Job Mothiba
Let your light shine before men
First published by Tektime 2020
Copyright © 2020 by Job Mothiba
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
First edition
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This book is dedicated to my family, friends and brethren in the body of Christ.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
(Matthew 5:16)
Foreword
The Lord has called you like *Lazarus to come out, why are you then still wearing your grave clothes when the Lord has unbound you? Come out of the grave and tombs, for this is the time for you to be released to minister. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, he has send me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. (Isaiah 61; 10)
Preface
Not everyone knows God is real until you tell them about your testimony. Its when people hear your real story that they get to know you, like you and trust you. And want to do business with you, realising that everything that looks nice comes with a price. The one who is willing to pay whatever price it takes to do the will of God is worth more to God than the one who always looking for a cheaper way.
Acknowledgement
This book is dedicated to my family, friends and all my spiritual leaders in the body of Christ.
Special appreciation and thanks to Cornerstone Christian Family Church and all the social media communities especially those on (facebook, twitter and Whatsapp).
Whatsapp: +27732084668
twitter: job@jobmothiba
jobmothiba@gmail.com
Facebook: Job Mothiba
www.cornerstonefamily.co.za
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INTRODUCTION
Not everyone knows God is real until you tell them about your testimony. Its when people hear your real story that they get to know you, like you and trust you. And want to do business with you, realising that everything that looks nice comes with a price. The one who is willing to pay whatever price it takes to do the will of God is worth more to God than the one who always looking for a cheaper way.
Be careful of desiring a lifestyle you are not prepared to pay for. You cannot get a return on an investment you never made. When people say theyd like to be in your shoes, its usually after the difficult journey is finished. They tend to believe in you when you are succeeding but, you need to believe in yourself when you are not.
And, often times the people who criticise your life are the same people who dont understand the price you paid to get to where you are. They tend to connect with our perfection and performance. All that is slick and shiny about us attract them. But our tears? They are liquid that repel others, scares them or make them shrink back.
The hardest thing I am still trying to learn to accept is that you cant just force people to care. Trust me. You would not want to be associated with people who does not really care. For a moment they are, because they need you. But as soon as the tables turn and you are the one who needs them now they would be gone in the blink of the eye.
You cant force people to care about you. You cant force people to believe in what you believe in. You cant force people to fight for you or fight for something you hold dear to your heart but, the people who care will fight without being asked. Sometimes its easy to forget how amazing and lovable you are to your Father. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, he has send me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. (Isaiah 61; 10)
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The Lord has called you like *Lazarus to come out, why are you then still wearing your grave clothes when the Lord has unbound you? Come out of the grave and tombs, for this is the time for you to be released to minister.
Why are you trying to hide in shadows? Why do you find it easier to lie, than to come out in the light? Do not be afraid to be judged by man and come out. Who are we to judge and question God for putting greater grace on the most broken and battered vessels?
If it was up to man the woman at the well would have remained a statistic and an outcast. Even the woman who was caught up in prostitution would have been stoned to death. But, if it had not been the Lords mercy (Psalms 124:2)
So, do not spend your life bound by your mistakes. If you acknowledge, repent from it, you will recover from it, and be better because of it.
Since grace was extended to you. You did not earn it and you did not work for it. It is a free gift, may you extend the grace to others. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8)
Again, stop getting so frustrated about when you are going to reach your destiny that you do not enjoy the journey. The difference between where you are and where you want to be is not based on what kind of a job you have or do not. It is not about how much God has given to you, it is about how you handle what God gives to you. The more you are truly thankful for what you have now, the faster what you want will start to show up.
I believe that everyone is gifted, but some of us never open our package. Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do. For what we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, doors open for us, we feel useful, and the work we do feels like play to us. At times we might think we are not good enough, but you will surprise yourself if you keep trying. You are capable of achieving more than you realize.
So, your past does not determine who you are. Your past mistakes prepares you for who you are capable of becoming. What ultimately defines you is how well you rise after falling. Do not ever be afraid to give yourself a chance to be everything you are capable of being. Forget the haters. Never under-value who you are and what you are capable of. For you are not called to just think about the prize and claim the prize. You are called to hold the prize. Just as the Lord said I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you, even to your old age (Isaiah 46:4b NIV)
So, God has given you a gift, it is called today. What are you going to do with it? Well, there is no better time than today to change the way you view yourself and the world around you. Be mindful of how you start this day. Your first conversation, and your first thought can set the entire tone of your day. One small positive thought this morning can change your whole day. So, start your day with a smile, a good attitude and a prayer. For a simple smile and a hello could lead to a thousand different things.
Thus, a smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring and a sharing person inside. Be careful with the way you are thinking because your thoughts run your life. (Proverbs 4:23).
Yes, you cannot solve every problem in the world, but at least you can attempt to solve one. Do something with the gift God has deposited in you. You gain confidence and grow stronger by every experience in which you really push yourself to do something you did not think you could do. Nobody who ever gave their best regretted it. When God has selected you, it does not matter who has rejected you. Keep on being original. You will be amazed what comes to you when you stop trying to be someone else.
God did not place people on Earth to be pawns or puppets of an identity he did not give them. For He has created you in His image. The clay does not tell the Potter how to form it. It yields to the process. Stay mould in the hands of God and receive the Grace to move in your gift and endowments. For a gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great (Proverbs 18:16)
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Let us pray:
Father, we acknowledge that each day of life is a gift, and we do not know when we will see our last. Help us to live with eternity always in view. As, we admit our sinful and selfish ways. We look to you for forgiveness and healing. Thank you for your mercies today.
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DISCIPLE, SERVE, HELP, ENCOURAGE AND CARE FOR OTHERS
Have you been in a situation where you tell a friend about something that weights you down, eating you out, and s/he says, You are being too sensitive. Then, when you tell another friend, s/he gives you a hug and say, God will see you through.
Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of God. Around you there are people who are hurting, people who need more love and people who like some encouragement, let God use you to help build up others and just see what happens.
God uses people like you and me to answer prayers of others. We should always be a tool in Gods hand. Take five minutes today and write a note of encouragement, appreciation, praise or gratitude to someone. Easy to do, means a lot. When someone asks for your counsel or feedback, ask them first if they want counsel or encouragement.
The former may not feel like the latter. If you are trying to lead someone, embody these four qualities: be warm, be like them in some way, be competent, and share your imperfections. The way to find your calling is to look at the way you were created. Your gifts have not emerged by accident. You are chosen to bring God glory, He will show Himself strong through you. You were specifically designed for this moment in history.
The wisdom of God for this age is about to be revealed through you. From now on and forever you will be a vessel unto honour in Gods hand, you will be a channel of blessings. For you are chosen people, Gods very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Some people are violent about everything except taking the Kingdom by force then suddenly, they are silent. Well, it may be easier to say nothing in a situation where conflict could arise, but is it not always wiser. Somebody is following you somewhere. They will take your lead and learn from your example. Remember, behaviour is interpretation of the environment. We are either taught directly or learn by experience. So, act in such a way that others will admire and honour the way you carry yourself.
If due to lack of confidence you do not rise to the occasion when someone challenges what you say, you will teach others it is not worth speaking up when you know you are correct and accurate in sizing up a situation. Speak the truth you embody, and your example will powerfully influence and persuade others to take your lead. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15)
Hence, lifes most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others? I bet you remember every single person that opened a career door for you. Be a door opener and be remembered forever. Lifting someone up is one of the best ways to prevent yourself from getting down. As you push somebody else up, God will make sure that you get to where you desire to be. I believe we were created to help each other. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.(Matthew 20:28)
For your greatest contribution in life might not be something you do but someone you raise. Believe with all your heart that your life is playing out exactly as it was meant to. Do not force things to happen, just allow them to happen. All the mistakes you could possibly make in your walk have already been made, learn from those who have gone before.
Everyone you will ever meet experienced or know something you do not. Do not underestimate help advice or encouragement from somebody insignificant and poor. The impact is often so much greater than you could imagine.
Peoples value is not determined by the condition of their finances; it is determined by the condition of their heart. Sometimes someone comes into your life and helps you to breathe for the first time, and see things in a different light. So even though wisdom is better than strength, those who are wise are despised if they are poor (Ecclesiastes 9:16)
One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth the doing is what we do for others. Do all the good you can, to as many people as you can, as often as you can. We all need each other in order to achieve the fullness God has for us. We cannot do it by our self. You were never intended to carry the difficulties of life alone. As there are those who have gone before you (mentors) and those who are walking the same path you are walking (friends)
You need them both in order to become your best and enjoy the journey. Your prosperity will be determined by how much you care for others, not by just using people for your own personal gain. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Luke 6:31)
Do not only care for and help others because you are obligated to, but because you actually mean it to help others. Do not say to your neighbour, Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give it to you, when you have it by you. (Proverbs 3:28)
If you cannot help them, at least do not hurt them.