The link to my book - Destroy and Deliver (Autobiography)

Saturday 28 September 2019

The war must rage on

The grace of God is not there to hide our sin but rather to destroy it and until we settle upon this truth we will always be looking for a way to mask it. God is omnipresent, he is ever-present and regardless of all the feeble attempts we may have made through our lifetimes looking to cover the darkness that separates us from true fellowship with our heavenly Father, that annoying voice condemning our actions and the other, thankful that no one else is privy to our behaviour, or so we would like to believe.

However there is only one way forward for a Christian soldier and that is to confront the darkness head-on, it’s time to face our fears and seek out the grace needed to overcome. We needn’t stand on our strength that would be an impossible task, we stand upon the finished work of Calvary. But we also do not act as if all is well, if in fact that is far from the truth. Yes a Christian will always have his sins covered, past, present and future. The Lord Jesus Christ our beloved brother has taken care of that. But where the fox looks to destroy the vine in our minds is the sin that so easily besets.

I have witnessed the reaction we have to this chink in our armour; we look for justification to continue, a justification to excuse our behaviour, normally looking to pass the buck. A hot-headed European man would say, it’s not my fault I was born Italian, I can’t help it that I lose my temper. Wrong! A Christian is a new creature in Christ, we have armour to push on through the clash, but unless we dress for battle we will always fall. Shoot a bullet at a man’s chest and what happens? He will probably die. But slip on a bulletproof vest and he will live. We have been commissioned to put on the breastplate of righteousness. It’s only the born again Christian that has this arsenal in his closet. But we all have it, whether we wear it or not is up to us. A masochist loves pain, the drug addict loves the high, an alcoholic loves the escape, a sex addict loves the chase, a madman loves to vent, and a rich man loves the power. The list is endless, but these actions are linked to darkness and are fruits of the flesh, initiated by sin. The very thing that caused a cruel death for our beloved Saviour. How then can we as Christians continue down this path as if it is our right, God forbid! For such a long time I could never get my head around this truth, but God who is rich in mercy is able to bring his children around, praise His name, Amen! He is not only able, He will bring you around.

The next question that springs to mind would be why do I struggle so? Although we are righteous because of what Jesus has done we will never be perfect while we are in our earthen vessels. Yes we have been justified, but the war rages on. It’s how we view the war that is critical. A good soldiers must not entangle themselves with the sin that so easily besets. But to pretend that it isn’t real would be a mistake. What now? We must confront our sin, whatever they may be, although there be many, we press on to the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus our Lord. Although we will continuously slip and fall is some area of our lives, we never excuse our actions but are quick to confess our faults and to seek our forgiveness. This is the day in the life of a Christian. However when we get to heaven this will all change and we will be like our glorious Saviour. We will receive a body like His. But until then the warfare must rage and it will persist until we breathe our last.

“If a person were free from all tendency to sin, he would not be liable to temptation any longer. He would not need to guard against it. There is an evil inside us that makes us exclaim from day to day, “O wretched man that I am who will deliver me from this body of death?”” Romans 7; 24.  (Charles Spurgeon)

To those who believe and stand upon the doctrine that this verse refers to us prior to salvation I echo Charles Spurgeon’s sentiment, which is; “If a person were free from all tendency to sin. He would not need to guard against it.” Does an unbeliever guard against sin as the Christian does? The answer is an obvious one, No! How could he? He does not have God the Holy Spirit living within him.

What are we to do with this information on a practical level? We are to use the grace of God available to every believer, to squash any sin that looks to rob us of the peace of God that is our privilege to enjoy. We will never be totally free from this conflict until we are changed, the day we receive our new bodies, but fight we must and we know what is expected of us, so we are without excuse. To God be the glory now and forever more.

I am convinced that God will bring all those around who has not yet made this their own, He is capable, able and He will do it. His desire for all His children is for us to find a liberty to serve Him without distraction. This is where the His brilliance comes into play, the trial of life working together for the good of all those called according to His plan and purposes. Without it we would never learn much.   

It’s all about understanding a truth and them making it our own. “For whenever we encounter truth, it is both our duty and our privilege to lay hold of it.” (Spurgeon) 

Signing off

Tyrone

Wednesday 25 September 2019

My Light


The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” David could claim this with utmost assurance, can we? It’s one thing to say something but quite another altogether to stand when tested. David stood toe to toe with Goliath and therefore has earned the right to wear the T-shirt; “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”

Stop what you are doing and think about where we stand, then wrestle and toil with the notion of it all and before long you should understand. Deception may look to conquer but I trust the mirror will win. Faith towards God and the finished work of Calvary is the invisible tattoo the child of God has engraved on his chest and just like ultraviolet light brings hidden matter into the light so too does the trial of life achieve the same result. We have been commissioned to strap on the breastplate of righteousness. He is the great shepherd who rules by the force of love and his shoulders bare the marks of commitment where he has carried our burdens. A God who is always for his people and never against them. It’s the love of discipline that sometimes muddies the waters of our understanding. It’s the lack of knowledge that confuses. The wandering sheep is never left to their own devices, it is part of the flock and at times a shepherd would go as far as breaking a leg so that the lamb would be unable to wonder beyond the borders of his protection. Even through this act of tough love, when it was time to move, the lamb would find a resting place upon the shoulders of the great shepherd, the safest place to be. The love of God who can fathom it?

Ask yourself this question, what is my ultimate goal? I know we have been instructed to walk and live one day at a time, but why? The answer should always revolve around heaven and all its glory. A single days struggle is hard enough and we often place so much energy on the anticipated cares of tomorrow that never arrives. All that worry for nought. Today is the day for change, the day to stand up and be counted, make haste, the trumpet in near, how much wasted time has been a part of our lives. The rule of sin over us has played its part and it still looks for any gap it can find, but the truth be told Jesus has conquered sin and we stand upon his finished work. We need to be aware of who we are in Christ. Not who we are in ourselves, as people look to pass their judgments based upon our worldly standings and success. Sure, there are many benefits for the wealthy in this life, and then what? The judgment of God is coming and how thankful I am for it. We, the Christian has already been judged and our great Saviour has paid the price in full for our sin, it cost him his life, it’s time we starting talking our responsibilities seriously. It is impossible to gain muscle mass without the correct diet and intense training. Although the one takes care of the carnal, without spiritual commitment to the Spirit of God that lives within the Christian, spiritual training if you like, we will stagnate and become ineffective in a dying world. Although we cannot mix oil and water, just like that which is flesh remains carnal and that which is of the spirit remains spiritual, the principle for both world applies. We need to sit at the feet of Jesus, and yes make time in the mornings to make it happen. Get up earlier if need be, it will be beneficial, not only for yourselves but those around you.

We all have our crosses to bare and it's time we started welcoming them instead of begrudging our lot in life. They have been designed to conform us into the image of Christ, and who doesn’t want to be more like HIM? But unless we walk in the Spirit how will this ever be our reality? It may just be time to truly shift our attention onto the ONE who has the power to save. Do not be fooled for there is great power beyond the realised, behind the curtain of the natural that influence so many of us. In fact it is far worse, we depend upon it. The time for repentance is at hand. It’s time to stand upon the Rock of Ages who has been cleft for me, WOW! “Jesus in my place” at salvation and no differently when death knocks. But what about the in-between? Why do we drop the ball here? Mostly because of the sin that so easily besets and the weightiness of the cares of life.

It is time to dress for battle, yesterday has gone, in fact what has passed has passed and the only voice that needs to ring true is the voice of our God for HE is our sword and shield and he has a path mapped out for us, we need to listen for his voice as we sit at the feet of Jesus and with our ears unfabled with the clutter of this world, to then move when called upon.  

Signing off

Tyrone



Wednesday 18 September 2019

War


One of the biggest question we ever need to ask ourselves is do we plead merit of ask for God’s mercy in time of need? For in us there will never be any merit that will find favour from God, sin has taken care of that. It’s only in Christ that we find justification before a holy God. The work of election was established before time began, God choose certain individuals to love Him so that through process they would learn to glorify Him and not out of obligation but all because of His love. The brilliance of my God and Father humbly boggles my mind, wow! Just to get these tiny snippets of His brilliance is rejuvenation to ones soul. The honour we have to represent has taken on a new dimension and I am forever grateful to be amongst that number. In spite of my many blunders, which plagues my mind continuously, I know that I have been forgiven, bless the name of Jesus. But now all I ask is to be like Jesus. There comes a time when we need to put off childish things, were we need to stand up and be counted. Leaving that which is behind us, all of it and seeking out the will of God for our lives with an honest integrity. 

The battle is fierce and the front lines is where the reality of Christianity is evident, not that the lessons of life do not play their part, of course they do. However it’s when we come face to face with the enemy, it is here that our spiritual senses are quickened and our mind shifts a gear heightening our dependence upon the finished work of Calvary. How small we actually are outside of HIM! I Love my Saviour with all my heart and yet I know that I have so much more to give.

It’s in this context that Paul gives us insight; Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:10-18) 

Anything that looks to disrupt a believer’s progress is the objective of Satan and his followers. We are aware of what the Word of God teaches us and every Christian applies what they are taught is some form and their minds are renewed. God the Holy Spirit plays a massive role here. But it is only when we come face to face, or more accurately voice to voice with the enemy and see them at work that we are gripped with the reality of the evil forces at play. Theory tested practically. This is where the armour of God becomes a critical part of our attire. Without it we are vulnerable and can be left somewhat confused when confrontation happens. Have you ever seen an army scout sent out to the frontlines without the appropriate gear? Dressed correctly we can stand firm; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes fitted with a readiness to bring the gospel of peace wherever needed, the shield of faith firmly strapped into place as we defend all the fiery darts fired by the evil forces who oppose our God’s rule, with the helmet of salvation lacked in position, with our swords in our hand, not the glinting metal of Excalibur but rather the WORD OF GOD as we remember the power it yields. God speaks and it happens! With continuous prayer throughout the day as we converse with our heavenly Father gaining intelligence on what is needed to get us and others throughout the day. It is to this end that we need to be alert and of service to our God and Father. Remembering our fellow workers in Christ.

God has an army and we have our part to play, God give us eyes to see the seriousness of the call place upon us all.

Remembering that as we dress for battle all the attire we are commissioned to wear is Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour; it’s all because of His accomplishments that we are of use to our heavenly Father, we are never to forget Gethsemane, lest we become puffed up within ourselves. Jesus is alive and because HE lives I live, praise HIS name now and forever more, Amen and Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone




Saturday 14 September 2019

Perspective


The journey of life is there to bring us to the place of understanding that we have been tainted by sin, we are sinners and that there is only ONE true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and that through discovery salvation is available to all in the person of Jesus Christ. The rest of our lives is but fill in, somewhat irrelevant in the greater scheme of things. We live to find the will of God for our lives, firstly as individuals and then on a collective level whereby we may be of use too others as we also help them find their way. The end game, the Celestial City, heaven with all its glory.

This morning the mercy of God has taken me to a consideration that is rather simple but we daren’t miss it. God gave certain men the platform to pen their experiences in the greatest of all books, the BIBLE. What has come to me afresh this morning is that it is imperative to have ears to hear where the Spirit of God directs. These appointed individuals give us insight into a very wonderful and precious relationship, theirs with God which in turn must effect our bond with our heavenly Father. It was always the trial of life that brought about the best growth, those particular times of hardship that honed their relationships. David possibly grew the most after acknowledging his sin, but not before sending a loyal servant to his death in order to hide it. Unfortunately for the flesh there is no other way for sin to be squashed, outside of suffering. The only question we need ask ourselves is this; am I willing to go Gods way whatever the cost? The beauty of a favourable retort to that question is that I relinquish my will and I am willing to hand it over to God. The sooner we arrive the better, for we know that heaven is waiting. 

At the end of the day who doesn’t want to hear the words “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into your rest”? Therefore whatever will aid in achieving our objective needs to be done, period! And yet there is so much clutter that always looks to get in the way, Why is that? We have been tainted by sin, but let us not overlook the mercies of God, the grace that abounds towards the believer, we are new creatures in Christ and we need to be continuously reminded. We will never be justified by what we do, we are only ever justified by what Christ achieved for us. And yet we have be summoned to walk in the light and to avoid the darkness if we are to please our heavenly Father. Who does not have this objective at the top of their “bucket list” to please God? If that is not one of our priorities, well then, sadly we have been duped into believing a lie, or even worse we are bastards and not sons and we will never make it to heaven.

Intertwined with all of the instruction to the Christian is an overarching truth that should never be missed and yet I see it glanced over as if it carries very little weight amongst believers of today; “without faith it is impossible to please God”. Faith takes God at His Word, don’t mistake magic as faith, magic is filled with deceit and there are many under the Christian banner that claim to be gifted when in fact they are nothing but liars. It’s all about filthy coinage that drives them, it’s not about pleasing God. They are not ministers of the light. Faith believes the truth of an unseen God at his Word, we study the bible in context and when we hear the voice of our God we believe and find grace in time of need to follow through with its instruction and if we fall short we seek out forgiveness, this is the life of a Christian. However combatants of the darkness look to garble the message, interference with the unadulterated message of the gospel is their main objective. They are the enemy who look to destroy, those who have fallen from grace. Whose journeys started in heaven with God, no longer friends but foe and the mêlée is fierce. It’s time we realised the severity of the battle, time to grow up and to be number amongst the saints, regardless of the cost.

Signing off

Tyrone



Saturday 7 September 2019

Confronting HIV

The depths and the measure of the love of God who can truly understand it. All I know is that I will be forever grateful.

This is my story or a few chapters of it at least...