A Time To Take Stock

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

As we enter the second half of the year of God’s manifestation, it is a good time for us to take stock and look back at where we are now and how far we have come. How much of God’s manifest presence have we experienced in our lives? The Bible records often that when Jesus visited an area, some special people got their miracles by refusing to keep quiet. They made sure they got the Saviour’s attention, even when circumstances hindered them. It is good for us to look at the following: 

• Have I experienced God’s manifest presence in my walk so far?
• Filled without measure
• The needful thing

Have I Experienced His Manifest Presence?

Every person will answer this question in a way unique to him. Some of us will answer in the affirmative while others will do so in the negative. The thing to remember with God is that we must seek Him as earnestly as precious jewels. ‘My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding ... if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shall thou understand the fear of the lord, and find the knowledge of God’ Proverbs2:1-5. It is not enough to sit quietly and cry when the Lord is passing by. There are times we need to cry out  like blind Bartimaeus so that we do not miss a lifetime opportunity. I remember also the case of the paralytic man whose friends broke the roof of a house to reach Jesus. As the Bible describes, we need to take things by force (Matthew 11:12). Many people passed by Jesus, but not all got miracles. Why should we fall into this category? What will prevent me from obtaining God’s best for my life? The only answer can be me or my attitude.

Filled Without Measure

It is possible to have experienced God’s presence so far. However we need to ask ourselves about the measure we have received. We can ask the Father until we receive the fullness of the Spirit without measure. 'For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him' (John 3:34). The Bible says Jesus is the captain of our salvation and our perfect example (Hebrews 2:10). Jesus himself was filled with the Spirit without measure. How many battles have we gone into this year without consulting the Lord? How many ventures have we gone into? Have we even recognised these ventures as being ‘not of God’?  Most times we just get on with the business of daily living without allowing God to instruct us. The Bible says, however, that ‘... the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits’. Daniel 11:32b

The Needful Thing- Luke 10:42

I feel privileged that every time the Lord shows something that needs attention in my life, He does not condemn me. Rather He says ’those who are all right have no need for a doctor' (Mark 2: 17a). Like the good Shepherd that He is, He reveals a sore and then cleanses it.  After evaluating ourselves, all He requires is genuine repentance and a simple but heartfelt request of "Please help me", and He will. He will even give us the desire to thirst after Him. He says He is the one who gives us power to will and do His pleasure (Phillipians 2:13). Let us rise up in this last half of the year and obtain what God has for us. 'Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble', Hebrews 12:12. As we reach out to God, He will draw near to us.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. 
Titi Obishai (MRS)