Nourished!

Nourished!

John 15:5 KJV

[5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Following on the focus from a few days ago, I am again reminded of what is critical and important for my growth and impact. The picture that is presented in the verse above is one of a vine and its branches. The picture portrays a dependence that is unique and non-negotiable. The vine does not need the branches the same way the branches need the vine. One of the reasons why this is so is because the branches can be cut off, and the vine will remain viable and fruitful. Even if all the branches attached to the vine are cut off, the vine is able to reproduce all the branches. That is why the branches most remain dependent on the vine for sustainance and long-term impact.. The important question then is: "Do I know which one I am? Do I see myself as the indispensable vine in this relationship? Do I know who I am, what I am, where I am, and where I am headed? 

Jesus was speaking to His disciples here. He laid out His person and identity clearly in the verse above as an indisputable fact. He also made sure to let the disciples know who they were, what was expected of them, and where they would end up. You cannot change the process, and you cannot disrupt the order. I cannot become the vine overnight, because I do not have what it takes to sustain and hold branches in place. That is not my job. Jesus is the vine, and He is more than capable to help anyone who depends on Him. I must know my role, and submit to the One who is and has all that I need for life and Godliness. There is a critical word in the verse above, and it is 'abide'. This word means 'to remain, stay, dwell, or continue'. This is not a temporary arrangement where I get to do it for a while and then stop; it is a continuous, unbroken pattern of staying the course, even when it gets uncomfortable. 

I do not get to pick and choose when to stay in or run out. There is no sitting on the fence of indecision; you have to make up your mind on what is important to you, and what will hold your eternal attention. It is by abiding that i am able to produce fruit that looks like the source that is supplying that which I need for growth. Let it be clear that there is no other provision that can lead to the outcome noted above, outside that which is by God. Fruit is directly related to source. There is no way my fruit will look different from the One who supplies what my life needs. I must take care to ensure that I do not forget who is able to make me all He wants me to be. As the verse above makes clear, Jesus says quite clearly that without Him, I can do nothing. That is deep. Take away the source, and there is no value or substance left. Take away the source, and everything is dead. May I never lose my need for God. May He never leave me to my own devices. God's time of favour is here. 

Thanks!

Thanks!

Psalm 105:1 AMPC

[1] O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples!

In a world where it seems easier to complain about what is going on around you, the verse above reminds us that there are bigger things at stake than what we can see with our eyes. In a world that is increasingly becoming more attuned to evil, with man finding new and novel ways to hurt other people or cause harm, we are reminded to take our eyes and hearts away from the problems we can see, and focus on the One person who really matters. There is no information on who wrote the words of this psalm, but there is no doubt about the message and direction of the words. When a verse starts with O, it must be trying to pass on a fundamental message: no matter what the problem is now, consider a different approach. You may have tried other options which did not work as planned, but consider trying this new response or reaction as laid out in the verse above. 

It must be noted that the recommendation to give thanks unto the Lord does not mean that whatever situation you were going through now automatically comes to an end, but it is a tried and tested way to get me to focus less on the WHAT around me, and focus more on the one WHO makes things beautiful in His time. At no time did Jesus promise His own that the skies will be perpetually clear and blue, but He did promise us His presence and power. He did not say we will not have trials and tough times, but He promised us his ever abiding presence. He did not say that we will not have opposition, but He has guaranteed us His backing at all times. No matter what the physical reality is, I am reminded that there is a greater power, a bigger presence, and a better outcome at stake than whatever it is that is in front of me now. I cannot afford to sacrifice the eternal for the earthly and the temporal. 

The verse encourages me to call upon the Lord, and not on any man. It is God that will raise men, even those who do not know or care about me, to help me. The verse also encourages me to call upon the name of the Lord, as His name brings deliverance, healing and salvation. His Name is His person, His identity and a window into His nature. When I call Him, I am asking Him to defend His name and show forth His character. Whatever the problem may be, there is a Name that is the solution to that problem. Of course, when there is impact, I cannot keep quiet. When there is divine intervention, I cannot afford not to speak about it. When I have asked God to step into a situation, I must let Him work, and  I must also be quick to speak about His hand at work in my life. He wants to be known, and I must make Him known. Can God count on me to testify of His goodness in my life? God's time of favour is here.

Response!

Response!

James 5:13 AMPC

[13] Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God]

At times like these, we remind ourselves of who God is, what God has said about who we are, what He expects from us, and where we are headed. James was writing to the twelve tribes who found themselves scattered abroad among the Gentiles in the dispersion. Trials and persecutions had brought many of the Jews to where they were now, and things were really tough. However, the message of James was not in line with their phyiscal reality. He started off his letter to this group by asking them to count it all joy that they were found worthy to be persecuted for the sake of Christ. The trials were to bring out the best in them, so that they would learn the lessons required to be the best vessels that God wanted them to be. This message is not in keeping with what is popular in the world we live in today. We want convenience and comfort, but that is not what the verse above starts from. 

That is the message of life that can be sometimes difficult to preach. How do you tell anyone to expect trials and tough times? How do you prepare the right way for these experiences? What do you do when you do not fully understand the WHY behind the WHAT that is happening to you? James makes an unusual recommendation: do not let the physical reality around you keep you away from the amazing experiences that are possible and available in God. If I want to focus on what is wrong, or what I do not have, there will be many things to consider. The verse above encourages me to see beyond what is 'real' according to what I see, to what is 'real' according to what God would have me see. The real thing I see may be affliction, or ill-treatment and abuse, but the real thing God would have me see is an opportunity to pray. Really? You may ask. 

How does prayer help when I am being treated bad? One thing prayer does is that it takes my focus away from what is wrong to who is able to hold, help and sustain me through whatever it is that is wrong. Of course, when I know and acknowledge that God is in charge, it frees my heart to focus on pleasing God. When God has dealt with the physical pressures that I face, my heart is able to rejoice. Even in that condition, James makes makes another recommendation: sing praise to God. Again, I am reminded that I cannot afford to sit on the fence of indifference. I do not have the luxury of being lukewarm about what is important, or what God would have me do. Praising God works from an understanding of the Omnipotence of God. I praise Him because I know He is in charge, and nothing happens to His children without His permission. I rejoice in this special relationship, and I ask God to continually help me see Him in all that I go through. God's time of favour is here.

Times like these!

Times Like These!

Esther 4:14 AMPC

[14] For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

Who would have thought that an unknown slave girl would become queen? Who would have thought that a stranger, not a citizen of the land, would rise to become queen? Who would have thought that a young maiden, who was also an orphan, would be instrumental in delivering a whole nation from its enemies? The story of Esther is one that always brings to remembrance the workings of God in the lives of men. It is God who orchestrates the events of this life to line up with His will. He is the only One who can use acts of rebellion and disobedience to bring out His will. This was where Israel and Judah were. They were in exile in the land of Persia, where they had been taken captive due to their disobedience. As always, it is important to note that God does not delight in punishing just for fun, but He is faithful to His Word. If He says I must not do something, it is only fitting that I do not do it. 

God's faithfulness also requires Him to apply the just punishment for sin, which He has consistently warned us about. This was the place and position Esther and her uncle Mordecai, found themselves. One thing must be noted: like Daniel, a change of scenery did not make them forget who they were or where they were coming from. Yes, sin had led to exile but like Daniel, they would not compromise on God's standards. Before we focus on the times we are in, and what the times may demand from us, are we people that God can trust with His secrets, sure that we will not blend in with the times we are in at the first sign of pressure? Esther and her uncle held on the traditions they had been taught, and this could be the reason why God found them as useful vessels at the time to save the people of Israel from total destruction. Can God count on me for such times as these? 

What makes this account critical to our days now is the fact that silence at a time was very important. Mordecai told her niece not to say anything about where they were from, and it must have saved them from trouble. However, the time for silence was now gone, and it was time to speak up. God had placed Esther in a position where her voice could now count for something. As queen, her voice carried the weight it did not have as a slave girl. Do I know when to be quiet and when to speak? Do I know when to let things play out, and when the right words spoken in season will be of help to other people? Silence cannot usually be quoted, but there are times when silence would mean agreement with whatever is happening. Like Mordecai said to Esther in the verse above, who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this, when the occasion demands that the right people speak? God does not make mistakes; I am where God wants me to be, if I am His child and obedient to His command. I ask God for grace to hear clearly, so I can speak timely words, and be a blessing to the earth I have been placed in. God's time of favour is here. 

Power!

Power!

Genesis 1:1 AMPC

[1] IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.

Hebrews 11:3 AMPC

[3] By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.

The story of creation has been dissected and discussed across different generations. All sorts of theories and postulations have been laid out as how creation came to be. Some believe there was a big bang, and everything came together. Some say it was a process of cell regeneration that has matured and grown to be all that we see today. It is good to again consider all we have heard or been taught, to determine what is true, what is plausible, and what is impossible. As we take a look at the earth and all its features, you just have to admit that there is a power that must have put all these things together. As you consider how the earth and all its parts work together, you have to admit that a divine force must be holding everything together so that they do not fall apart. As we consider how long this earth has been in place, you have to admit that there is nothing of this earth that can sustain the earth of itself. 

How can the created sustain and maintain that which was also created? How can anything we see today be able to determine exactly what year the earth was formed? Who was there when the earth began? Who can produce incontrovertible evidence of the earth's history, unless you were party to its origin and purpose? This is why it is necessary to consider what the verses above say. They ascribe the accounts of creation to God. You may also say no one was there when God was making the earth, but this is why walking with God is not always about what your physical senses accept. Reflect on all that we see today: the seas, the stars, the sun and moon, and the mighty mountains, and you will know that a mighty arm, hand or heart of awesome wisdom made all that we can see. That is why God remains a mystery, as well as an amazing revelation, all at the same time.

The fact that all that we see today have all stayed in place for as long as we know, with nothing in all of creation able to stop the sun from shining when it is time, or the moon from coming out when it is time, all point to the truth that only a God of absolute power could hold all of these things in place. The verse above leaves no one in doubt as to the power of the One making the claim. Centuries later, the writer of Hebrews still makes the same claim, noting that God's word, which does not change like shifting shadows, is the Life behind the life that we see. Now, all of the above leaves a fundamental question for all of us to answer: 'What would you do with this information?'. Considering all the many things we have heard, sincerely take time to reflect, ask God to show you the truth, and then take the right step to follow the Truth. Remember: God does not force Himself on anyone. It is a step of faith; it is the product of my freewill. He has done His part; He has laid out all that I need for Life and Godliness. The response is now mine to sort out. How do you plead? God's time of favour is here. 

Benefits!

Benefits!

Romans 5:1 AMPC

[1] THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

The verse above starts with a baseline. It is addressed to specific people: those who have been justified by faith. It needs clarity and exactness, so I can determine whose I am, who I am, where I am, what I can access, as well as where I am headed. These are not people who are able to stand on just personal recognition alone, but who know very clearly that whatever they are or have is a function of God's grace. They do not plead anything personal, like ability, capacity, connections, influence or value, but they have come into a special recognition of who Jesus is, what He has done, what He offers them, and they have taken full advantage of this knowledge. These are the specific people that the verse above seeks to address. Justification recognises that I could not help myself; it makes it clear that whatever I hold now is not on personal merit, but is given to me by One who could bring me into that special position. 

Faith makes it clear that it is not by labour or striving; if it was, not many will be justified. This is what makes what Jesus did so great and yet so dangerous at the same time. Men are still trying to 'earn' justification, because they cannot imagine getting anything of value for free. It ia great because all of us have been given access to this benefit, but it is also dangerous because no one can claim it by labour, or make an excuse for not getting it at the end of this earthly phase. We are made right with God, and restored to the original position we were in before the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Sin changed landscape and destination for man, but Jesus came and changed the story yet again. At no time could man present anything that could make him 'earn' all that Jesus did for man, but now, man is in a unique position where he can claim all that Jesus is and has. 

What a wonderful opportunity, as well as a sobering experience. Sin took my peace, but the work of Jesus fully restored my peace. Sin took away my joy, but the life of Jesus in me has fully restored my joy. A lot of things may be going on now, but I rest assured in the work of Jesus on the cross, and how He took my place in all ways, paying the price I could not pay, so that I can be all that Jesus has promised to all who put their total trust in God. The end of the verse above is instructive: ignorance is a disservice to the work of Christ in and for me. The devil will try to keep me from accessing these benefits, and he has many schemes and devices, but this verse is a reminder of who I am now, based on who Jesus is and what He has done. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and the only One who can guarantee peace. He is all I need, and He has all I need. Would you accept and submit to Him? God's time of favour is here.

Kept!

Kept!

John 10:11 AMPC

[11] I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.

Jesus was speaking to the crowd, which also included the Pharisees at the time. As we know, the crowd cannot be predicted. You do not know how they think at any specific point in time. You cannot predict their allegiance to anything, as the crowd is free to flow however and wherever it pleases. In the audience too were His disciples, who had followed Him for some time, seen the mighty miracles He did, and heard Him challenge the structure of His day with kingdom principles and standards. As it was then, so is it now. Jesus still speaks to all who are willing to listen and heed. The verse above is one of these challenging messages, which we all need to hear, heed and take necessary action on. Jesus made time out to publicly introduce Himself as the Good Shepherd. Why was this important? The people could identify with the work of a shepherd. This must have been a common feature in Jesus' days. 

What does a shepherd represent? This is someone who has spent time cultivating a relationship with sheep, not goats or any other animal. One online definition lays it out as a 'person who herds, tends, protects, and pastures sheep. As a verb, it means to guide, watch over, or manage a group, often in a protective manner'. The distinction made between sheep and other animals also has to do with the nature of sheep. These are animals which are docile and can be easily led. Sheep are also known to be intelligent animals capable of recognizing faces of both other sheep and humans, and remembering them for up to two years. Once they form a bond with the shepherd, he has control over the sheep. He is able to lead them out; he identifies each one, and the sheep also responds to him. I am not sure that there is any other animal that can be this docile. 

This distinction also relates to me: am I a sheep that can be easily guided, or do I love to insist on my own way? Have I invested time in this relationship with God, so that He knows me as His own, and can guide me at all times? This relationship of shepherd and sheep is not seasonal, where you get to access resources only when it is convenient. It has to be a consistent walk; a constant dependence on the influence, connections and ability of the Shepherd. The verse above makes it clear that the Shepherd is that kind enough that He lays down His life for the sheep. Which Shepherd is able to do that if He does not have a heart for the sheep? He has laid down an example that cannot be matched: He has offered all men a way to be reconciled to God. He has made a wsy for mortal man to access immortality at the end of this corrupted earthly phase. This offer is valid only for this earthly phase, and it expires upon death or rapture. He has done His part; how would you respond? God's time of favour is here.