Diving deeper into our series on “Being Out and About for Jesus Christ,” let’s explore the journey of arising in our calling. Last week, we discussed how God has set you apart and covered you with His righteousness, empowering you for the noble calling before you.

Your disciplined life showcases God’s grace in holiness. Arising in your calling has various aspects that should ignite your enthusiasm. Firstly, you are called to make Jesus known to the world.

Like Moses who led the Israelites, Jonah who preached repentance, and Daniel who displayed godly wisdom as a government official, you are an heir of this glorious calling to share the Gospel by sharing your testimony.

Looking at Daniel 1:4-20, it becomes clear that taking care of your body and enriching your mind with knowledge relevant to your calling is crucial. How you present yourself and your intellect plays important roles in interactions.

As a vessel of God, even if you fall short, God provides His grace and supernatural gifts to complement your abilities. He equips you beyond your capabilities, as shown in Daniel 1:20.

Challenges are common, especially at the beginning of your calling, like Daniel faced. Consider the ways you might stumble and remember that God, who loves you, provides a way out when you endure temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

In your divine calling, God positions people who will show you favor as you step into new places. Even in the face of resistance, God can turn hearts in your favor when you seek refuge in prayer (Daniel 2:26-28).

Lastly, remember not to take credit for your achievements. Give glory to God, and in situations where you’re tempted to seek glory for yourself, point people back to God.

Your light has an impact when you give glory to Him. Be kingdom-minded, ensuring that your success benefits those around you, just as Daniel demonstrated in his calling.

In this world that is constantly developing in all aspects of life, information is useful, whether good or bad.
To the extent that the adage “knowledge is power” is accurate. However, it is crucial to know that not all knowledge is beneficial for a Believer’s growth, specifically in their spiritual progress. There is a lot of information available, but some of it may not be beneficial (one may not be mature enough to absorb that kind of knowledge). In 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul discusses the significance of the growing process. At any point in your Christian growth process, he emphasizes the idea that it is more important to consider what kind of information you let in than it is to just follow Jesus.

It is not always important to learn everything, as choosing knowledge that is inappropriate for you could have disastrous consequences for you. In essence, it is more important to do what is correct for you than what is either beneficial or detrimental in the period of life you are currently experiencing. In Genesis 3:4, we see that the truth had been used by the devil to deceive Eve. The enemy is so cunning that he is capable of tricking you with the truth. Jesus’ ministry had not begun between the ages of 12 and 30 years old. If the time between these years is estimated, it took Jesus 18 years to develop a ministry that operates in 3 years. This is the core of growth; God always builds things slowly out of patience.

Building your foundation on Christ will give you the assurance that nothing is ever going to be destroyed once God establishes it. Jesus foretold that Peter would become a fisher of men from the very first time they met, and after three years of growing, it came to pass. It is clear from reading 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 that God desires for each Believer to experience the process of growth by being discerning about what they allow in. Christians might be classified as either infants or adults. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that a Christian’s progress is not influenced by the passing of time and is not indicated by how long they have been saved. A Follower who may have just known God for one month may have experienced greater, supernatural spiritual growth than a Christian who has known God for ten years.

An infant Christian is one who has carnal thinking, making decisions based on what is happening in the physical world and basing their emotions on what they feel like doing or what they don’t. (see Romans 8:4-8). As a Christian, you must only depend on God and what concerns Him; in contrast, this kind of Christian depends on themselves. Reading John 21:18, we can see that growth follows submitting to the Holy Spirit, but if you are also resisting the voice of the Spirit, you may become stagnant. The issue here is not sin, but rather a refusal to develop and a preference for staying in ‘comfortable’ environments.

Love is the basis of our connection with Christ, therefore, it is unnecessary to fulfill prophecy, move mountains, or perform amazing deeds in the absence of love (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; John 3:16).

The subject of how the heart is trained could therefore be raised. The heart requires love, therefore, God’s mercy extends to everyone, even the wicked. Jesus explained that what comes out of a man is what defiles him (Mark 7:23), and everything you become is active. Consequently, there is a lot of potential in man and until you encounter specific circumstances, you cannot assert that you are a decent person.

God is the only being that is omniscient and omnipotent. He is also the only one who can change people’s hearts daily (see 2 Corinthians 4:16). Not everyone has the capacity to experience love which is the fruit of the Spirit, according to Galatians 5:22–23, that is only given by the Holy Spirit. Returning to what Paul was discussing in Corinthians, the milk he was referring to is essential. It is a foundation that is based on God’s love. Thus, you won’t submit to the Holy Spirit if you lack love. Hence you should not not only be impressed by someone’s oratory—look at the fruit instead, which is love—to determine whether they truly love God.

Now, the Mature Christian is a Believer to whom we should all aspire to be. This Believer does not only react to sensations or things around them based on faith; they now “walk by faith and not by sight.” This time, they are reliant on the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:13–14). God’s presence is something you are aware of. Due to the awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit within you, a Believer with this kind of consciousness refrains from acting in particular ways.

As a seed becomes completely visible after its fruits are produced and so is the fruit of the Spirit. When others start to notice the fruits of the Spirit in you, you are a Christian who is showing these characteristics. When you yield to the Holy Spirit, these fruits will be created in you; in fact, abiding by the Spirit will cause this to happen. According to 1 Corinthians 3:10–14, focusing on verse 12; any edifice created based on wealth, knowledge, or anything else is doomed to failure and only becomes valuable when it is based on Jesus Christ. Your thoughts should be based on a desire to advance God’s kingdom. Without faith, you have no business looking for earthly goods (see Philippians 4:8; 2 Peter 1:5-8).

You can firmly advance in the ways of God by, first and foremost, understanding your place in God. Your current state lets you know what you need for development or what information you need right now. Secondly, your local church is the solution to your spiritual development thus, once you are a part of a community, your development is evaluated. Additionally, you have access to education (schooling) and medical care (hospitals) when you attend a church. Due to your development being tracked, you are subject to accountability. So, seek out a church that will aid in your spiritual development.

In the Bible, three fundamental things are highlighted: faith, hope, and love. Among these, love stands out as the most paramount. The concept of “staying in” the presence of God is not just about physical location; it encompasses protection, identity, and being surrounded by His love.

In Genesis 2:8, we find the Lord God planting a garden in the eastern part of Eden and placing man, Adam, within it. This garden, the Garden of Eden, symbolizes God’s presence, and it was the initial dwelling place for man. At this stage, God’s presence was external; Adam could see God but had not yet fully experienced Him within.

As we progress through Scripture, we come to understand that the final dwelling place for man is in Jesus Christ, in the heavenly places.

Here, God’s presence is invisible but internal. He dwells within us, making us carriers of His divine presence. In Romans 5:19, the apostle Paul discusses how we were initially disqualified through Adam’s disobedience but became qualified through Jesus’s obedience in His crucifixion and resurrection.

Psalms 91:1 speaks of “dwelling” in the presence of God, using the Hebrew word “Yashav,” which implies sitting, resting, or being calm. When you rest, you demonstrate trust in the one who is in control.

Rest signifies that everything necessary has already been provided. When you strive to do everything with your own strength, it reveals a lack of trust in God’s provision. Instead, position yourself to receive and experience the rest of God as you navigate life’s challenges. Your position will bring your provision.

The famous Psalm 23 speaks of God setting a table before your enemies—a place to sit and rest. Feeding on God’s Word while “Yashav” in the finished work of Jesus Christ allows you to overcome your adversaries.

The position that God has ordained for you is what leads to provision in your life—sitting down, and resting in Him. In John 6:10-11, before multiplying the bread, Jesus instructed the people to “sit down.” Those who received and benefited from the multiplied bread were the ones who obeyed and sat down. God desires you to find rest in Him.

For those who rest in Him, His supply always surpasses their needs. You walk in the completeness of Jesus finished work. Your task is to “Yashav” in the secret place of God (Psalms 91:1-2) continually. So, I encourage you to “Yashav”—to sit, rest, and abide in His presence forever and ever.

Do you recall our revelation-filled camp theme from last year, “The New Shape”? It drew inspiration from the beginning of creation when the earth was formless until the Spirit of God’s presence took shape (Genesis 1:1-3).

For believers, this signifies the transformation of our minds into the New Shape through the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5). God’s original intention was for us to live in communion with Him and reflect His nature. While humanity initially fell short due to disobedience, Jesus Christ, the second Adam, came to restore God’s original plan through Salvation (John 5:18; Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1-4).

Through Salvation, we receive the New Shape, which is, in fact, the Original Shape God intended for us at Creation. In our current age, the world eagerly anticipates the manifestation of God’s sons and daughters—those who glorify the Father by reflecting His nature in the New Shape brought by Salvation in Christ (Romans 8:19; Matthew 5:14).

This implies that we deviated from the Original Shape due to Adam’s disobedience, and now, with Salvation through faith in Christ, we must strive to Stay in that New Shape. Falling out of shape means losing three essential qualities God granted us at creation: dominion over self, connection, and intimacy with the Spirit of God, and dominion over the flesh. Dominion over self was initially granted to humanity. However, Adam’s disobedience disrupted this submission to God. In contrast, Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate, fully submitted to God and received dominion over all things in Heaven and on Earth. Nature itself obeys Christ because of His dominion.

This dominion is only obtained through submission to God; human wisdom alone cannot bring about submission in the visible world.

The loss of intimacy and connection with the Holy Spirit is another consequence of falling out of the New Shape. Our minds remain the battleground for submission to God. Although we are born again through a single confession, the transformation of the mind is a lifelong process. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation, which is why meditating on the Word of God is essential. Faith brings salvation, while the Word of God brings transformation (Romans 12:2).

In our fast-paced world, it’s essential to develop avenues for constant access to the Word of God. Seeking the kingdom of God means maintaining access to His Word and meditating on it regularly (Joshua 1:8). We have been given everything pertaining to life and godliness in Christ, ensuring we are not overwhelmed by worldly pursuits (2 Peter 1:3). The trajectory of our lives depends on the information we receive, making meditation on the Word of God a matter of life and death.

The Holy Spirit provides discernment regarding God’s Word, as only His Spirit can truly understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:11-12). Human wisdom is insufficient to grasp the Word of God; revelation and transformation come through the Spirit. This is why, despite being saved, a mind not transformed by the Spirit can lead to defeat.

In the Old Covenant, believers had a limited understanding of God’s redemption plan and often misrepresented Him. However, Jesus Christ, in whom the Holy Spirit constantly rested, fully represented God on earth. His interactions demonstrated God’s character—merciful, forgiving, and loving. The Holy Spirit resting in Jesus magnified the Father’s glory in the Son.

The third spiritual asset lost outside the New Shape is dominion over the flesh. Our bodies continually wrestle with our spirits until Christ’s return.

This struggle often manifests as a desire to serve God while holding onto worldly pursuits, making us unavailable for God’s work. We must adopt a reward-minded attitude—relying on God’s reward rather than worldly gain.

So, how do we Stay in the New Shape? By immersing ourselves in the Word of God through meditation, prayer, and service. Meditation transforms and renews our minds. Prayer is vital to our life of meditation, protecting us from the enemy’s deception. Lastly, our service to God maintains us in His presence and the New Shape, as those who serve are the greatest in the Kingdom of God (Luke 22:26).

We often find ourselves at the crossroads of entering and staying in the presence of God. Just as we’ve established that to stay in, we must first enter, we now delve into the essence of staying in and the transformative power it holds.

Staying in is not a passive state but rather a continuous lifestyle, marked by a resolute intention to remain in God’s presence. It’s a deliberate decision to dwell in Him, even when the world tempts us to be mere passers-by. We must remember that God patiently invites us in, just as He knocked on our doors (Revelations 3:20).

Prayer, a vital aspect of staying in, mirrors our desire to remain in God’s embrace. The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:12 & 17 teaches us that God notices our commitment to staying in through prayer.

It reminds us to be patient, to listen attentively to His voice, and to align our prayers with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To truly stay in God, we must allow Him to realign our focus.

This requires introspection into what consumes our time daily—whether it’s careers, relationships, or social media. These are not inherently wrong, but they can become detrimental distractions when they replace our connection with God. Psalms 27:4 urges us to seek dwelling in the house of the Lord above all else. We must reflect on our deepest desires. What do we long for most in our lives? Recognizing that only Jesus can satisfy our innate void, we must come as we are, not seeking to fix ourselves but allowing His transformative presence to change us.

What we seek the most ultimately defines our priorities and becomes our idol if it displaces God. Seeking God’s kingdom first ensures that everything else falls into place as we rest in Him. Staying in requires intentionality and willingness.

While God calls and invites, we must make a conscious effort to engage in prayer, meditation on Scripture, and worship. God doesn’t force us to stay in; the decision rests with us. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is our Helper and Comforter along this journey. The implications of staying in include self-consent, consistency, self-discipline, conviction, and commitment. Self-consent means a spontaneous desire to be with Jesus, not reliant on external pushes. Consistency and self-discipline keep us grounded in the Word, even when our flesh falters. Conviction assures our loyalty to Christ, even when circumstances seem unclear. Commitment involves being an active part of a local church and finding belonging in the body of Christ.

The characteristics of those who stay in are akin to Ruth—determined, visionary, willing to pay the price for a glorious future, and numb to worldly solicitations.

They are those who linger after the preaching, becoming increasingly insensitive to the flesh. In conclusion, staying in is a journey of faith and intentionality. It’s an invitation to remain in God’s presence, to be transformed by His grace, and to find fulfillment beyond worldly pursuits. Through self-consent, consistency, conviction, and commitment, we become part of a family that overcomes sin and death in Christ.

For those who have accepted Jesus, the Holy Communion serves as a reminder of our inclusion in His family. For those who haven’t, Jesus extends an invitation to receive Him as Lord and Savior today. Salvation is available now, a transformative step towards staying in God’s eternal embrace (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Staying in the presence of God means that we have to enter into it in the first place. The Church is one place where we enter the presence of God. As we will learn in the following texts, Jesus Christ, the only way to the Father, holds the key to the presence of God.

The next part will help us shine a light on Jesus Christ and the key to staying in the presence of God. This will also be an opportunity to discover what is in for those who stay in the presence of God (see Psalms 91). The key of David is given to the Faithful Church of Philadelphia by Jesus Christ in His divine authority when He addresses the seven churches in the book of Revelations (Revelations 3:11). The question of “what is the key of David” then emerges. By comparing Matthew 16:19 to Revelation 3:7, 8, and 12, we can see that Jesus Christ not only possesses the key of David but also the keys of the kingdom [of God].

These Scriptures also teach us that anytime the keys are mentioned, they are always in relation to the Temple of God and the City of Jerusalem, and hence the presence of God. It is also vital to comprehend that a key provides access to what may have been present but could not be used until it is “unlocked”.

Now, keep this in mind, for such is the anointing residing in the concept of keys. Whilst 2 Samuel 7 reveals to us that the key of David is King Solomon, whom God ordained to build a Temple in Jerusalem in the Old Testament, we learn that the keys of the Kingdom that Christ gives to Simon Peter – those pertaining to His Temple like in the Old Testament – empowers His Church or any “two or three people gathered in His Name” to bind or loosen things on earth with God’s Authority. In the New Testament, the power of the keys of the Kingdom applies both to the Church on earth and the New Jerusalem to come, each representing the Kingdom of God (Revelations 3: 7-13).

With the keys of the kingdom, we are empowered to make disciples of all nations, to call upon the Heavenly hosts in the fight against the principalities of this world, and to proclaim the healing of the sick and salvation of the lost.

What then grants such authority in the Keys of the Kingdom of God?
The answer resides in Him who holds the keys in both instances: Jesus-Christ. The revelation of the identity of Jesus Christ is the strongest foundation for one to stay in the presence of God. When we decipher the identity of Jesus Christ, we decipher our own identity in Him, and this always brings us to a place of thanksgiving. Whilst many confuse Jesus-Christ with a prophet whether it be John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or any other prophet, He still asks you today, “Who do you say I am?” in the same manner He asked His disciple Simon Peter (read Matthew 16: 14-16).

According to Jewish theology, Peter’s statement that “You are the Christ, Son of the Living” suggested that Jesus was equal to God because God the Father and the Son have the Same Substance (see John 5:18 and Matthew 16: 18). For this reason, the Jews attempted to kill Jesus in John 5:18.

Today, As followers of Jesus, we abide in the knowledge that He is God, walking in the revelation of that knowledge and abounding in the Grace of it, for “no one knows the Father except the Son. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him” (Matthew 11:27).

In conclusion, unpacking the mystery of Jesus Christ reveals that He is equal to God the Father. The revelation of the knowledge of who Christ is allows us to STAY IN the fullness of God! The Church of God received its Authority in heaven and earth through Christ (Matthew 28:18). As we gather in His Name, He has empowered us as His Church through the Keys of His Kingdom. As we sit in His presence, we are of those who dwell in His shelter, He remains our refuge and fortress forever (Psalms 91), Hallelujah!

Keeping your knees down is a representation of prayer, (being consistent in prayer). When it comes to this principle, it is a matter of the heart’s posture more than the physical act of kneeling. The state of your heart is then reflected in your attitude when it comes to prayer. This is because, as the Prophet Isaiah states in Isaiah 29:13, “People honour and worship God with their lips; however, their hearts are far from Him”. Therefore, people who truly seek God with their hearts know the significance of prayer, which is one of the ways to remain closer to God.

Prayer is defined as an “invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with an object of worship through deliberate communication”. Furthermore, its etymology is derived from the Latin word “precaria“, which means ‘devout petition to God or an object of worship’. However, beyond these definitions, for Christians, prayer is more than that because it is a conversation with God which also involves interaction with the spiritual realm (Ephesians 6:18). To further illustrate this, in 2 Kings 18, Elijah called down fire from heaven to prove that the Lord God was real.

It’s also seen in John 11 where Jesus calls the spirit of Lazarus back to life, raising him from the dead. Indeed, this goes to show that prayer isn’t just a dialogue, but it is a powerful and effective tool in the life of a Christian.

The question that is often asked is, if God knows everything and can do anything, why should one pray? In answering this question, it is important to understand that prayer is a spiritual activity, and God is spirit, thus, prayer establishes communion with Him. He is our Father, which indicates relationship—and that is what God desires to have with us through prayer, and with every relationship, conversation is involved. And whenever a relationship exists, there is a platform for asking and receiving. Throughout scripture, God urges us to ask that we may receive; in other words, although God is omniscient, if we do not ask, we will not receive because it takes away the essence of the father-child relationship that He seeks to have with us. Jeremiah 33:3, says that God has remarkable things to reveal about things to come and this can be relevant to things involving the work of God in our lives today, be it, our careers, marriage or academics. However, we do not receive these things because we do not ask (see James 4:3). 

To further illustrate the importance of prayer, look at the life of Jesus Christ, although He was God, prayed constantly (Mark 1:35). He modelled a lifestyle for us to follow, and that is a lifestyle that values prayer. Furthermore, even our forefathers [in faith] prayed, for instance, King David. An example of one of his many prayers can be read in Psalm 5, being the King that He was, he cried out to God in prayer, bringing forth his requests.

The early church also prayed, and prayer is what carried them. It is not a gift of the Holy Spirit that some possess, and others don’t, so it is for everyone. Acts 1:14 tells us that the Apostles and several others met together and were constantly united in prayer.

Just like them, we ought to pray together with and for each other consistently and without ceasing. Moreover, the Apostles themselves requested to be prayed for as well. We see this with Paul in Romans 15:30-33, where he urges the church to join him in prayer over his trip to Judea. Additionally, when we pray for others, we partner up with God and His will. In Acts 12:1-18, while Peter was in prison, the church prayed earnestly for him. The power of interceding for one another was then the result of Peter’s release from prison. Paul further goes on urging us to pray for all people including those who are in authority for peace and a godly life which is God’s will for all of us (see 1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Hence, praying for one another does not depend upon titles or experiences, because all of us are called to intercede for one another including ourselves as well. When approaching God, we gain confidence in our spiritual journey with Him. Prayer assists us, in keeping us in alignment with His Will, and He will be faithful in giving us what we enquire from Him (see John 14:13). The word “keep” in the title, gives the notion of continuity, that is, after prayer there is prayer. Praying is not a one-time activity, or something that was invented recently to keep us busy. For many generations prayer has been proven to work, thus, there is no reason to treat prayer casually. Jesus Christ tells a parable in Luke 18:1-8; about a widow who had repeatedly cried out for justice before a judge until she received it.

The lesson here is about persistently praying and not giving up until you see something and even after that, continue praying.

In Isaiah 62:6-7, the prophet speaks of the watchmen who were posted to pray day and night until Jerusalem was restored to its glory. Through constant prayer, we can be watchmen of our families and loved ones. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah sent out his servant seven times to search for a rain cloud for this is what he was praying for, until it eventually happened. Here we see that Elijah had stayed on watch free of distraction because he stayed in prayer. 

When praying it is important to stay focused and not get distracted or reluctant. Distractions can also include sin, for the flesh is weak and that is why we should pray constantly [this is a way to overcome our flesh] so that we may not fall into temptation (see Matthew 26:41).

It is through prayer that we are strengthened and empowered. Like Jesus, who, at the beginning of His ministry, went into prayer and fasting and was tempted by the Devil in the wilderness, after which an angel ministered to Him, bringing Him strength. Even in the garden of Gethsemane, an angel came to minister and strengthen Him. For every situation, there is a strength that can be drawn in prayer. Through prayer, we can cancel the plans of Satan. In Luke 22:31-32, Satan planned to shake Simon Peter’s faith, but Jesus prayed for his faith not to fail. Hence, when we pray, it is because we understand that only God can take us out of a difficult situation that the enemy would use for our demise.

In Hebrews 5:7, we learn that throughout His life here on earth, Jesus offered prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to be rescued and God answered Him. The beauty of crying out to God is that He does not turn a deaf ear, He is the God who answers prayers. He comes to the rescue of those who cry out for His help. 

After James was killed, Peter got arrested and this created concern in the church for Peter’s life because they feared that Herod would do to him what he did to James (see Acts 12). However, their earnest prayers saved him; we are not meant to be casual with our prayers but earnest in them. Consequently, when we stop earnestly seeking God through prayer, we give room for the enemy to take advantage of us. In Exodus 17:11 we see that, whenever Moses held up his staff, the Israelites had an advantage but whenever the staff was dropped, his enemies gained an advantage. Although we may not have the same staff that Moses had, fortunately for us we have prayer; and the enemy gains an advantage when we do not pray. 

When we stop praying, confusion finds a place. There are many believers today who find themselves in confusion due to the lack of persistence in prayer; praying brings clarity and is important when making life decisions. A prayerful believer is never stunned by what strikes the eyes because they are enlightened to see the bigger picture, an example of that can be found in 2 Samuel 21:1. Therefore, when you encounter challenges that you do not understand, start seeking God first and He will be found. Not only do we receive revelation from God, but we also receive instructions on what to do from Him too.  James 5:13-16 summarises the power of prayer, emphasising that the prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful deeds. When we seek God wholeheartedly, we are guaranteed that we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13). Prayer is a platform in which we draw closer to God and receive instructions, revelation, and ideas from Him. It is through prayer that we get to partner with heaven and establish the will of God on earth. When we neglect staying in prayer, our spiritual senses deteriorate; consequently, causing a hindrance in our relationship with God and the accomplishment of His purpose here on earth. Finally, it then opens us up to a hard life which leads to disobedience and ultimately living a life full of sin. If there is little or no prayer, there is little or no vitality in your Christian life. So always remember to keep your knees down in consistent prayer. 

Words form part of your everyday life. After all, they are foundational for human interaction because they facilitate communication. The words you speak originate from what is filled in your heart. What makes words powerful is the fact that they carry life and death, as it is written in Proverbs 18:21, “life and death are in the power of the tongue”. Therefore, you need to be careful with how you use your words because you can build or destroy. The Bible also says in Matthew 12:34 that “Out of the abundance of heart, the mouth speaks” – everything that comes out of your mouth is what you have been storing within. Thus, what is often expressed through your mouths is a result of what has been frequently pondered upon.

Since what exits the mouth is largely influenced by what you fill your heart with, it is important to watch over the things you allow into your heart, and that happens by monitoring the content of your meditation. Meditation is commonly perceived as focusing the mind by thinking of something deeply and clearing it, and it sometimes includes chanting. However, unlike the worldly definition that encourages silence, the Hebrew word for meditate “hagah” includes making sounds; verbally repeating what we are meditating on – speaking the content that you have read. So, as a believer, when you meditate, your mouth should participate in the activity.

There exists a connection between reading your Bible and opening your mouth, that is why Joshua was told to not let the Law depart from his mouth as he meditates.

As established, meditation involves speaking, and that can be in the form of confessing which is to speak out loud in acknowledgment. When you confess as a believer, you utter the very oracles of God (see 1 Peter 4:11) rather than merely speaking positively or loudly, during difficult situations.

The oracles of God are found in His Word, therefore, you will not be able to keep your mouth open if your Bible is closed (see Matthew 12:34). Furthermore, in Genesis 1:1-4, God found Himself in front of a dark situation, where what He created does not reflect His nature. He spoke life and light to the very void and darkness of the earth. He was in front of a situation that was the absolute opposite of who He was. However, He was not moved by the contradiction that was set before Him. He spoke and it came to pass, that is the same power that you have been given since you have the nature of God (see Genesis 1: 27).

There is power in confessing the Word of God, and there are benefits in doing so.

When you confess, you come into agreement with the Word of God – Jesus is the Word of God (see John 1:1-5).

Every time Jesus spoke, He spoke what the Father told Him – meaning what He uttered was always in agreement with the Father. What He spoke happened because it was in agreement with the Father’s will (see John 5:19). It is important to note that your life will flow in the direction of the words which you confess over it.

Moreover, when you speak God’s Word, you give Him access to work here on earth. Spiritual beings cannot legally operate on earth without an invitation of man, or an envelope called the body.

So, when you are uttering the Word of God, you are saying, “God here I am, use me” and you are inviting Him to accomplish His will here on earth. As mentioned in the Lord’s Prayer, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” (see Matthew 6:9-13) is a declaration of alignment with the will of God in your confession. However, when you do the contrary, that is speaking outside of God’s Word over your life, you are giving the enemy access to do as you have spoken. That is why you must refrain from speaking vain and negative words or thinking such thoughts, especially during unfavourable circumstances (see 1 Peter 4: 11). Rather speak words founded in Jesus, which is achieved through reading His Word.

Your words also have creative power [in Christ] as illustrated in Romans 4:17. God is the Creator of all things and He created everything through uttering words. In the passage of Ezekiel 37:3-10, you see that the prophet Ezekiel was given the power to prophesy over the dry bones. The keyword is ‘prophecy’ which means to speak on behalf of God. When you speak the Word of God, you are essentially speaking on behalf of God. That is what makes a believer’s confession different because it is not wishful thinking or assumptions, but it is saying what God wants you to say.

Furthermore, when you confess the Word of God, it brings life and resurrection – John 11 (as told in the story of Lazarus). In this story, there is a consistency that Jesus had with His words – ‘he is not dead’, ‘he is asleep’, although He knew Lazarus was dead, He still maintained His confession. The period during which Lazarus was inside the tomb did not matter to Jesus. Yes, Jesus’s presence was there, but He still proceeded to speak. He understood that His words were powerful, and the situation required Him to speak.

Believers in Christ are made to be kings and queens, called to rule, and what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven (Matthew 18:18-20). You reign with Jesus, therefore the price He paid was made for you to walk in authority and have dominion upon all things here on earth. And as a ruler reigning with Christ, you have the authority to decree. Speaking is also a weapon in times of warfare. Confessing the Word of God enables you to use the Word as a weapon. Ephesians 6: 14 says that you have the sword which is the Word of God, an offensive weapon, that you can use to conquer the enemy. Jesus was able to overcome the devil by the Word.

Therefore, when you face bad situations, it is beneficial to meditate (think and speak) on what is good (the promises of God) and not on how critical a situation may seem to appear (read Psalms 19: 14 and Philippians 4: 8). When you speak the Word of God over your situation, you are also speaking faith to your heart as faith comes by hearing the Word of God. James writes of the most powerful organ, which is the tongue, it can create or destroy (see James 3: 5-11). He also highlights the fact that you can tame your tongue by watching over your heart. Taming is done by being cautious of what you watch, what you think of, what you say, and what you listen to, because that will affect what you utter out of your mouth. Therefore, remember to keep your mouths open, by keeping your Bible open.

Joshua 1:1-9 and 1 Timothy 4:12-13

The Bible is essential for every believer because it carries what is needed to live effectively on earth, thus, it is important for Christians to consistently and regularly read the Bible. The Bible reveals God’s nature, the revelation of who He is to his people. Reading from Joshua 1:1-9 and 1 Timothy 4:12-13; it is worth noting that Joshua and Timothy were the successors of Moses and Paul respectively who were great contributors to the Bible – the former is from the old testament and the latter is from the new testament. In the book of Joshua, God tells him to obey all the instructions written by Moses and to study this book of instructions continually. On the other hand, in Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy to focus on reading the Scriptures and teaching them to the church. Both these leaders placed great emphasis on reading and meditating on the Word of God. What can be extracted from here is that studying God’s Word regularly allows the mind to be constantly renewed and readjusted, thus, being aligned to God, which allows for growth in Him and a fulfillment of purpose.

The word “Bible” literally means “book”, which was derived from Latin and Greek. The Bible was not written by one person but by multiple people (35 named authors to be exact), who all had one message, that is God’s Word. All these authors were inspired by the Author Himself, God, hence there is cohesion and no contradictions even though many of these authors did not cross paths. Moreover, it is a book that contains books and can therefore be perceived as a library of God’s knowledge, containing God’s thoughts, ideas, and ways. This means that He is the content of the writings, so it is a spiritual book; but not only is it spiritual, it is a book that contains historical accounts that have been proven accurate.

Upon opening the Bible, there’s a choice you need to make when reading it. You can either see it as just a book that contains fables, a book that contains philosophies, principles, and theories of life (with a fictional God) and you interpret it as you see fit. Nonetheless, there is a better approach to take when reading the Bible as compared to other books, and that is; it is the WORD OF GOD, and that it carries life.

The way you approach the Bible is important as it sets you up to encounter God which then makes the writings beneficial. The right attitude to approach the Bible starts with believing that it is the Word of God, thus, receiving and believing that it is true. Believe that all scripture is God-breathed. This goes to say that the Spirit of God lives in it and it has life. 2 Timothy 3:16, tells of this inspiration and further tells of its usefulness for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and for instruction in righteousness” (NKJV). Furthermore, Psalm 12:6-7 says that the word of God has been refined, having been purified seven times over, therefore, there is no impurity or faults found in it.

When you believe that it is true, there needs to be reverence, that is, to regard the Bible with awe and respect. For this to take place, it requires humility. Without humility, it will be easy to miss what God does and says, therefore, one needs to humble themselves before God. Isaiah 66:2, speaks of God looking to the ones who tremble at His word. “Tremble” in this context means to be reverently responsive (MSG). Moreover, to be responsive, the Bible has to have influence over your life.

This influence is in the form of authority – let the Bible be authoritative over life. Since God’s Word is established in heaven [see Psalm 138:2 and Psalm 119:89], then it should be established on earth; therefore it should be consulted when making choices – allowing it to have the final say.

It is not about having an opinion or choosing what you think is appropriate for you and discarding the rest. With that, there needs to be value attached to His Word – giving and treating the Bible with value. This is by giving yourself fully to the word of God; that includes your heart, your mind, and your time.

When something is valued, time is spent with it and when it lives in your heart, there’s a transformative power that takes place, compared to just having “head” knowledge of it. Psalm 119 is a good start to understanding the value and importance of God’s Word. In this chapter, 176 verses were dedicated to emphasize how important the Word of God is. Be like Peter when He chose Jesus (The Word) above everything, he told Jesus [John 6:68], “You have the Word of life, where else can I go?”

To avoid misinterpretation, misapplication, or confusion, it is important to note how to read the bible; begin by reading the Bible with the great Author. It should be about God and exactly what He wants you to think, feel and know and from there, the Holy Spirit will be the one to reveal, convict and lead you to all truth. 1 Corinthians 2:11 says that “no one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit”, and to add, John 16:13-15 speaks on the Spirit of truth guiding you into all truth, bringing Christ glory through His words. When reading the Word, it is of great importance to look for Jesus with an open heart. Many times, we look for ourselves in the Bible and what tickles our ears, but that can lead to being narcissistic.

Although the Word of God is a mirror, it is best when Jesus is the one who you see in the mirror. When you find Jesus, that’s when you’ll find who you truly are and you’ll be drawn away from selfishness. Jesus teaches this in John 5:39-40 and emphasizes that the Scriptures point to Him and that He is eternal life.

Pay attention to how you read the Bible because you can be a scholar who knows the scriptures back to back and still miss the essence of God’s message. God is revealed to you through your relationship with Him. Furthermore, humbly exposing yourself to the written word of God (known as ‘logos’) and being open to Him, allows for revelation from Him (known as ‘rhema’). Also note that everything (revelation) that He will show you, is based on the principles found in the Bible.

The Bible is also very practical and not abstract or farfetched, therefore, live out the word of God. Do not only be a hearer of the word of God, but be a doer; keeping your Bible open, helps you apply it in all areas of your life. God gives us a certain lifestyle to live because He not only wants to bless us, but He wants to protect us as well.

So much emphasis is placed on the Bible because it is the Word of God and thus a platform to encounter Him; if you look for Him, you will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13). It is the Word of Life, meaning, it is the foundation of living (see Matthew 7:24). A life built on His Word will not be shaken but will withstand all winds that the world has to offer. The Word of God can be used as a measuring stick for prophecies [see 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21] and helps verify doctrines like the Bereans did when Paul preached to them [see Acts 17:11-12]. The Word also gives you the wisdom that you need for everyday living, with God’s wisdom you always have an upper hand in the world.

Acts 20:32 states that the word of God can build one up and it gives one an inheritance in Christ. So, if you do not know what is reserved for them, the devil will take advantage of you. In John 15:1-17, Jesus tells us that we should remain in Him and have His Words remain in us, and guarantees that if we ask Him anything, it will be granted. That is why it is important to keep your Bible open.

Maman Believe Hamuli

Praise and worship are core elements of any believer, and understanding their difference and similarities gives you a better appreciation of the two. Many people are stuck with the idea that praise and worship are songs that are sung to God, and some go to the extent of thinking that praise refers to fast-beat songs and worship refers to slow songs. However, that is only part of it, because praise and worship involve more than just music. Simply put, worship is when you tell God who He is, and praise is when you express gratitude. Praise and worship may be similar in some ways, and although they complement one another, they are two different things.

Praise and worship are not something that you only do at church once or twice a week, but an everyday act that is part of your life. To further differentiate the two, praise is what you do because of what God has done or what He can do, and worship is how you live in response to who God is. Praising can be done in a specific time and space, whereas worshipping is not a time allocated to God, but a life dedicated to Him. And it begins with a motivation of loving and honoring God, it is an expression of adoration and reverence towards Him. You can only truly worship when you have dedicated yourself wholly to God because it is a stance of humility and surrender. Moreover, worship is only reserved for God, and if you ever find yourself worshipping anything than God, then there is something wrong.

Now, praise is a kind of worship, where it is an expression of gratitude and admiration. Furthermore, unlike worship, praise can also be directed to man. Praises to God are an acknowledgment and appreciation of what He has done or can do. In Acts 16:25-34, there is a story about how the authorities were angered by Paul and Silas’ propagation of the gospel and got them arrested. They were imprisoned and at midnight they began to praise and sing hymns to the Lord. You can imagine the conditions they were in; it was a prison cell which is the polar opposite of luxury and comfort.

They could have easily complained and murmured, saying, “We were doing the Lord’s work, is this how we are rewarded?” But they chose to look past their situation and praise God regardless of what they were facing, and as they praised, chains fell off and the door flung open. The prison guard was troubled by what had happened, so he wanted to kill himself because of the amount of trouble he would be in for letting them escape. However, Paul told him that they had not left and that he shouldn’t kill himself. What resulted from this incident was that the guard and his family got salvation. What results from your praises can be grounds for which people will want to know your God.

Psalm 22:3 says that God is enthroned in the praise of His people. God indeed lives in you when you receive him, but your praises enthrone Him [gives Him a seat]. His manifestation is made real in your life when you give Him a sit by your praises. Praises invite God to have His way and do what He does best. On the contrary, complaints are an invitation to demons and misfortune. Look at Numbers 21:1-7, it was because of the complaints of the children of Israel that the Lord sent venomous snakes, and many died. Replace your complaints with praise.

Praise is also a sign of faith; it is the ability to look past present troubles and acknowledge God as almighty – this is what Paul and Silas did. They chose to sing hymns because they had faith in God. You should not complain at every opportunity you get because faith and complaining don’t work together. Praising amid trouble does not mean that you are ignoring the problem, it simply means that your heart is set on something bigger than the problem. Faith also works wonders, look at 1 Samuel 16:14-23 when David was called to serve in King Saul’s house to play the lyre to relieve the evil spirit upon King Saul. It is a mind-blowing phenomenon that an instrument would bring deliverance to a tormented king. Furthermore, your praises are a weapon.

Praise is what you do to secure victory because we transfer our battles to God. King Jehoshaphat was surrounded by three armies, and after praying he sent the worshipers in front, and as they began to praise, the Lord sent ambushes to their enemies [see 2 Chronicles 20].

God is to be praised at all times [see Psalm 34:1], praising God is not a part-time activity for when you feel like it, but an everyday activity. Praising is what sets you apart from those that are going through the same thing as you. What differentiated Paul and Silas from the other prisoners was that they chose to praise during their situation. And their loud praises broke chains and opened the gates of all the prisoners. Your silence could be the reason why those around you remain in chains. Your praise can affect the situation of those around you; because of Paul and Silas’ praises, prisoners were set free, and the guard received salvation. If God is doing it for you, it means that He also wants to do it through you.

If you are looking for reasons to praise God, here are two:

1. You are breathing, the Bible says in Psalm 150:6 [NKJV] says, “Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord.
2. He is worthy of it, in Psalm 145:3 [NLT] the Bible says, “Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.” The worthiness of God to receive praise does not depend on your situation but on His goodness.

How should God be praised? To answer this question, have a look at a few Hebrew words that show the different expressions of how God can be praised.

1. BARAK: to kneel or bow with reverence in adoration [see Psalm 95:6].
2. KARAR: to dance [see 2 Samuel 6:16].
3. HALAL: to boast, brag, and rave about how good God is [see Psalm 113].
4. SHABACH: to shout, to command, or to address in a loud tone [see Psalm 100:1]
5. TAQA: to praise God by clapping of hands [See Psalm 47:1].
6. ZAMAR: to praise God with an instrument [see Psalm 150:3-5].
7. TEHILLAH: to sing spontaneous praise [see Psalm 40:3].
8. YADAH: to praise God with lifted or extended hands [see Psalm 63:4].

Without understanding, all these words are just entertainment. It is a revelation that makes every expression of praise profitable. In everything, keep praising the Lord, and let your hands always remain lifted to the heavens in adoration.