The Cedars of (God) Lebanon

 

The righteous will flourish! Hallelujah

We are made righteous through the death of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!!!! Romans 3:22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are

Psalm 92:12 - But the righteous will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the “Cedars of Lebanon”

Psalm 104:16 The trees of the LORD are well cared for— the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.

We are the trees the Lord planted on earth.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.

We are promised that we will grow strong like the Cedars of Lebanon. The Cedars of Lebanon is the most famous Cedar patch and is one of the last vestiges of old growth forest. They are one of the rarest patch where the Cedrus Libani still grows. They were used to build the temple built by King Solomon. We are the church the Lord Jesus is building Ephesians 2:20-21 NLT.

The Phoenicians used Cedar Wood to build their ship making them become the world first Sea-Trading civilization. Just like the Cedars, Jesus is using us to build his church to bring the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.

The Cedar tree symbolises resilience, immortality, strength and elevation. Through Jesus Christ who abides with us we are resilient as those who trust in him will be like Mount Zion that cannot be shaken but abides forever Psalm 125:1. Through his death we are immortal and will live on after we leave the earth 1 Corinthians 15:22. He promises to give us strength even when we feel weak 2 Corinthians 12:9 and to elevate and prosper us Jeremiah 29:11

The Cedars of Lebanon is a UNESCO World heritage site. “The sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity" (Wikipedia). We are God’s chosen people, we are the salt of the earth, we should add value to everyone and everything we encounter; we are the light of the world and we are to give light to the world around us Matthew 5:13-16. To be selected as a world heritage site, the site must have a unique landmark, identifiable and have a special significance. We were created for great works God prepared in advance for us to do Ephesians 2:10.

The Cedars of Lebanon are protected by UNESCO and are demarcated as protected zones. God promises to keep us safe under his shadow, where no evil can happen to us Psalm 91. We are protected and shielded from the enemy 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Though we may have challenges we will overcome them in the name of Jesus Psalm 34:19. Halleluyah!!!!

The Cedars of Lebanon can survive in a challenging environment. “ The ancient Cedars of Lebanon have outlived empires and survived modern wars (New York Times) God promises that when we go through deep waters, God will be with us; when we pass through the rivers of difficulty, they will not drown us, when you walk through the fire of oppression, we will not be burned; the flames will not consume us. Isaiah 43:2 Hallelujah!!!

In order to protect the Cedars from destruction of climate change, various Lebanese conservation groups are trying to diversify their location and expand their population. The main goal of replanting, they say, is to make the cedar forests larger and more resilient to whatever future environmental pressures they face. (New York times July 2018). God is calling us out to go into the world and make disciples of every nation, to baptise in the name of the Father, son and holy spirit. Matthew 28:19-20. The Lord is calling us to a revival to take over the world from the ruler of darkness; to restore order to the world through his world Luke 4:18; to bring heaven to earth and change the world order to his glory Matthew 6:10. The Good news has to be preached throughout the earth so that all nations will hear it Matthew 24:14

God promised us we will grow strong like the Cedars of Lebanon. His promises are true 1 Corinthians 1:9 WNT, Numbers 23:19, Deuteronomy 7:9 and his word will achieve everything it has been spoken for Isaiah 55:11. Every word he has spoken will be fulfilled Joshua 21:45.

To enjoy his blessings, you have to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is our Lord and saviour Romans 10:9-10. If you have desire to know more please send an email to WomanafterGodsheart23@gmail.com

God is not National Lottery

The amount of offering you give in church does not determine the amount of blessings God chooses to bestow on you! God is not the "National lottery"


 Romans ‭9:10-17‬ ‭Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”


We should give to express God's love to humanity! To make life better for others! To show gratitude for what God has blessed us with! We give to show trust in God that we know he is in control and will give us "our daily bread". Giving doesn't have to be money! Sowing positive time into lives of others, a hug, food on the table for those that can't afford it, training someone to learn a new skill that will empower them, creating positive opportunities for others, a smile, praying with and for others, a kind word, encouraging people are all ways of giving! God loves a cheerful giver not an obligated giver or someone that gives so that they can reap a hundred fold! Yes whatever you sow you will reap but the reaping depends on how God determines not in doubling the amount you put down in church! In reaping it could be generations to come that will reap the seeds you or I have sown! Ultimately what matters is eternity! Our focus should be on being Christ like and making the world a better place not playing lottery in church. If you want to gamble try the National lottery or euro millions!

Christianity really is about having a relationship with God. That's exactly what it is, having your own relationship with our father Jehovah! Most of us don't need an intermediary to have discussions with our earthly fathers except in cases where the relationship has irrevocably broken down.
So why do we need anyone to be an intermediary between us and God who has clearly given us a tool "prayer" to talk to him and his guiding rules "The Bible" to get an understanding of what he expects of us and promises to depend on.
No man is perfect and I am glad God has made us all perfect in his own image but as imperfect human beings so we can keep our focus on him. So remember that your prayer leader and pastor you look up to are not perfect.
No one needs to tell you how to have a relationship with God. Get into the word! Read the bible. One verse a day and you will be amazed how much you have learnt in a year. You will be amazed how much peace you will have knowing God is simple and his ways are not to make life difficult or a misery. There is no prescription to salvation except accepting the Lord as your Lord and saviour and following biblical truths. Everything else is man made. Remember we worship God and not man!
Get into the word today! Pray for yourself. No one can pray on your behalf or explain your situation like you can. Remember Hannah in Shiloh.
Follow the simple truths in the Bible.
The bible says in this world we will have trouble but Christ has overcome the world. He will be with you even in those challenging times. No season lasts forever. But pls do not place our salvation on anyone's prescription. God alone is enough!!!!

Unity in Christ

One of the main difference between Christianity and other religions is the huge amount of denominations that exists in Christendom. In some parts of the world there is an average of two to three churches on every street. With so many churches everywhere, one will expect the world will be a better place. Unfortunately this is not the case. The devil is waging war against the people of God by bringing discord amongst denominations, ensuring Christians get wound up in their own denomination, and are not accepting of other denominations. Everyone believes their own way of serving God is the right one. Romans 3:22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference.

We all know that a house that prays together sticks together, as long as there is division amongst all the various churches, it will be a challenge or virtually impossible for Christians to be as effective as other religions. To make life easier there are also different translation of our bible, whilst this is supposed to help our understanding of the word of God, sometimes some of the message loses its real meaning in translation.

No one is perfect and we can only be made perfect through Christ. We should all play a part in bringing the house of God together. Turning your nose up at other churches does not by any means make you better than people that worship in that church. We need to be respecting of everyone’s way of approaching Christ, as long as it is Jesus and God they call on, we are all still on the same page. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus

The scandals within various churches seem to reiterate that what matters most is our own individual right standing with God. The church you go too does not determine the type of Christian you are.

The message of Christ is of love. Love one another with the love of God. That’s the commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ. So before you condemn the church down your road, your friend’s church or any church; think about the message of love and the unity that Christ desires for us all as Christians. Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

We all need to come together and have one voice through the word of God, we can reach out to the world if we have one voice, show love and respect for one another regardless of which denomination we worship in. Ephesians 4: 2-6 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

If you truly want to make a difference, please visit organisations like http://www.churches-together.net/ http://www.streetpastors.co.uk/

Trusting

I totally trust God I hear most Christians say including myself but do we really? We only need something to test our faith before we realise how much we trust God.
God is the same yesterday, today and forever; yet when we face our human struggles it’s hard to see things in the spiritual realm. It seems easy to use a daily devotional, pray as a family and do all things we think God requires of us when the going is good; its harder to do these things when the going gets tough; yet God wants us to have a relationship with him regardless of what we are going through. Our parents are usually the first people we turn too when we have problems we cannot solve so in the midst of the storm, God should still be our first port of call.

He promised that; Psalm 34:10 the lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD will lack no good thing. God is the same God that blesses us even when everything around seems dry and it looks as if there is no way things can work out.

He has a plan for every one of us, we just need to trust and know that he will surely make a way when the time is right. Time and time again in the bible, God blessed people even when there was famine in the land, In Genesis 26; God blessed Isaac, he blessed him so much that his enemies were jealous, closed up the entire well his father Abraham had dug and sent him away to another part of the land; God continued to bless him even more. Eventually his enemies came to beg him and make peace.

We need to realise that if we walk right with God he will surely be there for us, through good or bad. He did not say we will not go through trials or challenges; what he promised us is that he will be there for us and he will lift us up.

I don’t know what you are going through right now but whatever it is leave it at the door of God; get on your knees and talk to your father who is so gracious and will meet you at every point of your need. Isaiah 40:30-31 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Stay Connected

I do love my BB (BlackBerry) so much and am sure many of you reading this are just like me (admit it). I take my bb everywhere with me. Why? I believe I have important people on it that I want to be in touch with and I want them to be able to reach me anytime they want too.
I have been guilty of getting late to places because I forgot my bb a home and felt the need to go and pick it up just in case I miss that important call, or message. Although some people will find this strange, it’s the reality of what happens in these modern times.

There is an emotional need within us all to be connected to our loved ones; to know they are ok; to know they can reach us and we can reach them whenever we want too. There is a kind of need being satisfied by being in touch. Imagine having this sort of connection with God! This will be so awesome. Am sure God himself will be delighted that we are in constant touch and he can reach us whenever he chooses too. So have we got our bb on for God? Because I know he has his bb on ready to connect with us.

How do we switch our bb on to connect with God? Reading, meditating on the word of God and praying blesses and increases our spiritual connectivity. God will speak to us constantly through his word if we spared a little time to just read it daily. Half a chapter is enough to meditate on daily. When we require one of our friends or family to help us out, again we send a bb message, make a phone call or send an email. It’s faster and cheaper; guess what? Praying is the same; it’s free; faster and cheaper. God is delighted to hear from us all the time and says he will answer our prayer if we believe he will. John 14:14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! Mark 11:24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. Whilst it’s important to set apart some time to pray daily; praying through out the day is just as effective. We just need to stay connected.

We need to be in tune with the spirit of God throughout the day, God will talk to us daily through his word, our prayers, colleagues and through things that happen around us. He loves us so much that even with all our sin he still chooses to talk to us, listen to us, bless us and he is willing to forgive us.

There is a kind of inner peace that comes with being switched on with God. Peace and happiness radiates through people that are connected to God; He is the only one that can give everlasting peace. John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

So remember whenever you check your bb for that message from a friend or a loved one, remember to check you’re still connected to God too. It only takes a few minutes throughout the day to check and make sure you’re connected to the almighty. Stay connected.

Still want more? Start sowing more!!!

Everyday I talk to Christians, I realise there is an insatiable quest for more and more blessings.
Am not saying we should not pray for blessings from God but do we show appreciation for the blessing we have right now? And are we sowing seeds with the blessings we have right now. To reap more, you need to sow more.

The parable of the travelling man

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several abilities; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained another two. But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his Lord's money. After a long time the Lord of those servants comes, and reckons with them. And so he that had received the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered to me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His Lord said to him, Well done, you good and faithful servant - you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your Lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His Lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your Lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed: and I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth: lo, there you have what is yours. His Lord answered and said to him, You wicked and lazy servant, you know that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not scattered seed: you ought therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it to him which has ten talents. For to every one that has shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that which he has. And cast you the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth

We need to realise first that God blesses us according to what he believes we can handle, however what are we doing with the “little” we have? A lot of people use up all they have without acknowledging the needs of those around them, yet they don’t understand how they never seem to have enough or even have increase.
God says that you cannot reap where you have not sown. If you get blessed by God but no part of your blessing is making a difference, you cannot expect to reap more.

My young daughter and I took part in the race for life for cancer research recently, I sent out numerous emails to friends and family to raise awareness of this cause and to raise money for the charity. I was so shocked at what little response I got from Christians. I know some people have not been touched by cancer through families or friends but the point is, there are so many people all over the world suffering from this terrible illness and through the support of this charity, so many people are now surviving.

More shocking is the fact that I raised a lot more than I initially thought I will, but 90% of the donation came from people that did not know God, the law of sowing and reaping works even for people that do not know God. I spoke to a lot of other believers at the event and they were all complaining about how little they got from their Christian families.

For our blessings to increase we should show gratitude to God for what he has done by sowing into lives of the needy, by doing this also we are planting for our own harvest. As Christians we need to stop preaching the bible but acting it out.

It does not have to be cancer research charity but search your heart today. What difference are you making? I pray God will continue to minister to us and open our hearts to the plights of people that need our love and support.