Granted!

Granted!

Psalm 37:4 AMPC

[4] Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.

David is the man credited with the words of the verse above. We do not know the full context behind the words above, but we know a few things about the man David himself. He was referred to by God as a man after His own heart. This must have been quite a high bar, because David did not ask for this major reference, or ask God to favour him in a special way, but God, who is Omniscient and knows what would happen, already referred to this man in this way. The world definitely did not see or consider David as perfect in any way, as we know a few of the things he did: a man who took another man's wife, slept with her, and then conspired with his army chief to murder the husband. Interestingly, the husband was listed as one of David's mighty men; men who would give their lives for the king, yet it was the same king who did not consider the value of this man's life. It was not pretty by man's standards, but as we know now, God does not look on the outside. He considers the heart. 

It was clear that David was a man who took great delight in God. He was not a man who paid only lip-service to devotion to God; he made sure that his private life of devotion also matched his public life of service and dedication to God. He was not a man who showed off in public, but had no personal encounter with God. It is important to note that it is not when problems come that a man's heart is revealed; it is usually in the times of comfort and convenience, when no one is looking. As David stayed in the desert and open places with his father's sheep; as he had quiet moments with no distractions, he was building up capacity and endurance for the days of public exploits. The days of quiet resistance to the lion and the bear were preparing him for the days of public and open confrontation with Goliath and Israel's enemies. How do I prepare the right way for the days of trouble that will definitely come my way, as long as I am clothed in this mortal body? 

The answer is in the verse above, which counsels me to 'delight' myself in the Lord. How do I do this? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Delight as 'a high degree of gratification, joy, or extreme pleasure, often accompanied by surprise'. This tells me that it is in the Lord that I can truly have the full expression of joy possible. The world will lay emphasis on possession, position, power or privilege; God lays emphasis on a personal encounter with Him. When you have Him, you have everything that really matters. Physical things do not always last; in fact, they were built to be temporary so that you will never be satisfied with them. The right counsel is to make sure that I have God. With Him, all other things find purpose and value. Without Him, it is easy to be distracted by what the world claims is important. With Him in charge of my heart, my desires and petitions will always line up with His will. I must make sure that He is in full control. Is He? God's time of favour is here. 

The Conclusion!

The Conclusion!

Ecclesiastes 12:13 AMP

[13] When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person.

Solomon started life so good. By natural calculation and genetics, he was not in line to the throne. His father's lust for women was what led to the murder of Uriah, and the later marriage of David to Bathsheba. Solomon was also not the first son, which was the usual practice of determining lineage to the throne. On all fronts, Solomon did not stand a chance, but then, if you have never met the God who can fetch water with a basket in order to disgrace a bucket, you may never understand how God works. This is a God who used a stick to make an iron axe head float in water, and make a donkey speak in a human voice, in order to caution Balaam the prophet. God has principles, but He also cannot be boxed into a corner. He determines the who, the when, the how and the why. He sets one up, and brings down another. He rules over the affairs of men, and it is in the best interest of man to cooperate with God. 

In the case of Solomon, there may have been better alternatives. Absalom was on record as being a handsome man, but we know how his life ended. Others would try and scheme to take the kingship, but God already had a plan, and the choice had been made, and no one was going to thwart God's plan. However, it has to be noted that God will always play His part, but He will not play my own part for me. In the case of Solomon, God came to him and asked him to request for anything. Solomon asked for wisdom, and God gave him that and much more. Kings and queens came from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon speak, but as we also know, with popularity came the burden of distraction. The man who was called wise failed to grasp the danger of lust, greed and idolatry. Solomon in his own words said that whatsoever his eyes desired, he did not keep them from himself, yet he was not fully satisfied with the abundance of provision or possession, because, as Jesus had made clear, a man's life does not consist of the abundance of the things that he possesses. 

The verse above helps put all these concerns in the right perspective. No matter what else you take hold of, make sure it is with the fear of God. No matter what else you have, if the fear of God is absent, you are headed for disaster and disappointment. As it was in the days of Solomon, so it is today too: the only thing that truly counts is what I do with and for God. If the wisest man who ever lived, and who enjoyed all that life had to offer, could come to the conclusion that the end of all matters on earth was to fear God and keep His commandments, we will do well to listen and heed. To fear God is to know Him, know what He loves and hates, and act accordingly. It is to avoid sin at all cost. To fear God is to offer my life as a daily worship to Him, and there are no exceptions for anyone. No one will be able to claim ignorance; God has made Himself and His expectations known to all mankind. The choice, as always, is mine to make. God's time of favour is here. 

Always!

Always!

1 Chronicles 16:11 AMP

[11] Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence].

It is good to check up on how David came to this point in his life. Here was a man that had been anointed as king, even whilst a king was sitting on the throne of Israel. David did not belong to the tribe or the family of Saul, yet, by the choice of God, he became king. There was massive opposition, both within and without Israel, but because he was backed up by God, no one was able to defeat him. His son Absalom tried; the Philistines tried, but none succeeded. It is important to check who is behind and in front of you before you venture into projects or assignments. If God is not involved, do not assume superior knowledge to press on. Trouble is the only result that will come out of such action. It is not a wonder, then, that David was called by God Himself as a man after God's own heart. Does God know me so well that He can predict my heart's focus and attention? Does He command my heart's purpose, pursuits, and priorities? 

One of the many reasons why I cannot make assumptions about God is the event that led us here. David knew the law, and the rules that governed the carrying of the ark of the covenant. I am not sure how it happened; was it that the ark had been away from a proper temple so long that the leaders and people had forgotten the rules? Did the leaders and people think that showing genuine concern for the ark was going to save them from the wrath of God if they disobeyed His rules? We read of how Uzzah put out his hand to steady the cart that was carrying the ark, and he was struck dead by God. The bible records that David was angry, and I wonder why? Thank God David learnt. The next time the ark would be transported, David had learnt his lessons. Do not let assumptions rob you of a walk with God that is rewarding. What worked yesterday is not likely to work today, because God is not bound by the rules of yesterday. His laws and principles do not change, but it is critical that you know and follow whatever principles He is directing you to. 

That is where the words of the verse above come in. From experience, David knew that God does not joke with His standards. He had seen God punish, but He had also seen God bless. The secret was in knowing this God on a personal level, and nurturing that special relationship on a daily basis. David counsels us to seek the Lord and His strength. Seeking God means that He will not be found  by accident, and even if you do find Him by accident, He  will not be sustained by accident. You do not do it once a week or in a month; it has to be a regular occurrence. There is strength in God's presence. There is fullness of joy in His presence. There are daily mercies available to all who seek Him. I take the lessons from the lives of those who had tasted of the Lord’s goodness, and I make up my mind to seek Him continually. I ask God to fill my heart with a sincere longing to be in His presence at all times. Things look quite different when viewed from God's perspective. May nothing take me away from His presence. May the blessings of His presence by my daily reality. God's time of favour is here. 

The One and Only!

The One and Only!

John 14:6 AMP

[6] Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

At this time, the crowd was locked out. There was no distraction or external noise. It was the disciples alone with Jesus, who was coming to the end of His earthly ministry. Aa we know, there were messages that were for the crowd, and at other times, for His followers, but this time, the focus was on the men who had left all to follow Him. He took time to encourage His disciples, showing them the principles and practices of His kingdom and how they could get into it. As it was then, so is it now. The principles and practices of the kingdom of God have not changed or been lowered. What was required of the disciples then, is still required of the disciples today. The changing of generations or dispensations has not done anything to lower the standards God has set for those who may come into His kingdom. Am I still part of the crowd outside, or am I a true disciple of Jesus? The answer will define how I respond to the verse above. 

Jesus spoke about His kingdom, and how to get in. In His Father's house were many mansions being prepared, and there was one way to get in. Thomas, one of the twelve, was not sure about this one way, and he asked to be shown this way. Jesus uttered these immortal words that have guided our focus and discourse over the centuries: as long as God's kingdom is the destination, Jesus is the way into that kingdom. Many others may sell other kingdoms, or offer alternatives to the kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of here, but as long as Jesus is not the way into it, be sure that it is not the same as the kingdom that Jesus speaks of here. I am not sure why Thomas asked the question, but it is normal to make enquiries about what you do not fully understand. It is also important that all doubts are cleared up, so you know what is expected of you, and how to achieve that which you seek. However, once the guidance is provided, the response is now mine to sort out. 

The words of Jesus here are quite instructive: He is not one of many options; He is the only option. Many have laid claim to knowing the way to God, but the death and resurrection of Jesus makes Him uniquely qualified to state this claim. No other authority has died and come back to life. There are many statements that have been made in the past, but have not stood the test of time. Through generations, the Truth that Jesus is the Son of God has come to stay. Yes, men dispute this, but it is only by the Spirit of God that a man can accept the authority and Lordship of Jesus. As He is the only One who has tasted death and also being brought back to life by the power of God, never to die again, He is Life, and the only One who can offer who He is and what He has to all who come to Him. That is the exclusive package on offer to all who seek Him. You cannot give what you do not have, but in this case, Jesus is all that I need, and He has all that I need. His offer is still available, and I must lay hold of the offer before death comes. After that, it is too late. What is your response? God's time of favour is here. 

Discipline!

Discipline!

Hebrews 12:11 AMP

[11] For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose]

How do you define discipline? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary presents it as 'the practice of training oneself or others to obey rules, maintain order, and follow specific standards of behavior to achieve goals or foster self-control. It involves consistency, focusing on long-term benefits over short-term gratification, and, in some contexts, acts as a form of correction or punishment'. The Cambridge Dictionary sees it from the perspective of 'punishment, castigation, penalty, correction'. In all of these definitions, there is a thread that applies to discipline in the context of the verse above, and it is the fact that rules of engagement have been clearly defined, explained, clearly understood. The rules were established to guide human behaviour, but now, the rules have been breached, and the rules give room for consequences to be applied. 

The person who has breached the rules knows clearly why the discipline is being applied, and as a sign of maturity, does not go about grumbling about the enforcement of the rules against him. That is why no discipline is pleasant at the time it is applied. Even for the world system, discipline is very important in molding behaviour, and to ensure a positive outcome for those who are subject to that process. If the people who are subject to the world's system understand the value and importance of discipline, just reflect on what this means in the spiritual. Of course, no natural person likes to be disciplined, but the long-term effect of discipline makes the process worthwhile. The word 'training' is also used in relation to discipline, and the picture it paints for me is that discipline is not a one-off event, but an experience that leaves a mark in and on me. 

When you see someone who has 'trained' for a sport or event, there are evidently physical signs on that person. In the same way, for a Christian who is training to be a vessel of honour in the hands of God, there are signs that will be apparent in and on that person. The verse above makes reference to the benefit that comes from that process, amd it is the peaceful fruit of righteousness. It means that the seed of discipline, guidance, and submission was sown, and as I continue to let the seed take root in me, it produces the fruit of righteousness. Like natural seeds, you do not wake up one morning to find the fruit, and it will not grow overnight. It takes time, it takes effort, and it takes commitment, but the end in this case justifies the means. I place myself in a position where God's will becomes my sole focus and pursuit. Does this describe me at the moment? Does God hold my sole attention, and can He take me on the journey of preparation so I can be preserved and presented for His service? God's time of favour is here. 

Speak!

Speak!

Philippians 4:6 AMP

[6] Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

Paul, speaking to the church in Philippi, had an understanding of what he was addressing here. Here were new believers who had just come to the saving knowledge of Jesus, and who would have tried to understand the times they were in, and how best to show their faith in the midst of the decadence of their times. Do recall that, at the time Paul was writing this letter, Christianity was not as widely regarded as it is today. The Bible only gave us the perspective from the early disciples and their ministries. Those who knew Jesus then were persecuted, but Paul took time to keep encouraging these believers to hold on to God at all times. As Christians today, we also have an obligation to provide encouragement and support to those who may be struggling with the demands of this new call. Like Paul, we speak, not from a place of fear, but a place of conviction. 

Like Paul, we know whom we have come to believe, and we are not ashamed of our new identity in Christ, persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against the day of His return and reward. As we wait for that day, we know that many things will happen, both uncomfortable and pleasant. We are in a world system that has been irretrievably given over to sin, and it cannot be saved or redeemed. In that light, we must be prepared for resistance, as well as opposition to all that Jesus represents. This is why the verse above is central to our position and response to what is going on around us. We have been given the greatest resource in the world, which is access to the King of kings, and the ruler of the universe, who is able to bend anyone and anything to His will. He cannot be defeated, because He is the Creator of all things, seen and unseen. 

This is the God that Paul asks us to approach at anytime, to discuss anything. There is no issue so minute or so gargantuan, that God cannot solve. There is no minor matter, or major problem that is beyond His capacity to deal with. This is why prayer is important: we acknowledge our weakness and limitations, and seek the help of the One called the Help of Israel. Reflect on what the verse above says: in every circumstance and situation, continue to make your requests known to God. It means that God wants to hear me speak to Him often, not because He always gives me what I want, when I want it, but because He is a Father and Friend who seeks fellowship much more than transactions. No matter how bad things get, I will approach. This is access and privilege that money cannot secure. May nothing keep me from my Help. May no guilty conscience keep me from the One who died to deal with sin. Make the approach, and speak to God today. He waits for you. God's time of favour is here. 

Right Mode 2!

Right Mode 2!

1 John 4:15 AMP

[15] Whoever confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

Let us lay a quick foundation to the verse above. John, the writer of this book, made it clear that he was writing from the position of personal experience. He said: 'what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life, is what he was proclaiming to his audience. He said he had seen the Word of Life in action as an eyewitnes, and was able to testify about this Word of Life to his audience. By extension, my personal conviction helps drive my public declaration. Whatever it is I am convinced and sure about becomes a message that I am proud to present to other people at anytime. John had tasted of the riches of the Word of Life, and was now inviting others to come and experience the same. Do I have the same mind and heart as John here? Am I focused only on what I can get, and not much on the lives that God seeks to bless through my own knowledge and experience of Him? 

John in his day had the opportunity to fellowship with the Word of Life, along with other believers of his time, and so do we in our own time today also have the opportunity to fellowship with the Word of Life, as well as other believers of our own time too. However, it has to be noted that this access is not a right you get automatically by natural birth; it is a privilege you get by the second birth. The natural birth has given rise to sin, and anyone who dies following the natural birth only has no access to the eternal life promised by God. That is the standard, and I can choose to live or die by that standard. It will not be lowered or changed for anyone, no matter how gifted or connected. It is the second birth, or what we call 'being born again' that gives a man that access into the reality of the latter part of the verse above. It is a non-negotiable and irreplaceable experience for anyone who wants to access all that God is and has. 

How do we arrive at this amazing destination? The verse above clarifies. It is for anyone who confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God. It may sound simple, but this is the position that has caused problems for many people. It does not follow rationality or human critical thinking. It does not make that much sense humanly speaking. This is where God provides the grace that brings salvation and has appeared to ALL men. It is this grace that enables me to say No to sin and Yes to God. Both confession and acknowledgement work together to achieve that which God seeks. It is my mouth that confesses, and my life's pursuits and priorities provide the public acknowledgement that I now live by different standards and have a different master now. The reward of that inner change is that God abides in you, and you in God too. Picture the amazing fellowship that is possible when the presence of God manifests in all of us. Do I truly have Him? God's time of favour is here.