Faith

by Eileen Thugi | May 18, 2020 | Blog

What is faith?

Faith in anyone or anything hinges on our experiences or belief that they are what they claim to be; trusting in abilities and qualifications. Everyone has faith in people whether they are mindful of it or not. We put our lives in the hands of pilots whose credentials we don’t even ask to see, before boarding a flight. The meteorologist tells us what they see on their radar and we prepare events based on their predictions. It’s almost impossible to live without faith. It’s the very core of our existence, getting things done, and expecting others to do their part. 

And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” 

² Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ³ “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. ⁴ And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” ⁵ So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. ⁶ The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. ⁷ And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land ( 1 Kings 17).

Elijah was a man who stood before God, and did what God commanded him to do. He didn’t question God’s intentions. God did not set the scene for him to understand. Elijah’s deference to God gave him privileged access. He spoke with the credibility of one who stood before the Living God, and whose God was delighted to answer. He prayed that it would not rain and it didn’t. He put God’s reputation on the line by the things he prayed. Elijah’s faith boldly petitioned for things only God could do. Faith is confidence in peerless abilities. 

God honored Elijah’s prayer and prepared a place for Elijah to be nourished before the famine. Elijah did all God asked him to do and received supernatural provision; he was fed by ravens bread and meat, every morning and evening. God proved to Elijah that before the heavens were shut, that He would be his sustenance. Elijah first had to go to the brook, as God commanded him. He did just that and the results; we are awe-struck, thousands of years after, reading about something singularly unheard of—ravens prepared a bountiful spread. Obedience is active faith—not a passive gesture. God is Faithful to the faithful. Our faithfulness is our obsequious response to what God has commanded. God summons nature to supply for those who love Him.

⁵ Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him (James 2)?

Those who think they have arrived, have full confidence in themselves and their achievements. Since they are self-contained they must assume full control. They don’t know what to do in uncertainty. But those who are completely dependent on God, empty themselves of their abilities to receive all that He offers. They see themselves as deficient apart from God. All their skills and achievements are deployed in concert with God’s Power. The poor of this world are those who live fully dependent on God and are wanting in the world’s criteria of well-endowed. Yet, they are richly furnished from the Kingdom.

“Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2)”

The rich in faith are kept in divine provision. God is the full portion of those hunger and thirst for Him. To long for someone is to love them. Those who love God cling to His promises. We cannot love God until we have believed Him.

² But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³ Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!” ⁴ And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” ⁵ Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” ⁶ And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness (Genesis 15).

Abraham asked God for an heir, but under the same breath he mentioned someone else’s child, as his last hope. Abraham meant to show God how desperate he was for a child. God in His favor, promised Abraham innumerable descendants, as the stars. Abraham was way past his salad days and Sarah’s clock had run out to conceive. He still believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. This righteousness had to be tested. Righteousness is a reward for obedience. Obedience is an earnest response to faith. God makes promises which are fulfilled by our obedience. 

¹⁵ Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, ¹⁶ and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— ¹⁷ blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. ¹⁸ In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice. (Genesis 22)” 

Abraham was commanded to go and sacrifice his promised son, Isaac. Abraham didn’t question God for giving him the heir he asked for and then commanding he make him a sacrifice. He believed God’s promise to make him a father to many descendants, and didn’t stumble at what  God had spoken. Abraham put Isaac on an altar, because his faith quickened him to obey. Faith elevates the giver, far above the need. The Giver was more credible by dint of His own promise, than the promise itself. God was pleased with the faith that led to obedience, and it became Abraham’s righteousness. This established the promise to Abraham. 

Faith must come first. Works are motivated by our trust. Works that are done to earn brownie points with God aren’t done based on trust, but faith in abilities that get God to act. God doesn’t need us to trust our good deed, but to believe in Him; to be concerned to do as He commands. When people believe that their actions negotiate with God for blessings, their own works become the basis of their faith. Those who were to be Abraham’s descendants are those who would take God at His Word; in their belief they do as He commands, while trusting in His abilities to do as He promised. 

¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all ¹⁷ (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”). In the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; ¹⁸ who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” ¹⁹ And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. ²⁰ He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, ²¹ and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. ²² And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4).”

Those who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, believe in the God who has numbered them among the children of the promise, way before Moses gave the law. We believe that in the Lord Jesus Christ we have been given the right to be called children of God, apart from our works. Think about that; God foreknew us before Isaac came to be. The works of the law which no one can do in entirety, expose our inability to meet God’s standards. The Lord Jesus did the works for us by living in complete obedience even to His death, as an acceptable sacrifice. He was the “Isaac” that confirmed the promise, which Isaac was not allowed to mediate by his death. The Lord Jesus did away with the flesh of sin, represented by the circumcision of Abraham and his house ( the sign of the covenant God made with Abraham); so that we should also put off our sinful nature, and live in obedience because we have believed God.

Abraham didn’t consider his body or Sarah’s womb dead through unbelief. We are dead to sin, but alive in Christ. We give God even more Glory, knowing that as sinners we were cut off from the household of God. But just as God gave life to Abraham and Sarah’s bodies, He has given us The Spirit of His Son Jesus, Who rose from the dead. We are heirs of Abraham because we have believed in the God Who Gives us life and gives it more abundantly, while we were still dead in our sins—without a right standing with God. If God has given us so much, why withhold blessings by disobedience? We either believe Him or not. God is a covenant keeper—always keeps His part of the deal. Faith makes us generous givers to God, because He has already given His best.

⁴ By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it, he being dead still speaks (Hebrews 11).

Our offerings are our testimony of our faith in God. We give to Him what we believe He deserves. Offerings can be tangible like tithes, supplying for the needy or they can also be spiritual like praise, prayer and thanksgiving. The attitude by which we give these offerings is a witness of our hearts toward God. By faith Abel gave the best of the first animal offerings. His offering was accepted as his righteousness. Though Cain killed him, Abel still lives in the presence of God. 

⁶ But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; ⁷ and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. ⁸ If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ ⁹ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them. (Numbers 14)”

God commanded Moses to send out a leader from each tribe of Israel to search out the land of Canaan, which He promised to give them. God wanted them to come back and give a good report about the good land, so that they could encourage the Israelites (Numbers 13). They returned with large fruit, confirming that it was a land flowing with milk and honey. Under the same breath, they were dismayed and demoralized the Israelites by telling them that the inhabitants of the land were invincible giants. Only Caleb and Joshua, believed God had already secured the land for them. They saw the unseen; victory over the inhabitants whose protection God had already removed, because God had already gone before them. 

Fear is lack of faith. Fear equates God’s abilities with our circumstances and casts aspersions on His power.  Joshua and Caleb’s faith was unshaken. They were straining at the leash to go into the land that God had already spied out for them, and given them. Faith in God is wind at our backs that gives momentum that others may not understand. We believe what they can’t see. We act on what God sees. There’s no stopping those who have this kind of faith, because God is their strength. Faith does not depend on others’ excitement or or lack thereof. Our faith is not driven by other people’s fears either. Faith is the key to untrammeled blessings. 

¹² Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. ¹³ And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

¹⁴ So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. ¹⁵ And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, ¹⁶ and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷ So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? ¹⁸ Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well (Luke 17).”

There are actions that follow faith as we saw earlier; obedience, boldness, and worship. Ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to glorify God. The one who returned was not a Jew, but a Samaritan. While the nine got cleansed, only one was made whole. We would say that they all believed they would be healed, because they all cried out to the Lord to have mercy on them. They also all got up to show themselves to the priests, before it was evident they were cleansed. Yes, they did have faith to be cleansed of leprosy, but not enough to be made whole physically and spiritually. 

Faith is far-reaching beyond physical deliverance. Glorifying God for His Goodness makes us complete. Those who don’t return with thanksgiving to give God glory, settle for less than He is willing to give them. Only the foreigner returned because he was not entitled; he felt unworthy as one not born of Israel. We are unworthy because God doesn’t owe us anything. Faith is an act of giving God the honor He deserves. The Samaritan leper was made whole and honored above the rest, by Christ. He didn’t go to show himself to the priests; until he first bowed before One greater than the priests. He was justified without the law that required him to show himself to the priests with an offering: The Lord said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” We too are the blessed heirs of Abraham. Our faith defines the God we believe, by living in obedience to Him.

²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. ²⁹ Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, ³⁰ since there is one God who will justify the circumcision by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. ³¹ Do we then void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law (Romans 3).

Imperishable

by Eileen Thugi | May 12, 2020 | Blog

Can we live endless lives?

¹⁹ If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiful (1 Corinthians 15).

“And they lived happily ever after!” This is a familiar tail end to many stories we read as children. Happy endings are always refreshing, especially when they come at the hills of battles or struggles. Most trials we go through feel like there’s no end in sight.  It’s just not fair that every good thing also has to come to an end. Endings are part of cycles we try to get accustomed to. “Happily ever after” gives the construction of glee that lasts forever. It has a nice ring to it, because we all yearn for an endless life peppered with bliss. How can we be sure that we can ever attain it? Is there hope for such an imperishable life; and one that is void of sorrow, tears and pain? Given our experiences on this Earth, how could anyone desire to live an endless life?

²⁴ “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life (John 5).  

Everlasting life is a guarantee to those who believe in God by heeding to the word of The Lord Jesus Christ. There is no death for them and they are not slated for damnation. This is a blissful outcome. They are translated from one dimension to another. Death is not an inheritance for believers. We serve a God Who reigns over life and is the author of it. 

²⁶ But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? ²⁷ He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken (Mark 12).”

The Lord Jesus rose from the dead, because He is the God of life; death could not restrain Him. We are made in His image and likeness; as the Son of God so it shall be with the children of God. We live under Christ’s Authority, His teachings and He is our High Priest who went before The Throne, to make intercession for us so that we receive forgiveness for our sins. 

¹⁴ For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. ¹⁵ And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest ¹⁶ who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. ¹⁷ For He testifies: “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” ¹⁸ For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unfruitfulness, ¹⁹ for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God (Hebrews 7).

The Lord went before us as a High Priest, made remission for our sins; took upon Himself our body of sin by His death on the Cross—drank the full Judgement of God. The high priests of Israel came from the tribe of Levi according to God’s election. The Lord Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, therefore He was not a High Priest under the Laws given to Moses. We who are not Jews had no hope of grace, because we had not received the Law, nor did we have a high priest who offered animal sacrifices for our sins. Christ had to bring us into the fold, because there’s One God for all. 

Since Christ was approved by God to be a High Priest forever, He became overseer of those who also live forever; those who would surrender their lives to Him, without the Law. His message was for all to repent for the remission of sins. Repentance is the exchange of our death, for Christ’s Eternal Life. He died in our place, so that we would not come into judgement; as the Scripture states, “And shall not come into judgement” . A dead body has ceased all it works—good and evil, so cannot sin any longer. But a risen life lives forever, to new deeds.

⁷ For who has died has been freed from sin. ⁸ Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, ⁹ knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. ¹⁰ For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. ¹¹ Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6).

I have seen God use creation to explain deep things to mankind. In the winter, trees have already shed their leaves, flowers are gone, and plants seem dead. Then, spring rolls in and we begin to see leaves poking through, flowers budding, and the perennials start to shoot their stems. If we can believe plants can come from a dead state, why can’t we believe an endless life for ourselves? God delights in new beginnings which He orchestrates with cycles of life, and seasons. A resurrected life is a new beginning. 

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ¹⁸ Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, ¹⁹ that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself; not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5).

With fresh starts comes a new way of thinking and of living. The resurrected Life of Christ in us, is a mandate to put off the old nature. The endless new life begins with Christ in us. We have been forgiven, we have been justified, this life is no longer our’s to do as we please anymore. It’s a life surrendered now to God and all things now belong to God, through Christ in us. We now live forever to do His Will. These bodies though made in the flesh, become a habitation for Christ to reveal Himself. We are a new creature, with a new Spirit that is no longer made for this life but an endless life—eternity. A new creature is outfitted for a new creation.

⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. ⁴³ It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. ⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. ⁴⁵ And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. ⁴⁶ However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. ⁴⁷ The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. ⁴⁸ As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. ⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man (1 Corinthians 15).

Stop, right now. Go back and read that passage again. Our physical being is going to perish but our spirit lives forever. The weak body will be raised in power; the corruptible will become incorruptible. So what of all the ailments, and the wear and tear of these bodies? It’s beauty for ashes; like a caterpillar going through unsettling growing pains, to be transformed into a glowing butterfly. 

The spirit we decide to occupy these bodies will determine where we go. The spirit leaves the body when it dies, since its destined for another place. If we have the Spirit of The Lord Jesus Christ, we are clad for Heaven. If you asked NASA to get you to the Moon in what you have on right now, they would tell you that you need to get your head examined. The life-giving-Spirit is the spiritual power that goes on living beyond this life. Did you ever consider yourself heavenly? Our bodies bear the image of the man of dust; temporary bodies that were never meant to last. So happily ever after, isn’t about these bodies and the perfunctory grind they go through. 

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14).

The Lord has already gone to prepare a place for our eternal happily ever after. We are going to dwell forever, in The House of Our Heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus Himself has done all the architectural exterior and interior designs. There’s plenty of room in the Father’s House. Eternal life is only in The One Who took our place, and has already gone to prepare a place for our heavenly beings. Eternal life starts here; we must begin to live as those who have already attained. We start by  putting off the old nature that’s created for this fleeting world, by living our endless life in the life-giving Spirit of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together (Romans 8).

Edify

by Eileen Thugi | May 3, 2020 | Blog

Do you have the right motives?

There can be many reasons for doing something to help others. Whatever contribution one could make in what they say or do, to benefit someone else, should be weighed by their motives. What do we hope to achieve by what we say or do? Putting the time and energy to do something, should not just be driven by emotion, but purpose. How we feel is as fickle as shifting sands. Emotions tend to rope other people into feeling like we do. They can quickly turn the right intentions to selfish ambitions. So, before we decide to say or do something we believe is going to help someone, we need to have an introspection; check our attitude and intentions. The impact we hope to have on others is the need we meet. 

³ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2).

When we are looking out for others, we should do so with humility. We are not to consider them any less significant than ourselves because they are the ones in need, this time. Whether they are seeking some advice or material assistance, we are told to consider them better than us. This means that we don’t withhold from them the best we can offer them, because we prefer to keep it to ourselves. Whether it’s information, resources or connecting them with someone who could help, we are not to be reticent with what we have or know. Willingness to help is ensuring the betterment of others. 

There are virtues to gain when we help others for their benefit or want them to succeed. When we have another’s back, we have their best interests with a good grace. We see their success as our own because we want to be part of that sweet story. Looking out for another’s interests gives us a chance to do something kind with no strings attached. It gives us a sense of purpose that doesn’t revolve around our own glory. We watch someone else’s prayer get answered, when we become the channel that delivers the answer. 

²⁹ Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers (Ephesians 4).

There are times we are just bursting to say something because we believe it will benefit someone. It may be with all good intentions, but the approach and execution can be caustic. What we say can harm others when it’s said without grace. Just spelling out the wrong in others doesn’t motivate them to change. It makes them feel like mud was rubbed all over their face, and they need to fess up to shame. What we thought would benefit them, corrupts their character.  We wind up disqualifying ourselves as agents of change because we don’t build others by our words, but tear them down. 

²¹ You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? ²² You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ²³ You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? ²⁴ For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written (Romans 2).

In our interactions with others, we must try to ensure that we are trying to bring to the fore positive attributes. We do our best to help nurture good traits, by not magnifying frailties. We are not perfect. Others learn from us as much as we are willing to learn from them.  Most of us want the same things. In Christian circles, we should all want to grow to maturity in Christ. As the Body of Christ has many members, each plays their part to benefit the whole Body. 

¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4).

God has blessed us with different skills and talents so that we can be useful in meeting the needs of others. We are also to use our skills in edifying our fellow believers and they are to do the same—iron sharpening iron. We have to be willing to receive what others share as much as we desire for others to receive from us. We are all to grow in the knowledge of The Lord Jesus Christ and become as He was through love and righteousness. Effective edification is compelled by love.

⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4).

We don’t mature in isolation, but by encouraging one another to put on Christ. As long as we are doing so with grace and allowing others to show us the same grace, we cannot afford to be sanctimonious: We will not serve our ambitions nor be envious of others. We will delight in seeing our fellow brothers and sisters overcome and be victorious. 

²³ And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, ²⁴ but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, ²⁵ that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. ²⁶ And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it (1 Corinthians 12).

As members of the Body of Christ, those who are considered weaker should be treated with dignity. They are those who may be struggling with afflictions or temptations. They are not to be thrust aside as deadwood, but included as invaluable participants. Christ has included them among His flock He died for, as well He did for us.  But for Christ, we are unworthy to be called His friends. We are to be united in Christ; not in cliques that range themselves against others. When one suffers among believers we share in their sufferings. When one rejoices we praise with them. Man is not an island. We live for the betterment of ourselves as we look out for others, with the right motives. 

³⁵ I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20).”

Enlightened

by Eileen Thugi | Apr 27, 2020 | Blog

Where do you seek direction?

⁶⁵  You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your Word. ⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments (Psalm 119).

Most of us don’t go to places we haven’t been to, without the use of a map or GPS. No one enjoys losing their bearings. Life is lived one second, minute and hour at time.  It’s a journey with no guarantees. It’s like a road with many bends, rife with all sorts of obstacles, and blind spots. Our life is just here, now and how far we have come. We don’t know of the next hour, or tomorrow. The uncertainty is akin to lights that have gone out, where all we have is our limited visibility and instincts, as we grope about taking each step. Fortunately, we have some visuals, quick-on-our-feet decisions we can make, that will determine how we go forward. 

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes (Psalms 19:8).

Our instincts can only be as good as we have been trained. Skills we have acquired and instructions we have previously received, can prove invaluable when we are at a crossroad. God’s commandments are time-tested, the gold-standard to weigh decisions by . They illuminate the path to choose; as the basis for our decisions. God didn’t give us instructions to harm us but to protect us. Parents or adults don’t lay down the law to frustrate children either. We too have to follow laws and road signs to protect ourselves and those around us. 

We all need a stable foundation to help decide right from wrong.  Formative instructions given to children comes from adults who have  some foresight of what lies ahead. God’s ways enlighten our limited foresight. They give great perspective on issues pertaining to life; something to mull on and consider as we make important decisions that impact us and others.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ²  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. ³ He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season. Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper (Psalm 1).

We have to reflect on God’s instructions before we seek others’ understanding. This means being more enthused by God’s insight, than that of our peers. God’s commandments are not just instructions, they are God’s perspective on the life He has given us. Why God’s ways? Because He isn’t limited to time and space—but we are. Doing what He has commanded, should give us peace in the midst of unsettled times. He promises that by keeping His Law, we will be fruitful like a tree in its season. That means regardless of all external forces, we will still be productive. If we are intentional about doing as God has instructed us, we will have a continuous supply of provision—God’s Wisdom which never runs out; like a tree planted by the rivers of water.  God’s laws of nature have proved effective by nature’s mandate to benefit us. By His Wisdom He sustains the cycle of life.

²⁴ “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 (Matthew 7).

A foundation that is deep and enfolded by rock, is unlikely to creak under the strain. It’s incumbent upon us to establish our lives on principles that don’t change, that are solid as rock. When it’s required of us to take a stand, we will not waffle on what we truly believe. Character is tested by our convictions. Rough times bring to bear the things we have had confidence in and prove their mettle. 

The Lord Jesus affirms that whoever has built their life by His instruction and wisdom of His Word, will not be shaken by the storms of this life. They will prove unflappable in the face of the most difficult times, because they are sustained by their convictions, by continuing to do what He has commanded. They are also impervious to the opinions of others, and will not bend or fall under pressure. The Lord speaks of them, as the wise who built their house on the rock. They have been enlightened on how to live life with fortitude .

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. ⁵  And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (John 1).

The Life of Christ Who is prevenient before all things, is the light of men. The light gives wisdom, knowledge and understanding in the lives of all those who surrender to the Authority of Christ. His life sustains and guides us when in one accord with Him. The prophet Isaiah prophesied of The Lord Jesus Christ:

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. ² The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. ³ His delight is in the fear of the Lord. And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears (Isaiah 11).

The manifestations of the Holy Spirit in Our Lord, shall be in us: His wisdom and understanding; great counsel and might; the fountain of knowledge through our submission and delight in the fear of the Lord. Through Christ by His Spirit in us, we receive discernment and revelation needed for making sound judgement. His life in us gives perspective that has existed since the beginning; sheds light on the unseen things. Those who don’t have His Life, don’t have His Light, and they can’t comprehend how to overcome a world full of darkness. 

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1).

When in a quagmire, let us ask God for wisdom. Let us seek God’s wisdom with faith believing that it is going to be our best guide. We must also believe, without a shadow of doubt, that it will not fail us. First and foremost we inquire of Him. Faith is putting to work what we believe. We have to lean only on what God reveals to us, not on what we want for ourselves. He gives wisdom generously. 

A double-minded attitude shows no confidence and trust in God’s direction. Those who question God’s abilities grumble, lack patience, and are like a rolling stone that gathers no moss. They trust in their skills, experiences and limited foresight and become despondent about their own performance. When we have a firm hold on God’s principles, we also try to keep ourselves from being defiled. We restrain ourselves from the things that can lead us off track. In order to keep in lockstep with God, we have to be vigilant not be roped into the things of darkness.

⁵ Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. ⁶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. ⁷ For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunk are drunk in the night. ⁸ But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5).

How can we put so much confidence in ourselves, yet we often shoot ourselves in the foot? After all we have been through, and all we have become, let us hope that we applied ourselves to the best practices, so that we will not have labored in vain. 

¹⁴ Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵ that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain (Philippians 2).

Why does it matter where we find guidance? Because our lives depend on it. We can be wrong about many things, but we should not falter on our eternity. We leave an impact on others here, long after we are gone. We have very limited time to live right and leave behind something of value.  So what? We openly and boldly live out our convictions and let our light which is The Lord’s Life, be revealed through us. Sadly, many generations after, little will be remembered or spoken of us. There’s One Who has our name written down for a memorial. He will ensure that our short life on Earth is recorded in His Book, for eternity.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5).

We can overcome trials because we have been well equipped with God’s wisdom. We have a better perspective on life, as a light that shines in the midst of darkness. The Lord is pleased with those who strive to keep His Commandments even as they wait upon Him, with patience. Patience is having endurance with the right perspective. They remain steadfast and unmoved because of their faith, which is the hope sustains them.

¹² Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. ¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them (Revelations 14).

This life isn’t guaranteed, but eternity is. In eternity, we will forever be remembered whether we chose to live in darkness or light, and did the works thereof. The Lord Jesus is the Light for all men and darkness can never quench His Light, it lives on forever. So let us live as children of light and not of darkness.

⁵ He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels (Revelations 3).

Mercy

by Eileen Thugi | Apr 19, 2020 | Blog

Are you willing to share?

“Mine, mine!” Is a commonly heard yelling, out of a child, with a face scowling-red with rage; who doesn’t care to let another child or adult have what they think they have bought their right to. We are usually quick to remind these little ones that they have to share, or take turns so as to be fair. They are hardly convinced until we offer them some kind of reward. Some might think it’s “cute” or “funny”, but left unchecked, selfishness can lead to many injustices in a society, biases, oppression, and discrimination. Are we any different from children about the things we have, or our perceptions of others as being undeserving? 

Kindness through mercy, is an individual trait— not a groupthink. Religion can’t conform anyone to be merciful, neither will rank in society. Those who are merciful are moved by compassion; their motivation is to meet a need. It’s ingrained in them to want to care for others. Mercy needs no coercion. 

³⁰ Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. ³¹ Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. ³³ But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. ³⁴ So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ ³⁶ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” ³⁷ And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise (Luke 10).”

This verse is preceded by a lawyer wanting to know, if he is to love his neighbor as himself, who would qualify as a neighbor. “Love your neighbor as yourself” is a commandment to give to others what we wish would be given to us—if we were in their shoes. 

The priest and Levite were well-learned in God’s Commandments. As a matter of fact, they stood before God on behalf of the people. Yet, they failed to exercise that which they claimed they had learned since their childhood. We see, being religious was not enough to compel them to be compassionate. It’s not up to “certain religious people”, to do something, when we can also do something ourselves.  We know what God would have us do. Mercy is the application of God’s ways.

The victim’s own kind wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole. The Samaritan who didn’t share some of Jewish beliefs , and was considered an outcast by the Jews, came to the aid of one. Samaritans and Jews would never come in such close contact. Yet, this Samaritan put this man on his animal, while he himself walked. He tended to his wounds, and put him up at an inn, and paid whatever was needed to bring about his recovery. Racial biases set aside, religious differences thrown over, inconvenience made inconsequential , in order to save this man’s life. 

You don’t have to belong to a particular Church to show mercy; but you have to be moved by compassion for the suffering. We should not be defined by the Church we attend and the activities it does. This is Who Christ was: He knew The Father’s will and didn’t have to observe religious programs or customs, to meet people’s needs. He went about looking for the poor, the sick, the forsaken, to bring them hope and healing. So, if we are the Body of Christ, we are commanded as the verse above, to do likewise. 

⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

⁴⁴ “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life (Matthew 25).”

It’s perfectly fine for us to take away toys from children who are unwilling to share. Why then, isn’t it right for the Lord to mete out a punishment for those who are unmerciful? If everything belongs to us, in our homes, then we have a right to take things away if siblings aren’t concerned to share. So it is with everything we have, all of creation belongs to the Creator; we are like tenants. Punishment is usually worse for the children, because they should know better. For us believers, the consequences of not helping those in need will cost us our eternity. The Lord wasn’t mincing words. He closely associates and becomes one with the needy. Well, so much for no coercion. If we could see our giving as an expression of worship, we would be more obliged. What we give out of kindness, is giving back to God what rightfully belongs to Him. 

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.(Matthew 25)’

Mercy is an offering from the heart. It’s acceptable to God before His Throne, and carries with it a reward. We should meet needs cheerfully, knowing that the Father keeps a memorial of our kindness to those in need. He blesses those who are willing to give, because they become His means to reach the less privileged. He uses our mercy towards others, to show mercy to us. By being merciful, we put down a deposit for our future hope.

Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. ² The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.³  The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed (Psalm 41).

Mercy holds a high place in God’s standing, especially as a form of worship. It can unlock the windows of heaven to pour out blessing, or it’s lack, can shut out our prayers from reaching God. It tests our attitude to material things that God has given us. By the measure we are willing to give, is the measure of our thanksgiving. True worship can never be without mercy.

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens. To let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? ⁷ Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? ⁸ Then your light shall break forth like the morning. Your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you. The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. ⁹ Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am’ (Isaiah 58).

Surely, will God not supply for what He wants us to do? Sometimes we worry too much about tomorrow, when we have what we need for today. Someone may not have what they need urgently, but we withhold from them what we think we need in the future. While we claim we trust God, we fail to let go, so that someone else may learn to trust Him and prove His Faithfulness. This is like killing two birds with one stone: We are failing to give someone else an opportunity to experience God’s Goodness, by being unwilling to let God use us to meet their needs. 

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you (Proverbs 3).

A grudge can be a hindrance to being merciful. The person needing help may have done us wrong before, and we may not see it befitting to offer them anything. In fact, it may seem like their struggles are their just deserts. But we should be better than our enemies, for our egos sake, right? Then why not prove that, by being compassionate? There’s good and evil and we have to pick which side we come out on. Mercy looks beyond past differences. It defines us more than it defines the offenses done against us.

We will choose good in a world where others take pride in evil. We will give hope, where others would prefer to turn away. We will worship God with everything He has given us, so that they may see The Living God Lives through His people.

20 Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12).

Forgiven

by Eileen Thugi | Apr 12, 2020 | Blog

CO-AUTHORED WITH KAYLA: MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER

 I stood in the crowd waiting to see what everyone was keenly watching. Then, he appeared riding on a donkey. Once everyone saw him, there was an uproar. It wasn’t an upset uproar but one of joy. However, the Pharisees lurked in the shade disgusted by the scene. People grabbed branches and broke them off the trees. They then waved them around wildly praising the one on the donkey. He didn’t look like someone from a wealthy family or an important figure, but he was calm and gentle. People shouted, “Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest!” Everyone was singing and dancing. It was as if the mood spread, like a plague, covering the entrance of the city. I couldn’t help but join in on the fun. 

Then on Friday, the same people who were shouting praise to this figure were now against him in large crowds, before the council. He looked different, but his expression did not change, still calm and gentle. He was bruised and beaten horrendously. He looked like he was hanging on life by a thread. A man so innocent and pure was being treated like a dirty criminal. 

Pilate, the governor, saw this man’s innocence and took a shot at persuading the crowd to let him go. He was required to release a criminal as it was the custom on Passover. He gave them a choice; the innocent man or Barabbas. However, the crowd pressed on, pressuring Pilate to sentence him to the death that was originally planned for that brutal murderer. After another beating, this kind man was forced to carry a cross up to Golgotha and take on the sins of everyone past, present, and future. This man faced torment worse than death—the wrath of God. 

 After the sixth hour, the sun was hidden in the thick gray clouds. Darkness covered the earth. His mother, who was watching it all, wept terribly. He told the man standing next to his mother, to take good care of her. Once he took his last breath and his heart had beat its last, he cried out with a bold voice, “It is finished!.” A large earthquake shook the hill, startling everyone who witnessed this.

The crowd disbanded and he was taken down from the cross to be buried in Joseph’s tomb; where no one else had laid before. When the commotion had settled and three days had passed, word came out that his body had disappeared. Some people said that the disciples stole his body from the tomb. However, that was what the council wanted them to believe. The reality of it all was that Jesus, the innocent man, had risen and conquered death. 

 This was a first-hand account of the events that happened through the week of Palm Sunday and Good Friday. It was based on Isaiah 53, the prophecy of Jesus’ death. While you read this, I hope you imagined yourself in the story. When I wrote this for a school assignment, it gave me chills. Just knowing that he went through so much pain just for us, left me in awe. It made me feel more grateful for his death and resurrection. 

Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Matthew 27:42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”

When I read these verses it became clear to me that he didn’t have to die for us. He could’ve done it another way. It also showed me that He could’ve come down from the cross, if it was too much for Him to handle. However, Jesus shows us and everyone who watched Him suffer that sin must be dealt with severely. There’s no other way around it. Even though He was suffering, and even though it was too much for Him to handle, He still chose to finish the job, because He loved us. He was the ultimate role model for humility and perseverance. 

Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

This verse is part of the prophecy. The first part of it is what I want to focus on. This Scripture tells us that it was God’s will for Jesus to suffer. It was His will to put His Son through pain that we cannot imagine. It was God’s will the whole time, to save us from our sin and break the shackles around our feet. It was His plan to free us from bondage and for that, we are grateful.  

This Easter, I want you to know that we didn’t deserve what we were given. We didn’t earn what we got. However, God is a Merciful God and gave us a second chance through Salvation; because it was His plan from the start. I want to close out with this: Are you sincerely grateful for His sacrifice and do you accept His salvation? 

Happy Easter!