Unity

But I urge you, believers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in full agreement in what you say, and that there be no divisions or factions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your way of thinking and in your judgment [about matters of the faith]. 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10 AMP

Few Lessons
1. This verse is addressed to believers, not church goers or moralists. You are either in or out, there is no fence to sit on, because Jesus has broken down every wall of partition. You are either living in Him, or living independently of him. You can't do both.
2. It may amaze you to know that the early church never seemed to have disagreements on what needed to be done. The way and manner of approach may require discussion, but God was at the centre of their focus and fellowship. If I am truly conscious of God's presence everywhere I go, would I dare to do the things I do? We crave the attention of men, and behave well in the presence of earthly powers; yet we are unruly, selfish and  disobedient when we come into God's presence. Do we think God lives in the midst of such recklessness?
3. Can there be true agreement in what we all say, and there exists no division amongst Christians? I believe that there can be. One thing we need to check out is our focus: am I trying to look good, trying to push my own ideas forward, trying to make people see things my own way, or seeking God's glory? God cannot lead two people in opposite directions over a single issue. One of these two or both of them may not be listening well; the manner of approach may be different, but it will not cause divisions and conflicts. Check your focus again: who is more important to you: your prestige or God's glory?
4. I never forget this: God placed me where I am presently to function in a particular way. It will be utter disregard to God for me to envy someone else's position and abandon my own calling. That is the seed of discord and conflict. God, help me to identify where you are at work, and where you are inviting me to join you at work, so that I can fulfill your own purpose for my life and bring glory to you. His time of favour is here.

National Awareness!

First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1‭-‬2 AMP

A few lessons:
1. On this Independence day anniversary, it is a good time to remind ourselves of what we need to do and what we need to stop doing, if things must get better: the priority is not national conferences or discussions, it is not in complaints and in murmurings, it is not in referendum or secession; it is in prayer. I am yet to see the problem that prayer has failed to solve, but we all have seen the effects of failed national policies, conferences and discussions. Let us try what God has called as important to him: prayer- and see if it works.

2. There are different kinds of prayers that can be offered for all people- petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving. Do you do any of these for anyone? Are you only interested in grumbling, in backbiting, in discussing issues with fellow men, but not praying? Nothing will work until it is given to God to work on.

3. Kings and those in authority are mentioned as a class to be prayed for. In this country, we need to do more of this than cursing them. Many of us can criticize them and their decisions, but in our private and public lives, are we not guilty of the same things that we accuse the leaders for? We hold them to a higher standards than ourselves, forgetting that the God of judgment does not discriminate between leaders and the led. All alike will be judged for their motives, intentions and actions.

4. When we don't pray, we deserve whatever we get. When you need peace, yet you don't speak peace into the nation, how would peace work for you? When all your words are hateful and inciting, how would your own life ever enjoy love and quiet? Your investment now is a picture of your returns later. Whatever you sow into your community and nation is what you will get in multiple folds in return. Make sure you are sowing and living right. His time of favour is here.

Make the Approach!

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:15‭-‬16 NLT

Quick Lessons:
1. We have a High Priest. Unlike the Old Testament priest, Jesus took his own blood, offered his own life as the perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. There I'd no need for repetitive offering; the one sacrifice is good for all time and eternity.
2. Jesus came to identify with us in our weaknesses. We could not make it on our own, but his coming shows that we do not have to keep going on in our own strength.  His life shows a victory over sin, and it is only by living in him that we can enjoy the same victory over sin.
3. His once and for all sacrifice has granted us permanent access to the Presence of God, where we meet with the God who is everything we need. The temple veil has been torn, the deep secrets of the Holy of Holies have been revealed, and man can walk in just as he is, and receive necessary help at the time it is most needed.
4. All needs are met in the presence of God, not in the company of men. Men will call a committee to debate the how, when and the why they have to help you; God invites us to approach him anytime. God says I am all you need so I have all you need. In me you find the fullness of life itself. At the time when the need is greatest, and the help is required, God steps in. He may not come at the time you think it is best for him; but he will surely come at the right time. When we are down and out, God does not count us out. He's watching, waiting, working; he wants to help. What are you waiting for? Make the approach. His time of favour is here.