Divine Encounters

Day 291 Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1 - 2 Timothy 4:22 We live in a day and age where people admire giftings. When we think of Serena Williams we think of the gift she is in tennis, when we think of Mozart we think of classical music and I could list many giftings that society admires. One day while thinking about my place here on earth God reminded me that I am gifted. Please say it to yourself, " I am gifted".  Life has a way of dividing people into haves and have nots and many times we believers seem to think we are in the realm of have nots. Paul whilst writing to Timothy reminds him to stir up the gift within him. Paul was telling Timothy there is potential inside of you and it cannot become something unless you awaken it. God placed gifting in you. It's your responsibility to stir up the gift within to be able to shine like a star in God's eyes.  Why must we stir up every gift within us? God has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear is one reason many hav...

Day 250 Reading: Matthew 25:1 - Matthew 28:20 Words are powerful. Ever been to a court of law? When the judge gives a ruling its given in verbatim and written format. When one is marrying vows consisting of words are made. Sign language is an expression of words using signs to convey the words being spoken. Science tells us that women speak more words than men.  Solomon declared that one is satisfied by the fruit of their mouth Proverbs 18:20.   Jesus understood the power of words. He understood that words have an impact. Words are what either make you or condemn you. Jesus  declared that by your words you will be justified or condemned Matthew 12:37 .  Thrice Jesus declared the process of His death and resurrection. I find it interesting that Matthew in writing this gospel noted this. Matthew wanted to convey to us the importance and power of words. He desired that we understood the power of words in shaping our lives. Here was the Messiah provoking th...

Day 67 Reading: Josh. 19:1 - Josh. 21:45 I used to wonder whether it's possible for all of God's promises to come to pass. You may say its doubt or unbelief. You might be in shock that I can say that of myself. However, life throws curve balls that leave you wondering whether God's promise will actually come through. Many times when this happens we say all things will work together for good, however, in reality, we are covering up our disappointment for not seeing the promise we held onto fulfilled. There are many reasons why the promises don't come to pass. Unbelief, doubt, fear, are just some of the reasons. Impatience is another reason. God is not a drive by a fast food solution for life. You must learn to understand the power of patience. God's word cannot fail. If a promise has not come to pass don't blame God. Ask why?  Another reason I believe is a question of whether the promise is alive to us. Many times I realised I took a promise and ...

Day 57 Reading: Deut. 20:1 - 23:25 Life is warfare, not fanfare. Life's winners walk constantly knowing the principles of warfare. They understand that when it's time to engage the enemy one must be prepared. The children of Israel were about to enter the land and the next stage of possessing the land would not be about talking about the promise but actually contending for the land. God gave Moses the rules of engagement as follows: Do not fear or be afraid. Fear will cause your enemy to ride over you. 'Fear not' is said in the Bible 365 times.  Do not let your heart faint. The Hebrew word used for faint in Deut. 20:3 means to melt away. This is a depressing state that many today including me have allowed. God desires that I stand up to confront the challenges ahead. Do not tremble. The Hebrew word used here connotes that not only do you fear but in a hurry, you flee the battle in alarm.  You must stand against the enemy.   Don't be terrified by the e...

Day 43 Reading: Num. 12:1- Num. 14:45 Complaining will bring trouble. Make matters worse by not only complaining but also comparing yourself with those who are your leaders and think of yourself as their equals. Miriam and Aaron didn't understand the relationship between God and Moses.  Yes, Moses' wife was not an Israelite, she was black, however, that was not a reason to bring about an attack against your deliverer.  Secondly, they saw themselves as being able to lead the children of Israel. Just because God has used you isn't room to attack a leader. This is one of the worst manifestations of the religious spirit which seeks to usurp the true order of God.  Moses was known as a humble guy. There is no comment or indication that he cried to God about the insurrection of Miriam and Aaron. Instead, the Bible says, God heard the conversation and He instantly sought to resolve. Insurrection against God-ordained leadership will bring consequences that are d...