by Alan Taylor | Jun 21, 2021
Ephesians 2:10 says (more or less):
For we are His working, worked in Christ Jesus for good works, which God worked beforehand, that we should work them. Or the short version: God did things so that I could do things.
Does that sound like a lot of work? Well it is so you’ll need some supernatural help, but that’s how God set it up. Unless you’re like Enoch who apparently got the ultimate golden buzzer and went straight through to the final, the rest of us have a job to do while we’re here on earth. It’s in doing those tasks and making daily consistent choices that God is able to work His character into our lives, and others are blessed along the way.
If you’re not sure of God’s will for your life then start with this: “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (King Solomon, 3000 years ago). Or in the words of a more recent wise (?) man “do the mahi, get the treats” (William Waiirua, mahi = work).
Thank God for the special tasks He has designed just for you, then be diligent with what’s in front of you. God will rarely give you a detailed road map for your life but He’ll always give you enough clues to take you the next step – just make sure you keep seeking Him along the journey.
by Alan Taylor | Jun 21, 2021
When Jesus took the loaves and fishes and “looked up to heaven” He was transferring dominion of the meagre supplies from earth’s rule to heaven’s rule. Once the loaves and fishes were under the control and authority of heaven they were no longer subject to earthly rules. Earth’s domain has restrictions – heaven’s domain has no limits.
I once purchased a car off my employer. While it was my employer’s I had to book it from the vehicle pool and drive it only for work purposes and in a responsible manner. The conditions were restrictive but entirely appropriate. When ownership transferred to me I could then use the car however I wanted without restriction. Jesus was effectively saying “I’m transferring ownership of these food items from the inferior and restrictive earthly domain to my Father’s kingdom.”
Like a McDonalds $1 cheeseburger deal the lad’s lunch before Jesus got hold of it was “for a limited time only!” and “until supplies run out!” It was like Jesus was saying “I’m taking over the food franchise for a while. My shout – help yourselves!”
What circumstances or resources do you have that are not serving you well in their current form? With thankfulness, declare them to be transferred to the dominion of the kingdom of heaven. And make sure you get a few baskets ready for the leftovers.
by Alan Taylor | Jun 21, 2021
Jesus made it clear that God lives and operates in a different realm to ours. Heaven is different to earth and it has a different set of rules. It can be easy to unwittingly expect God to behave as if He was on earth.
Here’s an example: on earth we see then believe, but when we operate from the heavenly realm believing can come before seeing. That’s why Jesus said to Martha (the sister of Lazarus) “Didn’t I tell you that if you believe you will see” (Jo 11:40). When the words that we speak agree with the word of God which is “firmly fixed in heaven” (Ps 119:89) then our earthly circumstances become subject to the heavenly truth. Bill Johnson says: “Faith doesn’t deny a problem’s existence it denies it a place of influence.”
Don’t let that mountain influence you – your Father is in Heaven and He has a solution. Tell that mountain to go jump.
What expectations do you have regarding God speaking to you? Have you ever heard someone say “God told me this and that” and thought to yourself “Wow I wish God would speak to me like that.” The reality is that God is in heaven and may not choose to use the usual audible words we’re used to. More often He’ll give an impression, a thought, or catch your attention with a scripture. Prophetic words are handy also. Often God’s communication will be an accumulation of events, impressions and words over time that will bring us to a conclusion. God is always communicating but He’s not always “speaking” in the way your friends do. He’s in Heaven, you’re on earth – He already knows your language but you’d do well to learn His.
by Alan Taylor | Jun 21, 2021
A couple of despondent disciples were walking between towns on the Sunday after Jesus was crucified. Jesus joined them, although they were prevented from recognising Him. When they reached their destination Jesus acted like He was going further but they urged Him to stay. Did Jesus really want to leave them or was He waiting for them to ask Him in?
He came from Heaven on the initiative of the Father but now He politely waits for our invitation. Revelation 3:20 explains this as a door that we need to open to let Him in. Call to Him and He will respond, open the door of your heart and He will enter, urge Him to stay. He promises to come in to us, to live with us, and to never leave us.
by Alan Taylor | Jun 21, 2021
The story of Joseph and the way he saved Egypt from famine and welcomed his father Jacob and his brothers is fascinating. But a new Pharoah arose who saw that the Israelites were a mighty people so he put them in slavery to stop them leaving (Ex 1:8-11). Like this ancient Pharoah, Satan recognises that all of mankind, being made in the image of God, are mighty. So he enslaved mankind to prevent us leaving his kingdom. Are you breathing? Then as one who is made in the image of God YOU ARE MIGHTY. Has Jesus brought you “out of Egypt”? Then you are no longer a slave. In Christ you have left Egypt behind, you’ve changed location, and you’ve changed rulers. Don’t be one who lives in the Promised Land but acts like you’re still living in Egypt. You really are free. You really are mighty.
