The Invitation

The Invitation

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. Revelation 3:20 AMP

You were created with a God-shaped vacuum in you. You had the breath of God put in you at creation, making you a living being. That simple fact underlines your ownership, source and inspiration. If you truly understand this, you will not struggle for relevance, impact, purpose and direction. However, reality around us seems to point in another direction. It appears that man is seeking for direction and purpose anywhere else apart from God alone. Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, it appears as if we have simply outgrown our dependence on God. The sin of Adam rested on the pursuit of self-sufficiency, self - reliance and pride in knowledge. How then do we get back what God had planned for us long ago which we had lost?

Form today's extract, a few things are clear: 1. So many options will come, including God, knocking on the door of your heart, seeking attention and relevance. 2. You have power over the choice you will open to, but once you have opened to one, you have no power over the eternal consequences of your choice. 3. Even though God owns you, he does not force himself on you. You have to willingly and consciously decide to open up to God. The question of eternity required you to make the choice yourself so that you do not blame anyone for the consequences of your choice. 4. The invitation to open up is given to EVERYONE alive, including YOU. 5. When you open the door, God assures that he will come in, practically live with you, eat with you, taking up permanent residence.  That is absolute friendship and trust. You get that when you make God your only choice. You have heard his voice and he wants to come in, what will your response be? Eternity is at stake here, where do you want to spend it? The invitation is still open, today is the day of decision. How do you plead?

Balance!

Balance!

Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. 1 Timothy 4:8 MSG

In life, finding the right balance is key to physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being. Too many times, we have found it easy to embrace extremes, usually pursuing one end of the spectrum and abandoning or ignoring the other end. God himself would have us consider our priorities, so we can be all that he has created us to be.

Today's extract establishes a truth we often ignore- our physical health is as important as our spiritual health. We cannot claim to be pursuing spirituality and ignore vital signs of failing health. We cannot claim to be so heaven-conscious that we ignore vital signs that we are headed there prematurely. Both are key and are fundamental components of our lives. How then do we proceed?

First of all, we must understand the place of each, knowing that each position serves a purpose. When you get that, you will understand what needs to be done, when it should get done and why it needs to be be done. Secondly, one is eternal while the other is temporal. It does not mean that the temporal be ignored, but we must balance the requirements of both so that we can be all that God demands of us. Of what point is a well-built and healthy body without any guarantee of eternity? Of what use is a body that is perpetually ill, due to lack of adequate care, yet seems to be spiritually sound? Would that be possible? How would you be effective and useful?

In all our pursuits in life, let us strike the right balance. God demands that we take good care of our bodies. We expects us to do all that is required to nurture this earthen vessel called our body. But he also demands that we pay attention to the eternal and the spiritual. At the end of our lives, we won't present well-sculpted bodies to God; all that will matter is our relationship with Jesus. How's yours? Remember, eternity is too long a time not to be sure about your eternal destination.

Nothing Else but Love!

Nothing Else but Love!

I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:39 MSG

The message of Easter is a message of love. Easter tells me that a loving Saviour gave his life fully, freely and completely, so I could enjoy a full, free and complete life. He did this at a time I was not even his friends, he gave his life for me even when I did not care a hoot if he lived or died. I got this gift when I had nothing to give him in return.

And as I consider this love and everything that I have enjoyed, I come to this same conclusion as today's extract- there is nothing that can separate us from this love shown, this love freely given. I realise that this same love has been calling out all these years, waiting for me to respond. His arms are eternally open, waiting for us to respond and receive this love.

However, one last note- his love is eternal but the time of response is not. His plan is eternal but our own acceptance of his plan is not eternally open. Today is the day you have been given, tomorrow may just be too late. You have an opportunity TODAY, don't ignore this opening. Remember, eternity is too long a time not to be sure of your eternal destination.

Resurrection and Life!

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” John 11:25-26 NLT

On this wonderful Easter Sunday when we remember the great sacrifice of a life for the sins of the whole world, it is important to consider the truths that are established in the extract before us today. This was one of the numerous encounters Jesus had with physical death and questions about life and death. At every opportunity, Jesus took his time to teach the people the place of his life and the limitations of death.

Today, we see Jesus making very clear statements on his person and ministry. He calls himself the Resurrection and the Life. He does not say he resurrects or gives life, but that he himself is the embodiment of life itself? What does this mean? It means that his Life in you is the true Life of God himself. His presence in you is the guarantee of eternal life.

Physical death loses its fear and power; life itself becomes more meaningful because it now has direction and purpose. Physical death becomes a path to the real life that God himself has promised. When a man has found Christ, he has found true life. It does not matter what comes after you have found Christ; because true life lives inside of you, nothing else can hold you down.

This Easter Sunday, if there is anything you must do, it is to settle the question about your eternity. Recent world events point to the truth that the promised second coming of Christ is at hand. If God has kept all his promises, why would it be hard for us to believe that he will return one day? Is his life in you? Do you have an assurance that your life is God's? Just as Jesus addressed this to Martha, so does he address this to you today. Remember, eternity is too long a time not to be sure of your eternal destination.

Love and Death

Love and Death!

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. Romans 5:8 AMP

I would have thought that love defined meant giving something precious, not final. I would have defined love on the basis of something given out to another person who at least, deserved to receive the love. Love, by human definition, would be a give and take process.

God however takes all those postulations and throws them out of the window. He came and showed love to people who were simply not deserving. God came and showed love to people who did not even understand or expect such love. Man had wandered far away, had abandoned God and sought his own way, seeking to please himself alone. There was no room for God, and certainly no room for another person. Yet, God came and showed love to man when he was at his lowest, worst and undeserving. Yet, that is what love truly is: it is best seen when the target does not even understand why s/he is loved. Love is best seen when the target realises that what s/he enjoys is not a function of what s/he has done, but on who God is.

Now that you know, what is your reaction to this love? Are you going to accept and respond or you want to continue to struggle by your own strength and initiative alone? Will you accept the finished work of Jesus on the cross and enjoy the eternal blessings that his death and life have sealed for you? The choice is before you. Remember, eternity is too long a time not to be sure about your final destination. His time of favour is here.

Death Defeated

Death Defeated!

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 25:8 KJV

Yesterday established a fundamental eternal truth: the wages of sin is death. The first Adam has sinned, therefore all who are born of women share the same nature with that Adam. A price was demanded as ransom for sin, but none of us could pay. We deserved death, which is the natural consequence or reward for what we had become and done. In steps Christ, who offered his life as the full, final, complete and absolute price for sin, and has become the source of eternal life.

Through that life, we receive the promises in today's extract. We did not get what we deserved because Christ paid the price we should have. We have therefore being given promises we did not merit, simply because Christ has also paid the price for us. Death, the natural consequences of sin has been defeated and swallowed up in victory by Christ. What a child of God experiences in physical death is translation from mortality to immortality. When the end of this earthly phase comes, we are assured of eternal rest, eternal comfort and constant presence of the Living God.

Are you looking forward to that day? Easter season reminds us of the sacrifices made by Christ to guarantee the blessings pronounced here. Have you identified with the sacrifice made by Christ for you? Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of your eternal destination.

Hossana!

Hossana!

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. And as they went, they kept shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is He and praise to Him Who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! John 12:13 AMP

Today is celebrated as Palm Sunday throughout the Christian community. It is the day we remember how Jesus got into Jerusalem, made to ride on a donkey and people celebrating and shouting Hossana. It was a lovely sight to behold - the simple carpenter, the one who had nowhere to lay his head, the one who had also called 12 simple, ordinary men to be his disciples, was coming into town. Maybe people eventually recognised his power, nature and glory. Maybe people finally identified with his mission on earth. They called him 'Blessed', they called him 'King of Israel', they acknowledged him as the One who comes in the name of the Lord, a confirmation of his God - nature, his Man- nature and his mission on earth. Wasn't that good?

Fast-forward a few days later, and the same crowd were shouting 'Crucify Him'. What went wrong? Did they not know him, or recognize him anymore? What happened to the one they called the King of Israel? Did he stop being King? Was he no longer sent by God?

Before we criticize these people, let us take a good look at ourselves. Are we like them - celebrating Christ when it is convenient, when the whole world is doing it, and then denying him when it comes to a personal walk? Are we like the crowd, content to get lost in what is current, even if we do not understand it, as long as the whole world is doing it?  Matthew's account of this story confirms that some people did not even know who it was that was being celebrated. Are we flowing with the multitude based on emotions, or have we had experiential knowledge about the only King of Israel? Have we recognised his Lordship and Kingship over our lives or are we still struggling within ourselves, unsure of what is ahead, unsure of where we are now, and tied down by the baggage of the past?

Today, seek out the King of the whole world and kneel before him today. He wants to ride into your heart, he wants to come and dwell in your heart forever. He desires fellowship and an enduring relationship with you. He comes humbly, he comes quietly, he comes with his power; will you let him ride in Majesty into your heart and life?

True Wisdom

True Wisdom

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NLT

The foundation of all good things is wisdom. It has to be wisdom from the right source for it to be what God can use to speak to others. An understanding of your source will guide your application and impact. If you have learnt to kneel before God, God himself will teach you how to stand before men with His Word.

Your works would not make a difference outside the right environment. We think we qualify, we think we are good enough, we think we are smart enough, but good works only come good when done in the humility that only true wisdom from God can produce. The order is important: wisdom from God makes your works good enough for God to bless lives with: dependence on good works alone only deceives you into thinking you can make it on your own. Which one works for me? Which one works for you?

Doing Right

Doing Right

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psalms 143:10 KJV

We need to be taught how to do God's will. Nobody learns it by himself or wills it by his/her power; we must have an encounter with God before we can begin the process of doing God's will. It is a continuous learning, because there is no man alive who can claim total and complete knowledge about God.

What does it mean to be taught to do God's will? I believe that a key ingredient in the process is the submission of our hearts to God. We realise that we have nothing, we are nothing outside of God. We realise we need him to come into our lives so we can have direction and focus in our lives. We realise that real life is doing what pleases God, not what we think is best for us.

It is God's will to lead us into the land of uprightness. God never creates a man/woman he has no plans for. His plans area good and perfect, but he does not force his opinions on anyone. We all must come willingly to him, confident that whatever he says or does would always be established. Are you learning from God daily through his word? Are you daily surrendering yourself to his leading and direction for your life?

Waiting!

Waiting!

I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 AMP

It appears we are now in a generation that does not understand patience or perseverance. The people of this generation are quick to compare themselves with other people. Nobody wants to wait. We see our 'colleagues' seemingly doing better then us, and we feel incomplete and inferior. We think we see our 'mates' doing better than us, and we wonder if God has not forgotten us. We go to God asking that he make us like the other person, bless us like the other person, or give us things like the other person. Unfortunately, we forget that God's call on our lives is not to a race with other people, but a race to discover, develop and deliver on the 'personal' assignment God has given us.

The Psalmist understood that truth when he penned down these words: I wait for the Lord. Not just waiting, but expectantly waiting and hoping in God's word. That is deep. He's saying that no matter how long it takes, I will wait. No matter how hard it gets, I will wait. No matter what is going on around me, I will wait for God. Even if it appears as if I am being left behind, I will wait for God. When all around me is sinking sand, I will keep my eyes focused on what God has said. When nothing seems to be working, i know God is always at work, even if I do not see how right away.

I have also understood that my time of preparation for manifestation differs from that of another person. God may need to prepare me for ten years for an assignment in the future. The other person may require three years of preparation for his/her own assignment. Why, then, should I envy such a person? Why would I compare myself with such a person? If I have not gone through his own school and uhderstood his examinations and trials, I do not have the right to envy his graduation and terms of employment. God, I will wait on and for you.

 

Living Large

Living Large!

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 AMP

How do you define 'Life'? What are the things you expect to have in order to be described as truly living? Am I sure that God and I have the same priorities?

We see two situations here, two masters and two destinies. All of our life's choices, no matter how complex, fall within these two situations. We have on one side, the Devil, master in deception, always wanting to give you viable options to God's clear instructions. He always wants to render God's clear love impotent in our lives and make it appear as if God is stuck up, old fashioned and out of tune with reality. Unfortunately, he is the father of lies, and all he says are to an end- to steal, kill and destroy all the wonderful plans that God has for us.

On the other hand, is a God who promises us layers of good beyond our wildest imaginations. He promises us that when we come to him, we will have and enjoy life, and also have life in abundance, till it overflows. Not sure there is anything out there that can beat this.

Today, please check again. Are you certain of your eternal destination? Who have you believed: God or the devil? Please note that both masters have eternity in view. Both choices have eternal consequences. Both have a price  to be paid. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of your eternal destination. His time of favour is here.

Catch Up

Catch Up

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV

In just a few words, Jesus established the eternal truth of man's perpetual helplessness and God's limitless ability. In just a few words, Jesus established man's need for dependence and God's power over all that He has created.

Jesus had said it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Knowing just how impossible this was, by their own estimation, they concluded then that nobody could be saved. However, life has taught us that it is when we get to the end of our rope that we realize that we are helpless without God. It is at the point where we acknowledge that we cannot do anything by our own strength and wisdom that we  realize our deep need for God.

What is that thing you have been trusting God for? What are those impossibilities that have swamped your heart, giving the impression that they are bigger than God? Stop depending on your skills, knowledge, expertise, connection, position, possessions and other ephemeral things of this world. God alone is the specialist in the things you consider impossible. With him, there are no impossibilities. Man will always play catch up, but will never attain the same level with God; God alone is the one who swears by himself that he is able to do ALL that he has promised. You can take that to the bank.