MERCY IN PURPOSE DISCOVERY - PART 3

MERCY IN PURPOSE DISCOVERY - PART 3

In Judges 6:12, we see that an angel of God appeared unto Gideon telling him who He was. One may wonder, why did the angel have to tell Gideon who He was. This is because there is a reason to understand who you are. Having the question of "who you are" answered is important to knowing "why you are here" on Earth.You must understand that until you discover who you are, you may not find out why or what you are here for. (Your question of Purpose). Angels may not appear to you to tell you who you are as it was the case of Gideon. But God through the Holy Spirit,  makes us to know who we are when we submit to prayer and study of His word. We are in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit; and He is ever ready to let us in on any thing we ask of the Father. 

After the angel told Gideon who he was, Gideon was still questioning the angel. This is just like many of us today; some have found out who they are but still do not believe and so question God. When God gives us a vision or a plan, we find it hard to believe; this may be because it sounds or looks bigger than us. We  must understand that God's plan will always be bigger than you, and that is why you need to tap into His grace to fulfil it. This was the case with Gideon.  After Gideon questioned the angel, He didn't answer his question but gave him an instruction to go and fulfill his Purpose. And we see again at every point, Gideon still had excuses on why he couldn't fulfill the plan of God; and we see the word of God through the angel coming to him again and again. It is not wrong to ask questions when we need more understanding and clarity; but we must be ready to receive whatever responses we get and this might come in form of answers, instructions, responsibility, etc. We must just be willing enough and ready to do all that is required of us.

Hence, we see the word of God, a very important tool to actualizing His purpose for us here on Earth. Gideon had too many questions and He got them answered. You may have questions which you need to have answered. You can get these answers either directly as God did unto Gideon; also through visions and dreams; through praying and fasting; through diligent study of the word of God.

Like Gideon, God gave him instructions, but he was waiting for a sign. God showed him these signs to confirm the word he had received, but not everyone may get the opportunity of a confirmation after the instruction. If you are still waiting for a sign to move towards what God has called you into and it's not coming, you may wait till eternity because the Bible make us to understand that only an evil and adulterous generation demands for a sign other than that which is given (Matthew 16:4). The greatest sign which is Jesus Christ of Nazareth has been given. To He is the word of the Father to us (John 1:1) When you receive God's plan for your life, settle down with it, study your Bible and books relating to the vision and keep on praying for direction. 

You will come out in flying colours in Jesus mighty name. Amen!

Pls if you have any questions, kindly reach us on our Facebook page @The Men That Lead. God bless you. We believe you have been blessed so far. 

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MERCY IN PURPOSE DISCOVERY

 MERCY IN PURPOSE DISCOVERY - PART 2

In Judges 6:6, the Bible makes us to understand that the children of Israel cried unto God having been oppressed of the Midianites. We see that their crying for help and calling for mercy is what made God to look in their direction. Until they called for mercy, it did not locate them. Their crying simply meant a call out for mercy. For instance growing up as little children, crying while being chastised for an offence wasn't only due to the pain that this inflicted on us, but also seeking mercy from our parents. 

When you seek for mercy, Grace may find you if your cry of mercy is heard. This was the case of the children of Israel in this chapter. When the children of Israel cried, they were heard of God; He answered them and sent unto them a prophet. The prophet reminded them of the promise of God over their life and explained to them that their suffering was due to their disobedience. 

One must therefore understand that one may not necessarily be in the affliction because one is unfortunate but because of disobedience to God. The children of Israel cried for mercy and the LORD answered them and sent a rescuer unto them - Gideon. It must be worthy of note that the rescuer had been with them all this while but until they cried unto God and then finding mercy in his sight, did God's grace find them through Gideon. Gideon found grace to solve the affliction the Israelites were facing, and thus, we see that Gideon's purpose was tied to them asking for mercy, reconsidering their ways. 

Purpose is the discovery of God's plan for our lives; and this can be the identification or realization of a certain problem on the Earth; Not only this, but also receiving a guidance from God to solve it. God knows that there will come a time when a certain problem will surface on the Earth; it could be in your field of endeavor, your society or even in your family, so He created you to solve it. Until you locate this problem, you may not find fulfilment. Just like how Gideon rescued Israel when he responded to his purpose - He was fulfilled. Fulfilment is not in you having a job or getting paid for a work done. It is more deeper. It comes as a result of a man working in alignment with Purpose.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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MERCY IN PURPOSE DISCOVERY

 MERCY IN PURPOSE DISCOVERY - PART 1

This week we will be dealing with a very important topic on our weekly Purpose series. We have been looking at how Purpose can be discovered and this week, we will be taking another pathway to Purpose discovery.

What is Purpose?  Purpose is the discovery of the original intent of God for creating us. Until one locates the reason he was created, one may find it difficult to live a  fulfilled life. And when you can not live a fulfilled life, you end up in frustrations.

We must understand tht all humans were designed to play a vital role on the Earth. You are not in any way an accident. There is a reason God had for creating you in the form you are and then putting you on the planet Earth  This role is primarily towards the advancement of His kingdom on the Earth; and it is a purpose from God. 

One of the greatest discovery a person can have in life is the discovery of one's purpose. Without this discovery, life and living will appear worthless and meaningless. We live in a dark world but Christ having shed his light on us, said that we should become as lights to lighten our world. But so many have walked in the other direction away from Purpose and are paying the price today. Some are walking on this said path, to pay the price tomorrow. We are now to understand that the errors already made are not outrightly irredeemable, hence, this week's topic.

The title of this week's article is "MERCY IN PURPOSE  DISCOVERY".

Our case study is Gideon, a mighty man in the scriptures (Judges chapter 6). The scripture makes us to understand that the children of Israel did an evil in the sight of God, and the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Midianites to afflict them for seven years. This is a nation that God had already made promises of greatness to in the days of their forefathers who worked committedly with  God. 

 Why then did He deliver them into the hands of the enemy? the answer is in this simple word SIN. Sin is a sinker of destiny. It doesn't matter what the plan and purpose of God, sin can make a man lose out on this; but mercy is a cleanser of sin. Until man is able to ask for mercy so that he may be redeemed; he may not find Grace.

Have you ever wondered why so many people who lived sinful lives, then all of a sudden, you hear or see them having ground breaking achievements in life (and in a clean, righteous way). It is because they asked for mercy and then Grace found them and on the long run they discovered God's purpose for their life; and started to walk in the light of it, hence the reason for the greatness that appears to all. 

The mercies of God is able to rewrite what is supposedly said to be the narrative for a person living in Sin. It is therefore imperative that we see here, that a person who has missed it can still be brought back to what is the plan of God for such a person. Was  it God's plan for them to dwell into sin before they discover God or their purpose? NO, it was their choice; a result of wrong choices and wrong roads treaded upon. For these persons, on the long run, when they ask for Mercy, they will surely be found and Grace will be given unto them to discover and run with God's plan for their life. For our God is a merciful God!

TO BE CONTINUED...

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THE CHRISTIAN GIVER - PART 8

THE CHRISTIAN GIVER - PART 8

The Christian giver must not only understand the Giving instruction but must take fast hold of it to profit thereof.  Matthew 13:11 "He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given". Giving is one mystery that works and from the scripture above, we see that understanding is very crucial. Understanding is very vital to the unveiling of any mystery. We live by light and rule by revelation. We must understand that there are different keys to different doors but you need to have a particular key to opening certain doors in your life. In the same vein, it will take more light and deeper understanding of the word of God to access the right keys. 

We have been laying the foundation for Christian Giving since the beginning of this series. The foundation of a house is very important. If it is not strong, the house collapses but if it is strong, it stands. Having a strong foundation on the principle of Giving is therefore the way to profit. Today, we will further look into the attributes of Giving that yield result. By now, we should understand that it's not all giving that is acceptable before God, in the same way God does not accept all forms of worship. There is a way it must be done and this is what we seek to understand. In our last article, we established that the Giving that produces results must come from the heart.

ATTRIBUTES OF GIVING THAT YIELDS RESULTS

2. IT MUST BE DONE IN LOVE:

There is a popular saying, "you can love without giving but you can not give without loving". These two go hand in hand. The Bible says in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave...". The New testament commandment on which every other commandment rest is LOVE (Matthew 22:36-40). It is very necessary that you give in Love whether you are giving to God or to His people. The Christians at Macedonia and Phillipi, even in abject poverty were sold out to giving. Why? Because they loved God; they loved the house of God. The things that interest Him interested them. Hence, we see why apostle Paul blessed them (Philippians 4:19).

As much as Giving is an instruction from God, when it is done in Love, it is done acceptably. By giving in Love, we have access to the blessings from our giving. 

1 Corinthians 2:9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ears heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him".

With Love, we tend to also know the appropriate gift to give. 1 Kings 3:3 "And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David, his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. Love helps you to give the acceptable gift. Genesis 4 (the story of Cain and Abel). Giving without Love is just like pouring water into a basket and expecting to have it filled up. 

Giving is a proof that we love God and his word.

3. IT MUST BE DONE CHEERFULLY AND NOT GRUDGINGLY:

Proverbs 17:22 makes us understand that "a merry heart doeth good like medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bone". In the same vein, a "Merry giving" yields good fruits but a "sorrow-full giving" dries up the seeds. And when the seeds are dried, how then can they grow into good fruits. 

In 2 Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver". This is all - God loves a cheerful giver. 

God does not love when you murmur and complain over every act of giving you engage. He hates a murmuring and complaining spirit. We are to offer unto God a joyful seed, not one that is mournful. This is only when the blessings can rain down upon the seeds sown. Joel 1:12 "The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men". In the above verse, we see what happens when Joy is out of a man's life. Nothing works, the seeds sown never grow and if they can not grow, they will never bear fruits. 

To be joyful is to be cheerful. To have Joy in you at all times is to give an offering that can be accepted at all times. You are giving but you are also happily doing it; it is not burdensome to you, you are not reflecting how it will affect your spending for that month or that period. One is just full of Joy doing the will of the Father. 

Acts 2:46-47 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved". 

God did not just add to the church or bless the early church but He did so on this platform as we see in the book of Acts above. When you are the type that grumbles over every seed, the heaven is stayed from raining over you. Even though you give, you still need Joy in your heart to fuel the Giving.

It is important to however note that both Love and Joy are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Hence, you must be and continue to remain in the Spirit to have these fruits show in your life. "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned"- 1Corinthians 2:14.

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THE CHRISTIAN GIVER - PART 7

 THE CHRISTIAN GIVER - PART 7

The Christian believer must understand what it means to give as the scriptures portray. He must not only understand the rudiments of Giving but also how to give acceptably. Since the beginning of this article, we have seen what a Christian Giving looks like from God's word, the benefits that we enjoy when we give and the enemies to our giving. We have understood that our giving is able to yield results only when it is done in line with what is right before God. A farmer is entitled to reaping the seeds sown if they are right seeds (viable), if they are sown on the right field and nurtured the right way and manner; and lastly, if they are sown at the right time. All these we have been able to see together in our previous articles.

Today, we will wrap up on the enemies to our Giving. Amongst all, we have; sin, doubt and unbelief, murmuring and complaining, stinginess, etc.

ENEMIES TO OUR GIVING

9. Impatience:

Hebrews 10:36; "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise".

We understand from scriptures that Giving is the will of God for us who are His (Luke 6:38). But here, the scripture is telling us that having known the will of God or even done the will of God, we must also still be patient enough to obtain the promise. What is the promise? Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom". 

Malachi 3:10 "...and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you our a blessing...Vs 11 "And u will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground...". The Bible admonishes us to avoid being impatient, then can we receive our blessings.

Having looked at the above, what then are the attributes of a Giving that yields results.

ATTRIBUTES OF GIVING THAT YIELDS RESULTS

1. IT MUST COME FROM THE HEART:

 Nothing that is done outside the heart is ever true or genuine. God wants true worshippers, so He searcheth out the hearts and the reins (Psalms 7:9). Proverbs 23:7 - "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it".

The heart is very pivotal to the life of a man and hence anything that must come out from this place must therefore be worthy. Our Giving to God must come from a heart that is right towards God. 2Corinthians 9:8 "Every man as he purposeth in his heart". We know that God does not deal with man superficially, He looks beyond what is seen by the natural man and He looks into the inward parts of man (Proverbs 20:27). 

We see the church in Macedonia (2Corinthians 8), such a form of giving; that they gave even in deep poverty, can only come from a heart that is one with God. When it comes from the heart, that is when the giving can be genuine. The Giving that must result into blessings must be done genuinely. It must come from a place of genuine intentions first towards God and secondly, towards the cause for which we are given to. God does not bless hypocrites. He has no business with hypocrites. As far as He is concerned, they have received their rewards here on Earth. 

In this same manner, our giving must also come from a heart that is pure and righteous. A righteous God will always prefer righteousness and hate iniquity. Therefore, He will only accept the righteous of gifts from a righteous heart (Psalms 11:7; Psalms 33:5).

Giving must come from a selfless heart: You are not giving because of the blessings that come with it but you are giving because it is the will of God. Luke 17:33 "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it". In the same vein, the ultimate should not be to please ourselves with our Giving or the brethren but all should be unto God. 2 Corinthians 8:5; "...but first they gave their own selves unto the Lord, and unto us by the will of God". At the centre of the Giving of the Macedonia church was God himself. Anything that God is made the ultimate in will always yield pleasant results.

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THE CHRISTIAN GIVER PART 6

 THE CHRISTIAN GIVER - PART 6

Praise God! We thank God for another new week He has brought us into. We pray that this week shall be more glorious than the last in Jesus name. We started a wonderful series last month and we thank God for inspiration till now. I believe we have all been blessed.

Today, we will further look into some enemies of our giving. If you are just joining us, please check our previous posts on this topic, they have been so wonderful.

ENEMIES OF OUR GIVING

5. Murmuring and Complaining:

We must know this as believers, God hates a murmuring and complaining spirit. It's just naturally as we are too, a child that murmurs and complains all the time is not the best or the preferred child of the parents. Such child that complains at every gift bought and every gift not bought is not always preferred amongst the children. The same way, it is with our God. Numbers 11:1 "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp".

The Israelites complained and God was displeased about this. In the same vein, when we come unto Him with our offerings, let's come with a heart that glorifies not a heart that keeps saying "why again?", "have we not given before?". Remember it is important that your giving must come from a willing heart. 2Corinthians 9:8 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver".

6. Doubt and Unbelief:

The seed of unbelief is the doing of the devil and it is in order to rob man of his blessings in Christ. The Bible says in Matthew 13:58 "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief". Our giving is not acceptable before God, if doubt and unbelief reigns in our heart. So many wonder; is it possible that God can by my offering, change my story?. Yes, it is possible. 

Remember His words say so and that the scriptures cannot be broken (John 10:35). Whatever He has said to one, He says to all (Mark 13:37). If you are committed to a lifestyle of giving,  then God is committed to blessing you. 

Also, we must know that God works according to times and seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1); and also his ways are absolutely not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Hence, when we give, we should give with this understanding, not expecting the blessings according to what our mental capacity feels should be possible. If the returns appear delayed to us, it is not because the Father is not able to do so. Just keep trusting in Him and keep praying along with your seeds. When the cloud is full, the rain most certainly will fall. You will only rob yourself of the good benefits available in Giving when you allow doubt and unbelief.

7. Half-heartedness/ Negative Attitude:

This is one way many rob themselves of their blessings in Christ. In our work with God, it is either all or none (Matthew 6:22, 33). We are admonished to give ourselves wholly(James 4:7) and it is when we do this, that we see whole results. It is very important that we understand, our attitude matters when it comes to Giving. It's all about the inner person of the mind. How do you place that offering you are giving God in your heart? So many come before God and give unto Him "anyhow" offering. These people cannot receive in that same manner but they feel they can do it unto God. 

When we come to God, we must have an understanding of the presence of whom we are and appropriate that presence well. Cain brought an offering unto God the same way Abel did but his was not accepted. It could have something to do with the state of his heart at that time, the gift He gave or anything in particular. As we see, when God did not accept, the Bible says "Cain was very wroth and his countenance fell", and that was when he became a tool in the hands of the devil. God said unto him in Genesis 4:7; "if thou doest well, shalt not thou be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him". 

We therefore must mind our manner of approach when it comes to giving to God or to our prophets. By Giving a man is blessed and by giving, he can also be cursed.

8. Sadness and Grief:

Another vital tool the devil uses to deny God's children of their inheritance is sadness and grief. When we are sorrowful, we cannot please God; and  we also cannot receive God's blessings. 

Joel 1:12; "The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men".

The scripture says in 2 Corinthians 9:7; "For God loveth a cheerful giver". If your gift is not given joyfully, then it cannot be accepted by God. Until He accepts your offering, the blessings cannot be granted us. We must understand that when we are sad or without joy, God cannot dwell with us. His presence is full of Joy (Psalm 16:11) and if He cannot dwell with us; in such manner his blessings also cannot. We must know that only with a Joyful heart can we receive from Him. Isaiah 12:3; "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation".

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