Taking Out the Precious From the Vile

I think the major culture shock for me in relocating to North America was the bad language or 'swearing'; I always winced (and still do) everytime someone let out expletives beside me and as I took an unscientific poll, I discovered it was a common occurrence.

While reading my bible, I came across this verse a few days ago in Jeremiah 15:19 "..If you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as my mouth.." I realized that this is a big issue for God that we keep our language pure, not only in Church on Sundays, but everyday so we can hear Him and speak on His behalf.

Swearing has become a way of life for most here but there is still a remnant who have refused to be drawn into the ways of the world just to belong and instead have decided to watch what we speak. It requires a dedicated 'watching' and a determined adherence to the ways of the Holy Spirit by His grace like all other things in the kingdom.

I know it makes a difference but never knew how much of a difference it made until Jesse came back from school one day with an interesting story of how one kid swore beside him and the other 'shushed' his friend up saying, "Don't you know Jesse doesn't like swearing...he's religious". So the world knows the difference, they're watching what we say and do even closer than we are! So take the vile out of your language and speak only precious words of blessing to your hearers.

How Deep and How High Can You Go?

I just came out of a conference in my home church called "Going Deeper, Going Higher", and it literally was a life-changing experience...how so? Well for one, I went deeper and higher! But you think I'm playing on words here, truth is it was a conference with a difference.

Interestingly the first so-named conference in our church and not with any preconceived agenda but to wait in His Presence and 'see what He would say'; and oh, did He say! The prophetic worship of the Rivieras took me straight into His presence and I found myself basking there for hours even after the speakers came up...I still felt the 'glow'. I came away with a deep resolve to go after Him harder, but much more, to do the works of the Lord boldly and proclaim Him at any given opportunity! How awesome He is, selah!

I also came away with a burning fire in the depths of my belly to impart this to my 'marketplace'; you know that's where we are called to, where we interact everyday.
For me this would be my workplace and my immediate neighbors...where would this be for you?
This year promises to be very exciting and intense already, let's engage with Holy Spirit to prepare for the glory! Shandai!

Broken for His Glory

Who would have thought when I look back over the past 5 years that I would be the way I am today...broken for His glory. When I look back and remember my character, religious pride and performance mentality over the the years, I cringe. Yet, the cleansing is still going on, I am being broken and cleansed, broken and cleansed, broken and cleansed; all for Him.

I believe the Father is preparing us to wear the mantle of holiness in this new season of Praise; holiness, virtue and godly values is the foundation behind this new wave of visitation that will be long-lasting. He wants the world to see His glory...how? Through ordinary broken vessels like you and me, just being a light in an increasingly dark world that is crying out for the supernatural - you can see the hunger in the surging increase of 'supernatural' books in bookstores and movies. But the light shines brightest in the dark...

The bible says that the whole creation is "crying out for the manifestation of the sons of God". That's us! We were meant to manifest His glory in our everyday lives, not necessarily as Pastors or Evangelists or Prophets etc., but as Kevins and Chiagozies and Dirks! What a thought! But oh so true! If only we can grasp that we don't have to be a 'famous preacher' to do the works of the Lord...meditate on this, selah!

I pray that the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened that you may know the truth of His Word; and also that you remember in this New Year that you have the mind of Christ. Prophesy spiritually over all that concerns you and declare the glory over your atmosphere!
Let us walk in it. Help us to grasp this reality in 2008 Father, amen.