THE BEATITUDES PART 4

/ Leave a Comment

HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Psalm 42:1 The pursuit of God is the best hunger we could ever have. All other things need to fade away. Hunger and thirst are necessities of life, they are the proof that we are alive and well. It’s the way our body system tells us it is time for refueling for energy. In the same way spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness is a must for those who will be energized for exploits in the kingdom. Continuing His teaching on The Beatitudes, Jesus said, Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 (KJV) Filled with what? Not just physical food or water but filled with their longing for God. God will satisfy us with Himself.  Righteousness is the state of being morally right or justifiable—but in biblical terms, it goes far deeper. It’s not just about doing good; it’s about being in right standing with God. Biblical Layers of Righteousness 1. Positional Righteousness. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are declared righteous before God.  “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 2. Practical Righteousness. This is the daily pursuit of holiness—living out God’s will in thoughts, actions, and character. “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” 1 John 3:7   3. Social Righteousness. Standing for justice, mercy, and truth in society—reflecting God’s heart for the oppressed and broken. Righteousness is not found in the shallow places of comfort. It’s in the deep waters of surrender, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of God.  The Master went to say in the next chapter that seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness actually grants us access to all other good things in life. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 (KJV) The Hebrew boys, Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego made up their minds to pursue after righteousness than the dainty meats of the king and it brought them great elevations. One of my spiritual sons wrote an awesome song way back. The words resonates with this call. He wrote, “If I have You, I have everything”. That’s true, having God and His righteousness is everything. Meditate on This – What do I truly hunger for in life—comfort, success, or righteousness? – How can I deepen my desire for God’s truth and justice? – What spiritual disciplines help me stay spiritually hungry? Prayer Dear Father, Beyond food, fame, finances and favour help me hunger for more of you and your righteousness. “To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love. Scorned indeed are those who are satisfied with their righteousness.” – A.W. Tozer

THE BEATITUDES PART 4 Read More »

THE BEATITUDES Part 3

/ Leave a Comment

The Strength of Meekness Please remember that these Beatitudes are conducts, characters and qualities that tell us who is truly blessed. May we strive to live according to Jesus’ dictates. Today, we focus on the strength of meekness. Jesus said, ” Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5.” Meekness is a quality of being gentle, humble, patient, and not easily provoked. It’s often misunderstood as weakness, but in reality, it’s a form of strength in disguise and under control. The world is ladden with ‘sick’ people. Some just enjoy seeing others hurt and angry. It takes meekness to manage your emotions in this crazy world. Check out my blog on dealing with such people at https://www.davidsanda.com/blog/ Humility, Gentleness, Patience and Self-control are attributes that characterize meekness. No wonder Jesus said we should learn of Him and be meek and lowly. Not to esteem ourselves beyond measure. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29 (KJV) To be meek is Christlikeness. It shows we have been influenced by His love and grace. In the book of Psalms the meek is promised the earth as an inheritance plus abundance of peace. That’s something money can not buy. – True peace in its abundance! But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalms 37:11 (KJV) Have you ever heard the story of The Quiet Strength of the Willow? In a village nestled between mountains and rivers, two trees stood side by side: a proud oak and a humble willow. The oak was tall and rigid, boasting of its strength to all who passed. “No wind can bend me,” it declared. “I stand firm while others fall.” The willow, slender and soft, said nothing. It simply swayed with the breeze, its branches dipping gracefully toward the earth. One summer, a storm unlike any the village had ever seen swept through the valley. Thunder roared, lightning cracked, and the wind howled with fury. The oak resisted, straining against the gusts. But its pride became its downfall—its trunk snapped, and it crashed to the ground. The willow, though battered, bent with the wind. It bowed low, never breaking. When the storm passed, it stood again, quiet and whole. The villagers gathered and marveled. “The oak was mighty,” they said, “but the willow endured.” And so, the willow became a symbol—not of weakness, but of strength through gentleness. It taught the village that meekness is not surrender, but wisdom in knowing when to yield. Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. James 3:13 (ASV)  Wisdom is meek. Even when you think you know, you know nothing. It is good to stay low and humble. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2 (KJV) Meditate on This: – Do I associate meekness with weakness, or with strength under control? – How do I respond when I’m wronged—do I seek revenge or peace? – In what ways can I practice gentleness today? Prayer: Dear Father, help me to endure like the Willow which was willing to bend gracefully. Teach me to be more like Jesus as I yield to Your Spirit in meekness. “Lord, keep me low; empty me more and more; lay me in the dust, let me be dead and buried as to all that is of self; then shall Jesus live in me, and reign in me, and be truly my All-in-all!” — Charles H. Spurgeon.”

THE BEATITUDES Part 3 Read More »

THE BEATITUDES Part 2

/ Leave a Comment

THE COMFORT OF GODLY SORROW Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV) Jesus in the Beatitudes emphasized the significance of mourning. He said, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) In the message translation it renders it in such an amazing way. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. Matthew 5:4 (MSG). I Love that! To truly embrace The Truth and Life, we must let go of our pride, arrogance and ignorances. A young woman was weeping over her past mistakes and an elderly woman responded to her by saying – “keep it up dear, your tears are NOT weaknesses, rather they are the water that softens the soil for your growth”. It’s ok to mourn if it will draw you closer to the Father. One of the evil in our time and day is a lack of genuine repentance. We need to bring back those days when the altars were washed by the tears of the repentant and not the pollutant melodies of sinners who remain in sin. Several today will walk out of a preacher who points at their sins and woos them to repentance. They will rather have a ball and a party even in Church than truly feel sorry and be motivated to genuine repentance. Beloved, Don’t join them! Meditate on This – What have I mourned over that brought me closer to God? – Do I allow myself to feel sorrow over sin, or do I avoid it? – How has God comforted me in times of brokenness? Prayer Dear Father, please bring me to my knees and well up Godly sorrow in me to cause me to mourn when I am drawn away from you and your ways. Let every other thing fade away till I have Your embrace. We can best see the ugly visage of sin, in the looking-glass of affliction.

THE BEATITUDES Part 2 Read More »

The Beatitudes Part 1

/ Leave a Comment

THE BLESSING OF SPIRITUAL POVERTY Jesus began this special series of teachings with the words,  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) To be poor in the spirit has more of a positive note than a negative vibe. It literally means to be poor in the spirit. To be contrite, humble and admit that you are NOT self – sufficient. It is the opposite of pride and self-righteousness. To be poor in the spirit signifies Spiritual Bankruptcy; indicating that you understand that, because of sin, you are spiritually destitute and cannot earn salvation on your own but rather you are open to the transformation of the Holy Spirit. Those who are poor in spirit are open to being changed by God. They mourn their shortcomings and seek His help to grow. For all these things My hand has made, and so all these things have come into being [by and for Me], says the Lord. But this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands. Isaiah 66:2 (Amp.) A wealthy man, proud of his achievements, visits a humble monk. The monk offers him tea but keeps pouring until it overflows. The wealthy man protests but the monk replies, “Like this cup, you are full of yourself. You must empty yourself to receive anything.” Empty yourself so as to create room for God’s true blessings. Meditate on this: – What areas of my life do I rely on my own strength instead of God’s? – When was the last time I truly felt my need for God? – How can I cultivate humility in my daily walk with God? Prayer: Holy Father, I totally surrender to You – to Your will and Your ways. Help me to greatly feel my need for You and to respond with that consciousness in my daily living then I will know I am truly blessed. Amen. You are rich indeed if you are poor in the spirit.

The Beatitudes Part 1 Read More »

THE BEATITUDES

/ Leave a Comment

INTRODUCTION Then I heard a voice from the heavenly realm, saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead – the ones dying in the Lord from now on.” “Yes”, says the Holy Spirit, they will rest from their trouble, for their deeds will live on!” Revelation 14:13 (TPT)  The Beatitudes are a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 5:3–12). The term comes from the Latin word beatus, meaning blessed or happy. They describe the attitudes and characteristics of those who are truly blessed in the eyes of God. They reflect values of humility, mercy, righteousness, and peace. They kind of define how to identify the true believer who is indeed blessed in the Father’s eyes. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, beatitude means “complete happiness that comes from being blessed by God” or “great happiness and calm.” Someone aptly said that the beatitudes are the ATTITUDES Jesus wants us to BE. To reflect His love, life and grace in our lives to bring the heavenly father glory. We all are called to bear these attitudes. Each begins with “Blessed are…” and highlights a virtue or condition that leads to divine favor. Lets read the words of Jesus in this sermon on the mount together. And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:  (2)  And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,  (3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (4)  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:1-12 (KJV) The beatitudes redefine success and happiness in spiritual terms, emphasizing inner transformation over external achievement. Its not about affluence or even influence but these qualities that bestow God’s true blessings on us. They set the tone for Jesus’ teachings on how-to live-in alignment with the Kingdom of Heaven from the earth domain. Our first scripture from the book of Revelations assures us that the dead in Christ are blessed for they have entered into rest and that there works live on. If this is the lot of the dead, how much we that are alive. WE must do the works that please the Father and will outlive us. Meditate on this and come along as we shall daily be digging deeper into these valuable truths emanating from God’s Word and by His Spirit. Beloved, you are beautiful when you have the beatitudes. God has blessed you!

THE BEATITUDES Read More »

tattoo, hand, happens, couple, love each other, tattoos, tattooed, wristwatch, sweet, partner, keep your hand, man, woman, friendship, love, love couple, married, friend, tattoo, tattoo, tattoo, tattoo, tattoo, tattoos

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 9

/ Leave a Comment

GOD’S LOVE HELPS US TO LOVE OTHERS. Of all we are called to do as believers nothing cranks me up like the call to love others – Not just to love them but to love them as Christ Jesus loves me. Jesus clearly said, I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. John 13:34 (Amp) This could mean any of two things. We are called to love others the way we were loved or it could also mean to love others because we have been loved. Loving others – spouse, children, neighbors and even enemies is quite a difficult task but God’s love towards us enables us. God exemplified it in Christ and filled our hearts with His love so we could do it. I used to be a bitter person growing up. We had lost a big sibling before I was born. Then I realized I was weak and sickly. It was a tough childhood for me. Even after becoming born again, I still didn’t understand love until the revelation of God’s love and grace hit me. It changed me so much now it is easy for me to love even the unlovable. God’s love changes us to make us more loving persons.  His love makes us love others. An unloved woman who is married is a ticking time bomb about to explode. Under three things the earth trembles; under four it cannot bear up: a slave when he becomes a king and a fool when he is filled with food; an unloved woman when she gets a husband and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress. Proverbs 30:21-23 (ESV) Only those who experience love can truly love so God in His wisdom loved us, saved us and now He asks only for one thing in return: Love God, Love People. Just thinking about the amazing love of God empowers us to express the same to others. Learn to love from the God who is Love personified then you can truly love others.

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 9 Read More »

Adorable baby enjoying playtime with wooden blocks in a cozy indoor setting. Perfect depiction of joy and learning.

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 8

/ Leave a Comment

GOD’S LOVE ENABLES US TO PLEASE HIM. When we reverently fear God and hope in His steadfast love He is pleased. Sharla Fritz rightly wrote, “Just like any loving dad, what pleases our Abba Father most is for His children to curl up in His caring arms – to put their hope not in their own cleverness or ambition, but in His love for them”. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) It takes faith to please God but how does this faith work? Faith works through love. For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through LOVE Galatians 5:6 (Amp) It takes a strong hope in God’s love to please Him. We must believe in the Father’s Love and trust in His ways. We must stand with Him even when we do not understand. We must please Him by basking in His love daily. The Lord takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness. Psalms 147:11 (Amp) God is well pleased in His beloved son. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased . 2 Peter 1:17 (KJV) Meditate on His love and rejoice. Hope in God’s love. Convince yourself that He has got your back and that He loves you so much, He wouldn’t let you fall. This is what pleases Him.

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 8 Read More »

Peaceful forest pathway with sunrays filtering through trees, creating a serene atmosphere.

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 7

/ Leave a Comment

GOD’S LOVE ENABLES US TO STAY ON GOD’S PATH. God’s love enables us to stay on His path. Staying on the God – path is a tough order for a lot of us. We easily stray away when we are confronted by tough situations and circumstances. We start well in faith and then often get beguiled and move into the flesh. Sometimes we let our feelings get the best of us. The only way to stay on course is when we keep our hearts and mind stayed on the faithful, dependable and everlasting love of God. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3 (ESV) When we are mindful of God’s never-ending love for us, we become much more confident that God’s path is the best for us. We don’t walk based on our qualifications or competences. We walk in His faithfulness. The Psalmist penned these words because he could only be faithful by having faith in God’s faithfulness. One scripture that so blesses me in this regard states that God is the one who wills in us to do right and empowers to do it too. [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Philippians 2:13 (Amp) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV) To do what? His sovereign will. As we learn more and meditate on this awesome love of God, His faithfulness becomes more lucid and vivid to us and this in turn helps us keep in step with His will. Confess this: God loves me so much, His desires for me are good (not evil), if I follow His path, He will lead me to a favourable end. God has said, For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11 (Amp) Believe in His love, trust in His faithfulness and stay on His path. Shalom! Love you dearly. For counseling and prayers, kindly reach out via calls, sms, WhatsApp and Telegram David Sanda +2347034529339.

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 7 Read More »

A young child in Tanzania prays in contemplation during a community gathering, symbolizing faith and innocence.

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 6

/ Leave a Comment

GOD’S LOVE GIVES US CONFIDENCE IN THE PLACE OF PRAYER. It is quite squeamish the way some folks pray. Some pray with little regard to the almightiness of the God we pray to, others pray out of fear of the devil and evil forces and some spend endless hours in repetitive prayers but seem not to even get God’s attention. There is a protocol as regarding effective prayers. The heart must be enamored by the Holy Love of God. God’s love gives us the confidence to pray, pray aright, effectively and result-oriented. But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. Psalm 69:13 Our knowledge of God as a caring Father will help us approach Him as His beloved children. His unfailing extravagant love gives us the courage to come to him irrespective of our circumstances. We can come boldly with our debilitating failures, our overwhelming dilemmas, and even our pesky problems. We have an assurance of His love and favourable response. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 (KJV) We can approach the throne of grace with the assurance of His love. When next we pray, let’s meditate on God’s love and the wisdom that He is more willing to give us whatever we ask for even before we dare ask Him.

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 6 Read More »

worship, singing, inspiration, church, religion, portrait, spirituality, protestant, spiritual, faith, christianity, jesus, cruz, christian, holy, religious, worship, worship, worship, worship, worship, jesus

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 5

/ Leave a Comment

GOD’S LOVE DRAWS US TO WORSHIP. I make bold to say, you can’t truly meditate on God’s love and not be moved to worship. A song will certainly well up in your soul when you think about his love. The late Billy Graham often used to say, “The Bible is God’s love letter to us”. He is so right. Reading God’s word reveals God’s love for us and this affection draws us into worship. Augustine (in the 4th century) famously said, “Thou has made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” When we contemplate God’s love for us, our hearts bow in worship. We enter God’s presence to praise Him for His priceless gifts. King David wrote in Psalm 5:7, “But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.” Everyone who got a revelation of God’s love ends us writing, singing and directing songs for God’s worship. Moses: Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. Exodus 15:1 Solomon: The song of songs, which is Solomon’s. Songs 1:1 Israel: And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. 2 Chronicles 20:22  At the end of the age, we all as saints as a reference to the awe of God’s love for us will have the privilege of singing the songs of Moses and the songs of Jesus. Glory! And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Revelations 15:3 (KJV) Think about His extravagant love and let your heart move you into genuine worship in truth and in Spirit. Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Psalm 66:2 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. Hebrews 2:12 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Psalm 66:4 God’s love draws us to worship. Hallelujah!

How God’s Love Changes Us Part 5 Read More »