Let what you have be your pulpit for GOD

Let what you have be your pulpit for GOD.

What do you have on hand that God can use?

We need to stop stressing ourselves out trying to “create” resources for living or doing God's work. Stop begging for resources or platforms. God has equipped us with everything we need to accomplish the call of our lives as long as we are operating within His will for us. It may sound simplistic and a cope out but that’s the “Bible truth” so to speak. This is not a license for not working hard either but  a call to work hard and  diligently in order to get maximum results.  With diligence and hard work we can then rightfully claim that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. 

Use what you have. Moses' rod became his platform for miracles. Jesus turned five loaves and 2 fish into the largest open air free restaurant. David's sling packed the deadliest smooth rock. Africhrist now has one of the sleekest Prayer App for any platform. We started with no sponsors. We started our App and podcast studio on a shoe string. Now we have college students at a major University using our content for Bible study and prayer.Remember we came with nothing on earth because everything was already here.

While every ones life is different, most of us can recall those times of having nothing but a deep and sometimes unclear “promise” to succeed with a deep felt hope for carrying out our plans. That deep thought you had or still have is the seed promise that God planted in you and for that hope. That is your innate trust and faith in the ability of the promiser God, to help you fulfill the desires of your heart. 

God makes Bold promises 

A worthwhile promise requires a promiser who is able to fulfill the promise they make and one who is a faithful  promise keeper as well. At the other end, that promise must have a bearer willing to bear it and carry it out to fruition. God’s promises are bold and powerful and fulfillable for those who believe enough to step out on them. In Isaiah God declares his ability as well as his seriousness to do what he says he’d do. God speaks with the “I Am” authority, that causes the spiritual laws and of nature to work at his command.

   

Isaiah 45:19 NLT

“I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.”

Isaiah 45:19 NLT

God hides nothing from those who trust and believe in his Word and are ready to copartner with him . In 2 Chronicles 16:9 the Bible says that “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him”. The Lord said this as he was rebuking King Asa of Judah who in panicking  relied on the King of Asyria rather than on God. We have to trust that God has given us everything we need to partner with him. He will use whatever we have . Moses used a stick to part waters, Jesus fed 5000 with 2 fish and 3 loaves. In 2 Chronicles Ch. 20, king Jehoshaphat used a choir in front of his fighters

In 2 Peter God declares in another bold statement that we have all we need in this life on earth both in the natural and spiritual to be successful. He says that all we need is to know him and through that knowledge and wisdom we are able to be partakes in the Divine nature.

2 Peter 1:2-4

New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

God’s expectation

All through the Bible from Genesis to The New Testament, God either makes or reminds us of His infallible promises for life and godliness. Constantly reminds us before commissioning for any work that He has already provided and so asks the prodding question “what do you have?” in one form or another.  God expects us to use what we have on hand to get started He has expressed that theme throughout the Bible as seen in the following examples:

-He commissioned Adam and Eve by pointing out what he created for them as a starting point Genesis 1:28-30

-He asked Moses at the burning bush “what do you have in your hand?” Exodus 4:2

-He prophesied over Abraham as Father of many nations by showing him all the land ahead Genesis 15:5-6, 17-18 NLT

-He rewarded Caleb with a promise that Caleb carried for 40 years  Joshua 14:12-13 NLT

-David used one of 5 smooth stones to defeat Goliath.  1 Samuel 17:38-40 NLT

Multiple times Jesus would point out the healing power behind the faith that the healed possessed themselves “your faith has healed you”

So in many instances we find that God is not asking us for more than what we already have in order to do extraordinary feats. We just have to recognize that the power behind us is greater than the tasks ahead for us. The Bible confirms this in Zechariah 4:6 “”So he said to me, This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit’, says the LORD Almighty.” He continues in verse 10: “Do not despise small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”.  

So God is behind us If we follow his direction and will. A good starting point in knowing God’s will  is having the right motive when doing things. This is the key entry into God’s will, not our goodness or abilities. Can you imagine that we please him by starting to work? That’s it, get off your “shasta” and get to work on that project you’ve been contemplating to do.

Use what God has anointed and “customized” for you, not someone else’s 

When God prompts us to do something, he gives us the anointed tools and backing to do it. We have to trust that he is able and willing ad stick to it. Look to him and avoid looking at other people’s calling as your guide.

To fight Goliath, King Saul gave David the king’s own special armour. David tried it on and respectfully refused to use it but instead opted to use his shepherd’s pouch and 5 smooth stones to bring the giant down;  Peter said to the lame beggar  “silver and gold have I none, but that which I have I’ll give to thee” he commanded healing and the lame man got up and walked. Uzaah got in trouble with God when he performed the Levitical task that was someone else’s  ministry. ( 2 Samuel 6:6-7 NLT). King Saul also got in trouble when he couldn’t wait fo Samuel to perform the the priest’s sacrifices. (1 Samuel 13:12-13). He took it upon himself as king to do what he was not anointed to do. When we use the tools God has created for you specifically to do your calling, those tools come with full anointing.  God pointed that out to Moses as he commissioned the workers that built the Tabernacle. 

Impact Prayer

Father in the Name of Jesus your Son, I come before you with great expectation. I have learned from your word that you have freely created and given me every resource I need to live a fulfilled life serving you and those around me. You have anointed my hands and mind to fulfill the purpose you crated me for. You are the redeemer of time and I ask that you help me redeem all the time I have wasted or lost. Thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me and all those you have appointed to work with me. As your word says, I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me especially as I do your calling for my life secular or ministry. In Jesus' Name, Amen

	All God Asks us is “What do you have at hand to start the work”
Moses & his shepherd’s staff Exodus 4:2-4	“Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied.” Exodus 4:But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?”2 Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?”“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. 3 “Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.4 Then the Lord told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand.Ex 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Escape through the Red Sea Exodus14:15,21 NLT	5 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land.
David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17:38-40,45,50 NLT	“Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.”
Peter healing the lame Acts 3:6-8	Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,[a] get up and[b] walk!”7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
Feeding the five thousand Mark 6:30-38	30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages[e]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”
Caleb held a promise Joshua 14:12-13 NLT	I am 80 years older “So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” So Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave Hebron to him as his portion of land.”
Adam and Eve Genesis 1:28-30	“Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.”
Abraham promised descendants Genesis 15:5-6,17-18 NLT	“Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River—”
Uzaah & the Ark of The Lord 2 Samuel 6:6-7 NLT	“But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.”
God anoints the work Exodus 31:6 NLT	““And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make:”

Understanding the Underlying Love of God in the path to our redemption

Understanding the Underlying Love of God in the path to our redemption.

Luke 15 

All Things become New

In the Book of Luke chapter 15 Jesus shows us through three parables how precious YOUR redemption is, to God. It’s not just a restorative but a complete renewal of a destroyed relationship. Jesus bases these three teachings on common things that we understand and can identify with regardless of generation, culture or spiritual standing. He uses income, sustenance, daily living, possessions and family inheritance as teaching guides

The lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7 NIV)

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Note that on finding the lost sheep, the shepherd puts it across his shoulders. He does not use a leash or rope to drag it home, nor does he use his rod to drive it back. But gently lifts it up to his shoulders. That’s how God brings us home, with gentle love. He is not out to shame us because of our past. This is the heart of Godly redemption and evangelism. We have to love people before we can evangelist to them. The story ends with “… in the same way, there’s more joy in heaven over 1 lost sinner who repents and returns to God…”

In this story Jesus challenges to see our need to be emotionally attached and involved as we evangelize and gently reclaim a lost soul. Sheep was a source of income, food and wool for clothing. It was a basic financial source for daily living. Losing one not only meant a loss in those areas but also an indication of possible bad stewardship, especially if no attempt is made to find the lost. Naturally we are emotionally attached to our income for the value it adds to our lives. So we do all we can to build and maintain it. We add value to the human family when we live a productive godly life. Here the good shepherd did all he could to find the sheep and lovingly bring it home straddled across his shoulders. That’s how God wins us 

Now to be clear, The parable is about our existence and redemption, not God’s. God does not need us for his existence because He is self existent and we can neither add value nor devalue Him by our actions.  The self existent attribute  of God is known as aseity. God Is! He is the I AM, as he told Moses. He is the uncreated Creator of all. 

However, the other side of the I Am is the We Are! That is us, humanity. There is an expected reflection of God in us as human communities. It’s not individualistic and selfish but communal as seen in these three parables. So the emotional expression of His Agape love in this parable is for us to see that he provides every means for us to be reached when we are lost into sin. Unconditional love is the driver of the spirit of evangelism that reaches the lost for his sake  (Isaiah 43:25)

The lost coin, the gem we are to God (Luke 15: 8-10 

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

In this short parable, a woman loses a valuable item in her own house. She turned on the lights, swept the house and searched until she found it. Rejoicing, she called her friends to throw a party. Note that she “lit her lamp” to search. In John 8:12 Jesus says “I am the light of the world and whoever follows me will never walk in darkness”. We need the light of the word of God in order to be found. Reaching out to others will require the Gospel light to be shed.

To God lost souls are a gem and their redemption brings Joy to Him and the heavens. He provided the Light to the dark world by giving His only begotten son Jesus to be that light. I don’t know where you are in life, but if you don’t know Jesus, the power of redemption is hidden from you. If you already know The Lord, then you are obligated to turn that light on for others. In John 5:15 Jesus says that no one lights a lamp and hides it in a bushel but rather puts it on a stand to give light to everyone. Angels in heaven rejoice when this happens.Imagine,  your actions in this regard make angels happy

Lost prodigal child, found redeemed, restored and redressed (Luke 15:11-25)

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:

12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

In the story of the prodigal son, we now clearly see the picture that fits most of us. God has given us everything as stated in 2 Peter 1:3. That “By his divine power, God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness”. That means we lack nothing of the things that we need to live productively in our natural as well as the spiritual world. We are free to tap into it, all of us without exception or favor. Many times we are ignorant of, untaught, prodigal, wasteful and slothful, fearful and unwilling to try or simply unfaithful to God’d direction. So like the prodigal son, we go far away from God as the son did when he “went to a far country” to spend his inheritance wastefully. He ended up working for someone as a swine herdsman. In that culture working with swine was the lowest of the herdsmen job. They hired him for the lowest and the Bible says they gave him nothing. That’s what the devil does, he takes us to the lowest and gives us nothing in return for our loyalty to him. (verse 16)

But when he decided to go back to his father, the father welcomed him back with open arms. His father saw him from a distance and run to welcome him home (Verse 20). When the young man tried to downgrade himself by asking his father to let him work as a servant, the father ignored that. (verse 22). When God forgives us, he elevates us back to our rightful standing even though we do not deserve. That is His Grace. The father ordered a new robe for him. Our redemption means we get clothed in a new “Robe”, Jesus Christ and God sees our sins no more just as he promised in Isaiah 43:25 “I, yes, I Am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake and remembers your sins no more”.

A similar “robe redress” is seen in Zechariah 3:1 when Satan whom the Bible refers to as the accuser of the brethren, tried to accuse Joshua before God. God shut the accusation down and instead ordered a new clean robe for Joshua and declared “I, the Lord reject your accusations, Satan..”. 

Once forgiven, you are now clothed in Christ and that’s the “Robe” that God sees”. That’s what is meant in Romans 8:1 “So now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..”. You are now his child again and when in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17 says all “Therefore if any maybe in christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new . And all things are in God”.

Impact Prayer

Father in the matchless Name of your son Jesus, I am all new now that I understand the Redemptive power of your Grace. I did not deserve but you made me worthy, have renewed my spirit and given me a new robe as you did for Joshua and the prodigal son. 

I have been prodigy, I was lost but now I’m found. Like the woman who had lost her coins, I thank you that you help provide the Light through your Son Jesus.

I am a new person and all my past is gone away according to your word. Thank you Father that I am now in Christ Jesus your son, Amen!

Graphic used  credit: pathwaytopeace.net