To walk in the blessings that come from the Lord requires a renewed mindset and a new way of thinking. Isaiah an ancient 
prophet who lived some 700 years before the birth of Jesus said this: “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:6-11 NIV).” The thought process of an individual dictates how they speak, the words spoken then turns into actions, these actions then become habits which in turn becomes a lifestyle which becomes your destiny. So today let the transformations begin in your mind. Remember, nothing is impossible with God who can take a slave and make him a president, and can turn a shepherd into a great king. If he has said it, it will come to pass, just wait and see! Read Isaiah 55.
as we develop a new mindset!
as we flourish like the palm tree by engaging the eternal spirit
For anyone to flourish there must be a radicalisation in their minds and a total renewal of their consciences. As we have discussed 
earlier, those who want to flourish must be like the palm tree being able to renew itself regularly and be able to stand the storms that will come ever-so often. The renewal of the mind will never occur if we just follow rituals. However, it will occur once we are exposed to new words, new concepts and new ways of doing things. And so we are encouraged to seek the transformation of our lives by being renewed in our minds (Romans 12:1&2). This is why Jesus instituted the new covenant [New Testament] to do away with the ritualistic way of making atonement for our wrongs. I am aware of those who question the loving nature of our God who seemingly allowed the brutal murder of his only son without intervention. And they ask questions such as, how can God be both loving and wrathful? As we shall see, performing rituals or being ritualistic would never institute eternal redemption. So how do we get out of the ritualistic mode? The writer of Hebrews gives us an insight into this. He often quoted from the Old Testament and Juxtaposed this against what Jesus did when he died on the cross. In times gone by the high priest would go into the holy of holies, kill a lamb for each family, place its blood on the mercy seat and then burn it on the altar. The smoke would ascend to God, he would then take the ashes that remained and sprinkle it on the ground and stand on it. Once this ritual was complete those being represented by the priest had their guilt removed and their sin atoned for. This ritual only occurred once every year and was only performed by the high priest in the inner sanctum. Obviously a lot of lambs were offered up and a lot of blood was shed. However, these rituals had little bearing on the minds and hearts of the adherents and did nothing for their consciences. Although rituals have their place it is the consciences of individuals that need to be transformed to bring total restoration and redemption, so that they can flourish like the palm tree and grow tall and strong in their environment. On the contrary when Jesus died on the cross, the writer of Hebrews states that he entered the most holy place as the high priest to offer up the lamb as the eternal sacrifice once (Heb 9:11ff), but astonishingly he was also the lamb to be offered and symbolically it was his body that was broken to bring about our salvation and redemption. So today if you want to flourish like a palm tree, you must first be planted like a seed, then die [to self], be watered [with the word so that mind renewal can occur] and keep in step with the eternal spirit. So keep in step with the Holy Spirit rather than being bound to ritualistic practices. Read Hebrews 9 and be sprinkled with the blood of the lamb.
Posted in Blessings | Tags: Eternal Spirit, New Covenant, Redemption, Renewal, Restoration, Rituals, The Blood, The Lamb
as we send down roots to negotiate the routes!
To be able to flourish in each season we must be planted in good soil and must have our roots buried fairly deep in that soil. The higher you desire to grow the deeper your roots must descend. The ability to withstand all that is thrown at us during the worst periods of each season is dependent on the depth to which our roots have dug down. In the spring there is an abundance of rain which waters the plant and encourages growth. However, if the tree grows up before it grows down the propensity to topple over is increased. This is how the Psalmist describes the dullard. They grow rapidly and for all intense and purposes they are seemingly flourishing. But although the rate of growth is rapid, the foundation is not there so when the storms of life come and come they will, he is uprooted and destroyed. On the other hand the righteous are described like the palm tree (v.12). The palm tree is tall and elegant. It produces fruit [palm kernels] that has a variety of uses and it is able to withstand the ravages of winter and the winds in the monsoon. Its ability to bend helps to negotiate all weather conditions. Therefore the righteous [those who do the right thing in the sight of the Lord, and always try to act justly] shall flourish like the palm tree and grow like the cedar in Lebanon. But the caveat is this they need to be planted in the house of the Lord and it is in his courts that they will flourish (v.13). Those who put their faith in God must implement several things in their lives:-
1.Recognise the need to thank the Lord for the little
things
2. Learn to sing praises to his name
3. Allow the lord to anoint you with fresh oil each
morning
4. Be planted in a particular fellowship where you
are hearing the word often
5. Produce fruit, even when you are old and grey.
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree and shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon and will produce fruit even in old age. Read Psalm 92.
as we flourish in the season we are in!
Like a tender plant each and every one of us goes through seasons. These seasons are stages of development and growth. At each 
stage of the development process there is a demand placed on us to reach a certain level of maturity. In the spring of our lives we are born into a world full of chaos and turmoil. We are however oblivious of this and begin the struggle for independence and significance. This is our spring season. As we grow and develop we enter the season where we start to flourish and make an impact in the world where we are planted. We develop routine and position ourselves to become fruit producers. During our last seasons we get ready to pass on the baton as we reflect on all we have learnt and the impact we have made in the greater scheme of things. We all go through this process in our spiritual journey. Irrespective of our chronological age when we start the process, we all will go through these stages or seasons. Once we identify the season we are in we must then act accordingly. Blessings come from being able to understand the season you are in and to be able to grow appropriately in this season. We are encouraged to be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, whose roots are deeply embedded in the soil so that all the nutrients needed for growth can be extracted. We are further encouraged that once we are planted we will bear fruit in the appropriate season and the leaves we produce will be for the healing of those around us. In essence the Psalmist is telling us that in order to grow, we need to be planted. That is we need to be in a particular fellowship in a particular place. Those who are running from place to place, from fellowship to fellowship will not be able to grow appropriately. Blessing therefore come to those who are planted so that they can bear fruit in the right season and be on hand to help those who are just starting their journey. So whatever season you are in let it be ordained and sanctioned by the Lord. Read Psalm 1& Psalm 93.
as we erect the infrastructure for blessings
Once our foundations are laid the onus is on us to complete the building. This is what constitutes blessings. When the writer of Psalm 127 states that it is vain to stay up late (v.2) toiling for food and for things to sustain your body; and it is vain to stand guard over what you have when you have not committed it to the Lord (v.1), he is stating that the precursor for blessings is to build your very existence on the Lord Jesus Christ or the word of God, the logos. Those who toil and spend all their time living to work rather than working to live are toiling. This does not fulfil the criteria set out by the writer of the Proverbs, where he says this: “The lessings of the Lord bring wealth and he adds no trouble to it (Proverbs 10:22 NIV).” And so we end up doing a lot of vain things rather than doing things that are kingdom focussed and that will bring glory to God. Those who chase riches invariably end up spiritually poor and those who chase fame and fortune invariably end up being fake and superficial. So the word for today is this, God lays the foundation stone, the building process, painting and decorating and maintenance is up to us. Read 1Corinthians 3.
Posted in Blessings | Tags: Building blocks, Foundation, Jesus, Logos, Stones, Word
as we invite the master builder to be a part of all our plans!
Unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord is watching over the city the watchmen are 
watching in vain. This was the reflection from Solomon who was arguably the wisest man that has ever lived. When he ascended to the throne, rather than asking God for fame and fortune he asked for wisdom and understanding. And because of his genuine desire to know how to deal with people and their problems, God granted him his request and made him the richest man in his generation. For any relationship to last and stand the test of time, that is, to remain when the storms of life press on every side, it must be built on the principles dictated by God. Those principles are only found in the word of God, the bible and in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Jesus stated that, although Solomon was the wisest man ever to have lived, all his glory could not compare to the lilies of the fields who are clothed by the Lord God of heaven. And before Abraham was in existence, Jesus was already there. Jesus is the rock of ages and the wheel in the middle of all wheels. Once he is our foundation our relationships will last and flourish as long as we put our faith in him. Secondly, he is the eternal spirit who watches over us. Whilst we keep our eyes on him, he will always be there to watch out for us and to guard us from any impending danger. When the Lord is the builder, the building will stand. When the Lord is the watchman you will always be safe. Read Psalm 127.
Posted in Blessings | Tags: Builders, Building blocks, Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom
as we let out little lights shine
The entrance of your word brings light, it imparts understanding to the simple (Psalm 119:130). In a broken society we need the 
light of the gospel to impart understanding to the decision makers in positions of authority. For years we have been implementing political correctness and handing over authority to children and young people. Those children and young people who were given the opportunity to challenge the authority of their parents are now challenging the authority of state, the very people who air brushed discipline out of the vocabulary of our corporate parents. I strongly believe in the 5 outcome of the every child matters agenda, I also believe strongly in the fundamental pillars of respect and manners. Without these building blocks our society will go from bad to worse. So how can we stop this decline? We need the light of the gospel to be shone in every crevasse of society so that those in positions of authority can have the understanding and the wisdom to bring transformation which will transform generations. As we pray for our broken society let us ask God for strategies to start the healing process by rejoicing with those who rejoice and crying with those who are hurting. So today ‘let your light shine before others so that people can see your good works and give glory to our father in heaven’ – Jesus Christ A.D 31.
Posted in Blessings | Tags: Authority, discipline, Faith, Faithfulness, Gospel, Light, Shining
as we take our place in the battle!
The recent riots up and down this country shows the extent to which the people of this country and particularly the youngsters has 
strayed away from the principles of Godly living. The prince of this world has unleashed a spirit of lawlessness against the decent Christian people in this country. The basic building blocks of manners and respect have been jettisoned for envy, greed and lawlessness. We are told by an ancient writer that these vices along with wrath, anger and abusive language are the direct opposite to a life that pleases God (see Colossians 3). In the past when this country was faced with impending danger, King George VI called for a national day of prayer. This occurred on the 26th May 1940. God is raising up people who are prepared to fight this battle in the ‘spiritual realm’ rather than attacking the youngsters themselves. They are being used by the enemy as their minds are fertile ground. Listen to what a Daily Mirror writer, Paul Routledge says about the underlying problems: “I blame the pernicious culture of hatred around rap music, which glorifies violence and loathing of authority (especially the police but including parents), exalts trashy materialism and raves about drugs.” We as people of faith need to be extolling the virtues of the gospel of Jesus Christ, after all we know that it is the power of God to the salvation for everyone who believes and is prepared to allow the Spirit of the Lord to transform them(see Romans 1:16). Can this nation be saved? Well if we believe that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37) let us start take our stand in the battle. Join in a prayer movement and let us all Push, Pray Until Something Happens. Read the book of Jonah.
Posted in Blessings | Tags: Building blocks, Lawlessness, Manners, Respect, Spiritul wickedness, Trust
as we learn to honour our parents and the things around us!
Jacob knew how to appropriate the blessings of God. Even though his character was not perfect, he was taught from a 
young age how to honour God and how to honour those whom God had placed in his life. It would be about another seven or so generations before God would download the laws to Moses, but Jacob learned to honour those who were before him in the faith. One important piece of information that has gone out of our society is that of honouring those who have been trail blazers. They all have short-comings but Instead of honouring and respecting them, we tend to focus on their short-comings and their sometimes lack of integrity. Hence today we have children who are ravaging our streets who have neither respect for their elders or other people’s property. There is a need to go back to basics. We need to teach our youngsters, like Isaac, Jacob and the Patriarchs of time past were taught, to honour their elders so that their lives may be long on the earth. Today we certainly see and hear of a lot of youngsters dying well before their time. We certainly need a campaign championed by people of faith for this country to go back to their roots. Honouring those in public office; respecting the law of the land; treating others as they would like to be treated and learning right from wrong. Jacob knew that blessings were not just about material things. It was and is more than that. It involves, obedience to those set above us, hearing and doing the word and giving back to God a portion from what he has given us. So today as we pray for our country, pray that God would raise us up to let our disciplined light shine into the lives of those who are without hope and have seemingly lost the plot. Today read James 1.
as we contend for the blessings of Abraham
When we speak of blessings we speak of the abundance of gifts that God wants to lavish on us. In fact God wants to 
embarrass us with the width and breadth of him vastness. However, we must learn to fix our eyes on God and not on the things that can be seen. Abraham believed God and it was [reckoned] added to him as righteousness. In simple terms this means that he had right standing with God, he was a man of Justice and right practices. God placed a demand on him and by fulfilling that demand he received the promise. As we may recall it didn’t happen overnight since God had to see what he was really made of. The demand that God placed on Abraham passed down to his descendants and when we get to Jacob he was bold enough to wrestle with God and prevail. He placed a demand on God in lieu of the demand God placed on him. So let us look at the things Jacob did before he could place a demand on God and the things we also can do today.
- Be obedient to his word sent to you by his messenger (Genesis 28:1-4)
- Have God on your mind when you go to rest, he will speak to you (28:10-15).
- Come to the house of the Lord and get your anointing (28:18)
- It is in the house of the Lord that the anointing flows, not in the cinema or the dance hall.
- Learn to give back to the Lord, Jacob tithed from the blessing he received from God, and God blessed more than a thousand time over (28:22).
- Go on to your Peniel where you have to wrestle with God to get the blessings that he promised you, (32:22-31) Do not stay at Bethel.
When you have finished wrestling with God you will never remain the same. Jacob was changed forever and so will your life be changed forever when you are prepared to wrestle, i.e. get up close and personal with God , that is, you tell him about all your real issues, don’t leave any in the closet let them all out. God will them fulfil all your expectation for he will know that he can trust you with his anointing. Read Genesis 28 & 33:22-32 if you dare!
Posted in Blessings | Tags: Contending, Embarrasment, Faitfulness, Favour, Paitence, Persisting, Wrestling
Pastor Bell's Words To Live By 