OCCUPY TILL I COME: EARTHLY USEFUL AND HEAVENLY MINDED – BY LIVING AND WALKING IN LOVE!
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
About Becoming Whom & What You Believe
OCCUPY TILL I COME: EARTHLY USEFUL AND HEAVENLY MINDED – BY LIVING AND WALKING IN LOVE!
OCCUPY TILL I COME AS CHRIST’S AMBASSADOR: THE HOLY SPIRIT DEFAULT LOVE THAT ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS FOR AN AMBASSADOR!
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because THE LOVE of God is SHED (LAVISHED) abroad in our HEARTS (SPIRIT-BEING) by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . 8 But God commendeth his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:5, 8.
The Holy Spirit default LOVE of God for God’s AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST, is the only purpose driven enabling in the grace, to keep the enemy and cohorts at bay, and to advance the kingdom cause. And here is a didactic sense of measure, such that we don’t just say we have love, but we do LIVE and WALK in the default LOVE of God, knowing that LOVE is God and is of God; and it’s the default LOVE is the lubricant for our life in Christ Jesus and for all mankind. Take the Holy Spirit out of God’s love, one is then bound to have an adulteration and distortion of the love context that’s built on sentiment, prejudice and dissimulation. For its upon the Holy Spirit default LOVE for God, we can then OCCUPY in Christ until he comes to “BEING EARTHLY USEFUL and HEAVENLY MINDED” in the grace, wherein we stand in the faith.
“Beloved, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; FOR GOD IS LOVE. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins . . . 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. GOD IS LOVE; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: BECAUSE AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:7–10, 16-18.
Love is an attitude, and of a deliberate and intentional choice, and an exercise of the will, and a gracious choice to do life and live godly in Christ Jesus stead; and it’s not just a feeling, it is an expression of the nature and person of God by the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus, hence it’s spiritual, divinely inspired and imbedded in the very human hearts [spirit-being] of all God’s human creation that’s reborn of God in Christ Jesus; and more importantly, it’s in the very nature of the redeemed child of God, filled and led by the Holy Spirit to fulfil purpose meaningfully. The Holy Spirit default love is not a doctrine, creed and dogmas. The Holy Spirit default love outlived generations because it’s timeless and it’s of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. For God is love personified in our spirit-being for our well-being in Christ Jesus.
The Holy Spirit default LOVE of God is a FRUIT and not a GIFT. And FRUITS are GROWN while GIFTS are IMPARTED. Genuine Bible love – AGAPE – is for the reborn of God and is a product of the Holy Spirit that indwells in us as written:
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because THE LOVE of God is SHED (LAVISHED) abroad in our HEARTS (SPIRIT-BEING) by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . 8 But God commendeth his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:5, 8.
“But the FRUIT of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23.
“For the FRUIT of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” Ephesians 5:9.
To OCCUPY TILL I COME as Christ’s ambassador, is by doing life and living godly by the Holy Spirit default LOVE; and this default of LOVE, gives the enabling to enhance earthly usefulness and heavenly mindedness for an ambassador for Christ. Let’s therefore consider LOVE in diversity for a clearer understanding of the various kinds of LOVE being implied in this context that’s applicable for the good of humans.
DEFINING THE THREE KINDS OF LOVE THAT AFFECTS THE HUMANS – BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT [1 THESSALONIANS 5:23; HEBREWS 4:12-13]:
Notably, the PHILEO or EROS kinds of Love, need to be controlled and subjected by the AGAPE kind of love or else it will hinder and affects our fellowship with God and leads to unwelcome SIN and sinful acts. [E.g. EROS – 1 Corinthians 13:5; PHILEO – 1 Samuel 2:22-36].
Therefore, as AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST, let’s not just say we have love, but let’s go forth in the grace, and LIVE and WALK in the Holy Spirit default LOVE, knowing that love is of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit is given to only the Believer’s [reborn] of God in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide WITH you for ever; 17 even the Spirit of truth; whom THE WORLD CANNOT RECEIVE, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth WITH you, and shall be IN you” John 14:16-17.
Dear friend and beloved of God in Christ Jesus, just know that’s it’s a high time to LIVE and WALK in love. Lets make it happen, for the charge – OCCUPY TILL I COME – as AMBASSADOR FOR CHRIST, is the essence; and by the Holy Spirit of LOVE default, the Believer’s in Christ Jesus can then enhances earthly usefulness and the heavenly mindedness.
SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
“If we LIVE in the Spirit, let us also WALK in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 and WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” Ephesians 5:1-2.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 may be able to COMPREHEND with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 and to KNOW THE LOVE OF christ, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDS, SURPASSED) KNOWLEDGE (SENSE), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19.
“But the FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23/NKJV
“For the FRUIT of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” Ephesians 5:9/NKJV.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thessalonians 5:23/Amplified.
“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the SOUL and SPIRIT [the completeness of a person], and of both JOINTS and MARROW [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, and revealed to the eyes of Him with whom we have to give account” Hebrews 4:12-13/Amplified.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
OCCUPY TILL I COME: AND I WILL HEAL YOUR LAND!
“. . . 13 If I SHUT UP heaven that there be NO RAIN, or if I COMMAND the locusts to DEVOUR the land, or if I SEND pestilence among MY PEOPLE; 14 if MY PEOPLE, which are CALLED by my name, shall HUMBLE themselves, and PRAY, and SEEK my face, and TURN FROM their wicked ways; then will I HEAR from heaven, and will FORGIVE their sin, and will HEAL their land . . .” 2 Chronicles 7:12-15.
Our God, is the God of the heavens and the earth and beneath the earth; and He’s the God that rules and reigns in the domain of mankind; and He’s in the full business of ensuring and assuring wholeness for His people and to as many as are willing and determined in obedience without prejudice to turn toward Him – by FAITH in Christ Jesus and through His WORD by the Holy Spirit who is at work to ENSURE and ASSURE that the whole default of God for the New Creation in Christ Jesus are in – wholeness, completeness, fulness, and perfectness irrespective. This is why to “OCCUPY TILL I COME” concept it’s eminent in our unstable world at all level’s today.
For God will only COMMEND what He COMMANDS, and will only EMPOWERS only on His given PURPOSE/CAUSE and will only ENSURE what He ASSURED to either an individual or a people toward a nation; and to bring about the healing and prosperity so much desired at any given generation or dispensation to ensure peace and tranquillity without prejudice. And the best positioning to ENSURE and ASSURE that God’s intent is at work it’s when His chosen people take the faith stand in grace concept to – “OCCUPY TILL I COME” – and make a literal obedience as He has instructed in Christ Jesus stead.
“Therefore being JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, we have PEACE with God THROUGH our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 by whom also we have ACCESS BY FAITH into THIS GRACE WHEREIN WE STAND, and REJOICE in hope of the GLORY of God” Romans 5:1-2.
For God’s commands, assignments, orders, instructions and such like, are not an advice but a default demand in love to enable Him have the leverage to act on our behalf – in all matters that pertains to life (doing life) and godliness (living godly), in His BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus stead, concerning us.
“For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his COMMANDMENTS: and his COMMANDMENTS are not GRIEVOUS [IRKSOME, BURDENSOME, TASKMASTER, OVERBEARING]” 1 John 5:3.
“GRACE and PEACE be MULTIPLIED unto you through the KNOWLEDGE of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 according as his DIVINE POWER hath GIVEN unto us ALL THINGS that PERTAIN unto LIFE [DOING LIFE] and GODLINESS [LIVING GODLY], through the KNOWLEDGE of him that hath CALLED us to glory and virtue: 4 whereby are GIVEN unto us exceeding GREAT and PRECIOUS promises: that by these ye might be Partakers of the DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the CORRUPTION that is in the WORLD through lust” 2 Peter 1:2-4.
Think of Jonah for an example, who was given an instruction and assignment of a specific command to carry out in order to save and bring about the healing and health of the nation of Nineveh. He took God’s instructions and order for granted as if it’s an advice, and nearly paid for it with his own life. How opportune he was for a second chance, because not all can have such levels of mercies that he received from God to then obey the given instructions again – this is after he took to the sea hide outs that vomited him to the shore probably thinking he can outsmart God, or God is only of the heavens and the earth and not of the beneath the earth – as many are repeating today.
“Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 ARISE, GO to Nineveh, that great city, and CRY against it; for their WICKEDNESS is come up before me. 3 But Jonah ROSE UP TO FLEE unto Tarshish FROM THE PRESENCE of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish FROM THE PRESENCE of the Lord” Jonah 1:1-3.
The scriptural context of 2 Chronicles 7:12-15, thus indicates God’s good intent to heal the land/nation of His people; His instructions in the scriptural context, is in order to make His people a vehicle in the change to make whole and to prosper their land/nation accordingly; and God was plain to layout there the default clauses to follow which invariably lies in the hands of His chosen people, the Church of God to literally do – to act upon. For God’s people are chosen people, designed with the default to bring about the reality and tangibility that the world craves to have pending the second coming of Christ Jesus, the Saviour and Lord. 1 Peter 2:9-10; Deuteronomy 7:6. It’s by this willingness of the Chosen People to take their position to “OCCUPY TILL I COME” mandate and assignment, that will bring about the genuine peace and healing of our nation’s and our land for prosperity.
“But ye are a CHOSEN generation, a ROYAL priesthood, an HOLY nation, a PECULIAR people; that ye should SHEW FORTH THE PRAISES of him who hath CALLED you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 which in time past were NOT A PEOPLE, but are now THE PEOPLE of God: which had NOT OBTAINED mercy, but now HAVE OBTAINED mercy” 1 Peter 2:9-10.
“For thou art an HOLY PEOPLE unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath CHOSEN thee to be a SPECIAL PEOPLE unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth . . .” Deuteronomy 7:6-10.
For the Church is you – the individual, local and universal body of born again Believer’s that are Spirit-filled and are govern exclusively by the WORD of God, under the leadership of a Shepherd who is under God in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
And each time God wants to make a major change and shift on earth, He works along with His people – who are the chosen generation, the peculiar people, the royal priesthood. And it’s up to His chosen people to let God’s instructions be for victory and triumph, or to keep playing around with God’s mandate as Jonah of Nineveh did, by taking God’s instructions for an advice to be obeyed or thrown into the trash. Such obscured decision to undermine God’s decision can only obstruct their own happiness and prosperity and the healing of the the land and nation that are there as their dwelling places. Psalms 33:12 tells how much God is relying on the people for their own healing.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and THE PEOPLE whom he hath CHOSEN for his own INHERITANCE” Psalms 33:12.
God’s intervention to any nation wholeness lies upon the Church readiness and willingness as God’s chosen people to be obedient and to act along the scriptural context that addresses of the nation ills as it affects them accordingly. For salvation and healing will always first begin within God’s chosen people to avoid them suffering while others are enjoying the fulness of God.
So, how ready are you today, even now to take the challenge to “OCCUPY TILL I COME”, instead of thinking it’s someone else responsibility and accountability and not yours. It’s time to be principled and intentional to take your place of stand with God SCRIPTURALLY and not giving excuses and making it someone else’s – for you are God’s OWN, God CHOSEN to show forth His PRAISES of goodness through you for the good of others until Christ Jesus returns while you have your time to do your part in the wholeness of individual, local and national ills
It’s my utmost PRAYERS for you to find your place and fulfil PURPOSE by the empowering and endorsement of God upon your life as His chosen one and not as the runner – Jonah of Nineveh.
SCRIPTURAL TEXT WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and THE PEOPLE whom he hath CHOSEN for his own INHERITANCE” Psalms 33:12.
“But ye are a CHOSEN generation, a ROYAL priesthood, an HOLY nation, a PECULIAR people; that ye should SHEW FORTH THE PRAISES of him who hath CALLED you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 which in time past were NOT A PEOPLE, but are now THE PEOPLE of God: which had NOT OBTAINED mercy, but now HAVE OBTAINED mercy” 1 Peter 2:9-10.
“For thou art an HOLY PEOPLE unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath CHOSEN thee to be a SPECIAL PEOPLE unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 7 The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 but because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 and repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face” Deuteronomy 7:6-10.
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that LOVED us, and WASHED us from our sins in his own blood, 6 and hath MADE us KINGS and PRIESTS unto God and his Father; to him be GLORY and DOMINION for ever and ever. Amen” Revelation 1:5-6.
“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: FOR THOU WAST SLAIN, AND HAST REDEEMED US TO GOD BY THY BLOOD OUT OF EVERY KINDRED, AND TONGUE, AND PEOPLE, AND NATION; 10 and hast MADE us unto our God KINGS and PRIESTS: and we shall REIGN on the earth” Revelation 5:9-10.
“And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have CHOSEN this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13 If I SHUT UP heaven that there be NO RAIN, or if I COMMAND the locusts to DEVOUR the land, or if I SEND pestilence among MY PEOPLE; 14 if MY PEOPLE, which are CALLED by my name, shall HUMBLE themselves, and PRAY, and SEEK my face, and TURN FROM their wicked ways; then will I HEAR from heaven, and will FORGIVE their sin, and will HEAL their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the PRAYER that is made in this place” 2 Chronicles 7:12-15.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
OCCUPY TILL I COME – BY THE WORD: THE HOLY B-I-B-L-E [THE BLESSED-INFORMATION-BRINGING-LIFE-ETERNAL] – WILL HELP YOU!
“For whatever was WRITTEN in earlier times was WRITTEN for our INSTRUCTION, so that through ENDURANCE and the ENCOURAGEMENT of the Scriptures we might have HOPE and OVERFLOW with CONFIDENCE in His PROMISES” Romans 15:4/Amplified.
The Holy BIBLE – which is the written Word, the testament, the will and the covenant document of God to mankind, is the only place of ‘THE TRUTH’ – that brings truthful information for transformation and the knowledge for deliverance, complete freedom, restoration and emancipation to all, in God, in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
“As he spake these WORDS, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which BELIEVED on him, If ye CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye MY DISCIPLES INDEED; 32 and ye shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall MAKE YOU FREE” John 8:30-32.
The Holy Bible may seems to be mysterious to some, but is not a MYSTICAL book, but the PRACTICAL book of inspiration, revelation and empowerment. It’s not A TRUTH that you CONJURE, but THE TRUTH that you PRACTICE – in doing LIFE and LIVING GODLY by God’s enabling grace and BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
The WISDOM needed to effectively and purposefully accomplish the “Occupy Till I Come” concept, and makes it tangible – real, and materialise, is in THE WORD. And you can’t OCCUPY to overcome the WORLD system by the WORLD, instead you need the Faith system which is a consequence of the WORD that’s powdered by the WISDOM in the WORD to do life and godliness with ease, without sweat and prejudice. For a mere excellency of word does not over but the wisdom of the word helps to live victorious, triumphant, more than conquerors and to be an overcomer in the world – that makes one to fully say I am accomplishing the concept instructed and ordered by the Lord God, to “OCCUPY TILL I COME”.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are CALLED in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let THE WORD of Christ dwell in you richly in ALL WISDOM; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye DO in WORD or DEED, DO ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” Colossians 3:15-17.
Unlike every other books ever written or to be written, the HOLY BIBLE which contains the word of God, is not burdensome, irksome, grievous and taskmaster as some claim or acclaimed it to be, but it’s the LIBERATING BOOK for and of complete and wholesome freedom. It’s God’s Holy written documents that both INFORMS and TRANSFORMS the reader and user without prejudice, sentiments and discrimination. And it’s the only written documents whose AUTHOR is ever PRESENT to help one know and understand the content amicably and with ease with NO ADULTERATION and CONFUSION.
“For this is the LOVE of God, that we KEEP his commandments: and his commandments ARE not GRIEVOUS (BURDENSOME, IRKSOME, OPPRESSIVE, OR TASKMASTER)” (1 John 5:3).
Every other BOOKS you READ, but the HOLY BIBLE is the only authentic and living BOOK that READS you, knows you, access and sets you free to give inner peace and tranquility at the same time at no cost, on the FAITH in Christ Jesus stead. And because the WORD of God is not BOUND or leads to bondage, it SETS everyone that comes to it’s request in their quest in faith with freedom from all forms of addiction, bondage and captivity at no charge.
“Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT BOUND.” (2 Timothy 2:9).
The BIBLE means to me the – (B)BLESSED (I)INFORMATION (B)BRINGING (L)LIFE (E)ETERNAL: I therefore urge and plead to you to earnestly crave to – LOVE IT, READ IT, STUDY IT, MEDITATE ON IT and PRACTICE IT, for your good and you’ll find PEACE and FREEDOM that no man can price and prize you with. Hence, I am COMMENDING it to you right now as a friend, because I know it will ANSWER that QUESTION that still hangs about you. It will CHANGE your life and wellbeing for the good, but you have to primarily READ it for yourself in first-hand in order – to know and understand whatever in context; and to safeguard you from external pervert, adulteration and confusion; and to make it happen for your good and goodness without prejudice.
“And now, brethren, I COMMEND you to God, and to THE WORD OF HIS GRACE, which is ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP, and to GIVE YOU AN INHERITANCE among all them which are SANCTIFIED” Acts 20:32.
I do LOVE the Holy Bible, more and more in each passing moments of READING . . . hence I INTENTIONALLY and DELIBERATELY recommends it now to you. It’s my Highly recommended TRUTH for you – you need to make an effort to READ, KNOW And UNDERSTAND – The HOLY BIBLE. The Author is always present, the Blessed Holy Spirit, to help while you do read and study and meditate upon it to have answers to your quest and experience emancipation at no cost of any sorts as you have faith in Christ Jesus stead. The Holy Bible is an ASSURED book of God’s prophetic WORD without prejudice for the good of all irrespective.
“So we have the PROPHETIC WORD made more certain [ASSURED]. You do well to pay [close] attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and light breaks through the gloom and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” 2 Peter 1:19-21/Amplified.
The Holy Bible – The Holy Writ – The Holy Scripture – The WORD of God – is God’s enabling VOICE for your yesterday, today and tomorrow. READ, SEARCH, PONDER and FIND YOUR LIFE PURPOSE IN IT. I sincerely and highly recommend it to you now, for by the WORD of God, you can live to accomplish the concept – “OCCUPY TILL I COME” mandate that’s sets out there for all Believer’s of God in Christ Jesus, to live toward and be fulfilling, purposefully and meaningfully.
SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK – Every grace!
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“All SCRIPTURE is given by INSPIRATION of God, and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be PERFECT, throughly FURNISHED unto all GOOD WORKS” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his COMMANDMENTS (WORDS): and his COMMANDMENTS (WORDS) are not GRIEVOUS (BURDENSOME, IRKSOME, OPPRESSIVE, OR TASKMASTER). 4 For whatsoever is born of God OVERCOMETH the WORLD: and this is the VICTORY that OVERCOMETH the WORLD, even our FAITH. 5 Who is he that OVERCOMETH the WORLD, but he that BELIEVETH that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5.
“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I HAVE ESTEEMED THE WORDS OF HIS MOUTH MORE THAN MY NECESSARY FOOD.” (Job 23:12).
“O HOW LOVE I THY LAW! IT IS MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I HAVE MORE UNDERSTANDING THAN ALL MY TEACHERS: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I UNDERSTAND MORE THAN THE ANCIENTS, because I keep thy precepts.” (Psalms 119:97-100).
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by THE WORD of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 but THE WORD of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is THE WORD which by the gospel is PREACHED unto you” 1 Peter 1:22-25.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN GIVING: FOR GOD’S LOVED WORLD – IS A GIVING WORLD!
“For God so LOVED the WORLD that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16.
God’s LOVED WORLD is an awesome world of LOVE – therefore, don’t be SELFISH about it. To many the opposite of LOVE may be HATE or HATRED. On the contrary, in God’s scriptural kingdom, LOVE’s opposite is SELFISHNESS – being selfish, covetous, hoarding and greedy.
“GIVE, and it shall be GIVEN unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men GIVE into your bosom. For with the SAME MEASURE that ye mete withal it shall be MEASURED to you again” Luke 6:38.
The LOVED-WORLD of God is made to be liveable, likeable, loveable and enjoyable because of the act of GIVING that takes place every now and then. For example, plants GIVES out oxygen to RECEIVE or TAKE IN carbon dioxide for their photosynthesis. In the same scenario are humans and all living creations. We GIVE out carbon dioxide and TAKE IN oxygen to keep our human body alive and to keep life in check. This cycle keeps life going everyday. It’s a GIVING world, hence it’s LOVED-WORLD and it’s LIKEABLE, LIVEABLE, LOVEABLE, REACHABLE, INDESCRIBABLE and ENJOYABLE
God so LOVE, He GAVE. Genuine LOVE GIVES. Where God’s LOVE is, GIVING goes along. Giving could be in the form of once TIME, FINANCE, PHYSIQUE (strength), TALENT, VISITATIONS, MATERIAL GIFT, SPIRITUAL CARE and such like and more to the needy one.
For it’s MORE BLESSED to GIVE than to RECEIVE, for givers NEVER go down no matter what, this I know so well, and that’s the kingdom principles which also work in the natural world. I saw it in my parents as a child and now live experiencing it daily.
“I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECIEVE” Acts 20:35.
Therefore, Do a self-check and be a GIVER today: For God’s LOVED world is a GIVING world – and our passion to help people when they are falling should outweigh our intent to crucify them when they fall – THERE’S NO ROOM FOR SELFISHNESS, HOARDING AND WITHHOLDING in order to enjoy the unspeakable gift of God’s given joy that’s in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16.
“I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECIEVE” Acts 20:35.
“There is that SCATTERETH, and yet INCREASETH; and there is that WITHHOLDETH more than is meet, but it tendeth to POVERTY. 25 The LIBERAL soul shall be MADE fat: and he that WATERETH shall be WATERED also himself. 26 He that WITHHOLDETH corn, the people shall CURSE him: but BLESSING shall be upon the HEAD of him that SELLETH it” Proverbs 11:24-26.
“For God is not UNJUST so as to FORGET your WORK and the LOVE which you have SHOWN for His name in MINISTERING to [the needs of] the saints (God’s people), as you do. 11 And we desire for each one of you to SHOW the same DILIGENCE [all the way through] so as to realize and enjoy the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be [spiritually] sluggish, but [will instead be] IMITATORS of those who through faith [lean on God with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in His power] and by patient endurance [even when suffering] are [now] INHERITING the promises” Hebrews 6:10-12 (Amplified).
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
THE MANDATE TO – OCCUPY TILL I COME: INVOLVES FOLLOWING GOD’S PLAN, PURPOSE AND PURSUIT IN YOUR LIFE!
“And he CALLED his ten servants, and DELIVERED them ten pounds, and SAID unto them, OCCUPY TILL I COME” Luke 19:13.
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not DISOBEDIENT unto the HEAVENLY VISION” Acts 26:19.
There’s the CHOICE to make in life in terms of either being – FULFILLED in life and godliness (godly living) – or to make the CHOICE of being – MERELY SUCCESSFUL in life as many have found themselves. And it’s only by following God’s PLAN, PURPOSE, AND PURSUIT in your life that FULFILMENT in Christ Jesus stead comes to reality. That’s what it means for one to earnestly enact the charged, assigned, and commissioned mandate to “OCCUPY TILL I COME”, so that you don’t just attained success but the fulfilment therein.
“And say to Archippus, TAKE HEED to the MINISTRY which thou hast RECEIVED in the Lord, that thou FULFIL it” Colossians 4:17.
The quest there in the concept to – OCCUPY TILL I COME – is you are prepared to let God be the lead in the concept, especially when you are subjected to circumstances that’s different from your expectations as Philip the evangelist experienced by following God’s plan, purpose and pursuit for his life – Act 8:1-40; Acts 21:7-9. As Philip the evangelist in obedience – can you afford to move from a place of GLAMOUR SUCCESS to a DESERT PLACE in life when it’s God’s plan, purpose and pursuit for you? And especially when you know that in God’s plan, purpose and pursuit, the ride and drive may not always be pleasing but you can deduce it’s your place of FULFILLMENT in Him. I want you to know for sure that doing life and living godly in Christ Jesus, is all about following God’s PLAN, PURPOSE and PURSUIT for your life and possible ministry rather than just having a mere glamour SUCCESS for men applaud and hype. Following God’s plan, purpose and pursuit for your life it’s the only guarantees for God’s APPROVAL and your fulfilment in Him.
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this PURPOSE the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” 1 John 3:8 (John 18:37)
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man APPROVED (ACCREDITED , ATTESTED) of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” Acts 2:22/Emphasis Mine.
“And we know [with great CONFIDENCE] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] CAUSES all things to work together [as a PLAN] for good for those who love God, to those who are CALLED according to His PLAN and PURPOSE” Romans 8:28/Amplified (Ephesians 1:11).
“Study and do your best to present yourself to God APPROVED, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skilfully teaching the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15/Amplified.
A person who is keen only for a MERE glamour SUCCESS inclination and attachment, will not see the need to leave such GLAMOUR place (position) to attend to a single person business outfit’s or Gospel Ministry as Philip the evangelist did in obedience – especially as to go to such a place in the DESERT (remote) which was accomplished by Philip the Evangelist – who sees obedience to God’s instructions far higher, richer and fulfilling as written in Acts 8:8, 26-29.
“. . . 8 And there was GREAT REJOICING in that CITY . . . 26 But an angel of the Lord SAID to Philip, RISE and PROCEED southward or at midday on the road that runs from Jerusalem down to GAZA. This is the DESERT [route]. 27 So he GOT UP and WENT. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch of GREAT AUTHORITY under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to WORSHIP. 28 And he was [now] returning, and sitting in his chariot he was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the [Holy] Spirit SAID to Philip, GO FORWARD and join yourself to this chariot . . .” Acts 8:1-8, 26-40.
“And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of PHILIP THE EVANGELIST, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” Acts 8:7-9.
And such obedience of Evangelist Philip to DIVINE order and command, is only possible of a person whose objective is not about being successful or to have a global or the glamour success but of being in obedience and FULFILMENT in Christ Jesus stead in God; Evangelist Philip was someone whose goal is to be a disciple and follower of God’s plan, purpose and pursuit; and one who truly believes in WHOLENESS of God’s lead and will go WHEREVER the Lord LEADS as Philip the evangelist did in Acts 8. Such attitude toward God’s intent, is what I called and considered as one who is – OCCUPYING TILL HE COMES and OBEYING THE HEAVENLY MANDATE or ASSIGNMENT irrespective of the norm and prejudice that’s about the person.
Hence I am asking you today – WHAT IS YOUR WORTH IN GOD’S BLESSEDNESS IN CHRIST JESUS? or How do you WORTH yourself in life and godly living in Christ Jesus? Is it by material achievement called SUCCESS or by being ACCOMPLISHED in God’s given vision and mission called FULFILMENT in His assignment irrespective of the norm about you?
Are you just a mere glamour SUCCESS driven inclination person or a person of FULFILMENT in the heavenly assignment. It must be noted for sure that SUCCESS is good but it’s relative in life to all and it’s of God however; but God’s earnest desire is for us in Christ Jesus stead to have and achieve FULFILMENT which is far beyond just being SUCCESSFUL. For we are blessed of God and He wants the best for us and to have us to be successful in our life’s endeavours but not at the EXPENSE of His eternal plan, purpose and pursuit for our well-being in Him. Amen. So, there’s the need to balance the pursuit for success and to being fulfilled in God by following His plan, purpose and pursuit for us respectively as charged to – OCCUPY TILL I COME.
“Beloved, I pray that in every way you may SUCCEED and PROSPER and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]” 3 John 2/Amplified.
“BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath BLESSED us with all SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in HEAVENLY PLACES in Christ: . . . 5 having PREDESTINATED us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, . . . 11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being PREDESTINATED according to the PURPOSE of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” Ephesians 1:3, 5, 11.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way PROSPEROUS, and then thou shalt have GOOD SUCCESS” Joshua 1:8.
Unlike SUCCESS which is relative to all, FULFILMENT is not just only of God, but it’s a place of being readily, willingly and obediently set to accomplish in the wholeness, completeness and fulfilling of the Lord’s given and driven – PLAN, PURPOSE and PURSUIT – in LIFE and GODLY living. And it’s in doing this God’s given and driven charge in an unhindered and uncompromising way; and with anything of sorts outside God’s intent, just as our Lord Christ Jesus did in 1 John 3:8; John 18:37 and Apostle Paul did in obedience as in Philippians 3:1-16, and upon which others like Archippus was exhorted, admonished and charged to do likewise also as written:
“And say to Archippus, TAKE HEED to the MINISTRY which thou hast RECEIVED in the Lord, that thou FULFIL it” Colossians 4:17.
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not DISOBEDIENT unto the HEAVENLY VISION” Acts 26:19.
BEING FULFILLED in life and godliness (godly living) is about living a God GIVEN and DRIVEN PURPOSE LIFE; that’s what brings about MEANINGFUL FULFILLMENT in God’s BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus stead; which is far beyond – from just being a merely SUCCESSFUL person by material accumulation that’s of no heavenly implications under God’s assigned plan, purpose and pursuit.
Therefore I urge you today to follow God’s PLAN, PURPOSE and PURSUIT for your fulfilment in Him, in Christ Jesus stead, because success is RELATIVE in matters of doing life and living godly.
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this PURPOSE the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” 1 John 8:3.
“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. TO THIS END WAS I BORN, AND FOR THIS CAUSE CAME I INTO THE WORLD, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” John 18:37.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his PURPOSE. 29 For whom he did FOREKNOW, he also did PREDESTINATE to be CONFORMED to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did PREDESTINATE, them he also CALLED: and whom he called, them he also JUSTIFIED: and whom he justified, them he also GLORIFIED” Romans 8:28-30.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath BLESSED us with all SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in HEAVENLY PLACES in Christ . . . 5 having PREDESTINATED us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, . . . 11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being PREDESTINATED according to the PURPOSE of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” Ephesians 1:3, 5, 11.
“And say to Archippus, TAKE HEED to the MINISTRY which thou hast RECEIVED in the Lord, that thou FULFIL it” Colossians 4:17.
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not DISOBEDIENT unto the HEAVENLY VISION” Acts 26:19.
“Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of SAMARIA and PROCLAIMED the Christ (the Messiah) to them [the people]; 6 And GREAT CROWDS of people with one accord listened to and heeded what was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept performing [from time to time]. 7 For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health. 8 AND THERE WAS GREAT REJOICING IN THAT CITY . . . 26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and proceed southward or at midday on the road that runs from Jerusalem down to Gaza. This is the DESERT route]. 27 So he GOT UP and WENT. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship. 28 And he was [now] returning, and sitting in his chariot he was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the [Holy] Spirit SAID to Philip, GO FORWARD and join yourself to this chariot . . .” (Acts 8:1-40) Kindly read the entire chapter for context.
“And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of PHILIP THE EVANGELIST, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” Acts 8:7-9.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way PROSPEROUS, and then thou shalt have GOOD SUCCESS” Joshua 1:8.
“Beloved, I pray that in every way you may SUCCEED and PROSPER and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]” 3 John 2/Amplified.
OCCUPY TILL I COME – BY THE WORD: THE HOLY B-I-B-L-E [THE BLESSED-INFORMATION-BRINGING-LIFE-ETERNAL] – WILL HELP YOU!
“For whatever was WRITTEN in earlier times was WRITTEN for our INSTRUCTION, so that through ENDURANCE and the ENCOURAGEMENT of the Scriptures we might have HOPE and OVERFLOW with CONFIDENCE in His PROMISES” Romans 15:4/Amplified.
The Holy BIBLE – which is the written Word, the testament, the will and the covenant document of God to mankind, is the only place of ‘THE TRUTH’ – that brings truthful information for transformation and the knowledge for deliverance, complete freedom, restoration and emancipation to all, in God, in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
“As he spake these WORDS, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which BELIEVED on him, If ye CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye MY DISCIPLES INDEED; 32 and ye shall KNOW THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall MAKE YOU FREE” John 8:30-32.
The Holy Bible may seems to be mysterious to some, but is not a MYSTICAL book, but the PRACTICAL book of inspiration, revelation and empowerment. It’s not A TRUTH that you CONJURE, but THE TRUTH that you PRACTICE – in doing LIFE and LIVING GODLY by God’s enabling grace and BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
The WISDOM needed to effectively and purposefully accomplish the “Occupy Till I Come” concept, and makes it tangible – real, and materialise, is in THE WORD. And you can’t OCCUPY to overcome the WORLD system by the WORLD, instead you need the Faith system which is a consequence of the WORD that’s powdered by the WISDOM in the WORD to do life and godliness with ease, without sweat and prejudice. For a mere excellency of word does not over but the wisdom of the word helps to live victorious, triumphant, more than conquerors and to be an overcomer in the world – that makes one to fully say I am accomplishing the concept instructed and ordered by the Lord God, to “OCCUPY TILL I COME”.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are CALLED in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let THE WORD of Christ dwell in you richly in ALL WISDOM; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye DO in WORD or DEED, DO ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” Colossians 3:15-17.
Unlike every other books ever written or to be written, the HOLY BIBLE which contains the word of God, is not burdensome, irksome, grievous and taskmaster as some claim or acclaimed it to be, but it’s the LIBERATING BOOK for and of complete and wholesome freedom. It’s God’s Holy written documents that both INFORMS and TRANSFORMS the reader and user without prejudice, sentiments and discrimination. And it’s the only written documents whose AUTHOR is ever PRESENT to help one know and understand the content amicably and with ease with NO ADULTERATION and CONFUSION.
“For this is the LOVE of God, that we KEEP his commandments: and his commandments ARE not GRIEVOUS (BURDENSOME, IRKSOME, OPPRESSIVE, OR TASKMASTER)” (1 John 5:3).
Every other BOOKS you READ, but the HOLY BIBLE is the only authentic and living BOOK that READS you, knows you, access and sets you free to give inner peace and tranquility at the same time at no cost, on the FAITH in Christ Jesus stead. And because the WORD of God is not BOUND or leads to bondage, it SETS everyone that comes to it’s request in their quest in faith with freedom from all forms of addiction, bondage and captivity at no charge.
“Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT BOUND.” (2 Timothy 2:9).
The BIBLE means to me the – (B)BLESSED (I)INFORMATION (B)BRINGING (L)LIFE (E)ETERNAL: I therefore urge and plead to you to earnestly crave to – LOVE IT, READ IT, STUDY IT, MEDITATE ON IT and PRACTICE IT, for your good and you’ll find PEACE and FREEDOM that no man can price and prize you with. Hence, I am COMMENDING it to you right now as a friend, because I know it will ANSWER that QUESTION that still hangs about you. It will CHANGE your life and wellbeing for the good, but you have to primarily READ it for yourself in first-hand in order – to know and understand whatever in context; and to safeguard you from external pervert, adulteration and confusion; and to make it happen for your good and goodness without prejudice.
“And now, brethren, I COMMEND you to God, and to THE WORD OF HIS GRACE, which is ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP, and to GIVE YOU AN INHERITANCE among all them which are SANCTIFIED” Acts 20:32.
I do LOVE the Holy Bible, more and more in each passing moments of READING . . . hence I INTENTIONALLY and DELIBERATELY recommends it now to you. It’s my Highly recommended TRUTH for you – you need to make an effort to READ, KNOW And UNDERSTAND – The HOLY BIBLE. The Author is always present, the Blessed Holy Spirit, to help while you do read and study and meditate upon it to have answers to your quest and experience emancipation at no cost of any sorts as you have faith in Christ Jesus stead. The Holy Bible is an ASSURED book of God’s prophetic WORD without prejudice for the good of all irrespective.
“So we have the PROPHETIC WORD made more certain [ASSURED]. You do well to pay [close] attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and light breaks through the gloom and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But understand this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of or comes from one’s own [personal or special] interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” 2 Peter 1:19-21/Amplified.
The Holy Bible – The Holy Writ – The Holy Scripture – The WORD of God – is God’s enabling VOICE for your yesterday, today and tomorrow. READ, SEARCH, PONDER and FIND YOUR LIFE PURPOSE IN IT. I sincerely and highly recommend it to you now, for by the WORD of God, you can live to accomplish the concept – “OCCUPY TILL I COME” mandate that’s sets out there for all Believer’s of God in Christ Jesus, to live toward and be fulfilling, purposefully and meaningfully.
SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK – Every grace!
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“All SCRIPTURE is given by INSPIRATION of God, and is PROFITABLE for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be PERFECT, throughly FURNISHED unto all GOOD WORKS” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his COMMANDMENTS (WORDS): and his COMMANDMENTS (WORDS) are not GRIEVOUS (BURDENSOME, IRKSOME, OPPRESSIVE, OR TASKMASTER). 4 For whatsoever is born of God OVERCOMETH the WORLD: and this is the VICTORY that OVERCOMETH the WORLD, even our FAITH. 5 Who is he that OVERCOMETH the WORLD, but he that BELIEVETH that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5.
“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I HAVE ESTEEMED THE WORDS OF HIS MOUTH MORE THAN MY NECESSARY FOOD.” (Job 23:12).
“O HOW LOVE I THY LAW! IT IS MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I HAVE MORE UNDERSTANDING THAN ALL MY TEACHERS: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I UNDERSTAND MORE THAN THE ANCIENTS, because I keep thy precepts.” (Psalms 119:97-100).
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by THE WORD of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 but THE WORD of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is THE WORD which by the gospel is PREACHED unto you” 1 Peter 1:22-25.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN GIVING: FOR GOD’S LOVED-WORLD – IS A GIVING WORLD!
“For God so LOVED the WORLD that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16.
God’s LOVED-WORLD is an awesome world of LOVE – therefore, don’t be SELFISH about it. To many the opposite of LOVE may be HATE or HATRED. On the contrary, in God’s scriptural kingdom, LOVE opposite is SELFISHNESS – being selfish, covetous, hoarding and greedy.
“GIVE, and it shall be GIVEN unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men GIVE into your bosom. For with the SAME MEASURE that ye mete withal it shall be MEASURED to you again” Luke 6:38.
The LOVED-WORLD of God, is made to be liveable, likeable, loveable and enjoyable because of the act of GIVING that takes place every now and then. For example, the plants GIVES out oxygen to RECEIVE or TAKE IN carbon dioxide for their photosynthesis. In same scenario are the humans and all living creation. We GIVE out carbon dioxide and TAKE IN oxygen to keep our human body alive and to keep life in check. This cycle keeps life going everyday. It’s a GIVING world, hence it’s LOVED-WORLD and it’s LIKEABLE, LIVEABLE, LOVEABLE, REACHABLE, INDESCRIBABLE and ENJOYABLE
God so LOVE, He GAVE. Genuine LOVE GIVES. Where God’s LOVE is, GIVING goes along. Giving could be in the form of once TIME, FINANCE, PHYSIQUE (strength), TALENT, VISITATIONS, MATERIAL GIFT, SPIRITUAL CARE and such like and more to the needy one.
For it’s MORE BLESSED to GIVE than to RECEIVE, for givers NEVER goes down no matter what, this I know so well; and that’s the kingdom principles which also work in the natural world. I saw it in my parents as a child, and now, do live experiencing it daily.
“I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECIEVE” Acts 20:35.
Therefore, Do a self-check and be a GIVER today: For God’s LOVED world is a GIVING world – and our passion to help people when they are falling should outweigh our intent to crucify them when they fall – THERE’S NO ROOM FOR SELFISHNESS, HOARDING AND WITHHOLDING in order to enjoy the unspeakable gift of God’s given joy that’s in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16.
“I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECIEVE” Acts 20:35.
“There is that SCATTERETH, and yet INCREASETH; and there is that WITHHOLDETH more than is meet, but it tendeth to POVERTY. 25 The LIBERAL soul shall be MADE fat: and he that WATERETH shall be WATERED also himself. 26 He that WITHHOLDETH corn, the people shall CURSE him: but BLESSING shall be upon the HEAD of him that SELLETH it” Proverbs 11:24-26.
“For God is not UNJUST so as to FORGET your WORK and the LOVE which you have SHOWN for His name in MINISTERING to [the needs of] the saints (God’s people), as you do. 11 And we desire for each one of you to SHOW the same DILIGENCE [all the way through] so as to realize and enjoy the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be [spiritually] sluggish, but [will instead be] IMITATORS of those who through faith [lean on God with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in His power] and by patient endurance [even when suffering] are [now] INHERITING the promises” Hebrews 6:10-12 (Amplified).
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN LOVE: LOVE ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS!
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because THE LOVE of God is SHED (LAVISHED) abroad in our HEARTS (SPIRIT-BEING) by the Holy Ghost which is GIVEN unto us . . . 8 But God commendeth his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:5, 8.
Talking about LOVE! Here is a didactic sense of measure, such that we don’t just say we have love, but we do LIVE and WALK in LOVE, knowing that love is of God; and it’s love is the lubricant for our life in Christ Jesus and for all mankind. Upon this we can Occupy In Christ until he comes by “BEING EARTHLY USEFUL WHILE HEAVENLY MINDED”.
Love is an ATTITUDE, a deliberate choice, an exercise of the will, a choice of life and is not just a feeling, it is an expression of the nature of God. It is spiritual, divinely inspired and imbedded in the very hearts of all God’s human creation, and more importantly in the very nature of the redeemed child of God. Hence, it’s not a doctrine, creed and dogmas. It outlived generation because it’s timeless and of God’s. For God is love as written:
“Beloved, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; FOR GOD IS LOVE. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins . . . 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. GOD IS LOVE; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: BECAUSE AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1 John 4:7–10, 16-18.
Love is a FRUIT and not a GIFT. FRUITS are GROWN while GIFTS are IMPARTED. Genuine Bible love – Agape – is born and is a product of the Holy Spirit that indwells in us – (Romans 5:5, 8; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9).
Let’s consider love in diversity for a clearer understanding of the kind of love being implied in this context.
DEFINING THE THREE KINDS OF LOVE:
*1. PHILEO: Grk (of the soul) – Love relationship in family – between parent and child. The Family kind of love. It also embodied love relationship towards friends and colleagues. It means to be fond of; it is based on FEELINGS and not on PRINCIPLE. It’s never used of man’s love to or for God. This is human or natural kind of love. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Genesis 8:19; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). This kind of love is however essential and crucial for a family bonding and wellbeing.
*2. EROS: Grk (of the Physical body) – Sexual love; purely reserved for the married – within the bond of marriage. It’s based on PHYSICAL ATTRACTION. It’s neither for fornication nor adultery. Lust and immoral desires have gotten some into it, hence there’s a great act of PERVERSION in our societies today – and we are paying hugely for the consequences across the board. (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-9; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20).
*3. AGAPE: Grk (of the spirit) – God kind of love; unconditional, limitless, divine, spiritual. It transcends race, gender, generation, culture, family, physical, personal (self) etc. 1 Corinthians 13. It’s built on PRINCIPLE. Agape love even helps to ensure, STRENGTHEN and MAINTAIN the Phileo and Eros kind of love in all life endeavours. Agape love is based on PRINCIPLE – be it towards things or people.
Notably, the PHILEO OR EROS kinds of Love need to be controlled by AGAPE kind of love or else it will hinder our fellowship with God and leads to SIN acts. (E.g. EROS – 1 Corinthians 13:5; PHILEO – 1 Samuel 2:22-36).
Let’s not just say we have love, lets LIVE and WALK IN LOVE, for love is of the Spirit – Romans 5:5.
IT’S BY TIME TO LIVE AND WALK IN LOVE. LETS MAKE IT HAPPEN. FOR THE CHARGE – OCCUPY TILL I COME – IN LOVE ENHANCES EARTHLY USEFULNESS AND HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS.
SELAH – PAUSE AND THINK.
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“If we LIVE in the Spirit, let us also WALK in the Spirit” Galatians 5:25.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 and WALK IN LOVE, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” Ephesians 5:1-2.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being ROOTED and GROUNDED IN LOVE, 18 may be able to COMPREHEND with all saints what is the BREADTH, and LENGTH, and DEPTH, and HEIGHT; 19 and to KNOW THE LOVE OF christ, which PASSETH (TRANSCENDS, SURPASSED) KNOWLEDGE (SENSE), that ye might be FILLED with all the FULNESS of God” Ephesians 3:17-19.
“But the FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23/NKJV
“For the FRUIT of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” Ephesians 5:9/NKJV.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI
THE MANDATE TO – OCCUPY TILL I COME: INVOLVES FOLLOWING GOD’S PLAN, PURPOSE AND PURSUIT IN YOUR LIFE!
“And he CALLED his ten servants, and DELIVERED them ten pounds, and SAID unto them, OCCUPY TILL I COME” Luke 19:13.
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not DISOBEDIENT unto the HEAVENLY VISION” Acts 26:19.
There’s the CHOICE to make in life in terms of either being – FULFILLED in life and godliness (godly living) – or to make the CHOICE of being – MERELY SUCCESSFUL in life as many have found themselves. And it’s only by following God’s PLAN, PURPOSE AND PURSUIT in your life that FULFILMENT in Christ Jesus stead comes to reality. That’s what it means for one to earnestly enact the charged, assigned and commissioned mandate to “OCCUPY TILL I COME”, so that you don’t just attained success but the fulfilment therein.
“And say to Archippus, TAKE HEED to the MINISTRY which thou hast RECEIVED in the Lord, that thou FULFIL it” Colossians 4:17.
The quest there in the concept to – OCCUPY TILL I COME – is you are prepared to let God be the lead in the concept, especially when you are subjected to circumstances that’s different from your expectations as Philip the evangelist experienced by following God’s plan, purpose and pursuit for his life – Act 8:1-40; Acts 21:7-9. As Philip the evangelist in obedience – can you afford to move from a place of GLAMOUR SUCCESS to a DESERT PLACE in life when it’s God’s plan, purpose and pursuit for you? And especially when you know that in God’s plan, purpose and pursuit, the ride and drive may not always be pleasing but you can deduce it’s your place of FULFILLMENT in Him. I want you to know for sure that doing life and living godly in Christ Jesus, is all about following God’s PLAN, PURPOSE and PURSUIT for your life and possible ministry rather than just having a mere glamour SUCCESS for men applaud and hype. Following God’s plan, purpose and pursuit for your life it’s the only guarantees for God’s APPROVAL and your fulfilment in Him.
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this PURPOSE the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” 1 John 3:8 (John 18:37)
“Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man APPROVED (ACCREDITED , ATTESTED) of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know” Acts 2:22/Emphasis Mine.
“And we know [with great CONFIDENCE] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] CAUSES all things to work together [as a PLAN] for good for those who love God, to those who are CALLED according to His PLAN and PURPOSE” Romans 8:28/Amplified (Ephesians 1:11).
“Study and do your best to present yourself to God APPROVED, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15/Amplified.
A person who is keen only for a MERE glamour SUCCESS inclination and attachment, will not see the need to leave such GLAMOUR place (position) to attend to a single person business outfit’s or Gospel Ministry as Philip the evangelist did in obedience – especially as to go to such a place in the DESERT (remote) which was accomplished by Philip the Evangelist – who sees obedience to God’s instructions far higher, richer and fulfilling as written in Acts 8:8, 26-29.
“. . . 8 And there was GREAT REJOICING in that CITY . . . 26 But an angel of the Lord SAID to Philip, RISE and PROCEED southward or at midday on the road that runs from Jerusalem down to GAZA. This is the DESERT [route]. 27 So he GOT UP and WENT. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch of GREAT AUTHORITY under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to WORSHIP. 28 And he was [now] returning, and sitting in his chariot he was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the [Holy] Spirit SAID to Philip, GO FORWARD and join yourself to this chariot . . .” Acts 8:1-8, 26-40.
“And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of PHILIP THE EVANGELIST, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” Acts 8:7-9.
And such obedience of Evangelist Philip to DIVINE order and command, is only possible of a person whose objective is not about being successful or to have a global or the glamour success but of being in obedience and FULFILMENT in Christ Jesus stead in God; Evangelist Philip was someone whose goal is to be a disciple and follower of God’s plan, purpose and pursuit; and one who truly believes in WHOLENESS of God’s lead and will go WHEREVER the Lord LEADS as Philip the evangelist did in Acts 8. Such attitude toward God’s intent, is what I called and considered as one who is – OCCUPYING TILL HE COMES and OBEYING THE HEAVENLY MANDATE or ASSIGNMENT irrespective of the norm and prejudice that’s about the person.
Hence I am asking you today – WHAT IS YOUR WORTH IN GOD’S BLESSEDNESS IN CHRIST JESUS? or How do you WORTH yourself in life and godly living in Christ Jesus? Is it by material achievement called SUCCESS or by being ACCOMPLISHED in God’s given vision and mission called FULFILMENT in His assignment irrespective of the norm about you?
Are you just a mere glamour SUCCESS driven inclination person or a person of FULFILMENT in the heavenly assignment. It must be noted for sure that SUCCESS is good but it’s relative in life to all and it’s of God however; but God’s earnest desire is for us in Christ Jesus stead to have and achieve FULFILMENT which is far beyond just being SUCCESSFUL. For we are blessed of God and He wants the best for us and to have us to be successful in our life’s endeavours but not at the EXPENSE of His eternal plan, purpose and pursuit for our well being in Him. Amen. So, there’s the need to balance the pursuit for success and to being fulfilled in God by following His plan, purpose and pursuit for us respectively as charged to – OCCUPY TILL I COME.
“Beloved, I pray that in every way you may SUCCEED and PROSPER and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]” 3 John 2/Amplified.
“BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath BLESSED us with all SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in HEAVENLY PLACES in Christ: . . . 5 having PREDESTINATED us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, . . . 11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being PREDESTINATED according to the PURPOSE of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” Ephesians 1:3, 5, 11.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way PROSPEROUS, and then thou shalt have GOOD SUCCESS” Joshua 1:8.
Unlike SUCCESS which is relative to all, FULFILMENT is not just only of God, but it’s a place of being readily, willingly and obediently set to accomplish in the wholeness, completeness and fulfilling of the Lord’s given and driven – PLAN, PURPOSE and PURSUIT – in LIFE and GODLY living. And it’s in doing this God’s given and driven charge in an unhindered and uncompromising way; and with anything of sorts outside God’s intent, just as our Lord Christ Jesus did in 1 John 3:8; John 18:37 and Apostle Paul did in obedience as in Philippians 3:1-16, and upon which others like Archippus was exhorted, admonished and charged to do likewise also as written:
“And say to Archippus, TAKE HEED to the MINISTRY which thou hast RECEIVED in the Lord, that thou FULFIL it” Colossians 4:17.
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not DISOBEDIENT unto the HEAVENLY VISION” Acts 26:19.
BEING FULFILLED in life and godliness (godly living) is about living a God GIVEN and DRIVEN PURPOSE LIFE; that’s what brings about MEANINGFUL FULFILLMENT in God’s BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus stead; which is far beyond – from just being a merely SUCCESSFUL person by material accumulation that’s of no heavenly implications under God’s assigned plan, purpose and pursuit.
Therefore I urge you today to follow God’s PLAN, PURPOSE and PURSUIT for your fulfilment in Him, in Christ Jesus stead, because success is RELATIVE in matters of doing life and living godly.
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHTS WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this PURPOSE the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” 1 John 8:3.
“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. TO THIS END WAS I BORN, AND FOR THIS CAUSE CAME I INTO THE WORLD, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” John 18:37.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his PURPOSE. 29 For whom he did FOREKNOW, he also did PREDESTINATE to be CONFORMED to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did PREDESTINATE, them he also CALLED: and whom he called, them he also JUSTIFIED: and whom he justified, them he also GLORIFIED” Romans 8:28-30.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath BLESSED us with all SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS in HEAVENLY PLACES in Christ . . . 5 having PREDESTINATED us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, . . . 11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being PREDESTINATED according to the PURPOSE of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” Ephesians 1:3, 5, 11.
“And say to Archippus, TAKE HEED to the MINISTRY which thou hast RECEIVED in the Lord, that thou FULFIL it” Colossians 4:17.
“Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not DISOBEDIENT unto the HEAVENLY VISION” Acts 26:19.
“Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of SAMARIA and PROCLAIMED the Christ (the Messiah) to them [the people]; 6 And GREAT CROWDS of people with one accord listened to and heeded what was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept performing [from time to time]. 7 For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health. 8 AND THERE WAS GREAT REJOICING IN THAT CITY . . . 26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, Rise and proceed southward or at midday on the road that runs from Jerusalem down to Gaza. This is the DESERT route]. 27 So he GOT UP and WENT. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship. 28 And he was [now] returning, and sitting in his chariot he was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the [Holy] Spirit SAID to Philip, GO FORWARD and join yourself to this chariot . . .” (Acts 8:1-40) Kindly read the entire chapter for context.
“And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. 8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Cæsarea: and we entered into the house of PHILIP THE EVANGELIST, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” Acts 8:7-9.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way PROSPEROUS, and then thou shalt have GOOD SUCCESS” Joshua 1:8.
“Beloved, I pray that in every way you may SUCCEED and PROSPER and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]” 3 John 2/Amplified.
REV. CHUKIE MORSI