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. 

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.