Dressing for Impact!

Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. EPHESIANS 6:11 AMP

At all times, i must be dressed. It matters what i put on though, and if i am prepared for the battles that are destined to come my way. It is a fallacy to think that life will just roll by and give me all I ask of it without a fight. What am I asked to put on? Today's extract calls it the 'Full armour of God'.

This shows that the only acceptable standard is the full armour, not parts of it. I can't pick and choose what to put on, and I cannot choose what time to put it on or off. The armour isn't a focus on the physical, but it is founded on the precepts and commands of God himself. No part is fashioned by man, and cannot be acquired by human means.

One good thing: God is on a full time job, always on duty. He is also present everywhere, knows everything and can do all things. He tells me ahead of time that this life is a war, a place to fight for what is God's, and that I can only win when I do all in his power. The armour is of God, not the world. The armour is made strong and able by God, not by my connections or deep pockets. It is not available at any monetary price, just at the cost of total surrender and dependence on the one who makes the armour work.

Why do i need this armour then? God tells me to put on the armour, because he knows that the days of battle will be long and hard. There is a devil on a full time job, who just goes to and fro, seeking who to destroy. Can I dare relax in my own strength or engage the devil on my own terms and with my own weapons of intelligence, connections and emotions.

If God is always on duty, and the devil is always at his evil work also, what about me? Am I always on duty for God, or have I found it easy to just live as I please, doing right when and how I please? It won't work. Only a daily, regular and absolute dependence on God will take me through life's battles and guarantee victory at the end. His time of favour is here.

Keep at it!

Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. GALATIANS 6:9 AMP

This present world does not recognize or reward good on its own merits; the natural propensity of this  world is towards evil. It thrives on it and enjoys it. That is why good is not popular down here, and why God encourages us not to become weary in doing good.

Who you belong to defines who you are and what you do. If all I think about is evil, I need to go back and audit my control centre. If all my life produces is evil, I need to go back to the good God and learn his ways. Until I find God, I cannot find good. Until I belong to him,  I cannot produce fruit after his kind. Until I belong to Him, I can only produce after my control centre.

There is an emphasis on reaping also. Of course, who talks about reaping if there was no prior sowing? Who even talks about reaping good if you have not sown good? Whatever your life produces now is a function of the investments you have made in your life over a period of time. There is also a season of sowing and another season for reaping. If I fold my arms and watch while others sow, what exactly would I be looking forward to reap? If all I do is criticize others who are sowing the little good they have, when the time comes for reaping, what would my expectations be?

God works with his time, not mine. Mine is to trust his wisdom and timing, and he will come good at the 'proper time' whenever that is. At his time, abundant blessings will come. I will wait. His time of favour is here.

Timing is Key!

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven ECCLESIASTES 3:1 AMP

Man plans with time. He sets milestones in his life, using time as a tracking device and as a measure of 'success'. The challenge is in understanding how God views time. With God, the way we look at time is not the same way God does. Seasons, day and night didn't exist until he created them, and set boundaries for them. His work of creation was established within those days he had created, yet he is not limited by those same days.

Today's extract says that 'there is a season(a time appointed) for everything'. All I see today is a function of time as planned by God. I could labour and strive and not make anything good, whilst someone close to me does the same thing and thrives. I cannot assume that I am 'unlucky'; it could be that my own appointed time has not come. For all of us, we must understand that all that God brings our way is 'appointed' to bless us and build us up. Whatever is appointed answers to the One who appoints it. If God says it is for my good, and if I am to be all he wants, I must go through it.

There is time for every delight, event and purpose under heaven. If I do not key into that time as ordained by God, it is likely that I will struggle and be frustrated, even if others around me are thriving. Even if I get the activity right, and I convince myself that my intentions are noble, if I get the time wrong, I may have destroyed all the good my activity would achieve. In the package of time are things that are both pleasant and unpleasant. I do not have control over how and when in time they will come; however, I can work and walk with God by surrendering to his superior knowledge and the understanding that if he establishes time, he will ensure it works for my good. His time of favour is here.

Who's Leading?

It is the Lord who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
DEUTERONOMY 31:8 AMP

When you think an assignment is within your strength or expertise, it is not likely that God is the author of that assignment. When I can call out resources on my own to do perfectly all that i think God has asked me to do, then it is not likely that God is involved. Nothing you have now can adequately prepare you for what God has ahead of you. It is a daily walk, a daily dependence that is the secret to success.

As I go out, I must also settle the issue of the leader and inspirer of all I do. Examples are good, experience of others is also nice; but nothing beats being led by God. It didn't matter who was coming behind the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness; as long as the pillar of cloud and of fire were there, no harm could come near. Same with us today; the 'realities' around us make us doubt the power of God to save. We see the mountains, the problems, the issues, and they look so big that we forget just how big God is. We forget that before this God, NOTHING can withstand his power. He is a fire, hammer, a  wind, a storm, a shelter, a refuge, a fortress, a man of war, a still small voice, all depending on what you want at that very point in time. All you need is his promise of his eternal presence.

Please note: a steadfast assurance that God is with me does not mean that there will not be storms; however, in the face of the one called Lord and Master, every other thing must bow, including fear. So, who's leading you? Who are you listening to? Whose opinion drives you on? His time of favour is here.

The Greatest 3!

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18 NLT

It is easy to profess love; it is in the reality of everyday life that this profession is tested. It is easy to stand afar off and wish someone well; it is another thing to get your hands and clothes dirty while trying to offer help to someone else.

Today's extract is directed at children: people who have been washed by the blood of the  Lamb and have surrendered their lives to him. They follow their Lord closely, depending on him daily as they seek to pattern their lives after him. Are you God's child? Does he know you as his own? Can he speak, lead and guide and trust you to follow without question?

If yes, this is his command: LOVE TRULY. Don't just say it; do it, show it, live it. I cannot claim to love someone if all I do is speak about it. My life profession must match my mouth confession. His time of favour is here.

The Greatest 2!

Little children (believers, dear ones), let us not love [merely in theory] with word or with tongue [giving lip service to compassion], but in action and in truth [in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words]. 1 JOHN 3:18 AMP

Love is always as defined by the Word, not by the world. The world has no right definitions; it can only give you an option that is a mere imitation of the real. The world cannot define love because it does not answer to God, who is love. The world will focus on acquisitions and not sharing; the world will focus on getting and hoarding, not giving. The world will place more emphasis on outward impressions; true love focuses on impact.

I cannot give what I do not have. If I have received and responded to the love of Christ, then I can show the same love to others. If I find it difficult to love others, then I need to check my connections again. If I struggle to love others, then maybe I have not fully understood who I am and what I have. Love isn't a theory, or something to talk about. All love is flows from the heart, from a life that has seen and experienced love, and is manifested in physical ways. I cannot claim to love someone from my heart, and the fruits of my life will not show it. If all i have is mouth confession and not life profession,  then my claim to loving others is false.

Use the world's goods to bless the lives of the people in the world. Whatever belongs to the world will go with it, but whatever life investment I make with the world's goods is a seed planted in eternity, with benefits that only God can fully explain. So, what would it be for me? Don't forget- what I do is a function of my control centre. Who's in charge? His time of favour is here.

The Greatest!

And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 AMP

I am not sure if the world has equivalents for these three things - faith, hope and love. Only the Word of God speaks on this three. When you consider the Word's views on these three, you realise their importance in our Christian walk. Faith is an assurance that what you haven't even seen, touched or felt is already settled; faith doesn't settle first for the physical; it has an unshakeable confidence that if God said it, he is able to do it. Hope looks ahead, sees beyond the Now and focuses on the eternal. It does not ignore the present, but knows with deep confidence that whatever is now, is nothing compared to what God has in store.  Love too does not focus on the past and present, but keeps an eye on the big picture.

You then wonder why Love is presented as the greatest of these virtues. One very key difference between all three is that only one is defined from God's perspective and presented as God's own nature. The followers of Christ are encouraged to have Faith in God, and to hope for eternal life in God, but these 2 are only possible because of love. It is love that calls us to God, even when we were unworthy and unclean. It is love that washed us clean and gave us a new life and planted hope in our hearts that we will live forever with Him. Without love, nothing else will make sense.

I stand where I am because God came down to my level. He showed me mercy and grace when I didn't deserve it. Now, I have Faith that in Him, my future is secured, and my eternal hope is sealed because I am headed for that eternal rest he has promised. What of you? Can you say the same? His time of favour is here.

Open Up!

Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me. REVELATION 3:20 AMP

Today's extract is written to one of the seven churches in Asia, and the words here are important for our consideration and growth. We know that the church is the extension of the Life and Word of God to the world; not the wonderful structures and edifices, but the redeemed people, who have been bought and called to a new life. However, it appears from today's extract that the founder of the church had been locked out of his own habitation. If he is the Lord of the church, why would he need to knock?

I must examine my life again today and review my priorities. Am I keeping up appearances, but without any inward conviction of the Presence of God in me? Have I achieved public acceptance, yet have no private and personal experience of the Lord of the church? We do the usual: sing, dance, raise hands, which are all good, but they must flow out of a life that has personally experienced God.

Jesus stands and knocks at the door of the church. Wherever the Person of  Christ dwells is his habitation, his church. He wants to come in and make a difference; he stands at the door of every life. Only those who open up receive  what is on offer, which is an invitation to a personal relationship with the Lord of the church. Note that though he knocks on the door of every life, the promise is to only those who open up. He won't force his way in; he won't compel you against your will.

What is your decision: will you let him in? The benefits are eternal, the choice is yours alone. His time of favour is here.

True Freedom!

For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another. GALATIANS 5:13 AMP

There is a call on every life created by God. What I become is a function of my response to that call. A fundamental part of God's call on a life is the change of allegiance. No man heeds God's call and remains obedient to the devil. The two positions cannot be maintained at the same time. You are either submissive to God, or you are aligned with the devil.

The call is one that emphasizes freedom, not the way the world sees it, but the way the Word defines it. In truth, there is no absolute freedom, where a man can act as he pleases or do whatever he pleases and anyhow he pleases. Man may claim physical freedom because he does not have to answer to anyone or take permission from anyone to do whatever is within the bounds of the law. However, the principle is slightly different in the spiritual: no man, who truly knows God, thinks he is free to do as he pleases. His freedom is the freedom to choose to obey God, without fear. He has found joy in the things that please God, and is willing and ready to obey. He does not need to be cajoled; he already has made up his mind on his priorities.

When I know who I am, and who I belong to, service to others, humility in relationships, obedience to God will not be burdensome. When I know my status in God, I am indeed set free to pursue God's purpose, seeking to establish his kingdom in the hearts of men. I am not bothered about popular opinion; just interested in reproducing the life of God in the lives of men. Can I truly say this is my life's pursuit? Is it the same for you? His time of favour is here.

Right Exercise!

For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. 1 TIMOTHY 4:8 AMP

Many physical themes and practices have their basis in the spiritual; a good example is today's focus: keeping fit. It is a good idea to keep fit, at least for the sake of our physical wellbeing, but today's extract makes it clear that there are some things that are even more important than how big you look on the outside.

God is more interested in building my character than he is in my muscles. The muscles may speak for me in some contexts, where brawn is required to make a point, but in the final analysis, these muscles are not as important as the quality of my relationship with God.

In building physical muscles, there is a particular and regular regimen I must follow: foods, drinks and all. Same for spiritual muscles: there are things I must do regularly - reading, meditating and practising the Word of God, and some things I must avoid - sin as the height of them all. In building physical muscles, I must have a motivation in view, to keep me committed to the regular regime; same as spiritual muscles. Physical muscles are limited because they cannot help me in the fights that really matter: the war for the souls of men.

The very thought of the life to come is enough motivation. The thought that there is a life without end is enough motivation. The truth that God has promised me an immortal life after this present phase is dealt with is enough motivation. After all, even the physical muscles cannot keep death away, only a life patterned on spiritual training will embrace physical death as a transition into true life.

Which one takes your attention? What would it be for you? His time of favour is here.

Nothing can Separate!

For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced--beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 8:38‭-‬39 AMP

If a weak and mortal human being can love a child, to the point of dying for it,  imagine what the one called Love himself would do for us. What makes this even more poignant is the fact that a mother's love is never conditioned on what she will get from the child, but simply because of the blood connection. It is the same with God; there is absolutely nothing we could give him to change his mind about us, and it is not as if there is something we could do to improve our lot. All he has done is out of love, not a sense of duty.

Paul must have experienced this and could speak confidently about it; you only testify about what you have experienced firsthand. He had seen persecutions and sufferings, he had been beaten and imprisoned, yet he knew a love deeper, stronger and personal than any other experience. It is about a personal experience, not what you have heard others say about it. If all I know about God is what others say about him, how would that help me when my life's situation does not look like their own experiences? When all I know is a rule, a precept and not the One called Love himself, how would that help me when the unusual storms blow?

I must therefore pursue a relationship and personal knowledge of God himself, if I am to truly enjoy the experience described in today's extract. Nothing else can fill that void; nothing else can guarantee the blessings that this knowledge brings. His time of favour is here.

Who's your Commanding Officer?

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” JOSHUA 1:9 AMP

How far you go in life will depend in the One at whose command you do whatever you do. Life has many masters and commanders, with many of them seeking to enslave and oppress. God is also a master, because he demands obedience from all who will come to him. However, he is not like the world's masters, who take all and give nothing back, but he will support, uphold and strengthen.

He tells Joshua: "Have I not commanded you". Same question goes to you and  I. Who's your commanding officer? Who gives you instructions? Who determines the course of your day, week, month, year and life? Trust God on this: you need him on this life's journey. So many things will happen; terrible things may come. Pain is a part of this life, so also loss and disappointment. But when the fundamentals are settled, then it does not matter what comes; as long as God is with you, every other thing will work out well in the end.

So, as I journey on, I ask God to be with me. Nothing in this life is certain; only his Presence is sure. When that is guaranteed, then I have no fear for the future. His time of favour is here.

What You Get!

He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Proverbs 2:8 NLT

Every promise of God has conditions; don't believe any lying spirit which seeks to present God as a magician that you can arm- twist into giving you everything you want, even when you don't need or deserve it. This generation wants air conditioned Christianity, but nowhere does God promise such. In the verses before today's extract, we read of such conditions, and chief of them is a desire, love and thirst for the Word of God. Through the Word, we learn of God's ways, his desires, his plans and purposes for us. Through the Word, we learn more about who we are, and where God plans to take us to.

As I learn these, I need to heed and obey. As I know God's mind, I must desire total obedience. That is the way to the reality of today's extract. If I don't walk right, how do I claim his protection? In fact, walking in his path does not insure me from trouble; I get an assurance that he is with me, and he will take glory through my experiences, no matter what they are.

When I am faithful to the One who has called me, it does not mean there won't be dark days or lonely nights, but the assurance as always is this: God is faithful to his Word. If he says he can, oh yes, he can. If he says he will, he definitely will. All I can do is trust his power and timing.His faithfulness isn't based on my being faithful; faithfulness is his nature. My plans may not always line up with his will, but his will is always best for me. His time of favour is here.

Living the Life!

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. Colossians 1:28 NLT

I don't know which Christ has been talked about in the past, but there is one Paul refers to here, who is the cornerstone of our faith, and the One who holds the key to eternity. We have heard the message of love, which is all true, but note that even Paul mentioned the fact that part of the message of Christ is a 'warning'. What's the warning all about? How do you situate gloom and doom in the midst of a message of love?

In all of life's pursuits, you find the good and the bad. That's life. The same applies to true life. There are many opposing camps, each seeking to draw adherents, claiming to be the Truth. But there is one Truth declared by God, and he is Christ, the one Paul talks about here. The purpose of his message is to raise men who know God, who are cleansed from their past sins, and who are vessels that God can use to change the world. They are not perfect, but Christ makes them perfect. They were not clean and pure from the start, but an encounter with Life makes them presentable and usable by God.

Once again, have you met the real One? There is an end to all of life's pursuits, and one day, we will all leave all we have amassed and worked for. The only thing that will speak in eternity will be the One living inside of us. Which one is it? His time of favour is here.

Mentorship!

The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. PHILIPPIANS 4:9 AMP

What could have qualified Paul to say the things he said in today's extract? Was he looking for a job, or was he engaged in personal marketing or branding? Why would he use his life as an example for people to follow; after all, we read about his past and it wasn't that exemplary: a man who assisted the mob in killing Stephen, who himself became a Jewish zealot, forcefully protecting the Jewish customs at the expense of the lives of people.

Fast forward a few years, and he's saying I should practice what I see in him. What made the difference between then and now? It is simply an encounter. A man whose life will change others must have met the God of change. A man whose life will speak to others must have itself been spoken to by the Word of Life. A life that will stand up and be God's living proof to the world would have been tested and approved by Him.

Can I like Paul, say the same thing? Can I stake my life as an example for others to follow? Do I even know who I am, or who I belong to? Impact is determined by encounter, and only a man who has submitted to God can conquer the world. For as long as I am under God's control, there is no limit to impact. I must therefore stay connected and teachable, if I am to keep making impact. Lives are waiting for the right examples to follow, lives are waiting for the right message; is my life one? His time of favour is here.

Display it!

Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. JAMES 3:13 AMP

The main question in today's extract is one that we all must answer. The answer is key to who we are, who we belong to and why we do whatever we do. Today's extract is for everyone to answer but the instructions and benefits are for those who are able to sort out where their allegiance lies.

First of all, you don't define wisdom or intelligence the way the world defines it. It is not a product of learning, education or schooling, but as the Word defines it, a product of the fear of the Lord. In fact, the Word also says that the wisdom and power of God is personified in his Son, Jesus.

It then means that today's extract has a foundation: it is for all who have surrendered their lives to the Wisdom of God. They have nothing to boast about; they rely totally on the finished work of wisdom. The good deeds aren't done for show; they are done with the clear understanding that God must be glorified in me. After all, if my life is God's, then my life's pursuits and purposes must be God's.

If I have that understanding, pride will not even surface. I cannot find anything in me that qualifies me; I only stand by grace. I do not stand because I'm qualified by myself; I am qualified to stand by the only One who can take a man out of the dunghill and set him among princes. Is my life reflecting his power and grace? Am I allowing him work in me? His time of favour is here.

Learning Right!

Teach me to do Your will [so that I may please You], For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. PSALM 143:10 AMP

The secret to a successful life is the knowledge of the will of God. You don't learn it automatically; you have got to be taught by God himself. He reveals himself through several ways, one of which is by His Word. His Word reveals his mind and the assignment of His Spirit in us.

One thing that is settled is that once I change ownership and control, I answer to a different master. I do not lose my individuality; I simply surrender my life to the one who knows his plans for me, and has the power and capacity to bring them to pass. I do not become a mindless robot; I have only willingly and joyfully given my life to the One who can make the life itself worthwhile.

So, I must learn His ways. He is King and master and friend, and he wants and knows the best for me. I cannot please him if i do not know his will for me per time. The road is bumpy and rough, some days appear smooth sailing. Whatever comes, I rest assured in the truth that the owner of my life knows best, and all he allows has a lesson to teach me. No matter how the  road looks like now, I know the God who has perfect plans and has already guaranteed that all will end well. His time of favour is here.

Complete in Him!

I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. PHILIPPIANS 1:6 AMP

In some respects, it really does matter how you begin. The argument that it is more important to end well is right in many instances, but when you deal with the eternal, the start is key. I must be careful how I define the 'start'. Long before I was even made, the 'start' and 'end' had been settled.

Too many times, the world's views affect and colour our expectations, and we want to define by ourselves what a 'good start' is. We want the rosy, the convenient and the comfortable. However, what today's extract teaches me is that I must first settle my identity and ownership, then other things will follow. If I am in Him, my life will reflect his work. If I am in him, my life will show off his might and strength.

His work never stops: he chisels, breaks, melts, fashions, cuts, molds, shapen, sharpen and fills me as I live from day to day. At no time am I alone or on my own: I am a 'work in progress'; never totally finished down here until the day the Lord appears. So, I surrender my life to him, and ask him to keep working. My eternal destination will be a reflection of his work in me. All I pass through is a reflection of his 'start' and I will 'end' up exactly as he has planned. His time of favour is here.

God's Plans, Man's ways

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. ROMANS 8:28 AMP

Who you know determines what you get. You don't come to God claiming rights, privileges and benefits simply because you are whatever you think you are; what you enjoy is a direct effect of the value of relationships. This is key. You can't enjoy the benefits of a family if you do not belong to that family. You could claim rights, but what you get will flow from your connection and identity. 

God has always been at work, long before I was created. All I would do or become had been settled long before the seed for my life was planted in the womb. How then would I think that something temporal and ephemeral would be powerful enough to thwart God's purpose? How would I think that anything, no matter how high, low, wide or powerful, could defeat God's plan for my life?

Man defines events by what he sees in the immediate; God defines events by his eternal plan and purpose, and he has already said all things work together for good for all who love Him. It does not matter what it looks like now; it will work out the way God planned it, as long as I remain faithful and committed to his plan for me. His time of favour is here.

He Pleads my case!

Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God]. HEBREWS 7:25 AMP

Today's extract has some key words for our consideration: God is able to 'save forever'. This tells me that there are some other powers which may save for a while, or protect for a while, and usually at a high price. But here is God, all powerful and mighty, and all he asks me to do is to 'come to him'. He's not asking for money, an arm or a leg, but he wants me to surrender my life to him. That is all he asks for. The gods of this world have no free gift; their ultimate desire is to take a life. God offers his own life, but He is available to those who come in the right way.

Why does Jesus qualify as the one to guarantee life? It is because he gave his own life to secure  life for us. He gave his all so we could be all he wants us to be. He does not want his sacrifice to be in vain, so he keeps pleading our case before God, keeps interceding, keeps helping us. That is his lifelong assignment.

However, please note that assignment has a timeframe. He will only keep interceding while I have this present life. Immediately this earthly life is  withdrawn, only judgement remains. It will be too late to plead mercy. His love speaks now, asking that I accept what he is offering. One day, his judgment will speak. Whilst I still have time, I will do well to accept his life, so I can truly enjoy eternal life. His time of favour is here.

Waiting for God!

I wait [patiently] for the Lord , my soul [expectantly] waits, And in His word do I hope. PSALM 130:5 AMP

The regular, usual man does not love the word 'wait'. It connotes a delay, inactivity, dormancy or simply hibernation. The world teaches that you must fight, hustle and struggle, as there is nothing free. That is true in all respects. It just does not consider the God-factor in those permutations.

What does the God-factor show me? It tells me that with God, timing is key. If God were to give me all I needed NOW, would I survive? If there were lessons I needed to imbibe and internalize so I could maximise the blessings coming, of what good would struggling for them now do me? With God, there is nothing like too late or too early, as long as I have surrendered my life and control to him.

So, I wait. It does not indicate foolishness or inactivity. When you consider the work of the Word, it is living and active. You don't fold your hands and sleep; you do whatever the Word of God commands, while you wait. It is not a period of wishing for good old days, but looking ahead to brighter days. God spoke from the past to the present, whilst also addressing the future. Same with me, if I have found my anchor in him alone. Is that the same for you? His time of favour is here.

Why I Stand!

In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace EPHESIANS 1:7 AMP

Everything we are, we become through a higher authority. You cannot make anything out of your life without the express permission of the One who holds life in his hands. The reverse is also true: there is another choice that leads to death and destruction and there is an authority in charge of those too. It all depends on whose authority you are submitted to.

With the One who promises me life, I get full pardon for my past. What I was before and what I had done had no power in the face of the One who gave  his life so I could have life. God follows principles, and when the life he gave us was lost due to sin, another life had to be given to restore us to who, what and where we were supposed to be.

This is important: it is IN him that we enjoy this life; not around, about, outside or close to him. You can live inside church or sleep on the altar; it won't do you much good if that Life does not live inside you. You can bear the name or look the part; if He does not live in you, you don't get to enjoy what he offers.

It is not about qualifications, ability, capacity or awareness; all the grammar in the world does not make an impact on the impact true life makes in you when you do not have Him. Do you? What is your choice of residence? His time of favour is here.

Life!

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

Two different authorities, two parallel lines; two destines, two eternal destinations. Both are introduced to us first on the basis of personality, then assignment and then eternal destination.

First, the thief is the one who steals, kills and destroys. He owns the world and its system and processes, and all he offers are what he is himself destined for. He is a thief, who takes what he cannot give, yet can only give out of his eternal possession. He is already destined for eternal damnation, so he really cannot offer anything else.

Then the One who refers to himself as the door. He is the only way approved by God as the way to life. No one else can fulfil that role. He is the One who calls himself Life and who alone can also give life to all who come to him. He has Life in him so all who come to him also have that life.

The options are always open before us, for as long as we are alive. A time is coming when the grace to choose will be withdrawn, and all men will be judged on the basis of the One they had followed all their lives. You had better be sure you have made the right choice. His time of favour is here. 

The Only One!

And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord shall be the only one [worshiped], and His name the only one. ZECHARIAH 14:9 AMP

As long as the earth remains as it is, the creator of it has assured that the regular process of life will continue: "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night Shall not cease.” Those are his words. As I live daily, I see the truth in that statement everywhere I turn. If I have no problem  accepting, believing and embracing this truth, I wouldn't have a problem embracing today's truth.

The one who introduces himself to us as the Lord declares that he will be King over all the earth. It may not look like it now, but God's power, nature and ability to fulfil his promise is not now nor will ever be in doubt. If he says he will level mountains or raise up valleys, he is able to do just that, and much more. If I have no problem believing in the power of God to do anything, then it wouldn't be a problem also accepting his Kingship and Lordship over all the earth.

A day is coming when he will be the only One to be worshipped. A day is coming when his name will be the only One who matters. In that day, it wouldn't be so much as a choice, but the world must accept this truth. The day is coming soon, and all of us must make a choice of allegiance and surrender before that day comes. Just as the same Lord also said elsewhere: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God .” ROMANS 14:11AMP. Can I boldly welcome that day if it is today? His time of favour is here.

He became us!

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

For us, sin changed the equation. We were made in God's likeness so we could bring him continual praise, but we traded a lifetime for a temporary piece of deceit. We fell hard, and now live under the shadow of a hard taskmaster. But God be praised, who keeps offering us a way back to him. That way is through blood. Sounds odd, but from time immemorial, blood has always signified life. In its shedding, life is taken and given, if it is the right kind. In the old order, the blood of bulls and goats had to be offered to cover sin; it could not take it away.

Enter the perfect lamb of God, who was offered for the sin of the whole world, born and yet to be born. The blood of bulls and goats had to be offered continually; the blood of the Lamb was offered just once, and it is valid for all time. There is no sin stronger than the blood. There is no sin so bad that the blood cannot address; no past so grave that it is beyond the grace of God. The Lamb was sinless, yet because of us, he became known as sin, he bore the sin, and died in our place as the price for our own sin. It was the only way the full price for our sin could be fully and adequately discharged.

So I stand today, not because I have good feet, but because I have received help. I stand today, not out of personal strength, but from the grace of total freedom from sin I have received through the one who died so I could live.

A price had to be paid. Blood was the cover, death the price, sin the cause, eternal life the prize. I couldn't pay the price, so he paid it in full. Death was mine, but he took my place and died instead. He lives now, so I can also enjoy true life, not just here, but in eternity. Have I tapped into this? His time of favour is here.

With Jesus!

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 KJV

In today's context, we find a young man, sincerely sure of his works, but still sure that something vital was missing. He knew he was perfect by the written letter, but something deeper than that was missing. He had just heard Jesus recount the law's demands, and he was perfect. Unfortunately, for Jesus, being worthy of eternity goes beyond just keeping the letters of the law.

There is nothing more important to hold on to than God himself. Riches, possessions and provisions are means to an end, not the end in themselves. Everything I hold on to now is given to me in trust, and I must know their place and their limitations. The things man may consider vital are the things God considers as distractions. I must therefore find and pursue the things God counts as important.

No matter what life throws at me, I must not let go of the most important thing: the personal encounter with Jesus. Every other thing is given for a season; only what God gives is eternal. The rich and the poor will enter life, not because of what they own or lack, but because of who they know. Do you know the God of life? Does he know you as his own? His time of favour is here.

Lord, as I live my life from day to day, may I never forget that you are the most important possession to have. May nothing in this life distract me from that truth. Amen.

Inevitable!

but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name. 1 PETER 4:16 AMP

There are no guarantees that a deep faith and complete trust in Christ insures you from suffering. It appears from the written accounts of God's dealings with men that a part of their growth and development process is learning from the school of adversity. It strengthens you, it tests your commitment and proves the value of what you hold on to.

Peter was qualified to speak on this matter. He was flogged at a time, he faced opposition, was even put in prison by Herod, though God rescued him. What of James who appeared to be 'unlucky'? What of John the Baptist, beheaded for speaking the truth to power? Being on assignment for God, speaking as he directs, when he directs and what he directs will not automatically shield you from suffering, but there is an assurance from God that he will make the experiences worth it.

Count it a privilege if you suffer because of the name you bear. If the name is right, the end will be right. His time of favour is here.

Prayer: Lord, no matter what I face, help me to focus on you  alone, as you are the only One who can make it end right. Amen.

What's to Fear?

In God, whose word I praise; In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me? PSALM 56:4 AMP

There is a big gulf between the extremes of who God is and what man is. Unfortunately, we have built up our fear and respect for man so high that we seem to have lost our fear for God. It appears that achievements, possessions, connections and degrees have become important to us than what God has to say.

The Psalmist is however stuck on this truth: my most important knowledge is the knowledge about God. It does not matter who I know or what I have achieved; if God is not in the mix, I have not really begun the journey. Nothing in life is permanent; the best the world has to offer me is sinking sand. I can't place any kind of sure bet on life's uncertainties; I must trust only in God whose word is certain, sure and dependable.

Oh yes, there is no guarantees that life will not happen to me. There may be losses along the way, there may be discomfort and pain. However, I note that whatever will come my way will never take away the treasure of the Presence of God in me. Whatever God allows has been carefully crafted to lead me to the place of his Purpose and plan for me. Man can do nothing to change that plan: when God is in charge, no contrary plan works. His time of favour is here.

Prayer: Lord, you  are God alone. May my heart continually fear you alone, and may your purpose and plan for my life stand. Amen.

What's to Fear?

In God, whose word I praise; In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me? PSALM 56:4 AMP

There is a big gulf between the extremes of who God is and what man is. Unfortunately, we have built up our fear and respect for man so high that we seem to have lost our fear for God. It appears that achievements, possessions, connections and degrees have become important to us than what God has to say.

The Psalmist is however stuck on this truth: my most important knowledge is the knowledge about God. It does not matter who I know or what I have achieved; if God is not in the mix, I have not really begun the journey. Nothing in life is permanent; the best the world has to offer me is sinking sand. I can't place any kind of sure bet on life's uncertainties; I must trust only in God whose word is certain, sure and dependable.

Oh yes, there is no guarantees that life will not happen to me. There may be losses along the way, there may be discomfort and pain. However, I note that whatever will come my way will never take away the treasure of the Presence of God in me. Whatever God allows has been carefully crafted to lead me to the place of his Purpose and plan for me. Man can do nothing to change that plan: when God is in charge, no contrary plan works. His time of favour is here.

Prayer: Lord, you  are God alone. May my heart continually fear you alone, and may your purpose and plan for my life stand. Amen.

The Spiritual and the Physical

Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, you have been searching for Me, not because you saw the signs (attesting miracles), but because you ate the loaves and were filled. JOHN 6:26 AMP

Are you fixed on physical manifestations or do you seek spiritual attestation? There is a big difference between both extremes. Too many times, we want to be convinced by physical signs and outward manifestations. However, life's reality teaches me that what you see looks nothing like the real thing. Edible prawn crackers look nothing like the coloured pieces you drop in oil. Ask Elijah, who saw those mighty things: the earthquake, the fire and the wind, yet God was not in any of them. In fact, even in the midst of those outward signs and miracles, there is something God would have me know, and it is Him. Signs and wonders follow all who know God; they are not the more important focus, but they are only accompaniment to the knowledge and experience of God himself.

You cannot attest to something you have not experienced. Ask the lawyers: there is a strength to expert testimony. You need to be extremely certain of what you know if you are going to go on oath and attest to it. Same goes for my faith. Have I really experienced the power that an experiential knowledge of God can bring? Am I following him first for what I can get, or because I am convinced beyond all doubt that he is all I need? Why settle for the deception that physical signs can breed? Why be moved by the outward, without any inward conviction? Don't be carried away by the outward; get to really know God and have him as Lord of your life. Signs and wonders will naturally follow that knowledge. What if the signs don't happen as I want? Would God still be God to me? His time of favour is here.

Prayer: Lord, help me truly experience and know you. Keep my gaze focused on you alone, so that the world's attractions lose their appeal. Amen.

Finders Keepers

All that My Father gives Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, never reject anyone who follows Me]. JOHN 6:37 AMP

There is something amazing about a God who seeks out eternal relationships with people who are weaker and smaller than he is. The entire revealed Word speaks about God and his Work and Word, at work in the lives of men. He created man, and continues to seek him out, even after man has chosen the path of death. He continues to call man to himself, because he wants to really display his power and might in those weak vessels.

There is nobody beyond that call. As long as I am created by God, he has a plan for my life, and he will continue to seek me out until I respond and come to him. It means I have a choice to make: God will never force himself on me. He has shown me the Way, he has told me the Truth, and he offers me Life. All I need do is come to Him.

Check out the assurance: all who come will never be rejected. It is never about qualification, possession, connection, ability, capacity and all the other big words we use to disqualify people. God has no such words. All he asks is that I come to him as I am, nothing more. He will do the rest and make the best according to his own standard. What else do I need? His time of favour is here.

Prayer: Lord, I come to you. I cannot help myself, I depend totally on your grace. I know you will accept me as I am, and make me what you desire. Amen.

Love?

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? Romans 8:35 NLT

The Word and the world's view of love are parallel lines that can never meet. The  world seeks to take from you as much as it can without giving you anything back, or ask you to prove yourself worthy of the love before you can receive it. The Word already shows and gives love, even when the recipients were totally undeserving of it. Long before we knew the worth, we had received the love.

If this is how God has dealt with us, what then is so big that it can take us away from this love? If God give up himself for us, what else will he not give us? What could be bigger, better or brighter than what we have now? If I know who I belong to and who I am now, nothing physical or  emotional can change that. Trouble, calamity, danger and death are the natural consequences of sin, but none of them lasts forever. They always come to pass, and only God remains the same through all generations.

The world may threaten all it can, or seek to distract me as much as it can. I fix my gaze solely on the One who loved me enough to secure my eternity. No matter what I face down here, it is only for a season. God's love is eternal and will sustain me through all of life's journey. His time of favour is here.

Prayer: Lord, I am grateful for your eternal love. May nothing be strong enough to distract or derail me from you. Amen.

Praise!

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Psalms 105:1 NLT

My response to God is not dependent on what or how I feel but on my understanding of who God is. There will be times of uncertainty, maybe desperation, maybe hopelessness; but the one thing that remains constant is God's unfailing faithfulness.

This Psalmist here challenges me to give thanks to God and proclaim his greatness. I can be so distracted by my present needs that I ignore God's obvious and constant mercies. I can be so fixed on what I want him to do, that I forget the amazing things he has done and also has in store for me. As I consider God's power, nature and works, I acknowledge he is mighty, he does great things, and he indeed deserves to be praised.

My life is the loudest testament to the power of God. If I keep quiet, how does the world get to know the real God? If my life does not show him, how would anyone know him? If I only talk about him when he does mighty things, how would the world see him in life's daily 'mundane' experiences?

Indeed, God is great and he does marvelous things. His power is beyond words, and his life is endless and timeless. He deserves all the praise and the world must know him through my life. Is that your own confession too? His time of favour is here.

Prayer: Lord, I praise you today. Let my life be a constant testimony to the world of your power and mercy. Amen.