What is your driver

Who is a worker?
A person committed to voluntary service unto God on behalf of the church for the edification of the body of Christ.

What drives a worker to serve in the church of God?

2Sam 23:8-29 paints a picture of three motives for service in any kingdom capacity.

1. Love for the king.
2 Sam 23: 8- 17 chronicles the first three of the mighty men of David. Men who were not only committed to the vision but loved and were extremely loyal to the king even in the face of death.

2. Love for the Kingdom/ Commitment to the mission
2Sam 23: 19-29 Highlights a second group of three and then thirty great men who did exploits. However their service was limited to the mission hence they never attained the position of the first three.
Also worth noting is that Uriah part of the thirty great men of David v29 was sentenced to death by the same David.
Consequently commitment to the mission does not necessarily grant one immunity against persecutions from the leadership.

3. Love for self
Some may join the workforce to fulfill selfish ambitions which may include the need for power, self importance, respect etc.
Still on 2Samuel let us examine the life of Joab who worked closely with King David 2Sam 2:13, 24, 2Sam 10:7.
Joab executed David's death sentence of Uriah 2Sam 11:14-16.
Joab on at least two occasions went against the king's instructions 2Sam 3:26-29, 2Sam 18:12-14 pursuing his personal agenda.
No wonder his name was not mentioned amongst the great men of David as highlighted in 2Sam 23.

To fulfill our heavenly mandate Matt 28:19-20 your service ultimately must come from a place of love. Love for Jesus who first loved you, that your fruit may abide.

John 15:16
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Transform your image

You are not defined by your mistakes, do not let them determine your identity.

Salvation comes from Jesus who lives in you not as a result of your religious disposition 

Romans 6:4 KJV

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

The cry for holiness is not a tool  for self condemnation but a cry for us to protect our identity in Christ 

In genuine repentance every fall should serve as a spring board pushing you ever closer to who God has called you to be. 

IT IS WELL.

Romans 6:13 KJV

[13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Stay in Peace

A ship does not sink because of the mass of water that surrounds it but if the water gets inside of it 

Protect your inner sanctuary and be careful of what you let into your secret place

We may not be able to stop the negativity that exist outside pain, hurt, disappointment, turmoil, unfair situations, recession but we can choose not to let it be rooted in our hearts.

Like David and Joseph do not dwell on anxiety, disappointment, betrayal, Stop reliving the hurt and pain and Let go of the guilt and shame.

Whatever you ponder constantly in your heart, you put on a throne. Put God on your throne not negativity. Stay in Peace and let him fight your battles, heal every wound and reverse every wrong.

Philippians 4:8 KJV

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Listen

Many times God speaks through a still small voice.

If we are attentive our God is in the business of providing a means of escape from troubles for us.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Do not ignore the red flags, still warnings through dreams, promptings, or a sense of unease.

Let Peace be an Umpire, If it sounds good but does not feel right, then take a moment, pause and seek the face of God for further direction. It is Well.

Romans 8:14 KJV

[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Eagle ability

Judges 6:12 KJV

[12] And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

But Gideon considering his worldly qualification replies Judges 6:15 KJV

[15] And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

Get rid of the Chicken mentality and imbibe an Eagle's ability.

Every morning check your spiritual certificate, turn off every negative recording and declare who and what God has called you to be. 

Deut 28:13 I am the head and not the tail.

1 Peter 2:9 Chosen, Holy, Royal, a Priest, Peculiar and called forth to show God's praises.

Mark 16:17-18 Called for signs and wonders

Jeremiah 1:5 Called to be a prophet to the nations.

Gal 3:13 Redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness and poverty. 

Timothy 1:7 KJV

[7] For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

No more limitations, It is well.

Your World

You may no direct control over events that affect the world but you can influence what happens in your world.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Do not let the social, cultural and economic factors of this world influence you. Rather renew your mind and let Gods word be the main factor that rocks your world.

Stay blessed.

Divine Instincts for Increase

Luke 17:12-19 Ten lepers were healed but only one returns, causing Jesus to ask "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"

Even without being commanded by Jesus, one of the nine lepers had the divine instinct to go back in gratitude to the source of his healing consequently he received an increase "And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole". 

Mat 25:14-30

The parable of the talents, the master gave his three servants talents according to their several ability. With no further instruction he leaves on a journey. Two of the three servants traded with their talents and doubled it (divine instinct). The last one lacking divine revelation buries his and is punished for his ignorance.

Some people are led by instructions. 

Great people are led by instincts.

Let us pray for the the divine instinct to increase. The ability to look at what you have and perceive how to make it better. 

Good day soldiers of Christ

60 DoSH (DAY 30)

It promised to be a good day, I thought I had a plan but things seem to be panning out quite differently.

Walking into church during praise and worship, feels awkward. I sit and try to settle into the service but I struggle. 

I struggle with not serving God the way I would love to.

I struggle with why my heart is struggling with being in church

I struggle with how am going to have to better handle family and church

I struggle with how my heart can play a more participatory role in church 

I struggle with spiritual battles that seem to want to put me out

Lord help my struggles.

60 DoSH (Day 12)

He has given me victory, I will lift him higher Jehovah I will lift him higher.

My time in the presence of the Lord, thank you Lord for divine answers. I am not to defend myself, Jehovah it is you I serve, you see my heart, you know all things, have mercy on me. Arise oh Lord! on my behalf and let the truth alone prevail.

60 DoSH (Day 11)

I didn't sleep much last night, I know the Lord is at work but am a little apprehensive as to how he is going to accomplish it. Trust in him Joyce, he has never failed you. 

Still feels slightly different going to church on Sunday, I begin to doubt if I will ever shake off this feeling. 
Note to self: Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to carry on despite fear. 

Got to keep keeping on.

LOVE NEVER FAILS

Matthew 26:34-35 KJV

[34] Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

[35] Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. 

Peter boasted in the flesh (self effort), hours later he does what he swore not to.

60 DoSH (Day 10)

Thank you Lord three days of not being in my parish feels like three weeks so good to be here.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man so are children of the youth Psalm 127:4

Thank you Lord for these little ones, may your blessings abide with them.

Father my arrows will never be a source of disgrace in my family, they are for signs and wonders.

De ja vu

So am in the house, feels strange to be inside after these months. 

I can't help but wonder before things were different I would have been at the house early to help in the planing. 

So much damage, but am at peace because beauty sometimes springs up from ugly scenarios.

A feeling of de ja vu, my baby is happy to be see me, happy to see her too. 

Movie time I watch.

60 DoSH (DAY 9)

Unapologetically awesome time in the presence of the Lord.

My babies have not quit so I refuse to quit.

It's a struggle not to get distracted in church with the different thoughts in my head, MIND I subject you under the obedience of Christ Jesus.

60DoSh - 1 week 1day later

Glad to be here today.

The privilege to be able to worship and glorify your holy name is not to be taken for granted. My babies are always here ready with my hugs. 

That I may know him (Part 3)

I must die daily to the flesh so that the resurrection power of Christ might be made more abundantly manifest in my life.