Divine Encounters

Soon we will enter 2010. Over the last few days I have sought to prepare my mind for 2010. and hopefully you have been doing the same. As I have read the Word of God I have sought for wisdom that will enable me to soar in 2010. My prayer is that the next decade will be one where you notice noticeable change in all that pertains to you. In today's reading we meet David the king again. As I wrote earlier, the book of Chronicles is history told from another point of view. I want to mention two things as we prepare to cross over into 2010. Firstly, the people of Israel understood that God had called David. I am amazed that even though they were not there when Samuel prophesied to him, they clearly saw the call of God over his life and agreed with it. In 2010 may the environment, circumstances, life agree with the prophecy concerning your life's purpose. He was crowned King over Israel as they agreed with the entire prophecy that had preceded him all his life. In 2010 may you be cro

2010 is nearly here. We have just a couple of days remaining in 2009. For some this year has been painful. For some its been great. But one thing many people keep saying about life in general is that it getting tougher. More people have cried out in pain. To be honest even those who say its been great this year have also commented to me how they have experienced some form of pain. In today's reading we meet a man called Jabez. We meet him in a book called Chronicles which chronicles the story of Israel from creation. The beginning of the book is filled with details of the lineage of the children of Israel from Adam. In the midst of all the names we meet a man who is described as more honourable than his brothers. Jabez, whose name means sorrowful dared to believe God that his story would be different. I am encouraged that if God could change Jabez's story then my story and your story is about to change. As you step into 2010 my prayer is that you will settle with God about the

As we continue reading the second book of Kings we meet many of the various kings that ruled Israel and Judah. Reading through the list of so and so I have come to realise the importance of having the right foundation. My focus over the past few days has been towards getting into 2010 right. Having the right foundation is important to have a solid building. For many people the year will begin with new year resolutions. Resolutions of what they will achieve but am concerned that many times resolutions are not preceded by a change in thinking. For example, one resolution am hearing from many people is that they will read the Word more come the new year. Great resolve. But on asking what are they doing to ensure they achieve success at the set goal and a blank is drawn. Am concerned because if one expects that because it a new year they will read the bible, that is not a resolution but plain fantasy, which brings me to the kings who reigned over the people of God. Notice that whenever the

As we continue with this adventure I have been challenged with my study of the Word. My hope is that as we prepare to enter the new year it important that the expectations for the following year are built on the foundation that never fails. The Word is a sure foundation on which we should build our expectations. Today we encounter different miracles that occurred under the ministry of Elisha. One miracle that I want to concentrate on is that of Naaman. This was one great person with a huge problem. His problem was apparent to all. Imagine a general with a serious skin disorder. Here was a gentleman who had the nations attention yet he had a medical issue that caused him pain. Here was a man at the top of his league yet with a big BUT in his life. Can you imagine how he felt? How many of us in life are dealing with BUTS in life. The career is doing great but there is an issue for all to see that plagues us. For others the business is booming in the recession but we have a challenge tha

I hope you had a wonderful time yesterday as you celebrated Christmas. Am glad for the wonderful friends who invited me over to their residences. We only have a few days before 2010 arrives. Ever waited for the morning to show up.... 2010 will be like the morning for many people who had experiences in 2009 that they want to quickly forget. In 1 Kings 17 we meet a gentleman called Elijah. I love his introduction. He was an unknown. He just appears onto the scene in a time when wickedness reigned in Israel. Elijah spoke with clarity and authority. He truly spoke as one who knew whom he represented. He did not speak to negotiate but simply decreed the Word of God. I have always wondered where did he get the boldness to function? Where did Elijah get such faith to hold rain or to call down fire? Yes I know that we may say that he was simply going God's servant but....the results are unique and they speak for themselves identifying him as unique before God and man. One thing we are sure

Yes, today is that one special day where we celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus. We celebrate the gift that God gave to humanity. A gift that was God's best. A gift that not only spoke of God's intent but also His love and passion for mankind. A gift that brought joy to the world. The birth of Jesus marked a new beginning. This gift was the physical representation of God's goodness and glory to humanity. During the 90 day challenge we are allowed to take 2 grace days. I am taking today as a grace day where we may skip the required reading for another day. My reason are two fold. firstly, most people are busy entertaining and celebrating relationships. Secondly, the birth of Christ signified the beginning of grace. As you go through today may God's gift within you become manifest. May this Christmas be special as you celebrate the love of God. Most importantly, let this Christmas be one where you put the Christ-in-the mass of everything you do. God bless.

As we celebrate Christmas I hope you have a wonderful time where you not only enjoy the value of relationships but also get to encounter the love of God in ways never known. A friend called me today and blessed me thoroughly. They wanted to know what I was doing as I didn't have close family with me. They wanted to know if they could get me to attend a party with friends who are like family. May this holiday be one filled with surprises that fill you with joy and laughter. Christmas is the beginning of a story of God's love through sacrifice. A sacrifice offered to God results in a blessing. A sacrifice offered by Solomon resulted in an encounter with God that was life changing. The resulting blessing was wisdom. We still speak of Solomon's wisdom today. A sacrificial blessing may result in generational blessings. It was a sacrificial offering that resulted in a covenant with Abraham that resulted in God's blessing. I want to encourage you that as you celebrate this Chr

As we prepare for Christmas it important that we don't lose focus on the King who was born a child. The whole purpose of Christmas is not the food we eat, the fun we have, neither is it because of Santa or the gifts from loved ones. Jesus is the reason we celebrate. In the midst of the celebration my mind is still focused on the coming year. Yes am grateful for this year but for me Christmas is also a time to celebrate what God has done throughout the year. In today's reading we encounter the coronation of David. He had waited for the fulfillment of the promise that he would be king over God's people. Am sure there were days when he felt that things were not moving. Other days he must have wondered where God was. But am glad the bible not only shows us the calling of David, but also the journey towards fulfillment and the coronation. In 2010 see yourself being crowned. When the promise that you have waited on God becomes manifest that is your moment of coronation. I hear c

As we continue with the adventure we will find may promises in the bible that relate to different situations in life. As the new year approaches it amazes me how many people are speaking of new year resolutions while they take stock of the current year. I want to encourage anyone who is thinking seriously about the new year to build expectations. Society rarely builds on hope today. We don't seem to have positive expectations as headlines. Its important to build expectations especially when we have been through tough times as this year has been. Build a bank of positive expectations as you look ahead. One man who had to build a bank of positive expectations was David. Reading 1st Samuel 30, we see David's life encounter the forces of destruction like never before. He was nearly killed by his own men; grieved at the loss of his family and was soon to discover loneliness when his own men wanted to kill him. In the midst of trial ,David did one very important thing that I will rec

As the year draws to a close and we begin preparing for the coming year its vital that one's looks back whilst looking forward. Its important to look back and give thanks for being alive. Irrespective of what you faced this year, give thanks because you have another day to live. Its important also to look forward. This enables one to build expectations of the coming year. As we read the bible build your expectations for the coming days with promises of God's goodness. Let the Word be the foundation that you stand on. The book of 1st Samuel is the story of two kings. David's anointing to be king reveals the importance of insight from God. Many times we do things because it looks good. Samuel saw a young man who had all the physical qualities but did not have the backing of God. As I step in the coming year I have made up my mind to walk with divine insight. Divine insight guarantee's success, victory, fulfillment, peace, goodness, and abundance. Note that when you recogn

Let me begin by saying thanks to all of you who have encouraged me to keep writing. It helps to know that am not just speaking to myself but someone else is beside me along this journey and that person is you the reader. Most importantly am grateful to God for this idea. Yesterday we began the book of 1 Samuel. The beginning instantly encourages anyone who has waited for a miracle for long and has to suffer many taunts from various quarters. Am really grateful to God because He is faithful. Samuel was a solution to two parties. God needed a voice as the priestly voice had failed him. Hannah needed a son. I don't know how many times she had been to the temple but this one occasion resulted in a miracle. I don't know how long you have waited but your wait is over. Why do I say the wait is over? Samuel later has encounters with God where we see God reveal Himself to Samuel by His Word. As you study the Word may you also encounter God like never before causing your life to take

Relationships come at a price. A price that is determined by how far the parties concerned want to develop intimacy. Human relationships are very interesting. History takes us through many relationships where we see wars and accords or treaties shaping the world. The bible is a book filled with relationship. Not only is it about relationship between God and humanity but also relationships at various personal levels. The book of Ruth is one that I love for the story of God's love contained therein. As I think about this book I have been asking myself one question. How far am I willing to go for relationship? Ruth was willing to go to an unknown place because of relationship. She was from Moab her mother in law from Israel. She was willing to be mentored. She tied herself to her mother in law connecting with her not only through relationship but was willing to connect with Naomi's God. Today we find people are willing to relate but only on their terms. People are not willing to

Today I woke up to some beautiful view of snow on the ground. I was born in a hospital right at the foothills of a snow capped mountain. Growing up looking at snow from far and dreaming to one day play in it is something many do. While growing up I noted that the mountains were always snow capped. Yet in some places like in England we only see snow at a particular time of the year called Winter. Generally we have 4 seasons within the cycle called a year. The top of the mountains in East Africa don't know seasons as they are snow capped all year round. The book of Judges shows us the children of Israel going through cycles. They had good times followed by bad times and then good times. In each period where they forgot the law the good season soon came to an end. The book of Judges also introduces us to men and women who gave God their all and thereby did exploits for Him becoming deliverers to many. In the book of Judges we are introduced to the faithfulness of God. God is faithful

We all need a miracle at some point or other in life. Many times in the midst of life we cry out for more time...if only I had more time I could have done this!!!! That's a common phrase today which is not only famous with exam writers but in life today we seem to be asking for more time. Today while at work a friend and colleague asked me regarding the miracle where the sun stood still. This provoked a thought in my mind. That God is able to stop time to allow me to fight my battle and conquer my enemy. I want to encourage the person who thinks that they are losing on time as the battle rages in life. I want to encourage the person who thinks that the clock is ticking and hey has God forgotten me as the day is nearly over!!! I want to encourage the person who is looking at the Joneses and wondering when will I catch up!!! I want to comfort the person who is wondering whether life is just passing them by!!! If God could stop the movement of the sun to allow total victory then anyth

The book of Joshua opens with God encouraging Joshua. As Joshua is commissioned to go and possess the land it becomes obvious that he has a massive task ahead. Life will always place a demand on us. The question is whether we are ready to answer to the demands placed on us. Joshua is encouraged to be strong and of good courage thrice in the opening discourse of Joshua. To possess the dreams we desire we need to be strong in our faith; strong in our fervency for God; strong in chasing truth in the Word. You need courage to walk the truth. Courage is needed to believe God in the midst of adversity. It takes courage to see a miracle. It takes courage to see a giant in front of you and believe that your God is more than able to help you through the situation. I will encourage you to be strong and courageous in studying the Word of God. Your prosperity is tied to this.

To live well is one thing we all desire. I have never met anyone who did not want to live well. By living well for some people it means helping others. For others it means having a successful business. Yet for others it means travelling the world. I have discovered that it is not money that empowers but the blessing of God that empowers. Money is simply one of the many ways that the effects of the blessing may show up. Many times today in society we confuse money with being blessed yet people like Mother Teresa did not flaunt money but her life still is blessing many people round the world. The book of Deuteronomy has challenged me to desire to be blessed. Anyone who has walked with the blessing of God in their live has seen doors open that are a struggle for others. Yesterday I wrote about obedience. What obedience opens our lives to is the operation of the blessing. By choosing to obey the Word we are choosing to open our lives to be blessed. The purpose of being blessed is not self

Inside you and I is a conqueror waiting to be discovered. You and I have been enabled to overcome in life. No matter how tall the giant in your life may be you have the ability to overcome. I am convinced that we have the ability to be more than conquerors when certain principles and truths in life are observed. These principles are found in the Word of God. Deuteronomy is a book that encourages obedience. The key to seeing the giants fall; the key to seeing cities conquered; the key to greatness in God is obedience to His commandments. How else are we to dispossess a greater nation than us? Only with the help of the Great I Am can you and I cross the Jordan and possess the land. I don't know what you are facing but I encourage you not to shy away from the Word of God. Seek the Word of God regarding the situation you are facing and see it change as the power of God is unleashed in your favour. Obey the Word and see your victory appear before you. Heroes in the bible were men and wo

Many times in life we need to remind ourselves of our value systems. We need to see what forms our values in life. We live in a world that is constantly changing. In the midst of this change many people have moved goal posts in the values they hold onto.The fifth book in the bible serves as a reminder of the foundation of the system in place that forms the belief system for God's people in the Old Testament. As we read and start a new week I want to challenge you to examine the foundation of your value system. What values do you have? Why do you uphold them? What is valuable about your beliefs? What has shaped your values? Don't let friends or humanity shape your values. Let your values be shaped by the Word of God. Allow the Word to reign in supremacy in you and watch your values correspond with God's values. That is the ultimate life that we should display.

Am glad to be alive today. Many times we go through life and don't appreciate that just to be alive is one important thing to be grateful for. I don't know what you have faced this year but be glad that you are alive to face and conquer another day. In Numbers I have one of the first memory verses I ever learnt Num bers 23:19 . Any time I doubt or question where God is I remind myself that He is not a man and cannot fail. I remind myself that what He has said is settled and no one can bribe Him to over-rule His covenant over my life. God's justice system is equitable. It has no favourites except those whom He chooses. In this one verse one question came to me as I thought about it today... Who is God to you? Is God equal or greater than me? As I thought about the scripture I realised that only when I have the right perspective of God will I have fulfillment in my relationship with Him. Failure is not compatible with God. Go through the day knowing that He cannot fail. No ma

Have you ever wanted a friend who never fails? Am sure that would be one present every human being would write on their top ten Christmas presents. We are now reading Numbers the fourth book in the bible. This book is filled with stories of God's unfailing covenant. I have been thinking today of how indeed God is faithful. Even when I think He has failed, the Eternal One can see a bigger picture which at times my finite mind cannot comprehend. I have today learnt to view things from the Unfailing One's perspective. I have today learnt that His objectives are of a higher priority than mine. If God could supply for the needs of an entire nation in a desert, defending, defeating their enemies, providing water from a rock, showing Himself to be but God what cant He do. To doubt His faithfulness to deliver is to lose leverage for success in life. To doubt His direction, instructions, and promises causes a loss of hope. To be without hope is to settle for failure. I encourage you tod

I woke up today with a spring in my step. Not that I don't do that always. Today was just different. I had a knowing within that things were working for my good. As we go through the adventure called life we need to fight discouragements always. Many things seek to discourage the journey of life but an attitude of joy, a mentality of an overcomer, a desire to learn as you walk through the adventure called life and maintaining relationships that are positive will help empower one to go over. This acronym was the thought I woke up with us I thought about the bible reading adventure. Another way of looking at DISCOURAGEMENT when the task seems impossible. D -Discoveries: new positive discoveries in life will produce a lift in life. Just imagine how the Wright brothers felt when they discovered they could fly. I -Inspiration: What inspires you? When facing discouragement listen to someone who inspires you. Listen to uplifting music or words. S -Stillness: Be still and know that God is

I have the privilege of being in contact with many people. I also get to meet many people from different walks of life on a daily basis. Added to this I get to hear a lot of queries regarding the bible. from various quarters. We human beings have not changed. Since the days of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden we are still questioning the authenticity of what God said. Someone said that wisdom begins with doubt, but I beg to differ. What wisdom is there in doubting what God has said? Well that is only if you believe He is God. Reading the bible has strengthened my resolve of the greatness of God, the majesty of His Power, the infiniteness of His wisdom; and the unwavering faithfulness of His covenant. Those who are following this blog know that we are on a 90 day adventure to read the entire bible from Genesis to Revelation. We are currently in Leviticus where do and don'ts are the norm. One of the greatest issues of Christianity today is holiness. How do we define holy livin

My mind is made up that I will not be discouraged irrespective of the circumstances am faced with. You may be wondering why I started that way. But I have come to realise that at times we have to walk alone when those who were cheering you along the journey fall behind. Why must I continue to write even if others fall behind? Because they are going to catch up. Just because we are not at the same level does not mean that I disown or despise others. That is pride and usually results in hurt and failure. I want you to know that whether you are on day 2 or day 8 I value the fact that you are walking this journey. We will shout together when we complete this journey. Today we begin the third book of the bible-Leviticus. Did you know that they were given over 600 laws to abide by. No wonder salvation was not found through the law. But in these laws I realise that God has boundaries. Leviticus reminds me that God has standards that I am expected to live by. You and I have a priestly ministr

You and I are on a journey. Exodus is about the journey to freedom. Its a story of God's salvation and love for His people. This book tells us not only of God's power but also shows us His faithfulness at maintaining the promises given in His covenant with Abraham. I don't know what you may be experiencing but I want to encourage you to know that you are being set up to get out of the jail you may be facing. In Exodus we see the the children of God move from a position of favour to slavery before their redemption. We also an awesome display of God's power. In Exodus we have the first of the laws that God gave His people. Also in Exodus we see a dimension of the glory of God that causes the heart to tremble at the majesty of the Great I Am; we see not only the merciful side of grace but encounter the judgement seat of God. Exodus is filled with great covenant promises. It's in Exodus God introduces Himself as the I Am. God was introducing Moses to a dimension of inti

Thank God for a beautiful Sunday. Beautiful not only for the Word in church, or the worship in all the services, or the fellowship with friends at a party after church but also to know that God is good all the time is awesome. As we begin the week I want to encourage to know that you will make it in life. Know that nothing is impossible to one who sees the possibilities in every challenge they encounter. Yesterday I dealt with the issue of time as a hinderance to our studying the Word. Not investing time in the Word causes one to lose their passion for the Word. Another cause of disaffection in our relationship with the Word is the Evil one. The enemy of our salvation also will do anything to hinder our intimacy with the Word. He walks about like a lion seeking whom to distract or devour.The enemy walks about lying to you and I. One lie is that the Word is boring. We have become so accustomed to movies and television that reading is hard. as our imaginations have been dulled out. We h

Today we step into the second book in the bible, Exodus. As we embark on this book I want to encourage you to persist. We have a lot of people with well meaning intentions but no story of finishing what they started. I don't want anyone to feel guilty that they are lagging behind or that they can't find the time to complete the daily readings. There are many issues slowing us down. Time is an issue. We have to work, play, sleep, rest, relate, you name it our time is under pressure severely. I overheard someone saying that this adventure is easy for me as a pastor, I have all the time to read the bible. I burst out laughing in my heart. What a lie!!! Yes even those working for the Lord full time have to contend with this issue of finding time to read the bible. In fact, may I confess something to you. I have discovered that it easy to not read the bible and think that you are serving God. I came to a point of realising that if I don't read the Word I am missing out on instru

Today we complete the first book in the bible, Genesis. This book of beginnings lays a foundation for the plan of God. In this book we learn of God's desire for fellowship. We are introduced to a God who is not far away from humanity but who is desirous of our interaction with Him on a continual basis. Genesis not only introduces but also lays a foundation for our faith in God. In Genesis we learn that God is a Creator. His power is unlimited towards solving issues .We also learn that He is the All Sufficient One; The Lord our Provider. We have also seen Him lay a foundation for the salvation of mankind. Genesis is a colourful story of the happenings that lay a foundation for God's desire to have a people who love Him He is not just in heaven but He shows Himself as the God of continuity. He establishes Himself as the one who is Able as nothing is too hard for Him. He makes it clear that we should place our trust in no one but Him alone as He is our Shield. We see that wheneve

Everyday I seek to share something that I have learnt through the daily reading. I make a choice to discipline myself not to write too much as we inundated with a lot of reading material. Feel free to add comments because that way we share and thus encourage one another to grow into the fullness of Christ. Today I am amazed at the fact that God will always remember His covenant and fulfill the promise. I want to list five words in the order they appear in one scripture that showed God is at work in our lives. Remembered : My God will never forget me. To be delayed is not to be denied as God will surely remember. God spoke and said to Sarah that He would return at the appointed time; at the right season!!! I do believe that we are in a season where we will see God begin to act on the promises that seem forgotten. Or better put in another way there is a resurrection of seemingly forgotten prophecies that is about to take place. Dry bones are beginning to take shape. Listened : No longer

Well done to everyone who is walking through this journey. I want to first congratulate you for daring to start this adventure. Whether you are at the beginning of reading for day 1 or at the end of day 2 you are worthy of congratulations. Always remember that not many people start on a dream. They just dream or talk. At least you have began doing something and that is worthy of appreciation. Always remember that we are here to encourage one another through this lifetime opportunity of reading the world's best seller of all time: the Bible. So dont give up or give in! Press on,great tresures lie ahead awaiting our discoveries. The bible is not only about God's love for man but it's about God introducing Himself to mankind. In today's reading God introduced Himself to Abram as the All Sufficient One.-Almighty. During this encounter the names of the participants were changed into covenant names that set them on a flight path of destiny. Notice all this time God has intr

Today marked a new beginning of a learning adventure. To read the world's best seller in a set number of days. Its not just about reading it but to also encourage my friends who are walking through this adventure with me. Surely our lives will never be the same again. So over the next few days-90 days to be precise- I will blog on a daily basis my thoughts as I undertake this challenge. My reason for blogging is to encourage others. I have found that I am most alive when am encouraging others. That's what I live for: to be an encourager always. Life at times can be discouraging thus the need for relationships that can bring encouragement. Encouraging words today are like water to a thirsty soul. So as you read I hope you are encouraged to be the best that God intended for you. God is a God of process. He could have spoken the whole world into being but instead followed a process in creation.Many times when faced with a problem all I want is a solution but fail to see that God w