Set Apart for Christ

Writer | My spilled inks on Faith✒️

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Moses was one of the greatest leaders of Israel. His birth itself proves that no man can stop God's plan in our lives. When Moses was born, it was a chaotic situation in Egypt. Because the Pharaoh had ordered to kill every male child born to the Hebrew household.

When Moses's mother saw that she could hide him no longer than three months, she gave up. She hid the child in a papyrus basket and let it float amoung the reeds along river Nile. But God did not give up on moses. He was found by the pharaoh's daughter who immediately took him as her own.

The same Palace that ordered to kill every Hebrew male child was now bringing up Moses. Not only that, his own mother was paid to raise him up in the palace. See, how God's working.

Similarly, there may be lot of barriers trying to prevent God's plan in our lives. But remember, no man can stop God neither no earthly force can prevent His plans for us.

At the same time, we need to submit ourselves to do His will and allow Him to use us. Like how God used Moses as one of the greatest leaders of Israel, He will use each one of you mightily if you let Him. Amen🙏

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Have you ever wondered if anyone knew what's in your heart? Maybe you expose yourself as a happy person, but there's something troubling you on the inside. You long for someone to know you deep from inside.

Even Joseph was troubled. But God saw Joseph's troubled heart about Mary being with child before marriage. He spoke to him in a dream and gave him peace regarding the situation.

Yes! God knows you more than you know yourself. He knows your darkest secrets. He knows what's troubling you on the inside. He knows your every thoughts and actions.

Proverbs 21:2 says," Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart." What the world can't see through you, God sees. And He wishes to set things right in your heart.

If you open your hearts to Him, He'll fill you with His peace that you're lacking. Your hearts will not be troubled. Invite Him and ask Him to fill you with His everlasting peace.

Amen 🙏

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There's this belief among some people that what's meant to happen will happen. Some think all blessings will eventually come and knock at our doors when the time is right. Yes of course! But before that God prepares us to receive those blessings. Unfortunately, God sometimes uses hard times to get our attention or to help us seek His will in our lives.

Most of the time these troubles make our life harder. But something amazing happens when God works in His way. During these times when we seek out answers, we find God waiting for us. God likes to work in ways that we do not expect. It is only in these unexpected ways we can see the mountains quake and God's glory being revealed.

If you read in Daniel, God could've kept Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego away from the furnace. But instead He let them into that hard circumstance to show He work in an unexpected way and protects the faithful.

Next time, when things are not going the way you expected, remember God may be using this opportunity to show you something different. Don't get frustrated or discouraged. Know that God works in unusual ways. Soon you'll witness the mountains quake in your life too. Amen 🙏

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1. Build your foundation firm in Christ

Like how a foundation is built as a first level to secure a building, in our spiritual walk a firm foundation in Christ is a necessity. Without this base you cannot stand firm in your faith at all. And without standing firm in your faith you cannot share it with others. So, first make your foundation stronger. Get close to God. Build your faith day by day. Nothing should be able to separate you from the love of God. No matter how many storms blow at you, you must be able to stand firm amidst them all.

In  1 Corinthians 16:13  we read " Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

When we are firm in faith nothing can shake us. We can live a life that can be shared with people who need to taste God's love.

2. Set an example to others

Job was a wealthy man. But he was also righteous. When he lost his children and all his wealth, his love for God did not become any less. He has set an example for us Christians that problems and losses are nothing compared to the Love of Christ.

As the proverb says, " Actions speak louder than words " your actions define your faith. More than you just speak about it, show them. Be an example to them. Let people taste God's love in you. Express your faith in your office, college, school and home through your actions. Some people understand your actions more than your words. Let your Godly life be an eye opener to others.

3. Your testimonies speak

Our faith can be shared through testimonies. We encounter miracles everyday. But do we share it with others? Testimonies can melt hardened hearts. Your testimonies have life and the power to change one's life. Don't be shy to proclaim what the Lord has done for you.

I chronicles 16:8 says, Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

When we proclaim God's deeds to others, many people can taste His love in their lives too. Share boldly the power of prayer and His word. When people start experiencing His love, faith starts to spread.

This is how we can share our faith with others. Never lose the opportunity to let people know how great and powerful your God is!

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How to be aware of false prophets?

Every one likes prophecies. Especially when someone keeps thier hands on your head and prophecy that your future is going to be blessed you get excited, don't you? But have you ever thought if the person really is a man/ woman of God and what they prophecy is really true?

In 1 John 4:1 we read, " Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

Not everyone has the spirit of God. Only those who acknowledge that Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners and He died for us and rose again on the third day has the true spirit of God.

Nowadays there are so many prophets who proclaim different kinds of gospel. Anything that does not glorify God's name is not of God. It is the spirit of the antichrist.

So, How to differentiate false prophets and real prophets?

2 Peter 2: 1-3 says," But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed  these teachers will exploit you  with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping."

A false prophet will be among you. That's how the enemy does his job. He will raise people from your own community or group or church. They will seem righteous on the outside but they're really not. They will decieve you and make your faith deteriorate. When they prophecy they will assume and tell the things that they know about you. It will not correlate with your life. Though outside they may look like very righteous people, inwardly they are unrighteous.

God has also warned us to know the false prophets by thier fruits. As we read in Luke 6:44

" Each tree is recognized by it's own fruit." We can easily judge a person by thier spiritual fruits. When someone is prophesying see if they live up to what they preach. They should represent the fruits of spirit through them. Also don't be easily lead away by the power of tongues. Remember even devil can imitate. A righteous person will have both in them. But the fruits of spirit is the main thing that represent us as a person of God.

Unlike false prophets, God sends His prophecies mainly through His word. When He gives us a promise about our future, He will keep reminding us till it is fulfilled. Also His promises will give us peace. False prophecies will rob you of your peace.

From now on, be aware and ask God for the wisdom to guide you in the right path. Do not fall into the enemy's trap. Always pray. God will give you the knowledge to be aware of such evil.

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Thoughts

Our thoughts determine our reality. Especially, being a Christian our thoughts play a key role in representing us as a righteous person. How are our thoughts? Are they positive? Or Are they selfish and evil?

Proverbs 23:7 says," As someone thinks within himself, so he is." Changing your thoughts will change your reality. If you think positively, you can face your reality in a positive way. Always keep your thoughts on fulfilling God's will in your life. Avoid evil and selfish thoughts. It can ruin your reality. If you tend to get distracted by negative thoughts, fight it with God's word.

Romans 12:2 says," Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will." Renew your thoughts with the word of God. It will help you to fix your focus on what's good. Do not think negatively about anyone. It can ruin your own peace. Fill your mind with God's word and He will fill you with good thoughts.

Actions

As they say, " Actions speak louder than words." Prove you're a Christian, not only through your words but through your actions. The world has heard enough gospel. There are people out there who are really in need of God's love which can't be given through words. Anyone can proclaim the gospel but it takes courage to show it through your actions. Be one such!

James 3:13 says," Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." God expects us to life a life of good deeds. Many people taste God's love through our life experiences. So make sure you live up to what you read in the Bible. I know it's not easy. But try. When you start practicing to live according to what you read, it does make a difference.

Conversations

Some people like to always sit idle and gossip all day long. Did you know every word that comes out of your mouth describes you as a person? Are your conversations cultivating true values? Or Are they ruining someone's dignity? Ponder!

Ephesians 4:29 says," Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Our conversations should not involve gossips, evil talks, malicious talks etc.... Always let your words be encouraging, inspiring, glorifying God.

In Matthew 12:36 we read, " But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." Remember we have to give account of every word that comes out of our mouth. With this in mind, change your conversations into more meaningful ones and do not open your mouth unless it's necessary. There's a proverb that says, " If speech is silver, silence is gold." Know when to speak and when to remain silent. This is one of the most important trait that we Christians need to possess. Above all ask God for the knowledge to guide you in using your words. He will surely give you the wisdom to follow all these traits. We can live a practical Christian life. Amen 🙏

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Psalm 37: 18,19

The days of the blameless are known to the Lord and thier inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither, in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

This is the assurance God gives to us, His people. Even when there is no food in the land, even when the famine strikes, the Lord's people will have their plenty. God always provides for His people. Like how he fed Elijah through a crow, He provides for us, His people miraculously.

How blessed we are!

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1. I SHOULD KNOW WHERE TO LOOK

Today, most of us have set our eyes on things we desire. But where are our spiritual eyes set on? Are they focused on Jesus? This is something very important to consider.

In Matthew 14:22-32, we read about the incident where Jesus walked on water. The same incident teaches us what lack of faith and distractions can bring on us. When Peter saw Jesus walking on water he was excited to join Him. He got down from the boat, kept his focus on Jesus and started walking on the water. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he walked steadily. But suddenly he got distracted by the winds and started to sink. Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him.

Similarly, most of us tend to get distracted by our external circumstances. Always keep your focus on God. I chronicles 16:11 says, " Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always." When we keep our focus on Jesus, we will never lose our path. He will guide us and take us along the perfect path He has designed for us.

2. I SHOULD KNOW WHOM TO TRUST

Samson was a nazirite meaning " Set aside for God." When the birth of Samson was foretold to his parents, they were warned that no razor must be used on his head. God had empowered him with supernatural strength. He was chosen by God to deliver his people from the Philistines. But Samson, as he grew up, ignored his godly vow and devotion and relied on his own strength rather than God's.

He started to put his trust on a philistine woman, Delilah. But his trust was betrayed by the woman he loved and trusted. He was blindfolded and held captive by his enemies. What happened in the end? His disobedience led to his downfall. He died along with his enemies.

This story teaches us a valuable lesson. Instead of putting our trust on worldly people we need to trust God. God will never betray us.

Jeremiah 17: 7,8 says," But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water  that sends out its roots by the stream." If you want to be a tree of blessing and flourish trust Jesus.

3. I SHOULD KNOW WHAT TO PRAY

Most people's prayer today are selfish. All people ask God is for blessings. Yes, we all want to be blessed. But God expect us to pray more than that. He wants us to talk to Him like a friend. He wants us to share our day's experience, our feelings and open our hearts to Him. David says in Psalm 25:4, " Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths." God expects this kind of Prayer from us. When we ask for heavenly blessings more than worldly blessings He will give us both.

From today on, let our prayers be about connecting with God rather than pressuring Him for our blessings. When you start talking to Him everyday, He will start working in your life everyday. Amen 🙏

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God speaks directly

God speaks to us in so many ways. In the beginning, Adam and Eve spoke to God directly. They heard his voice in the garden of Eden. Similarly, Moses heard God's voice in the burning bush. God spoke with him and guided him throughout his journey out of Egypt. Even Abraham heard God's voice. God spoke to him and gave him so many promises and fulfilled them at the right time.

God speaks through Angels

Angels are messengers of God. They convey the messages of God. Mary the mother of Jesus was surprised by Angel Gabriel who announced to her the birth of Jesus the Messiah. The same Angel conveyed the message of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah.

In acts 10, we read about Cornelius a centurion who prayed to God regularly. One day an Angel of the Lord appeared to Him and said, " Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God."

Like wise, God sends His messengers to convey His messages.

Through Visions and Dreams

Acts 2:17 says," I will pour out my spirit on all flesh, your young men will see visions, your old men shall dream dreams."

Yes! God speaks to us through dreams or visions. The three wise men who came to visit baby Jesus were warned in a dream to go back in another way because Herod was planning to harm the child.

Similarly God spoke to Joseph through dreams about his future.

Even today, God speaks to us through dreams and guides us.

Through His word

John 6:63 says," The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life."

Today, mostly God speaks to us through His word. When we read the Bible, He gives us His word which may correlate to our present situations. They can comfort us, bring us joy, guide us or warn us.

Through the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:26 says," Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

Sometimes we can hear people say, " I've got peace regarding this situation." When Holy Spirit guides us, we will never lose our path. God will keep guiding us each step of our lives through the spirit. In order to receive the Holy Spirit we need to accept Jesus Christ as our personal saviour. When we open our hearts, we let God take control of our lives. He will speak to us every day.

Apart from these, God also speaks to us through our circumstances, problems, people around us, media, experiences and so on. We just have to heed attention to what God is trying to teach us. When we keep our mind on listening to God's voice more than the world's, we surely can hear Him speak in our hearts.

Open your hearts and ask God for a clear conscience to hear His voice.

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Esther was a prayer warrior. When she realized the real purpose of her becoming queen, she did what pleased God even if it involved breaking the law. She fasted and prayed for three days and went to the king to plead for her people. Because of her prayer, she found favour in the eyes of the king. Today if we are put in the same situation, can we do what is right? Ponder!

Daniel was a slave boy brought to Babylon. He was a Prayer Warrior who prayed three times a day. Because of his powerful prayers, he was raised to become one of the powerful administrators in Babylon.

Like wise, if we pray, God can do wonders in our life. He can change the unchangeable situations in our life. Let's become warriors of Christ.

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God is close to the humble.

If you read Genesis 18:27, NIV: "Then Abraham spoke up again: 'Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes." Abraham humbled himself as a dust. Because he humbled himself, God talked with him and gave him so many promises. God blessed him and his generation.

If you read Job 40:4 "I am unworthy, how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth." Job humbled himself despite his sufferings. He did not let his wealth and riches take over him. He always kept God above him. Because of this humble attitude, God blessed him double of what he had lost.

If you read Psalm 34:6, "This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles." David was a great ruler of Israel. But here he humbles himself as a poor man. David earned a testimony from God as "the man after God's own heart."

Today whatever situations you are placed at, if you humble yourself, you will surely find favour in God's eyes. He will talk to you, guide you and bless you.

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If you see in the Bible, God rejected three people's prayer for certain reasons.

First when we see the life of David, he was a man after God's own heart. But he slipped and fell in to sin. He not only comitted adultery but also became the reason for Uriah's death. When God sent Nathan the prophet to warn him of his sin, David realized his mistake and fasted for days. Although God forgave him, he still took the life of the firstborn of Bathsheba and David. God did not hear his prayers. So, if you pray with a sinful heart God will not answer your prayers. You have to face the consequences of your sin.

Secondly when Jeremiah the prophet prayed for the people of Judah ( Jer 7), God said to him, " I will not listen to your prayers". The reason was thier sins. Imagine you are praying as a family or community for a growth or blessings and God has not answered your prayers, then unite together and repent your sins. Even one person's sin can become a barrier to blessings for the entire community or family.

Thirdly God did not hear Moses's prayer. (Duet 3:23-27) Although Moses begged God to let him inside Canaan God did not answer him. This was because of his disobedience. When God asked him to speak to the rock he hit the rock out of anger. Because of this disobedience he lost his blessings.

Even though our sins may be small it can become a barrier for God to answer our prayers. From now on make sure you pray with a clear conscience and open your prayers with repentance. Try to avoid doing things that do not please God. Surely he will answer you.

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The three blessings we get when we seek the Lord.

Psalm 34:10 says, " Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."

God loves those who put their trust in Him. When we seek God in our lives, we will not lack any blessings.

Secondly, when we seek God, we will not fear about our future. God will give us the assurance that He will guide us each step of our lives.

Finally, when we seek God, we don't have to worry about anything. God will take care of our lives.

Seek God every step of your lives and be blessed.

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We don't have to be perfect for an encounter with God. He came in to this world to save sinners. He expects us to come to Him as we are. When we open our hearts to let Him in, He Himself will come to bless you.

When Jesus was selecting His disciples, He said to them " come follow me and I will make you fishers of men". Most of His disciples were fishermen. If they would have doubted Jesus and refused to follow Him, they should have regretted.

But as soon as Jesus called them, they left their nets and followed Him at once. God did wonderous miracles through them. Like wise, be willing to listen to God's voice. Even if you're broken, or if you feel you have done the worst sin, open your heart today.

He will come to you and mend you.

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God shapes us through trials. Joseph was destined to be at the palace. But instead he was put into the palace dungeon. He was being prepared all along to become the second in command of whole Egypt.

Sometimes our trials and darkness in life is to prepare us for the upcoming blessings. Don't give up.

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Our commitment to God

As Christians we all know that if we commit our lives to God, we will never fail. So how should we commit to God?

If you read Psalm 37:5 ," Commit your ways to the lord; trust in Him and He will do this."

Firstly, we need to commit our ways to Him. When we do so, surely we will not wander into sin.

If you read Proverbs 26:3," Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed."

Secondly, Commit whatever you do. Abel commited his first of everything as offering to the Lord and the Lord showed favour on him. Like wise, begin every step of your life with God and He will make your plans succeed.

If you read Psalm 51:17," The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite heart. O God, you will not despise."

Thirdly, commit your heart to God. You don't have to be perfect. Just give your sinful burdened heart to Him and he will fill you with His peace.

If you read Romans 12:1," Therefore I urge you, btothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship."

Last but not the least, commit your bodies to God as living sacrifices. Guard your body with holiness and do not conform to the world. Our bodies are the temple of God. Keep it holy.

Let's commit ourselves and become worthy to be called children of God.

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Walk righteously in the midst of unrighteous people.

Noah walked a blameless life although he lived in the midst of sinners. When God asked Noah to build an ark, people around laughed at him. Even today, we get laughed for leading a righteous life. But because Noah did not heed attention to the worldly people and obeyed God, he and his family were saved from the great flood.

Like wise, if we hold on to God despite how the world treats us then surely we will be saved.