As believers, we often find ourselves struggling with feelings of condemnation and guilt. Satan, the accuser, constantly reminds us of our past mistakes and shortcomings, making us feel trapped and unworthy. However, as children of God, we must remember that we are not defined by our past but by the love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.

In John 8:1–11, we see a powerful example of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. When the woman caught in adultery was brought before Him, Jesus could have condemned her, but instead, He chose to forgive her and offer her a new start. His words, “Neither do I condemn you. “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11), serve as a potent reminder that we have power to overcome our sinful nature because of God’s love and forgiveness.

As believers, we often strive to earn God’s love and forgiveness by pretending to be better than we are. We put on a mask of perfection, hiding our true selves from the world. However, God’s love is not based on our performance but on His character. He loves us in our messiness, not in our pretence. It is only when we feel God’s love in our darkest moments that we can begin to change and overcome our struggles.

The Bible reminds us that “there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). This truth should bring us great comfort and freedom. We are no longer bound by our past mistakes but are free to live a new life in Christ.

As we walk in the light of God’s love, we can experience the power of forgiveness and overcome the accusations of Satan. We can live a life of freedom and joy, unencumbered by the weight of guilt and condemnation. We are loved, not because of who we are, but because of who God is. His love is not based on our worthiness but on His character.

Moreover, when we truly understand and experience God’s love, we begin to see ourselves and others in a new light. We no longer view ourselves as unworthy or unlovable, but as beloved children of God. We also begin to see others not as enemies or strangers but as fellow human beings who are loved and valued by God.

As we live out our faith, we must remember that our worth and identity are not defined by our past mistakes or current struggles; rather, they are defined by God’s Word. Let us hold on to this truth and live our lives with confidence and joy, knowing that we are loved and forgiven. 

God’s love for us also extends to our relationships with others. When we experience God’s love, we are empowered to love others in the same way. We can forgive those who have wronged us, and we can show compassion and kindness to those who are struggling.

As we close, let us hold on to the truth that God loves us, not in spite of our flaws, but because of who He is. We walk in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing we are loved and forgiven. We are not alone in our struggles but are part of a community of believers who walk in the light of God’s love. Such love is the foundation of our faith and the key to overcoming our struggles.

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.

Receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior means actively being out and about for the Kingdom of God. This involves a genuine passion for and involvement in the salvation of others. A born-again Christian willingly participates in various ministry activities, such as sharing the Gospel, caring for the sick, engaging in youth events, evangelistic campaigns, or contributing tithes and offerings.

When we ultimately receive Christ, His position in our life is often challenged by people or things in a way that clashes with His perfect will for us. However, when we encounter challenges to our faith or commitment to Christ, we must know how to overcome them as we serve Him.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s often the things we hold dear that can challenge our surrender to Jesus Christ. For example, our wealth, as mentioned in Matthew 19:20-21, or our family and close relationships, as highlighted in Exodus 32:29, may stand between us and our growth in Christ. Other potential challenges may include our personal goals and desires.

Until we recognize that Jesus Christ’s authority and His voice must have precedence over any other voices we’ve followed throughout our lives, it will be challenging to fully embrace our salvation journey of serving Him.

Being out and about for Christ also includes contributing to the Kingdom of God through service and worship. God, as our loving Father, not only provides for our daily needs but also grants us wisdom. He uses times of prosperity to prepare us for times of need, as seen in Genesis 41:28-36. Giving can be challenging because it may seem like God always asks us to give during inconvenient times. However, when God calls us to give, He generously blesses us in return.

Luke 16:9 illustrates the mindset Jesus wants His followers to adopt: using our resources selflessly to win souls for the Kingdom of God.

This not only garners favor among people on Earth but also accumulates treasures of eternal value in God’s Kingdom. Being out and about also means treating people well, even when we don’t immediately benefit from them. We may wonder, “Out and about but where?” Our natural inclination is to move away from crisis situations, but wisdom in crisis involves listening to where God wants us to be.

When God instructs us to stay in a crisis, He equips us to thrive, often to the point of stirring jealousy in those who sought solutions outside of God. Our plans should be a means to God and not represent an end in themselves (Proverbs 16:9).

In conclusion, being out and about calls us to invest in the Kingdom of God. As the Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Safeguarding our hearts, as advised in Proverbs 4:23, entails investing our treasures in matters of God. This is the key to being good stewards of the resources in our lives, submitting them to God. Advancing the Kingdom of God is the most significant investment we can ever make.

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.

As we delve deeper into the camp’s theme of “STAY IN,” our focus now shifts to understanding what it truly means to STAY IN the presence of God, why it’s essential, and how we can achieve it. To STAY IN, we must not only remain in His presence but also continually dwell in the revelation of who Jesus Christ is, through the diligent study of His Word, and walk consistently in the Spirit.

Psalm 91:1-2 – A Glimpse into God’s Presence

Let’s begin by exploring the profound verses of Psalm 91:1-2 [NKJV], which shed light on the concept of God’s presence. The term “dwelling” in verse 1 implies not merely visiting but residing—a sense of permanence. It’s not just any dwelling but God’s secret place, a unique and intimate space. Verse 2, a declaration of trust and safety, stems from a deep revelation of God’s refuge. This revelation-driven trust sets the foundation for remaining in His presence and walking in the Spirit.

The Dual Nature of God’s Presence

God created us in His image (Genesis 1:26), making us spiritual beings. To stay in God’s presence, we must understand where His dwelling place truly lies. Many are taught to seek God only in church or quiet environments, but walking in the Spirit can unveil a deeper truth—God’s presence is not solely external but also within us. God desires to dwell among us and within us, irrespective of our feelings. Jesus assures that as long as His Word abides in us, He remains with us (1 John 3:24). This revelation reminds us that God’s presence transcends both external and internal realms, reinforcing the importance of staying in revelation.

Walking in the Spirit – A Spiritual Journey

Galatians 5:16 introduces the concept of walking in the Spirit, a spiritual journey beyond the physical realm. While “walking” often suggests a physical act, understanding the spiritual context is crucial. It involves our spirit, God’s Spirit, and a spiritual presence. We cannot accomplish this journey alone; hence Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit as our Helper (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit, the source of revelation, reveals the hidden mysteries of God.

The Role of Revelation in Our Walk

Revelation is key to understanding our spiritual walk. Proverbs 4:5 advises us to seek wisdom and, above all, seek understanding. Asking “why” prompts us to seek Christ for His guidance and instruction. Love is intrinsic to the Spirit’s work in us, for God is love. Thus, love is a vital aspect of our spiritual walk (1 Corinthians 13:1). God’s saving power flows through His love, emphasizing its importance.

The Battle of the Mind

Romans 8:5-7 highlights the battle between the flesh and the spirit. Those who focus on carnal things are at odds with spiritual matters. The fruits of the Spirit exemplify a spiritual walk. To walk in the Spirit, we must resist the lure of worldly pursuits and prioritize spiritual growth (Matthew 6:33). Our value is revealed through what we seek first.

Awareness of God’s Nature

Understanding God’s nature is essential for remaining conscious of His presence. Walking in the Spirit provides insight into God’s desires and plans. Dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, devoid of fear, allows us to navigate even the darkest valleys with confidence (Psalm 91:7). Revelation from God’s Word enables us to perceive His glory in all circumstances.

Spiritual Conflict and Victory

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battle is spiritual, not physical. We can command spiritual forces in Jesus’ name. Being carnally minded makes us vulnerable while being spiritually minded makes us the devil’s target. However, we have the authority to overcome (Psalms 91:13). God’s Spirit raises a standard when the enemy attacks.

The Importance of God’s Word

Joshua 1:8 underscores the significance of remaining in God’s Word. Meditating on His Word enhances our understanding. The Word of God dwelling within us enriches our meditation and facilitates hearing God’s voice.

Fruits of the Spirit

Finally, Galatians 5:22-23 demonstrates that walking in the Spirit leads to the production of spiritual fruits. These fruits originate from God, and without Him, we cannot manifest them.

In Conclusion

To STAY IN His presence, we must have the willingness to stay. It involves immersing ourselves in His Word, seeking revelation, and walking in the Spirit. Let us remain in revelation, for without the Word of God, there is no revelation. Without His presence, there is no revelation. So, stay rooted in revelation and walk in the Spirit, for therein lies our spiritual journey and victory.

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!

A life of a Believer is characterised by keeping one’s hands lifted through praise and worship, keeping their knees down through prayer, as well as constantly keeping their Bible and mouth open. However, all that’s been mentioned above is empty and stunted when not centered around and founded upon Jesus Christ. One may have to re-examine themselves to find out whether their studying of Scriptures seeks to find [Jesus Christ], as the Word of God reveals Him. As an alarming call, it is important to find out by which authority you pray: is it by self or by the authority of Jesus Christ? Essentially, a heart that approaches each of these aspects of fellowship without Jesus Christ at the centre is futile, which then results in a life full of unfruitfulness and confusion.

People describe Jesus differently. Some describe Him as a modern prophet who was betrayed. Many describe Him as their Lord and Saviour, others call Him their “Bestie”. And, some only use His Name when swearing. But consider this, in a practical manner, one cannot benefit from an official if they do not acknowledge their authority. Who do you say Jesus Christ is to you? The best way to find out about Jesus is to open your Bible and read what He says He is. And If you do not acknowledge the fullness of Jesus Christ, you will never experience Him in His Fullness. When we carefully read John 8:48-59 we begin to build an accurate picture of who Jesus Christ says He is: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Looking into “I AM” translated from YHWH: In its original Hebrew pronunciation, it is a Word with no vowels, a sound of inhaling (first breath) and exhalation (last breath).

During Jesus Christ’s time on earth, Jesus said words that were challenging to many. But after saying what He said in John 8:48-59, many people had had enough as they could not have a reconciliation between what Jesus said and what they previously knew about the Saviour to come, so they resolved to stone Him. Simply put, they did not want to acknowledge who Jesus Christ said He was. Furthermore, when we read Exodus 3:13-14, we see that there was only one person who through times introduced Himself as I AM: God [Jesus is GOD]. Therefore, it is essential to stress that the first acknowledgement to give to Jesus, is to acknowledge Him as God, The Great I Am.

To further substantiate this read John 1:1-4, which helps us understand that “Everything came into being through the Word” and we exist because of Jesus Christ who is the Word. This helps us understand that at the beginning of our first breath (birth) and our last breath, Jesus will forever remain our source of life (as we read from John 1:1-4). This calls us to never cease giving thanks to God for giving us the breath of life. Even when we do not have much to say, we need to be thankful for the breath He has given us. The reason why God introduced Himself as “I AM” is because He wanted to reveal Himself through the entirety of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let’s look into how Jesus Christ fulfilled that and who He says He is: The [ONLY] way to God is through God [Jesus] Himself. Jesus is not only the way to the Father, but He is our [ONLY] way here on earth (read John 14:6-7). Jesus Christ is our High Priest: in times before Christ, people had to sacrifice animals for the atonement of their sins without building on their relationship with God.

But for us, today through Christ, we are in communion with the Father, what a privilege for which we have to thank God daily. Jesus introduces Himself as “the Good Shepherd” (see John 10:11-18) and here are some qualities of a good Shepherd. Firstly, the good Shepherd leads His flock wherever He goes. We are the sheep as the Bible describes, whilst Jesus Christ is the good Shepherd. And in His function, He always ensures that He accompanies and leads us in every circumstance that He puts us in. And it is true that without the good Shepherd, our fate is to stray from His purpose, and it reverts us to the reality that we constantly in need of the good Shepherd to lead us in this life.

Secondly, the good Shepherd protects His sheep from predators. Often the sheep can’t see the dangers ahead, we are not able to tell apart who the predators are. Yet, the Good Shepherd knows His Sheep very well and protects them from predators by standing in our place and hitting the danger head-on. Whether the threat involves dangerous situations or people scheming against us without our knowledge. Thirdly, the Good Shepherd shears His sheep. This is generally done to prepare the sheep for the environment that they will be in. Jesus-Christ shapes and moulds His sheepfold for the greater purpose through His Word, both physically and spiritually. This goes to say that we are always equipped to face any situation that God leads us into because He would have prepared and moulded us for it, in His function of a good Shepherd. Lastly, the good Shepherd provides for His Sheep.

For that to happen, one has to be in the sheepfold and STAY in it. This entails following the good Shepherd, abiding in Him, in His Word, and His instructions. And when we are knowledgeable of His provision, we can claim it by turning to His Word, in His faithfulness and riches He will always supply for His Sheep. Jesus further introduces Himself as being the Vine (see John 15:1-5). In God simply existing, He had given believers or unbelievers, everything they’d need to live in this life (intelligence, health, gifts, skills) however the further one stays away from God, the less these are sustained by the Source (Jesus-Christ) and eventually dying out (see Psalms 127: 1). But for those who abide in Christ, the true Vine, together with what they build, bring forth fruits both in this life, in the Spiritual life as well as in the Life to come (i.e. Eternal Life).

This applies and extends to our work life. From this, we can learn that the key is not to hold on to the fruits or even the branch! The most important thing is to abide in the true Vine. As a branch, we get our fruit only from remaining attached to the Vine. Everything the branch needs; everything we NEED, God provides. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Whenever we engage in a God-inspired activity and face challenges that weigh much on us that we do not want to continue, we have to quickly remind ourselves that It is JESUS’ FAITH that carries us through and not our faith.

In conclusion, when we face suffering and trials, when it seems like we have lost all excitement about this life and its purpose because of the pain we constantly endure, here is what Jesus proclaims “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10). Here is a truth we can hold onto; in Jesus Christ we are to enjoy life and that in its abundance. Thus, we should constantly keep our eyes focused on Jesus Christ!

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.