Only the Truth can set you FREE!

Humility

Be Ye Transformed!

Faith

God's Grace

I couldn't have borne fruits of the SPIRIT without having the Holy Spirit,

Couldn't have had the Holy Spirit without accepting and receiving Christ,

Couldn't have had accepted and received Christ without the Grace of God,

Would not have known the Grace of God without His Love & Mercy

My Sins were too gone stained for His Holiness

And far too filthy for His Righteousness

But,

His Love found Grace,

And Mercy came forth and demanded me!

It sprang within me a new life; a life flowing with love, peace, joy, happiness, compassion, patience, Grace  & Mercy

Come, taste and see that the Lord is good

He changed that old me and longs to do the same for you…

Pay attention to your TESTs not the invigilator

Pay attention to your TESTs not the invigilator

By: Nathlee Grant

Last Friday I had the privilege of being an invigilator; that is I administer an exam; issued the test papers to each student, set and validate the time and watched keenly that the rules of that test were adhere to, especially “students receiving help”.

 I would think this is a pretty easy job; you just watch, smile and look cute. Not in the students’ eyes, to them I was wicked, they needed me turn my eyes so that they could cheat and did almost anything to distract me but was only distracting themselves and certainly I wasn’t budging.

 I found it weird that they spend most of their time focusing on me instead of the exam paper, trying to change my objective, role and purpose. However, in reflection I realised that this how I’ve dealt with all the persons who came my way in life to/and administered test/exam. I must have spent all the time in I had time focusing on what they are doing, trying to change their role to fit my plan and failed the exam/test miserably without the chance of doing the same.

Now I have understood clearly, that only the teacher and or the examination body set tests and examinations and that the invigilators only agree to administer rules that governed the test/examination. I also understand that I would not have been in the examination room if I did not meet the requirements, that is having gone through the process/ the learning ground and that the true meaning of an examination and test is not so much for the examination body nor the teacher to know where I am at, but for my own assessment. Therefore from now on when invigilators (persons/situations/sicknesses etc.) come along my way I will pay keen attention on the test / exam and certainly not the invigilator. Should in case I have queries about the test I now know who to consult.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes through people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all his righteousness and all things will be added

The Bod of Christ

(THE BODY OF CHRIST – This is US)

By: Nathlee Grant

We have prayed, pastors preached/taught.  Now it is time to get moving…

The body of Christ is one body with many members; each member has his/her responsibilities and role/s. The body of Christ is not limited to the offices/ministries of a church but plays major role in our daily lives. This means therefore that we are called to first identify and acknowledge the part of the body we are. understand the roles associated with that part, accept and own these roles and most importantly play them.  We are also called to support, encourage and let me emphasize respect ours and the other body parts as well as the roles they play, knowing that all parts are working together for a common good.

More than often we tend to think higher of the other roles than ours, and bring about jealousy, resentment and lack confidence in the knowledge and the importance of our roles. Once a part of the body is malfunctioned or not functioning accordingly because of whatever reason, it brings about strain on the other parts, which eventually worn out the entire body. Our roles vary depending on the relation, thus parent-child, husband-wife, brother-sister, aunt/uncle-neice/nephew, shepherd-sheep, friend-friend, and when we not confident enough in our particular role that relationship begins to sink (body wears out) naturally there is more stress on one side. think about it. But when we love what we do and are confident in that which we do our relationSHIPS sail (Bodies are healthy) think about it 

"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.” Luke 16:10

I hope I can be trusted to become the HEAD one day…More responsibilities, but for now I’ll just be humble with my small tasks...Less responsibility.

Let us continue to strive always to DO Good, Live Right, Be Just and LOVE unconditionally. 

Matthew 20:- The parable of the workers in the vineyard

Matthew 20:- The parable of the workers in the vineyard

By: Nathlee Grant

I read this scripture more than once, and during reading I feel the same way the workers felt, who worked the full day. I shared their anger and just exploded during reading, this happen every single time I read this passage, how can they work such short time and get the same paid as I do. But stop this is what landowner said, why are you angry, is it because you are bad mind or because I am generous? Whoops, I didn’t think about that, I just felt it wasn’t right and saw a bit of unfairness, but again what is unfair about it, I agreed to work for a denarius (a day’s wage) I am thinking now that it could really be bad mind, jealousy is probably a better word.

In all honesty, real life situation now, this is happening to me, “MAN “this landowner prefer those lazy worker more than me, how can I work so hard and he couldn’t see it fit to “up” increase my wage a little but instead pay us the same, in other words him up theirs, here it comes again is it always about the “ME”, Now I am moving in another direction, this is not even jealousy this is selfishness. Why couldn’t I see from beginning that the landowner is trying to give everybody an equal opportunity….. But you know what is true about this feeling, it is REAL and lives deep within, and even when we can theoretically give the appropriate answer, our habitual reaction/ learnt action would always manifest itself first, our real feeling. This is so deep and grounded that even after the fact, Let me talk about me now, and I say to self, “child you know you could have done it this way”, the truth is the next time which is sometimes just a minute afterward, my habitual reaction seemed to always get there first . Question, what is the drilling process that can be used to override this habit and create a new response method in dealing with the situation, the correct way?  Similar as in the case of those constant fire drills, these drills are done to ensure employees do not jump through the window from the top floor in the event of a fire. Trust me it is always easy to say what you would have and would not do in any given situation, until you are in the position. Peter told Jesus confidently, that  he would not betrayed him and you know the story, when he was put in the situation he betrayed Christ, I am sure if he had some test runs/drills, he would have probably reacted differently. Well we can also say he did not pray to be protected, but even after prayer there is something that we need to do, “PRACTICE” and again, what should I practice?

These learnt ways we have acquired from birth, that caught root, the only way we know to do the things we do, even when it is not working, but our minds are already conditioned, we even get defensive, upset when we are questioned about these ways, which we have already deemed to be right. Where do we begin to unlearn, relearn then retrained our minds? Think on this, are we robots to this world system?

The first Manufacturer

The First Manufacturer to create a Written Manual

By: Nathlee Grant

God, the first creator, created us then gave us our manual with a toll free 24/7 contact access and a lifetime guarantee. The manual states whatever conditions you are in called me, I will fix you. You cannot be damaged enough beyond repair or far away beyond my reach. This is the best customer service ever! RELIABLE, TRUSTWORTHY, HONEST –WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET!!!

When a product is developed its purpose and potential are coded within, cell phones, hair dryer, pen, clock etc. Therefore the product will leave the factory knowing fully its use. Let us look at a battery, a battery has a life span that comes into effect only when it is used or it reaches its expiry date, hence the owner of the battery can choose to have the battery live without maximizing its purpose or use to its fullest before it takes it rest. In the same case a seed, lets say a mango  is found, this seed can either live the rest of its life being a seed or maximized it s purpose by becoming a tree and produce fruits. How? If the seed sit around then nothing will happen, however if it is placed in soil, watered and receive adequate sunlight then surely it will reach its goal. From the above cases we can derive that the future does not rely on further time or tomorrow only, it in fact needs action but mostly it needs to be realized or known.

Since every other manufacturers create their product base on the first manufacturer’s standard then the same principle is true for us human; the original creation.  Clearly if we don’t know our purpose we will sit around waiting on our expiry date. How do we know our purpose? Check the manual; the Bible and or call the developer; God. Any other manual will give incorrect instructions. Remember this too, even though we are all human we have a different chip coded inside us to carry out different function, like the cell phones we carry different serial numbers; which helps the developer to quickly make reference and readily identify our functionality.

Who is our Master?

Our Boss
By: Nathlee Grant

Who and or What are you working for?

Who and or What makes you work hard, tirelessly and endlessly?

Who and or What gives you that burning drive/desire/passion?

 

when you find the answer......

 

Chew on this

Is it fair to say  that "Who and or what" we are working for is really our BOSS/MASTER.....

 

Family I want my life to be this; a devotee to Christ, who is the HEAD of my life, in fact, my BOSS/MASTER which means therefore, working hard, tirelessly and endlessly must be for HIM (and I am comforted knowing that He gives rest to those he love Psalm 127:1-3)  carry the same passion he had when he was on earth - Matt 9:36 When he saw the crowd he had compassion, when he saw the city Jerusalem he wept Luke 19:41.

This therefore means that I want people needs to fill me with compassion so that I will have the drive, desire and passion to work hard, tirelessly and endlessly to give them the hope and peace of GOD...God  who is indeed the BOSS/MASTER.

My Prayer: (Thanks Lois)

Lord, show me your way, I want to be one of your servants to give help to your people. Show me what to do and how to do it, place me in the position to be your voice, your hands and your feet as Moses was. Let me be as brave and courageous as Joshua, be patient with me Lord as I struggle with doubt as Gideon, give me enough testing that I may be as Abraham; full of faith and trust, to trust you wholeheartedly. Lord I devout myself to you this day to do you work according to your plans. Let my ears become attentive to your voice, my eyes to you vision, fill my heart with your compassion and my mind to with your wisdom, all this I ask in Jesus name AMEN.

"We are all servants of the Lord"

If we continue to seek HIM (GOD); we will have life and have it abundantly. Our father wants to withhold nothing from us; especially when we ask believing. Matt 21: 22

Do not compromise with the enemy

Do not compromise with the enemy

By: Nathlee Grant

Do not compromise with the enemy - situations, fear, anger, greed, etc, watch the emotions & desires, negotiations with the enemy tie God's hand and compromises His plans. Continue praying and wait because he is always on time. 

 

David and Bathsheba (Is it fair to say that they were meant to be husband and wife since Solomon was ordained to build the temple of God ) 2 Samuel 11

 

He said to me (David): 'Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. 1 Chron. 28:6

 

Negotiations often bring lost, disgrace; anguish etc. 2 Samuel 12, Proverbs 5: 7 -14,

Lamentation 1: 7

 

Where there is compromising, plans have changed, God is no longer in control but the will of man. David had to now start planning Uriah’s life and hope it play out according to his interest.

What are we giving God to work with?

What are we giving God to work with?

by: Nathlee Grant

In recent times I have been wrapping my mind on the story in the book of Joshua in particular the wall of Jericho.  In my own analysis, in Joshua 2, two spies were sent to the city to spy it out; I am guessing that this was done so that they could come up with some formation and strategy to attack the city, while they were there Rahab did the most honorable thing, which was in favour to God and them, she hid them.  In Joshua 6, the big day to take down the city Jericho, I was anticipating while reading the story some top a top formation, skills and strategy instead God told them in simplicity to the human mind to march around the city. It worked! My thing is why then was it important for the spies to into the city at all. 

There is no coincident where God is concern, and I can bet they (the spies) went into the city only to bring out RAHAB out just as Noami went all the way to Moab for bring RUTH out. But, they both  i.e. Rahab and Ruth needed to give God something to work with, just as the boy with the fish and bread, Mary and Martha rolled the stone away, Mary the mother of Jesus ask the servant to do as Jesus ask fill the pan with water. Hear this part “Enter the house of the harlot and rescue the woman and everyone connected with her”.  Go into the house and rescue the woman from what? My guess again, rescue her from prostitution. Rahab gave a change of heart, which was all God needed to finished his purpose in her life, Philippians states it better… He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Ruth gave a made up MIND!

What are we giving God to work with?

What is important to GOD?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc4HGQHgeFE

Where are we looking?

Outside /IN or Inside/OUT ?
By: Nathlee Grant

Outside-In

Going through high school I watched the pretty girls spend all day in the bathroom getting their faces right. They usually spend hours setting their uniforms which could never seemed to suit them, hairs were always in place, shoes spic and span, these girls were always neatly dressed, not a single pleat was out of place. This and other aspect of my life forced me to think that how I look on the outside determined my functionality and purpose. 

Inside -out

When a programmer writes a computer program; a program is a sequence of instructions, written to perform a specified task with a computer.  He actually place a portion of his thoughts (mind) on some platform which is tested for its functionality, performance and accuracy. Then when he is satisfied he creates an appropriate house/shell for protection, storage.

Aesthetics is usually the last thing on a programmer's mind during coding, testing and even implementation because in reality it cannot perform the functions required, e.g. how a calculator looks cannot not calculate sum of two numbers or any other calculations.  Actual a programmer is most proud when his program executes perfectly, rather than a fancy or beautiful design is.  The word beautiful in the world of a programmer is usually associated with perfect functionalities, “it is beautiful", is exclaimed ONLY when the program does what it is supposed to do. 

Observation

Dig deeper, the program and the house it is stored are inter related and interconnected relying each other for survival. In this context there are wires that run inside the house to create that communication between itself and the program (human body mind/thoughts).

Analysis

I would want to believe that when God created us in His image and likeness; he formed the house, blew into our nostril and when he was done said beautiful, it was merely for the fact that we could carried out all the purposes and functionalities that he intended for us do. I believe our earthly bodies are the house our spiritual being a very important role and should not be limited to beauty competition. Is God interested in our appearances or our functionalities?   Outside- In or Inside – Out

Man looks on the outside God looks at your heart

Food for thoughts

Food for thoughts, man put a portion of his mind in a computer which operates in our world but in a different world/realm, did God put a portion of himself in this, our earthly body to allow us to operate in a different realm (world) even though He is with us in this world?

He sends Adam and Eve out of the Garden, The scripture did not say God left the garden nor did he descend from them. My mind is going somewhere…but I would have to leave this for now.

Back to the story of computing, since we put our mind into a computer and it function in that way is it safe to say that we can operate like God to the extent of what he has deposited in us? Is God is expecting us to carry out a particular function he had designed us for? Hmm…could it be that we have not tapped into that aspect of our lives because of the limitation in our upbringing. Paul said don’t think too highly of yourself neither think low of yourself; hmm do we know ourselves, who we are? If I know who I am and aim to maximize just that, would I not think moderately of myself...?

The correlation of the house and the program; a set of instruction of the computer carry out a series of decoding and encoding so that the computer can be able to understand and interpret in its world (language) what it is we are saying  and  intelligently display a result to us in our world (language).. 

POST YOUR THOUGHTS!

Only God knows

Only God Knows
By: Nathlee Grant

“I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb” Jeremiah 1:5a...

Thus saith the Lord your God who has made you, therefore no one who has not consulted with God cannot tell you who you are. No mother, father, family, friend, husband, wife, enemy you name them.

Psalms 139

O Lord ….Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it.  You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!

God is the only one who knows fully we are yet we haven’t checked Him out!

You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. Jer. 29:13

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jer. 29:11

The next time someone comes up to you and offer to tell you who you are, ask this question, “Have you checked with God?”