Right Response!

Right Response!

Ephesians 4:32 AMPC

[32] And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.

Paul was wrting this letter to the church in Ephesus. This church had come a long way from the time Paul asked Timothy to stay back there and counter the wave of false teaching that had gripped the church at the time. By the grace of God, there were saints who had held on to the truth of God's word,  remaining faithful to biblical standards. These were the people Paul referred to as set apart and consecrated. Who says it is over when God has just started with you? As long as God has not given up on me, no other person's opinion matters. The encouragement of this letter is that in the hands of God, no life is worthless. 

He is able to keep that which is entrusted into His hand. However, like all lives that God touches, there is a need for constant and regular reminders of the standards we are required to attain and maintain. At the start of the chapter from where the verse above is taken, we read of Paul's reminder to the saints to lead a life worthy of the divine calling to which they had been called. Reflect on this: all of us who made the decision to leave all and follow Christ were not compelled to do so. We thought about our past, and realising we needed a change of direction and destination, we totally surrendered our lives to Him. That is proof that the new has come. 

If that is our new position, it means we now live by and have different pursuits, priorities and purposes. There is a behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service. I am not permitted to keep doing what I used to do before my encounter with Jesus. I am not permitted to keep giving carelessly. I have been summoned to service, and as required under new management, I have to abide by the rules of engagement under that new management. I must keep reminding myself that God does not force Himself on anyone; my decision to follow Him was of my own freewill, and as a result, I am bound to obey His directives. 

As the verse above makes clear, I do not get to choose what is quite convenient, but I am bound to do that which Christ commands. This is not a negotiation. There is a reason why I am placed in the midst of people, so that my new life can be a blessing to others. I am reminded to be useful and helpful and kind to other people, as well as tenderhearted, loving-hearted, and ready to forgive others freely. It is in my daily interactions with people that the quality of my convictions will be made quite manifest. When I remember what I have also received of God, it becomes easier to obey. If I have Him, I cannot hide Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Live Right!

Live Right!

Psalm 34:14 AMPC

[14] Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!

As we know, our individual preferences and actions do not in any way restrict or limit what God can do. God is God, regardless of what goes on in or around us. He may decide to act in a particular way, and he may decide not to do something obvious and plain, all in line with His will. There will be times that cry for a particular solution, yet, God may decide to lead in a different direction. This is why God is called the Omnipotent God; He is not limited to certain outcomes or by human effort. He can do all things and He can change people. At least, this was quite obvious in the life of the man who wrote the words of the verse above. 

Ar this time, David was already anointed as king, yet he was wandering around because the current king had placed a kill order on his life. There were even days, like the one above, where the safest place was in the camp of the enemy. Who says the path to glory will not involve some days of gore? How do I look forward to anything of value if there were no days of tests, trials and tough times? The life of David is a reminder that the path to divine appointments may pass through some rough seas. No matter what God allows, I must not take my eyes off the God who calls, equips, plants and purposes a man for the place and the people He wants to bless and impact. 

As a child of God, my life must look like my owner. I may be going through tough times, but these experiences should not be the ones to define me. As the verse above makes clear, God does not lower His standards for anyone, no matter how painful or inconvenient the experience may be. If He says I must avoid evil, I have no excuse if I allow evil define my earthly pursuits and priorities. It is also not about avoiding evil alone, but by actively pursuing good. Being comfortable in the middle, without being committed to anything, is also not acceptable. That is being lukewarm, and as we know, God hates such non-commitment. Make your stand known.

I cannot claim to do good and then also be silent and non-conmmittal on evil at the same time, simply because I do not want to offend someone. Furthermore, as a representative of God, I must look, live, talk and relate like Him when it comes to the pursuit and entrenching of peace.Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and all who follow and serve Him must have the same priorities. As the verse above also makes clear, I have to pursue after peace. It does not just give me any room on the fence; it has to be a conscious and deliberate effort. The question would then be: 'Do I look in any way like the One I claim to follow and serve? God's time of favour is here.. 

God's Peace!

God's Peace!

Philippians 4:7 KJV

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul and Timothy are credited with writing this letter to the church in Philippi. They described themselves as 'bondservants' which is an interesting way of saying they were bound to serve Jesus. The audience was all the saints, God's consecrated people in Christ, as well as their spiritual leaders. As always, the audience will define the message. There are messages for the general crowd, who are not committed to anything, and there are also messages for the people who have made up their minds to submit to and follow Christ. For the writer and the audience, there was an unmistakable identity with Jesus. Can the same be said about me? 

For both the writers and the readers of this letter, the message is about the benefits that accrue to those who identify with Christ. Let it be repeated here again that Jesus does not promise perpetually blue skies or a life free of pressure or trials. What He promises quite clearly are His presence and power, among many other favours. What this tells me is that it is a waste of time to ask God for a trial-free life. How does He teach valuable lessons on patience and perseverance if there were no opportunities to pass through life's lessons? How do I acquire and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in all its dimensions, if the Spirit is not able to take me to school? 

It is also instructive to note that peace is a dimension of this fruit of the Spirit. It does not matter how strong the storm outside is, or how heavy the wind; what matters is the anchor of the soul. Who holds my heart in place when everything else is falling apart? Who provides support and succour when it appears that life is not fair? As already laid out, life will happen to the best of us, but who I go with on this journey will determine how well I travel and in what condition I end up. God promises me His own version of peace, which will always be different from the version that the world offers. The world may offer high fences and human security, but these cannot guarantee safety. 

God's peace is that tranquil state of a soul, where nothing outside can pollute or disrupt the calm inside. The salvation that Christ offers makes the heart calm, fearing nothing and being content with whatever it is that God brings. It is not a peace that the world can explain or fully understand, because it is not tied to the world's provision, but to heaven's confirmation. That peace is able to guard my heart and keep away any distraction. It is able to keep me sane, even when everything around me is falling to pieces. As always, like all gifts, God will not force Himself on anyone. It has to be a personal decision to surrender your heart to Him. Would you? God's time of favour is here. 

Plan Right!

Plan Right!

Proverbs 19:21 AMPC

[21] Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand.

The words of the wisest man who ever lived are indicated in the verse above. Solomon was not wise by human effort; he did not go to a school to learn wisdom, or to acquire formal degrees in wisdom and instruction. He went to the source of all good things such as wisdom, and God gave him in abundance, as well as wealth beyond measure. This is what happens when a man recognises his limits, and stays focused on the one who can help. If you read the story of how Solomon got this blessing, you learn the peace and power that come from admission of your weakness and trust in God's ability to give you all that you need for life and Godliness. 

Why is wisdom quite relevant in this matter? 

Wisdom is defined as 'the ability to use your knowledge and life experience to make sound, insightful judgments'. It is a step beyond just knowing a thing; it is knowing how that thing can be used to further God's purpose and plan for your life. What this tells me is that what I do not know can sometimes hurt me. If I will access all that God has for me, I must take time out to know more of Him. This is where making plans and setting targets become useful. I am not allowed to sit back and fold my arms and just watch life happen. I owe it to the One who formed and planted me to discover the reason behind who, what and where I am. 

I must have a plan for the life God has given me. There are many dimensions to life: work, school, family life, friends, investments, and associations, amongst many others. All of these threads impact life, and if any of them goes wrong or mistakes are made, then other areas can be affected. This is where earthly planning must meet divine preparation. This is where my own schemes must meet God's approval. God wants me to succeed, but it is clear that I cannot see beyond the present moment; in fact, I cannot understand the meaning of the times and seasons I am in without His help. This is why God has to be involved.

There is nothing wrong with planning; just keep them fluid long enough for God to be able to disrupt them as and when He so pleases. There will also be times when the unexpected happens, and you need the right reaponse. No matter the amount of pressure that comes, or the temptation to compromise or simply give in, always remember that you were not the product of an accident, but the creation of a methodical and intentional God. He does not do mistakes, and He is also not careless. He wants me to succeed, and become His reflection. His purpose for me must be my utmost desire. Would you submit to Him and let Him run your life? Nothing dies in His hands. God's time of favour is here.

Right Motives!

Right Motives!

Matthew 18:20 AMP

[20] For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.

In the chapter from where the verse above is taken from, Jesus lays down several primary principles and practices of His kingdom. Some of these include the power of prayer and the disciplne required to maintain it, the proper ranking in His kingdom, the joy heaven has when souls are saved from death and bought with precious blood into the saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Saviour. In all of the words in the whole chapter, it must be noted that Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and not the crowd. These words are for those who have made up their minds to follow and serve Jesus, and not for the many who are content to live 'convenient' lives.

The standards for the Christian are always higher and deeper than those for the unsure and uncommitted crowd. When you see a big crowd of people united in the pursuit of a thing or a purpose, do not always assume that they may be right. Being many does not always mean being right. Being many is not the same as being aligned with God's will and timing. The God who speaks here is a God of total and absolute knowledge; He cannot be deceived by platitudes, eye-service or sheer hypocrisy. The One who formed and made the heart sure knows its many dimensions and deceits. When I set my heart to do anything, I must always remember that God sees all. 

I also believe that it was always part of God's plan that man work with other men to achieve anything. He has not made any human being absolutely self-sufficient. Even as God has commanded man, at creation, to be fruitful, to multply, and to fill and subdue the earth, man needs to work together with others to achieve these instructions. Recall the events of the tower of Babel, and you will realise the power that man has when he is aligned with others to pursue and achieve a goal. In this instance, the motive was wrong, and God had to disrupt the plans. Just imagine what could have been achieved if the motives were right, and the pursuit of God's glory was the focus. 

That is what the verse above encourages and celebrates. With God, the number is not as important as the motive and the backup. If the glory and praise of God are the reasons why men are gathering, and not for the promotion of self, God is pleased to dwell amongst such people and to make Himself known. It does not have to be many; it just has to be focused on God. When the gathering is in His name, it means that He is glorified and exalted. Why would He not seek to show Himself strong and mighty amongst such people? Do not pursue numbers; pursue God's purpose. When He is there, mighty works follow. God's time of favour is here.

Let Him In!

Let Him In!

Revelation 3:20 AMPC

[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.

John the Beloved found himself at the 'wrong' end of the government at this time. He had made a decision to follow Christ, and he would not be dissuaded, no matter what came his way. In his own words, he was on the island of Patmos, where he was banished on account of his witnessing to the Word of God and his testimony for Jesus. It is clear that all who would walk the same path must be ready for similar experiences. Nowhere in the bible does God promise us a trial-free life; even those who do not follow or submit to Christ will face tough times. The major difference is that those who have Christ have support, help and encouragement on life's journey. 

Even in the worst of places, God found John. It was on this island where he had been left alone that Jesus met and gave him amazing revelations into what was hidden at the time, as well as what was ahead for the world and the church. Indeed, for all followers of Christ, we are never left alone. The devil will make his threats as he always does, but be sure that God does not leave us alone. He is able to find us where we are, and use us for His glory, no matter what is going on in or around us. Part of the messages given to John included lessons and instructions for the church. The verse above is taken from the letter to the church in Laodicea. 

It is interesting to note that the words in the verse above are written to a church: a place where Christ is expected to be in charge and in total control of. How could a church be notified that its Lord and Master was at the door and knocking, waiting to be let in? How was it possible that the church needed to be reminded of its ownership and allegiance? Was it that the church had forgotten its basis and foundation? Before we point the finger, we must examine our own lives too. Can the same be said of me? Have I become caught up in the name and culture, and have forgotten the person and presence who makes the church what it is? 

The good news is that God does not abandon His own. He will not stay away, until it is too late. As He told the church then, so does He tell anyone who is listening: He wants to come in and change that life from the inside out. He does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill, but be sure that He will change the life of anyone who submits to His control. The verse above speaks of a special relationship that comes out of this access: what could be deeper than 2 friends sharing a meal together? That is something based on trust and love. Would you let Him in? Remember: we do not have forever to sort out our allegiance. Do it now, before it is too late. God's time of favour is here.

Look Right!

Look Right!

Colossians 3:12 AMPC

[12] Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, anx,>;×s3nd has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].

As is the custom, we consider the audience of this letter, in order to understand the weight of the message in the verse above. Paul and his son in the faith, Timothy, are credited with writing this letter to the church in Colosse, and this letter is addressed to the saints: the people consecrated by God, and who are faithfully following and serving Him. The first point to note here is that God sees and knows all about me. There is nothing like 'secrets' when it comes to God. He made the heart, so He fully understands all its dimensions. It will be a pointless venture to seek to keep the heart's focus away from the attention of the One who made it. It is best to surrender it to Him.

It is the foundation above that drives the words of the verse above. Anyone who has surrendered his heart to God for safe-keeping and guidance cannot at the same time, insist on his own way. There is a particular way that a surrendered heart appears, speaks, and relates with other people. It cannot be the same way the people under the influence and control of the world's system would appear or speak. That internal condition is key to all external expressions. As God's own chosen representative, I have to appear in a certain way that looks like my ownership; after all, the One I represent is the One whose view and opinion count. 

If He is happy with my service. It really does not matter what anyone else thinks. If He is also not happy, it still does not matter how much applause I get. This desire to be liked by everyone will lead to compromise and hypocrisy. Like Paul, there may be times when you need to identify with the challenges and realities of the people you seek to preach salvation to, but it must never be at the expense of the truth of God's word, and His standards. We also know that in those days, the appearance of a man would usially reveal who he was or where he was from. If we apply this to the spiritual, can men deduce who I am and whose I am, simply by the way I appear, speak or relate with other people? 

Let us check out what the verse above requires of all who seek to look like God: a tender heart, pity for and mercy on others; kindness, patience, long-suffering, endurance and a good temper. Do we notice how many dimensions of the fruit of the Spirit is in the verse above? This tells me that I cannot exhibit anything that looks like the above without the imprint and impression of the Holy Spirit in and on me. These are not things you get by labour or by inheritance; these are born and sustained by the presence of God in me. His life in me will definitely flow out to touch others. Do I look like my ownership? Is God evident in and through me? God's time of favour is here.