What are you expecting from God?

 

2010 is drawing to an end and 2011 is already showing up at the horizon. As usual, many of us will sit and think about all the wishes we had expressed at the same time last year, some of us with satisfaction, some others with a hint of sadness.

Even if it is just an unavoidable ritual to some, end of year wishes are generally a way to pray that the divine providence would grant a favor or two, to those to whom they are intended. And most of the time, we also wish the same for us.

One day that Jesus was on His way to Jericho, He was stopped by the desperate cries of a blind beggar who would not let anyone calm him down: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! " Jesus said to him: "What do you want me to do for you? " and the blind man answered, "Rabbi, let me recover my sight." (Mark 10:47,48-51)

What would your answer be, if the Lord were to ask you today, what you would like Him to do for you in 2011?

The Bible declares that, “The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.” (Matthew 10:41).

At Christmas, I invited us to ask ourselves the question of who is Jesus for us, and to respond to it accordingly. If the Jesus you know is just a prophet, He will reward you as a prophet in 2011. If your Jesus is just a healer, you will receive the healer’s reward. If He is only a great Master, you will get the Master’s reward. But I do hope He is a lot more than just that to you…

 

However, although it is not bad to ask., especially to He who said: ‘‘Ask, and it will be given to you…for everyone who asks receives…’’, why not do things differently this time?

And what if, for a change, we don’t come to God with the list of all our desiderata, but bring Him instead, the list of what we would like to do for Him in 2011, only begging to be granted the grace and the strength to accomplish them? If there is more blessed to give than to receive, it is also more blessed to give to God than to receive from Him. What if the Lord is also expecting something from us? Paul, the apostle, dared asking Him the question:

“Both trembling and being astonished he said, Lord, what do You desire me to do? And the Lord said to him, Rise up and go into the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” (Acts 9:6, LITV)

He had his personal agenda and was en route to Damascus to execute it when God brutally stopped him. After realizing what the Lord wanted, he agreed to change his plans.

God doesn’t have to arrest us so dramatically, to finally care about what He desire for us. 2011 is a tremendous opportunity to take the lead: let’s grab it.

The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

 

Happy New Year, 2011

Who is He to you ?

It is not today that Jesus became a topic of controversy and polemic. There is indeed a biblical scene that has always made me think deeply. The disciples had already been with the Lord for a while - maybe 2 years, maybe a little bit less or more; - they had eaten with Him, prayed with Him, listened to Him as He taught the crowds, He had privately explained the secrets of the Kingdom to them, they had witnessed healing, resurrection and multiplication miracles; they had seen Him cast demons out and even rebuke the elements of nature. In short, they were the best-placed to know who Jesus was. After having just multiplied 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish for almost 10,000 people (4000 men without counting women and children), they left for Caesarea. 

When they got there, Jesus wanted to know what people were saying in the villages about Him. The disciples said the opinions varied between those who believed He was Jeremiah or one of the prophets or John the Baptist and those who believed He was Elijah. It is worth noting that the last book of the Old Testament, the Book of Malachi, ends with the promise of the return of Prophet Elijah, before the Great Day of the Lord.

After listening to them, Jesus said : ‘‘Ok, all this is fine; but unlike you, these people do not know Me, they don’t share My intimacy, they have not left everything for Me. You, My own, you who are with Me all the time, who do you say that I am? ’’ 

Matthew 16:13-17, “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. »

And, here is what baffles me: only one was able to answer the question correctly. The remaining eleven could have at least said: ‘‘You are the Son of Man.’’ For Jesus had said: "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 

 

Andrew could have answered: ‘‘You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’’ Because upon that declaration, he left John the Baptist to follow Him. Philip could have repeated: « You are the One of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph’’ and Nathanael could have added: ‘‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’’ (John 1:35-49).

In any case, even if they had said so, it would have only been a lips’ confession: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 15:8) And many are those who believe like that: from the tip of their lips. They can recite many bible verses but when things go deeper, they remain silent. Yet, what it takes here is more than just confessing with our mouth: faith must spring forth from the heart. Yes, the true confession must come forth from the heart. Indeed, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romains 10:9-10, ESV.

Thus, only Peter answered, one disciple out of twelve! This suggests that in any given Christian congregation, there is only a bit more than 8% of the members who really know the Lord; the rest (92%) follow… Anyway, Peter alone answered and answered well because he spoke by revelation. 

The knowledge that we have of Jesus cannot and should not be based on what others tell us about Him: such a knowledge will not last long. Nobody, I repeat nobody -neither me, nor a priest, nor a pastor nor even a book - can make you know who Jesus is. People have read the New Testament and still don’t understand anything about Him. Some have warmed church pews for years and still have no clue as to who He is: Jesus can neither be known nor comprehend through flesh or blood, but by divine revelation.

 

Jesus himself failed to convince the people of his time of who He was, by simply telling them so: 

Luke 22:67-68, “If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer.” 

John 10:22-27, “At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” 

They can tell you everything about Him, and you can read all about Him ; but as long as the breath of the Spirit of God will not ride on those words to open the eyes of your heart and mind that you may see and know, there will always be some distance between the Christ and you. 

Jesus regularly asks us the same question, "But who do you say that I am?" ‘‘You who invited Me into your life 20 years ago and you who have been walking with me for 2 years, and you who have been speaking of Me to others for 10 years: who do you say I am?’’ 

The nature of the presents that the Magi came to offer to the infant Jesus, revealed that they knew whom they were dealing with. Their gifts were a testimony that they had received a specific revelation from above, concerning that child-King, Priest and God. 

‘‘You who invited Me into your life 20 years ago and you who have been walking with me for 2 years, and you who have been speaking of Me to others for 10 years: who do you say I am? ’’ 

It is not all to know who He is; one must first and foremost act in accordance with what one knows of Him. 

 

Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a chief among the Jews, came to Jesus by night and told Him: ‘‘…"Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher, for no one can perform these signs that you are doing unless God is with him."’’ (John 3:2) 

We know: we the scribes, the Pharisees and the Sadducees (maybe the people as well). We know that You have come from God as a teacher…Since they knew, why were they spending their time fighting Him? They would acknowledge Him at night and ferociously oppose Him by day! 

 

Who is Jesus to you? What do you do with what He is to you? How do you relate it to your DAILY life? Why not open yourself to the Spirit of God and allow Him to reveal Jesus afresh to you? 

Beyond disputes around the actual day of birth of the Lord, Christmas is the day that Christianity has set aside to commemorate the fact that Jesus Christ was born and actually appeared one day on the land of the living. Why not take advantage of the Nativity festivities, to let Him be (re)born anew in your heart? If you ardently desire it, He will reveal Himself and make Himself mightily known to you. It is up to you… 

 
Merry Christmas !

The hands…

A friend of mine sent the following to me by email. I found it very edifying and decided to share it with you. I have modified it a little, but I have kept the most essential bit. I dare hope that a second reading will do as much good to those who had already read it than to those who are seeing it for the first time.

 
A basket ball in my hands is worth 20.000 CFA francs ($40); but in Michael Jordan’s hands, it is worth $33 millions: everything depends on the hands that hold it. 

A paintbrush in my hands is worth a few hundred or few thousand CFA francs; but a paintbrush in the hands of Van Gogh is millions of dollars: everything depends on the hands that hold it. 

A tennis racket doesn't amount to much in my hands; but in the hands of Venus Williams, it is worth millions of dollars: everything depends on the hands holding it. 

A rod in my hands will be used to pick berries; but in the hands of Moses, it will do miracles and part the sea into two: everything depends on the hands holding it. 

A sling in my hands is nothing more than a toy; but it is a fearsome weapon in the hands of David: everything depends on the hands using it. 

Two small fish and five loaves of bread in my hands, will be used to feed 2 or 3 people; but in the Lord’s hands, thousands will eat and be fully satisfied: everything depends on the hands that use them. 

Nails in my hands will make a bench or a chair; but in the hands of Jesus, they will bring forth the salvation of humanity: everything depends on the hands in which they find themselves. 

 

As we can see, it all depends on hands doing the job. Let’s then put our concerns, our fears, our obstacles, our family, our relationships, our ambitions, our projects…in short, let’s put our lives in the Hands of God because…EVERYTHING depends on the hands in which EVERYTHING is.

 

And now that this message has found his way into your hands, what are you going to do? Do not forget: everything depends on the hands hold it! ;-)

 

 
Happy end of the week!

Lessons from the multiplication of bread

The Bible mentions two episodes of bread’s multiplication. The first is about 5000 men and can be found in the 4 gospels (Mathew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9 and John 6) while the second which is about 4000 men, is only reported by Mathew 15. 

When we put together the different accounts of the first episode, this is the story that we get: 

Luke 9:10, ‘‘On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida.

Mark 6:31-32, And He said to them, You yourselves come apart into a deserted place, and rest a little. For those coming and those going were many, and they did not even have opportunity to eat. And they departed by boat into a deserted place apart.

John 6:1-2, After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.

Mark 6:34, And going out, Jesus saw a large crowd, and had pity on them, because "they were as sheep having no shepherd." And He began to teach them many things.

Luke 9:11-12, … and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the 12 came and said to him, "Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place."

Matthew 14:16, But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."

Mark 6:37, … And they said to him, "Shall we go and buy 200 denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?"

John 6:7, Philip answered him, "200 denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little."

Mark 6:38, And he said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they had found out, they said, "5, and 2 fish."

John 6:8-9, One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has 5 barley loaves and 2 fish, but what are they for so many?"

Luke 9:13, …"We have no more than 5 loaves and 2 fish--unless we are to go and buy food for all these people."

Matthew 14:18, And He said, Bring them here to Me.

John 6:10, Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about 5000 in number.

Mark 6:40-43, So they sat down in groups, by 100s and by 50s. And taking the 5 loaves and the 2 fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the 2 fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up 12 baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish.

Matthew 14:21 And those who ate were about 5000 men, besides women and children. »

 

On their return… They were coming back from the famous mission where they had been sent by Jesus to cast demons out, heal the sick and preach the Kingdom of God in the villages. It had been a great success and they had just finished reporting to the Lord Who, noticing they had not yet eaten, offered them to retire to a desolate place and get a bit of rest.

 

1) We have to learn to take a break.

Even God rested on the seventh day and we are not more robust than Him. Some men and women of God are ministry junkies who hardly take time for a little respite. Yet, the ministry will not cease and there will always be all sorts of needs; it is important to run away from people’s coming and going for a while, in order to be physically and spiritually restored.

 

2) We tend to easily give up on our responsibilities.

A crisis arose. There were about 10.000 people or more, to feed (5000 men, without counting the women and the children). The day was wearing away and there didn’t seem to be any resource. The disciples thus took the initiative to tell Jesus to send the crowd away. And, since Jesus was not aware of it, they also took advantage into letting Him know they were in a deserted place!

Anyway, to their utter dismay, Jesus asked them to feed the people themselves. They had walked long enough with Him to know He would never say anything lightly; yet, they started arguing: ‘‘Should we go and buy what they need to eat ourselves?’’ ‘‘200 denarii worth of bread would not be enough to feed them…’’ etc.

These men had just casted demons out, healed the sick and preached the Kingdom but they did not have a solution to a material need! We are usually at ease with the ‘spiritual’ side of the ministry, the side where it only takes a few words or a few laying-on of hands; but when it comes to putting our hand into our pocket, when it comes to using our personal resources, when our purses are concerned, it becomes another story: our zeal quickly fades away and we do our best to convince the Lord that the task is impossible and has to be abandoned.

The Gospel has a deep social dimension and the Church must be able to answer people’s material needs or will seem irrelevant.

 

3) The need is the proof of the solution.

Another lesson is: we can take care of many issues without having to run to God. According to 1Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation (trial) has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation (trial) he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.” The unexpected arrival of a crisis is the proof, the demonstration that we also have its solution in our hands. 

In front of the Red Sea, Moses simple shepherd’s rod was the mean through which the waters parted to let the Israelites walk dry.

A log was what it took to sweeten the waters of Marah (Exodus 15:23-25).

A little bit of flour was enough to destroy the wild gourds’ poison in the sons of the prophets’ stew (2Kings 4:39-41)

The jar of oil that was left to the widow was the starting point of a lucrative business. It helped her to pay her debts off and to live with her son (2Kings 4:1-7).

 

4) The need is the proof that what we have is more than enough.

Not only do we have the solution, but what we have is actually ALL we need to find our way out. Most of the time, either we are not conscious of what we possess, or we don’t want to abandon what we have. If we were more sensitive to the needs around us, we would see more miracles. I mean that instead of looking at those needs saying:  ''Oh, what a pity; if only I had this or that, I could have done this or that for you; but since I have nothing, let’s pray…'' if we’d rather say: ''Oh, it’s so good I am here; here is what I have, also bring what yours and let us present it to the Lord,'' we would witness a lot more often all the ways that God wants to use to surprise us.  

God asked Moses: ''What is that in your hand? '' (Exodus 4:2) Failing to realize that we have something in our hand is synonymous to doubting and underestimating it, is a sign of ungratefulness. Let us learn to appreciate and to give thanks for the seeds of miracles that we already possess. 

If anybody asks you what you have to start your business, what you have to sort out the mess in which you have found yourself, do not say: ‘‘I have nothing’’, you would be cursing yourself. Saying you have nothing is tantamount to accusing God of giving you nothing. Besides, since you are confessing that you have nothing (or are nothing), well, you will have nothing (be nothing). Indeed, 0 x whatever = 0 (always): the Lord doesn’t multiply nothing. On the other hand, 1 x whatever = whatever: the multiplication has started. 

Everything we have, can be multiplied by the Lord, if only we are ready to entrust Him with it. 

 

Imagine what would have happened if nobody had been willing to give his loaf of bread or his fish, saying : '‘It is worthless; it will be like a drop of water in the ocean.’' Isn’t the ocean made of trillions of droplets of water?

May you be a tangible solution to a problem or two, this week: God bless you!

How was Jesus praying?

About a year ago, I spent some time studying the manner of prayer of the Lord. The posting on “Our Father in Heaven,’’ also proceeded from those researches. This is what I found: 

 

1. Jesus prayed (and lived) according to God’s will.
 

I know the insistence I have to always come back to the will of God can become tedious for some, but I can’t help it: in my opinion, there is nothing more important than that. It helps us to discern what is good, pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:2). Paul was constantly praying that the Colossians be filled with the knowledge of the will of God, because he knew it was a token of spiritual wisdom and intelligence (Colossians 1:9). 

Jesus used to say: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work… I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me… For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” Indeed, ‘‘…Coming into the world, He (Christ) says, "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but You prepared a body for Me. You did not delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices concerning sins." "Then I said, Lo, I come, in the heading of the Book it was written concerning Me, to do Your will, O God."” (John 4:34, 5:30 & 6:38; Hebrews 10:5-7) 

“As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just …’’ In other words, ‘as I hear My Father communicate His will to Me, I speak and I cannot be wrong because I do not seek My will but His.’ His requests were systematically granted because He lived for and always prayed according to His Father’s will. In fact, ‘‘God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him… And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (John 9:31 & 1John 5:14-15) 

He only needed to know God wanted to heal X, to tell X: ‘‘I want it: be healed.” He only had to be sure His Father was indeed sending Him to set free some demon-possessed Gadarenes, to know He could not be shipwrecked on His way there and thus, confidently rebuke the tempest with coolness and nerve (Mathew 8:24-28). 

It is possible to have the same assurance when we speak to our life circumstances and when we tell certain things to people, if only we could take time to know the will of God concerning those things. 

 
2. Jesus lifted up His eyes and gave thanks.
 

He almost never petitioned. On one rare occasion when He asked for something, He requested that the Passion Cup be taken away from Him; but even then, He thrice concluded His query saying, He would rather have the will of God fulfilled than His own desire (Mathew 26:39,42,44). The rest of the time, He would simply lift His eyes up to the sky and give thanks. 

Luke 9:16, “ And taking the five loaves and the two fish, looking up to Heaven, He blessed them...’’

Marc 6:40-41, “…So the people sat down in rows, in groups of a 100 and groups of 50. Then Jesus took the 5 loaves and the 2 fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God…”

John 11:41-43, ‘‘And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out."”

He lifted up His eyes and looked up to Heaven:

· As a sign of submission,
· As a sign of dependence,
· As a sign of obedience
· And to check one last time, that He really had the go-ahead to act.

He gave thanks to God: For He knew the result in advance: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ” (Mark 11:24) He could thank in advance because He had the strong assurance that what He was hoping for would soon be materialized. He gave thanks for the granting, knowing His Father could not let Him down. 

He was not doing it as if He was mechanically reciting a magic formula learnt by heart: His ‘thank You’ came from the bottom of His soul. He said thanks because He was already truly in possession of what He had asked for. 

We don’t give thanks with the same confidence because we are generally not certain to receive what we have asked for: we doubt. But the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, being driven by wind and being tossed; for do not let that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7). It is only the one who doesn’t doubt in his heart who will be able to see what he wishes for, fulfilled (Mark 11:23).

 

‘‘In everything be thankful, because this is God's will in Christ Jesus for you.’’ (1Thessalonians 5:18)

‘‘For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.’’ (Hebrews 10:36) 

Being grateful, being fully conscious of one’s total dependence to God and, striving to know His will and live according to it: that is the recipe for Jesus’ prayer life. 

Have a wonderblessed week and may the desires of your heart be granted.

The true meaning of ‘‘Our Father in Heaven’’

Would it be necessary to remind us of the emphasis that the Church has put on this prayer for centuries? ‘‘Our Father in Heaven’’ is probably the most taught and the most recited Christian prayer in the world. Yet, it is a bit strange that only 2 gospels out of 4, mention it. How can we explain that Peter and John who were the closest to the Lord and who were among the few selected 3 or 4, did not deem it useful or necessary to come back to it? Mark was Peter’s spiritual son (1Peter 5:13) but when he wrote his gospel, he stayed silent on this prayer and so did John. After reading the Acts of the Apostles and the different letters of the New Testament, we don’t get any certainty that the early Christians used to recite ‘‘Our Father in Heaven.’’ Is it because the event did not really take place? Not at all, because Luke who traced all things accurately before writing his gospel, did mention the ‘Pater Noster’. 

I think that if John and Peter (and thus Mark) do not say a word about it, it is simply because they had understood the deepest meaning of this prayer. They had understood that ‘‘Our Father in Heaven’’ was infinitely more than a litany. It is written: “…With many such parables He spoke the Word to them, even as they were able to hear” and “I have spoken these things to you in allegories. An hour comes when I will no longer speak to you in allegories, but I will reveal the Father plainly to you.” (Mark 4:33; John 16:25, ISV). Jesus used to speak to His disciples (and not just to the crowd) in parables, in figures of speech and each one of them would grasp what was given to him to comprehend. What if ‘‘Our Father in heaven’’ is in fact a parable?... 

Let’s go back to the context of this teaching. Luke tells us that Jesus had just finished praying when a disciple asked Him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1). It is important to remember that these were not people who knew nothing about prayer. One just has to think of Esther and Daniel’s fasts, read David psalms, lean on Moses’ life, see Hannah imploring the divine grace for a son or listen to Abraham interceding for Sodom, to notice that the Israelites prayed and prayed with results. Moreover, some of Jesus’ disciples had been John The Baptist’s before and knew how to pray like him, at least. So we are talking about men who were obviously acquainted with the subject, but who nevertheless asked the Lord to be taught on it. Why? 

They must have discovered that there was something totally different about His prayer life or better still, they had noted that His own prayers requests were always granted (John 11:42) and wished to know His secret. Whatever the case, Jesus replied, saying: 

“ So, then, you should pray this way: Our Father who is in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, as it is in Heaven, also on the earth. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil, for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory to the ages. Amen.’’ (Mathieu 6:9-13, LITV) 

“…When you pray, say, Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, let Your kingdom come, let Your will be done on earth as it also is in Heaven. Give us our needed bread day by day; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil.” (Luke 11:2-4, LITV)

Taken at surface value, this prayer is just what it has always seemed to be; but in reality, one of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God is hidden in it (Mark 4:11). And this is what Jesus actually meant and said: 

“Here is the key to see all your prayers answered and to reach the degree of intimacy and communion that I have with the Father. Your life should be a permanent tribute to God’s lordship. You should never forget that your Father is also and above all, the King of kings: always be diligent to do His will. Every action and every word of your life should reflect your entire dependence on Him for any and everything. Since you're not perfect yourselves, do not hesitate to pardon: be a peacemaker. If you always behave like this, the Lord God Almighty will give you your heart’s desires and He will carry out all your purposes! That is the secret; and is also entitled: 'Delight yourself in the Lord.'” 

Peter, John Mark, Paul and others, did not insist on ‘‘Our Father in Heaven’’ because they understood it was more than just a prayer. They fully realized there was a mystery of the Kingdom of God hidden in it: that of the lifestyle of Princes and Princesses. 

‘‘Our Father in Heaven’’ is another way of simply saying: ‘‘Lord, I come from You, I depend on You, I am not nothing without You, I can do nothing without You and I wouldn’t dare take credit for anything. Command and I will go; Heavenly Father, my life is Yours.’’

For I hungered…

You may have already heard or read the story of that woman with whom the Lord had an appointment. She cleaned her House from top to bottom, prepared the most delicious meal, sprayed some perfume, put on her best dress and sat down to wait. At some point, she got up to chase off the kids who were playing in her yard, because they were too noisy and might have broken her window panes. Then, a beggar rang at midday: he was hungry and cold and wanted to come in to warm up a little. She sent him away; she didn’t want him dirtying her carpet and leaving bad odours. Furthermore, she was not going to serve him food before her distinguished guest had eaten, wasn't she?. The day and the evening went by without any other disruption, but Jesus had not come. She was deeply disappointed and told Him so as soon as she got the opportunity. ‘‘I came twice, but you did not let Me in.’’ was the reply… 

“For I hungered, and you did not give Me a thing to eat. I thirsted and you did not give Me a thing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not take Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me. Then they also will answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You? Then He will answer them, saying, Truly I say to you, In so far as you did not do it to one of these, the least, neither did you do it to Me.” (Matthew 25:42-45, ISV) 

I was saying in a previous posting – ‘‘Conditions for a financial harvest’’- the Church is intended to be the arms, the feet, the heart and the mouth of the Lord. As He is, so also we are, says the Bible (1John 4:17) : so also we are… called to be. 

He came so that those who hungered and thirsted for justice, be satiated (Matthew 5:6). It is now our task. A quick look around would be enough to notice that at work, in hospitals, schools and universities, people suffer all kinds of injustice. The plague even affects churchmen as well as Christian policemen and judges. The temple of Equity, the Palace of Justice, is often the place of the worst injustice. And unfortunately, the Church is often too silent on the matter, or an accomplice. Some of us are only Christian on sundays. We all have something to do and we all can do something, everyone in their own way, starting at least with denunciation. 

Jesus came for the sick and brokenhearted (Mark 2:17, Luke 4:18). He expects us to continue healing them and telling them that the Kingdom of God has come near to them (Luke 10:9). We are surrounded by sick people and I am not just speaking of physical, but of psychological, emotional and spiritual diseases. Yet we go by every day, without seeing them. As long as they don’t want to come to our churches, we simply ignore them. And when they do come, they are usually so neglected that they go from one church to the other, in search of the one that will be compassionate enough. 

He came to set the captives free and proclaim liberty to the oppressed. Fewer and fewer churches have good deliverance ministries. 21^st century Christians are afraid of demons! And yet, it is much easier to cast an evil spirit out than to sit somebody in the Doctrine. They are afraid of the repercussions in their (often tumultuous) lives, afraid because they are still in bondage themselves, afraid that their prayer might not work (and the devil will be stronger than Jesus)... In short, and whatever the reasons, the bottom line is, the work that the Lord had initiated in this field is not done. 

He came so that those who were foreigners, strangers and alien, could become people of the House of God and citizens of his Kingdom (Ephesians 2:19). As for us, we either have a certain disdain for 'pagans' or - as I've heard it a few times - we consider that they are not in need of salvation and are doing very well as they are or, we drive away from the House of God, all those who do not believe exactly like us and who do not attend our churches! God help us. 

There is a lot more here than just a compassion problem. The real issue is that we have totally lost sense of the value of what we have in Christ. It’s like a lady that has been offered a magnificent diamond watch. At the beginning, she is even afraid to wear it and spends hours admiring it in its case. Then, with time, it slowly becomes a jewel like any other and the initial amazement gradually fades away. Or, if she has kept it in a safe, most of the time, the diamond is just forgotten in there. Yet, its value is still the same or has even increased. If we had not ceased to realized the worth and the magnitude of what Christ Jesus has accomplished in our lives, we would be more sensitive to the physical and spiritual famished, thirsty, sick, prisoners and strangers around us. 

Jesus foretold that in the last days, the agape, the love of many would cool down. He meant that burning desire to wish the best for others and to do one’s all to achieve it. And of course, He was right. Maybe it’s time to reflect on the following words by Charles Spurgeon : ‘‘Have you no wish for others to be saved? then you’re not saved yourself, be sure of that!”  

 

Enjoy your week-end!

“ Pray for me…”

I'm sure that like me, you've heard this query dozens or hundreds of times. How do you react, especially if the situation appears relatively desperate? I know the obvious answer is, especially for a true Christian, "I pray." But, is it really this simple? Should we pray for everything? 

There are people that have gone well beyond the bounds and for whom the judgment’s Cup of the Lord is full. The sanction must pass and nothing can no longer stop it: the time of Grace is over. 

“You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you, and you forgot the God who gave you birth. 19 "The Lord saw it and spurned them, because of the provocation of his sons and his daughters. 20 And he said, 'I will hide my face from them…23 "'And I will heap disasters upon them… 24 they shall be wasted with hunger, and devoured by plague and poisonous pestilence…25 Outdoors the sword shall bereave, and indoors terror, for young man and woman alike, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs…” (Deuteronomy 32:18ff, ESV) 

Charles H. Spurgeon said, "The Lord's mercy often rides to the door of our heart upon the black horse of affliction." Indeed, God punishes us out of love, just like a man chastises his child (Deuteronomy 8:5 & Hebrew 12:6). Sometimes, the only thing that can prevent some to go down into the pit, is the fire baptism of testing. And when you happen to have in front of you someone in such a situation, it is difficult not to beg the divine mercy for him. Even though, the real address should not be made the Lord, but to the one who is tested, in order to show him the way forward and help him remember the God who begot him, that the Lord may be propitious to him or her again. 

“For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night… 16 then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings, 17 that he may turn man aside from his deed and conceal pride from a man; 18 he keeps back his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword. 19 "Man is also rebuked with pain on his bed and with continual strife in his bones, 20 so that his life loathes bread, and his appetite the choicest food. 21 His flesh is so wasted away that it cannot be seen, and his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 His soul draws near the pit, and his life to those who bring death. 23 If there be for him an angel, a mediator, one of the thousand, to declare to man what is right for him, 24 and he is merciful to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down into the pit; I have found a ransom; 25 let his flesh become fresh with youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor'; 26 then man prays to God, and he accepts him; he sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness.” (Job 33:14-26, esv)

  

2 years after my conversion, I met a woman who had some skin lesions that had become increasingly so uncomfortable that, she had to hide them under long clothing. She explained that they would disappear when away from Brussels, and reappear shortly after her return. Many pastors had prayed for her and each time, she had only had a short respite. Full of zeal and compassion, I started throwing spiritual atomic bombs in every direction with another brother. We were determined to get even with the Devil that day. A few minutes later, I saw us in a vision, losing our breath trying hard to push a concrete wall that would not move an inch. I mentally wondered about it for a while, then stopped, explained what I had seen, and told the lady that our prayers were vain for she knew the cause of her troubles. She admitted some terrible things to us and the prayer session ended with one advice: ‘‘Stop and put your life back in order.’’ 

Those who are under God’s judgment usually tend to do as if they don’t have a clue as to what is happening to them and they go around, looking for someone who will shorten their penitence. And, it is possible! Indeed, Job 22:30 says, “He delivers even the one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.” 

God is Faithful; because of a covenant, He may grant His servant’s - a clergyman or a layman - request and change His sentence. It happened with Moses; The Lord was determined to exterminate the people after the golden calf incident but, Moses prayed…and God ‘‘repented’’… (Exodus 32). Same story with Job: the Lord was so angry with his friends who had foolishly spoken of Him, that He wanted to harshly deal with them but Job’s intercession stopped the wrath (Job 42:7,8). And what about Jesus? He pleaded our cause while we rightly deserved to die and we were forgiven because of Him. That’s why God didn’t want Jeremiah to pray: it was important He acted severely and He didn’t want to risk cancelling His judgment. Despite the great suffering of the people, the Lord told him thrice: “And you, do not pray for this people; do not lift up cry or prayer for them. Do not intercede with Me, for I do not hear you.” (Jeremiah 7:16, 11:14 & 14:11). While Samuel was afraid to sin against God by ceasing to pray for them (1Samuel 12:23), Jeremiah could have said instead: ‘‘Far from me to sin against God by praying for you!’’ 

It is worth noting that there is often a very high price to pray for this kind of prayer because, the intercessor usually finds himself bearing the weight of the fault of the one for whom he was praying. Hence, participating, and partaking of his sins. That’s why the Bible tells us not to lay hands quickly on no one, nor share (take part) in the sins of others (1Timothy 5:22). There are circumstances in which one should not be too quick praying God to be merciful to people. He knows what He is doing and is doing it well. If He has decided to chastise, then it is the best thing to do. 

Moses was ready to have his name removed from the book of life: he was denied the entry into the Promised Land. (Yes, there is the rock’s episode ; but his interposition between God’s anger and the people certainly played a part in it as well). 

Jesus went through the torture of the Cross because our curse fell on Him. If you want to eventually die for sinners like He did, just pray without thinking. 

About 18 months ago, one of my sons in the Lord came to see me to complain that I had let him down. He had a project that was very dear to him and he had been talking to me about it for 2 years. He was convinced the Lord was behind it and had some intriguing coincidences as evidences of that; still, despite all his prophetic declarations and some 'faith' risks that he had taken, things were not moving forward and he was depressed. Worse, he could not ‘feel’ my support, whereas for something else, he could literally feel himself carried by my prayers. And he was right. I explained to him that I had a problem: I could not see what he was seeing and I did not know whether what he wanted to do was from God or not, contrarily to the previous adventure he had just mentioned. His faith was not enough to make me start as quick as a flash: I could not claim what he was wishing for, with the assurance he would have loved me to have, while I was not certain it was the will of God. I could only provide some advice and ask the Lord to enlighten him. It was a tough blow but, he took some days off to pray and reflect on his life and finally realized that he had somehow lost his way… 

‘‘Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’’; the peace that surpasses all understanding can only fill our hearts if our prayer was in line with God’s will. When Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours,” He speaks about the fulfillment of what was asked according to the will of the Father. Indeed, “this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” (1John 5:14-15)

When I open my mouth to pray, it is to be listened to, heard and granted. My own credibility is at stake. That’s why I prefer seeking the Lord’s will concerning whatsoever, before praying for whatsoever… or whosoever.

  

The Holy Scriptures exhort us to accomplish the Law of Christ by carrying each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Therefore, we ought to pray and fast for one another but, we have to do it wisely and with prudence. The next time someone tells you: ‘‘Pray for me,’’ don’t jump straightaway into bindings, unbindings and verses’ recitation but take time instead to understand what it is all about. ‘‘Lord, do You want me to pray for…? And if yes, how? ’’ 

In conclusion, I really think the most beneficial prayers we can say for anyone are: 

(1) ‘‘ Lord, Let him (her) know Your will.’’ And,

(2) ‘‘ Lord, change her (his) rebellious heart into one willing to obey You.’’

God bless you.

Conditions of a financial harvest (IV and final)

God’s sovereignty
 

Lastly, even if the three preceding conditions are met, there is nonetheless a time for everything under the Sun and God made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:1,11). It is not because Galatians 6:7-8 - among others- tells that we reap what we sow that God is forced to bless us financially we sow (give our money). He reserves himself the right to fructify it in the manner He deems most appropriate and more likely to accomplish His purpose for the nation and for our lives! 

Abel died shortly after giving his offering and without having the time to harvest anything. 

Gideon stopped the Lord with a gift but was rather used to deliver his people: something far more precious than silver and gold (Judges 6:18ff). 

Solomon had not yet offered anything when the Most High promised him an unmatched prosperity (so there is no causality). And when he finally sacrificed thousands of animals before the Ark, the very Glory of God came down from heaven and filled the Temple (1Kings 3:5-13 & 8:5-11). Is there anything better? 

Elijah won a spiritual victory against the prophets of Baal but also persecution after a powerful sacrifice (1Kings 18 & 19). 

Mary, the sinful woman who poured a priceless perfume on Jesus’ feet, received perpetual fame in return, not money (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 7 & John 8). 

As for Jesus himself, the offering of His body on the Cross brought Him a Name above all name, an eternal dominion and the redemption of humanity. 

In each of these examples, the harvest was not of the same nature as the seed. God is sovereign! 

 
Conclusion 
 

This long article was intended to explain why many people professing to serve God do not manage to breakthrough in spite of some of their sacrificial offerings. We have realised that sometimes their sacrifices or seeds are the cause of it; at times it is the altars; some other times the problem lies in those who sacrifice and from time to time, the mystery is hidden in God. 

Worshippers, priests, sowers and donors must worship, sacrifice, sow and give in spirit and in truth. He who wants to move the Heavens with his offering must first ensure that his heart is wholly to the Lord. He must believe in Him, honor Him, Lift Him up, obey Him, respect His alliance and he must not twist the law. Then, he must consider the quality of what he wants to offer and choose it carefully. Afterwards, he must ascertain the fertility of the soil in which he is about to sow in. Finally, he must accept and wait for God’s time and manner. 

I deliberately did not write another chapter on the necessity to work. Of course, if one sows then goes and stays home without taking care of his farm and seeds, very soon, the little sprouts and buds will be choked by weeds and thorns. That’s also what happens to he who makes his offerings and doesn’t go to work, doesn’t look for a job or doesn’t learn the necessary skills he needs to succeed. 

When all these conditions have been met, one can then be entitled to expect an excellent financial harvest.

 
God bless and prosper you!

Conditions of a financial harvest (III)

The sower

Genesis 4:1-8, ''Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD." And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.''

Sower, priest and worshipper will be used as synonyms. We will not restrain the meaning of priest to the officiating clergy, but to anyone who brings a sacrifice to the deity and thus, becomes a worshipper.

According to Exodus 12:37-38, those who came out of Egypt were probably about two million (the 600 thousands male Israelites, the women, the children and the foreigners who left with them). However, despite their countless sacrifices, - in line with the Levitical requirements- they all perished in the wilderness without seeing the Promised Land, the country where milk and honey flow, the country of prosperity. Why? 

When Cain and Abel came to worship, “the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.” In other words, the Lord always looks at the offerer first, before looking at what he brings. Churchmen might be impressed, church members may applaud, but God cannot be fooled because He reads in the heart (1Samuel 16:7). Now, through a few selected pieces, let’s try to understand the reasons why some offerings are discarded. 

“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (1Samuel 15:22, ESV)

That’s what Prophet Samuel said when king Saul was praising himself for having offered many beasts in oblation to a Lord whose orders he had just singularly transgressed. The problem was his heart. It is written: “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” (Proverbs 28:9, ESV). And I can say: ‘‘If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his offerings are an abomination.’’ God is not in need of our gifts, He is not looking for an offering at any cost: He wants to be revered and obeyed.   

“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me. I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds. For every beast of the forest is mine,… and all that moves in the field is mine. "If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. ” (Psalm 50:8-10,11,12,13-15, ESV) 

The problem was not the sacrifices but ingratitude and failure to comply with the commitments made before the Lord. Hence, it was a heart issue. Let us be faithful and grateful and God will welcome our offerings.   

“And now, O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it. So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the LORD of hosts. My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name…7 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 2:1ff, ESV) 

Blessing is a synonym of benediction which comes from the latin bene dicere and means a good word spoken to someone. Hence, “I will curse your blessings” or “when you give a blessing, I will turn it into a curse” (CEV) is like saying, ‘‘I will curse all good word, all your beautiful promises and all your prophecies.” And it’s terrible! Those who were supposed to have a covenant with God were violating His laws and causing naïve people to stumble with the kind of advice that they were being given. Once again, the heart was in question. Around us are many people in search of direction, people for whom we may be the only bible they will ever read and we owe it to them the truth: the Church is the support and the column of truth. If we do not comply to the terms of the alliance, if we do not do our best to glorify the name of the Lord and if we teach men to remove even the smallest commandment, it is therefore useless to bring our gifts to God: He will despise them.

  

“And this second thing you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14 But you say, "Why does he not?" Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16 "For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the LORD, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless." 17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. But you say, "How have we wearied him?" By saying, "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them." Or by asking, "Where is the God of justice?"” (Malachi 2:13ff, ESV) 

Do you know why the divorce rate is increasing among Christians? Why is there an ‘‘acute divorcitis’’ amongst servants of God? It is because divorce is no longer a sin (maybe with the exception of the Catholic Church). What used to be wrong or evil has become acceptable and at the rate in which things are going, cohabitation might soon become the norm. Notwithstanding what you may have been taught, what the society thinks and what it may seem to you, this passage as many others, reveals that God hates adultery and repudiation. I know there are some very complicated cases and true human dramas but, they do not change the fact that every divorce is first of all contrary to God’s will and then, a failure. We can sympathize with those involved but we also have to remain faithful and true to the Scriptures. If we start thinking otherwise, we might end up with the same fate. The Society might change, but God never does and what He said yesterday still stands today and will ever stand as true. That’s the reason why I emphasized so much on the importance and the authority of His Word. 

Our offerings will be rejected if we live in adultery. This adultery can be natural (against our spouse), but it can also be spiritual. That’s how the Lord describes the act of going after other gods I recently came across a lady in her mid-forties who had gone to consult a native doctor or fetish priest whichever. She had been Christian for many years but couldn’t wait any longer for God to give her a husband. So she followed a friend and went there ‘to see.’ I could not believe my ears when she told me she prayed for the Lord’s protection and assistance before going there !!! Now, let’s ask a few questions. One, how did she come to believe that she could ask God to sanctify her sin? Two, how can her friend learn the truth about God (that He is Almighty and can reveal hidden things)? Three, with such a spiritual infidelity, are the heavens going to be opened for her if on the following day, she goes to church and donate a huge sum of money? The fact is, this woman had lost her confidence in the Most High and had probably been serving Him with a divided heart for some time: the heart and the heart again... This is how we self-delay or self-block the arrival of our miracles. 

 

“Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me…3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD …5… I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts. 7 …Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, 'How shall we return?' 8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts… 14 You have said, 'It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts? 15 And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.'" 16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. 17 "They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 18 Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.” (Malachi 3:1ff, ESV) 

In this example, the injustice was so flagrant that people felt that it was vain to fear and to serve God. Spouses, widows, orphans, foreigners and workers rights were being violated with impunity. Once more, God had to deal with man’s heart. Our donations will never reach their intended purpose without a real comeback to justice. We have to be fair in our actions and our words.

 

Although verses 8 to 11 are often used by pastors to convince their members to tithe, it is good to keep in mind that the book of Malachi first addresses clergymen and not laymen. Men of God are the ones sitting on the dock here and ALL the aforementioned things are mainly reproached to them. I only referred to these passages because according to the New Testament, every Christian is priest of God (Revelation 1:6). 

 

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV) 

Backbiting, hatred, jealousy and others destroy the atmosphere of miracles. Every donation given in a context of conflict remains indefinitely before the altar and will never produce the desired effects until reconciliation has taken place. Offerings must be done in a climate of love. Love that forgives and does everything to seek peace.

  

“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 7 After an interval of about 3 hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." And she said, "Yes, for so much." But Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.” (Acts 5:1-10, ESV) 

In a burst of love and solidarity, the early Christians had seen fit to sell their assets to support the needy amongst them. With a lot of transparency, they would inform the Apostles of what they had decided to part with, and then they would bring the amount of the sale to them for redistribution.

One has to acknowledge the fact that they were living with the imminence of the coming of the Lord and were convinced that they would soon no longer need all those possessions. So, Barnabas sold his field. Witnessing that, Ananias and Sapphira stood in the assembly of the saints and promised to sell theirs as well and to bring back the full amount of the sale. Nothing was forced on them and they freely committed themselves, but their heart was full of deceit and greed and their offering was disqualified. They perish trying to present themselves as paragons of generosity. 

Unfortunately, there are still many Ananias and Sapphira in our churches! How else would you call those who tithe in part, making the pastor believe their earnings are lower than what they really are? What else would you call those who stand to financially support a project only for people to praise their faith and generosity and who fail to keep their commitments as soon as the limelights are off? And we still wonder why the Heaven seems to be sealed! Our gifts will be rejected if we live in lie, deceit, hypocrisy and ‘m’as-tu vu.’

  

“And the LORD said to Moses, "How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them? I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them… 22 none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, 23 shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it.” (Numbers 14:11-12,22-23, ESV) 

Those who came out of Egypt could taste neither the honey nor the milk of the promised land because of their profound attitude of contempt and disbelief. Yet, without faith it is impossible to please God for, he who comes to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. It is by faith that Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than his brother and was approved (Hebrews 11:6,4).

Of all those who experienced the Exodus, only Joshua and Caleb – 2 out of 2 millions - treaded upon Canaan, because they had a different spirit…because they had something else in their hearts (Numbers 14:24). 

The promises of God are often conditional. They are like contracts wherein He writes down what He will do if we are faithful to Him. So let us stop thinking that if we give Him 'enough', He will close His eyes on what we are and the kind of life we live. He is not after our money, we cannot buy Him and He doesn’t need our donations: “If I was hungry, I would not tell you… Do I eat bulls’ flesh?...” ("Do I shop with your offerings?"). EVERYTHING belongs to him. We are only managers that may fall out of grace at any time as the bad servant of the parable of talents (Matthew 25:28,30) or simply die as the rich landowner of Luke 12:16-20. 

“I will be sanctified in them that come near me.” Let us be wise and careful. More than anything else, let us keep our hearts pure: out of them flow the springs of life and it is the only way to see God... at work in our lives (Leviticus 10:3, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 5:8). 

To be continued…

Conditions of a financial harvest (II)

The soil


This is the second factor in the harvest. What should we expect if we sow tons of our best seeds in the desert?

Matthew 13:3-8, “Listen! A sower went out to sow. As he was sowing, some seeds fell along the path, and birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on stony ground, where they did not have a lot of soil. They sprouted at once because the soil wasn't deep. But when the sun came up, they were scorched. Since they did not have any roots, they dried up. Other seeds fell among thornbushes, and the thornbushes came up and choked them. But other seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times what was sown.” 

This parable shows that our seeds will not just grow anywhere ‘by God’s grace.’ We must therefore sow wisely because, it is not all that is done in the Church in God’s Name that necessarily originates in Him. We must be careful not to be swindled and sacrifice Isaacs that God has never requested from us.

In the last few years, calls to financially support Christian ministries with promises of small gadgets for all those who will advance ‘the work of God’, are frequently seen on television. A few months ago one of my sisters-in-law was telling me how she had repeatedly sent money but, what was promised in front of the cameras (books, DVDs etc.) had not followed and all attempts to claim them have been unsuccessful. Vexed, she had ‘sworn’ not to ever fall in the same trap again. 

Shortly after this conversation, I saw one of the televangelists she had spoken to me about, announce with all the required gravity, the planting of an olive grove in the Holy land. For a minimum donation of 500 or $ 1000 (I have forgotten the exact amount), one was promised his own olive tree with one’s name engraved on it and, as a bonus, one would also regularly receive a bottle of one’s own olive oil! I had already heard this man say many unusual things, but this time, his finding left me speechless. When we know that the olive tree takes 5 to 12 years to produce, bears fruits every other year if it is not trimmed and then gives 3 to 10 litres of oil, I leave you to consider the seriousness of the offer. And, assuming that the trees are actually planted, some donors will be dead by the time of harvest while the others could count themselves lucky if the bottle that is eventually sent to them was at least purchased in Israel. 

He has also recently organized, a baptism ceremony "at the exact location where Jesus was baptized!" Of course, did not participate who wanted, but who could pay one’s ticket departing from the United States and one’s hotel bills. Still, the most staggering thing is that some people did believe that he really knew 'the precise location’ where the Lord was immersed and did think that baptizing in Israel, in the river Jordan, was worth more than baptizing elsewhere. The bigger the fish, the better it bites the hook.

If you happened to figure out whom I was talking about, know that he is usually more edifying than this. These examples are just here to exemplify the fact that all that glitters is not gold, all that bears the label ‘Christian’ is not necessarily inspired by God and all that calls itself a ‘church’ is not de facto a worthy Temple of the Lord. Immediately after speaking under divine inspiration and being publicly praised for it, Peter was harshly snubbed by Jesus : “How blessed are you, Simon, son of John! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven has… But Jesus turned around and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not thinking God's thoughts but human thoughts!” (Matthew 16:17,23, ESV) We have to put EVERYTHING to test (1Thessalonians 5:20-21; 1John 4:1). 

Many have started well but have long gone astray from the Lord without anyone noticing it. Many people who see the priesthood as a springboard for their starization will multiply evangelistic campaigns, miracles meetings and prophetic seminars at wish, but God will not in those things. He no longer speaks to them and too bad for those who listen and follow them. Indeed, “For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. 8 But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 2:7-8). 

Some are convinced that ‘by faith’, even in case of manipulation, after following those eccentric instructions of churchmen, God will ignore the lies and still meet their expectations if they give their offering with sincerity of heart. This is very naïve. What does the Bible say?

“Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” (2Chronicles 20:20). True if one has really trusted HIS prophets, meaning HIS mouthpieces.

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11) Some think they can say what they want, take all sorts of commitments and force God to obey them or bear the shame. One can wonder who is finally servant of who? It is not because we call them men and servants of God that they are God. What they say or prophesy will only happen if the Master has truly sent them.

“…Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, ESV). It is totally illusory to put one’s faith in action on what God, what Christ has not said.

''My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of you God, I will also forget your children.'' (Hosea 4:6) Ignorance kills! God will not have mercy on us because we didn’t know. He has given us all we need, the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Spirit (and with Him, discernment) to help us know. Of the latter, Jesus said He would teach us all things and lead us in all the truth (John 14:26 & 16:13). Only, we have chosen to underuse them and thus, to reject science (knowledge). What else do we want God to do? Hence, my insistance on the importance and the authority of the Bible.

And now, far from me the thought of choking Christians’ enthusiasm for liberality because I know the secret of offering and I can testify of its power. I simply invite us to cautiously manage the possessions that the Lord gives us, in order to limit as much as possible murmurs and frustrations in the body of Christ. It is high time we are finally renewed in our minds so that we may know the will of God, which is good, pleasing and perfect. Let’s learn to sow wisely and to sow in fertile soils. 

To be continued…

Let’s smile a little…

 

A guy is kneeling down in his room, praying:

  -  Lord, is it true that for You, a day is like a thousand years?

  -  Mmmm (yes).

  -  So, one dollar is like 1 million isn’t it?

  -  Mmmm yes.

  -  Hmmm, could you not give me one of Your small millions?

  -  No problem my child: just wait a day!

  -  …

Enjoy your week-end & God bless!

Conditions of a financial harvest (I)

A few years ago, I had a vision in which I was at Church and I was watching people moving forward to give their offering. I could see that many of them were frustrated because they had given so much, sometimes even to the point of skinning themselves, but they felt the result was neither on the same scale as their sacrifices and expectations, nor worthy of the prophecies that had often prompted them to give. 

While pondering on that, I understood that there are four basic elements that determine the likelihood and the quality of a financial harvest.

 

The nature and the quality of the seed
 

The seed itself is the first determinant of the harvest. You need to sow to harvest and to sow a lot to harvest a lot. Furthermore, two things matter: 

The nature of the seed. The gap between planting and harvest times depends on it: a few years for fruit trees and a few weeks for household (kitchen) gardens. The bigger the miracle you are hoping for, the longer the wait. In spite of their offerings, Sara, Anna, Elisabeth and others had to wait for many years to breastfeed a son. In Africa, it is frequent to see passers-by picking fruits on a mango tree that no longer belongs to anyone. He who planted it having left long ago, without ever tasting one of its mangoes. Thus, there are some who accuse God of injustice and others complain that His servants lack anointing, while they are those who have abandoned here and there in their ecclesial wandering, fields that will eventually benefit to others. Let’s not be quickly discouraged.

The quality of the seed.  It must be perfect: without spot, defect, blemish or infirmity. We will not have a good harvest if our seeds are rotten. My father who was an agronomist, only planted the best varieties of fruits and plants at home, grafting when necessary, in order to obtain excellent quality products. He was never disappointed...and neither were we! I still eat some of those when I go back home. 

Let’s not offer just anything to the Lord on the pretext that only the intention matters. Let’s take time to choose and prepare whatever we are bringing to Him. Let’s not desecrate His Temple and His Holy Name with ‘blind, crippled, sick or stolen’ gifts. He would not accept them. That’s what the following verses are about : “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the LORD's table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 …For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. 12 But you profane it … 13 But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD.” (Malachi 1:6ss) 

To be continued…

God’s absence…

 

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21

Lazarus sisters had sent a message to Jesus that their brother whom He loved was seriously ill. Jesus reassured them saying, “This illness is not meant to end in death. It is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” But their brother died shortly after, without Jesus deigning interrupting His business to run to His friend bedside. When He eventually got there, Martha and Mary expressed their disappointment: ‘‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’’ (ISV, John 11:3-4,21,32)

Moses had clearly been sent to go and tell Pharaoh to let the Children of Israel go. The Lord had also promised to use him as the instrument of their deliverance. Moses thought everything would be quick and smooth but to his utter dismay, the Hebrews’ condition which was already difficult, worsened instead and the foremen of the people were furious and blamed him and his brother for it: “The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” Vexed, Moses turned back to God and said: “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.” (Exodus 5.21-23, ESV)

In short, ‘You sent me, I went and now they are all angry with me and You still have not kept Your promise! Where are You? What are You doing? What are You waiting for? And the Lord replied, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD.” (Exodus 10:1b-2)

The same answer was given to Martha and Mary centuries later.

Jeremiah cried: “O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me.” (Jeremiah 20:7, ESV) other versions have, “You have persuaded me, and I was persuaded.” In many of our "desperate" situations, we have also often heard God’s voice calming our worries down. We read all the appropriate passages with promises in the Bible, we pondered and recited them with faith (not to say with fervor) until we received in our minds that things were not over yet and there was still hope. We heard Him say He would use the problem for His glory and that restored our courage and hope. And then, to our greatest bewilderment, nothing happened as we had begun to expect it to, and disaster stroke: our loved one still died despite all the prophecies, the divorce was still pronounced, we still tested positive to HIV, the cancer’s diagnosis was still confirmed and we still lost our job or pension… And, just like Moses, Jeremiah, Martha and Mary, we're taken aback, we question ourselves, we wonder where has God gone and we doubt the word that we originally heard and from which had sprung out our faith. “Lord, if You had been here, this would not have happened...”

Behind this dismay, is the belief that misfortune must not and cannot hit the just, the upright or the pious. His life is supposed to be a permanent long quiet river. That’s why Job’s friends were harassing him to confess his sin because for them, it was unthinkable that he could loose his wealth and children without breaking any law. His affliction was the proof that God had abandoned him and was absent during his trial time. And, according to their ‘theology’, the only thing that could keep the Lord away was sin. “Have you ever seen destruction come to an upright man? or when were the god-fearing ever cut off?” As for his wife, she could hardly understand the reason of such a cruel treatment on someone who had so faithfully served his Lord: ‘‘Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.’’ (Job 4:7, BBE & 2:9, ESV)

Lord, if You had been here…This would not have happened. It did because I fell on Your voicemail and when You got the message, it was too late!

And yet, He was there! Martha did not noticed His presence, but He was truly there. If not, how could He have said: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am leaving to wake him up." … "Lazarus has died. For your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let's go to him."’’ (ISV, John 11:11,14,15) The emissaries of Martha and Mary had only spoken of a disease; how then did He know that Lazarus had died? Because, He was fully with the two sisters in Spirit, just as He had been with Nathaniel before telling him: "before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw you." (John 1:48)

He was also there during Job’s turmoil and, He is always there in our difficult moments. Only, when we are torn by pain and tears cloud our eyes, we usually fail to distinguish His presence. And that’s when faith must intervene.

Faith that believes that He is there, simply because He said He would always be.

Faith that would rather say that if He is not visible, it is just because He is 'hidden' in the crowd.

Faith that knows that after all, it doesn’t need to see nor to feel His presence, to know that He is there.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.” (1Corinthians 10:13) He is present throughout the test and ensures that we don’t break down. He is The Medium that helps us out and He is also The Grace that enables us to endure it.

“It is good to wait with silence for the salvation of God.” (Lamentations 3:26, DRB) If Lazarus sisters had not spoken too quickly, they wouldn’t have been disappointed. The Lord’s promises are Yes and Amen. Jesus was on His way to the miracle even before seeing them. He was there, neither as nor when expected, but had He not been at this funeral, Lazarus would have never been raised from the dead. He was there!

He is the Resurrection and the Life! There is no resurrection without prior death. He is capable to call forth any of our rotten issues and dashed hopes.

He is moved by your grief and pain and He is crying with you as He cried with Mary. In the midst of your suffering, hear this : “The Master is here and is calling for you! ” (John 11:28). Get up and go to Him: He is there…for you !

God bless you.