Here I Am, Send Me Part 3: Pushing Through (Faith)

Here I Am, Send Me Part 3: Pushing Through (Faith)

by | Aug 22, 2024 | Articles, Called, Discover Your Ministry, Here I Am, Send Me, The Pattern

In the previous reading we examined Abraham and the concepts of Faith and Action briefly. Now, let us consider Moses.

Both of these examples – Moses and Abraham – were men called at different times in the history of Israel for different reasons – called for a specific reason, time and place.

Moses was called to act as the saving arm of God – to lead the Israelites out of their Egyptian captivity.

Let’s examine Moses.

His name means “Saved from Water”. I am always astounded by the Biblical names and what they mean – a name, in Jewish culture it would seem, means a lot.

His name is perfect since it serves as a testimony to the fact of who he is – he was saved from a watery death, taken up from the Nile where he was drifting in his basket, by the Pharaoh’s daughter.

It all went down like this:

Up until the death of Joseph – who you might remember as the guy in the Technicolor dreamcoat – the Israelites were pretty happy, growing strong and numerous, apparently making up quite a large part of the Egyptian population. Unfortunately, after Joseph and his generation had died out, a new Pharaoh arose, one who did not know Joseph, and he saw the Israelites as a threat.

And so the children of Israel were plunged into slavery, drawn into a situation of oppression and tyranny. In Ex 1:8-14 we find that they were ‘afflicted’ with ‘heavy burdens’. They became the menial workforce, God’s chosen people building cities for a heathen king. We also find, in v. 12 that the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they multiplied, and the Egyptians feared them. So, in Ex 1:15-22: the Pharaoh institutes a decree, declaring that all the sons born to the Hebrews are to be cast into the Nile.

Moses is born after the decree has been set, and his mother kept him for three months before letting him go. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and adopted him as her own. By God’s providence (divine intervention) the adversary was ultimately brought down by his own daughter.

When Moses had come of age and was a man he became aware of his people’s suffering, became aware of their burden, and after killing an Egyptian, and Pharaoh finding out about his transgression, he fled to Midian, and took a wife (Zipporah, daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian).

Exodus 2:23-25 (KJV)

23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto [them].

In the ESV that last part reads: God saw the people of Israel – and God knew. God not only knew their situation but also knew how He was going to deliver them…

Meanwhile, while the people of Israel were groaning and grumbling, Moses was tending to the flock of his father-in-law. He led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. The angel of the Lord appeared to Him, in the form of burning bush, and Moses went to investigate. When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, he started a dialogue with Moses, and the promise of salvation was made.

Exodus 3:21-22: (KJV)

And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put [them] upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

After much doubt and a spot of low self-esteem, Moses returns to Egypt. The Lord tells Aaron to meet him in the wilderness, and they met at the mountain of God. Moses shared everything with Aaron, and together they went before the elders of Israel. Israel believed and worshipped God!

Moses and Aaron then went before Pharaoh, and confronted him. Pharaoh is angered and increases the workload of the Israelites, causing much doubt and irritation. The people of Israel are now angry, and Moses is made fully aware of their resentment. Moses also starts questioning the purpose God has for him, and the promise of deliverance.

Our God is an awesome God, in the face of adversity His people prosper! God reassures Moses and once again reaffirms the promise of salvation.

The two brothers once again went before Pharaoh. Pharaoh, on this occasion, seeks proof, and demands a sign. Aaron cast down his staff before Pharaoh and his servants and it became a serpent.

The magicians of Egypt however duplicated this effect, also turning their staffs into serpents, but God is all-powerful and none can stand before Him. Aaron’s staff swallowed their staffs.

The fact that Aaron’s serpent devoured the others can be seen as a sign to the probably arrogant magicians, something along the lines of – ‘my God is bigger than your god…’

Pharaoh, however, still refused to heed their request, and his heart was hardened. So began the ten plagues in Egypt. During the first nine Pharaoh continued to disobey and lie, and after the final plague he gave in, his will broken, he chased them from Israel. In Exodus 3:21-22 the promise is made and in Exodus 11:2 it is fulfilled – Israelites are given favor in the eyes of the Egyptians. God makes a distinction between the Israelites and the people of Egypt, and The Passover is instituted.

After all that had to be done was done, at midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the

land of Egypt. Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and told them to take their people and leave. Thus the children of Israel journeyed, and eventually (approximately two months after they took their leave from Egypt), arrived at Mount Sinai.

What strikes me as the most important thought here, after we read the success story, this tale of victory, is his reluctance to serve the Lord and his ongoing doubts and fears throughout. God appears to him and says – Moses, you are going to free my people!

But Moses replies, and eloquent as ever says: Huh? Me?

But the Lord won’t relent and continues – Moses, you will go before Pharaoh and you will convince him to let my people go.

Moses asks: But, Lord, who am I to go to Pharaoh? (And we can almost hear the doubt and fear in his voice.)

The Lord, faithful as ever answers: I will be with you.

In a sense God is saying – be still and know I am God, I am with you – there’s no reason for fear, no reason to be afraid. You are my representative and you will speak nothing but My word – don’t fret, don’t fear, just do what I command you to do – My plan is fail safe and fool-proof. My plan is prosperous.

And Moses, still doubtful and fearing, cries out – Lord, they will not believe me! They will call me a liar!

He’s looking for excuses as his heart cries out saying – I am just a man – with flaws and failures, I can’t do it!

The Lord however says: What is in your hand?

And all Moses has is a rod, a staff… the Lord then goes on to show him how He can use the mundane and ordinary to be extraordinary and miraculous.

All Moses has is a mustard seed of faith – taking a chance – believing the promise of God: I WILL BE WITH YOU. A little bit of faith that God can use the mundane and ordinary to do extraordinary and miraculous things.

Tonight the Lord is saying – It doesn’t matter who you are. Whether you’ve been a liar or an absolute saint, whether you’ve been a thief or a priest – I can use what you have for MY glory.

He says, bring you sorrow, bring your pain, your brokenness – I will use it to establish Myself as the Mighty Savior, the Name above all Names – I will use your flaws and failures, your scars and wounds, to change your life and bless you and those around you.

I have a plan for you, and you don’t have to be afraid, because I know who you are – I am fully aware of what you are and aren’t capable of, and My plan is tailored specifically and uniquely for you.

Take the little bit of faith that you have in your hand right now – that mustard seed of faith – and watch God multiply and increase it through your trust and obedience.

Do as Moses did and have some faith – push through your doubt and fear – put your trust in the One who say ‘I AM’, because ‘HE IS’ everything!

Reflect:

1. What doubts and fears do you have at the moment in regards to your calling? In Exodus 3 and Joshua 1 God makes a very specific promise to His servants. What is this promise and how does this answer your doubts? How does this still your fear?

2. Are there any other promises in God’s Word that you can hold onto to bolster your faith and carry you through? Make a list of these promises and put it somewhere you can see it and be reminded of it daily.

3. When it comes to taking action in regards to our calling it can seem overwhelming at first – we can see the Promised Land of God’s Call, but we often don’t know where to begin. God tells Moses to use what is in his hand. What do you have in your hand right now? This could be resources, contacts, knowledge, skills, talents – even your testimony – what do you have that you can use to make a difference today?

Prayer: Today Lord, give me the assurance that You are with me. Quiet me with Your great love – give me peace. I pray that You will direct me – all my resources and all of my efforts – towards fulfilling the calling You have prepared for me. Show me what it is I can do for You today. Let me be an instrument of Your love and mercy, an ambassador of Your Kingdom, in all of my coming and going – in Jesus Name. Amen.

Here I Am, Send Me Part 2: Faith and Action

Here I Am, Send Me Part 2: Faith and Action

by | Aug 16, 2024 | Called, Discover Your Ministry, Here I Am, Send Me, The Pattern

In the eleventh chapter of Genesis we meet a man named Abram – whose name would later be Abraham – the son of a man named Terah.

Terah raised his family in the cosmopolitan (that is to say, without national prejudices or peculiarities) city of Ur. This city was built near the Euphrates River in what is now southern Iraq.

That means that, had he grown up in today’s world – according to our modern map, he would’ve been an Iraqi citizen. He had been born, raised and married in Ur, just across the river from the southern Iraqi town of Nasirya – which was a hard-fought holdout during the 2003 war when American and British troops ousted the dictator Saddam Hussein.

According to Stephen M. Miller, author of ‘Who’s Who and Where’s Where in the Bible’: “Ur was the New York City of four thousand years ago – the world’s hub of culture, power and wealth.”

Ur is one of the oldest cities ever discovered – estimated to be about sixty-five hundred years old. It grew to become the capital, or control centre, of the world’s first real empire – Sumer!

In Abraham’s day this city was at its peak, but a century later was destroyed by invaders. Critics have stated that Abraham’s father (Terah) might have seen the hints, signs of such an invasion, and that was his reason for moving his family six hundred miles upriver to settle in the caravan town of Haran.

We read in Genesis 11:29-32: that Abraham and his brother Nahor had taken wives – Abraham married a girl named Sarai (Sarah) whose name means ‘princess’ and she was found to be infertile. Terah, the father of Abraham then took his family – including Lot, the son of Haran, and they left for Canaan, but never made it there, instead settling in the land that bore the same name as his dead son.

They only made their way about half way and came to this village (Haran), its name an Akkadian word meaning ‘road’. Apparently he liked the wonderful pastures and plentiful water he found there and stayed until he died at the age of two hundred and five.

At that point Abraham was about seventy-five years old.

In Genesis 12:1-2: we read:

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. (NLT)

The Lord speaks to Abraham saying – I have a plan for your life! I want to use you to bless others! I have prepared a land for you, I have a gift to give you – one that will raise you up beyond the physical and worldly stature of your peers! I want to bless you and write your name in the annals of history! Abraham! I have plans for you – and all you need to do is get up and go where I lead! Answer this call and everything will be given unto you!

God calls Abraham – answering the one question we all have racing through our minds. In this series we ask – why are we here? What is the purpose of life?

God answers, using the same words He spoke unto Abraham – Leave your native country, your relatives and your father’s family – your comfort zone – and follow Me to the land that I will show you – to the place I have in mind for you! I will make you into a great nation – I will make you a part of My family, My church! I will bless you and make you famous (give you an audience – whether 5 or 5 thousand) – I will consecrate you and make you remarkable in the eyes of your peers – and you will be a blessing to others, you will glorify Me!

How do we react? How do we claim this promise? How do we make these words our own?

As we will see, throughout the duration of this workshop, God promises us many things – gifts and ministries – and we need to react to His words, each and every time, in faith. It is through faith and faith alone that we claim and apply His promises and victory!

The author of Hebrews writes the following:

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10: KJV)

What the author is saying is that Abraham, through faith – trusting that the word God had given him was true and faithful – left his old life behind and obeyed completely, going out to seek the land of promise, looking for a city which had its foundations in the Lord – whose builder and maker is God!

By faith he trusted in the Lord and went out, following but not knowing where.

He submitted wholly to the Lord God and His plan.

This reading is entitled Faith and Action.

Faith is an uncompromising trust, the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting solely and implicitly on his authority and veracity; reliance on testimony.

In this case he put his trust solely in the word of God spoken unto Him, trusting the authority and veracity of the One who spoke it.

This led to action. Action is the process or condition of acting or moving, as opposed to rest; the doing of something; exertion of power or force, as when one body acts on another; the effect of power exerted on one body by another; agency; activity; operation; as, the action of heat; a man of action.

He moved, in response to the promise of God, into the will and way of the Lord.

Everything in life is bound to these two things – faith and action.

Faith determines our expectations – and this spurs on our actions. We believe that we will see water when we turn the tap. We have faith that gravity will keep us down to earth – even though most of us can’t really explain what gravity is.

We act – and our actions have consequences and results. We walk, we talk, we think – all of these are actions.

Faith and action is a daily part of our physical lives, but how often do we apply this to the spiritual sphere that surrounds us? How often do we grasp the spiritual truth in God’s Word and act on it?

How often do we believe what we read in the Bible during our quiet time or daily reading?

How often do we believe and do?

Right now God is saying: I have plans for you – are you willing to get up and go? Are you ready to leave all your ideals and ideas behind and follow Me to the land I have prepared for you?

Are you willing to choose God’s way and stay on it wherever it may lead?

Reflect:

1. Imagine for a moment what the promised land of your calling looks like. What is it God wants to do through you and for you? What are some of the closed doors between you and fulfilling your calling? What are the two keys that will unlock the way forward for you to step into this destiny?

2. How do you define faith? What does it look like, right now, to trust God with your calling and your future?

3. Action is a physical and material response based on our faith. What action can you take today as a step towards your calling?

Prayer: Lord, help me today to have complete trust in Your Word. Let Your Word come alive in my heart and let it be a lamp unto my feet – guiding me, leading me onward through the darkness of uncertainty. Give me wisdom, Lord, give me strategies and a way forward so that Your will might be done in and through my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

Giving as Worship

Giving as Worship

by | Aug 7, 2024 | Kingdom Finance, Kingdom Principles, The Pattern

In Matthew 25:35-40: Jesus describes, in parable, the corporal works of mercy.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

We are called to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty and to clothe the naked. We are called and encouraged to shelter the homeless and visit the prisoner. We are to comfort the sick and father the orphan. We are to love without condition and be a friend to the friendless.

Jesus calls us to be His hands and feet.

We are to see to the needs of those around us – regardless of who they are or where they come from.

Jesus has called us all. We are all called to care for the community.

The early church – as described in the book of Acts – gave everything to the cause of Christ. All of their possessions were shared.

I am not suggesting that we live in the same way – what I am encouraging you to do is think a little bit beyond our own materialism.

The fact of the matter is, God has blessed us with certain skills, talents and resources. Therefore giving is not only an act of obedience but also worship.

Through giving – whether it is our time or money – or whatever it is we can offer – we are contributing to the great commission.

Sowing into ministry is a way of contributing to the cause of Christ.

I once heard a minister describing the first act of worship. He said that when God breathed into Adam and Adam exhaled it was worship – it was a physical reaction to what God had done.

This is what worship is – a reaction to the goodness and grace of God.

But this reaction cannot be purely spiritual.

We worship in spirit and truth – and if the truth is present within us and the Spirit moves through us it will always have tangible results.

Paul admonishes us in Ephesians 5 to be imitators of Christ as beloved children – to live a life of love just as Christ has loved us and offered Himself as a fragrant sacrifice for our sake.

He also makes it clear in his second letter to the Corinthians that Jesus became poor for our sake so that through His poverty we might become rich.

It is in reaction to this great love that Christ showed us – this love that laid down His life for us – that we worship and lay down our own ambitions for the sake of the Cross.

God, through His grace, has provided to our needs – and enables us to give to His Kingdom. Paul describes this in 2 Corinthians 9. From verse 10 we read:

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. (2 Corinthians 9:10-14, NIV)

Paul makes an interesting point – your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

He reiterates this idea in the following verses: OTHERS will praise God for the obedience that ACCOMPANIES your confession of the Gospel of Christ.

Giving is faith in practice.

James, in the epistle that bears his name, teaches us that faith without action is dead.

If we believe that God is who He says He is – our provider, our shepherd – the one who cares for us – than we can be pro-active in our giving instead of reactive. We can give and see to the needs of others without fear because we know that God is faithful and will supply and increase our store of seed (as Paul describes in 2 Cor 9:10).

The Bible also teaches us in the book of Proverbs that whosoever gives to the poor lends to the Lord – and I don’t know anyone I would rather lend to – as God is always faithful in settling His debts.

We pray: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done…” but it has to be more than just a prayer – it has to lead to action.

What are we doing to facilitate the coming of His Kingdom?

We need to proclaim and show forth the praises of God. We need to proclaim His mercy.

Giving is a work of mercy through us. It is mercy at work in us.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I would like to ask you to help us fulfill the mission by supporting our mission. Your contribution allows us to devote our time to preaching, teaching, counseling those who can’t afford it and deliverance ministry – both locally and internationally, online and in person.

It also allows us to devote our time to the creation of materials for use by individuals and groups for personal growth and discipleship – all available for free on this website. We are not asking for much – even the smallest drop in the bucket makes a huge difference. We only ask that your prayerfully go to the Lord and ask Him to guide you in your giving.

Please see this page for more information on how you can support the mission: 

https://kingdomrevolution.co.za/blogs/give/

Here I Am, Send Me Part 1: God has a plan!

Here I Am, Send Me Part 1: God has a plan!

by | Aug 7, 2024 | Called, Here I Am, Send Me, The Pattern

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In Paul’s letters to the Colossians, quite a few hundred pages later, we read the following:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Col 1:16-17: KJV)

Everything in the earth and in the heavens was created through Him – by His mighty hands – and for Him – to serve His purpose.

As human beings capable of intelligent thought as well as reasoning, we find all kinds of questions racing through our minds and, at times, our hearts.

Many of the worlds greatest thinkers, philosophers, poet, artists and scientists have looked for the meaning of life – asking, “why are we here?”

And just as many have passed on without ever getting an answer.

We as Christians, having to our advantage the very Word of God and His Holy Spirit to convince us of the right way and to lead us therein, we have the answer!

For His glory! For His glory we have been created and formed – for His glory we have been planted here.

We have been called for a place and a time such as this. You have been planted here, wherever that may be, for a reason, and not just any reason, but for God’s reason – to be the manifestation of His glorious plan, to be a part of the coming revival (which I am convinced will be coming soon), to be part of a revolution – there is more to life than just being!

Each and every one of us has been created with a purpose to fulfil in the greater ecosystem of His Kingdom.

We have been created for His glory. But what does that mean and how do we embrace it?

Sorrowfully I become aware of the great potential God has put in us and how we have the tendency to waste it. So many of us simply don’t realize that we have a purpose, that God has a plan! And

There have been many people with great potential – exceptional skill and talent, many with great minds – who have missed it completely – choosing to serve the world rather than God. Choosing death rather than life. Imagine what a force for revival they could’ve been if they had only met God on a personal, intimate level and allowed Him to use them.

Today I believe we are standing at that same crossroad. We have a choice set before us.

Do we see that which God has placed within us, that which He wants to give us, or do we turn a blind eye and ignore His great gifts? Do we ignore the voice of the Lord calling to us right now – ‘whom shall I send?’ – or do we jump head first and with wild abandon into His will for us?

The choice is yours today.

On this website you will find many resources added weekly, even daily, to help you grow in your relationship with the Lord as well as your calling and ministry.

If you need more personal guidance, or advice on which resources to use and where to find more – please reach out and send me an email: andre@adlabuschagne.co.za

Reflect:

1. We are all called to be a part of the ecosystem of God’s Kingdom. Often an ecosystem will contain many smaller ecosystems as well. This could be your workplace, your home, your school, your church or your community. Where has God planted you? What ecosystems are you a part of? How does your sphere of influence look?

2. What are some of the needs in your immediate sphere of influence? Is it food security? Mental health? Spiritual poverty?

3. Think of one or two small ways that you can make a difference and meet these needs – whether it is giving a neighbour a loaf of bread, praying with a friend, or even just offering a shoulder to cry on. What is a practical way in which you can take your first step into servanthood and ministry? How can you be a beacon of refreshment, renewal and revival in your ecosystem today?

Prayer: Lord, I give you my heart, my mind and all of my strength. Do with me as you will. Make me an instrument of Your peace, a beacon of Your love and an ambassador of Your Kingdom. Let my heart be set on your ways, and Your ways set within my heart so that I might be a faithful witness of Your Grace and Mercy. Show me, through Your Holy Spirit, how I can make a difference today. Help me make the small things count. Every gesture, every conversation – in all of my coming and my going – be glorified. Use my life to write testimonies in the lives of others. In Jesus Name. Amen.