Be ready to plant!

Times and seasons, they say, wait for no man. When it is the season for planting, no one is exempted for the duration of the season. If the season lasts for three months, it is the same for everyone. If you fail to plant at the right time, you might end up missing the opportunity to harvest. We need to be proactive when it comes to times and seasons. The Preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes noted this and said that, “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.” (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1‭-‬2). Understanding the times and seasons helps to navigate life and make the best out of it. In ‭‭1 Chronicles‬ 12:32‬, we are told that from the tribe of Issachar, there were men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. It is important we do not miss out when it is time to plant.

Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. (Genesis‬ ‭26:12‬)

Issac, the son of Abraham, had to travel to a foreign land to avoid a famine. Even at the foreign land, “Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him. (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26:12‭-‬14‬). Isaac prospered in a foreign land because the Lord was with him and he didn’t miss the opportunity to plant. He worked the land, and sowed seeds and his output was a hundredfold. The Lord favoured him and blessed him. His wealth even caused him to be envied for the Philistines.

When the famine began, Isaac could have left for Egypt as his father did. But, he went to Abimelek, king of the Philistines. While with Abimelek, “the Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham.” (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26:2‭-‬3‬). Imagine if Isaac had disobeyed the Lord, He wouldn’t have reaped the harvest he had in verse 12. Isaac’s readiness to plant was a display of his commitment to stay on the land. No matter where you find yourself, without understanding the times and seasons, you will miss the time to plant.

In this new year, be ready to plant. Work on your land, plant your dreams, visions, goals and be conscious to water them. Make use of every opportunity to make your seed count. Don’t procrastinate, don’t miss the time and don’t be in a hurry to leave for Egypt. Listen to God and He will prosper you on the land. May the peace of God be with you.

Hannah: Presenting Samuel back to the Lord

Have you ever received a blessing that suddenly became a stumbling block to serving God? I have heard of people who prayed for specific blessings from God and when they received those blessings, the same people stopped serving God and even stopped attending church services. When they were contacted, their reply was that the same blessing they prayed for had kept them too busy to even have time to serve God and go to church.  I don’t believe God gives stumbling blocks as blessings. Our own attitudes sometimes hinder us from serving God with the same blessing we have received. At other times, if we go ahead of God and find our own way, what we so much desire could end up leaving us colder in faith. If you are not ready to handle the consequences of what you are asking for, then don’t ask for it. For every blessing comes with a new level of commitment. Until you give God all your all even in your most blessed state, the same blessing will lead you astray from God. In 2 Kings 20, king Hezekiah asked for long life but he failed to be sensitive in what he did in those added years. The result was disastrous. Even the son born during that time to him, was the worst king ever. 

When we understand that every new level comes with new challenges, we are not overwhelmed but we live in readiness. Hannah’s story so far has demonstrated faith in God. Hannah’s commitment to God even as she prayed for a son was that that son will be given back to God. She made that vow and was committed to it. She knew the pain of letting go of her only son. But, a vow must be kept. After Samuel was born, the family continued their annual trip to Shiloh to worship. 1 Samuel 1:21-23 state this:
“When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.” “Do what seems best to you,” her husband Elkanah told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the Lord make good his word.” So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him.”

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. (1 Samuel 1:27‭-‬28)

Hannah was ready to fulfill her vow. She was ready to present the only son back to God. She knew that Samuel living in the house of God meant she would have less contact with him. Hannah was ready to bear the cost. She had committed to this and she had no excuse to God. “After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli, and she said to him, “Pardon me, my Lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:24‭-‬26). Eli must have been surprised by this woman’s courage. She made a vow and she was ready for the consequences. Hannah told Eli, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.” (1 Samuel 1:27‭-‬28).

Hannah let go of Samuel. She didn’t hold back. She didn’t complain that Samuel was too little to stay with Eli. She had no excuses. She just went to the same place of prayer and handed over the answer to her prayers back to God. The only heart desire was to have a child. Hannah didn’t hold on, she let go of her desire. Samuel was the manifestation of her prayer. She could have held on to show Peninnah that she has a son too. But, Hannah returned Samuel back to God as she had vowed. When Hannah gave back Samuel to God, she touched the heart of God. She had just one son and she willingly let go of him. She didn’t use her circumstances as an excuse to hold on to Samuel. Hannah’s son was no ordinary son. He became a voice of God in his generation. His mother ushered him into his prophetic ministry even before he was born. 

Hannah’s request was not to make her feel good. Her request was to give to God what God gives to her. Most of us have experienced specific lacks in our lives. We have encountered losses and pain. We have different things we look forward to having. But, do our desires advance God’s kingdom? We have learnt from Hannah’s story that God answers prayers. Our commitment should be this, no blessing from God will become a hindrance blocking our path to God. If you receive from God, be ready to give back to Him. Holding on and not letting go result in selfishness. However, like Hannah, we could give God our Samuel and God will give us back a generational prophet, a seer, a judge, a leader, a voice that silences other voices, and a kingmaker. As long as we hold on to our Samuel, he remains a child, but when we return him to the Lord, he becomes the voice of God. 

Ruth: Obedience is a key to breakthrough

Most people have a deep quest to have their way in matters concerning their lives. It seems ridiculous to some people to have others tell them what to do. Our quest for “What we want” in comparison with “What God wants for us” is the main reason people prefer not to serve God. We are in a generation of ME, MYSELF and I. We crave for things that will satisfy us and give us a sense of fulfillment. We barely consider how our cravings fit into God’s bigger plan for our lives. Some people see God as a Headmaster with a very big heart for discipline. They barely see the holy, merciful, gracious, just, righteous and sovereign God. Obedience is a key to breakthrough. Even mundane societies thrive on the obedience of its citizens. In 1 Samuel 15:22b, we are told that “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” As much as we love ourselves, our desires in life must be subjected to the word of God. If what we want goes contrary to God’s word,  then obedience to God is better than our desires.

Ruth had left everything in Moab and relocated to Bethlehem. To find food for sustenance, Ruth went to pick leftover grains and found favour before Boaz. All this while   Ruth’s dedication to Naomi had not changed. Naomi knew that Ruth deserved a good home, and a husband to take care of her. Naomi had a plan to put the needs of Ruth above her own needs. Ruth 3:1-4 records the following: “One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.”

“I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. (Ruth 3:5)

Naomi’s plan would have been quite overwhelming in today’s contemporary society. Ruth did not complain about the details. She listened carefully and her response to Naomi showed her willingness to commit to the plan. Ruth told Naomi, “I will do whatever you say” (Ruth 3:5). As a sign of her obedience, “she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do” (Ruth 3:6). Ruth showed her obedience with her actions. She did not wait for days, weeks or even a month to decide what to do. The next action of Ruth after the conversation with Naomi, took place in Boaz’ threshing floor. Ruth was committed, she had the opportunity and she took it in obedience.

Boaz was startled to find a woman lying at his feet. “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a guardian-redeemer of our family.” (Ruth 3:9). Boaz was amazed by Ruth’s gesture. In response, he said:
“The Lord bless you, my daughter. This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Although it is true that I am a guardian-redeemer of our family, there is another who is more closely related than I. Stay here for the night, and in the morning if he wants to do his duty as your guardian-redeemer, good; let him redeem you. But if he is not willing, as surely as the Lord lives I will do it. Lie here until morning.” (Ruth 3:10‭-‬13).

Before Ruth returned to her mother-in-law in the morning, she knew that the matter would be settled by the end of day. She would either be the wife of the closely related guardian-redeemer or the wife of Boaz. Ruth’s obedience to Naomi was the key to her marriage. If she disobeyed, she would have missed the opportunity. 

God has set before us many open doors. Our obedience to Him is the key to unlocking those doors. The door of breakthrough does not open until we break through with prayers, obedience, perseverance, dedication, and endurance. Ruth’s obedience was the access point to her marriage. Your obedience might be the only way to get what you want. What is God saying to you? 

God is the builder of everything

One of the Sunday school songs which is still a favourite song is “He got the whole world in His hands.” My understanding that God holds everything together in His hands helps me to remain calm even in the midst of storms. Things may look to be falling apart all around us but when God is involved, even the storms of life are humbled by His voice. God loves us so much and whatever is loved by God is an enemy of the devil. Therefore we are constantly battling with arrows from the enemy. No wonder Paul reminds us to put on the whole armor of God to be able to withstand the devil’s tactics (Ephesians 6:11).

For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. (Hebrews 3:4)

In our lives, we should constantly acknowledge that God is the builder of everything. The author of Hebrew states that: “For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything” (Hebrews 3:4). Everything means everything. God builds homes, marriages, children,  relationships, finances, well-being etc. He is the Master builder and no raw material is too bad or too brittle to be used. Even the ordinary rod in the hands of Moses became an extraordinary rod for signs and wonders when God took charge. 

It is very common for us to be in charge of our lives. Afterall, it is our lives! However, until we give full control of our lives to God, He will not be our master builder. Today, let us tell God to take our lives and let us be consecrated to Him. Let us give Him our mess, so He can transform us to beautiful messages. Commit your crisis to Him so He can make you a love story. It is never too late to make Him our lifetime boss. When there is life, there is hope. He is patiently waiting to lead you to your destination. Do not miss the road to Him. May the peace of God fill our hearts in Jesus name.  

Kingdom financial principles: Commitment

Many times, the thought of a bad master makes employees unwilling to commit to the work. If the work environment is not healthy because of a rude or harsh manager, or supervisor, it causes the workers to have no sense of belonging and commitment. How do we ensure good stewardship at places with stifling environments? How does one take care of the wealth of an organisation that cares less about its workers? What can we do to ensure growth and development in our work (personal businesses)? The thought of not being able to make the best out of the opportunities we have may also cause unnecessary competition that may give us rivals rather than competitors. Navigating through these and many more is important for all people. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23)

In today’s blog, we shall consider another principle of stewardship. Paul admonished the church in Colossae that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). This instruction was given to Christian households and is also relevant for our attitude towards work. The attitude of “working for the Lord” removes all bitterness and malice. It gives one a bigger picture and takes away one’s eyes from the human manager who might be unpleasant. Humans are limited by what they can do and see. God is limitless: He is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. He sees what we do in secret and He is able to discern the thoughts and intents of men. Nothing can be hidden from Him.

Having this mindset that whether we are managing our own businesses or working for others, we are ultimately working for God, put a check on us. Stewards who know that their managers are all-knowing, all-powerful and present everywhere are more likely to give out their best at every time. Giving your best means being committed, dedicated, involved, transparent, willing to assist others etc. to ensure progress. In managing worldly wealth, we should have the mindset that God is the owner of all resources. Will God be pleased if His money is used for other things that bring sorrow and pains? No! Will God gamble His wealth away? No! Will God be pleased to know that the wealth entrusted to us was only used to promote evil? No! Remember, God cares about everything. 

In “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.(Colossians 3:23‭-‬25?

Will God be pleased with how committed you are to the work you are doing? Is there a good report in heaven about your stewardship over the work of your hands?