Turning the world Right-side Up.

Turning the World Right-Side Up 

I had one aspiration while growing up, that was to be a super star. After watching Hannah Montana I just felt they would be my own spot on the lime light. 

Well I didn't know how my superstar self would be birth but I also wanted to turn my own world upside down. I wanted to manifest just like I had seen it done in walt Disney. 

At some point, we've all asked ourselves: 

"How can I turn my world upside down?" But have we ever stopped to consider what this phrase truly means? 

God provides an answer to this in Psalm 146:9, stating, "The way of the wicked He turns upside down." If God reserves upside-down turns for the wicked, what hope do His children have?

The answer lies in the New Testament, where the apostles were referred to as "those who have turned the world upside down" (Acts 17:6). 

How can one phrase represent chaos and destruction in one verse and that same phrase in another verse represents salvation, transformation and redemption. 

 Paul and Silas' bold preaching of faith and transforming God's people is depicted in this verse.Acts 17:6 - "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. 

It's not about turning a properly fitted world upside down but taking bold steps to turn it right-side up.

God's Agents for Transformation

As believers, we are God's agents for putting a topsy-turvy world upright. Our role is to bring light to darkness. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." Believers shine as stars, while unbelievers are like black holes, absorbing light.

As believers to turn the world upside down you should;

1. Shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15)
2. Stand firm in our faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
3.  Share the Gospel of Christ boldly (Acts 4:29)
4. Trust in God's sovereignty (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Turning the world right-side up requires you exercising a bold faith, unwavering trust, and a willingness to shine God's light. As His agents, we can transform our world, one step at a time.

Being agents of light is not about us. It’s about God and His love for everyone. Even those who are difficult to love. 

God wants to partner with people who can use whatever they are and represent to turn their world to him, while trusting Him that He knows what He is doing.  He is ever present and ready to help us turn our worlds upside down to his glory. 

Do you want that kind of partnership with God now? 

Psalm 6, For those who seek Victory over Pain.

Finding Comfort in Times of Despair

She reached out to me, tears streaming down her face. "Does God really care about me?" was her desperate cry. It had been over a year since graduation, and the rejection emails kept piling up.

The Reality of Suffering

The book of Psalms is filled with laments and sorrow. This shouldn't surprise us, given what David went through. As a king, he faced triumph and battles where he needed God's help constantly. His experiences remind us that life is messy and painful.

The Psalmist's Cry

When challenges come, we often forget to praise and focus on the issue. We get caught up in our emotions and struggles. But David's story shows us that even in the darkest moments, there is hope. As 2 Corinthians 7:5 says, "For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn - fighting without and fear within." In those times, we tend to send prayers of healing, deliverance, and restoration, seeking relief from our struggles.

Dialogues in the Hole

The book of Psalms holds dialogues that stem from our "hole moments," moments of despair and sorrow. Yet, they're all crowned with praise. David, despite his struggles, always said, "I will bless the Lord, for He is good, and His mercies endure forever." He knew that even in the darkest times, God's presence was his only hope.

Have You Ever Felt This Way?

Have you ever felt lost and isolated, like you're stuck in a hole? That feeling of confinement, limiting your movement, is a universal symbol of life's challenging seasons. You're not alone. We all experience those dark moments, and it's okay to question God's presence and faithfulness.

A Cry for Help

In those moments, conversations start - dialogues in the hole, moments where we question God's ability to "see us." Psalm 6 is one of the penitential psalms that shows David's laments and cry for help in times of chaos and trouble. David poured out his heart, saying:

1 "Please, God, no more yelling, no more trips to the woodshed."

2 "Treat me nice for a change; I'm so starved for affection. Can't you see I'm black and blue, and soul?"

3 "God, how long will it take for you to let up?"

Yet, in verse 8, David declares, "The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will accept my prayer." This sudden change in tone is remarkable.

Triumph in Pain

David's confidence in God's comfort is inspiring. Despite his struggles, he knew that times of laments are seasons that pass in life. It's in those troubles that we gain strength for our spiritual sanity. By exercising his faith, David moved from darkness to light, from disorientation to orientation.

David's story teaches us that it's okay to be God's child and be in despair, in a hole. But that's not where it ends. We should take our feelings to God in prayer. David's song was a heartfelt invitation to trust in God's care and presence.

God's Invitation

In our darkest moments, God supplies our every need, including comfort in despair. He is our ever-present help. Will you say yes to Him today?

Dealing with fear and God's provision for our assignments: Moses.

When Fear Comes Knocking, What Do You Do?

Have you ever been scared? When fear knocks at your door, what do you do?

Some time ago, I heard a story about a man who wanted to start a film production ministry. For his first project, he needed financial support, so he invited all of his wealthy friends, expecting they would contribute to his opening ceremony. There were things he wanted to sort out, and he needed the funds to make it happen. To his surprise, when his friends and even his sister whom he believed that even if no one else gives, my sister works in an oil company She will give, when they showed up, none of them gave him a single dime for the project. He was angry and confused. After reflecting on it, he realized the root of his disappointment: he had placed his trust in the help of men to make the realization of an assignment given by God to come to pass, instead of trusting God.

Oftentimes, we say, “I fear nothing. I fear no one. I can do all things through Christ.” But when situations arise that demand boldness, a sudden rush of fear can overwhelm us. It often creeps in unexpectedly and dwells within us in certain circumstances.

So, here's the question: What is the thing God has asked you to do that you are afraid to take on? What is the task God has shown you that you are predestined to accomplish, but you feel there’s no way you can achieve it? Are you scared because you haven’t made room for God’s help in your life?

Moses and His Fear

Moses had an encounter with God when the Lord asked him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses responded, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Ex. 4:10).

God replied, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Ex. 4:11-12).

But Moses continued to resist, saying, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (Ex. 4:13). Moses was afraid of what he had been asked to do. He tried to offer other excuses, saying, “You know I can’t speak—send someone else.” But God insisted that Moses was the one He had chosen for the task.

God Calls the Inadequate

God doesn’t call the capable; He calls the incapable and then empowers them to fulfill the task He has assigned. Moses was afraid. He feared that Pharaoh would kill him, especially since he had killed someone in Egypt earlier. There were many reasons why Moses felt unqualified, but God insisted that Moses was the one He wanted for the job.

God empowered Moses, and he went to Egypt to lead God’s people out of slavery. Throughout the journey, the Lord was with him, guiding and providing.

God’s Provision for Our Assignments

Has God given you an assignment, and you feel that you can’t achieve it? That’s okay—because it’s not meant to be accomplished by your own strength. As it says in Isaiah 41:10:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

It’s not by our own power that we can fulfill the assignments God has given us. We cannot accomplish these tasks on our own. God is present to help us, and He provides the wisdom we need to fulfill His calling. As James 1:5 says:
“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.”

When we trust and fully surrender to God, He gives us everything we need to complete the assignment He has set before us.

For everything God has called us to do, the means to achieve it come only from Him. This can only happen when we fully trust in Him.

 Fear not, for you carry a God who brings good tidings of great joy!

Developing Intimacy with God.

"Building a Deeper Connection: How My Childhood Zeal for God Shaped My Intimacy with Him" 

Growing up as a Redeemer was both fun and impactful.

As a child, there were days when what I looked forward to most while going to church were the biscuits and juice in the big jar that the children’s teachers would share. I also enjoyed seeing my friends and listening to Bible stories.

Growing up under the tutelage of my children’s teachers, there was one Bible passage that became almost like a national anthem: John 2:17 (KJV): "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." It was often written in the children’s Sunday school manual, and my mom made it a prerequisite for all of us to have a zeal and attend Sunday school.

Here’s the thing: every Sunday morning, we would head to Sunday school with our zeal (Sunday school manual), This was seen as a routine but, unconsciously it was building a culture and resistance in us that we would later come to realize as we grew older. I remember during one of the teen camps, there was a worship session where the minister was singing, and for a few seconds, I dozed off and saw a bright light shine towards me. That was the first time I spoke in tongues. 

This consciousness, which I have grown up with, has really helped me as an adult. There are times when I just jump up from bed, rush to the shower, and then remember, “Oh, I haven’t prayed this morning!” 

How often do we have quiet time with the Lord? Do we consider it old-fashioned? How often do we seek God's face concerning our day? How often do we pray?

Intimacy with God is a believer's key to daily revival from the Lord. To grow in intimacy with Him, we must yearn and be eager to know Him. Only then can we discern His thoughts and plans for us in every season.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God is ready to share His plans with us, but we can only truly understand them when we have an intimate relationship with Him and grow in the knowledge of His ways.

To grow in intimacy with Him, here are some strategies:

1. Create and endeavor to have a quiet time.
   This is a time you set aside to worship and commune with the Lord. It is a moment to seek His face and study His Word. This should be done consciously. Start small — every little step towards the Lord matters. It doesn’t have to be long; you can start with just 20 minutes and gradually grow. It's funny because when you start worshipping, reading the Word, and praying, you’ll realize you can spend 40 minutes or more. With time, it gets easier.

2. Learn to meditate on God’s Word.
   We should strive to meditate on the Scriptures we read, putting our name in the verses. By doing this, we develop a deeper Holy Spirit consciousness, realizing that these words are God’s letters to us. Having quiet time, especially in the morning, is like inviting the Lord into our day. Meditating on God’s Word helps us understand the good plans He has for us and prepares us for what He is doing and what is ahead. 

3. Learn to discern the voice of the Lord among many voices.
   When I was learning to discern God's voice, I often said, “Lord, speak to me in a way I would understand.” You can try this too. God speaks to us through the Word, the Holy Spirit, circumstances, and even through the right people.

4. Learn to surrender and trust the Lord completely.
   Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whos
   e hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” (NKJV) When we surrender to God’s control, He takes the wheel and leads us toward fulfillment.

5. Pray.
   Cultivate the habit of praying, in times of little, many, and plenty. Through prayer and thanksgiving, make your supplications and worries known to the Lord.
   Ephesians 6:18: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (NKJV)

The way we get into an airplane, believing that the pilot won’t hit a rock, crash, or burn, is how God wants us to trust Him. It’s never too late to start that journey.