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My journey to purpose

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For a long time, I grappled with the question, "What is my purpose?" I've since learned that this was the wrong question, as it mistakenly suggested I was the source of my purpose, leading me to focus on myself and my own desires. The correct question, I realized, should have been, "What is God’s purpose for my life?" This question prompted me to seek the Creator, to delve into deep knowledge about God and His ways. As I maintained this approach, He revealed Himself to me and His purpose for my life. My complete trust in the Lord, rather than relying on my own understanding, cultivated an intimate relationship with Christ. By giving Him the right to direct my life, I gained insight into good works. While seemingly unrelated, I am learning that as I obey them, they intricately weave together every detail of my life for my good and for His purpose. It was in this surrendered state that I also discovered aspects of myself I had never known before, some even beyond ...

Prayer activates my divine alignment

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LIFE LESSON : Prayer serves as a potent tool, crafted to facilitate the harmonization and alignment of my personal aspirations with the divine will. A friend, having recently prevailed in a legal battle against an adversary, cautioned potential detractors against engaging in conflict with him. He emphasized the efficacy of his prayers against his enemies, suggesting that they fulfill his personal desires. Initially, I shared this perspective, believing prayer's purpose was to satisfy individual aspirations. However, this understanding deviates from the biblical perspective, which emphasizes prayer's purpose is to glorify his name (Matthew 6:9 TPT) . I have been able to reconcile these seemingly contradictory viewpoints when I accepted an invitation into the Kingdom of God, a roadmap to live life on earth so God’s plan can be fulfilled through me. In this roadmap, prayer becomes a posture of surrender that  facilitates intimacy with God leading to a  personal encounter. This p...

Diversity sets us up for progess not uniformity.

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LIFE LESSON : In South Africa, unity in diversity is the key to progress, rather than striving for uniformity. The recent election results that denied the majority vote to the ruling party ANC for the first time in 30 years got me thinking about what I thought was the best solution for our country and based on how I have been voting since 1994. I now realize that I have always believed that the solution for this country lies in people whose race, values and principles are similar to mine in other words I believed the solution for this country is in uniformity but the 75 year history of this country contradicts my belief because for at least 45 years this country was ruled by people whose race, values and principles were uniform, that ruling class brought us apartheid which left out the majority of South Africans ,this ruling class was replaced by another ruling class who in majority come from the same race, share same values and principles but 30 years later we now know that this rulin...

Embracing the Kingdom aligns me with destiny

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LIFE LESSON: The Kingdom of God is not simply heaven but rather a roadmap that harmoniously aligns my life on earth with the divine will. As I delved into the Bible, I noticed a recurring theme in Jesus Christ's teachings—the Kingdom of God. Initially, I associated the Kingdom of God with heaven, a place accessible only after death. As a result I struggled to reconcile this concept with my daily experiences. That was until I realized that Jesus was referring to a roadmap that serves to guide me to live on earth in alignment with God's will. Embracing the Kingdom of God as a roadmap transformed my understanding of my faith journey. It's not about fulfilling my desires or displaying my power but about showcasing God's power on earth (1 Corinthians 4:28). This posture enables me to partner with God, because it makes me acceptable to Him (Luke 22:18) so that through me, His power can be resurrected and manifested through supernatural activities (Luke 9:2). It all makes sens...

True heritage is found in the Kingdom

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LIFE LESSON: True identity is revealed when my heritage is grounded in the Creator Proponents of African spirituality contend that Christianity is not inherently African because it was not the original belief system of Africans. Initially, this argument made me feel less connected to my African identity, even though I respect and value my heritage. However, I have since come to understand that the Bible validates my African identity while also teaching that in order to effectively navigate life according to God's plan, I must prioritize my identity in the Kingdom of God over my African identity. The Kingdom of God serves as a framework for navigating life on earth, aligning my life with God's purpose, and preparing me to receive all that He has planned for me. This can only happen when I experience spiritual awakening, as described in John 3:5 TPT, which lays the groundwork for spiritual growth and activates my full potential. Embracing the Kingdom of God makes me acceptable to...

Intimate process is the source miracles.

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LIFE LESSON: Miracles are the consequences of a process that starts with an intimate relationship instead of once off events. In instances where people seek spiritual healing or solutions from religious figures only to face disappointment or financial exploitation, I often question the apparent lack of God’s intervention in such circumstances, because I know  what it is like to seek immediate relief,when going through hard times and I understand the desperation that leads people to take drastic measures which might lead to tragic consequences in search of relief but I've come to realize that God's preferred method of doing the supernatural on earth involves a gradual process rather than a single event. While God has the ability to perform miraculous acts at any moment, the Bible reveals that he favors a process that begins with a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, that leads to a personal encounter (John 4:50) . This encounter establishes a preferred partnership between ...

Presence in this lifetime should be the aim not heaven.

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LIFE LESSON: Instead of exclusively fixating on reaching heaven post-mortem, the primary objective of Christianity should be forging a deep and meaningful connection with God in the current life. During my elementary school years, an overly zealous teacher made persistent efforts to convert us to Christianity. She instilled fear in us by emphasizing the repercussions of eternal damnation in hell and distributed religious literature to reinforce their message. As a result, my initial motivation for embracing Christianity was primarily driven by a desire to secure a place in heaven and avoid eternal punishment. While this consideration is undoubtedly significant, it should not be the primary reason for embarking on a spiritual journey. The ultimate purpose of a Christian journey is to experience the personal presence of God during our earthly existence. Through the roadmap of the Kingdom of God, we can access this presence. As human beings, we are inherently flawed and unworthy of God...

Being chosen is choice not a privilege

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LIFE LESSON: Being chosen is not a privilege granted to a select few; rather, it is the outcome of sustained dedication and diligent effort. Indeed, many are called, but few are chosen, as the scripture in Matthew 22:14 states. When I first encountered this passage, I was filled with doubt and questioned my own journey of faith because I do not see myself as privileged in this journey.. Therefore if only a privileged few could experience God's goodness, what purpose will my journey serve? As I delved deeper into my journey, I realized that being "chosen" is a conscious decision that I must make. It is a choice between living life according to the framework designed by God or conforming to the world's systems. Choosing the Kingdom of God as my framework for living frees me from the constraints and influences of the world system (Zechariah 9:11 TPT) . This process of choosing the Kingdom of God as a framework through which I live life on earth unfolds when I actively p...

True knowledge is not found in rituals

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LIFE LESSON: Religious rituals were an obstacle to my faith journey as they merely provided me with surface-level information about God’s attributes, instead of a deeper exploration of His character. Throughout my childhood in a denominational church, I saw the Cross primarily as a symbol of Jesus's sacrifice for my sins. While this theological tenet remains a core belief, my new faith journey, grounded in the principles of the Kingdom of God, has led me to a more comprehensive and profound understanding of the Cross. I now perceive it as a conceptual framework through which divine providence guides my life's purpose and direction. My former limited understanding stemmed from a faith journey based on religious rituals—man-made constructs for reaching God that differ from the biblical framework of the Kingdom of God. Abandoning this faith journey was necessary because it had several implications: Obstruction of My Relationship with God: My focus on fulfilling rituals rather than...

I should find Rest In Peace in this lifetime

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LIFE LESSON: Resting in peace is a struggle that I have to strive for in this lifetime not when I am dead. While listening to people being interviewed on various podcasts, I observed that many individuals frequently utter the phrase "May his or her soul rest in peace" when referring to the departed. This was a habit I also had before adopting the Kingdom of God as the framework through which I navigate life on earth, as in this framework, resting in peace is a gift that should be pursued during one's lifetime and is available to those who embrace the Kingdom of God (2 Thessalonians 1:2). As a dweller in the Kingdom of God, I recognize the importance of striving to rest in peace in this lifetime. This posture knits my heart in perfect unity with Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 13:11). When I am in perfect unity with Christ, my spirit can faithfully harmonize with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) , enabling me to become the person God created me to be. To fulfill my God-given pu...

Acts of kindness do not make me amiable to the divine

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LIFE LESSON: My hostility against the divine plan cannot be rectified through mere acts of kindness because my concerns are anchored in the tangible realm, whereas God's purview extends beyond the physical, encompassing the invisible spiritual domain. I once believed that performing acts of kindness would make me more amiable to God, this belief has been challenged by my natural hostile disposition toward God. Acts of kindness based solely on self-effort and practiced outside the realm of God's kingdom are not enough to overcome my inherent nature. Outside the Kingdom of God I am unable to surrender to God's will (Romans 8:7 TPT). So, I embraced these acts of kindness because they are centered around doing for others. While these acts seemed selfless, my true motivations were impure. Deep down, I adopted this stance because I believed it would position me to receive God's blessings. Which means I positioned myself against God because instead of pursuing God himself, I ...

Death is not the end but the beginning of true life

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LIFE LESSON: By embracing death as the beginning and not the end, I found refuge in eternal life, where the profound wisdom unfolds. While watching a popular TV series, a scene emerged in which a grieving husband lamented his wife's passing and expressed his desire for God to take him instead. This sentiment resonated with my prior perspective on death, perceiving it as the ultimate end. However, upon accepting the invitation to enter the Kingdom of God, my understanding of death transformed. In the Kingdom of God, death represents a transition from the earthly realm to the spiritual realm and, through Jesus Christ, it signifies the passage from the natural realm into eternal life (John 5:24 TPT). Embracing this new perspective marked the beginning of my life with God. My acceptance of the invitation into the Kingdom of God stemmed from my pursuit of true knowledge about God. However, my previous perception of death as the end would have hindered this pursuit, as death leads to et...

True freedom is found in focusing on the vertical

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LIFE LESSON : Authentic life can only be achieved by acknowledging both the mundane and the transcendent aspects of life. Mike Lipkin, the "YES man," was the one who first exposed me to the realm of motivation. His influence led me to read numerous motivational books and follow many motivational speakers. Still, I must admit that despite all my efforts, the books and speakers had no impact on my life and it did not lead me to experience true life. I initially struggled to comprehend why this was so, as it appeared to work for others. Now I recognize the cause: the motivational world concentrates solely on the horizontal plane, disregarding the vertical plane, where genuine fulfillment unfolds (Luke 22:16). I came to realize that the motivational world only emphasizes physical well-being, neglecting the vertical plane's purpose to influence both the physical and spiritual realms, capturing my soul (1 Corinthians 15:50). The motivational world is anchored in what can be see...

Personal desire can be an obstacle to my destiny.

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LIFE LESSON: Prayer is not a means to satisfy my personal desires; rather, it is to align with divine providence. In a recent discussion with a friend who attends a denominational church, he expressed that God fulfills all his prayers. Upon further exploration, it became apparent that he perceived God as a granter of his desires. This perspective contrasts with my experience of God of the Bible , my prayers are also always answered, but the responses I get are either YES, NO or NOT NOW.. My prayers are not always met with a "YES."as it the case with my friend because the Creator understands that my human desires alone, without his divine guidance, will never lead me to true fulfillment (Proverbs 27:20). God of the Bible prioritizes intimacy with me but some of my desires, unbeknownst to me, could hinder that intimate relationship (Luke 17:22). I was created to become a vessel through which God's plans on earth are realized. However, living solely for my human desires pr...

Imbalance is the way to true destiny

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LIFE LESSON: The journey to true destiny begins when the balancing scales of life tip too heavily towards the intangible realm of spirituality, rather than the tangible and practical aspects of life. When I started my journey of faith, some in my social circles accused me of being too spiritual, urging me to seek a balance between spirituality and worldly concerns. This view persisted even when I sought guidance from experienced fellow travelers on my faith journey, leaving me discouraged and questioning my path.Despite all my efforts I found balancing the spiritual and natural realms inherently incompatible. However, I later discovered a profound truth that shifted my perspective. Rather than being an obstacle, being excessively spiritual is precisely the imbalance required for alignment with the God of the Bible. Pursuing a balance between my natural and spiritual realities hinders my progress toward God's plans. True closeness to God demands the replacement of selfish desires ro...

Being a good person is not enough

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LIFE LESSON: Goodness is attained through personal efforts, while righteousness is a gift that cannot not be attained through self effort Throughout my life, goodness has always been my goal, I've always endeavored to be a good person, both as a citizen and as defined by societal standards. I believed this would suffice in securing my standing with the God of the Bible. However, as I embarked on my faith journey, I discovered that being right with God requires more than just being a "good" person. Before I began my faith journey, I considered myself a good individual. But after delving into the Scriptures, it became evident that my goodness or societal recognition had no bearing on my relationship with God. According to Matthew 6:33 TPT , the only place I can be right with God is in his Kingdom, therefore I had to accept the invitation into the Kingdom of God. To achieve personal goodness required significant self-effort, but being right with the God of the Bible cannot b...

Compomise is not true love

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LIFE LESSON: True love does not compromise, it seeks to influence towards the truth In matters of social issues, my stance has always been that compromising my values to accommodate diverse viewpoints is a testament of true love. Popular culture endorses this view, but it misaligns with the principles of the Kingdom of God. Within the Kingdom of God, patience and kindness towards individuals holding opposing views on social issues are encouraged as expressions of love (1 Corinthians 13:4; Luke 6:35) . However, demonstrating love also involves upholding the truth found in the Bible, rather than partaking in actions that undermine my moral standing before God (1 Corinthians 13:6) . Therefore, my approach in demonstrating true love to individuals with differing social views will be to consistently exhibit patience and kindness. However, I will refrain from compromising the truth by celebrating actions that contradict the biblical teachings. Instead, I will steadfastly stand on the truth o...

A singular focus on the Kingdom serves as a springboard for profound insight.

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LIFE LESSON; Comprehending the nature of God goes beyond mere knowledge of church rituals; it begins with genuine understanding of His kingdom During my upbringing in a denominational church, I observed and admired individuals who possessed a profound comprehension of the religious rituals. I admired them because I presumed that God favored churchgoers well-versed in these rituals. However, I have since realized that God seeks a deeper familiarity with His Kingdom rather than mere church rituals. As a believer it is crucial for me to understand the Kingdom of God, for it is within this realm that my true freedom lies (Luke 22:16). My soul is innately inclined to oppose God's will, it therefore requires healing to find acceptance in His sight. This healing can only be attained within the Kingdom of God (Luke 10:9) . The Kingdom of God, as mentioned in Corinthians 4:28 , serves as a means to manifest God's power on earth. By prioritizing knowledge of the Kingdom over church rit...

Obedience is key to true destiny

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LIFE LESSON: Unyielding obedience stands as the cornerstone upon which the true vessel is built. Throughout my formative years, I clung steadfastly to the belief that unwavering devotion to family was a testament to my love for God. However, as my spiritual journey unfolded and my understanding deepened, I came to realize that this notion deviated from the fundamental principles of the Kingdom of God. The true path to expressing my love for the biblical God, as revealed in the Gospel of John (14:15), lies in adhering to his commandments. Obedience to God's commandments serves as a profound affirmation of my love for him. It is not merely a superficial display of piety but a reflection of genuine knowledge and understanding of his divine nature. In his words Jesus said , "If anyone loves me, he will keep my commandments" (John 14:21). This understanding serves as a bridge, positioning me as a vessel through which God's will can be realized on Earth. By remaining pure a...

What I priortise will lead towards or away from my destiny.

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Life lesson :  Viewing life on earth in light of eternity is crucial to experiencing true life Throughout my life, I have embraced the principle of "family first," rooted in my denominational church upbringing and aligned with African Spirituality. However, this principle clashes with the teachings of the Kingdom of God, which prioritize seeking the Kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:33). When I prioritized family, my focus drifted away from Christ. In contrast, the Kingdom of God emphasizes focusing on Christ as the central figure (1 Corinthians 15:47). This focus leads to daily communion with Christ, providing a perspective that views life through the lens of eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17) and fostering an intimate relationship with Him. This relationship kindles a longing for the unseen and eternal, facilitating a spiritual awakening through Christ (Colossians 3:1). While the family unit is significant and encouraged in the Kingdom of God, prioritizing it above the Kingdom h...