On....'His silence'

But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.  But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

Job 23: 9-10

The absence of the 'feeling' of His presence cannot be concluded as His absence. His 'silence' does not diminish His Omniscience or His Omnipotence. I usually equate those quiet moments as having to do with sin. Its true...sin separates us from God. But its not the whole story. Even when I don't know where He is....He knows where I am. When God does speak to Job at the end of the story, it's obvious that He had been there all along, through the death of the children, the death of the business, the death of everything. Problems are not an indication that God has forgotten us..'Many are the afflictions of the righteous....but the Lord delivers.' Sometimes I think He's always speaking but its me who isn't always listening but its comforting to know that He is always there. 

Lord teach me to trust you in the silent moments and the grace to obey You when You do speak.

iPray Fridays: That your faith may not fail

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22: 31 -32

The beautiful thing about God's word is the way a verse or passage you have read so many times can literally just jump off the page at you as if seeing it for the very first time. I had that experience this morning with the Scripture above. Later on in this same chapter, Peter is tested and he does fail...yet Jesus said he would pray for him that his faith may not fail. This means there is a difference between making a mistake (failing) and your faith failing. 


I don't know how it is that we become conditioned to believe that hard times and the challenges of life have to do with God punishing us. I must admit that in recent times I have been pondering on my understanding of who God is and how He relates with His children. Sometimes the God I see in the Bible is different from the God I have been taught about. Satan is the enemy, he wants to sift us as wheat..I just realised something as I write...wheat must be sifted to separate the chaff from the grain...it is uncomfortable but then how do we know that we know what we think we know if we aren't tested (I hope that makes sense)? 


Sometimes we find the sifting process too hard or too difficult or too long and somewhere our faith fails...we don't believe what we used to believe, we don't trust who we used to trust. However today like Jesus I pray that our faith does not fail, that we hold on through the sifting process. That even though like Peter we fail...the seed of faith on the inside of us remains viable and like a mustard seed no matter how tiny it is under the right conditions it will germinate and become a mighty tree. Most importantly, when we turn back to the right path we must share our story and encourage our brethren back to the Ancient paths.


Selah.


Let's pray together. Click comments.

iPray Fridays: SIMplicity

And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply.

Matthew 6: 5-13 (The Message)

"Its not how long u pray, its how strong you pray! You can pray for 5 hours but if there's no faith behind your prayer, there's no power."

@GuvnaB from Twitter

I really miss blogging, both reading and writing. I used to take the fact that I could blog for granted. Now its one of the things I'm grateful about. Lord, thank you that Zoe can blog...lol! I'm in a season where I have a lot of questions, maybe its the scientist in me or just a phase. There is a way in which one is raised not to ask questions, just to accept what one is given as the status quo. That's fine but for those who have questions, I am learning that who you ask is just as important as what you ask!

Reading my Bible this morning and this passage just jumped up at me. Sometimes when people ask me why I love to pray, I respond with 'I'm not so sure I love to pray, I'm learning'. I will be honest and confess that I have periods of time where I feel so distant from God. I don't read or study my Bible and I don't 'pray'. Yes 'pray' because I lay on my bed one morning and I heard a familiar voice whisper 'so if it isn't formal, does it mean it isn't conversation' those were not the exact words but something to that effect. 'Each time you want to speak to your dad or friends, do you wear something special or put some makeup on. In an emergency, do you consider your looks or the fact that you may not have been getting along or do you just reach out to the one who can help you sort your situation out! Do you only speak to them in public when others are around and ignore them in private?'

What is prayer? We say it is communication with God. Communication involves at least 2 parties and consists of speaking, listening and understanding. It is a 2 way thing. We speak to God and He speaks to us too. So many times I get caught up in a legalistic and religious view of things. When I pray sometimes people laugh and I do admit my prayers may be a bit funny but that's because I am funny and I believe God loves me like that. I need to search the Scriptures but I believe that most of the prayers Jesus made were in private and his public prayers were short and direct. Hmm, I believe a big barrier to effective prayer is this notion that it's like a recipe where you need to mix this and that, keep at this temperature for this long before you can get the right result. I want to challenge that and say we should come to God on the basis of relationship. Sometimes I talk for hours to a friend, sometimes a few minutes. I do not love them more when I speak longer or less when I speak shorter. The most important thing is that I communicate with them, pass the message across, honestly and openly. Also come believing that He hears and He has the power to change situations.

Its funny that I try to hide things from God, the One who sees all and knows all. Anyway today's iPray is about simplicity..not length, just honesty and openness between you and your daddy. If Jesus was sitting right next to you on a bench in a park and you had your head on his shoulder what would you tell him....even if you had to whisper it? Say it today. If you want to share it here, feel free to leave it as a comment.

Let's pray together.

iPray Fridays: Divine Intervention

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.  The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

2nd Chronicles 20: 3-4

'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "

2nd Chronicles 20: 15b-17

Dear Lord, I thank you for here we are once again, alive and able to lay before you, lift up our voices before you, bring our petitions before you. We acknowledge that there is no one like you. You are both willing and able to do of your good pleasure. You are a great and mighty King. Able to do exceedingly, abundantly, far above all that we can ask and imagine. Thank You Lord for the manifold blessings you have showered on us, both those that we are able to remember at this time and those that we cannot. Thank you Jesus, thank you Lord.


My God and my King. I acknowledge that life without you is truly like I sang as a child, 'like a doughnut...with a hole in the middle of my heart'. Life is tough but with Jesus in the boat I am always assured of making it to the other side. The One who has total command of the winds and the waves. Today O Lord, we bring pressing issues, the ones that require divine intervention before your throne of grace. The Ones that you deal with exclusively...'that all may know the hand of the Lord has done this'. Dear Lord as we pray today, we bring letters that speak against our peace before you, we bring situations that we are not even able to put into words, we acknowledge that You are our help and there is no other.


Like Jehoshaphat we bring our issues before your throne and wait and listen for divine instruction on what we should do, how we should tackle the issues. Fight or hold our peace; speak or keep quiet; run or stand still. The horse is made ready for the day of battle but victory comes from you O Lord. This is our year of victory, our year of a new song. 2010..the year of 'The Lord has done this and it is marvellous in our eyes'..Amen and Amen.


So dear brothers and sisters, say a prayer, write your prayers in the comment section...He hears, He answers.


iPray...will you?


Remain blessed and highly favoured. This is our season to reign, our season to shine.

iWorship Wednesdays: God is all around us

Hi people,

I must apologise, this song was originally by the group Anointed but couldn't get any videos of them on Youtube. I think this group did a good job of presenting the song, meditate on the words if you can. In a world of transient relationships and quickly changing circumstances, I'm glad that there is a constant in my life which is that God is around. The word says that 'He is a very PRESENT help in the time of need'...He is 'always there'. Be blessed.

God is all around us

Consider the kindness of a stranger

That passes by your way

For there are ties that bind us

Together, forever

Touching the broken-hearted friend

Brings healing to the soul within

There’s evidence everywhere

Of His love, sweet love

Chorus:

God is all around us

Even when we feel we’re all alone

I can hear Him whispering my name

Telling me that I’m His own

God is all around us

Even when we feel all hope is gone

God is all around

God is all around

They’re so many lessons yet to learn

And I don’t know where the road will turn

He always finds a way

To guide me, remind me

That if I should fall into the night

He will be there, a shining light

For all the world to see

With open arms for you and me

Chorus

God is all around (He’ll hear your prayers)

If you just reach out (He’s everywhere)

God is everywhere

God is all around us

When you feel all alone

Can’t you hear Him whispering your name

Telling you that you’re His own

For God is all around

God is all around

iPray Fridays: Letters to Home

Dear Daddy

It hurts......it hurts real bad.

Me

Dear daughter

I know, my child, I know. But I am here and I am listening. Don't lose sight of me in your pain...you need to come home.

Your Father..

Because some days, you can't use a prayer book and there are no '10 steps to receiving your breakthrough'...it's just you and your Daddy and you can sit silent in His presence, cry, speak, rant just because He is your Daddy. Write your letter to home today, it's a letter to your Daddy..it could be a letter of thanksgiving, a letter of adoration or it could be a letter asking Why? Your daddy is always here and let's face it, there's nothing you can say that will take him by surprise because He knows your thoughts...so start writing!!

Remain blessed and highly favoured

ZoeB

Sometimes......Everytime

Sometimes I'm like Adam

I shouldn't eat the fruit but I do anyway

Sometimes I'm like Abraham

I say I believe but I'm holding out on Option B

Sometimes I'm like Sarah

Allowing jealousy to get the better of me

Sometimes I'm like Isaac

I lie to get myself out of a sticky situation

Sometimes I'm like Moses

I react in anger rather than responding in love

Sometimes I'm like David

Carried away in the moment, not thinking about consequences

Sometimes I'm like Elijah

I've seen the fire fall but fear still has a grip on my heart

Sometimes I'm like Peter

I deny, funny how one can deny without saying a word

Sometimes I'm like John Mark

Turning back when the road seems too tough

BUT

EVERYTIME

When I stop and stay still in His presence

He says "I LOVE YOU, COME BACK HOME"

Everytime He loves me

Not because I'm perfect but because He loves me perfectly

Everytime He corrects me

Smacks do hurt, consequences bring pain

Everytime He turns me

In the right direction because He knows it so well

Everytime He reminds me

I am His beloved and He is mine

Everytime

Every single time.....

The Bible says that 'the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is His faithfulness' also ' He has loved us with an everlasting love, He has drawn us to Him by His loving kindness.' We will make mistakes sometimes, we'll fall flat on our faces and wonder how we who know what is right end up getting it so wrong but don't despair, avail yourself of His grace today. Grace is not about making excuses for sin but it is God's arms that lift you out of the ditch, it is giving yourself permission to admit 'I made a mistake, God I'm sorry, help me!'.

Father, I thank you because you are a God of compassion. Thank you for lifting me up. Amen.

Remember the story of your life can never be over until The Storyteller says 'The End.' Remain blessed and highly favoured and have a great week.

The problem of too many

The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her,

Judges 7: 2

This post was inspired in part by a friend's BBM status 'Plenty, plenty options.' While on the surface, this could sound like a good thing, meditating on the verse above made me realise that too many can be a problem in itself. Sometimes, we limit ourselves and the flow of God through us because we feel we don't have enough but what we have is indeed enough and from Scripture I know that we serve a God who doesn't need so much anyway because in Himself He is more than enough. Having many open doors can just be as bad as having no open door because which one shall you go through? Most times I sacrifice the important for the urgent because there are so many things clamouring for time and attention, because I haven't made my main thing the main thing. Most importantly, when we are too talented, too gifted, too good we may forget that it is God who has given us the ability to do what we do. That it is His grace which is more than sufficient for our tasks.

The Love Test: From 32,000 to 10,000

....announce now to the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' " So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear....The one who fears is not made perfect in love

1st John 4:18

In this passage, there was a battle to be fought. The people had been under oppression from Midian, symbolic of a devouring spirit. Regardless of the effort they put into sowing and tending their livestock, the Midianites appeared like a swarm of locusts to devour all they had at harvest time. I reject that spirit of sowing much and reaping little in our lives in Jesus name. God was raising an army to put the enemy to shame. The same is true for this generation. God is raising an army for the end times to battle the spirit of the AntiChrist, to preach the word, to encourage the wounded. As we all know, it's not everyone who signs to join the army that is eventually given army fatigues. There are physical tests, mental tests, different hurdles that they must go through before they can call themselves a soldier. Zoe Believers, the physical and spiritual are parallel. God gave them a 'Love Test', the Word says there is no fear in love. So if I'm 'fearing' I'm not loving. 32,000 people showed up, a good number for a lot did not even show up and yet God said 'too many'. God sees our hearts, He knows those that are for Him on the inside and not just PDA (Public Displays of Affection). Father forgive me, for I must let go of fear and walk in perfect love.22,000 people left..wow that's like over 69%. Do you love God more? More than what? More than anything? We cannot be like Lot's wife and look back. Father, I pray to pass the love test

The Readiness Test: From 10,000 to 300

But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go; but if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go."  So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink." Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.

God says, 'still too many', to put this into context the Bible says the Midianites, Amalekites and other Eastern people had joined forces against Israel. Hmm, so it wasn't a small battle. I thank God for the way He uses the 'foolish' things of this world to shame the 'wise'. Its like a team made up of 2 year olds winning the World Cup and displacing the likes of Brazil and Argentina! Many are called, few are chosen. Only 300 men were selected from 10,000 that's less than 10%! We may pass the love test but we must pass the readiness test as well. How ready are you to be used in the Kingdom, it will show by your conduct. Those who lapped with their hands to their mouths were aware of what was going on around them, the true mark of a soldier, readiness for whatever might come your way! Halleluyah! Can you be counted on? In your family, in your church? If there's work to be done and it needs to be done well, do people think of you or are you automatically disqualified (Ouch!!). There is work to be done and we must be ready. Its not the strength of the numbers but that everyone if functioning in their unction.Small groups are making big waves around the world. 'What you have is enough' as long as God is in it.

At the end of the day, the glory belongs to God and not me. God's military strategy na wa, outnumbered, 'outexperienced' and your weapon is torchlight in your left hand and trumpet in your right hand. lol! I too may have asked questions. God is looking for people of faith, if it was me I'd be like 'men we need some AK-47's right here. But the battle was won and God took the glory because the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for the pulling down of stronghold. God doesn't need a big army, just a ready one. Will you be a part of His army?

Father, forgive me for opening so many doors, looking for 'plenty, plenty options'. I repent for the times I failed the love test and the readiness test. I submit myself to your will. I repent of an oloju kokoro spirit that desires what others have and despises the gift I have been anointed with. Dear Lord, I will stir it up and use it all to your glory in Jesus name. Amen.

Songs that inspire; Rescue

To God be the glory for the great things He has done, He is truly our God who is worthy of all praise and adoration. A few months ago when I couldn't even open my mouth to utter a word of prayer, God used the ministry of Don Moen to speak to me. He indeed came to my rescue as He always has and always will. I pray you realise that as the words below describe so eloquently we serve a God who is indeed our refuge in the storm. Call on Him, He will come to your rescue.

Gbani, gbani tan sa ya

A deliverer that we can always run to for help

Agbara to bori gbogbo agbara

The power that's above all powers

Iwo lolugbeja omo orukan

The defender of the orphan

Awimayehun

The One who will not go back on His words

Praise and translation from http://www.mountaintoppraise.co.uk/. (I'm not that good yet..lol!!)

Rescue

You are the source of life

I can`t be left behind

No one else will do

I will take hold of you

Cause I need you Jesus

To come to my rescue

Where else can I go

There`s no other name

By which I am saved

capture me with grace

I will follow you

I will follow you

My heart is yours for life

I need your hand in mine

No one else will do

I put my trust in you

Cause I need you Jesus

To come to me rescue

Tell me Where else can I go

There`s no other name

By which I am saved

capture me with grace

I will follow you

I will follow you

This world has nothing for me

This world has nothing for me

This world has nothing for me

This world has nothing for me

iPray Fridays: More grace

Hmm, I'm excited. Today I have a guest blogger leading prayer. She's a new blogger but I've known her since the day she was born 'x' years ago. Lol! She's none other than VirtuousKelly, please show her some blogville love on her blog! I'm excited because I know Ms. Kelly is passionate about prayer...I'm excited when I see young people passionate about God and committed to developing their prayer lives. Thanks darling for doing this. I pray that as your name signifies, you will always have a reason to praise and thank God for the wonderful things He has done and will continue to do to and through you in Jesus name. Amen.

If you would like to send in a prayer (or request) on any topic to be shared on iPray Fridays, please send me an email, amarasviewonstuff@yahoo.com. This is a time to rebuild our altar of prayer. Praying without ceasing. Our mission is that we are so excited about prayer that Thank God it's Friday becomes Thank God it's iPray Friday...Amen.

Prayer Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 12: 9-10

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I thank you Jesus for such an opportunity to dwell in your presence. I thank you Lord for such an opportunity to share your word through various mediums of communication. I thank you Lord for giving Zoe Believer insight on coming to you every Friday publicly to table our requests to you according to your word in Philippians 4:6. I thank you Lord because you are awesome and will show yourself strong and mighty in our lives always.

Father we thank you for the gift of life because many times we take it for granted and forget that you are the giver of it all. From the sun that shines in the morning, for the air that we breathe, for the rain that falls on the earth, for the stars that beautify the skies and for the moon that gives us peaceful light. Father we thank you for all these things.

We thank you Lord because irrespective of what happens around us, be it tribulations or hardships or the troubles of this world, you have always shown us that your grace is sufficient for us. Even at times when we are weak in spirit you have sent us the Holy Spirit to be a comforter to comfort us in all situations. For this we are forever grateful. Where will we be had it not been for your grace and your mercy? Many of us would have been cast down, broken and battered but You, Ancient of Days, found us worthy by dying on the cross on our behalf in order to give us this grace that is all sufficient. That is why we call you Almighty El Shaddai: The All Sufficient God.

You have left us scriptures of encouragement to help us through every storm we face: In times when we feel we are beset by stagnation you have given us Proverbs 4:18:

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

When we feel there is dryness, You have given us Isaiah 43:19:

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert

and streams in the wasteland.

In times when we are beset my burdens and need a word You have given us Jeremiah 33:3:

 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Father we thank you. Because we can go on and on taking scriptures from your word which shows us that your grace is ever sufficient. That in our weaknesses your power is made evident. Your awesomeness is shown through all generation. So to this we thank you because in every situation we find ourselves in we will rejoice and be glad because we have a God who is working on our behalf and making everything work together for our good. Give us the grace and ability to keep pressing on, to keep looking forward and up to the author and finisher of our faith even if we are thrown into the wilderness. Bring us out of it all as better and stronger people in the faith.

Our Miracle worker, our mountain remover, our ever present help in times of trouble, our deliverer, our way maker, our invincible God, our God who fetches water with a basket to disgrace the bucket, our magnificent warrior, lily of the valley and rose of Sharon: We thank you because you are doing things for us which ears have not heard and eyes have not seen. We thank you because your grace is sufficient and that in our weaknesses your power is resting in us and makes us strong and victorious.

To this we give you all the glory, honour and praise. Thank you because you are more than able. To this we have prayed in Jesus name.

The Proverbs 31 Enigma: She is me!

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

Love her, hate her, don't understand her, can't be bothered about her? The Proverbs 31 woman has got to be one of the most talked about and yet still misunderstood characters in the Bible. Men want to marry her, women wonder if they can ever be her. Often regarded as the 'Superwoman' of the Bible, the question is as women, can we ever meet up and match her skills, talents and achievements. I must confess I'd never really seen myself having much in common with her, the opening summary about her starts with the word 'wife' which I'm not. It talks about her artistry with the needle, I prick holes in my fingers. A version of the Bible talks about her gardening skills, I'm a professional weed tender! Lol! So how do I even think of keeping up? I would just gloss over the verses nodding but never really seeing Believer on those pages.

Step in Holy Spirit, the Illuminator of the Word. He asked me why I always focused on what she did as opposed to who she was. The caption above says 'The Wife of Noble Character,' not the 'The Wife of Noble Doings' or 'The Wife of Great Acts' because at the end of the day our character is who we are which then influences what we do. So many times we get it twisted, we want to 'do' differently instead of working on the inside at 'being' different. He also reminded me that God calls those things that be not as though they were, when He created me, He put the anointing of a wife inside of me as well and even though I haven't manifested that area of my life yet, it didn't preclude me from being one anyway! The Holy Spirit is so charming, isn't He? Also, note that no name was ascribed to this woman, so you can conveniently put your name there, the Proverbs 31 woman is me!

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

Proverbs 13: 10-15

Strive to be the best where you are with what you have

If I had to caption the essence of what being a Proverbs 31 woman was, this would be it. It's quite interesting to note that no reference was made to her personal wardrobe, or to her shoe collection, or to her 'always on point' accesories. I know she wasn't a shabby woman, she clothed her household in scarlet but there was much more to her than just being a pretty face or looking good. Woman of God, you are worth far more than rubies. Always remember that no matter what life throws your way. Her husband had full confidence in her, like me you may still be single but do the people in your life have full confidence in you? Do you add value to their lives? Do you bring them good and not harm? That my dears, is the character of a Proverbs 31 woman. Our character is our essence, its our atmosphere, like a signature perfume that lingers on your loved ones long after you've left the room, this is what we should be working on. She is not an idle woman. It's not enough to be, after that we must go out and do something. Also, she really isn't Superwoman, for she had servant girls! She is wise enough to know to enlist help because she can't be everywhere, doing everything at every time. She is a manager, she is a leader. The Proverbs 31 woman is me.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff  and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 

v 16-19

Show me the money!

Financial independence, yay! Women, we need to wake up and smell the coffee. I personally believe every believer should have a stream of income aside from your JOB and yes this includes women. We must learn to mind our own 'business'. She even tells us how to do it, first she bought a field (asset), out of her profits, she makes her asset even more profitable by planting a vineyard. Vineyard produces wine and she still owned the landed property. I'm not sure every woman should go into real estate but we must acquire assets. There are a number to pick from, just pick something!  Proverbs 31 women aim to increase the size of their asset column and shrink the size of their liabilities! How much of your money is really working for you. Or is it paycheck to Macy's, paycheck to Selfridges and paycheck to The Palms? Women of God, we need to wake up. Sort out your finances.  Don't plunge your husband or yourself into unnecessary debt, we bring good and not harm to the people connected to us. Show me the money! Start small, she started with a field and then made it a vineyard. Trade and God will strengthen your arms to ensure that it is profitable. He is your God and He will teach you how to make wealth. The Proverbs 31 woman is me.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

v.20-22

Making a contribution

"Life is more than the acquisition of stuff, its about what we have done, whom we have served and why we will be remembered when we leave" (ZoeB). Its quite obvious that this woman was adept with the needle, but maybe you're not. Maybe you have been equipped with the voice of encouragement, have been anointed to intercede, maybe you can cook egusi in a way that makes one forget their sorrows or you're good with children. She could sew, yes but what can you do? How can we open our arms to the hurting in our world. How can I share the gifts I have been endowed with. Everyone has something, life is about recognising what that something is and making the best of it. The Proverbs 31 woman is me.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

v. 25-31

Wadrobe check

Reminds me of the verse, don't let your beauty be merely from outward adornment. Its about what's within. This we cannot do without wisdom. Wisdom we cannot have without the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord we cannot have without a relationshop with Him. Its not about being up from dusk to dawn, rushing from one activity to the other. It's not about being Alpha Mum or a Yummy Mummy, its about being the best you, where you are and with what you have. The grace of God is sufficient to strengthen you for the tasks that He himself has called you to be. Single, married, parent, employee, employer, woman or man, its all the same to Him. He uses those who are available and willing to be used by Him. You don't live to seek the praise of men, your works will bring you praise. So keep stepping. The Proverbs 31 woman is you.

iPray Friday: Becoming a Woman of Noble Character

Dear Lord, I ask for your grace and strength to be that woman you created me to be. Not what Vogue thinks I should be, not what my parents think I should be, not even what my pastor thinks I should be. You created me and you designed me for a specific purpose. Help me on this journey on discovering 'who I be' that I may know 'what I do' in Jesus name. Amen.

iPray Friday: Except by prayer and fasting

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer (and fasting) "

Mark 9:29 (NIV)

WHEN you fast...

Matthew 6:16a

Thank you Heavenly Father for a new day and a new opportunity to share from your Word. You speak, I type. I bless and magnify your name in the mighty name of Jesus.

I love being a believer! If I'm being honest, sometimes more than others but as a whole I wouldn't exchange being one for anything else. This is because I am in a dynamic relationship with my Father and my King. This year I am making a concious decision to draw even closer to God, to know His ways, to seek His paths and after making a specific prayer request, I felt the Lord tell me 'except by prayer and fasting'. It's funny, we pray and ask God for Daniel's wisdom and understanding, Esther's courage, Elijah's fervency in prayer plus the ability to be used as a conduit for miracles, to be able to understand the deep mysteries of the Holy Scriptures like Paul and yet we rarely take the time to study their lives, making observations of the decisions they made, their response to the trials they faced and then 'go and do likewise'.

For the believer, fasting is not an option! In fact, for the 21st century believer, fasting is an essential. We are at war, both within and without. The natural man is daily warring against the spirit, the world is warring against believers and sadly enough believers against believers (Father, forgive me for I know this ought not to be so!). We are in dire need of the anointing which empowers us to go forth and fulfil the Comission given to us by the Father, my dears we need to go back to the principal things.

Why should we fast? We should fast because Jesus said so, because truly there are some things can only be dislodged when you wield the double edged sword of fasting and prayer together. Fasting lets both Heaven and Hell know that you mean business. That it's no longer business as usual, no more Sunday, Sunday tonic. There's something that you feel right in the recesses of your spirit and you're not budging until it comes to manifestation. Jesus said 'when you fast' not 'if you choose to fast' or 'if it's convenient for you to fast' or 'if per chance you may want to fast' but 'when you fast'.

Why should we fast? We should fast because all the Biblical characters we love and admire did so too. Moses fasted for 40 days and when he returned, people could not even bear to look at his face for the glory that emanated from him. Even Jesus fasted for 40 days before he opened any blind eye or healed any lame person. Perchance, it was during Esther's 3 day fast that she received the revelation about how to deal with Haman! There are too many examples to give but I pray over the course of sharing on The 10 day challenge we may be able to share more.

Fasting is not about manipulating God, its not about making you seem 'superspiritual', in short Jesus said when you fast, put some MAC on (guys, I just spoke in tongues there!!). Fasting is about dulling your natural senses and sharpening your spiritual ones. Fasting is more than giving up of food, its about 'replacement therapy', replacing a desire for earthly and human wants and needs with the Father's. In the words of Jentzen Franklin, it's the private discipline that brings about public reward.

I'm getting excited, are you??

To be continued, watch this space!!

"Fasting with a pure heart and motives, I have discovered, brings personal revival and adds power to our prayers. Personal revival occurs because fasting is an act of humility. Fasting gives opportunity for deeper humility as we recognize our sins, repent, receive God's forgiveness, and experience His cleansing of our soul and spirit. Fasting also demonstrates our love for God and our full confidence in His faithfulness."--

Bill Bright

The 10 Day Challenge: Ten times better!

Father, I thank you for your word because through it, we learn how we may experience ZOE, the abundant life. I love reading about Joseph and Daniel, reason being that they 'ministered' without necessarily having a 'ministry'. So many times, some of us think that we can only minister from a church building or even so that ministry ends when we're through with our 'reasonable service' with fellow believers. These two great men encourage me in knowing that my lifestyle is the biggest sermon I can preach and that I can minister from anywhere. Joseph didn't go to church for over a decade yet he ministered as a slave and in jail. Daniel wasn't a priest and he ministered in palaces and even from a lions den! Halleluyah! God can use you where you are today, you don't have to be international or incorporated, just willing.

But Daniel RESOLVED not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way

Daniel 1:8

I love Daniel because he's another shining example of being useful in the place of affliction. Daniel and friends had been taken into exile in Babylon, separated from family, tasked with learning a new language, tasked with learning new literature, this they acquiesced to but what they absolutely refused was to learn new customs and traditions that were CONTRARY to the will of God! Reminds me of Jesus words about "being in and not of this world." Yes, we are in the world, but we have all been given an assignment to go out and preach the gospel. You can't preach to the unsaved in tongues, we must speak a language they understand but we must not adopt their customs. I really needed this because I know I really have to resist the urge to 'blend' into my surroundings. Adapting to your environment does not entail adopting their way of life. Selah!

As I began to seek the face of God for answers and direction, concerning some challenges I'd been facing I was always led back to Daniel Chapter 1. I would read it and mentally assent however my main prayer focus was on v. 17,

'To these four young men, God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds'

But before 17, comes 11, 12, 13...I'm sure you get my drift and it is in those passages that  Daniel and co. issue a 10 day challenge (Thanks Pastor Jamal Bryant!) . See v.12 

Please test your servants for TEN DAYS: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink..Then compare....So he agreed and tested them for 10 days

I'd conveniently gloss over this Scripture but I believed the Spirit was leading me to do this. To give up my natural 'kings delicacies' for 10 days and replace it with His 'Kingdom delicacies' for 10 days. Hmm, would I say it was and still is hard because I'm still going through it. No, I'm not only eating vegetables and water but I have chosen to give up some things to focus on deepening my relationship with the Master. Is it easy? No! Do I have all the answers? Not yet! Have I fallen? Yes! Has it been rewarding? Triple yes. I thank God for my accountability partner (God bless you darling) because she has done a great job, keeping me on track spiritually and physically.

I want to issue this same challenge to you. Where are you now? Where do you want to be? What are you willing to give up to get there? In your relationship with God, what can you offer up as a sacrifice saying 'God, you know I would like to have this but I give it up to instead focus on my relationship with you?' Because truth is, it's not so much the giving up but the replacement (Holy Spirit I really need help with this). Its not so much not eating the kings meat but having vegetables and water instead. Its not so much turning off your favourite show but spending that extra hour in the Word, meditation and prayer.

The devil will come, he'll tell you that you don't need to do this, that you can't do this, if you fall he'll sing rubbish in your ears. If you expect him, you can prepare for him. Tell him this..

And at the end of the TEN DAYS, they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food....the king talked with them and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah: so they entered the kings service....... he found them TEN TIMES BETTER

v.18-20

Talk to God more, depend on Him always, get someone to keep you accountable. I know this post is for someone else apart from me and that's why I wrote it. God has so many plans He wants to fulfill on earth but He needs willing vessels to do it. You don't need a title to be used by God. Are you ready for ten times better? The challenge has been issued, are you up for it?

Remain blessed and highly favoured

ZoeB

The Present a.k.a Today

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:30-34 (The Message)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith 2nd Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

'Surprise! You have a gift! If you're wondering what the special occasion is, it's called being alive, a fact that we too often and easily take for granted. Every day we open our eyes to God's present, the gift called 'Today.'. It is 24 hours, 1440 minutes, 86,400 seconds specially wrapped with God's love and His presence delivered to you daily! Yes daily! This gift called Today doesn't depend on you being good or bad, it's delivered to everyone who has and takes breath. It is often called the great equalizer because the same gift is given to rich and poor, male and female, educated and illiterate, tall and short...I'm sure you get the drift. The question is what will we do with our gift today?

Paul encourages us in Philippians 3:13-14 about how best we can make use of the present.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Forgetting what is behind..(Yesterday)

This means letting go of yesterday, we may not forget events but we render the memories impotent to keep us trapped in yesterday. Paul understood about letting go of the past to enjoy the gift of the present. His yesterday had both the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly. He was in his own words 'circumsised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee: as for zeal persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.' However, he also had a past he was not proud of as he also described himself as once being a 'blasphemer, persecutor and a violent man' and yet Paul says the one thing he does is to forget what lies behind.

'What lies behind you baby, Pain, betrayal, achievements, fame, notoriety, shame or sickness. Whatever it is, it's in yesterday. You can't go back in time and unravel the decisions, that you didn't pray enough, that you didn't hold on long enough...You have a new gift of today, what are you going to do with it? How will you press on towards the goal? Who will you call? Who will you forgive? What will you give up? What will you gain? It doesn't matter how far you feel the dream is from your reach. You get to that future one day at a time. Yesterday, you didn't pray or read your Bible, you didn't spend time with me. Today, you can pray and spend quality time with me (you know how much I enjoy those one on one moments!). Today you can apologise and ask for a clean slate with your friends. It's not about always doing everything right. Its about waking up, talking to Me and following My lead during the course of the day, celebrating the small achievements that are taking you in the right direction!'

Straining towards what is ahead, I press on (Today)

Those two words, straining and pressing indicate the exertion of force. It reminds me of being in the gym. No pain, no gain! To ever achieve anything of significance for God will exert strain, faith requires stretching beyond what one sees with the eyes of the flesh and pressing onwards irrespective of obstacles that may be standing in the way. It may be difficult, you may wonder how the mess can turn into a message, how the test can be turned into a testimony. God says, one day at a time, one right decision at a time. You can complete the vision, one task at a time, that bestseller, one chapter at a time (Amen!!). God said "If everyday, we lived God's day for us, at the end of your days we like Paul would be able to testify about having fought the good fight, having finished the race (which is a marathon and not a sprint by the way!!) and looking forward to our crown.
 
Do not worry  (Tomorrow)
 
Just like yesterday, tomorrow can also be a deterrent to us making the most of today. I used to say I'm a natural 'worrier' but I pray as I mature in Christ to take that ability to worry and convert it to an ability to meditate on the word of God. Rick Warren says if you can worry, you can meditate, worrying just means you meditate on problems! What does the future hold? Actually, our future is being played out by the decisions we make today but tomorrow is not in our grasp. There are so many things that could happen but we need to rest our hearts in the knowledge that we have a God who has all our tomorrows in His hands. Nothing takes Him by surprise and He's able to work everything (yes everything) the good, the bad and the ugly for our good as long as we are committed to loving Him and walking according to His purpose.I love The Message translation. Jesus says, "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes!"
 
Halleluyah! So today I'm stretching, warming up, decking on my running shoes and continuing with the marathon because I must make it to the finish line, so help me God! What about you?
 
Dear Father
Daddy I ask for the grace to let go of yesterday, to stop worrying about tomorrow and for strength to face what is on my plate today. In Jesus name. Amen.

Being useful in the place of affliction

....But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there Genesis 20b -22

Now I want you to know brothers, that was has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains FOR Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly Philippians 1: 12-14

I, John your brother and companion of the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos BECAUSE of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord's day, I was in the Spirit, and I heard...Revelation 1:9-10a

Daddy, I thank You for Your word because therein are divine truths on which we can have a fulfilled life in You. One of my favourite Scripture passages is Colossians 1:9-11 because it so aptly summarises what my purpose is as a believer. Upon further study, I found it interesting to learn that Paul wrote this letter (amongst others) to the church at Colosse from jail. I include an excerpt from my journal,

'Paul wrote this book from prison. What have you done in your valley? Have you cried and gotten angry with God? Have you settled into despair and depression? or Have you been productive in your captivity? David was sidelined in his own father's house and yet he managed to pen psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to the Father who promised never to leave or forsake him. In his obscurity, he was being prepared for his destiny. Do not despise the days of aloneness for it is in quiet and rest you gain confidence for your soul. Learn to embrace ALL seasons of God.'

All three men in the Scripture passages at the beginning of the post found themselves in jail not because they committed a crime, except in the case of Paul and John where speaking the word of God could be considered a crime! However, their approach to their circumstances are worthy of reflection and emulation.

I see Joseph being thrown in prison and wondering how this fit in with the dreams of greatness he had seen as a boy. It seemed like when he was finally getting there, he took a thousand steps back. He had enough reason to say 'Enough is enough, why must I continue to be persecuted for living a righteous life?' which is more similar to the lyrics I play in my own heart even when my lips refuse to sing but from his life I have learnt that the soul that has full confidence in God is able to sing that 'Everything is working together for my good'. So there in jail, with the favour and grace of God, Joseph was useful. It was his ability to connect with the prisoners and work with his giftings even in the place of limitation that eventually saw him end up in the palace. The favour and grace of God upon our lives is not for us to bask in pride as 'children of God' but to be useful in the kingdom.

Paul and John share a similar story, put in jail for sharing truth from the word of God. Father forgive me, for even now in the days of 'freedom of speech' how often do I really share your words with those outside the Kingdom? Father, please give me the grace. The island of Patmos was not a luxury island on the Carribean, John was exiled there because he had refused to obey men instead of God. He was true to the calling of God over his life whether it meant him living a 'comfortable' life or not. I am beginning to be careful of the definitions I use these days because I read the bible and look around me and there is sometimes a big difference. What does success mean? What does the good life mean? Success for me is to discover and then fulfill God's purpose for my life, wherever that may take me, whatever it requires. A life totally surrendered to the will of God. Dear God, I pray like Jesus that whatever cup you give me to drink that I may say 'Not my will but thine be done.' It was on this island that John received a revelation that we still discuss and debate about till this day. You can be useful in the place of affliction.

Paul said something interesting, that because of his chains, people were encouraged to share the word more fearlessly. No matter where you are in life, no matter how disadvantaged you think you are or the lack that you perceive in your life, God can use you as a source of encouragement in the lives of others. I recently became aware of an issue a friend of mine, who I admire greatly was facing and I was inspired by her faith in God. God has used her to bring healing in my life through prayer and encouraging words and I was surprised at what she had been through. God whispered to me that she was being useful in the place of affliction, go and do likewise.

So by His grace I will. I will continue to pray, I will continue to praise, I will continue to write what I have heard. Today I encourage you, don't allow the devil lie to you and make you focus only on the situation and lose sight of Christ. As long as we are in this world, we will suffer, its truth, its scriptural but we are told to be of good cheer for Jesus has overcome the world. This means irrespective of whatever, we can have joy that knows no limits and a peace that cannot be understood. Reach out in your home, reach out at work, at the gym, in your church and be a blessing with the gifts that God has given you for you can be useful in the place of affliction. God sees you, you have to believe that.

Remain blessed and highly favoured

Zoe B

Update: Jaycee (Thanks dearie) sent me this link a few hours ago about a practical example of being useful in your place of affliction. Testimonies like these put things in proper perspective for me. Need time to reflect. Check out Pastor Zac's story here

Amarachukwu; The grace of God

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have SUFFERED a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1st Peter 5:10

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is SUFFICIENT for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong 2nd Corinthians 12: 8-10

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age Titus 2: 11-12

Today's post is based on the sermon notes I took during service yesterday. Thanks to Pastor Dipo O for sharing what he heard at the feet of the Master. I thank God for my Pastors, yesterday I really needed to hear that message. Like I could have just gone home when we read the first verse because I just knew that was God speaking to me directly. Amarachukwu- 'The grace of God'. Indeed the struggle is over.

God's grace upon your life enables ordinary 'ole us do extraordinary things for God. Grace adds God's super to my natural enabling me to be supernaturally natural. This is my season of grace, the grace that separates me from the struggle. There is a difference between working hard and toiling. Toiling represents putting all your effort into something without any appreciable results. I'm tired of toiling, I've invited Jesus into my boat and I'm throwing my nets wide out for a catch.

Why do we need the grace of God? We need the grace of God for salvation, for by grace we have been saved through faith lest we boast. Grace is that divine leveller for all become equal at the foot of the cross. The grace of God enables us to live above sin and walk in righteousness. Lord I thank you because by your grace, I can say NO to ungodliness. We can't overcome temptation in our own power we must always lean on the grace of God. Grace means obedience to God. There is a grace upon my life to accomplish God's purpose for my life, there is a grace for achievement and walking in destiny.

The grace of God is not a license to sin or to live at the edges wondering how far we can push the lines before we fall. Shall we continue to sin that grace may abound? The grace of God enables you to endure the trials that inevitably come our way. The grace of God will strengthen us and enable us fulfill our calling no matter what comes our way.

It doesn't matter what you are going through now, how deep the valley is, how uncertain the road less travelled looks remember that His grace is continuously with you when you make the decision to let go and hold on to Him. His grace is more than and will always be more than sufficient.

I feel so relieved because I know I must live according to my name. Amarachukwu: The grace of God.

Remain blessed and highly favoured

Zoe B

Give me the boy.

Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse and finally stopped breathing. She said to Elijah, "What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?" "Give me your son Elijah replied.".......Then he cried out onto the Lord......."Oh Lord, let this boy's life return to him!" The Lord heard Elijah's cry and the boy's life returned to him, and he lived. 1st Kings 17:17-24

Then God said, "Take your son, your ONLY son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." ........."Do not lay a hand on the boy", he said, Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Genesis 22:2,12

(I suggest reading the verses in between in both passages)

Father, I thank you for your word. It admonishes as much as it encourages. A lamp for my feet, a light for my path directing and guiding me. Thank you Jesus.

I had to make an important decision recently and I was so confused. I am aware that the Word says that the Lord is not the author of confusion so I had to get on my knees and really ask Him to speak to me because there were just too many voices speaking in my heart. I was led to the first scripture above and although I didn't really get it then, God used it to speak to my heart and make things clear again. I thank God that I have a God who speaks to those who put themselves in a position to listen.

The widow of Zarepath has a chance encounter with Elijah that changed her life forever. She chose to do something 'crazy' and God rewarded her faith by ensuring that she had supernatural provision in the time of famine. That would have been a great enough testimony to just put a 'The End' to her story. Obey God and He provides for you. Simple, right? But then I serve a God who is very interesting. I'm excited about God these days because there's always something new to discover, some secret thing to be revealed.

So the prophet lives in her house and then her child gets sick and not just sick, he progressively gets worse until he dies. Truth be told, the presence of God in your life doesn't mean that there will be no trouble. In fact, in case we ever wanted to forget, Jesus reminded us emphatically that in this world we would have tribulations and trials but he also encourages us to be of good cheer because we have peace in Him as He has overcome the world. I'm wondering God, why allow the situation get to that point, also woman why not call the prophet when the boy's temperature was a little higher than normal. So many questions? Why would Jesus spit and use mud to heal a blind man and simply command the eyes of another to be opened? Why would Jesus ask the men at Lazarus tomb to roll away the stone and then tell a dead man to come out on his own?Why would God deliver Peter from prison and Herod's grasp only to allow him to be crucified upside down later on in life? Why did God deliver Shedrach and co. from the fiery furnace and not Stephen from the mob that made him the first martyr for Christ? So many questions but Jesus is the answer. We serve a God of purpose who sees all and knows all. He is a Sovereign God and makes all things work together for His plan.

Back to the widow, her son is dead and she brings him to the prophet. The prophet asks for the boy and takes him from her arms. What is the boy in your life today? She was at a point where she had run out of options, you can't give food to a dead body to resuscitate it, you can't love it better or provide medicine or band aids. At this point, we must relinquish it/him/her to the Master. I ask again what or who is the boy in your life? Can you entrust it into the hands of the Master? Or are you holding on to something dead and allowing it to ebb your joy, peace and virtue?

Elijah took the boy and took him to the upper room, the place where He met with God. This meant for a period she was physically separated from her son. We must learn to trust God that even when we can't see the miracle, we know that God is working on our behalf. I'm not sure she knew whether she would get her son back alive or not but I know she knew he was safest in the arms of the prophet. Praise God, she got her boy back alive but I wonder what would have happened if she had said no to Elijah when he asked her to give him the boy? I pray never to hold on tightly to something that is dead, being so blinded by the situation that I refuse to see the open arms of God asking me to entrust it with him.

Another important point, when her son died she went to the prophet. Not to the 'experts' but to the prophet, not to her relatives but to the prophet. I'm not saying don't seek advice from experts and relatives but let God always have the final say of whatever situation you are going through. Make room in your counselling to seek God's counsel and let that be what stands in your life. Help me Holy Spirit.
The second scripture came as well and I struggled to understand how the two were linked because in this situation the boy was not dead but God said the principle of trust and obedience link the two, for when Abraham took Isaac on that journey he didn't know if he would come down that mountain alone or with his son. He had to give him the boy as well. There should be nothing ever that we cannot place on the altar when God asks us to. God is not a wicked God, when we truly believe He is a good God, we find it easier to obey Him.

So I gave Him the boy and I cried as I did but He has given me so much peace about the situation and surrounded me with love that leaves me speechless sometimes that I can't help but continue to give praise to my God. I encourage you to do the same. Sometimes the best decisions in life are not always the easiest.

Remain blessed and highly favoured

Zoe Believer

N.B I'm thinking of writing an 'Ask Zoe' post soon so if there is something you want to know about Zoe Believer or my thoughts on specific issues, email amarasviewonstuff@yahoo.com or leave a comment and I'll try and collate questions and give answers to the best of my ability so help me God.

Supernaturally natural, Naturally supernatural

Like Oliver Twist, I want more. Some events over the past few months have made me realise how important it is a believer to always seek more. I believe a lot of us live below our potential because our eyes have not yet been opened to the abundance that is our inheritance in Christ. The title of this post is a phrase my pastor usually uses when he tries to explain to us that we are to be different. As believers, God has given us the Holy Spirit and through Him we should develop fruits and gifts that make us different. I've told God I'm tired of struggling and toiling. I'm not against hard work but sometimes I feel like how Peter and John must have felt after putting in all their effort through the night to catch fish and coming up with nothing. Having Jesus in your boat should definitely make the difference. This post is about renewing and developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit by putting a collection of verses I have and will be meditating in coming days on my journey to being supernaturally natural and naturally supernatural.

We need the Holy Spirit, we need discernment, we need wisdom, we need counsel, we need comfort, we need the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, we need you. We really need you. I need you. Holy Spirit, I need your counsel in every decision that I make, I need you as a business partner, I need you as a confidante, I need your fruit to be manifest in my life to enable me be mature in the things of God. I need your gifts to enable me fulfill my purpose. I need you to supervise me on the projects I am undertaking. I need you to reveal the hearts of the people around me, not to judge by what I see or what I hear but by what the Spirit says. Thank you Holy Spirit.

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. In regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to John 16:5-13

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power,the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears Isaiah 11:2-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners Isaiah 61:1

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth Acts 1:8

And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29

One last thought, what or who influences the decisions that you make? I believe in always making 'sensible' decisions but whose sense? Does it make sense in the natural or is Spirit sense? Sometimes going with the Spirit may make you seem 'senseless' in the natural but always go with the Spirit. Don't know who that was for but it definitely was for me. Selah.