what power?

Power has always been the thing that mankind desired especially after the fall of man. Isn’t it funny that this only happened after Satan tempted Eve in the garden in Genesis 3 verse 1? He challenged God’s authority himself and led a third of the angels in rebellion all because he wanted glory for himself. We too have fallen into this trap and now we perpetually challenge God’s authority, pleasing ourselves instead of following Him. Eve became fixated with the one tree and forgot that she had all the others to feast from.

In our present-day world, we still see the effects of that day. Man’s greed for power, its root cause being rebellion, has left our world torn confused and delusional. Man thinks that they have power and control. To some extent it may be true for Genesis 1 verse 26 shows that God gave mankind a measure of dominion. So it’s fair to say we were duped. We were promised something that we already possessed. We gave in to the temptation and now we are power hungry folks but we are a broken and a faulty bunch. The authority we had before sin is no more. We were made good and now we are bad apples no longer good as God initially made us. In gaining the knowledge of “good and evil” we have lost so much more. Our chance for eternal life and dominion here on earth was forfeited.

Having said all this, the power we seem to have now is only temporary. It is one that does not accompany immortality. The power that men wield here on earth will come to an end. In fact, many wicked people hold powerful positions. They think they are in charge but really they are slaves to sin doing everything the devil wants, giving into their rebellious nature. They oppose God on all fronts; in laws, in family structures even the church.

God in His sovereignty allows this because He is not like man that He should lie nor the son of man that He should repent (Numbers 23 verse 19). What He says He means. He will not revoke our will to choose. His greatest desire is that we would choose Him. We are all guilty for the fall of man was one we all inherited, but thank God for His redemption in Christ Jesus. Who died to set us free from such bondage, that death may no longer be our portion and our true power regained when we believe in Jesus and repent of sin.

Blessed in a bad time

God is constant faithful with every changing season

So much has continued to go on despite our seemingly unfortunate state. We continue to breathe and move and for that, we should be grateful.  This has caused me to realise that though it seems we are all affected by this global issue. we are not all in the same season. Ecclesiastes 3:1 would have us know “there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the sun.

I will first start by not saying happy new year since this is my first post of 2021. Instead, I can but pray that you are finding strength and hope in what remains to be a crazy season for the whole world.

I have experienced some tremendous highs during this time. I got married in December. So many were postponing their weddings but for me and mine we carried on. Don’t get me wrong, we didn’t know what was going to happen as November introduced itself with another lockdown. I had plans to get my dress altered flowers sorted and so on. It was then I began looking nervously at the situation. I soon had sense knocked into me and I went to my God who I know was and is in control. I asked for guidance and cast my anxieties onto Him(1 Peter 5:7).

Whilst contemplating what was happening it dawned on me that this season for me was one of blessing. I was immediately brought to 2 Kings 7:3-20. In this 4 leapers stumbled into the camp of the Syrians causing them to think they were being ambushed so they ran. See the leapers weren’t allowed in the city but there was a famine so they decided to go in the city. They were hungry and they thought they may die whether they stayed or went. God gave them favour as they went causing them to sound like an army. They were able to live off the resources of the Syrian army.  I say this because we were able to see the blessing in having a smaller wedding. We saved money and were doubly blessed financially. So as we stumbled through the limitation and the November lockdown and further cutbacks on the number of guests we, in turn, saved ourselves from potential financial discrepancies. We were also able to keep ourselves and others safe. We were still able to share the day virtually with friends and family around the world as well as getting everything done in ample time.

I want to encourage you all to not allow fear to drive your life. Giving your worries and your cares to God is the best you can do in this time. Another thing is to focus on His promises. I know it seems like people are dying but here’s a wake-up call people die every day. It’s apart of life. Don’t think I’m making light of death because I’m not. I just hope that you would let the hope of Christ Jesus lead you rather than fear and as I mentioned before you’re still here this is your time to live but make it count and live for Him.

The living stone

Jesus the rock that holds me up

With recent events around the world: elections, BLM, even Brexit talks still and the virus which we will refrain from naming, it is crystal clear that we are headed for shaky times or dare I say shakier times. I mean I say crystal clear but for some they haven’t got the foggiest idea of what is going on. The bible does relate that there will be those who” have eyes but do not see, ears but do not hear and hearts but do not understand” Ezekiel 12 verse 2.

As a child I always heard the expression “a rolling stone gathers no moss” . This non biblical proverb has been said to carry the meaning of someone not staying steadfast in something and therefore not reaping its rewards. It is dare I say no better time to be a Christian.For many of us the light of Christ has shone on the darkness that is sin drawing us to repentance and revealing things the bible says even angels long to look into Peter 1 verse 12. That God would chose us mere mortals to reveal these things to is a miracle and yet many shrug in disbelief at the signs of the return of Christ. We must be steadfast a vigilant always watchful of the things which are happening around us. We must be steady stones gathering the moss of the word of God, prayer,discernment and righteous living. We cannot afford to be rolling around the world because this will prove to be fruitless.

Since we’re on the topic of stones I think it only fair to mention our living stone Jesus Christ. I was reminded of Exodus 17 where the children of Israel went out to fight against Amalek. In their fight, Moses gets weary as he holds up his hands to see Israel prevail. These shaky times will be the  testing of our faith and allegiance to Christ and many even now are falling away. We will get weary but we must push through. The best way to do so is to remember the rock of our salvation. The scripture continues to show how they put stones under Moses’ hands to hold them up and Aaron and Hur helped to hold up his hands also. Where are the Aarons and Hurs of your life? These are the ones who will pray with you in the seasons of discouragement and weariness. They are quick to remind you to look to Jesus whom the bible calls our precious cornerstone. This is the same rock the wiseman built his house upon. Israel’s defeat of Amalek reminds us that we need not think ourselves alone in these times. God is with us and as we come to Christ with our weariness He will give you strength for they that wait upon the lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not get weary; they shall walk and not faint” Isaiah 40 verse 31. We are already victorious its just that our fight to meet victory seems tough but as God was with Israel then so is He  with His church and His people.

God made it

Today I was reminded of how magnificent creation is. The moon shone at 6:16 am glowing like a neon sign. It was as if God was saying look at me and indeed that’s the first thing I thought about. How could men think this to be from nothing? It is no wonder why its theory and not science. Science has to be observed. Guess what? They weren’t there. I think this idea of evolution has been nothing but Chinese whispers. The theory aspects just keep getting muddled up with real science.

The bible says that creation tells of the existence of God. Forget the mess of the world right now for a minute and let me share some hope with you. We are beautiful and though decaying we were well thought out. All that we are is far from what we should be just see what is said in Genesis. From the earth to us as people, we were made good. God made us that way but if we look at ourselves now it doesn’t seem like it. From illnesses to disasters, it just seems like a steady decline and all since man has been walking in rebellion against God. The bible even says that the earth groans and have been since that act of disobedience in the garden. This is where we begin to take ownership. Our choices have brought us here. Our sins. Though we can’t stop what is in motion we can still enjoy the beauty that still manages to shine through the chaos.

This is our glimmer of hope. Even though we have sinned, God still says that I love them and I will send my son to die the death of the world so that one day when everything is consumed we who believe in His death and resurrection can have the full experience of God’s splendour in the new earth. Just think no violence nor disorder. No sickness or disease, no global crisis nor dirt but clean streets paved in gold. 1st Corinthians 2 verse 9 “Eye has not seen nor ear has heard neither has entered the mind the things God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Unprecedented

Times are changing! The days seem to reflect a time that many of us have never seen before. The word as many seem to be throwing around is “unprecedented.” It literally means “never done or never known“. For the majority of the world, a virus, like that of covid19 and its effects to keep us housebound and somewhat fearful is new. Whilst many have never experienced it, does that mean that we really had no foreknowledge of this kind of thing happening?

There are various conspiracy theories but, we’re not here to talk about them. We have knowledge that these times are to come. And how you may ask? Through the Bible. In Matthew 24 verse 7, it sounds the alarms of earthquakes and diseases and famines. Some are still in disbelief, but having seen them manifest in our lifetime, can one still even cry coincidence? Where some attribute these disasters to climate change and whatnot, I think it presumptuous. Mankind has managed to come up with some diabolical and ingenious feats but to accredit to them; hurricanes and other natural disasters are to give them too much power and praise.

There’s a truth I know, that  man’s separation from God, because of sin, permits them to deny the prophetic word of God. We know this. I say “we” due to that fact that; if people who choose to live outside the bounds of “God’s will” are honest they will tell us they just don’t want God: hence their reason for their state of unbelief. Its mere disobedience, better yet rebellion. With that being said, if we put bias aside and look at the evidence before us, it’s as they say, “the writing is on the wall”, in a layman’s terms it’s written in the bible. “For all scripture is given by God and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2nd Timothy 3 verse 16).” I quote this to say that we’re always debating the validity of the bible and though some would say “I cannot use the book to prove its truth,” I can. Inherently, the word of God points the absolute reason why men deny its truth. They hate correction and love unrighteousness. These are the said factors stated in the scripture deems to help us navigate through life.

Other prophecies that the bible mention have been fulfilled. Famines and Wildfires and diseases, the bible says are just the beginning of birth pains. This book was written so long ago. With great accuracy, it has predicted Israel becoming a nation again and many. To go into detail would require extensive writing and I’d rather not. Sceptics will say that “disasters” have always been around. Though true, it coincides with the other prophecies that are happening simultaneously. Some of these diseases we’ve experienced before have returned: scarlet fever and measles being two.

Things like the ” second coming of Jesus“, the increase in knowledge as well as technology is foretold. There is no denying; the age we live in and the vast amount of knowledge or information that exists. These, might I add are readily available to us. Sure, we haven’t yet seen the return of Christ. For those walking close to the edge, away from God, I implore you to use the time you have and think. Death is now, more real than ever. Count the cost, especially in light of the coronavirus. Look at the signs that are clearly before us and go search the scriptures for yourselves with real desperation to know the truth. As for my fellow believers, we are held accountable when we who know what the book says don’t do what it says or even share the hope that the book speaks about. Let’s not get slack and if we are, it’s time to get active!

In Poetry

I have a lot to give and a lot within

People have also taken a lot without me giving

So to say that I’m guarded is somewhat short of an explanation.

My cup has been full and running over

Its as if the tap of misfortune was left on

Questions like why am I here? 

What’s the meaning of life 

float around like unhinged dandelion seeds waiting to land on the right spot until answered.

See I found the answers 

and I’m still finding more

And some would go something like this;

that your own troubles sometimes are because others give into sin 

and the many events of life just need us to respond correctly so that you can be the perfect example

 instead of trying to be the perfect person because we all know that’s a myth 

And if by chance you think you are well

 pride resides in that cruel duplicitous heart of yours 

and you have allowed the masters of pride to fuel this negative thing 

So much so you don’t want to know who God is.

Hope is Rising

In 2017 I was at a place of despair. It’s crazy to think that I am writing this about myself on this blog format. I am normally personal through poetry, but this time, in as simple English as possible, let’s get personal.

So in 2017 as I said before I was at a place of despair. What? But Nicolette, You were a Christian even then! Yes, I was and still am for your information. I am and will never be exempt from anything life throws at us. As long as we’re involved, something’s bound to go wrong/ human beings; we break things, people and hearts and I was definitely heartbroken.

Trauma had set in. The dormant parts of my life that I thought I had under control, soon erupted causing me to relive past offences over and over again. Memories I was shocked existed, crept out of their holes. Like spiders in the corners of your house chilling in their webs, waiting for their prey to struggle to the death, so did these memories have me, my mind and I was almost consumed.    

God saved me from my sins and is delivering me daily from the things that were laid upon me. I have mentioned before that even Christians are not without the issues of life nor the issues of people and violations. The bible says that we should hold on because we will overcome the trouble. It says that we do because Christ has overcome the world (John 16 verse 33. I have had to climb through the dirt and rubble of depression and anxiety. My faith wasn’t non-existent but my mind and body were just tired. I laid there with tears in my eyes and the feeling of someone digging a hole from underneath me. It was then I cried out to my God. The foundations of my faith had remained. Scriptures upon scriptures written upon my heart brought to recollection that Hope is risen.

Everything I was feeling at that moment was not permanent but temporary and soon would pass. Many times we make permanent decisions in temporary places. The words tried to come and eventually all that slipped out was “God I know what Your word says, help me!” I was not without counselling and I definitely prayed and to this date pray that I won’t slip back into that state. That was 2017. it’s now 2020 and I continue to fight against trauma and flashbacks, but I know I have hope because of Jesus. He went through suffering and pain temporarily. He went to the grave temporarily only to permanently defeat death, the and hell. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weakness…” Hebrews 4 verse 15 and so I remember this and know that I too can get through. In the end, it says in Revelation 12 verse 11 that one of the things that cause us as believers to win is the blood of the lamb (Jesus Christ).

 I did want to give up. I almost did, but I’m glad I didn’t. As time went on I was able to face 2018 and by 2019 I realised that the devil sometimes wants to kill the potential in you. I don’t even want to give him too much credit, but this trial tried to break me for sure. The true test of faith the bible speaks of is said to come by fiery trials (1^st Peter 1 verse 7). I think its fair to say that I have experienced some fiery trials. Will be the last time I’m tested? I doubt it. I know that it’s hard, however, I’ve experienced hope rising in my life every day since. I will be able to pull through because experience, as they say, brings wisdom. Maybe not for all but for most. And, now I look on to 2020 with hope and love and gratefulness for life.

 I understand that if I hadn’t built my foundation on Christ I would be lost. If I had given up I would have missed out on dating this great person in my life. I would’ve forfeited my destiny and all that God has in store for me. What’s that you ask? We’ll just have to wait and see. “For eye has not seen ear has not heard nor has entered into the heart of man what is prepared for them who love Him.” 1^st Corinthians 2 verse 9.   

Mind the Stigma

“Let us make man in our image and likeness…” Genesis 1 verse 26 tells us that God, being Father, Son and Holy Spirit, made us be bearers of Himself in spirit, body and mind. We are indeed His creation and whist we are on the subject of the mind, let’s take time to talk about mental illness for a bit.

Mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s behaviour or thinking. It’s cause ranges from various environmental and psychological things. Some Environmental factors consist of death, divorce, dysfunctional family life and even social or cultural expectations. There are even cases of prenatal problems causing mental issues due to a defect in the fetus’ development in the womb. Some psychological factors may include varying forms of abuse, neglect, poor ability to relate to others or even long term substance abuse.

This sounds like a lot, and yes we are definitely a long way from the good human beings God created in Genesis 1 verse 31 when He said it was “very good”. It would be nice to think that it’s something that we will never experience. However, in this fallen world, 1 in 4 people are affected by mental illness and depression and anxiety are spreading like wildfires. It is then fair to say that no matter who you are, and yes, even Christians “children of God” too can be impacted by mental illness. No one is exempt. Why? Well, sin affects all of us and though we are saved by grace through faith, the Bible reminds us in Matthew 5 verse 45 “…for He makes the sun to rise on the good and on the evil and sends rain on the just and the unjust”. Even the mighty prophet Elijah in 1^st Kings 18 fell victim to depression. It describes him in scripture as a great man of God. He was God’s voice to the people. He caused drought and predicted rain and yet he was overcome by fear and what he saw around him. He went as far as running away but God soon helped him out of this state of mind.

With depression and anxiety are rapidly taking over. Many are affected due to stress, other varying causes and pressures of life. With the increase in knowledge and wealth, we see an increase in fear as many worries about being accepted or are fearful of the future. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind” (2^nd Timothy 1 verse 7). There is hope for your hurting. Your pain becomes our pain especially as the body of Christ. We can rest assured because we can overcome as we remember that we walk by faith and not by sight (2^nd Corinthians 5 verse 7). Scripture also reminds us that our identity is not in this world Acts 17 verse 28 “ in him we live move and have our being…”.

We all know someone who is struggling with this because it is closer than we think and as time dwindles down it’ll be even closer. Our position as believers in Christ is to never think that we are exempt. If we already know this, we have to fight back. There are ways of combating mental illness. Not everyone is aggressive or incurable or incapable of living a somewhat normal life. In fact, studies have shown it is possible. Be the one to ask questions or lend a helping hand. The best help you can give is a listening ear and your prayers. The believer’s standpoint is one of complete restoration because God is able to do what no man can. In fact, one of His names is Jehovah Rapha which means the God who heals.

Face to face

I choose to get lost in the space between your eyes and your smile

because I’m afraid of diving off the board too soon in the oceans above

I’m not the strongest swimmer

and I don’t know how or if I’ll come through the other end

So…
Every now and then

I dare myself to let go

take a dip

with the hope that faith will keep me afloat.

I could get use to this

The more I go I’ll be an expert for sure

And then I think again

get out of the water

you’ve been going in too much

Out I come

And here faith has me wandering

hopping over freckles and creases

to the place where warmth is consistent

or at least I’m hoping for it to be

Where sunshine looks like the letter c on it’s back

and sounds like the scales on a bass guitar

I could listen on endlessly

I’m finding balance

Your oceans are unpacking my vulnerability day by day

Your sunshine giving me just enough heat

and yet it knows when to allow winds of encouragement to blow me over

This is when I know I can be silent and let you lead me.

You were made to rule

For the waters are many

And the sun is pivotal

God knows what He’s doing.

misled

Oh what tangled webs we weave branching out to realms unknown.

To assume we know what we do not see and understand what is to be?

Pomp screams your name!

Man!

Is all you’ll ever be without His spirit to make animate the dirt that you merely are

pumping life and soul

creating sinews over bones.

Now we study the workings of Gods hands ignoring His voice that called something from nothing

and instead of giving praise to whom its due we settle for twisted stories and tales stitched with lies

Giving honour to the same man you have little to no trust in but denying the words of infinite God.

Like the morning star see how you have fallen from grace

Made with honour

but  rather dishonour you choose for a crown

Now see the comet that so fascinates you become the stumbling block and your demise

Your view of what should be is forever faulty