'In the World but not of the World' #thefathersword

All over the world and many nations, there is one phrase that has been used the most time by many leaders in the Christian domain. That phrase is 'In the world but not of the world' but what does it actually mean?

John 17:14 - 18 (KJV)
I have given them thy word and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth. As thou has sent me into the world, even so, have I also sent them into the world.

When God sent his son into the world, he sent him into the world with a purpose. He had a purpose and that was to destroy sin and reconcile sons back to the father. The whole time Jesus was here on earth, he fulfilled his purpose, even though he knew would one day go back to the father, that didn't stop him from getting involved in earthly affairs. He healed the sick, raised the dead, raised up leaders, turned water into wine and many more miracles.
The purpose of being sent is to affect the atmosphere into where you have been sent to. It is to deliver a message, to carry out the works of God

If you think of the British Army, there have been numerous occasions where they have been sent to different countries on a mission. That meant being in that region for a long while so they can deal with whatever threat they are facing. Even though they aren't from that country, they have been sent there on a mission. That is exactly like us as Sons of God, we are sent into the world with a purpose. No one gets sent without a purpose, a mission.

At this present moment in time, we are facing an identity crisis. Many sons have lost sight of why God sent them into the world and henceforth, they can't display the dominion and authority instilled in them when they were created. In order for us to carry out our duties, we must understand two things
1- Who has sent you?
2- Why are you here?

In order for us to carry out the works of God, it requires to renew our mind daily, it requires us to remind ourselves of the vision and the purpose God has revealed to us. When we think like the world, it will stop us from being effective but when we begin to think like Christ, we literally have a different perspective on the world and how it operates. When Jesus came to earth, he healed a sick woman on the Sabbath, but when people began to question him, he simply challenged their mindsets and asked why shouldn't he not heal on the Sabbath..............

Jesus spent started his ministry at the age of 30 and by 33 he was done. His purpose was fulfilled and evidently, he was called back to this father's right-hand side. Your age doesn't determine the longevity of your purpose... Can we truly say when we are reunited with the father 'I have finished, it is done'

John 19:30 (NIV) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit

Remember, whilst you are not of the world, you are in the world. Make an impact, fulfil your purpose and leave a legacy.

Be blessed

Ryan

#thefathersword - How do you feel

It's often said in society that in order to do something, you have to want to do it or do it when you feel like it. Whilst that can be very legitimate in some cases, it certainly can not be that way in the Kingdom of God.

Luke 4:1 - 'Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness'
The above passage shows that Jesus was led into the wilderness by the spirit. Not by his feelings or his mind but it's the spirit that led him.
Along with that passage, we see that Jesus resisted the temptation to give in to the devil. Jesus was hungry and probably thirsty at those times. He came in a physical body so it's only natural that he would be hungry and thirsty but he was able to resist the temptation due to one key component - He was filled with the Spirit.

Within the context of Church, there are instances where God will tell us to go on a mission, go on a fast or go out and evangelise. There are legitimate reasons as to why things can't be done and that is understandable but when we come to the realisation that we serve a living God and that we are filled with the Holy Spirit, only then will earthly problems be made to look small to us.

Isaiah 40:31 - Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Luke 22:454-46 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

One of the key reasons as to why you shouldn't let your feelings dominate you is so that you can be obedient to God. Many times within the Bible, we see reasons why it is good to obey God and not allow our flesh to dictate how we feel.

One of the reasons is because our spirit is always willing but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak

When we talk about dying to the flesh, we talk about it because if you are ever to walk in total obedience, then your flesh must be crucified so this is your desires, feelings and anything that will stop the Spirit from manifesting itself in you and through you.
It's natural to feel tired, thirsty, hungry. They form part of the human senses and are needed so we can live.

When you walk with God, being filled with the Spirit is necessary.
So, How do you feel?

#letstalk Depend on God

Have you ever reached breaking point? The point where you feel like everything is falling down around you. If you have, then you are not alone. Nine times out of 10, everyone you speak to or come across is not far away from breaking point.

According to the dictionary, breaking point is - 'the moment of greatest strain at which someone or something gives way'.
I want to look at two sides of breaking point and then why you need to depend on God.

- Moses was given a task to confront Pharaoh and set the captives free. Pharaoh's heart was so hard and stubborn that Moses had to literally break through that stubbornness in order for the captives to be set free. Time after time, whenever Pharaoh resisted and said no, God would then send plagues.
Finally, Pharaoh broke and gave in and the captives were set free.
Whenever we as a people begin to resist God, let's understand that God will literally break us to the point where we have no choice but to rely on God.

- Peter, just after Jesus died, decided enough was enough and went back to what he is accustomed to which was fishing. On this particular night, Peter and the boys decided to go fishing. Time after time, Peter caught nothing. At that point, Peter was at breaking point, nothing he did was going right until Jesus came through. After throwing his net on the right side, he caught so much fish that his net literally broke into pieces.

In order for us to grow past pain and rejection, we must be willing to push through the breaking point. Peter's customary position was his boat but if God needs to use him, then Peter must be taken out of the comfort zone and into the unknown. Let's call it uncharted territory

Joshua 1:9 - Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Ever been told to be strong and get on with it? Ever been told to push past your fears? There comes a point where we will be dealt with a hand that doesn't look too good but we have to make the best of it. There will come a point that we will need to depend on God in all things and when you get to that breaking point, you need to rely on God.

God has promised us that wherever we go he will be with us. In all trials and tribulations, God is always with us. In 2 Corinthians, we see that God said to Paul that his Grace is sufficient for him, his power is enough for when we are weak.
Whenever you get to that breaking point, trust in God, rely on him and you get through it.

Psalm 51:16-17 For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

Matthew 11:28 -29 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls

In all things, depend on God. It may be rough, it may seem like there is no end to what you are facing but rely on God and he will help you through it. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown in the fire, God was with them. When Daniel was thrown in the Lion's Den, God was with him. 

Have no reason to fear, ask God to help you push past the breaking point. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom, knowledge and understanding. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight

Be blessed. As you read, I pray that God gives you more strength and more grace. 

#thefathersword - Idleness

Idleness is a very deadly plague. What does idleness actually mean? There are a few meanings that we have picked which can describe it best.

habitually doing nothing or avoiding work; lazy.

to pass time doing nothing.

So someone who is idle can be described as someone who is not productive. Let's see what the bible has to say about Idleness

2 Thessalonians 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat

If we are not willing to work, then we shouldn't be expecting to take part in the finished product.

'There once was a man who was planning dinner for some family and friends. He ordered his 4 sons to help him. The father and the son were in charge of cooking the food but for that to happen, they needed to buy the food so they sent one of the sons to buy the ingredients for the food. The 3rd son cleaned up, set the table and made sure they had everything they needed to make the meal possible. However, the 4th son refused to do anything.
When everything was complete they all sat to eat except for the 4th son. He wasn't allowed anywhere near the table. The reason is that he didn't help contribute to dinner party so as of such he was excused'.

What this tells us is that even though we are not on the frontline, there is always something to do.
Jesus gave us this pretty direct message and it is in Matthew - 'The harvest is plenty but they are few willing workers'

There is plenty to do, even if someone is occupying what you normally do, you can still do something. Idleness should not be your portion

Things have changed since the old days, in this age we are living in it is impossible for us not to do anything. There is now social media, there are phones etc. There is so much online that we can devote time to and concentrate on. Do something meaningful with your time, don't waste your time on doing nothing. Pity is the man who spends time but doesn't have nothing to show for it.

Don't be idle, it's a deadly plague that can cause deadly thoughts to enter your mind. It is also a path for the devil to play with your mind.

1 Timothy 5:13 - Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not

Proverbs 13:4 - The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied

Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, ..

Philippians 4:8 -“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

It's only when we stop thinking of these things, that is when idleness sets in and then the mind starts to wonder. For some people, the decision to be busy with something is so that they don't become depressed.

An idle mind is the devil's playground.............................

#thefathersword Obedience in the Wilderness

God gave the children of Israel commandments to follow in the wilderness but they refused to obey. They began serving other idols and living a way that angered God.

God can't bless you with his promises if you can't obey through the trials

In the wilderness is where people's endurance, character and their ability to be obedient come to the fore. 

We have learnt that Moses was allowed to see the Promise Land but couldn't enter because of his disobedience and also because of his unbelief. 

It took the Children of Israel 40 years to get to the promise land. For all their murmuring and complaining, it prolonged their stay in the wilderness. 

Everyone is in different stages of their journey, walking through the wilderness. It's very important that we are obedient and hold on to God's word for our lives. 

Let's see what God says about Obedience 

“And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you. (Deuteronomy 4:1-2 NLT)

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. (James 4:17 NLT)

Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! (Hebrews 12:25 NLT)

So we see here that at times, we should do what needs to be done. Moses knew he had to speak to the rock but instead he disobeyed. 

Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8 NLT)

Jesus, too was in the wilderness for 40 days. It was there that he too learned about 'obedience in the wilderness'

In summary, being disobedient is very dangerous. It could cause you to miss out on the Promise Land, don't suffer the same fate like Moses or the Children of Israel. Let's be like Jesus and learn obedience and how to rely on God.