A Lesson From Barzillai
In 2nd Samuel 19:31-39, you’ll encounter a wealthy man called Barzillai. The Bible says he was eighty years old and when king David was on the run from Absalom, this wealthy man had provided food for the king during his stay in Mahanaim. When king David was restored to his throne, he asked Barzillai to come with him to Jerusalem so that for honoring and helping him (king David), he will ensure that Barzillai is taken care of for the rest of his life. If you read further, Barzillai turned down the offer and instead, asked the king to give that blessing to his son Kimham instead. King David honored it and as it stands, he showed Kimham, Barzillai’s son, favor for the rest of his life.
My mother on several occasions will say to people, “I am doing this for my descendants”. That is, whatever kindness and goodness that comes out of her life, she’s storing blessings for her descendants. Barzillai’s story was a confirmation of what my mother usually will say. My question is, are we storing kindness and goodness to people so that they can repay us or bless our descendants for that sake? Be part of someone’s rising so that they will remember you when they take their throne. Be a helper to someone in need so that life will in turn help you back.
I pray that you will be the help someone needs this week and may someone also show you and your descendants kindness for that sake. I declare it is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
The Joy Of The Lord
Nehemiah 8:10 AMP
Then Ezra said to them, “Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.”
I was having a discussion with a friend about how much we have become accustomed to misery and sorrow, so much so that we sometimes feel guilty for being happy or laugh even for a moment. Even friends or acquaintances who might know some information about your personal challenges get caught up in this as well - they will murmur in their hearts, “why is she happy with all her problems?” Satan has literally created a stronghold in our minds that until everything in your life is perfect, you shouldn’t experience joy or happiness.
I take down that stronghold and take captive every such thought to conform to the mind of Christ. I’d like to remind you that the Joy of the Lord is your strength and fortress. You don’t need a perfect life to be happy. God does mighty things even in your imperfections. The things you can control in life by all means do but if you have trusted God with your life, your challenges and desires, then allow the Holy Spirit to pour out His peace and joy into your life. The same peace that caused Jesus to sleep soundly when the storm was raging the boat. Receive that peace in any and every situation in your life. I decree it is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.
Greater Things Will You Do!
John 14:12-14 (NIV)
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
When Jesus made these statements I believe He meant it for our generation today. An army has arisen for the Lord and it is mind-blowing to see ordinary men growing in Faith and Prayer and becoming supernatural. The Spirit of God is showcasing Himself in all His pomp and glory and it is a mighty thing to behold. The lame is walking again, women are receiving their dead back to life, the deaf hear, the blind are seeing and people sentenced to death by untreatable ailments are being restored back to life. Long standing issues and afflictions are being terminated. People who did not have a choice now do, and it’s a choice of prayer and seeking the face of God.
Let your hope and faith arise because God is alive and He is for you, with you, and will accomplish His purposes through you. You will do greater things and no word from God concerning your life will fall to the ground. It is so and so it is in Jesus’ name. AMEN!
XOXO,
Lady Abena.