- 1Timothy 4:7b-8/Hebrews 11:6
- John 3:16/Matthew 9:29(27-31)
- Galatians 3:6-9/Romans 4:17-25
About Becoming Whom & What You Believe
Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.“
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 10:30, 34-35 “I and my Father are one . . . Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If He called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken“
Psalms 82:6 “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are the children of the most High “
Genesis 26:12-14 “. . . And the man Became great, and went forward, and grew until he Became very great . . .“
The Act of Believing is made available to all mankind. It is an integral default in men. Man’s existence today has a lot to do with whom and what He believes in. Whom and What you believe in determines how your destiny is being shaped and moulded. It’s for this cause people of all races, nations, genders and generations are in one conflict or the other, either on personal levels or general levels. God wants us to exercise Faith in whatsoever we Believe Him for. Believing God is a characteristic of Faithfulness, but exercising Faith on what you believe Him for, it is your human spirit responding on your belief on the word of God. That is, your human spirit acting on the word of God.
FAITH: Is acting on the Belief
BELIEVE: Is the characteristics of Faithfulness
Faith must be acted. God’s blessings upon your life depend on your Faith. Fear is a demon spirit and is the opposite of faith and the devil’s instrument to paralyse your Faith in God.
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
By Faith, you become whom and what you Believe. Abraham believed God and it was counted or reckoned unto him for righteousness, he became what he believed of himself in God. Faith is the seeing eye of the act of Believing – Galatians 3:6-9 (Romans 4:17-25). The two blind men believed the Word of Christ, they become (had) what they believed in Faith for – Matthew 9:29 (27-31). The act to believe and exercise faith is spiritual – Take time to Think or Ponder or Meditate on these things (Philippians 4:8).
JESUS IS COME! . . . This Christmas
‘Celebrating Christ Birth & His Cause – Commemorating God’s Love’
Luke 19:10 ‘‘For the Son of man IS COME to seek and to save THAT which was lost.’’
Matt 1:16-25 ‘’And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ . . . Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost . . . And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins . . . Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us . . . And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS’’
Romans 5:8 ‘‘But God commended his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’’
John 3:16-18 ‘‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’’
Hallelujah! Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!! It’s Christmas again!!! I bring you kingdom special greetings in the precious name of our saviour and Lord Jesus Christ in whom we live, we move and we have our being. Amen! It beholds God in His grace to call you His people in which am empowered in this commission of the Gospel to pray and trust that you will find the good will to celebrate Christ and His cause on earth and to commemorate the love that the season brings – This Christmas!
Christmas 2009 Special Edition
Thanks to God for Christmas, for the smiles and hopes it brings and beams on peoples faces during this season. And it’s all because Christmas is not merely about the story of the nativity of Christ but the life of His person in us and the cause for which He was born. Looking through the windows of the various media in respect of the happenings in the world today – a time of mans ‘great’ invention and discovery, economic empowering of man, science and technology in various fields of life – none of them has given us either peace nor harmony but trauma in all human phases of existence. Today, killings and wars go on our streets, uncertainties in our nations, our world with political and economic instability, Climate technocrats predictions with uncertainties, family failures and breakdown, relationship unfaithfulness, generational and moral decadence, business, entrepreneur and career setbacks etc, just to name a few. All this being is in pursuit of answers to human needs and problems. Our world cries with great thirst and hunger, seeking for who will quench her yearnings, desires and aspirations. This is the reason that Christmas – a yearly celebrating of the birth of Christ and His cause on earth and commemorating of the God’s kind of Love – is vital to all mankind irrespective of religious beliefs, race, gender and generation.
Christmas may be sectioned in this wise on this special edition: ‘CHRIST’ – meaning the anointed One, the Messiah, the Saviour. ‘MAS’ or ‘MASS’ – is the yearly Celebration of the birth of Christ and His cause with the sharing of that grace and the benediction of the triune God expressed through their love to mankind as in 2Cor.13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen”
This Christmas – Christ Is Come!
Luke 19:10 ‘‘For the Son of man IS COME to seek and to save THAT which was lost.”
Matthew 5:6 ‘’ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
Haggai 2:5-9 “According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. 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.’’
Revelation 5:9-10”And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”
JESUS IS COME! . . . This Christmas. What does it really mean? This is to call to conscience in our sub-human consciousness that we intend to do this season. The reason for the season, that is, the significance and the purposes of God for which our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ came to earth is the same today as it has always been regardless changes or make-over to our gender, race, generation and ethical perspectives.
There is a strong thirst and hunger for justice, peaceful life, wholesome living, safe environment, stable economy, steadfast family, lively and healthy living and relationship, true freedom, awesome opportunity and prosperity etc. In every nation people cry out daily in the depth of their inner soul for a good and prosperous livelihood. The scriptures indicate that only in Christ Jesus shall the desire of all nations come to be. And Jesus in His birth as in His death came to meet that purpose and earnest desire.
This Christmas is another time and opportunity to take advantage of the season to reaffirm your faith and take a bold step to see that the cause of Christ on earth by His birth is truly realised in your personal life; your family, community and nation. Otherwise, this Christmas will as always go as it comes, nothing will change and the struggle will continue in place of absolute opportunity to have and enjoy to the fullness of the cause of Christ being born to us as in the holy writ.
That Christ is come this Christmas helps to remind us of three key points which I want you to come to know which are found in the scripture of Luke 19:10 ‘‘For the Son of man IS COME to seek and to save THAT which was lost.”
Christ is come . . . this Christmas to:
Beloved, this Christmas, as always in every Christmas, Jesus is come to give you the hope you long for, the peace you crave for, the life your earnestly will for and more importantly the love you pray to see come to reality in every phase of your life. The birth of Christ is come to bring forth a complete and total redemption for all mankind. A wholesome Redemption affecting your social, physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing even as Jesus experiences as in the holy write of
1 Thessalonians 5:23 ‘‘And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Luke 2:40, 52 ‘‘And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. . . And Jesus increased in wisdom (mentally) and stature (physically), and in favour with God (spiritually) and man (socially/emotionally).”
I pray that as you go through this Christmas special edition you will find enlightenment – Inspiration, Revelation and Empowerment – in your spirit, soul and body.
The Christ – In Humanity
1 John 4:1-3 ‘’Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world”
John 1:14 ‘’And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth’’
1 John 5:7-12 ‘’ For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life: and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life’’
1Timothy 3:16 ‘’And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory’’
As I skip through the various media communications – Newspapers and news channels on TV and radio; and make and receive phone calls, go through the world wide web – internet, drive though the streets in town – the jingling one hears is of the Christmas news and events. People of all nations are buying, selling, making or marking an event to make this Christmas worth celebrating.
However there are other opinions about Christmas, while some say Christmas is not important and is not worth any form of celebration, some say that it’s a heathen day, a pagan holiday while others indicate that December 25th is not the day on which Christ was born but in October, however with no date to it. According to some it is for pagans and satanic due to the glamorous events and activities that are now associated to this date especially with the financial indiscipline and indebtedness people entangle themselves with as a result of it.
May I say that just because the enemy perverts and distorts the meaning and essence of the celebration of Christmas, does not mean that we should let go of that which we believe is of God – that is, Christ was born for us all according to the scriptures. For me and every supposed spirit born child of God, what is vital in the whole scenario of indifference is that Christ was born in the flesh – humanity. The act of acknowledging this very fact and truth of God in the light of the Holy Scriptures makes the journey of the Christian FAITH meaningful to anyone that dares believe in Christ Jesus our saviour and Lord. Amen!
The scriptures as in 1 John 4:1 –3 and 1 John 5:7-12 say that any person or people who do not acclaim that Christ was born in the flesh (humanity) are the antichrist. Christ means – the Messiah, the Saviour, the anointed one, while ‘anti’ means – to be against. This indicates that such a person does not believe in Christ’s virgin and humanity birth and as such becomes an enemy of JEHOVAH God. It’s also proof that such a person or group of persons have undermined the record and prophesy spoken of God in time prior to Christ’s birth even as in the holy writ -1 John 5:9-12; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7. Such an individual or group, the Holy Scripture calls a fool – for the fool says in his heart there is no God. (Psalms 14:1; Isaiah 53:1)
Birth Of Christ
Isaiah 7:14 ‘’Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel‘’ (Matthew 1:23)
Micah 5:2 ‘’But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Matt 2:6)
Gen. 49:10 ‘’The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be’’
To celebrate means to observe in a special way, to praise, honour, solemnise, worship and to make merriments of great joy.
Celebrating the birth of Christ is the most awesome event any creation of God should count a privilege to partake in – not only in this season of life but as a daily experience. When you come to know the cause and significance of His birth and what it has brought to you as an individual you will desire to have Him born in your heart and not just in the world or in a manger they say. You will be compelled to seek after Him, to worship, honour and celebrate him like the three wise men from the east according to the scriptures – Matt 2:1–12; Luke 2:1-20.
Let us celebrate him for he is born indeed; He is indeed born in our hearts and in our being. His birth is the rebirth of:
The Cause – of Christ’s Birth
John 18:37 ‘’Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this CAUSE came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice’’
1John 3:8 ‘’He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this PURPOSE the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil’’
John 3:16 ‘‘For God so loved the world, that he GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’’
In Christmas season, people make that special journey to see their loved ones – friends and family. Some change their residential environment, move or buy a property, change a wardrobe, furniture, house curtains, and electronics and with some theirs is to make some outstanding decorations and paintings. Some might have gone to buy their first car or change for another, while some move to new cities or towns; others are making the best of a special tantalising meal after a long time. Promises and relationships are established or re-established with special love tokens; some are entering for the first time or relocating back to the Church after some absence and many, many other doings.
Only the heavens can explain or quantify to what extent money has exchanged hands and travels to meet the human demands. The groceries store and manufacturers have to put extra effort to meet the targets of human needs and wants which invariably had taken root of mans heart during this season. Unfortunately some may not have the economic power in terms of finance, yet they will do anything to see their wishes come to reality.
And as important as these cravings or uncontrollable desires are to meet some self set standards, they are incomparable with the true reason for the season – The CAUSE for which Christ came or was born into the world. The Holy writ indicates that Christ was born for these undermentioned causes:
Commemorating Love – God’s Gift of Life
Romans. 5:8 ‘’But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’’
John 1:18 ‘’No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’’
1 John 4:7-11”Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another’’
To commemorate is an act of remembrance and attributing honour and to keep alive the memory of the love of God towards us because of what Jesus has done. This Christmas – the annual or yearly celebration of the birth of Christ – can only be relevant and be of great virtue when God’s kind of love becomes our centre pace of life. In other words our celebration should not centre only on the food, wine and merriment. The main core heart-of-God why we celebrate Christ is to commemorate God’s LOVE that He has abundantly showered to the world. It is for this Love drive that Christ came into the world.
If there be any meaningful reason to celebrate, we must take out time from our comfort zone to demonstrate this great love for which we’ve been received and accepted in the beloved of God. When we lift the banners of this love in a genuine heart, we will end the bitterness of life without struggle, it will stop wars and killings on our streets, it will comfort the bereaved and strengthen the Orphans; it will end hunger and thirst in our neighbourhood and in the world today. In more ways than one, It will give clothing and shelter to the less-have or helpless; it will save the lives of children betrayed by their parents; It will stop the marital and relationship breakdowns and decadence. It will silence the terrorist and expose their hidings; it will keep at bay the networks of evil activities in our societies. It will silence the enemy of our generation. Gossip, betrayal, kidnappings and others will die a natural death. Love is the only spiritual silence and antidote that can keep our enemy at bay while we advance the Gospel of the Lord in our various activities of life.
Jesus was born with love and in love and he died for love. God is love and all who indeed celebrate His son – Lord Jesus Christ – must celebrate Him with a large heart of a true and genuine Love as also found in the following scriptures. 1 John 4:6-21 and 5:1-12.
Finally: The Mass – The Benediction
2 Corinth.13:14 ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen’
Beloved as wonderful as Christmas celebration is, be it known today that Christ is enthroned. He is no longer the:
He is the God on the throne and everywhere at the same time, having dominion and authority over all thing, all flesh, all power and authority; He is the uncreated creator and reigns in majesty and dominion over all (Rev. 1:10-18; 19:16; Matt. 28:18; Phil 3:21). Let us enthrone him in our heart, crown Him King of kings and Lord of lords and establish His presence in a daily celebration and not just in another one year again.
I challenge and commend everyone who by virtue of grace have been ignited by the spirit of love to arise with faith and earnestly go and extend the good love of God in your hearts to others – that is the essence of a true living. You can begin from your home and the fire will spread to give hope to someone else near you.
I pray you have and enjoy a fabulous and great celebration of this Christmas and may God’s eternal love ever be your portion and prosper your goings during this season as you commemorate His love.
JESUS IS COME!
Dare to Celebrate Him & His Cause . . . Commemorate God’s Love In Him
In His World For His Glory,
Pst Chukie MORSI
MERRY CHRISTMAS and BLESSED YEAR 2010!
Doing Exploits Worthy of REMEMBRANCE
Achievers’ Essence Of Being Faithful In All of Life’s Labour
Daniel 11:32 “. . . but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits”
Malachi 3:16-18 “Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not”
Matthew 26:13 “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her”
Greetings
Shalom & kingdom greetings in the precious name of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. It gives me great pleasure and joy to welcome you into this precious month AFD of September edition as we consider and take stock of our life in many issues even as we begin to see the year come to a close.
September 2009 Edition
I specially welcome you to this month of September as we examine the essence of “Doing Exploits Worthy Of Remembering”. The month of September is always very crucial to me on a yearly basis. It’s because it re-echoes and reminds me of three important foods for thought every year. The first and the second reminder are my birthdays – spiritual birth and natural birth.
The spiritual birth has a lot of importance when I remember the circumstances surrounding my salvation and how being born again has transformed not just my life but that of my family and relatives. My natural birthday has equally made me come to consider and reason life as the Psalmist – Psalm 90:12. This makes me re-evaluate and reflect not necessarily how old I am but how well I have lived and want to make up and strengthen my life to be more meaningful by appreciating the graces of God with time – Eph. 5:16; Ecc. 8:5.
The third bit however is that the month of September is a turn into the months of the MBER’s – SepteMBER, OctoBER, NoveMBER, and DeceMBER. This signifies the closing of the year to usher in another year and I have to re-evaluate what the year has been and what I need to make up in order to end with testimonies of God’s grace on me.
However, above all, September being the ninth month of the year engages me with each of the nine spiritual fruit and gifts of the blessed Holy Spirit as in Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Corinthian 12:4-11 and how much they influence my life and my day to day lifestyle as a child of God and as God’s ministerial servant. In here I can receive inspiration, revelation and empowerment that formulate the graces of God to build my life and faith in God.
I pray that as we begin to unfold the graces of God in light of my food for thought, you will find inspiration, revelation and empowerment in this edition of – “Doing Exploits Worthy Of REMEMBRANCE” and our God will find a place in His heart to record your name and make a memorial of you in Jesus’ name, amen. Therefore, as in Ecclesiastics 9:10, maximise every single opportunity that comes your way to make an investment worthy of Remembrance; be it in regards to finance, talent, time, physique, ideals, and as you may be led by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, do it with all graces of faith within you. This is an achievers’ opportunity to create a remarkable print in life.
REMEMBRANCE – Doing Exploits
Daniel 11:32 “. . . but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits”
James 1:22-25 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed”
Proverbs 22:28-29 “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”
The book of Daniel indicates that as many who claim to know God should have two characteristics. They are to:
The reason being that there’s a book of REMEMBRANCE as in Malachi 3:16-18 where every record of our lifestyle and investment with time in the kingdom on this side of heaven is. That’s why James 1:22-25, says we should be Doers of every instructed Word of God not mere hearers or be dull of hearing as it says also in Hebrews 5:11-4. This is not a joke.
Doing exploits entails – taking advantage of every opportunity, making use, utilising and capitalising – every avenue to make progress and unfold the manifold wisdom of God that is available to you in order to achieve meaningful and indelible things that are worth living for.
Proverbs 22:28-29 reminds us of upholding the previous memorials of our Fathers and heroes in faith, and the need to walk, work and live diligently in order to share or partake in the graces and blessings of kings and not that of failures – Revelation 5:9-10. Diligence is imperative if we must share in the things that please God. Doing the Word that’s worth remembering comes from a life of diligence. Not just a once in a life time event but a consistent life of diligent work as God gives us the opportunity. It doesn’t have to be a very big deed all the time, but faithfulness even in the little – Hebrews 11:6; Luke 16:0-2. It means doing tangible things that make an impact and leave a lasting – eternal – effect in the lives of those around you and the good of others who may not necessarily be close to you.
REMEMBRANCE – God’s Nature
Malachi 3:16-8 “Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not”
Matthew 26:13 “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her”
Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister”
Remembrance is of God’s nature. He is not an ungrateful or unrighteous Father who forgets our work and labour of love towards His name at every given opportunity of our life towards others. For our God is a people-oriented FATHER.
Our God in heaven is a God of remembrance. A God who keeps record in that He has a book of remembrance or memorial for good to every work we do in life as His children and achievers’ in life. Hence He rewards His own for He is neither a taskmaster nor an unrewarding father as accounted unto men on earth. He is a God of infinite justice.
Salvation, the bedrock of our Christian foundation, is an act of grace through faith done in Christ Jesus for us – 1 Cor.3:11; Eph. 2:8-9. But the Crown or reward is by the working of our Faith in God through diligence – Hebrews 11:6. Diligence means a steady effort of good work, honest hard work. It also means being faithful, consistently devoted to a task or belief in accomplishing set goals without wavering. It’s for this good work that Jesus said in Matthew 26:3, acknowledging that the woman’s (Mary of Bethany) precious alabaster ointment poured on him shall be a memorial – worth remembering – in the proclaiming of the gospel.
James 2:14-26 and 1 Corinthians 3:9-23, indicate the power and effect of good work, because God will remember and reward all good work that’s worth it. In the New Testament of the Holy write – The Bible – God has laid down the principle of Faith for all as it affects the blessings of His people. To the Sinner or the lost, He offers them SALVATION; and to the Saved in Christ and faithful doer of the good work of Faith in the kingdom, He offers such REWARDS.
Our God is at work to make you a jewel of memorial as He promises that as you are His, that your services in the kingdom shall be rewarded. Your name is written in the lamb memorial book of life – REMEMBRANCE!
REMEMBRANCE – Vessel of Honour
2 Timothy 2:9-2 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work”
Malachi 2:16-18 “Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not”
2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him . . .”
Acts 10:34-36 “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)”
Our God is in search of vessels to use in His kingdom service and to honour. He is not seeking for ornaments to just do His kingdom service. God’s eyes run to and fro upon the face of the earth today, seeking for that person or people He will make strong to do exploits on his behalf and then honour them. In that He is not a respecter of persons, therefore everyone in the kingdom has all opportunity to make their way to the place of REMEMBRANCE where God can engrave them memorable.
In the kingdom of God there are various kind of vessels – some Gold, silver, bronze, wood etc. What is important is not who you are but your readiness to be used of God to enable Him to honour you. God is in search of vessels to honour and not those that feel that they can get honour for themselves. He wants to make a Jewel of implacable honour of you, in you and through you.
Are you then a vessel to be honoured or an ornament (self-made) or vessel void of honour that comes from the uncreated creator – God? Holiness is God’s nature, but righteousness is our right standing (doing) imputed in us by God through Christ Jesus to enable us to have the necessary moral goodness to do good works – 2 Cor. 5:8-21. We can only be remembered here on earth and the heavens by the good work of faith we have done in life.
REMEMBRANCE – The Request
Nehemiah 13:14, 22, 29, 31 “Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof . . . Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy . . . Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites . . . And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good”
Deuteronomy 7:7-9 “The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations”
Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister”
Revelation 5:8-10 “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth”
Isaiah 45:11-13 “Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts”
Revelation 8:3-4 “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand”
By God’s grace I have come to know that our God is good and He is a Father who is absolutely challenged and dumbfounded when a demand is placed on Him according to His word. You will always see it all through the scriptures that He will respond swiftly to honour and clear His name for good. He seeks for the vessels which know no limitations and have no adulteration to make them strong on earth and authenticate the glory of His word upon their life. He is a faithful God, who keeps His covenant and wants to shower his love on all who love him and keep His word even unto all generations. Let’s now examine some living memory of God’s faithfulness in REMEMBRANCE:
1. Nehemiah – Request for Self & Others
Nehemiah 13:14, 22, 29, 31 “Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof . . . Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy . . . Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites . . . And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good”.
Isaiah 45:11-13 “Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts”.
Nehemiah knowing what was available in God’s covenant for himself and God’s people, placed a demand on the almighty father concerning the situation they found themselves in. The Father God was compelled according to His Word to act accordingly because He could see the work and labour of faith and their thriving of grace to restore the altar of God’s glory in the land; and as they built the fallen walls of Jerusalem and restore worship and services in the temple.
Your good deeds can be an avenue of strong prayers to make the heavens answer to your appeals in time of pressured needs – Hebrews 4:14-16; Rev. 5:8; 8:3-4.
2. Jesus – Request As Earthly Ministry Ends
John 17:1-5 “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was”
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who in the days of his humanity, like Nehemiah placed a demand on the FATHER God to honour and glorify him on earth. The entire chapter of John seventeen indicates a long stretched prayer request of our Lord Jesus Christ, but began with a prayer of demand to the Father, to look at his work on earth and glorify him. And the Father God eventually answered.
In the same Spirit of our righteous consciousness of the Holy Spirit, you can place a demand on God according to His Word in line with the works that you have done by the grace of God – Rev. 2:2, 19; Hebrews 4:14-16.
3. Hezekiah – Request At Point of Death
Isaiah 38:3 ”And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore”
Rev. 8:3-4 “And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand”
Rev. 2:2, 19 “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first”
What is touching about Hezekiah’s case is the way that God remembered him at his request even though God’s verdict had been for Hezekiah to die. The parallel scriptures of Hezekiah’s case are – Isaiah 38:1-22 and 2 Kings 20:1-11 – they have it on record that he was sick unto death (physical) and God has even sent in a prophet to affirm the verdict of death sentence (spiritual) and that he should put his house in order.
In man’s understanding all hope is then gone, even a Doctor’s prediction is enough for some to start organising the kind of burial they will have, how their pension and savings should be managed and an immediate writing of a will for many matters that would be controversial after their death and many other plans.
But Hezekiah refused for his life to be cut short and refused to buy into the idea that God gives and takes away blessed be His name as Job did in his time of trouble. Hezekiah took advantage of his – Labour of love, work of grace etc – to call upon the God of REMEMBERANCE in an intensive act of prayer. The scriptures affirm that God answered, healed Hezekiah (physical) and restored him to fellowship with Him (spiritual) and gave him more years to live. What an awesome challenge and privilege of faith at work! I can perceive Hezekiah declaring to himself from:
Psalm 118:17-21 “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation”
This is the reason why Jesus set up His Church and wants us to be a member of it in particular. It is also for this reason that the Bible says in James 5:13-16 that when we are sick, afflicted or troubled we should call upon the elders of the Church and they should pray and even when our situation is as result of sin, it shall be forgiven us. This is the joy of belonging to a structured local Bible faith Church with a Shepherd – a Pastor. I promise you, the Heavens will stand still to answer their prayers on your behalf because of the worth of REMEMBRANCE placed upon the Church of Christ by God.
4. Dorcas – Request by Brethren
Acts 9:36-43 “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner”
The scripture records that Dorcas was a woman full of good works and almsdeed in her life and later died. Her good deeds were obvious that when Apostle Peter was called upon concerning her case, Peter was so moved and touched with compassion hearing the testimonies of her deeds. The recipient brethren of Dorcas works of good deed, presented to Apostle Peter her works in their life.
Upon this, Apostle Peter was compelled by great compassion to request for the heavens to REMEMBER her good works and bring her back to life as the brethren wanted her back. The Father God instantly responded to their request and brought her back to life. You can see a similar scenario when Peter was in Prison, intensive prayers were made by the Church on His behalf and God showed His outstretched arm of deliverance in their midst –Acts 12:1-19.
I pray that you resolve in you to do such an indelible and tangible work of grace in the midst of God’s people, in that local Church where you belong; to the point that they can take the challenge of your life as did for Dorcas in the Acts of the Apostles.
5. Cornelius – Request By God
Acts 10:1-4 “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”
Revelation 5:8-10 “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth”
To some people, especially among the religious and theologians, for one to request God to remember one in prayers for the good work of Faith is an extreme request. But when God is the one who is enacting ones good work as a memorial – Worthy of Remembrance – it goes to show and authenticate that the word of God in Malachi 3:6-8 is true indeed.
The scriptures recorded that the Lord God affirmed that Cornelius prayers and the good almsdeeds he has done, has come before the heavens. And the Lord resolved to make the door of His grace open unto him and his family; and the Lord went forth by using Apostle Peter as an instrument to bring this act of REMEMBERANCE to pass. The whole account can be found in Acts chapter ten.
I make bold to let you know that our God is good and faithful. He is righteous and grateful to reward every act of goodwill done in His name toward humanity. He is much more compelled to reward all work of Faith done about His kingdom plans, purposes and pursuits and to the household of Faith, His Church – Hebrews 6:10; Galatians 6:7-10.
6. Mary Of Bethany – At The Request of Christ
Matthew 26:6-13 “Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her”
There is nothing so amazing and awesome as when one is being honoured and endorsed for all to know and to keep a memorial of that honour because of the good work one has done. It becomes more majestic when ones deeds become a legacy which the heavens approve and authorise to be proclaimed whenever the gospel is preached.
This was the case of one woman – Mary of Bethany – who poured a precious alabaster box ointment upon the feet of Jesus signifying his burial. It was so timely that the religious people of those days including some of His disciples could not understand nor comprehend the mystery at that moment apart from their selfish thinking on why such precious ointment was poured on Jesus feet. Jesus on the spot affirmed the good deed she had done and declared that her work of Faith shall be a memorial and her deed would be remembered wherever the gospel was proclaimed.
You can be the same. Doing exploits that are significant, tangible and indelible in the kingdom should be the core pursuit of any child of God intending to become an Achiever. This is for those who desire their work of faith to bring forth the worth of REMEMBRANCE. I pray that the good Lord acknowledge your good work and affirm you with the worth of REMEMBRANCE.
REMEMBRANCE – Steadfastness & Faithfulness Reward
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”
2 Chronicle 15:7 “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded”
Mark 10:28-30 “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life”
As I ponder through the scriptures I have come to know that God rewards faithfulness and steadfastness in His kingdom, demonstrated by each of His children. The scriptures above help to sum up that volunteering, devoting, investing and labouring in the kingdom of God pays a great dividend. There is a place of remembrance for good deeds of faith on this side of heaven firstly and here after when our work on earth is done.
Be excited to know that God’s plans are to make you happy and no man can stop you except you choose to be stopped – Jeremiah 29:11. Being faithful and steadfast is all that is required to get you on the pathway to God’s heart. You need to be strong and very courageous; don’t let your hand be weak but ever strong to do the exploits that will register your godly effort in the kingdom – Joshua 1:1-9.
FINALLY – Eternal Remembrance
Ecclesiastics 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest”
Matthew 25:31-46 “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was hungry, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal”
God is rewarding every good labourer in the Kingdom. In as much as we desire the heavens to answer our prayers immediately there is the other side of life beyond our life here on earth. That is the eternal life with eternal remembrance at the day of the Lord when all matters of life come to an end.
Salvation in terms of – Being Born Again – does not bring about REMEMBRANCE because it is not about what we do but what God has done. However, our good work alone can’t make us have our name in the book of remembrance except we have being born again – obtained salvation. But after we have become God’s own children then our labour of love, work of faith and deeds of grace, become valuable in the kingdom. This then becomes a matter recorded in the book of remembrance by the Lord God. This is more than a mere act of charity. It involves your continuous partnering with God until the day of reckoning. It’s not about accumulating achievement, it’s about affecting life positively – that is – making an impact to give hope, faith and love to others.
Today, I challenge you to make bold your desire from the Lord as I have done over and over in my life as touching many issues and seeing God’s finger of grace in sorting them out. Approach God’s presence boldly with whatsoever is intimidating you – sickness, family breakdown, troubled relationships, business setbacks, financial indebtedness and ministerial hangovers etc. This do in Faith and our Lord God of remembrance will surely visit and answer you accordingly – Isaiah 43:26; Hebrew 6:10; 2 Chronicle 15:7.
I pray that our good God grant you an abundant entrance of grace to labour for a reward that’s WORTHY of REMEMBRANCE not only for this time but for the rest of your life. Have an amazing, awesome and majestic daily grace and provisions through this month of September, while working worthy in the vacation wherein you are called of God in Jesus precious name, amen.
Dare To Do Exploits . . . Worthy of REMEMBRANCE
In His World for His Gory
Pst Chukie MORSI
All scripture in King James Version except otherwise indicated

Faith Testimony is the vocal expression of your Faith – On what God has done, has began to do and will yet do for you – Mark 11:20-24.
Your Faith is the result of your believing world or system. Your believing system or world is as result of your heart content. Your heart content is as result of your feeding enrichment. As it is written ” . . . out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” Luke 6:45/Matthew 12:34
Faith Testimony – an act of declaring, professing or confessing – of the Word of Faith and Life is necessary as it affects the miracles God is delivering into your hand. This is spiritual, legal and vital to ensure and create the atmosphere – the world – you cherish and want to enjoy. Hebrew 10:23; Romans 4:17-19. This is what David did in 1 Samuel 17:32-50 to bring down the giant – Goliath – in his life and in the life of his people – The Israelites.
Faith Testimony – not unbelief or doubt or a lie – is based on the truth of The WORD of God. Faith Testimony is an attitude of your being grateful to God. It is a sign of gratitude, a sign of trust, belief and of faith in God and from God. A sign of thanksgiving to God. Faith Testimony is speaking forth the unseen – unknown – to the seen – known. 2 Corinthians 4:13, 18.
Proverbs 12:14 “A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him”
Proverbs 13:2 “A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence”
SPEAK WELL . . . LIVE WELL . . . THERE’S A MIRACLE IN YOUR MOUTH
Further Scriptural Nuggets: Romans 4:17-22; Romans 10:8-10; Luke 17:11-21; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 3:14; 10:35-39; 1 John 5:14-15, Mark 11:22-24; Proverbs 18:21; Revelation 19:10. etc
The Essence of FAITH Working By LOVE
Achievers’ Acts of Grace To Become In Every Achievement Pursuit
Galatians 5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but Faith which worketh by Love.”
1 John 5:4-5 “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”
1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity (LOVE), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (Love).”
Greetings
Shalom! I bring you awesome and amazing kingdom greetings in the precious name of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. I trust that by the grace of God through this August edition of the AFD, all things will be subdued under your feet according to Philippians 3:21 such that you will be able to live triumphantly over all things in every place as in 2 Corinthians 2:14.
August 2009 Edition
Welcome to the month of August as we examine the vitality and essence of our Faith to work by Love. By faith we take a stand in all areas of our lives, yet the Bible says that it takes love to ensure that our faith is efficient – effectual and effective. Being efficient – effectual – is to do things well; while being effective is to do the right things well and produce results, that is, to bring forth fruit in due season according to the working of God.
I hope and pray that this edition will enhance your achievements. Whether it be in your career development, business as an entrepreneur, family life, personal growth and development which may be spiritual or physical, raising godly children in a turbulent world, overcoming financial setbacks, strengthening and restoring broken relationships or friendships, reaching out to the hurt, wounded and unloved, pursuing a journey to restore and obtain favour with God and many, many others as befit your yearnings and heart aspirations. Knowing full well that in Christ Jesus as an Achiever what is vital and prominent is not just about who you are – circumcised or uncircumcised – but how you become who you are – Faith working through Love
Three Vital Things: Hope, Faith and Love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
The above scripture helps to indicate three vital elements that give worth to life which just as they are spiritual are legal and vital to the achievers’ lifestyle of living triumphantly. They are hope, faith and love.
These ingredients that make life worth living are so vital if we must have lively achievers’ wellbeing. However, in this edition we would be considering just two of them – faith and love. Seeing how vital they are and how they work together in making us become what we are born to be and in achieving our set goals and aspirations in life.
The Vitality of Faith
Galatians 5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but Faith which worketh by Love.”
Hebrews11:6 “But without Faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Romans 14:23 “And he that doubteth is damned if he eats, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
I have come to known in life and in the course of my pastoral career that people everywhere who live with unfulfilled life dreams could end up in frustration and destruction watching their aspirations, hopes and faith being shattered. It’s horrible and painful to see people earnest desire dreams and destiny come to delusion.
For these the Bible has great input to say about the vitality of our FAITH if we must achieve our goals in life and become what we ought to be. Let’s consider these scriptures then:-
FAITH is spiritual, legal and vital to our Christian walk and is a great vitality in becoming that which God intended us to be. Faith is of God. It is a product of the Spirit and comes from the Word of God – John 6:63; Romans 10:17. Meaning that FAITH can come and go when attention is not given to generate and sustain it through the Word of God. There is no single being that has walked on the face of the earth with meaningful and achievable kingdom results that has nothing to show from a life of Faith. The reason is because Faith is the Victory by which life warfare can be overcome in every level of life – 1John 5:4-5. Faith is bringing the unseen to the seen – 2 Cor. 4:13, 18
We can therefore sum up the vitality of faith by the scriptural truth of Hebrews chapter eleven.
Yet as vital and as this essence of Faith is, it’s not workable says the Word of God except it allows LOVE to be the main stream or river course in which it flows and operate to achieve life goals.
The Vitality of Love
1 John 5:1–5 “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that Loveth him that begat Loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we Love the children of God, when we Love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the Love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”
Romans 5:5, 8 “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the Love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. . . But God commendeth his Love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Rev 2:4 “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first Love.”
1 John 4:7–10 “Beloved, let us Love one another: for Love is of God; and every one that Loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that Loveth not knoweth not God; for God is Love. In this was manifested the Love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is Love, not that we Loved God, but that he Loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Just like Faith, Love is a product of the Spirit. God is love. God is a Spirit and those who worship Him do it in love. Genuine Bible love is spiritual not natural. Neither is it devilish nor creation of man. God is love and anyone whose intention is to know, understand and manifest a genuine kind of love needs to connect to God’s DNA of love.
Love is an attitude, a deliberate choice of life, an exercise of the will, a choice of life and not a feeling, an expression of the nature of God. God is love – 1 John 4:7–10. Let’s consider love in diversity for a clearer understanding of the kind of love being implied in this edition
There are three kinds of love:
Note: The Phileo or Eros kinds of Love need to be controlled by Agape kind of love or else it will hinder our fellowship with God and leads to sin. E.g. Eros – 1 Cor. 7:5; Phileo – 1 Samuel 2:22-36.
Love is a fruit and not a gift. Fruits are grown while gifts are imparted. Genuine Bible love – Agape – is born and is a product of the Spirit. Considering our subject of discussion, let us come to the light in examining some characteristics of Agape kind of love as vital to enhance the working of Faith.
Your regard, respect and value for Love determine how you flow in it and the virtues that get back to your life. When one walks in love one is then prepared to live through life as God’s instrument of grace on the pathway to achieve and become.
Love is the hallmark of the New Testament Christian Faith for any great achiever or one intending to become such in God. Hence its vitality was strongly Commanded – not an advice – by our Lord Jesus Christ as in
John 13:34–35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
The Essence of Faith Working by Love
Galatians 5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but Faith which worketh by Love.”
Ephesians 3:17, 19 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, vs 19 – And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 4:1 – 3 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, FAITH, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law”
Faith and Love are an expression of obedience to God. Obeying God is as a result of the revelation knowledge of God and His Word. It is not dogmatic or an act of religious know-how, tradition and conscience of any source. Faith and Love are both fruit of the Spirit.
Verses 17 and 19 of Ephesians 3 indicate that our faith should be rooted and grounded (established) in love. Matt 5:23–26 (for illustration)
Ephesians 4:1–3 indicates that if we must love, we need to make an effort. Make everything possible to love to enable our faith in God to be effective and effectual – efficient. To love is to be gentle and humble – complete humility and patience in bearing with each other as a way to love.
Galatians 5:6 indicates that in Christ Jesus nothing has value except Faith expressing itself in Love. Faith works by love when we take God’s Word as it is without argument. This we can see in the following biblical expressions and hallmark of Love:
Faith is the hand –legal tender – that takes the things we need from God and delivers them into our hand. Everything that Jesus purchased (Redeemed) for us on Calvary can be obtained by (Eph.1:3; 2 Pet. 1:3-5; Col. 1:13-14; John 10:0; 3John 2 etc.). Faith is acting corresponding to the Word of God – FAITH is belief in Action
One of the reasons why FAITH is not working for some of the Believing Achievers as they lay claim to be people of Faith is simply because they do not have understanding of what the Word of God says – Faith that works by Love. This is what will measure up to all of the principle and stands set down in the Word of God. When we are Love-conscious and not Sin-conscious, our Faith will bring us to our place of joy.
Finally
Rev 2:1 – 7 “. . .Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love”.
Mark 11:20-24 “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them”.
Beloved Achiever, you are destined not only to succeed, have good success but to BECOME in life as an achiever. We can deduce from the foregone illustrations that in our exercising of Faith through our natural instinct or as a fruit or spiritual gift – we need the element of love to authenticate its viability to make life worth living. This will bring forth the desire you long for and anticipated for either to your spouse, children, parents, family members, in-laws, relationship, your neighbour, career, business, friendship, church etc.
I therefore urge you to create a desire that enables love to enhance your faith. This becomes the pathway to all the open doors that you desire. Love is the mother of unity and unity receives and enhances blessings from the Lord – Psalm 133; Matthew 5:23-25. I therefore present you the biblical question as to:
Faith and Love produce an effectual and effective achievers’ life. There is a promise of grace for all who operate under God or in God’s name through the urgency of LOVE in their Faith endeavours.
I pray that God will give you understanding and revelation knowledge. And I therefore make bold to say that the excellent way to be effective and effectual in life, ministry, family, relationship, career etc is by our FAITH working through the pin-hole of LOVE
Dare for Faith . . . Dare also for Love . . . Therein Is The Essence For Living
In His World for His Gory
Pst Chukie MORSI
All scripture in King James Version except otherwise indicated
Mark 1:35 ”And in the morning, rising up a great while before day (dawn), he (Jesus) went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed”
Hebrews 4:14-16 ‘‘ Seeing, then, that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may OBTAIN mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need”.
A man’s future can be noted by his routine activities in life (Luke 9:18, 28-29; Luke 6:12-13)– Just like Jesus, Abraham, the Apostles etc. You cannot be confused in a day you begin with God as Jesus did – A great while before DAY. DAWN DAY WILL GIVE YOU DONE DAY. God is under obligation to ensure that your dawn day is done, and you are victorious, triumphant and reign in Dominion etc. When you rise with the Sunrise, your light will shine through the day (Prov. 4:18/Malachi 4:2). We are born, sustain and live by prayer. Every answer to need came because there was a prayer destined to it. Prayer is the greatest privilege any man can have with God. Prayer is an executive communion with God. Hence the Apostles could say, we will give ourselves to prayer (Acts 6:4). Until you see prayer as a goodly pearl (precious stone) that demands your selling all, you cannot enjoy the fullness of God (Matt. 13:44-46). You cannot fail except you fail to pray, Prayer will unlock the heaven (Matt. 3:16-17/Luke 3:21-22). Watch and Pray so that you will never be a victim or a prey to the enemy. Your AUTHORITY in the kingdom is in your prayer – the level of flow you have is in your prayer life and fellowship with God (Psalm 16:11). Satan will not be your problem, when you except the challenge of prayer. Prayer will change you, it illuminates. It will transform the very nature and life style of you career, business, family etc. A man of ANSWER is a man of PRAYER. God ANSWERS PRAYERS – IT IS YOUR COVENANT RIGHT OF GRACE (Psalm 65:2)
Prov. 20:6 ”Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a Faithful man? ”Prov. 31:10 ”Who can find a Virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies”
Heb. 13:4 ”Marriage is Honourable among all, and the bed undefiled . . .”
Marriage is God’s: A place of reverence, love, faithfulness and trust in His Church. A covenant bestowed with Honour, dignity and integrity. God made it a covenant and not a mere contract, for the good of mankind.
Marriage is made to be favourable, admirable and blessed to be a blessing – it’s not a curse or necessary evil. Marriage is made male and female, also, for a man and woman – not for boys and girls. Success in marriage is an act of wisdom – knowledge and understanding – to make it work, endeavouring to maintain it’s worth; It involves falling in love many times and always with the same person; It’s more than finding the right person – it’s being the right person: Looking for a Faithful Man? Are you a Virtuous Woman? Marriage is worth celebrating – there – God bestowed Honour, Dignity and Blessings. Marriage is far more than having a child or children or worldly goods in essence – It’s a covenant of grace for God’s glory and the blessings of mankind. Amen!
Bible Search: (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18-22; 24:49-67; Proverbs 18:22; 20:6; 31:10-31; Song of Solomon 7; 8:6-7; Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-12; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 13; Malachi 2:14-16; Matthew 19:1-10)