Well Presented!

Well Presented!

Romans 12:1 KJV

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

As we know, Paul was writing to the saints in Rome, and the message was for tbose who had come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. It has been consistently established that there is a message for the crowd, and a different message for the disciple. The demands from both classes are different, and destinations for both classes are also different. It is also important that I know which class I belong to. The danger of indecision is in the permanent nature of the consequences. You do not get a second chance to make up your mind, or to make any other impression, once eternity has been settled. Do I know who I am, whose I am, and where I am headed for eternity?

In the chapter before the one from where the verse above is taken, Paul talks about the engrafted wild olive branch, which now enjoyed the supply of the vine. The vine will always support and supply what is required for any branch connected to it to grow. This was how Paul viewed the Gentiles, even though we know that God's plan of salvation was for the whole world, and not just the Jews. For those who are not Jews, we have tbe encouragement that the same opportunity given to the Jews has also been given to us. God has not lowered His standards for anyone; He included us in His plan, but things happened according to His timing. 

If we know now that we are privileged to be part of God's plan for salvation for the whole world, how do we show gratitude? If I know that I could not earn or deserve all that God did for me, how best can I show and live a life of gratitude? The verse above lays it all out: it is first an inner consciousness of who I am and what I have received, before it then becomes an outward presentation of a life that is marked by God's mercy. We are saved by grace, not by entitlement. God's mercy reached out to us, even when we did not know that we needed help, and He made a way for us to be reconciled to God. In Christ, the brokenness introduced by Adam is redeemed.

Those who know the value of what they have received know that there is nothing else is too much to give up. This is the message in the verse above. If I know what Jesus gave up to redeem me, I know I must present what He has redeemed back to Him. It means my life is no longer mine to deal with as I please, but to please the One who now owns it. A living sacrifice is strange: dead, yet alive: dead to sin but alive to righteousness. It does not respond to the devil the way it did before, as it is now under new management. It is this new life that drives my pursuits and priorities. This is the only service that God reckons with. Am I truly His? Are you? God's time of favour is here.

The New!

The New!

Revelation 21:4 AMPC

[4] God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. 

As we read yesterday, the host of heaven do not have any doubt as to who is in charge. The host of heaven spend all time, however it is measured, in worshiping the One who sits on the throne. If heaven knows who is in charge, and we pray that God's will be done on earth as it is done in heaven, then be sure that God is able to bring this to pass in His own way and at His own time, as determined by Him. When we refer to Him as Omnipotent and Omniscient, it means that He can do all things, He knows all things, and He will work out all things as He pleases. That is power and authority that cannot be contested or limited.

This is what makes the God who makes the promise in the verse above quite special. He not only takes care of the present, but He also seals the future. None of us can predict the future as accurately as God can. We can try, using what He has created to make a fair guess, but if you are seeking certainty, God is your sure confidence. The first promise in the verse above is that He WILL wipe away every tear from our eyes. This tells me that the old order that brought tears will be completely done away with. Whether it is pain, loss or death, all of these ends once the old gives way to the new. The verse above says that death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish, sorrow, mourning or grief. 

The fallen human nature has made these part of our existence, but a day comes when all of these will no longer apply to us. What a life it is to look forward to. What a state to look ahead to, and hasten its coming. Let us not forget that, as was mentioned yesterday, this is a vision that was given to John as he was on the island of Patmos. If all of the things written in Revelation are still coming to pass, be sure that this too shall happen. We have this assurance about the immutability of the Word of God. It does not matter what the generation or dispensation is; as long as He has said it, be sure it will come to pass. God has staked His Name and Nature on His Word and He cannot lie.

What is expected of me? One thing that has been clear is that God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of our freewill. He lays it all down on the table, and asks me to choose my eternal destination very carefully. I also do not have forever on this side of eternity to make up my mind. The changing times and seasons, as well as the verse above, make it clear that the old order of things will definitely pass away, and give way to the new. There is no force on earth that can stop what is coming; the only thing I can do is to surrender to the God who can secure eternal life with Him. Have you surrendered? God's time of favour is here. 

Worthy!

Worthy!

Revelation 4:11 KJV

[11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

One thing is clear: we have a God who is in full control of all that He has made. The story of creation, as laid out in Genesis, lays great emphasis on the immense ability, capacity and capability of God to do the amazing. Hw made everything for His glory, and creation continues to find ways to draw man's attention to this God. Even with the faĺl of man in the Garden of Eden, it has not changed or lessened the power of this God. In fact, it is man's sin that has even made God's grace the more appreciated. It has to also be noted that the story of creation further makes it clear that an accounting will be demanded from all of God's creation for how we have used what He has made and given us. 

John was the one who received these amazing revelations of who this God is. He was banished to the Island of Patmos because of his faith in Christ. He could have folded up, cried and become bitter, or he could look up to God for help to face all that was coming his way. He chose the latter, and we now read of the amazing things he was shown by God. God has not changed; He still seeks men who would seek Him with all their hearts, even when nothing works, or it seems that they are in the minority. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill, but be sure He will not turn His back on a heart that is fully surrendered. 

After the letters to the seven churches came the visions. John recalled getting access to heaven and seeing things, some of which he was not permitted to speak about. It has to be noted that we are dealing with a God of absolute knowledge and power, and it is His desire to provide all that will help us walk with and work for Him with joy. If a man has seen the coming glory, or has experienced the joy that comes from a personal walk with God, what is that earthly experience that can distract such a person? Could it be that the reason why we are so distracted is because we have not yet experienced that change that only God can birth and sustain in the hearts of men? 

Like the host of heaven, including the four living creatures and the 24 elders did in John's vision here, we also want to join them to worship this God. As the host said, this is a God who is holy, and demands that all who seek Him must pursue the same standard. This is a God who cannot be unseated, and whose dominion cannot be limited. How can a mortal man understand the scope, power and reach of an immortal God? This is the God who is worthy to receive glory, honour and power. He has them, and nothing I do can reduce Him, but it is to my eternal advantage that I offer Him the glory due Him. Like the host of heaven, I had better bow now in humble adoration as a matter of personal conviction. Have you met this God? God's time of favour is here. 

Live Right!

Live Right!

James 1:19 AMPC

[19] Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.

James was one of the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he was writing to the Jews who, because of their faith, were scattered abroad among the Gentiles. Ordinarily, it must have been a horrible experience for a Jew to find himself aligned with a Gentile, or even requiring anything from such a person, but the death and resurrection of Jesus had opened up some amazing opportunities for both the Jew and the Gentile to find common ground. The trials and afflictions that come from being associated with Christ would apply to both the Jew and the Gentile. The need to depend on the strength available in Christ would apply to both the Jew and the Gentile. 

No wonder James began his letter by charging his audience to consider it all joy as they faced different types of trials and tough times. It is only a person who has seen past the current challenges of life, and has seen the future, that can look ahead to tough times with joy. It is clear it is not the usual human reaction to trials, but there is a Presence,  Power, and Purpose inside a surrendered heart that make it possible to view tough times as reasons for joy. This is not a message that applies to the general crowd; it is for true disciples. The things that cause fear for the crowd provides encouragement for the disciple. Am I truly one? 

For the disciple who has the presence of God in him, there is a standard of behaviour also expected, when it comes to relating with fellow human beings. If I know that God lives in me, I will be intentional about how I live, what I do, and how I do it. The inner presence must drive outer impact. This is where the lessons in the verse above makes sense: this is for the attention of brethren, not the uncommitted crowd. Be quick to hear as a ready listener. I must also remember that it costs less to listen than it is to speak. A listening ear has become scarce these days, because everyone has an opnion, but nobody wants to take the time to offer empathy by listening. 

There is a reason why God gave us two ears and one mouth, and it is so we can listen at least twice as much as we speak. If I take my time to process all I hear, and take time to reflect before I respond, there will be less offence and more grace extended to those who I relate with. A child of God is not expected to react negatively to everything that happens, because the devil too is crafty, and he can magnify a simple issue into a life-threat. Do not give the devil that much power over you; he just needs a foothold into a life in order to destroy it. As a child of God, I must know who I represent. Do my current choices make that clear? God's time of favour is here. 

Be Right!

Be Right!

Proverbs 17:17 MSG

[17] Friends love through all kinds of weather,and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Relationships are one of humanity's greatest currencies. In the story of creation, man was the most thought out, and reflected the most creative part of God's power when He made man in His own image, and after His likeness. God did not stop there; He then placed mam in the midst of other people: made him a member of a family, placed him in the midst of a community of other people, gifted him to impact his society, gave him work or business to be able to meet and bless other people with his gifts, talents and endowments. From the life of Adam and Eve has now come the lives of over 8 billion people. What a testament to God's power. 

However, as we now know, the fact that we can all trace our origins to Adam and Eve does not stop conflicts or disagreements. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden now ensures that man can go to extreme lengths to hold and defend his position, even if wrong. It is hard for the fallen man to accept he is wrong, and wars have been fought and lives wasted, simply because one man would not accept the fact that maybe, he did not know all he thought he knew about a matter. We have seen where murder and mayhem are initiated by one member of a family against another, leading to the breakup of that family. This was not God's intention at creation. 

As you read the words of the verse above, you see clearly the mind of God for making and placing man the way He did. He did not create an Omnipotent man; there is no one like that. What He made is an independent creature in identity and purpose, but co-dependent in implementation and relationship. He knew the danger and power of pride, so He made sure that only in cooperation with other people  could all of our full potential be identified and realised. Relationships are built between people, and these sometimes transcend generations, tribes and cultures. When friendships are genuine, the bonds are deeper than skin colour or facial appearance. 

This is the message in the verse above. Why look for help from across continents, when you can have someone close by who could step in to help when needed? True friends are the ones who love you through any kind of weather. They may offer criticism sometimes, but it is from a place of love, not hatred. They may not always like your choices, but they are able to make that clear distinction between the person and the practices. God has placed us in positions where crucial help and support are available, whether it is un physical, or in spiritual families. Before making a demand on someone else, am I that kind of dependable person? Can God trust me to a friend to someone who needs it? God's time of favour is here. 

This God!

This God!

Psalm 59:16 AMPC

[16] But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress.

I believe that we know now that God will never promise any of His children a life free of trials and tough times. As long as the ownership and allegiance is to Him, He has the power to define the preparation and processing that this life needs in order to place it in the direction it needs for the purpose it was formed and planted for. The way God deals with all who belong to Him differs from person to person, but one thing is clear: He will not abandon that life that has been kept with or handed over to Him for safe-keeping. As life happens to me, I must keep checking if I am still connected to the vine. As long as He is my sole supply and support, I have nothing to worry about. 

This was where David was. Just picture a man who knew he was the next king of Israel, yet here he was, being pursued and hounded like a common criminal in his own country. He had done nothing wrong, yet nothing seemed to work in His favour. The introduction to this chapter says that the words of this psalm were written at a time when king Saul sent men to the house of David to watch him so they could kill him. This was the same young man who had rescued the nation of Israel from their aggressors the Philistines. David had won many battles for Israel but the moment envy set in, Saul forgot the past and tried to secure his own legacy by killing David.

Who says that anointing will keep you away from the effect of a submitted and surrendered life? If I have given God total control of my life, the only control I retain is my response to whatever God brings my way. If it is all 'good' by my estimation, I still praise Him. Even if it is 'bad' by my estimation, I still have the same response. How I interpret what comes my way does not change who God is, but it will surely impact the way I see God's hand in all that comes. For David, praise was his way of appreciating God for all He had done and was still doing for him. David was not a man known for keeping quiet; he did what he did publicly and loudly. 

Like David, God is still in the business of doing great things in the lives of all who leave all and follow Him, but as we have always said, He will not  force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. He wants me to come to Hiin in deep and sincere appreciation of what He has done for me. David sang of God's mighty strength and power. He experienced mercy in ways that merit could not understand. He saw God come to his defence in mighty ways, and the fact that he saw God move, even in distress, is proof that God never leaves His own alone.  He is all we need for all of life. What would you do with this God? God's time of favour is here. 

God's Prescription!

God's Prescription!

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The chapter from where the verse above is taken lays out the history of Israel. Here was a people that God chose out of the many nations of the world to be His treasured possession. He had a relationship with father Abraham, gave him a promise of inheritance, and ensured that his descendants inherited the land, after years of slavery in a strange land. You would think that Israel would be very grateful for all that God brought them through, but as we now know, Israel became a bit too comfortable, forgot who had helped it to this point, and became comfortable, careless and complacent. This is the danger of entitlement. 

Israel was warned several times, as she made her way to the promised land, but she would not listen. Of course, God does not condone sin, and He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. This was what happened to the nation of Israel. Reflect on some of the things Israel did: they lusted after evil things, they became idolaters and forgot God who had brought them this far, they murmured, they committed fornication, and also tempted Christ. As the chapter makes clear, the nation was punished quite severely for the things she did. One thing is clear: the standards have not been lowered, and the expectations have also not changed. Same God; same demands.

The same God who demanded total and absolute allegiance from Israel is still the same God who seeks total commitment from us today. In fact, in our own time now, we have the added help of the Holy Spirit, who now lives permanently in the hearts of those who belong to, and follow Christ. It is not an escuse for Israel to have gone down the path it did, but it must have been hard to see beyond the immediate problems of lack of food, water and safety. Israel only saw and reacted to what was in front of her, and did not remember the mighty works that had brought them to the edge of the promised land. Lke Israel, do problems make us forget God's promises? 

It is a good time to remind myself that nothing happens to me without God's knowledge. I am not a product of accidents, but the manifestation of an intentional and productive God. Even in the face of tough times, God reminds me that He is on the throne and in charge. He will not allow me to be tempted above what I am able to cope with, and if He permits it, it is because He knows it will not destroy me. He also makes a way of escape, so I can bear it. Like a pharmacist, everything is calibrated to help, not hinder me. What amazing support. What help. What grace. Like all things that God does, I have to take a step towards Him. He will not force Himself on anyone. Would you ler Him work? God's time of favour is here.