NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

We love the idea of New Year’s resolutions, but often get discouraged when we don't attain them. Theoretically fired up, practically unachieved. So some simple habits have been jotted down which change your life when developed over time, with the aim of inspiring you to increase your productivity, creativity, awareness and most importantly draw you nearer to God.

1. Read the Bible everyday

If you've never done it, read the whole Bible this year! Draft a bible reading plan. You can only get to know God by reading His word. From the old to the New Testament, get to know the different events and how God revealed himself and redeemed his people. It will build your faith, strengthen your salvation and beam your revelation

2. Serve in a church

If you're not already serving in your local church, make it a point this year! No more excuses, we are saved to serve! And be consistent with it, commit to doing it once a week and make a habit of partnering with Jesus in advancing His kingdom.  Pr. James Victor Lubwama always says that; “God has blessed with jobs, businesses, skills, talents and knowledge so that we can serve him”. Knowledge not put to use produces pride. In any local church, there are many departments or ministries where you can fix yourself, so inquire from the pastor and find a department or ministry which suits your skills, passion and talent. Some people resist connecting with the church because they feel they want more from them than they want for them, however, when you find a local church and pour your heart into it, your life will never be the same.

3. Pray!

When you wake before starting your day, when you walk out your front door in the morning... when you start your car or board a taxi. Take something you do every day and make a habit of praying every time you do it! The bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that; "Rejoice always, pray continually”. 

At MCFM, we are called to be “shield bearers” (Psalm 18:34 – “He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow”.) make it appoint to align yourself with the vision of the ministry

4. Attend more Church

Make it a point to attend more than a single Sunday service. We have a diverse program which you can incorporate in your schedule. Bible study, overnight service and special services. Attending more services will boost the immunity of your spiritual life.

5. Fast

Fasting is a spiritual discipline of foregoing consumption of food for a predetermined period of time. Set aside particular time to fast and reawaken the connection with your Maker (Joel 2:13) - and remember fasting doesn't change God but it changes you. Fasting must be accompanied by prayer because prayer without fasting is hunger strike;  

6. Take more risks.

I don't want to live a safe life, and I don't want to lead a safe team. Don’t get too comfortable, take risks on people, ideas, career and life. Faith is about taking a risk. God will keep pouring into us as we keep pouring out. Don't be reckless, but don't hold back!

7. Sit down and learn

Many times, we get caught up in ministry duties especially amidst service that we miss out on the best thing (word of God). Schedule your duties but don't just get up caught up in the 'doing' that you forget to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his word. (Luke 10:38-42)

8. Celebrate the wins

We all have full lives; it can be so easy to just keep moving on to the next thing. But take the time to stop and celebrate the wins in your life, in your church, with your pastors and ministry/team. Celebrate the success, celebrate the anointing, celebrate the men of God and celebrate the people that made it possible!  Laughter is the best medicine. Be it family, at work or during church. Life is to be enjoyed, not endured!

9. Create more and push the boundaries

Imagine if Steve Jobs stopped after he created the iPod, we wouldn't have the iPhone and the iPad. Let’s look at Pr.J.V..Lubwama, we have a magnificent church, an arena, a parking lot and an upcoming cathedral. Let's not stop creating, let's keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Go back to school, get that postgraduate or PhD, aim for that managerial post.

Let's push the boundaries in the way we lead, serve our church, and work.

10. Mentor someone

Don’t totally focus on yourself, why not commit to mentoring and developing someone this year. Help someone reach his or her goals. Teach them what you've learnt and help them make their life better. Invest in someone and be concerned with the opportunities you give than what you get

11. Make new Friends

We've all heard the saying “show me your friends, and I'll show you who you are”. If we want to grow our lives this year, what better way than to make new friends! Probably with people that challenge us and different to us. New friends bring new experiences.

12. Take Lessons / Get more Skillful

No matter how good you are, there will always be someone you can learn from. Read a book or take a free online course. No one graduates from learning.
A new language, a new instrument, a new skill... learn how to bake, drive, paint, or computer program etc. Whether it's cooking, blogging, driving, gardening, get in the habit of acquiring a new skill. It takes time but develop a consistent outlet for your creativity. Learn something new! 

13. Read a book

Whether hard or soft copy, read a book this year. An e-book and audio book can easily be downloaded onto your smartphone or tablet. Trapped in traffic jam, embarked on a short or long journey or waiting for someone, pull out a book and read.

14. Volunteer

Be a volunteer - in your spirit, with your time. Do you serve because you have to or because you want to? Fix yourself somewhere and lay a hand. Be a flexible person. Let it be church construction, ushering, cleaning or outreach.

15. Read a Psalm every day

I love the Psalms. They teach about worshipping God in the good times, and the bad. As people who worship in spirit and truth, the best way to learn about the heart of worship is from the Psalms in the Word of God.

16. Plan to be generous

Create space in your budget for generosity. Be generous with your words, with your encouragement, with your gifts. Make a plan to be generous financially! Many times we are pre-occupied with survival that we miss success. Financially and happily support the church more in all ongoing development projects. Isaiah 32:8 says; “But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.”

17. Put your phone down

It's so easy to live your life with your head down, looking and smiling at your phone all the time. Responding to whatsapp messages, reading emails and checking your notifications on social media.  Look up. Put your phone in your pocket when you're walking. Put it in offline mode when you're in church. Leave it in silent mode when you are in a meeting. Don’t let it rule your life.

18. Check on your family and friends

You might love talking to your family, or it might be something you haven't done in years. Pick up the phone and call your parents once in a while. Don't just think about them, but let them know you're thinking about them! Check on your close friends when you have time, don’t just like there facebook photos.

19. Mind your health

Drink water and eat fruit. Again, common sense that's not so common. Have a refillable water bottle with you, buy and consume more fresh fruit. Forego a plate of chips for some salad and fruit.

20. Spend time with someone much older and wiser than you

I love what Proverbs 4 teaches us about learning from the wisdom of our elders. It's just common sense! I don't know everything, and neither do you. Have a chat with someone who you look up to, is more exposed and experienced than you. Let them teach you what they wish someone had taught them at that age. Proverbs 11:14 says; “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety”

Pick one or two or four and commit to them, refurbish yourself as you await for God to perfect that which concerns you, and don't stop when the year is over.                

Happy New Year!!! 

HOPE AMIDST TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS!

Pr. Geoffrey Kibombo

Romans 8:37 (AMP)

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]” 

We were created by God to be conquerors, and therefore we are expected to have a victor’s mindset. The scripture says in 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) that; “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” 

It is therefore clear that we are more than conquerors and thus we have to think of ourselves as victors in Jesus's name. So, no matter what challenges you are facing, no matter what battles you fighting, no matter challenges are before you, your perception and mindset should be towards victory - that is God’s plan for our lives.

In this life we are certain to face challenges and problems; however, we must understand that what determines our victory is our perception of God and the problems before us. You cannot exclude challenges, for they are part of life. We are in a world with many challenges and trials that seek to derail us but yet we press on and walk the narrow road. Jesus encourages us to be strong because there are so many tribulations in this world and a great deal of sorrow. He reminds us that He overcame the world and we too shall overcome. John 16:33 (AMP) says;

“In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Perceive Redemption Amidst Tribulations!

We still have so many tribulations and distress in this world and we are yet to encounter even greater ones because we are living in the latter days. However, we need to remember that the increase in these trials and tribulations is not important, but what is critical is the way we perceive them. We are all challenged by various giants (1 Samuel 17:8-11).

As a church, we should learn to see a way out of the trials and tribulations, and instead see an opportunity or even victory out of whatever challenges come our way. Develop a different perception when it comes to problems and trials. Yes, we shall encounter them wherever we go therefore running from them is not the solution however far you may go. You cannot run forever, and sometimes the more you run from a problem, the bigger it gets. Challenges must exist; they have always been in existence and will continue to be. But how were the victors in the past able to overcome? The answer lies in the way they viewed trials and challenges they encountered. 

Luke 23:39-43 (NASB) says;

“One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

We can take an example of the two criminals crucified with Christ and facing the same punishment and pain at the cross; all were going through the pain of the nails driven through their palms.  One man mocked Jesus and told him to save Himself and them, the other defended him. This second man looks at Jesus and sees redemption and a pathway to the Kingdom of heaven. The two criminals were facing the same condemnation and suffering but each with a different perspective amidst their pain and suffering

In the church today, Christians face similar trials and challenges such as; unemployment, lack, poverty, barrenness and many others. The way you view such challenges and problems is important. From what side are you looking at the problem? Is your perspective carnal or spiritual? Amidst problems do you grumble, mock God or do you see redemption through Christ?

The Battle is God’s, Not Yours

2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (NLT)

“Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.  17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

Every time you are at the same level with your trials or problems, you will easily be defeated, but when you surrender your trials or battles to the Most High God, you will watch Him fight them, if you take your position and stand still

When the Moabites and Ammonites declared war against Jehoshaphat, he sought the Lord for guidance (2 Chronicles 20:3). When they handed their issues to God, He took charge; they did not have to fight even though they had weapons but just needed to position themselves and stand still. When trials or problems are beyond your control, the best thing to do is to surrender them to God, take your position and stand-still (on the rock – Word of God). Standing on the rock will give you stability because no problem or trial can overcome the rock. Jesus said in Mathew 7:24-25 (NKJV) that;

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

From the scripture we read that the battle was gaining momentum and God was aware; there were nations preparing to wage war against the Jews, but when they sought God, He simply told them that the battle wasn’t theirs but His. This informs us that the first thing to do when surrounded by trials or problems is to seek God’s guidance and intervention. And when you seek God, He surely comes to your rescue, takes all your burdens and you will find rest. The people of Judah followed the Lord’s instruction and He delivered them (2 Chronicles 20:18-28). They went singing and praising the Lord and every time they praised, their enemies were confused, they turned on each other and destroyed themselves completely.

Some trials are not yours but the Lord’s and all He expects of you is to surrender them unto Him, take your position and stand still on the rock, and let Him fight the battles so that He can give you victory. One of the reasons why we get disappointed is because we try to fix what we can’t fix or solve what can’t be solved. Some Christians get consumed by problems because they stand on the wrong words, but amidst the trials and storms of life, fight a good fight by standing still on the word of God and prophesy you received from the servants of God. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:12 (AMP) that;

“Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses”

Be encouraged, there is salvation for the trials and problems you are facing. And how do you achieve it? Stand still on the rock - word of God

Salvation is Closer Than You Think

Genesis 21:15-20 (ESV)

 “When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow.”

For every problem you face there is a solution that God worked out even before your existence. The Lord knew us even before we were in existence, and were created for good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). Before you existed, God knew you and he created a refuge for you.

Look at Ishmael and Hagar’s situation above. Hagar was sitting in the presence of a well, and yet hopeless about her helpless situation without water for the young one. Oh, how near are many of our solutions. Oh, how close is our salvation! But we don't usually see it because trials and problems blind our vision. When we can’t see our situation with clear spiritual vision then we tend to grip on our earthly circumstances. But when the eyes of our heart are wide open to God’s truth, then the light of his word cuts through the fog of hopelessness. Paul prayed for the Ephesians to have spiritual eyes to see. Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) says;

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people”

When God opens the eyes of our hearts then we can see him for who he is; and also understand that the situation will change for good. Amidst trials and challenges. Always pray to God to give you sight, so that you can see the well that is nearby. God had created that well long before Ishmael was born. This goes to show you that in life we shall face challenges, lack at a certain time but take heart because God is closer (Acts 17:26-27) and salvation is nearer (Romans 13:11) 

There is More on Your Side

2 Kings 6:15-17 (TLB)

“So one night the king of Syria sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. 15 When the prophet’s servant got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Alas, my master, what shall we do now?” he cried out to Elisha. 16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For our army is bigger than theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” And the Lord opened the young man’s eyes so that he could see horses of fire and chariots of fire everywhere upon the mountain!”

If only we knew that God is on our side and has more on our side, we could struggle less and trust Him more. In the scripture above we see that Elisha’s servant saw a mighty army but what God was planning was different. It may look like you are surrounded by lots of enemies but know that God has more on your side to protect you; it may look like you have lots of problems but know that God has a myriad solutions at his disposal – it’s all about perception.

There is Another Amidst the Fire

Daniel 3:21-25 (NKJV)

Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

For anyone born of water and the Spirit should be assured that amidst trials and problems you are not alone. God is in you and with you, because as He promised, He will never leave nor forsake you (Deuterenomy 3:16). The problem with some of us is that during trials or challenges instead of lifting our faith, we lift our fear which drives out his presence and intervention. But if you keep the faith and trust God and His word, you will never be consumed by fiery fire of trials and problems of this world because only Him can extinguish them and save you (Isaiah 43:2).

Do you feel like you’re already standing in the centre of trials and challenges which are burning seven times hotter than usual? Do you feel like on your own you cannot keep going? Do you see that fourth person standing in the flames with you? Do you see him suffer for you and protect you? Do you believe his promise that soon your pain or problems will be no more? Do you believe that Salvation is on the way? Do you know the depth and breadth of his love for you? Do you know he is fighting for you, even now?

Don’t let the deceiver steal your faith, hope and courage; don’t let him sow doubt and fear in your heart; don’t let flames of trials and persecution scorch your faith. But let the rain of hope water your mind, and do not give up in the fight of faith. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself, so that you do not grow weary. You will be delivered from this furnace and rise in victory. In the grace that God supplies, stand still and know that God is able to deliver you from the furnace of pain and suffering

In the trap of trials, amidst a sea of problems, in a scotching fire of persecutions, you are not alone. Have faith and know that God is with you, and for you and you will not be consumed but will see his victory

Our Refuge is in the Lord!

Psalms 91:2 (NLT)

“This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.“

On the battlefield, the first thing a soldier will do is to dig out trenches in which to hide. Soldiers do not only rely on their weapons, but on the right place for them to tactfully have the advantage over their enemy. They do not engage their guns immediately, but they first establish safe haven to either camouflage or fortify their establishment.

We all face challenges, even the Rhema word is challenged by the devil, however, what matters is what you do, or where you run for refuge when problems roar or trials strike. The right place to take refuge is in the Lord, and to stand still on His Word. Some Christians are defeated by trials or challenges because they magnify the problems at hand (Numbers 13:30-33), and forget about the Mighty hand of the saving God. But we should learn from David who had a better perception; he didn’t exalt the size of the giant as others did but considered the greatness of the Lord (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Amidst your problems and trials see an opportunity and perceive victory.

Amidst life’s battles, challenges, trials, tribulations and storms of life, perceive Jesus’ redemption, know that the battle is not yours but the Lord’s, salvation is near, there is more on your side than you can see, God is with you and will give you victory

James 1:2-3 (AMP)

“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace]”

MAY - A MONTH OF GOD'S GRACE

Pr. James Victor Lubwama

John 1:16 (ESV)

”For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace”  

The Meaning of Number Five (5)

May is the fifth month of the year and prophetically number five represents God’s Grace.  The number five symbolizes God's grace, goodness and favour toward humans. 

Five is the number of grace, and multiplied by itself gives you 25 which is - grace upon grace. The Ten Commandments contains two sets of five commandments. The first five commandments are related to our treatment and relationship with God, and the last five concern our relationship with human beings.

According to the bible, there are five great mysteries: Father, Son, Spirit, Creation and Redemption. Number five is also significant because of creation; the human body has five fingers of the hand and five toes on the foot; the five senses (touch, taste, sense, smell, hearing and sight) etc. For this reason, it is considered as the number of God’s grace 

God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. This is very significant. Not because God chose Abram or because God endowed upon him his grace, but, the change was made by inserting in between his name the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet h (Hey). 

Another instance of God’s grace can be seen when David went to fight with  a giant named Goliath. David chose five smooth stones (1 Samuel 17:40). Those five stones were significant of David’s weakness supplemented by a divine power. David used only one stone (one with divine power) and not the other four stones to defeat and conquer the mighty enemy. The fifth book of the Bible - Deuteronomy magnifies the grace of God, and in it cautions, and emphasizes the great fact that not for the sake of the people, but for God's own sake that He called, and chosen, and blessed them 

Unmerited Favour and Divine Enablement of God

Romans 12:3 (AMPC) 

"For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me"

God is a God of seasons and we need to learn to operate in His seasons. This is a month of God’s grace, and I can personally testify to God's working hand in this season  this because; we started building our church in May and and many other things. This has all happened because I know and always look up to this season. One thing I know is that knowledge is power and God doesn’t work with the ignorant, it’s only those who know and follow-up on His seasons and word that can benefit from it  

Weakness and limitations can be there but when God’s season dawns, when divine enablement is released, weakness, lack and struggle cease and God’s Almighty power takes control

Because of God's Grace given unto us, we are able to do exceedingly and abundantly above what our own strength and efforts can achieve. You need the grace of God in your life. The grace of God enables us to do what we can’t do in our own strength and wisdom. Paul knew the magnitude and power of God’s grace - he was not worthy to be an apostle but he was what he was because of the unmerited favour and divine enablement of God. He says in 1 Corinthians 5:10 (GNT) that;

“By God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me”

The Grace Enables Us to Breakthrough

In this month of grace, God’s power is going to enable weak people to do great things and His favour is going to be on you wherever you go, creating opportunities and opening doors for you – weakness and rejection vanishes and God’s greatness takes over. God will release his power upon you and the impossible will be possible. There will be no struggles. We are going to shine, excel and get to levels that we were not able to get to and, achieve and accomplish things that seemed difficult or impossible.  In this month, God’s grace is going to take over your life and you will breakthrough to greater heights over whatever has been hindering you because of God’s divine enablement.

A Month of New Beginnings 

This is a month of new beginnings. We are going to cross over from sorrow to joy, from failure to victory, from lack to abundance etc. And how shall we do it? By changing our perception, believing God and having faith in His word. Don’t faint, believe to see God’s goodness; irrespective of the past circumstances, the Lord is going to anoint you and give you a fresh start. Out of nothing God created something, and in this month of May, God is going to uplift those who are afflicted and create a new thing. The bible says in Isaiah 54:11-12 (NKJV) that;

“O you afflicted one,
Tossed with tempest, and not comforted,
Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems,
And lay your foundations with sapphires.
12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies,
Your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones”

Wishing you a gracious month with new beginnings

EXPRESS GRATITUDE — THANKSGIVING

Pr. James Victor Lubwama

Psalm 50:14 (NLT)

 “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High”

Thanksgiving is defined as the expression of gratitude, especially to God. Gratitude is a dialect of the heart - it is a communication of an appreciative heart to the heart of God! It is a culture that each and every Christian should have. 
A person who is thankful obtains favour from the recipient; the act itself causes God and people to remember him or her. People who are thankful easily remember what they went through and those that stood by them, but ungrateful people easily forget. When you recall what you have gone through to get where you are, that’s when you should humble yourself to thank the Lord your God and also appreciate the people who have done good in your life and helped you to get there - grateful people remember. 

Many times when people succeed, they forget what God has done for them; they forget the Lord who took them out of Egypt and saved them from the repressive situations. We all have our Egypt – afflicting situations; It may have been an illness, deficiency in certain areas, lack of a job or means of livelihood, but some Christians after being blessed and finding rest, they forget the Lord God who blessed you.

For four centuries (Exodus 12:40), the Israelites were in slavery in Egypt, they stayed in captivity for so long to the extent that they forgot that they were in slavery. They had accepted the fact that they were meant to be slaves forever; they had forgotten that someone can actually be free and have a good life, but God came to their rescue, took them out of bondage and with his Mighty hand, He fulfilled his promises to their forefathers (Exodus 6). 

God always emphasizes the issue of remembrance because he knows that it is easy for people to forget after they have been established. The bible says in Deuteronomy 8:10-15 (TLB) that;

“When you have eaten your fill, bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you don’t forget the Lord your God and begin to disobey him. 12-13 For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large, and your silver and gold have multiplied, 14 that is the time to watch out that you don’t become proud and forget the Lord your God who brought you out of your slavery in the land of Egypt. 15 Beware that you don’t forget the God who led you through the great and terrible wilderness with the dangerous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock!”  

Everyone has their Egypt. We have all gone through some form of captivity or bondage, but after attaining freedom, we tend to forget God who has brought us through and even despise the place from where we got our deliverance and rest. It is important to always remember because when you do, the thankfulness spirit in you is awakened.

If you want to appreciate the work God has done in you, do not compare yourself to other people but to yourself - where you were with where you are; for a person to be thankful he or she must only compare oneself to his background and not to others. But failure to do so will inhibit you from appreciating what God has done in you. If we were only able to remember, then the wars and petty fights we see daily in families and organisations would not be happening. A thankful person observes decorum. Therefore, do not compare yourself to those around you, but always evaluate your present with reference to your past.

Since your problems and challenges have not consumed you; and you also haven’t perished amidst troubles and deficiency, remember to thank God because He has been with you and has preserved you. Isaiah 43:2-3 (TLB) says; 

“When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, your Savior” 

Someone once said; ‘if you thank God for his finger, you shall surely see his hand’. Do you thank God for the small things in your life? Learn to thank God because every time you do not, you hinder His hand. God delights in those who offer their gratitude to him and every time you do so, you establish a bond. You should also remember to thank and appreciate those who have done a great work in your life in anyway whatsoever, because with a thankful spirit, you will have a healthy relationship with those around you.

We see in the book of 1 Samuel that Elkanah and his wives offered  sacrifices to God and as a result, they were blessed by the priest. You may forget about the gifts you brought as a sacrifice, but whatever you have give in the house of God will continue to minister and be a reminder unto God. You may organize a thanksgiving banquet and invite guests to your home, but make it a habit  to offer thanksgiving sacrifices in the Lord's house as well because God is far greater than your guests and by doing so, you will be blessed.

God does not expect from you what he has not given you – He expects you to offer part of what he has entrusted you with. You are a steward of that which has been entrusted to you, so do not condemn yourself for bringing more or less, for whatever God gave you, is what you should offer; and that will be a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

The act of Thanksgiving carries  a blessing and causes God to seal what he has done for you. Take an example of the ten lepers in Luke 17: 12-19 (TLB)

“As they entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, 13 crying out, “Jesus, sir, have mercy on us!” 14 He looked at them and said, “Go to the Jewish priest and show him that you are healed!” And as they were going, their leprosy disappeared. 15 One of them came back to Jesus, shouting, “Glory to God, I’m healed!” 16 He fell flat on the ground in front of Jesus; face downward in the dust, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a despised Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the nine? 18 Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?” 19 And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”

The best way for sustaining that which God has blessed you with is through giving thanks and returning the glory and honour unto Him. Take part of what God has given you into His temple and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. You may not have everything but be thankful for what you have because it’s all for him and because of him. Good things come to those who are living – if you are still alive, the best is yet to come provided Jesus is still your Lord and Saviour.

In times of doubt, we should be certain of God’s plan for our lives; be thankful for what he has done for you and in you. You may thank him privately, but remember to also do so publicly in his sanctuary by bringing gifts, offerings and giving your testimony so as to glorify and exalt His name; for God will see you from heaven and will surely reward you. There are things and levels you haven't attained but you are better than what you were previously - you are not where you want to be but you are also not where you used to be, and that alone signifies progress, so be thankful. 

Thanksgiving is a cycle - when you call upon God and he answers you, you should also thank him publicly by exalting and glorifying his name. There is nothing too small for you not to thank God. We all have a debt to thank God for what he has done and is yet to do through the prophesies received. Gratitude glorifies God the Creator of heaven and earth. When we feel thankful, we acknowledge God’s greatness, kindness, mercy, grace, fullness and the riches of his glory. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:15 (ESV) that; 

“For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

Live a life of thankfulness!

WHAT CAUSES US TO MISS GOD?

Pr. Geoffrey Kibombo

In these later days, there are a couple of habits we have adopted that cause us to miss God. Let me hit on these three below

Familiarity:

Malachi 1:6 (AMP)

“‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is the [reverent] fear and respect due Me?’ says the Lord of hosts to you”

Some people get so used to godly principles and church services to the extent that they no longer carry significant meaning to them. They no longer have the fear of God when doing certain things because they are so familiar with them. There is no fear of God in them when it comes to offering, fasting, bible study, fellowship, praise and worship - they are so used to scriptures and no longer have faith in the word; they fast for health reasons and not for spiritual enrichment and cleansing; they are so familiar with praise and worship to the extent they no longer focus on the throne of God when singing but just do so as a routine and end up missing on the power operating behind it. The love for God is no longer burning in them; the first love is no more – they are so lukewarm spiritually (Revelation 3:15-16).

The respect for God's servants and faith in the word and anointing is no more. They at times despise, analyse and criticize what has been taught or preached. The fear of God in them is no more. As Malachi 1:6 (NLT) says; “If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve?”  

Evaluate yourself. Do you still have the fear of the Lord in you? Do you still have faith in the word of God? Do you still respect His servants?

Motive:

James 4:3 (AMP)

“You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires”

God considers the motive behind our actions whether bad or good. He weighs and judges the actions of men.  Jeremiah 17:10 (NLT) says; "But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” 

Many people have missed God because of the motive behind their intentions and prayers - we ask and don’t receive because we do so with self-centered intentions. Some give so as to be praised but not out of obedience; others come to church expecting to get marriages, jobs and turn away from church after receiving without using them to the benefit of the kingdom of God. But even after blessing you, God wants you to dwell in His house all days of your life (Psalm 27:4). When God gives you something, He expects you to use it to further His kingdom and to draw people to him – that’s His motive (Luke8:38-39; John 12:17, Psalm 40:9-10; 66:16). If you want to see God, if you don’t want to struggle, amend your motive to match God’s.

Selfishness:

Philippians 2:4-5 (AMP)

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility]”

The spirit of me, myself and I is very predominant in this era of sociological individuality. People have lost the zeal in the things concerning the kingdom of God. They are only concerned about themselves, their families and future. Their prayers and money are all about them, everything revolves around them. As long as they are okay, they are not bothered about the rest; for they do not care about the welfare of the pastors, fellow believers or the needs of God’s house. Matthew 24:12 (NKJV) says; “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold”

We are no longer concerned about the issues of the church or our brothers and sisters; we only talk about people's weakness instead of praying for them. We no longer have the burden to pray for those with problems but only for ourselves, and because of our selfishness, we miss God.

Evaluate yourself, work on and eradicate those vices in your life and you will surely see God at work and His goodness in your life