Decision Time

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 KJV

There comes a time in everybody's life that you must take a decision; you have got to make up your mind who you want to follow: men or God. It cannot be both or neither; your life's pursuits and priorities will confirm the choice that you have made.

All of us have that decision to make. Joshua at a time told the Israelites the same thing: you have to choose whom you will serve. For him, the choice was non-negotiable; he had already made up his mind to serve the Lord. Paul here also says the same thing: you have to decide whose opinion counts or matters to you: God or man.

Man's opinions and standards are also evolving and never static. He changes his mind as frequently as he changes his clothes. The constant change in fashion standards, dress culture, attitudes to sex and sexuality all point to the fact that man is difficult to please because his principles are difficult to establish. He is constantly trying to adapt to the world around him, pursuing an invisible target and generally failing to make any impact. God, on the other hand, has laid down his standard right from creation, and through all generations, no matter how complex, he has refused to lower that standard for anyone, no matter how special s/he is.

Whatever God says is his desire now will nor change, no matter how much we dislike his decision or rationalize our own action. God remains God through the years, through all our experiences and I  spite of our own actions. Just like Paul has established, if man is the focus and the defining factor, then I am not a servant of God. If I claim to be a child of God, I must answer to my father's dictates and commands. If I do not, then I am not. His time of favour is here.

The New!

The New!

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 AMP

Paul's words here remind us of the change that occurs in a life that has decided to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. There is a remarkable difference between the life termed old and the new one birthed by God. The change first occurs inside the man before it is manifested outside the man. It has nothing to do with qualification or a sense of entitlement, but by the grace of God who calls men to Himself. All I need to do is have faith in His power to save and confess Him as Lord. That's how easy it is to be born again.

So, for all who have decided to accept Jesus, the change has occurred and the journey has begun. New standards have been set and new priorities and pursuits are birthed. The old loses its appeal, because it was based on the sinful human nature which could never submit to God's rules. It's a new nature, with new rules. If at anytime I find myself attracted to the old, it does not mean I have already missed it; it just calls for me to focus more on God and less on my own abilities and capacity, so I do not lose what I have received.

Appetites will change; friends will change; comfort focus will change; the things that used to matter will change, the eternal becomes more important than the earthly and the temporal. Those are just a few of the things the new life entails, and I must do an honest audit of my life to see if i am on the right path. Nobody else, except through the help of the Holy Spirit, can do this audit for you.

No matter your earthly status, personal networth, connections or position, remember: nothing down here was built to last forever. Only in Christ am I assured of a life that never ends, because Christ is the only One known to have conquered death. So, what's your decision? His time of favour is here.

Matching Lifestyle!

Matching Lifestyle!

Whoever confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 1 JOHN 4:15 AMP

Today's extract is an open invitation to anyone and everyone, without limitation or exception. Depending on how I wish to see it, it could be an advice, or a statement of fact, which I could decide to follow or ignore. God leaves no one in doubt as the consequences of whatever choice I make.

There must be a match between the confession of the mouth and the state of the heart. This generation has perfected the art of deception and pretence, where we say one thing and mean the very opposite. Just like this season, we are all about new year resolutions and commitment to change, yet we are not addressing the foundation itself. The new year is just about coming in, and we will all rejoice and celebrate, but it must not end just there.

And it is important to confess the right thing. Unfortunately also for this generation, we are emphasizing morals at the expense of an experience of God. We now have motivational speakers who emphasise the importance of words, and while the same is true about the Bible, the Bible goes a step further to underline the importance of sincerity and a heart that is true to God. No gauge on earth can measure the heart's sincerity; only God, its creator, can.

If I confess that Jesus is the Son of God, I get the assurance of God's never-ending presence in me. This is the pivot on which all of my life hangs: without it, I am nothing, but if I have it, then I have everything I need. This is the secret to eternal life. Is it about just words to me, or is God visible in and through me? Am I holding on to a form of religion, yet denying the power that a life dedicated to God can produce? Life starts at the foot of the cross, and is sealed when it finds residence in the heart. His time of favour is here.

Code of Conduct!

Code of Conduct!

But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked. LUKE 6:35 AMP

Love is never passive; it is always defined in the light of an action, a response, an outflow. You don't profess love solely by the power of your words; men would want physical, visible proof of that profession. Interestingly, today's extract even makes it harder to pretend, when it demands that I love people who do not like me; people referred to as enemies. And to make matters even better, I dare not pretend, because the God who commands love knows the heart and can judge when it is hypocritical or sincere.

Why would I put other people's interests over and above my own? How do I take of what i have worked hard for, and lend to other people, expecting nothing in return? None of these things come easy or by frequent practice, but by surrender. No matter how hard you try to do right by your power, you will reach the end of your rope sooner or later. Only in God do I receive grace to obey without grumbling, sure and certain that God is able to sort me out.

And the reward is certain: but note that nowhere does God provide the full picture of what I stand to gain. An additional blessing is to be called the son of the Most High. When I do good, I should do it from a heart totally surrendered to God and willing to walk in his ways. I MAY not see the benefits of staying true to God down here, but nothing on earth can compare with the great things that are ahead. God doesn't promise me a stressless existence, but He assures me he's got my back.

What would you rather do: love the world's way or love God's way? Remember, both are choices with eternal consequences. His time of favour is here.

Say and Do!

Say and Do!

Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself. 1 John 2:6 AMPC

Indeed, talk is cheap. Anyone can say anything or make claims, but as they say: "the proof of the pudding is in the eating." Today's extract addresses those who make claims to knowing Christ. They would have heard about Him; they would have read about Him, even attended fellowship and meetings where He was talked about and praised. Anyone could do all that, but what makes all the difference is what I do with all the knowledge I have acquired about God. Does it make me aspire to do right, to live right and to relate right?

And we note that the word used here is 'abide', not temporary accommodation. Everywhere you turn to in the Bible, God emphasizes dwelling, not just existing. Jesus used the same word when he was talking about the vine and the branches, and it underlines the importance of abiding in God. You can't abide in God, and your life will not show off the accompanying fruits. If I am struggling for identity and impact, then maybe I am yet to fully sort out the terms and conditions of my accommodation. Where are you presently located? How are you located: taking up temporary space or really abiding in God?

And the fruits of your status will always show, no matter how hard you try to hide it. It doesn't matter how long you are able to pretend; eventually, the truth about your allegiance will eventually be revealed. Those who know Christ have an obligation to show Him off. If I claim to be a child of God, then God has to be revealed through me. The men of Antioch probably didn't speak much, but those who watched them knew they were different and so called them 'Christians'. That's the power of a life that abides in Christ.

My words must match my actions, and I have an example worthy of emulation. Jesus' life has been laid bare before us through the Bible and we can draw strength and inspiration through His life. In speech, conduct, humility, association and attitude, He's the perfect example. I need ask myself this: Is my life pointing others towards or away from God? His time of favour is here.

Purpose, Redefined!

Purpose, Redefined!

For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. Colossians 1:16 AMPC

As a new year starts in just a few hours, I am reminded again of the undeniable greatness of the One called God, who has called me to himself and introduces himself to me as God. The word IN is used, not BY. So, I exist IN God. That's deep. My life, experiences, personality, quirks and all find expression IN God. IN shows possession, ownership and identity. If I am IN God, I am called and known by His name alone.

BY may show activity without any commitment and ALL THINGS leave out nothing at all. It then means that there is nothing in this present earthly life that can offer eternal comfort. Men fight and kill each other just for temporary, earthly gain, yet nothing down here satisfies the void only God can fill. If I understand that I am IN God, nothing outside of God can take his place in my heart. Nothing else will work.

There are many phases of this world that are not visible to the physical eyes. There are phases of authorities, yet there is only one Supreme God, who reigns and rules over them all. The world seeks after the lower authorities, and indeed, they are very powerful. In fact, Paul refers to one of the phases of authority as 'spiritual wickedness in heavenly places'. Their promises are sweet to the ears of those who do not know or understand who they are or belong to, and the consequences of such choices are always fatal and eternal. The end of trusting the highest authority is a life of meaning, purpose and direction. So, which one do you think you should submit to?

From God's perspective, think of it this way: if something exists only IN me and for my pleasure, it means I determine its lifespan, its impact and its sphere of influence and control. I determine how far it can go. That thing had better give me pleasure, by pursuing the things I ask it to, and doing the things that point other people to me; after all, that is the whole purpose of man: to give God pleasure. If I do not know my purpose, abuse is inevitable, but judgment too is inevitable. Am I living a life that shows off God? His time of favour is here.

Right Priorities

Right Priorities!

But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God .’” MATTHEW 4:4 AMP

Today's extract is the account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, immediately after his baptism and heaven's testimony of his Sonship and authority. It can never be over emphasized how important it is to forget successes as soon as they have happened, because the devil is never really asleep. He keeps plugging away, seeking that loophole he can exploit to bring us down. Like Jesus, so is it with us today. No matter what heaven says about you, always remember you are human and susceptible to temptation. Only a constant and daily dependence on God, just as today's extract shows, guarantees a good end.

Satan came after 40 days of fasting, and his first words sounded innocent. After all, Jesus is the Son of God, so it wasn't about proving a point, but placing everything in life in the proper place and context. Too many times, great things have been destroyed because we couldn't determine the proper time, place and priorities for every thing in our lives. Jesus was hungry, but a bigger threat was hanging: does he sacrifice the eternal for the immediate? Does he satisfy earthly desires and place the eternal in jeopardy?

The same question faces us today: do we go all out to show off or to show God off to other people? Is my life one where God can speak to and through? Am I focused on my needs and wants, at the expense of what God wants? Can I trust God to sort me out, as i walk with Him on a daily basis? Do i focus on feeding the natural man at the expense of the spiritual man? The devil would have Jesus set out his own path and do His own thing in his own way and at his own time, but we can stand where we are now simply because Christ saw through the deceit and put the devil in his place.

And what was the tool? The Word of God. That's the only thing that will stand the test of time. It is the only lasting defence against the devil. When every other thing fails, you can trust the Word of God to stand fast and true. Do I know the Word? It is first the person of the Word, who speaks the words that become life and health to me. What's my first point of call when the trials and tough times come? Your response will always determine where your life is headed right now, and where it may end up. Choose and decide right; His time of favour is here.

The Greatest Gift 7

The Greatest Gift 7

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Today's extract is a prophecy, given at least 500 years before it was physically manifested. There is no doubt that it was God's plan all along for Him to provide a worthy sacrifice, a gift that would outgive all others, and would pave the way for the salvation and eternal redemption of all men. That gift has indeed been given; lives have been and continue to be impacted by that gift. Today's extract is a confirmation of this.

First, the Son is a gift to us. It was for our sakes that He was given, and it was for our sins that He died. Imagine that at the time this prophecy was given, the Son is presented as already been given, which tells me that God is not limited by time, space and circumstances, and whatever He has promised will certainly come to pass.

Secondly, this Son is an exact representation of His father,  who is King of kings and Lord of lords. He does have a government, he is the government, and only by His administration is death dealt a fatal blow, life freely given and sealed forever. If a man would promise me royalty, at least, he will be entitled to the throne. God ticks all those boxes and more, promising me not just an earthly life of dominion and victory, but an eternal life of reigning and ruling with Him. Indeed, my present earthly life must be a preparation for the great life just ahead.

And thirdly, He has names. These aren't ordinary names, but names with eternal purposes. Wonderful, counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of peace. Note that none of these names speak first of what I can get from Him, but how I must approach him. The usual focus of man is what to get; God wants me to know who He is, because a knowledge of that God is the secret to unlocking all the things I desire from Him.

In this season, when the focus is on what to eat, drink and wear and how to impress, can I take my eyes off the needs and focus on the one major need: knowing and experiencing God? When that is settled, impact is inevitable. Do I know this gift; have I met Him? Does He know me as His own? His time of favour is here.

The Greatest Gift 6

The Greatest Gift 6

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13‭-‬14 KJV

The birth of the Saviour of the world had just been announced, and so many things about this birth was not just normal. First, the King of kings wasn't born in a palace fit for a king, but in a place fit and proper for animals - a feeding trough and manger. Secondly, no one had any idea if this King of kings deserved a palace announcement, with a declaration of him being heir to the throne; no one in Herod's palace knew anything about Him, while Herod himself was bent on silencing any opposition to his rule and reign.

Thirdly, men went about their usual and regular life, not knowing that the course of history had just changed, and true life had just been introduced. God had come down in human form, relating at our level, and offering us a way back to God, but of course, because it didn't come with the usual fanfare that accompanies such things, it slipped under the radar. However, if man didn't know, the heavens were in no doubt as to the import of what had just happened. The whole heavens stood still in awe of what God had just done.

No wonder the whole heavens were opened, and a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God. Well, this is the usual scenario in heaven, with unceasing praise offered to God by angels who know and understand the power of this God. Why would this event be brought before man down here on earth? Could it be it is because we had to know and understand what we have received? Could it be a testimony to the love, power and wisdom of God, made manifest in the gift of the Son being celebrated by heaven itself?

The birth of the Saviour has brought peace to man down here. Nothing I do with the gift down here changes anything about God, but if I receive the gift and believe in Him, I enjoy the peace that has been promised. If I reject Him, I cannot turn around and blame God for however my life ends. Choices are my bit; consequences follow. His time of favour is here.

The Greatest Gift 5

The Greatest Gift 5

Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]. Isaiah 7:14 AMPC

Reading today's extract in the right context helps to understand the facts behind the season of Christmas. First, I recall that one of the prophecies about Judah, Jacob's son, was that the sceptre would not depart from Judah, until Shiloh comes. That tells me that true authority and rulership was in the hands of Judah, and the promise of God to David that he will always have a man to sit on the throne were all from the same promise. God does not lie, and whatever He says, in any generation or timeline, will certainly come to pass.

Ahaz wasn't a good king, but he was sitting on David's throne, so David's promise covered him. When we are tempted to think that we are blessed because of our own righteousness or good, we must remember Ahaz. Kings had come against him in battle, including Israel's king, desiring to remove him and install a stooge, but God's promise was again brought to the fore. Nothing I go through now can change God's purpose about me. Things will be rough, but God's Word will outlast and outlive whatever issue I may be facing now.

And the sign given to Ahaz wasn't anything he could control: David's throne would never lack a man to sit on it, and the One who will sit on it forever was on his way. The One would be born of a virgin: something unusual and special. She will give birth to a son, something certain and dependable. The child's name would be Immanuel, which means 'God with us'. God is willing and ready to make himself known to man, to dwell with man, and to be a part of man's life. This child is God saying very clearly that He is coming down to man's level to relate with him and help him. This is God saying He won't just stand by and watch me struggle, but He's sending me the help that I need, and the help that will sustain me all through my earthly life and for all eternity.

What more could I ask for? What else hasn't God addressed? If He has done all this, the least I can do is trust Him. The benefits are eternal and the consequences of rejecting Him are also eternal. His time of favour is here.

The Greatest Gift 4

The Greatest Gift 4!

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.
JOHN 3:17 AMP

There is a purpose to everything God does. He is too eternal minded to be careless or carefree, and He is too driven to succeed to engage in doomed or unsuccessful projects. Anything he does is tied to a purpose, even when it looks 'bad' in our own eyes. At the time, the death of his Son was horrible, because he died in the most horrible way, like a criminal and in between two convicted criminals too. But you see, even on the cross, the critical question of choice played in, and one of the convicts became really convicted in his heart and just before he died, he got an assurance of eternity. God has got too much at stake to do anything without a divine purpose.

And his timing is always on point. His Son was given at the right time, and He calls you and I to respond to His Son while we still have time. And what was the purpose again for his Son coming down: to work within time to secure eternal salvation for all who will accept Him as Lord and Saviour. Time is of essence in this journey of purpose, as God has not promised any of us anything permanent outside his Son. The Son came to remind us of our helplessness and to provide us a way back to God. He didn't just show us where we went wrong; He showed us how to walk right to end right.

And the decision is mine and mine alone. Nobody can respond on my behalf, and nobody can make it to heaven on my behalf. It is a personal decision, taken out of a conscious appreciation of my present realities and my eternal destination. His first coming isn't to condemn or judge the world but to show the world why it needs Him. But a day is coming when time will be suspended and judgment will apply. And God has graciously made clear the terms of judgement, and I will be wise to take advantage of the offer before me.

There are consequences for every action. Nothing is ever done in vain. If I reject the free gift, I cannot turn around and blame God for my end. If I accept his gift, I enjoy the benefits tied to the gift. What would it be for me when an account is demanded from me? Have you considered your own lot? His time of favour is here.

The Greatest Gift 3!

The Greatest Gift 3

By this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind] into the world so that we might live through Him. 1 JOHN 4:9 AMP

Love, the way it is defined by God, is always practical. It can be seen, felt, tasted and even touched. I can't claim to love you the way God wants, and there will not be something I could tie the love to: it could be my gift of time, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a bed for the night, a hot meal for the journey ahead. It is never about money or possession, but a heart that has received grace and is quick to extend the same grace to other people. That's the kind of love the presence of Love himself can birth in us, if we allow Him.

A gift has been given; He is an unusual one and is a special gift too. This gift was given by God from his heart, because He was the best thing He had. He could have offered anything else, but he gave up his own Son, so we could be restored to Him. He wanted us to have His own life, so He gave up his own life to guarantee us that true life. And because Jesus is one of a kind, what we get is one of a kind.

With all that this present life offers, and the promises it makes to give you all you need to enjoy it, it cannot guarantee you eternal life. Everything the world gives you down here remains down here, and is only profitable down here. However, you can use what you are given down here to secure the true life that God has promised. True life is given and is available, full and free. True life does not ask me for a price; just faith in the finished work of Christ and a constant daily dependence on that finished work.

Don't just celebrate this season; celebrate the life given because you have and know Him, and because you know where you are headed. Don't focus on what goes in, but on the grace you have received which can change the world around you. Extend that grace out today, and watch God take glory in and through you. His time of favour is here.

The Greatest Gift 2

The Greatest Gift 2

She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. Matthew 1:21 AMPC

It is easy to celebrate Christmas and be grateful for all we have received, but let us cast our minds back on that first Christmas season. First, there was nothing festive about it, and no fanfare. The world didn't care who or what was coming; so it made no difference. And we have the family of the hour, Joseph and Mary, already engaged to be married, and then Mary was found to be with child, even though Joseph had not had anything sexual with her. Decision time: stay or flee? And he didn't act irrationally or without thought. The Bible records that he quietly contemplated what to do.

Today's extract is God's response to all of Joseph's contemplations. First, there was a divine choice by God on who the vessel would be. Mary wasn't the only virgin in her time; in fact, being a virgin was the only option as the alternative was death. There had to be something else, and it must have had to do with the heart. Mary received the news and believed it, and for God, that's all you can do. There was a divine and eternal purpose at work here, and God was looking for someone with an eye on eternity; one who would work with Him to establish God's purpose in his/her generation. Am I such a person?

And the purpose is the salvation of ALL men, irrespective of leanings, origin or creed. The name and assignment of the child is also foretold, leaving no one in doubt as to what Christ was coming to the world to do. Every other thing became an additional assignment; the first and most important was the one tied to his name: Jesus- which means Saviour. And he's capable, because by His life, death and resurrection, he has set the pace on what to expect and what is the end of all who trust Him. He leaves no doubt as to where my decisions today will end up.

The end of all life and the true scope of life is the discovery and pursuit of God. Nothing else will satisfy, no matter your net worth. Nothing else can fill the void only God can occupy. He calls out to all of us, as He has always done since creation, asking us to trust Him. Would you? Would I? His time of favour is here.

Divine Purpose!

Divine Purpose!

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 AMPC

The gospel is all about the good news of Jesus Christ and what he came to offer us. There is nothing else that can bring good or can cause a man to see good outside of the One called good Himself. Anyone can teach anything, or even motivate people by words, but there will be no lasting or sustained effect outside the only One who can sustain life itself. Paul, who writes here, was a living testimony of what the subject of the good news could do in a man's life. Paul's life teaches me that no one is so far gone that s/he is beyond God's grace.

Because he had experienced it, Paul could do all he did for the sake of the gospel. Unless and until you have taken hold of the real deal, you won't know what or how to defend whatever it is you claim to have. Men lived and died by the strength of their convictions, and no circumstance on earth could shake them out of those convictions. If I were asked, what is the foundation of my pursuits and priorities? Have I truly experienced the power of the good news about Jesus Himself? Is all I know about Him what others say, or am I searching for my own personal experience; something that will sustain me through the days of trials that will surely come?

The gospel is the power that backs up salvation and eternal life. Through the gospel, the way to God is made plain and a standing invitation is offered to all who will believe and accept the gift. This is the tipping point: the personal decision to accept the gift. Nobody will be forced to surrender; at least, not down here. The gift is security for life after here, and it is for everyone. The Jews were the first recipient of the message, and because God is no respecter of persons, the same offer is extended to the Greeks also, people who would have been seen as unworthy and the scum of the earth. That's the whole essence of grace and mercy.

So, what is my response to what I have been offered? If God would do all He did and give up all He did, then His love has been made clear and plain, and His eternal plan made simple. All I have to do is come in. What's your own decision? His time of favour is here.

Branding!

Branding!

In the night my soul longs for You [O Lord ], Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; For [only] when Your judgments are experienced on the earth Will the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. ISAIAH 26:9 AMP

There are times to seek God out, and it is not really about the time, but the state of the heart that matters. I could do without sleep, yet waste so much time on the things that do not really matter. I could spend hours talkng about the impact I desire, yet take no step to seek out the God who is able to make it all possible. Talk is always easy and cheap; it is the effort that takes a lot from you and is very difficult to do.

The Psalmist knew this and his words here are apt for this season. For him, the night was His time to seek God out. Maybe his experience as a shepherd made this the right time for him, but the question also lies ahead of us all today: do you seek God out at all? Is He a God I only think about during festive seasons like Christmas or Easter, while I ignore Him the rest of the year?  Is He a weekly appointment in church alone or a spare wheel, useful only in emergencies?

I also sense that the Psalmist had a sense and desire to see God's purpose established on earth. He wanted to see God at work in and around him, so that the world may know and fear God. If my life at the moment was placed as a measuring gauge, would it point people towards or away from God? Would people see and fear God because of my lifestyle and priorities? The question I really need to answer is: 'How's my heart'?

At the seat of my heart are my pursuits and priorities; therein lies all that makes me who I am and what my life produces. It doesn't matter what I say; my heart cannot lie and it will either be the place where God reigns and produces life to impact the world or the place where self reigns and judgment eventually comes to sweep everything away. So, what's your brand? Who's dictating terms? Who's in charge? His time of favour is here.

Giving Right!

Giving Right!

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure--pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.” LUKE 6:38 AMP

First, for every action, good or bad, there is always a reaction or response. It does not matter what I tell myself; God is always fair by His own standards. One of his laws, established in the old testament, is that whatever I put in the ground is what I will get back in return. However, the other part of that law is the principle of increase which says that what I get out of the ground is an exponential increase from what I put in the ground. So, the lesson is this: I must watch what I put in the ground, because I will definitely get back far more than I put in.

When I have done what is required, God is faithful to do his part. He promises that I will get something back. I note that He does not lay down the law on what I will get, or from where it will all come from; He's too powerful to be put in a box. He's Lord of all I see or can't see, and when he commands, even the devil must obey. He promises me good measure, pressed down to make room for even more, shaken together to show variety, options, quality and quantity. When dealing with God, things like logic and common sense do not apply.

I must watch my standard of measurement. Do I do what i do so that I can look good in front of people? Do I do good because I need human validation that I am the best around? When I am called to serve or be a blessing to my generation, what is my first consideration: impact or personal gain? This question is very important, as it lies at the heart of all I will get from God. Why it is important is because of the end, when all men will stand before God to give account, and some will say: "But Lord, in your name, we cast out demons". And his response will be: "Depart from me, I know you not, ye workers of iniquity".

God is just; his commands are clear and precise, and his requirements have been made known. What would you do? His time of favour is here.

Fighting Well!

Fighting Well!

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 KJV

First, we are called to fight, to wrestle. I do not know what message we heard when we came to Christ, but one thing is clear: a decision to follow Him means exposure to the devil and his cohorts. God never promised us an easy ride; the things he has secured for us through his death and life are things we must be ready to fight for.

Secondly, a mortal man like myself cannot be the enemy. Man can be a vessel in the hands of the devil, but at all times, I must be aware of who I am fighting, and what I am fighting for. If I do not know, I end up beating the air or fighting aimlessly. There is too much at stake not to know what I am called into, or the consequences of the choices I have made.

Thirdly, the enemy is known, and has been declared by God Himself. God leaves us in no doubt who we have been called into warfare with. Even the battleground is also made plain, as well as what to expect. There are categories and levels of wickedness, and some are not within the scope of human strength or wisdom. But there is a God who reigns and rules in the affairs of men. There is a God who is over all, above all and stronger than all. He's on the side of all who have identified with Him and He will defend them with his life, which cannot be taken.

There is an asurance connected with today's extract, and it is that I am assured of victory, as long as I remain connected and dependent. When I lose my sense of dependence and think i can make it on my own, then I expose myself to defeat. I can never take my eyes off God, and I cannot afford to do anything on my own. God is the Man of War, who's never lost a battle. Who am I depending on: strength or God? Ability or grace? Intellect or Wisdom? His time of favour is here.

Shine On

Shine On!

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 AMPC

As always, all of God's commandments have a target audience. God doesn't speak because he has to just say something, but because he needs to get something done and needs someone whose heart is right to do it. Today's extract is addressed to people Jesus calls disciples; people who have made a decision to follow him. If you have, today's extract is just for you.

I am called the light of the world; first my identity and then the application and target market of my identity. Light doesn't exist in a vacuum; its power and influence is seen and appreciated in the face of darkness. Light also stands out because it shows darkness for what it really is. The world is seen as being in darkness, and those who know Christ are to make a difference, and affect it. Do I see myself as light or am I comfortable being part of the rot around me?

As light, I am placed in a strategic place where all I do and say is seen by all. I cannot hide, and I can only pretend for a while; the truth about my allegiance will always be revealed eventually. I am a city set on a hill, visible to all, open to criticism but also the place to go when there is a need for clarity and guidance. The world will mock my principles but if I stick long enough to those principles, at some point, the world will come searching for the secrets to the life I live.

Of course, for all that God places on earth, there is an end, or a better version when the present one gives way. My life was given to make impact down here before it continues with God in heaven. All that I do here is a preparation for the real deal. Am I living in preparation for what is ahead, or do I have to first sort out my identity? Do I even know who I am or who I belong to? Those are eternal questions, the answers to which will reverberate through eternity. His time of favour is here.

Shine On 2

Shine On 2

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven. MATTHEW 5:16 AMP

I have got a part to play in the divine scheme of things. I am not called to be a passive and inactive member of the family of God, but i am called to be part of a family, part of something amazing and something that would make impact in my generation. No human being was created for fun, and none was created without the grace to impact; what I do with what I am given makes the ultimate and eternal difference. That's why the verse above will start with a piece on the exercise of my own free will. I have to allow the light shine through me; God will not force it out of me.

The determination of ownership will always provide a response to the question of impact. Today's extract is addressed to people Jesus calls his disciples. If I follow Christ, my life must look like his. It may not start out that way, but it will be obvious I am being conformed to His will. If I follow Christ, my life profession and mouth confession will all align. Whether I am conscious of it or not, I carry a power that cannot be ignored. He becomes my light and power, and His grace, power and ability are made manifest in and through me. The earth is the venue of manifestation; not heaven, so whilst I am down here, i have a mandate to show off that light.

The ultimate goal of God's grace and power in and through me is that all the glory, honour and power be returned back to God. It has to be clear that men are always watching; I am a city set on a hill, visible to all. Men will see my actions and reactions, and I owe it to God to ensure that there is no hypocrisy or deceit in me. After all, the reason why I am created is to give God glory, and if my life isn't doing that, then maybe there is no point to my life then.

Is my life speaking God's grace or just emphasizing human ability? Is my life showing off God's power and might, or is the focus all about me? The answer may not be obvious to people, but when you are dealing with the creator of the human heart, you know you cannot deceive Him. He wants my heart so He can work in and through it. Would I allow Him? Would you? His time of favour is here.

Love, Right

Love, Right!

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John 4:20 KJV

Man has perfected the art of pretence, where he is able to say one thing and mean the very opposite. Everywhere you turn, you see the evidence of this double life. There are agencies that pay lip service to helping people, yet you find people there who are embezzling the funds meant to help. You find NGOs registered as help partners yet underneath, some are finding terrorism and promoting violence. We have come to a point as human beings where our words cannot be trusted.

Just as it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual. In the face of the multitude of God's commandments, the greatest of them all is love. Love is the connecting thread that binds them all together. So when I claim to love, the evidence must be very clear and it must touch all I do. Love for God and love for his creation go together. I could pretend to be so spiritual that I practically live in church, spending myself for the sake of the church, yet be so bitter against the people in church.

It is the usual way these days: we offer our gifts and talents to God, yet we keep our hearts away from Him. We claim we love God by being busy at 'service', yet we cannot stand the weaknesses of other people around us. We forget that with God, service without the right heart is not  acceptable. Can I claim to know God if I cannot see Him at work in and through other people he has placed around me? Can I claim to love God when I can't stand other people? If my physical relationships are a mess, how can I claim a cordial relationship with God?

If I must please God, I must work on my people skills. The test of my knowledge and personal experience of God is proven by my knowledge and personal experience of the people he has placed in my life to make an impact. What's your human relationship status? His time of favour is here

Getting It Right!

Getting it Right!

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:34‭-‬35 NIV

Jesus always had a crowd around him, following him closely and listening to Him. However, one thing was also clear about the crowds: out of the many, there were always a few who went the extra mile to apply what they heard and got the miracle they desired. We read about the woman with the issue of blood, blind Bartimeaus; ordinary, sometimes nameless people, but their lives speak today, because they stood out of the crowd and applied faith to what they had heard. How do you hear? What do you do with what you hear?

The same principle applies in today's extract and to our lives today. Jesus called both the crowd and his disciples to Him. Both classes were following Him, but the difference was in surrender and sincerity. As I look at my life today, the question also comes to me: which am I: part of the crowd or a disciple? Whichever one I claim to be, the qualification for discipleship is made clear, so i can again evaluate myself in the light of what God has said. First, it is a personal decision, which God will not force on me. Secondly, a disciple willingly surrenders self to the control and direction of the master, is willing to take instructions and is ready to obey.

Thirdly, there is a place for sacrificial living, where what I want isn't the focus, but what the master desires. All three positions must be present if I will indeed be a disciple of Christ. Self will does not count here; sometimes, you must be willing to forgo rights. You don't become stupid; you simply allow the life of God flow through you to a hurt and dying world. Nothing I do can secure my life; no amount of money can stop death from coming; the only way I can secure my life is by service and total devotion to the One called Life himself.

Man may not reckon with you; you could be just a number to many; if you truly follow Christ, you lose nothing. Don't just be a number; be a disciple. Learn at the feet of Christ, and then go lead the crowd back to Him. His time of favour is here.

All Heart!

All Heart!

‘Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. JEREMIAH 29:13 AMP

Beyond the activity or the labour, there is something else God looks for and rewards in every man, and it is sincerity. Man has perfected the art of deception, where we say something with our mouths but mean the very opposite with our hearts. We keep a straight face when serving, while our hearts are on expected gain or profit from our labour.

We strive for greatness and recognition, and when we don't get it, we scale down, sometimes change location, all in a bid to get the attention we 'deserve'. That's the way of the world, and people who live by its standards understand how it works. For those who answer to a different master, and who understand the essence of service and submission, things are a bit different.

God is always looking for people who He can shine through, and because His touch is more precious than gold, you have got to want it more than anything else. As long as you have viable options, God won't be a desperate search. As long as you have a fall back option, God won't be your one and only treasure. God promises that He will be found by all who seek Him, and he lays down the standard for the search: it has got to do with the whole of my heart, nothing less.

The heart of man is corrupt and desperately wicked, according to its creator, and only his careful and deep surgery can cure the heart of its disease. God is searching; waiting for man to seek Him out. He is right there: the next call, the next heartbeat, just asking you and I to trust Him with our lives. He created the whole world and all we could ever dream of, so why would we think we could leave Him out of the equation and still expect to fulfil our purpose?

Men like David were not perfect, but God had the whole of his heart; King Amaziah of Judah served God in his own days, but the Word of God records that he didn't do it with a perfect heart. No man could have come to that conclusion just by looking at both of them, but see how both ended up. Who's got your heart? What's got mine? His time of favour is here.

Love's law

Love's law

Love does no wrong to one's neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law. Romans 13:10 AMPC

What's the law? Why the law? God is a God who derives pleasure from relationships, as seen in His interactions with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He laid down the terms of engagement with them, defining what they were required to do and avoid, even what they should eat and avoid. There was an end in view: unbroken fellowship with God, and the attendant undying favour, grace and mercy that naturally follows obedience. The standards haven't changed much, even with the advancement in science and technology. God is still very much interested in relationships with man, and he has made his mind, purpose and rules known through his Word.

Does it then appear that the law isn't working? Well, depends on whose perspective you are looking at. Under the same law, a man like Korah got judged for disobedience to God's rules, and the ground opened and swallowed him up, along with his co-conspirators and entire families. Under the same law, a man like Enoch walked with God for 300 years, and God took him away. The question then is: is the law bad? No, but it depended so much on how I accepted and related with it.

Love is one of the rules under the law. So many directives were given under the law relating to man's interactions with fellow man. There were so many laws, yet Christ seems to be saying here that love is simply the fulfilment of the law. If God's idea behind the law was the sustenance of his relationship with us, the same rule would apply to our human relationships too. If God could be concerned about the welfare of his children, how much more would he expect us, under the same dispensation we have received of Him, to extend the same grace to other people?

It is the law of love that is most difficult to follow, because it calls for me to look outside myself for a while and pursue good to other people. If I truly love someone, I would do all I can to pursue that person's welfare and good. Interestingly, loving other people is the one thing no law on earth can legislate against. Man can make rules forbidding so many things, but when I set out to truly love, even when it could cost a life, God's law is being fulfilled and because he is the ultimate judge, He will reward each one for what s/he has done. What's it going to be for me: love by God's standard or live to please myself? His time of favour is here.

The Watch

The Watch!

For the ways of man are directly before the eyes of the Lord, And He carefully watches all of his paths [all of his comings and goings]. PROVERBS 5:21 AMP

Yet again today, a statement of fact and truth is laid before us. It is a statement that goes to the very essence of who God is, what he can do and what I stand to gain if I cooperate with and allow him work. This statement simply says that all of man's ways are laid bare before the eyes of the Lord. First, it means that with God, you really do not have a secret life. There is nothing you can do to keep God out of your life; the fact that He does not interfere with my free wil does not mean He does not have the power to.

Furthermore, the eyes of the Lord do see beyond what my human mind can fathom or understand. I look with my eyes, and sometimes I am blessed enough to see things with my mind, but God goes beyond all that: his eyes cover the whole universe: the part already discovered, the part yet to be discovered, and the part that will never be discovered. It is as if all of our lives are laid before the Lord, whether we want to or not. He sees and knows all, and He will judge accordingly.

I read also that God watches all of man's paths. You could flip that statement in two ways: I could read it to mean that God is aware of the things I do as well as the reason why I do them, or it could also mean that God watches over my ways to be sure they are in line with His purpose and will. Whatever position you take, this is key: total surrender to God is the only guarantee for a happy ending. The world has its delights, and self-help and self-sufficiency is the way of the world. God calls me to a relationship of dependence and trust in Him, where I give Him control and he blessed all I am and do. Which position am I truly taking? His time of favour is here.

Contrast!

Contrast!

Righteousness (being in right standing with God) guards the one whose way is blameless, But wickedness undermines and overthrows the sinner. PROVERBS 13:6 AMP

Why is Righteousness the focus here and not good works, morality or being nice? What becomes very clear is that there is nothing a man could bring to the bargaining table to make him qualified for all of God's blessings; I stand where I am and I am what I am simply as a function of who God is and what He has done. How do I become righteous: simply by aligning with the template God has laid down through his Son, totally depending on the finished work of redemption by Christ on the cross, and a daily living that aligns with an appreciation and understanding of all I have received.

One of the benefits of righteousness as stated in today's extract is that such a person has his life guarded. There will be no need for a guard if there was no danger ahead or around. Nowhere does God promise those who depend on Him safety from trials and tribulations; his promise, as always, is that He will keep, guide, protect, lead and help. When you have a limitless and timeless God on your side, what difference can circumstances that are limited by time, space and circumstances make?

It must also be added here that sometimes, the one who trusts may not see the end s/he expected, but does that change anything about the immutability of God's divine purpose and will? Not at all. But one thing is clear: wickedness has a determined end, and it always end in eternal death for all who do not repent. For those who see God as being too merciful, would you allow something you have created, nurtured and sustained now turn around and rebel, and you do nothing about it? Think about it- God's mercy does not let go, and it keeps calling, but one day, mercy will give way, and judgment will take centre stage. How will it go for me? How will it go for you? His time of favour is here.

Head/Heart

Head/Heart

Then the Lord said, “Because this nation approaches [Me only] with their words And honors Me [only] with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me is a tradition that is learned by rote [without any regard for its meaning], ISAIAH 29:13 AMP

First of all, it must be noted that God is a God of absolute knowledge. Nothing is hidden from Him, and nothing can hide from Him. When He speaks, he does so from a position of complete authority, and His judgments are precise. If you seek the truth about the state of your life, go to God, and allow His truth to impress itself upon your heart, so you can make amends where required. The benefits would be eternal, and the consequences of refusal would also be eternal.

Secondly, following from the point above, you cannot offer God hypocritical service and expect to get away with it. For the people referred to in today's extract, they knew and followed all the motions and practices; they were faithful in church attendance; they spoke the right words, but the God of absolute knowledge knew there was no sincerity behind the actions and words. Dire warning: don't be carried away by the outward show of piety that people are so good with these days; God sees and judges men based on the contents and direction of their hearts. How's yours?

Thirdly, there is a part for me to play. I note that in today's extract, the people were free to make a choice of what to do, when to do it and how to do it. God didn't force himself on them, just as He does not force himself on us now. Willing submission is what He desires, as serving God becomes a thing of desire, not compulsion. Everywhere you turn to in today's church, people are stuck on titles, visibility and control, but there are only a few people who understand that what God seeks isn't so much on the outside or what can be applauded, but what is inside and only what God can birth and sustain.

So, how's your heart? Is it hung on God or is it scattered in several directions? Can God count on its focus? Am I holding on to worthless traditions taught by men, or am I seeking God for myself, so I can worship him in spirit and in truth? The answers will reverberate through eternity. His time of favour is here.

STAND!

STAND!

Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us]. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13‭-‬14 AMP

In the midst of a charge to the church in Corinth, Paul drops this charge: "Be on guard". Why would this be important, and how can this be achieved? Today's extract seems to provide answers to the questions. First, the foundation of standing firm is on faith, nothing else. Man seems to believe in the power of wealth, position, influence and power, but as life has consistently shown, when the chips are down, none of the things this earth brings can secure you. If there was no danger of losing it all, God would not send such strong words to the church at that time, and to us at this time.

Faith has got to be on the right substance, not just anything. It has got to be on God, his sustaining Word and His presence. If I know and understand what God would have me do, and I am faithful in the discharge of my duties, it really doesn't matter how things end up down here; God is able to work out his purpose through the most messy of situations. All I can do is find strength in God alone, and He will come through for me. Things WILL shake your foundations, but if you are secured right, it will end well.

I note that how God will work it out is not guaranteed in today's extract. God never shows the whole process all at once, because he would have me trust Him every step of the way. Of what point is faith, standing firm and courage if I already know how things will end up? I do not have the full picture, but I have the One who knows the full picture, not just of my life, but of all of life itself, both here and in the one he has promised.

So as i wait, I show love to all men. I hold fast to the grace of God released upon my life, and I react with that same grace to other people. I have received great things from God, and it is only fitting that my life becomes a visible expression of God's grace and imprint to others. The devil will not rest, and I must not become careless. May the Lord help us all. His time of favour is here.

Right Priorities 2

Right Priorities 2

“When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. Matthew 6:2‭-‬4 MSG

So long an extract, yet so true. One thing that stands out here is that we are creatures of activity, and our lives seem to be defined by what we do. At no time did God call us to fold our arms and just watch life pass us by; he expects us to make an impact in the place he has planted us, and one of the many ways we can make impact is how we affect the lives of those around us. Giving or the gift of helping is one of the ways.

God is the first and significant expression of giving, as He gave his own best, his Son, as the sacrifice for sin, so we could be reconciled to God. He then asks us to follow his example, and pour out his love in us into other people. If I do not have the real deal, what would I offer? If I do not have what it takes, how do I offer what it takes and in the way God commands?

God warns about the motive. Unfortunately, all man sees is the activity itself, and man makes decisions based on what is seen. We applaud and praise men based on what we see, yet God is not moved. He judges man based on the state of his heart, and while men may applaud, God may be rejecting both the life as well as the gift. Man's natural tendency is to seek human approval, but God would have us seek higher priorities, where we seek only to please Him, nothing and no one else.

And his reward is coming. The greatest blessing I could have is to know what God approves of, and get right to it. In the final analysis, it really would not matter what I did; the reason why I did it will be the basis of reward and judgment. Whilst man is fighting for recognition, God is looking for men and women who will be His hands, eyes and mouth. These people will get God's help in ways that are amazing, and then the world, including those who sought cheap popularity and human applause will sit up and take notice. His time of favour is here.

Right Priorities!

Right Priorities!

And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:2 AMP

Life seems to be all about the physical manifestations of spiritual gifts and natural talents. The world sits up, takes notice of and rewards human beings on the basis of their talents and endowments. Just as it is true about the physical, so it is true about the spiritual. God even expects me to use all the gifts He's given me to bless the lives of other people. But of course, to everything God commands, there is a context.

God is always speaking, and he desires to lead and guide his people right. There will be times when he sends his warnings, or it could be encouragement and support. Whatever may be the message, today's extract seems to underline one important factor: love must sit at the base and support of all I do. The gift of prophecy is a blessing to the church and any generation in which it thrives, and the gift of faith has moved mountains, healed diseases and made science sometimes look foolish. Yet, it would appear that the essence of all these gifts must be love in its real form.

Can I use these gifts outside of love? Can I see myself as the most important part of my community, simply because nobody else has my peculiar gifts? Do I see myself as irreplaceable, simply because my gifts make me popular? In the first place, are the gifts about me, the vessel and instrument, or about God, the giver and sustainer? Interestingly, all that have been mentioned come from God: the gifts and the love, but for God, He would rather I show love than show off my talents. Talents are limited in their eternal value, but Love is the very definition of God himself.

Without love, there is not much the world will notice or appreciate. Gifts may be seen, applauded or even ignored, but love cannot be ignored. It may not be appreciated at the time, but if I persist, long after gifts and talents have ceased, love will continue to speak, and maybe generations after will reap the fruits of the love sown today. What are my priorities today? His time of favour is here.

Knowing God!

Knowing God!

The Lord is good, A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him. NAHUM 1:7 AMP

The statement comes in again: 'The Lord is good'. That's a statement of truth, though the facts around me may say otherwise. Well, there is always a fundamental difference between facts and Truth when it comes to the things of God, so i can safely say that even when what I see, hear and feel do not look good, it does not in any way change or reduce who God is. In the face of the pervasive evil that surrounds us, you need the right mindset to see God at work, even in the midst of all the mess.

Why do I think God is good? Is it because He gives me all I need? Can I keep the same attitude when trouble comes? And they will come, because it appears this is God's way of testing and proving the quality of our convictions. Winds will blow, storms will rise and waves will beat upon the house of our lives, but how and if I stay afloat or connected to God depends on the quality of my relationship with God. He is called a strength and stronghold in the day of trouble, but he's far more than just that.

God reveals himself to all who will draw near to Him. You cannot deceive him and you can't pretend. My heart and its inner state are laid bare before Him, and he sees the inner motives and intentions. No matter what I say or do, He knows the reason behind my actions. If He is my only refuge, He knows. If I am able to combine him with other options, He knows. If he's just useful in emergencies, He knows. For all who will entrust their lives to Him, that would be the best decision you could ever make. You are only truly safe and secure in the everlasting arms of Him who calls himself Lord of all. Where are you located? His time of favour is here.

Saved!

Saved!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 KJV

I believe grace is one of the most upsetting and misunderstood concepts in the Bible today. We hear so much about it but it seems we do not fully grasp its scope and impact. Grace does not leave room for pride or self -sufficiency, so it is difficult to fully understand why you get what you get from God. You do not mention grace and good works in the same sentence, so you cannot also have a sense of merit or think it is by fervent labour.

Salvation is seen from the perspective of God's grace, and all He asks me to do is to accept His finished work on the cross and believe He can save me from the power of sin. It is as simple, yet complicated as that. Man wants to earn all he gets; unfortunately with God, you cannot earn his approval. His Son has opened the door of grace, and all I need do is enter in. No need for credentials or ability or capacity or capabilities or intellect; none of these things matter in this particular issue. It is a gift from God, so you do not come with money, substance or value to receive it; you simply believe.

If there was value attached to salvation and eternal life, maybe the rich of the world would have placed a high price on it, making it unaffordable for other men. It would have been privatised and sold to the highest bidder; however, God knows the heart of man and has made the heart the place of decision making. The eternal consequences of my life's decisions today have already been made clear by God; he leaves me in no doubt as to where my decisions today will end up. I owe it to my eternal destination to be sure I am in the right direction and I am pursuing that direction with the right attitude and motive.

It is not by works, so you can't earn it. It is all by faith, coupled with the free grace offered by God, that I stand where I am. Have you taken advantage of that grace? Is He your Saviour and Lord? Still struggling for identity and foundation? Go to God today; his grace is still available and effective. His time of favour is here.

Victory!

Victory!

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. ROMANS 8:37 AMP

Nowhere does God promise his children smooth sailing through life. There will be bumps on the road; hurdles to cross, mountains to climb, seas to cross and battles to fight. In all of life's experiences, the only thing that is certain is the certainty of God's Presence and Power in the midst of the experiences. Depending on your allegiance, it may be all you need.

In the midst of all the things referred to above, a thread emerges: I am called to a fight, a war, a battle. It is a battle for my soul and its eternal destination. The conclusion of the battle has already been decided long before I was born; all I can do is walk in and hold on to what Christ has secured for me. Victory is that conclusion, but there is a process to that concluson, and that is where I come in. There is nothing else I can do to improve on what Christ has already done, but what I can do is to let His work be made manifest in and through me.

This victory is only possible through Christ. Man has come and gone, but none has been able to provide an appropriate response to the questions of life. Man will keep running and pursuing relevance, but until and unless he finds the Truth, he's likely to keep running. Jesus calls himself the Way, the Truth and the Life, meaning he's the answer to whatever questions you may have. His life is a fitting testimony to what has been tested and found to be valid. When I trust Him with my life, I have already secured the victory promised.

So, the question remains: who do you know? All I get from life is a function of my ownership, not my possessions, intellect or family background. None of the latter can secure eternity; only a knowledge and personal experience of God can. Do I know God that way? Does He know me as His own? His time of favour is here.

Equal Measure

Equal Meaaure!

“Do not judge [others self-righteously], and you will not be judged; do not condemn [others when you are guilty and unrepentant], and you will not be condemned [for your hypocrisy]; pardon [others when they truly repent and change], and you will be pardoned [when you truly repent and change]. LUKE 6:37 AMP

Today's extract seems to lay down a simple yet fundamental statement: what you do has an equal and similar reaction. Both the laws of God and the laws of man underscore this statement. We hear of things like karma and we wonder where the world gets its theories and ideas from, but when you look into God's Word, you find the answers to all of life's experiences in there.

I am asked not to judge others, simply because no other person reports to me or is answerable to me. I am asked not to speak and act like someone who doesn't make mistakes or who doesn't need mercy. When I realise and acknowledge that all I am and have is a function of God's grace, I am careful about the conclusions I draw about other people's lives. I am asked not to condemn others, because I have no idea what they have been through, where they are now, and where God is taking them. I only see the present and though the present is so visible, it looks nothing like the future God is preparing for all He has created, only if they trust Him with their lives.

I am asked to forgive others because in that lies my own forgiveness. Offence by people is a regular process of life, and people will generally step on your toes, sometimes unknowingly. It is important that I remember what I have received by the blood of Christ, so i can extend the same grace to other people. All these commands remind me of one simple truth: my relationship with men is a mirror of my relationship with God. Everything I do down here reflects what I should also expect from God.

If God were to make a demand on my life today, what would I tell or show Him?

Right Match!

Right Match!

For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous--being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. ROMANS 10:10 AMP

Today's extract simply addresses the process and consequences of salvation. What does it all mean? It is simply a meeting or agreement between my heart and my lips; my inner and outer man, my confession and my profession. Nowhere is there a reference to anything valuable I must bring; or anything I must do to deserve the prize made available; all that is required is a believing heart and a confessing mouth.

Why is a believing heart important? It is because that is the seat of all lasting decisions. Unless and until I believe in something so deep, it is likely that the next big thing can sway me off my feet. But when I am certain of who I have come to know, staying focused is easy. It is in the heart where a conviction of sin occurs; and it is in there that the life decision must be made.

Being made free of the guilt of sin happens right there in the heart, and it is there that the work of regeneration starts, when new priorities and pursuits are birthed in me. The mouth is the outward manifestation of the inner conviction, and I believe that is why it is mentioned last. I make confessions on what I have come to believe, and it is a testimony that the world will take notice of. When my priorities change, the world will note it, when the things I take as important also change, the world will take note.

When both are aligned, salvation is sealed. There is no price tag; no drain on material resources. If there was a price, maybe the rich of the world would kill to get it if they knew its eternal consequences. God makes it all free: freely given to us, and every one will be held accountable for whatever decision s/he makes. The choices are made clear; I must choose right. His time of favour is here.

The Password 2

The Password 2

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Psalm 37:4 AMPC

As usual, David speaks here out of a personal encounter with God. A man's public testimony is a major reflection of his private life of devotion and encounter to and with God. You can't fake it; it is either you have it or you don't. The world has its delights, and it seeks to make them appealing to the people in the world.

The world defines success and impact by those delights, and natural man craves those things, and would sometimes sacrifice the eternal for the sake of temporal and earthly pleasures. The charge here is to delight in God, not anything else. When God is the delight, every other thing loses significance. When God is the focus, all other things pale in comparison or in importance.

What does it mean to delight in God? Could it mean that God is the only priority and focus of my life? Could it mean that I crave his word, his touch, his gentle voice? Could it mean that I strive to serve others through the gifts He has given me? When God takes over a heart, he leaves room for nothing else. If I am able to 'serve' God and still serve the world, then maybe what I hold isn't the real thing after all. The blessing of delighting in God is also made obvious. When your inner life loves the things of God, God sorts out the issues of your outer physical life.

When God is my only priority, God takes care of my life's priorities. When God is the focus, my heart will always seek after the things God loves and desires. If all I pursue are things I can see and spend, God has no place in my heart, and he will not share my heart with anyone or anything else. I must sort out the demands of my heart and know the difference between the important, the necessary and the absolute. God is the absolute; every other thing is secondary. His time of favour is here.

Revelation!

Revelation!

‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.’ JEREMIAH 33:3 AMP

This message came to Jeremiah, at a time when he was locked up in the king's prison simply for speaking the truth as given by God. There is absolutely no guarantee that being sent by God automatically makes the path ahead smooth. As long as God's divine message remains unpopular to the mind yet to surrender to God, you will find violent opposition to the Word of God. The issue for consideration will be whether I am ready to bear whatever comes in the course of serving God.

God's message to Jeremiah is simple: 'call to me'. It is as simple as that. He is found on the highest mountains of joy and ecstasy, as well as in the deepest valleys of despair and disappointment. All I need to do is call out, and he has promised to hear and heed. He has not put a time or place limit on the call; it is an open invitation. An assurance of a response by God is also provided, which means that when I deal with God, I deal with someone with a clear purpose about what he wants from me. He wants to talk with me, wants to show me the great things that are ahead, he wants to define where I fit in those plans.

The secret things belong to God, and he decides who to show them to. If I learn to sit at his feet, to call out to him on a daily basis, to search out his Word on a regular basis, I will discover great things about God. God's greatest treasures are not found on the surface, where you discover them by accident; they are products of a sincere, deliberate and continuous search, where an hunger for God will not be filled by anything else, except that God himself.

Can this be said about me at the moment? Can God entrust the deep, secret, precious and amazing plans of His into my heart? His time of favour is here.

Facts; Truth

Facts; Truth

For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations. PSALM 100:5 AMP

3 statements in today's extract; 1 central Truth, and supporting statements. The Lord is good. There are situations in life that may make you question the truth of that statement, but it does not take anything away from its truth. Nothing I believe, say or do can change that truth, and nothing that happens to me in this physical, earthly realm can change that truth. It does not mean that 'bad' things will not happen, but it depends on whose perspective you are looking at life from. If I focus on what I think, then it will be difficult to see the good God can bring out of what I call bad, but if I see from God's perspective, there is no doubt that nothing ends up bad, if it is committed into His hands.

His mercy and loving kindness are everlasting. God's blessings are always generational, as He has too much in store not to be able to outlast anyone or anything.  When I read through the Bible, I see ordinary men and women who through simple faith, sealed mercy for their generations yet unborn. David, Abraham and Joseph are good examples. There are things man will do to deserve judgment, yet God will give second chances, only because he's not interested in the death of a sinner. When I am tempted to think there is any good in me, or that I am blessed because of the good i have always done, I need to remind myself that I stand only by the mercy of God.

His faithfulness endures to all generations. It is his nature to be faithful, and he doesn't depend on any man to be who He is. It is his nature that guarantees that I can face the future with hope that all will be well. It was a reminder of God's faithfulness that made Abraham leave the known for the unknown, because he knew better things were ahead. The same God still calls for men today; men who will hold Him at his Word and nature, and see Him do mighty things. He longs to show his power, because only then would the world know the difference, but how does he do anything, if those who should show him off don't even know what they have in and through Him?

Do you know this Lord? Does he know you as His own? His time of favour is here.

Owned!

Owned!

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19‭-‬20 KJV

I have heard this argument several times: 'nothing I do with this body matters; after all, the body is going back to dust.' People who make this assertion want to have a defence for how the body is used. Unfortunately, human diseases are the loudest testament to the fact that it really matters how the body is used. If this is true about regular daily life, imagine just how true this will be for the spiritual life, and today's extract is both a statement of fact and a question in that light.

In case i have forgotten, and I believe the lie of the devil that I own my life and can do whatever I like with it, I am reminded again that everything in me was given as an investment. It was never mine in the first place, and I am bound to give account of all I have been given. Today's extract talks about the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit. Take a picture of the old temple, it was the physical structure that God chose to inhabit; it was His Presence that made it no ordinary place. However, when sin came into the land, Babylonians came and completely destroyed the temple, carting away all its treasures. It does matter what I do with this body.

A price was paid for me to stand where I am now; this new life is a continuation of God's original plan. His breath was given and his Spirit imparted into me, and I am mandated to glorify God through my body and spirit, which belong to God. If God says my body belongs to Him, who else can say otherwise? If God makes a demand on my life now, and says I should come for judgment, can I truly defend the things I have been doing? Fortunately for me, it is never too late to return to the original plan; with God, the door of mercy is never shut. I may be living with the consequences of my past decisions, but they should not define my present walk and my future. God wants to take charge and direct my life, so that the purpose of the life He gave me would be fulfilled. His time of favour is here.

Light!

Light!

Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” JOHN 8:12 AMP

As always, Jesus would always address the foundations of life in ways that make it easy for us to see what we stand to gain or lose, depending on our reaction to what He says. As always, everywhere Jesus went, there was always a crowd around him. Some came for what they could get, some came because they knew who He was; what would be your reason for accepting or rejecting Jesus?

A statement of fact is made in today's extract, and it is Jesus referring to Himself as the Light of the world. First, it could only mean that the world is in darkness. It does not matter how enlightened or educated the world is; there is more to life than technological innovation and AI; when all of these things pass away with time and are replaced by even more advanced things, what will I be left with, if they were all I had? Jesus calls himself the Light of the world, because there is more to this earthly phase than we could ever imagine, and only in and through Him would life be worth living.

He longs to guide, he longs to lead, he wants to show me the right path that leads to life. This present earthly life is full of uncertainty and evil; everywhere you turn, the signs of the end of time stare back at you. Can I continue to hold on to the temporal comforts of this world, ignoring the realities of eternal life? Can I dare ignore the silent voice in my heart, warning me to take hold of true life, before this present life ceases?

Having Jesus in me secures true life. My life was not built to end, and one way or another, it will continue either in heaven or hell. He gives me the options, and asks me to follow Him; he won't force himself on me,  but he desires my heart and life. As he spoke to the crowd back then, he speaks to all of us today: "Come to me". Would I heed? His time of favour is here.

One Mind!

One Mind!

Now may the God who gives endurance and who supplies encouragement grant that you be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify and praise and honor the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ROMANS 15:5‭-‬6 AMP

There is something amazing about the God who calls us to Himself and there is also something mysterious about the grace upon the church, the representation of all Christ is and should be upon the earth. God is many things at the same time, but presented in today's extract as the one who gives endurance and also supplies encouragement. Why is this important? Could it mean that nowhere else can a man learn patience except in God? Could it mean that nothing else can give a man courage and strength to face the day except the grace that only God can give in full and abundant measure? He allows the trials to teach us patience and other virtues, but he also supplies the encouragement to stand up under the experiences.

Why is this endurance and encouragement so important? Is it because the race ahead of us requires us to be fully reliant on God? Could it be that just ahead of us are trials and tests of faith, things that may raise questions in our minds? Could it be that past testimonies of God's grace and power would help us stay the course and hold on to God? When I have settled the inner, then the outer falls in place. When God has the inner in his control, the outer must follow suit. Being of one mind with several other people is only possible when there is one person reigning and ruling in the hearts of all these people. It does not mean you have no opinion of your own, but you have placed  the good of all over and above your own.

There is nothing easy about all that God commands, but he supplies grace that makes it all possible. Imagine the power that is made available when millions speak in the same voice or agree on the same thing. Imagine the praise and thanksgiving that will go up to God when men see people of several races and cultures speak of the grace of God. Imagine the impact my life will have if I'm able to join hearts, hands and voice with other people to testify of the power, love and grace that God alone can birth and sustain in and through me.

If indeed I have received comfort from God, it will show in my interactions with other people. If truly I am encouraged in my union with Christ, it will show in my union with other people. Can I truly say that I have met with this God of patience and comfort? His time of favour is here.

The Password!

The Password!

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Psalms 100:4 KJV

As I read this passage, I am reminded of the picture of the tabernacle God asked Moses to set up, with strict warnings to build it exactly as God showed him. In the New Testament, we read that the old tabernacle and its practices was just a shadow of the real deal that God was preparing. What are those things that made the old tabernacle so special?

First, God gave clear instructions as to what should be used for the gates. There had to be a curtain, about 30 feet wide, which was taller than anyone in all Israel, and had to be parted by all who came in to worship. All had to go in through the curtain: priest, prophet and people. It had nothing to do with class, prestige, wealth or connections; all used the same opening. Access is given freely to all men today. I can't buy access with money. The gate also faced a particular direction, and anyone who desired to approach God had to go in the direction of the gate.

The access into the gate is thanksgiving, as seen in today's extract. It is the one thing that secures you access into those courts, where you meet with God and get answers to your many requests. The gates and the court under the old tabernacle represent the place of meeting with God, where men brought sacrifices to atone for sins. Under the new dispensation, rather than blood and bulls, God demands thanksgiving and praise  as the passwords. Under this new dispensation, we speak about sacrifice of praise, and thank offerings, which get God's attention like nothing else can.

So God calls me to draw near, and all I need is the right password into his Presence. He's not asking for blood or bulls; all he's asking for is the right heart, one full of praise & thanksgiving, an acknowledgement of his power, might and authority. When I apply the password, I open up the treasures of his Presence and can access the greatness, glory and grace only He can provide and sustain. His time of favour is here.

Testify!

Testify!

I will give thanks and praise the Lord, with all my heart; I will tell aloud all Your wonders and marvelous deeds. PSALM 9:1 AMP

Again, we see David expressing a decision to offer praise and thanks to God. There is something about the life God has given us that demands that we offer something of value back to God. When I take stock of all that has gone before me, or the things that are happening at the moment, it is almost impossible not to find reasons to be very grateful. If I am unable to find even one good reason why I would offer praise and thanks to God, then maybe I am blind, deaf and dead to the realities of the grace and mercy I have received from God.

David is a classical example of the lesson on praise, no matter what comes. For me, is my life an offering of thanksgiving and praise to God? Do men have to cajole me into gratitude or does it flow willingly out of my heart and life? You see, it does not matter what I tell myself; if it is not from a sincerely grateful heart, I am not sure God will accept. Everywhere you turn to in the Bible, you find accounts of men who either served God with all their hearts, or men who have halfhearted devotion. Check out the end of either group, and you will know that if it is not total, it is not accepted.

Is all my heart given over to God, or are there areas I am holding on to tightly, afraid to let go? David also was willing and ready to testify aloud about God's mighty works. You see, routine is the greatest danger to a life of thanksgiving. You get to wake up every day, go to work/school and all seems well. You get so used to the routine that it stops to amaze you. That's the danger. May I never get so used to God and his mercies that I take them for granted. May I not be so full of myself that God has no place to work in and through me. May I not be so full of complaints and grumblings that men cannot see God in me. My life was made for God's glory, and my life is only lived well if it leads men to praise God. His time of favour is here.

Faithful God!

Faithful God!

O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise and give thanks to Your name; For You have done miraculous things, Plans formed long, long ago, [fulfilled] with perfect faithfulness. ISAIAH 25:1 AMP

First and foremost, nothing I do can change the identity, power, wisdom, authority and dominion of God himself. He is higher than the highest king, and greater than all of the great men of the world put together. However, there is a decison that becomes personal to me in this walk, and it is that I make God the Lord of my life. God is God, but when He becomes personal, he becomes my Lord, Master and Saviour. He longs to have a personal encounter with me, because only then can I truly appreciate his worth and the work he does in and through me.

The writer here also knew the appropriate response to God. For this writer, praise and thanksgiving were due to God. These are the natural outflow from a life with a deep understanding of the power and grace that God can input into that life. When I sit down in those quiet times to reflect on my life, what do I recall? Do i remember the days when God came through for me, even in the midst of the fiercest storms? Do I even remember how the winds were made calm by God, even when all hope seemed lost? Do I even record any of God's dealings with me, or have I simply come to take them for granted?

There are indeed several things to praise and thank God for, but today's extract speaks on something fundamental: the efficacy of God's Word. There is nothing He says that is said in vain; you have the greatest power anywhere in the universe made manifest by the Word of God, and because it is against God's nature to lie or change his mind, I have the assurance that if he said it, it is coming to pass. Years make no difference; we count in years because we are limited by time; God counts by His Word, because time and circumstances are under his control and they answer to Him. In an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, every purpose of His heart is established.

That is the God I am called upon today to praise. Have you met this God? Does He know you as His own? His time of favour is here.

God's Help 2

God's Help 2

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. So will I bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. PSALM 63:3‭-‬4 AMP

David again in trouble. Well, this time, it was not due to any thing bad he had done, but you could also argue that some of his past sins were catching up with him. Here was a man who has cunningly taken over another man's wife; not just any man, but one who was faithfully serving in his army. He had slept with the wife, plotted the death of the soldier-husband and had moved the woman into his palace.

Men didn't know the full details; God knew all that had happened, and punishment duly followed. With God, there is nothing like favouritism. You don't get away with sin, simply because you are a faithful and worthy servant, or because you work hard for God. David was running away from his own son, Absalom, and God had already promised that all that David in secret to another man's wife would be done in full view of all Israel to his own wives. Sin always has a high price.

For David, the reality of the punishment for sin had come, but it didn't take anything away from who God is. Nothing I go through changes who God is. David was able to see God's lovingkindness, even in the most distressing circumstances. When things go wrong, how do I see? What do I see? Do I look so long on the problems, admiring the enormity of the problem, or do I recall the amazing power and might of the God who is called the Lord God Almighty? Who and how I see determine what I get.

David knew the secret of getting God's attention, and he offered God praise so often that you could ascribe a song/psalm to all of David's recorded experiences. When trials make a demand on your life, what would your life produce: praise or complaints; thankagiving or rebellion? The choice is mine; his time of favour is here.

God's Help!

4God's Help!

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head. PSALM 3:3 AMP

It appears that David the Psalmist was always in trouble, but it is also amazing that some of the most distressing situations of his life led to some of the most emotional songs from David. For David, his priorities were known from his focus, which was always God. He didn't always do well, but he always found his way back. For me, when troubles come, where do I go? Troubles will definitely come; nowhere does God promise an easy ride; but the promise of his Presence and Power is the greatest thing a man can have.

Check out the names God is referred to here: a shield, glory, honour and the lifter of heads. You can't refer to the glory of man outside the One who is the God of Glory. All that man has- possessions, connections, influence, prestige and power are all a mist; here now, gone the next moment. Men who were called 'great' at a time have been consigned to the dustbin of history, whilst other men are making their own stories at the moment. If my life will indeed be defined as making impact or of any use, my experience of God has got to be its defining moment.

If there was never any danger, you will never appreciate the value of a shield. The shield is a protective/defensive weapon, though in some instances, it can be used as a weapon. If God is your shield, you have both an offensive and a defensive weapon. You have someone who protects you from harm and also fights on your behalf. When my head drops due to stress, trials and troubles, he's there to lift me up. One amazing thing about God is that if he's the one doing the lifting, there is no limit to the great things that are ahead. If man does the lifting, the best you get is the height of the man's hands. Who's your defence? What's  holding you up? Who's sustaining your life? His time of favour is here.