response because God created or inspired its creation.
Peter said God has bestowed on us ALL THINGS according to this creative power. I don’t really know but perhaps you feel like you have no things let alone some things, or all things, but I want to encourage you to take God at his word. Here’s what the Holy Spirit impressed in my heart:
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
God is doing (performing, effecting, executing) a new thing. New things are innovations – creations that serve to relegate the old and dominate the present. He goes further to say I am making (constructing, preparing, producing) a way. Did you get the emphasis? Not only is He doing a new thing, He is also making ways and streams in the midst of whatever constitutes your wasteland.
Whatever your need or challenge today, be rest assured God is creating a road-map. He’s providing direction and flow. You will experience the rain of God’s blessings richly, profusely and heavily. It will pour and flow! Friend, God is doing and making things – new things for you. It’s a big production!
I prophesy to you on this 8th month that you experience the creative power of God anew in your life! May things that have long been hidden beneath the surface begin to spring up!! You will walk in those ways, streams, opportunities and endowments God has given you!!!
But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37
I took a short walk at lunch time today during which I was reminded and impressed by the Holy Spirit to say something about YES!
Yes is an affirmative answer or decision. It is a consenting reply often used to express polite interest, attention, promise or covenant. It’s only a 3 –lettered word but the implication is far weightier.
I came across the song ‘Yes’ by Shekinah Glory some years back and I remember staying up one particular night telling God yes. I had so many conversations with Him throughout the night – some of which I don’t remember but I do recall signing up for a whole lot of things.
Prior to this night, I had said yes lots of times but this one was different. I said yes to trusting and waiting like Abraham. Yes to unrestricted worship and continual intercession. Yes to giving, serving, forgiving and loving people. Yes to His way and will. I went as far as vowing to never dilute my praise even if I lost all like Job. I pleaded to always have a spot in the sanctuary so I could stand with uplifted hands and unrestrained lips. I dedicated my unborn children to the service of the sanctuary. Yes!
Like the psalmist in Psalm 63, I told God – I’d seen him do miraculous things in my life; that of my grandparents, parents, siblings, extended family, and friends and if He still was in the business of signs and wonders, and needed a vessel, I was willing and available!
Here are few truths about yes:
Yes is costly but rewarding Zeal can coerce many into saying things they do not mean but commitment is a proven mark of distinction. A few men had applied to become disciples. Let’s review the interview case studies of these candidates:
57 As they were walking along someone said to Jesus, “I will always follow you no matter where you go.”58 But Jesus replied, “Remember, I don’t even own a place to lay my head. Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but I, the Messiah, have no earthly home at all.”59 Another time, when he invited a man to come with him and to be his disciple, the man agreed—but wanted to wait until his father’s death.60 Jesus replied, “Let those without eternal life concern themselves with things like that. Your duty is to come and preach the coming of the Kingdom of God to the entire world.” 61 Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will come, but first let me ask permission of those at home.” 62 But Jesus told him, “Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:57-62)
And to the disciples who had been faithfully following him, He said:
23 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26)
Note when you do not say yes, you are deliberately making a contrary decision which goes on record. On the other hand, there is a reward for saying yes but the price must be paid first. If it were you in any of these scenarios, would you still say yes?
Your yes will be tested, tried, confirmed and reconfirmed Mary was a young virgin of 17. Waited all her life to get licensed and just when it was about to happen, God sends Gabriel to tell her: You are highly favoured and I know this because God has chosen you of all people as the vessel He’ll impregnate. You will give birth to the Messiah who will save the people. By Mary’s yes, she appeared to be a moron, disgrace, and worst of all, a Gypsy who ended up having her baby in a manger. Her yes drove her from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and then to Egypt, and back to Nazareth. She took a round trip all because of her YES! What shall we say then about the 3 Hebrew young men and Daniel, who set themselves apart while in Babylon? They refused the king’s delicacies and settled for water and vegetables. Their yes’ were tested by fire and Daniel’s with the Lion’s Den. When the heat’s turned up and Den opened, will your answer still be yes?
Yes is a more personal than collective response Overnight, Moses went from being a prince in the palace to a fugitive roaming the desert. He eventually got a job as a shepherd until God decided to light up the burning bush just to get his attention. After a long dialogue with God, he said yes. And because he said yes, Israel was able to say yes! Gideon was hiding from the Midianites and threshed wheat at a winepress. The angel of the Lord located and called him a mighty man of valour.
Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”(Judges 6:14)
He haggled with God after a few fleece tests but said yes in the end. With his yes and just 300 men, God delivered Israel and gave them victory over the Midianites. I may never know your calling but what’s your answer? Is it yes?
Your yes is your induction to God’s deeper and higher; simply put your promotion. Samuel was first an answered prayer – miracle. He had been living in the sanctuary since he was weaned. One night he heard a voice constantly calling, he eventually yielded by saying “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening”. From then onwards, he was known as a prophet, judge and a high priest also. Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord calling “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” When he said, “Here am I. Send me!” God enrolled and elevated him. John also heard a voice like a trumpet saying “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”. He said yes and because of his yes we have a vivid account of heaven, hell, and the things to come. There are ‘hereafters ‘ that God wants to enlighten you about, will you say yes to the call?
God wants your yes Jesus showed John an imagery of how He stands and knocks at the door of everyone’s heart. John records His words” If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20).
Paul harmonises with this revelation when he writes:
9 If you openly say, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from death, you will be saved. 10 Yes, we believe in Jesus deep in our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we openly say that we believe in him, and so we are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)
Jesus is standing, knocking and calling you, would you say yes?
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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eyes. Could it just be that’s all you need right now?
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.
