Use the fire appropriately

Introduction: on a plane ride, I saw a man playing a game and I was as invested as he was even though I was just a spectator. The aim of the game was to get fire and break down walls that were in an obstacle course. Once you break down a few walls, you get to a final destination and move to the next round. I like excellence and efficiency but this man was just taking the fire and using it to break down the wrong walls. I almost got up to play the game for him lol. He was frustrating me. He was misusing the fire he had gotten and was just burning anything anyhow.

From this, the Lord spoke to me immediately. He said some of us know we have fire or anointing, but we are misusing it or not fueling it in the right direction. Here are 4 things I learnt from this experience that I want to share with you and I want you to ponder on.

1. In this game, the player did not initially know how to access this fire but it took persistence and continuous playing of the game until he identified the source. We can only access the true power of God when we are desperate and persistent (Mark 10:46-52, Hannah was desperate 1 Samuel 1:8-10).

2. The player knew the aim of the game. He knew why he was there. Do you know why you are here? You might not need to know the exact details but let me tell you for free that every man lives for one purpose, that God may be glorified. We exist to give Him glory, that is the very essence of our existence and that is why holiness is imperative because that is the only proper way we can fulfill our divine duty.

3. The player got distracted and fascinated by how the character was ablaze and what the fire could do. He forgot his mission. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the very thing the Lord led us to do that we forget the main reason why we are there. Stay focused on your mission, the extras are all fringe benefits (Samson was fascinated by what his strength could do but he forgot he was the judge of Israel and aborted his destiny)

4. Lastly, if the player had focused on his mission, he would have wasted less time and reached higher levels before the game ended. We are all on a time scale. One day, the ability to do all that we can in our youth will no longer be available. How effective are we using our time for the kingdom of God? How efficient are we being with the fire that is set ablaze in us? Have we reached heights and levels that attest to the efficiency of our fire usage?

May the Lord guide us on how to effectively and appropriately use this fire within us to  cause the kingdoms of this world to become the kingdoms of our God

Yours truly

Ama (the Holy Spirit is the real author)

Transformation

The Holy Spirit is God’s investment in us as believers to transform us. Transformation is imperative for the believer because as 2 Corinthians 15:7 says, you are a new creation. Something must evidently change when you give your life to Christ. The Holy Spirit must perform some sort of spiritual surgery on you so that you exhibit His fruit in your character (Galatians 5:22).

Obviously, change does not happen overnight but the longer you walk with the Lord, His characteristics must rub off on you and be seen in you (Galatians 4:19).

Sometimes, people find themselves in a space where they identify that there has been no evident transformation in their lives. Here are a few things I have personally adopted that have propelled the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in my life.

1. Surrender- the Holy Spirit is never going to forcefully act in a place when He is not welcomed in. We must usher Him into our lives through the avenue of surrendering. After dedicating your life to Christ, you must understand that He is your Lord and Savior. ‘ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20)

2. Desperation- God diverts His attention to those who earnestly seek Him (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

3. Desire revelation- You must understand why character transformation is so important as a believer. In John 13:35, Christ made it known that our love for one another will characterise us as His followers and distinguish us from the rest. Revelation always serves as the best fuel for change. Once you understand why, you will fight harder. And this is exactly why Paul prayed earnestly in Ephesians 1:17-18, that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened and that we may receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Knowing why also produces genuine, long-lasting results.

4. Humility- pride is the primary thief of transformation or change of any sort. The reason why archaic traditions that hold no transformative power are still implemented in institutions today is solely because those who instituted them have pride and are not humble enough to introduce newness. When it comes to transformation, we must humble ourselves and understand that our sinful nature will cause us to inherit death eternally (Romans 6:23). Accepting this newness in Christ allows us to be intimate with God and we receive eternal life.

5. Look at the bigger picture- Transformation, at the end of the day, is for the benefit of the individual. When the Holy Spirit begins to change you, He leads you on the pathway of righteousness and holiness. Sin is no longer your lifestyle so it is harder for the devil to access you and destroy your life.

May God grant us the grace to be transformed wholly by His Spirit and may we be living testimonies of the wonder-working power of God so that men and women may see the glory of God.

power of God

The power of God is very real and it is accessed through His Word. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1:14) displayed this power throughout His earthly ministry. Jesus Christ healing the sick and raising the dead are not tales. This actually happened. This power has been made available to us believers today (Ephesians 1:19-21) through the scriptures.

Too many Christians are living defeated lives. You have accepted suffering as your portion. Success has become a stranger to you. How so? Why should that be? You have allowed the devil to deceive you that mediocrity is your capacity? Impossible!

Jesus is more than capable of doing that very thing you’re trusting Him for. The Word of God is alive and as a Christian that is the manual for your life. If your life does not align with scripture, start praying. As a child of God, your life cannot be contrary to what the Lord has ordained in His Word. We will not allow the devil to deceive us into thinking this is all God has for us! There are depths and levels we must reach in God to impact this world for Jesus Christ but it will take crazy faith in the power of God for this to be possible!

God can do anything! Things don’t work in your life because of your wavering faith and your distrust in His Word. But I want you to understand that the scriptures are made to tailor your life so believe in the scriptures, follow them and things will work for your good.

I’ve done it and it has worked every single time. It will work, Jesus will neither disgrace nor embarrass His people! God holds His Word above His name (Psalm 138:2)!