Lev 24:1-2 says:
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to make the lamps burn continually.

As Christians, there are many things we can ask ourselves when it comes to our lives according to the word of God. Do you possess the Humility, Sensitivity, and what I believe to be the most important of all, the Availability of Samuel? As Christians, we have to minister the word of God to un- believers and believers alike, but while the Gospel news is about the Hope of God, Power in the holy spirit, Joy, Peace, and Gods love. There is the reality of Hell, and we cannot be preaching the whole Gospel truth apart from this reality.

What would it take to let your fire burn out? Whatever that may be, lay it on the altar before God

Are you willing “to Know, to go, to grow”. That statement may seem confusing, but very true. Are you willing to KNOW God personally, in order to be used or present yourself as AVAILABLE? What about to grow in the wisdom and understanding of God? When you begin to surrender to God, people can see it and most importantly, they can feel it. What would it take to let your fire burn out? Whatever that may be, lay it on the altar and Let God truly begin to shape and mold your life. It’s never too late start being Available to the service of God in every area of our lives!

By Sofia S.

Life can be great when there’s good things going on.  But life has a hard way of reminding us that not every day is sunny from the inside out.  We all ride the roller coaster, and we can find ourselves at times, gripping the safety bar in frustration.  So what happens to our carefree smiles then?  Are we able to keep our hearts happy when our days seem mundane or empty?

Oh how precious are the gifts that come straight from the throne of God…

Uncircumstantial joy is invaluable.  It’s a fullness in our spirit that does not rely on a particular situation or event.  It remains strong within us, even when the world seems grim.  I have found myself at times starting my morning by looking ahead for something to look forward to- to get excited about.  But when I turn my eyes away from the ordinary, and remind myself of the strong, purposeful love of Christ, it makes those moments pale in comparison.

Uncircumstantial joy is a treasure held by the Christian- those who know and trust Christ, and those who commune with Him daily.  He is the One who’s love is so strong for us that it took Him to the cross.   He is living joy.  Ever present. Undying.  Now what party invitation or great gift can compare to that?  Really.

Excitement and happiness are wonderful feelings of emotion that make life fun and enjoyable- I’m not undervaluing that.  But when I experience times in my life that are heavy and burdensome, it has been only Christ’s gentle hand touching my days that has covered my soul with hope.  It fills me- not just with a simple joy- but with joy bubbling over.  It has been so grand at times that it has even made me laugh.

You see, the joy only Christ provides sees us through a lifetime of ups and downs. It’s something that no counsellor or 12-step program can bring.  Christ’s joy brings a brightness to our outlook, and this makes it easier to roll out of bed in the morning, and to sleep soundly at night.  It is very real- making even bitter trials taste sweet.

Most things in life worth getting come through hard work.  But this is a unique gift- something God pours over His child freely when they bask in His goodness- when they wholly trust and keep their eyes and hearts stayed on Him.

Oh how precious are the gifts that come straight from the throne of God…

“I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete.”  John 15:11 

By Cheryl C.

A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men - Proverbs 18:16

Although this is a modern approach to business, it is not a new concept. 2000 years ago, Jesus taught His disciples this powerful truth, as He was sending them out into the world of their day. As they went forth, He instructed them not to take any provisions or supplies with them, but to take what they freely had received, and to freely give it (Matthew 10:8). Jesus understood something that many people miss, that is, the key to open doors in life (opportunity), is to always have something to give, or value to add. Elsewhere, the Bible says it this way, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16). Or in other words, the secret to finding open doors of opportunity in life is to have something that we can bring to the table, and share with others. This can make the difference between success and failure in our life’s endeavors. This is a simple principle that is true in all of life and yet many people miss it!

Think of how this principle applies in these areas:

Employment: I have seen many people over the years that start jobs with the idea that the company somehow owes them a living. Later, they get frustrated when they discover that what they thought was their career path, is really nothing but a treadmill. Over the years, as a Christian, I have found that if I worked hard and helped my employer become more effective or efficient, my work was appreciated and generally rewarded financially. Employees who add value are “valuable” to employers. The key to career advancement is to be more concerned with the size of your contribution that they size of your compensation. Compensation follows contribution.

Leadership: Sometimes people are given a leadership position and they want to make sure that everyone understands who is in charge. However, Jesus taught a different approach to leadership when He said, “the leader should be like a servant” (Luke 22:26). Many years ago I read an article that stated simply, “leadership is like money in the bank, you can’t make withdrawals without first making deposits”. Though I have since lost track of the article, the principle truth has always remained with me. Another way of saying this is… first be a blessing, then you will be blessed.

Sales: Our local Costco sells bottled water incredibly cheap, whenever my wife and I go there to pick up water we always pick up a few other things since we are already there. Costco is practicing the principle of “value added” or in this case they might refer to the bottled water as a “loss leader”. A “loss leader” is goods sold at cost or below cost, in order to bring customers into the store and stimulate buying. This seems to be the current trend used by developers of software and Internet web apps; give a product or service away and bring in advertising and/or subscriber fees to generate income. Google became a multi-billion dollar company using this method.

“Value added” is the principle that Jesus taught His disciples and business people get it – to be successful you must “freely give”. Jesus made a relevant observation regarding this principle when he said,  “the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light” (Luke 16:8).

A good question to ask ourselves is, “What can I presently do to add value to… my family, my friends, my job, my school, or my church?” If we embrace this Biblical mindset, truly we will live a valuable life!

This joy is foundational to the Christian life. It is a strength; a place of safety, a shelter and covering. Joy protects because when you are without it, you are defenseless against the wiles of the enemy. Because Satan has a difficult time destroying a joyful person, he will do anything and everything to keep us in misery. Those who are bound in this misery are more likely to fall into sin, hurt others, be the source of trouble and gossip. This all flows from a miserable heart.

But the joy of the Lord protects us from that.

Holocaust survivor Victor Franco said, “Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Will you choose to pursue a lifelong relationship with the One who’s presence brings joy? In His presence there is fullness of joy. So the key to a joyful heart is to draw near to Him!

Nehemiah 8:9-12

9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. 
10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” 
12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.

By Rex L.

Our song might resemble a classic, when joy and self-control intertwine and create a harmonious masterpiece.  But at times the background music of our thoughts might resemble something more like clamouring cymbals.  What is it that you hear when you listen closely and allow your thoughts to come to the forefront, during those quiet moments of your day?  You may hear it loudest when you’re walking alone or driving by yourself.  You may hear it most when you’re at work with something that doesn’t require much attention.  Is that song you hear melodic and beautiful, or would you rather not claim ownership to that composition?

How many times have we been guilty of lashing out in frustration, only to step back and ask ourselves where in the world that outburst came from?

The song of our heart influences our actions much more than we may give credit.  How many times have we been guilty of lashing out in frustration, only to step back and ask ourselves “where in the world that outburst came from?”  In contrast, how many times have we experienced something confrontational, only to slay it’s strength with love and grace?

Our “background music” is influenced most by what instruments we invite to play a part.  Feeding our minds and hearts with the Word of God and listening to His quiet whispers will produce something amazing within us.  Not allowing people or situations to govern our emotions, and choosing to speak words of life and hope, will create a beautiful piece of music, and one worthy of giving ear to.

Be aware and on guard when the song of jealousy, anger, and envy start playing louder in your background.   Don’t let your song be something penetrating and obnoxious, something you’d never want to replay in the presence of others.  Let the music your mind plays be something worthy of God’s attention- something that brings life and health.

After all, isn’t life a compilation of days spent, one by one?  One day at a time, we can learn to master the instruments of love, peace, joy, and grace.  And at the end of our days, we can reflect on our life’s ballad and rejoice in it’s intricate details.  In it’s melody, it’s harmony, and in every instrument that played a vital part in our personal masterpiece.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”- Galatians 5:22-23

By Cheryl C.

In our Scripture, we see Shechem, the prince of the land sexually violating Jacobs’ only daughter, Dinah. The Bible says when Shechem saw Dinah, he took her and laid with her and violated her. Now flash-forward to our generation: Today we are still motivated by that same violating spirit. It is the “getting my needs’ met” mentality.

We live in a generation where the view point of men and women include a self gratifying spirit.

We live in a generation where the view point of men and women include a self gratifying spirit. Self-gratification is defined as “…the act of pleasing or satisfying oneself, especially the pleasure of one’s own impulses, needs, or desires.” This was sin before the eyes of the Lord then, it is still sin today.

But where was Jacob during this time? Why did he allow his only daughter to go to such a land unprotected? Could it be that Jacob was too preoccupied to take note of the fact that his daughter was gone to another area and without any form of protection?  As the head of the household, he was responsible for the spiritual well being of his family. Why? Because dangers are lurking! So likewise, as fathers, as men of God, He has given men spiritual authority to serve and defend his family.

In response to Dinahs’ violation, her brothers Simeon and Levi took up arms and slayed the whole city. They were motivated by vengeance: a conscious, wilful decision to harm another. Yes, their sisters’ violation was deplorable but sometimes the reaction to sin is much worse than the sin itself.

Listen to what Romans 12:9 says, “19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” 

In spite of these wrongs, Shecham was willing to own up to his sin and make things rights by being a man of principle in marrying Dinah. He resolved to commit his life to her. He had a sense of doing right. The dire need of the hour is for men of God to be men of principle.

God says in Revelations 12:11, “ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death…”

Infused in Jacobs’ character was the concern of his personal testimony. Are you concerned with yours? Do non-believers see your life as an exemplary example of Christian character? Do they see Jesus in you? Given the context of immorality in our generation, testimony of the fruit of the Spirit must be demonstrated. There must be a distinction between the Christian and the non-Christian.

Part of a Christian testimony is the aspiration to protect the ones you love from evil. Even though Simeon and Levi responded wickedly, they were fervent in their spirit to defend their sisters’ honour. Men of God are protectors. Men of God are defenders of God’s children, especially His daughters. How well are you treating God’s people?

1 Timothy 5: 1-2 declares, “ Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger as sisters, with all purity.”

Even though there are many wrongs we can draw out in our text, be challenged to be a people of principle, marked by a godly testimony to defend and protect His people.

Jesus has given us full authority to overcome the temptations of life and the assaults of the enemy

If you’re lacking in faith, then you do not have God’s power of dominion. God has called us to have the victory, but without faith it can be rather futile to feel the effectiveness of one who has had dominion. Jesus has given us full authority to overcome the temptations of life and the assaults of the enemy, but instead we allow our flesh to consume us and lead us astray. We become irate and without peace, unable to maintain a healthy Christian life because all power has been lost. Because of this lost, the enemy now has full control, using us in any way he likes, because we have given up the fight!

But there is hope, your dominion can be regained! With God all things are possible and through Him you can overcome. You don’t have to lose the battle, but can be a winner because of your persistent fight, and faith in the One who gave you the power to proceed. Trust in Him and read the Word He has made available for all to follow. Humble yourselves before Him and make your voice heard. Being silent will not give you the power of dominion, but only through strength and boldness!

“Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.”
Malachi 4:3 

by Karesia J.

Although our behaviour can affect the walls that we are trying to build, our appearance can also be a hindrance. 

Although our behaviour can affect the walls that we are trying to build, our appearance can also be a hindrance. Who you are when no one is looking speaks a lot of your overall character. A child of God will always shine and appear to be righteous in the light, but most importantly in the dark, when no one is around and when no one can see.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 

by Karesia J.

How are you building your life? Are you giving ear to the failing power of your own wisdom or are you listening to the words of Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures?

However, even though we may see with our physical eyes, it is possible to have no vision; no heavenly vision from the Lord.

It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision- Helen Keller

How much more so is this true for the believer? Instead of being led by the heavenly vision to follow Him all the days of our lives, we find ourselves entangled in the earthly, the temporal vision. God has more in store for His people than we can ever imagine. Do you remember when you first turned from your sin and unto the Lord? Do you remember the dreams and visions He gave you regarding your life in Him? It was so grand, so impossible that only by the grace of God that we could ever see it fulfilled. Do you still believe?

Be encouraged and challenged in the new year to rekindle that heavenly vision because, “.. it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

What is your vision?

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

by Rex L.