#23b Life's paradox(10jan2005)

Our fears: life’s paradox: one more testimony
(’10 Jan 2005)

We fear what we should not, and do not fear what we should

Last nite, at the spot in my house which I called ‘Jacob’s ladder’ ie my son’s bed, where I seem to have the most vivid experiences with God, I had an interesting dream or vision.

My son, Andre, a godly boy awoke from his sleep at 11pm, complaining about an ulcer in his tongue. Ever the diligent dad, I brought him back into his bed and lied down with him.

Inexplicably I moved into a ‘dream’ where I saw myself sitting at my desk in the office looking at the ILX machine. I noticed to my left, a trim, white shirted guy sitting ramrod. As my gaze set upon him, I heard my colleague calling out to me that an investment has risen significantly in price.

At this precise moment, the ‘guy’ looked at me and though I did not see his face, a sense of fear and foreboding overcame me. It was the devil impersonate and I literally prayed or more like shouted from the heart to the Lord to save me.

As with previous experiences, the devil fled.

At this juncture, I awoke. Clear-minded, I was sure I was not sleeping. But it matters not.
As I prayed and pondered upon the message God has for me, the Lord brought me to the following words these past few days:

‘Those who have their hearts fixed on heaven will hold loosely the things of earth’

‘whereas in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, …
the lusts of our flesh.
But God, who is rich in mercy……
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ(by grace we are saved)
Ephesians 2:1-5

Much as I try to deny, rationalize and justify, covetousness is something that I have flirted with
all my life.

God has been faithful, bearing with and even leading me into His wonderful works despite my succumbing to the lusts of my eyes.

Just the day before, my heart felt troubled as I
- pondered upon the my deepening involvement in things of the world
- How things seem to fall in place in terms of meeting the right people and finding the products for my passions. Even the ‘gods’ seem to condone my indulgences.

True, God is not looking for self sacrifice or self effort. But God wants my total devotion to Him.

‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth’
Colossians 3:1-2

I thank God for
- reminding me to stay focused on Him.

I thank God for preparing me and strengthening me for the storms ahead.

‘…..in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’
John 16:33

Today, I received an email on an issue.
While there is no personal risk, it is still troubling.
I replied prayerfully in truth to the questions raised and let the Lord lead me accordingly. There was no fear like in the past.

Last nite’s vision, God has taught me to trust in Him and not in riches of this world nor need we fear the machinations of the evil one.


‘who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God’
1 John 5:5

- God also reassured me today with
: the wonderful email from a friend on how God’s Words that I shared with her has touched her
: the good meeting with another friend. Today is the day I believe we have a breakthrough in our relationship. He is going through an annulment with his wife.

What’s ahead I do not know. But it matters not, for God is with me.

‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’
Philippians 4:6-7

‘….seek Him with all your heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto His voice; (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God), He will not forget thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the convenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them’
Deuteronomy 4:29-31


What we must heed

‘He opens their ear to discipline,
And commandeth that they return from iniquity’

‘If they obey and serve Him,
They shall spend their days in prosperity
And their years in pleasures

‘If they obey not,
They shall perish by the sword
And they shall die without knowledge’
Job 36:10-12



To God be the glory.


Amen.