Dear Friends,

God knows the labors of your hands and He is faithful.  He will complete what concerns us in His time.  This week, I submit to you some thoughts that the Lord shared with Me about how our work ethics should be as we move forward:

“…Take My word and fight with it.   Bring restoration back to your home (Zim) and truth.  Pray for the sons of Issachar to arise and put their hands to the plough to work in Zimbabwe, for there is much to do.  Pray for the Martha’s and Mary’s who both sit and work in My presence.  I Am moving over the waters.  I Am stirring in this hour.  Speak to the rock and I will open it and pour forth water on this land.  I Am the great refuge and strength in the land.  Consolidate what I have told you and pray over it and see what I would do further…” 

The sons of Issachar are referenced in 1 Chron 12:32:

“…men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command…”

And in Gen 49:14:

  “Issachar is a rawboned  donkey
       lying down between two saddlebags. 

 ¹⁵ When he sees how good is his resting place
       and how pleasant is his land,
       he will bend his shoulder to the burden
       and submit to forced labor. ” 

Issachar which was a tribe of Israel was noted for their ability to understand the times, to see the potential in the land and to be prepared to work extra hard to get it done.

Mary and Martha were known by Jesus.  Mary was the picture of one who had been completely forgiven and loved to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen.  In fact so deep was her love, that she spent a full year’s wages on a perfume that she anointed Christ with.  Martha on the other hand loved Jesus, but was known for her bustling and business.  She wanted to work hard to make things right for Jesus and others.  God wants balance in our lives.  We must work hard for Him, and we must derive strength and wisdom and love by our intimacy and experiences with Him. 

As Zimbabwe moves forward, we have a long way to go.  Let us pray that we will be discerning people, people that love God and are intimate with Him, and people that will see the opportunities.  Furthermore, that we will work hard until the job is done.  Gird yourself about and fast and pray for our country!  We will see change.   Let us set our hands to the plough and not look back.   God is on our side, He will bless the work of our hands.  Praise the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness to us!

Encouraging you in Christ Jesus

Blessings,

Keith