On Guard!

Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 AMPC

Again, we are reminded that we are in a fight. Let no one be deceived into thinking that this would be easy, a walk in the park, a piece of cake. Paul who wrote these words down understood what his call entailed. Here he was, practically looking at some soldiers who were guarding him in prison, and whilst others would have been moaning their fate, he was picking eternal lessons from his experiences. What my life produces will always be guided by my inner convictions and the quality of my sight. What do you see, or rather, How do you see?

You don't put on part of the armour and think you are okay. It is a whole package, and if any part is missing, you expose yourself to danger. If you read further, all the parts are highlighted. Each part of the body, except the bare back, is covered by a piece of the armour. No part of the armour is a burden, as each part was specifically designed and crafted to meet a particular need in battle. While I fight, God backs me up. He is there leading the fight, working through me. When I turn my back, I deny his power to save and sustain, and I am vulnerable to the devil's arrows.

Nobody can fashion a good alternative for you; only what is supplied by God will last and function properly. Degrees, possessions, connections and talents are all good, but they do not and cannot replace the God connection. The battles that will come cannot be won with grammar or cash, as it is an eternal battle for the souls of men. It is a battle that will determine the eternal destination of mankind, where WHAT you have will not count, only WHO you know.

The evil days are coming; in fact, they are here. The devil is all out, seeking whom to destroy. His mandate is to steal, kill and destroy. All of God's standards are being attacked by the devil. If you let him, he will take a life. Please don't ever think you can outsmart the devil; he's been in the business of deceit long before any of us was born. Only in and through God is anyone safe. Only in and through God can a man stand, resist and fight. These are the facts: if you are following God truly, you are in a war. You have an enemy to fight, and the price for the fight is eternity. You fight under God's banner and the rules, strategy and materials are guided and provided by him. How are you standing? In whom are you standing? When your identity and ownership are settled, then the question of your impact and victory are also settled. His time of favour is here.

Comfort, Like No Other!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 AMPC

When a man makes a claim, you want to examine his credentials to find out if he is qualified to make those claims. You look at Paul's life and you know that whatever he says comes from a lifetime of experience.  You will wonder why a man so used of God in mighty ways should have difficult times. That's my first lesson- being called and backed up by God does not insure you against difficult times. Difficult times WILL come, but what will make the difference will be the content of the inner man.

What is in your inner man? Does God hold a claim to your heart or you are fully in charge of your life and destiny? Does God rule and reign or have you devised a sharing formula whereby God holds a part and you hold on to the rest? God is introduced here as the God of all comfort, consolation and encouragement. In this day and age when men want a God who gives them what they want, when they want it and without stress, it is difficult to understand the kind of God being introduced here. But that is the God Paul knew. What kind of god are you holding on to? What kind of God do you know?

How you scale the hurdles ahead will be determined by your ownership structure and the quality of your inner convictions. If you are looking for the kind of comfort and convenience the world offers, Paul's God does not guarantee that. If you are looking for earthly impact without heavenly backing, this God does not give that. For all he gives, he tests. He allows the trials to come, so I can be prepared for the greater heights he is taking me to. He allows the trials, so that through them, I mature to the man he wants me to be.

Of course, no lesson from God is wasted. Whatever he teaches me, he wants me to pass it to others. I don't just receive God's comfort and hoard it; It must show in my interactions with other people. My life must show that I have met with God. People must meet the God I follow, unless the God I follow and serve is not the true One. He is always there to help, comfort, hold and uphold. Can I trust him with my life? Can you trust him with yours? His time of favour is here.

Love Like God!

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

The present world system is built on a false sense of worth. Since the fall of man, man has always strived to keep up appearances and to pretend that all was well. We have found ways and means to deceive people, as we say something with our lips but mean the very opposite by the way we act. Just as we have found a way to corrupt everything that is Godly, so have we found a way to dilute the very essence of God himself, which is love. We use the word 'LOVE' so loosely these days that it has lost its meaning. Even when people engage in sexual immorality, it is called 'making love'.

With God, it does not matter what you call it; it is how God defines it that counts. Today's extract warns against pretence and hypocrisy. It is easy to confess love with the lips, but it is a difficult thing to profess it through our lives. The perfect example did not just say it, he showed it to us by his life, when he gave up what was his to take up what wasn't his, so we could become what he is. All through his earthly ministry, his heart of love showed through his interaction with the leaders of his day, the disciples who followed him, and those who opposed him. The reaction was the same. Nobody was so far gone that s/he was beyond his grace.

Today, we weigh and judge people by their perceived status. We are slow to help people who seem to be beneath our own status, whilst we seek the attention of people who we feel can pull us up to their own level. Sometimes, we pretend to care so we can get something out of someone or a situation, or we behave in a certain way so we can gain an advantage from that situation. Yet, we forget that with God, there is no secret that will not be revealed, and no motive that will not be judged.

Today and always, remember you are dealing with a God of complete knowledge, One who created the heart and knows all its secrets. All I do is laid bare before him, and he sees beyond the WHAT into the WHY behind my thoughts and actions. As I go out today, I must remember to love as God commands. That is His way to reach the world through me. Can he count on me and you? His time of favour is here.

Soon!

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 AMPC

Take a look at the present state of affairs and tell me what you think is good enough to take with you into the next life. From the days after the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, it has been a series of  misfortunes after the other, as the devil has taken hold of the world's system and turned it into his arena. Man has found novel ways to hurt himself and other people, we have made advancement in technology, both to human advantage and detriment. We have found solutions to fatal diseases, yet discovered ways and means of mass murders. Technology has made communication easier, yet it has only emphasised the emotional distance between us as human beings. Check out the effects of poverty, hunger, disease and sin all over the world, and you will understand the context of today's extract.

A day is coming soon when the old order of things will be done away with completely. A day is coming soon when  every reminder of pain, weakness and sin will be permanently removed. A day is coming when the results of sin, which is death, would be swallowed up by the Life that is available only in the One referred to as Life himself. Grief, pain, sorrow, mourning and anguish would have been stripped of their power to hurt, and life will be the only option.

There is a catch: the plan is for everyone, but the reality of the experience is for those who 'win the victory', who remain steadfast to the end, who hold on to God even in their sufferings. Remember, it is not only about starting well; it is very important that I hold on to the very end. The end is where the reward is. Just as it is in God's usual manner to warn ahead of time, he also indicates those who will not get the reward: 'cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practise magic, those who worship idols, and all liars'.

On which side of the eternal divide are you on presently? Does God know you as his own? Can you truly say that in you, the old has given way to the new in preparation for the amazing and permanent blessings the new life has in store? Your answers will reverberate all through eternity, so you have to make sure. His time of favour is here.

He Knocks!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me. Revelation 3:20 AMPC

Let's put today's extract in context. This was written to a church in Laodicea, where people were comfortable in the assumption that all was well. They saw themselves as wealthy, comfortable and in need of nothing. No matter who you are, what you have or become, you can never outgrow your need for God. No man gets anything outside of God, and whatever you amass outside of him will always mess you up at the end of the day.

God gave a verdict: the church was lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, and he was going to spew them out of his mouth. It doesn't matter what people say about you; it is what God says about you that counts. Men may applaud; is God also approving? Men may scorn and mock, but if God is backing me up, it does not really matter then what people say or think. His verdict is based on truth, not hypocrisy or flattery. He shows me my condition, and gives grace so that I can take the right decision.

And he knocks. It does not matter how long I have been in or around church; what really matters is who is occupying the seat of your heart. Remember, this wasn't written to outsiders but to people who claimed to know the truth. Before it is too late, I must check my priorities and pursuits, and ask God for grace to open up my heart to him. He has promised to come in and make a 'feast' out of my life. He wants to be involved in the tiniest detail of my life. He invites me to join him at the table, where he is present and ever ready to give grace in abundance. What more could I want? What else can any man give me?

Can I take a honest assessment of myself today? Can I ask myself honest questions in the light of God's standards and can I accept the verdict? Do I see myself as God sees me, or do I have a false image of myself? One day soon, I will stand before the One who judges truly; then people's opinions about me will not matter. His time of favour is here.

Free?

For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. Galatians 5:13 AMPC

Like the Galatians then, the same message applies now. We are fed the fallacy that being in Christ means we are above every rule and regulation. We take the liberty we have been assured of in Christ and turn it into a license to live as we please. What is the balanced view? I believe that as followers of Christ, what we have been given is the freedom, liberty and grace to choose to follow Christ out of our own free will, free from the shackles of sin brought on by the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, free from the limitations of self and free to follow Christ wherever he leads. That's the definition of freedom from God's perspective.

Every other liberty we enjoy or crave, contrary to God's definition, leads nowhere. As long as the flesh is allowed to thrive, whatever I hold on to isn't freedom as defined by God. If I still pursue my own desires, dreams and goals, I am not truly free. If all I seek is self glory and honour, or the pursuit of my own happiness at the expense of other people, then what I have isn't freedom. Let no man deceive you into thinking that God has called you to a life of ease. Nowhere did God ever promise he would make your life easy; what he has always promised is that no matter what may come, you have life.

In that understanding, I live to impact others. In that understanding, I look beyond what I want to what God wants. I see other people in the light of God's eyes, and seek how I can be a blessing to others. It is never always about money, but about making eternal investments in the lives of others. Investments that will outlive you are worth it, and carry in them the life seed that will continue to bear fruit long after you are gone.

A man who is truly free cares nothing about impressing others. A man who is truly free isn't bothered by what people say. Love is the motivating factor, love is the highest pursuit and love is the foundation of everything s/he touches. Can that be said of me? Can that be said of you? His time of favour is here.

Train Right!

Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future. 1 Timothy 4:8 GNB

Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. 1 Timothy 4:8 MSG

I'm encouraged to strike the right balance between physical and spiritual exercise. Both have good ends, as both lead to a healthy life. However, one has value beyond the physical, and only adequate knowledge and understanding of the benefits will keep the heart rightly focused.

What is the place of physical exercise? It helps to keep the body in shape, ensures that blood pumps right, every part is nourished right and the whole body functions well. I also note that physical exercise also includes eating right. Of what use is a healthy workout immediately followed by junk and unhealthy food?

As you keep up the pace of regular exercise, you discover your body responds accordingly. Muscles are firmer, body is healthier, you are able to take on more tasks than you could before. Is there an equivalent of these in the spiritual? What constitutes spiritual exercise? How do I build spiritual muscles? Of fundamental importance is God's Word, as well as speaking the same words back to him in prayer. Of importance too is fellowship with other people, where there can be mutual benefits, as iron will sharpen iron, and lives can be blessed. As I engage in all these activities, I build myself up in faith, I grow in my understanding of who God is and what he desires and I am guided in my thoughts, relationships and actions.

Keep an eye on the benefit indicated in today's extract: 'promises life both for the present and the future'. What could be bigger or better than this? Of what use is my pursuit/race if everything just ends here? Why do I deny myself so many things if there is nothing to look forward to? If it were all for this present life, I might as well just live well, live as I please and go when my time is up. But, as God as established it, it is beyond the now. The NOW is only a preparation for the future, and everything I do now will speak in eternity. As I exercise in the physical, so must I build spiritual muscles for the life to come. As I strive for mastery in the physical, so must I strive for mastery in the spiritual, learning about God, living for him and preparing for the life to come.

The day will soon come, when there will be an end to physical exercise. All that will count will be the eternal investments I have made. Check your stock profile today: what's your status? If God were to demand an account today, what will be your balance? His time of favour is here.

Convinced!

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

When I read verses like this above, I go back and check my priorities and pursuits. Are they in line with the theme of today's extract? Paul wrote down these words out of personal experience and God's dealings with him. He had come through various experiences- had been beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, maybe at this time bitten by a snake, yet he was convinced, beyond any doubt, that God got his back. You don't say things like these if you are not sure of your ownership and assignment. You do not say things like this from the head; it is a product of God's direct dealing.

The foundation is being in God. When you are in Him, every other experience, no matter how unpalatable, has to go through him to get to you. If he does not sanction it, it does not hit you. If it comes, he has carefully crafted it to do you good and build your up. That's the functional direction of the latter part of today's extract, which talks about the unlimited love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. That is the place to be. It does not matter what the world promises you; if you are not located right, you are not entitled. Sonship is the path to inheritance; every other way is just circumstantial.

Paul had settled it in his mind that come what may, even death, he was covered by love. What if life is taken, like Stephen? What if I speak the truth and I am rejected, like John the Baptist? What if I come with love, and men respond with hate, like Jesus himself? Would my external circumstances determine my internal security? Even when the present is threatening, and the future is uncertain, I hold on to the eternal truth that I am safe in God's hand, no matter what else comes. I settle the question of my location first, then every other thing, like circumstances, experience and trials, are taken care of.

Everything else is temporary, of this earth, and with an expiry date. Only the love of God for me will last through this side of eternity and even into the eternity to come. I hold on to his love, and I know that with his love, I can overcome every other thing that will come. His time of favour is here.

Commissioned for Exploits!

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 AMPC

Before you step out into battle, be sure you are following your commanding officer. The reason why armies promote officers to Generals is because of their experience in strategy, warfare, peacekeeping and similar projects. You don't post an inexperienced man in front of an army if men going to war. In the same way, understand that this present life is a warfare, and only those who are led in the right way and by the right person stand a chance of survival.

Joshua had seen Mises fight, and had supported war as well as espionage efforts himself, but he had never had to lead the people until now. It was natural that he would be afraid. God had to assure him over and over that he would be with him. Before you venture into ANYTHING, you have got to have that clear lead that God is the inspiration. Days of doubt, fear and uncertainty will come, but when you remember that you clearly heard God speak, you can press on in his power and get sure of victory. So, who sent you on this particular assignment you are on NOW? Before you set out, be sure that when you are asked, you can say with confidence that indeed: 'God commanded me'.

We can also claim the promise of God's presence, but I think it is not a promise made in a vacuum. Don't read the last part of today's extract and ignore the former. Even God had to turn away his eyes from his Son as he bore the sins of the world on the cross, so don't expect that God will break the rule for you because you are special. Don't toy with sin, and expect that God will gloss it over and reward you. His standards have always been the same, from the days of Abraham and David to these days of the mighty move of His Spirit. He hasn't changed one bit, no matter how much of the world around me wants to mold me to fit into its pattern.

And by the way, divine commission does not just happen; you must be prepared for it. Joshua had served Moses faithfully for 40 years. Can I submit to people who seem to be inferior to me? Can I forget who I am and simply allow the gifts of God to flow through me to bless other people? Can God commit great assignments into my hands, confident that I will be faithful? My impact is determined first by the one backing me up, not necessarily by my education, connections or possession. His time of favour is here.

Walking Right!

He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity, That He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints. Proverbs 2:7‭-‬8 AMPC

When dealing with God, I cannot come to him first with a sense of entitlement. It is first a function of relationship, then entitlement. What I read here today is that in God are hidden the deep treasures of wisdom and only in and through Him are the treasures unleashed. You can read all the books on  earth and attend the best schools;  there is no guarantee you will be any better then. What I must focus in and expend my energy on must be a diligent search for God, and the treasures being in Him gives.

God hides away wisdom because not everyone can handle it. Know this: Jesus is called the Wisdom and Power of God, so that should tell you something. He stores it up for those who have made him their Lord and Master, who have surrendered control to Him. He protects all who come to him, and deals with them justly. Let me quickly add that what I may call 'justice' may not be God's idea of justice, but I must learn to let go and let God work as he pleases.

When things happen that I don't understand, can I trust that God knows what he's doing? Even when life is lost without warning, do I come away fully assured that God is still in control? I can only imagine how Stephen, a man filled with the Holy Spirit, must have felt when men rejected and stoned him, yet God was there, fully aware and fully in control. Where was the sense of justice when John the Baptist was beheaded like a common criminal? You read these things and you just must know that God does not let go, no matter what gets hold of us.

When I am in his hands, I am NOT promised protection FROM, but IN trials. He promises to preserve my ways, and how he does that is his prerogative, and if I do not accept his wisdom, then I claim I know better. Unless and until I can trust his wisdom and timing, I am not ready for his dealings.

Please note the people covered: the Righteous. It is not the rich, the connected, the high and mighty, but just the righteous. Am I one? Do my hopes, dreams, expectations and life depend solely on God or do I have 'viable' options? Your answer will determine your entitlement. His time of favour is here.

Roll On!

Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5 AMPC

When I read God's Word, do I go looking for what suits me, or do i take in the full message that his Word has? We tend to break God's Word down to bits, claiming the parts that are easy, whilst choosing to ignore the parts that place responsibilities on us. We want to be blessed, we know the scriptures that speak on blessings, and we quote them daily. We must also remember that all of God's blessings have conditions attached to them, and they can only become real when we deal with God on his terms, not ours.

Look at today's extract. It ends with a blessing, stating that God will bring all our plans to pass. It does not start from there. It is a function of the One who is holding you up, the One who is pulling the strings and making things happen behind the scenes. First, I am required to commit my way to the Lord. What does that entail: it is to ROLL and REPOSE each care on God. When I roll it to him, I don't have strength to hold on to it. I don't go back and take it away from him.

Secondly, when I leave it all in his hands, I must trust that his power and grace is sufficient to take care of everything. I leave it all in his hands; after all, I couldn't make it happen by myself in the first place. The major focus of the devil's temptation of Adam and Eve was to take their eyes off God and to get them to focus on themselves and what they could get and become. That has been the strategy of the  devil ever since, and he is always seeking ways to keep our gaze focused on ourselves, our problems, our circumstances, forgetting that God's help is always available, if only we ask.

The combination of committing ALL into God's hand, and trusting him to sort them out is the secret to the blessing. How would you enjoy God's blessings and favour if you are focused on the problems and the circumstances? How can God prove himself if I have not learnt to trust him with the burdens? Before I can claim the promise, I must relate with the Giver of the promise. I cannot take the gift if the Giver does not even know me as his own. I cannot claim the benefit if I have not paid the price.

As I go through life, difficult situations will come, but the only way of escape and victory is by surrender and trust. That helplessness is the way to God's unbelievable help. Trust him today, for his time of favour is here.

Even Though!

Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. PSALM 23:4 AMP

The one sure way I can fully understand what is at stake here is to read today's extract in context. This is a popular psalm that I am sure many of us know by heart, while so many can recite the whole chapter. That is not the problem. What is at stake here is a question of relationship, not memory. What today's extract underscores is a matter of the heart, not the head.

In the same chapter, you see the work of the Shepherd, who provides for the sheep. He leads the sheep to still waters, provides food and shelter and protection and guidance for the sheep. If that was all there was, I'm not sure the sheep will appreciate the value of the Shepherd. If it was all fine and I had all I needed when I needed it, would I truly know the value of the Shepherd?

As I read today's extract, I realise that 'bad' days will come. The days of darkness, when I do not know what to do or where to turn will come. God does not promise a ride free of trials; what he promises is His Presence as the good Shepherd. Note that the identity of the Shepherd is not in doubt here. In all the 6 verses, no matter WHAT the experience was, or WHERE the Shepherd led, the Who of the Shepherd was always there. Big lesson: wherever life may take you or bring your way, make sure you have the Person and Power of the Shepherd with you at all times.

Oh, those days will come. How would you switch allegiance to God and expect that the devil will not fight to take you back? Have you ever seen a man on assignment for God without stories to tell? Valley experiences, death threats and numerous trials are a part of the walk, and the one who is truly safe is the one who has the true Shepherd on his side. It is not a matter of IF but WHEN. I cannot escape it, unless I live a life of compromise.

As you go out today and this week, please make sure you are adequately protected. It is not in high walls or Ivy League education, but in the everlasting arms of the good Shepherd. My confidence in God's ability is a function of my knowledge of Him and connection to Him. I don't resist his rod and staff, because u know he knows the way, and I will do well to follow. He watches over my life so I will do well to listen when he speaks and move when he leads. That is the path to eternal protection and life. Am I connected? His time of favour is here.

Proof of Life!

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

In other versions, today's extract comes in form of a question, and it is: 'Who is wise and understanding among you?' That is an eternal question all of us must answer, and it really does not matter what you say about yourself. The true answer will be the evidence of your life.

James asked the people of his day the same question. They were in the church, not outside. It means that where I am located is not the issue; it is first about who I am located in and connected to. If a man is to answer the question on wisdom, there is only one place where the answer lies, and it is in Christ, who is called the WISDOM and the POWER of God. Deep words. If a man will be truly wise, he must start from the foot of the cross.

And the answer is revealed by the fruits and impact of my life. I can say the right words, act all nice on the outside, but when I have understanding, I know when I am dealing with God, I must keep away from pretence. People can stand up and applaud, but I must also be sure that God approves of my life. There is a place for proof. The world will not accept anything works with proof, and my life has got to be the biggest proof. Can I truly say, in this moment, that i am proof of God's grace?

Check out the things listed: living with honour, doing good works, and staying humble. None of these things come before the part of wisdom and understanding, because without the latter, the former will just be a show of pretence and hypocrisy. When God knows me, my service makes sense. When God doesn't know me, my labour is but a colossal waste.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing NOW leads somewhere. God has already provided guidance on what to expect, and all I do now is a preparation for then. When men look at me, they must know that I have been with Jesus. My fruits must show a connection to the refreshing that comes only from God.

So, where are you located? His time of favour is here.

Taught by God!

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

Let it be known that man does not naturally lean towards what is good. We can convince ourselves of our morality or humanity, but from the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, we have exchanged God's nature in us for false alternatives from the devil, who sold us a lie that we could be like God, when we were already God's. We believed his lie, and it has been downhill from then. It doesn't matter how nice a man can be; the natural man is unregenerate, and only a personal encounter with God will change that story.

The Psalmist knew one fundamental truth: a man can only know God by being taught, not of his own accord. We didn't seek God out; God did. We ignored his leading and direction, yet he held out his hands to us, gave his only son for us, and continues to hold out his hands, hoping we will accept his gift of life. He longs to teach me his will, expressed in the person of his son, Jesus. He longs to share his life with me. He wants to be an integral part of my life, the essence of my being. He won't force himself on me; I have got to make that decision.

If I will please God, surrender is key. If I will fulfil God's purpose for my life, it will only be possible by surrender. Check out the lives of the people of old who pleased God, and learn the secret: they knew their limits, realised they couldn't make it on their own, and willingly surrendered control, authority and guidance to the one who knew the way. I must do the same.

Do I acknowledge God as God? Have I taken him as the one and only option, or do I have alternatives? God knows the state of our hearts and we cannot deceive him. As the perfect guide, His Spirit is willing and available to lead. His Spirit knows where we should go, what we should do and how we should speak. It's not about what is convenient, but about what God's perfect will is. The ground ahead is unpredictable, and i know nothing beyond this present moment.

You see, it is not for this time alone, but for the future that is ahead. It does not end here, but all I do NOW is a preparation for eternity. God does not do anything without reason, and as he invests in me, he expects adequate returns. Am I where he has placed and planted me? Am I actively seeking to know and do his will daily? Am I daily dependent on his Spirit for everything, or are there personal areas outside his influence that I am holding on to? What are the real answers to these questions in your life? His time of favour is here.

To the End!

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

As I live my life from day to day, it is important to ask the right questions and find the right answers, so I do not find myself on the wrong path, pursuing the wrong priorities and ending up in the wrong destination. With all the allure the world brings, it is easy to settle for the convenient, visible, tangible and rewarding. Unfortunately, with God, impact isn't measured in financial terms. The whole world may applaud you, yet God may be wondering if what you hold is from him or of your own making. That's the focus of today's extract.

First of all, I must ask myself if I am confident that what I hold on to is from God. Paul here was confident that what the church in Phillipi was holding on to was inspired by God. You can spend your whole life on the altar, yet get nothing from God. You can deny yourself all the worldly things, yet get no eternal reward, because it is not about what you do first of all; it is about the authority behind your actions. God only sustains whatever he ordains. You have read the frightening account of Jesus, where he said that not all who call him 'Lord, Lord', will enter into the kingdom of God. That should cause you to rethink your pursuits and priorities.

If God is the inspiration behind my perspiration, then I can be sure that he will sustain me to the end. We seem to have an idea of how that end should be: all glorious, plenty of applause, maximum visibility and impact. What if the place of my beginning is in an obscure place, away from the view of men who matter? What if nobody knows or cares who I am? Would I remain faithful? God is a faithful God, who does not abandon anyone he commissions. It is his work in the first place, and we are only vessels in his hands. As long as he is the one sending, he will always accompany and bless the work.

It does not matter what you encounter as you work for God. There will be trials and hard times, but it has been settled that all God does is good. You may not see it in the immediate, but it will always end good. As I hold on to God, I am confident that he will hold me to the very end. That end must be kept in proper perspective. What if danger comes? What if loss comes? Would I still trust his wisdom and power?

Hard questions, but I must learn to keep eternity in view. It does not end down here. The day of the Lord is coming, when he will RETURN, REQUIRE an accounting and REWARD all men based on his own terms, not man's. I had better be sure I am on the right track, doing the right thing and holding on to the right thing. The alternative is not worth considering. Grace never expires until it truly expires. His time of favour is here.

The Greatest!

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

Have you ever wondered why Love is seen as the greatest of all the graces/gifts talked about in the whole of 1 Corinthians 13? Why is it so important? Let's look at each one

Faith is seen as the minimum standard for a relationship with God. Without it, it has been said that a man cannot please God. Abraham is today referred to as the father of faith, based on his trust in God's promises. He held on to God, even when the realities around him spoke otherwise, and he received the fruits of his faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV

What does hope look like? The moment expectations are met, the heart is at rest. As long as there is something to aspire to, the heart holds on and keeps looking ahead. We have been promised eternal life, and as long as we are on this side of eternity,we can only look ahead with expectation, looking forward to what has been promised. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:24‭-‬25 NIV

What of love? This is the only one that is defined as the nature of God. Everywhere you see God at work, you find his love at work. You couldn't say the same for faith and hope. Love is first from and of God, before man could ever know, understand or show it to others. Faith is man's response to God's promises, hope is man's expectation of God's promises, but love can only pour out of a man who has encountered the person of love himself. You cannot show what you don't have, or speak of something you do not fully understand. This is the reason why Love is the greatest. It is the expression of God himself, his very nature, the basis of his relationship with us, and his empowerment for us to also live the same way with other people.

All three are important, but there is an end to faith and hope. Faith and hope only look good on this side of eternity, but when I see God face to face, my faith and hope no longer look so good. That will be the end of my pursuit. Love will continue on that side of eternity, because it is God's nature. So, I ask God to help me keep eternity in view. As I run my race, I ask for strength to run with wisdom. May I not focus my energy on the things that do not profit, whilst leaving out the things of eternal value. His time of favour is here.

All Things

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

This is a very familiar passage, one we usually quote when something unpalatable has happened. We see today's extract mostly in the light of encouragement in the face of misfortune. Is there any encouragement to take from today's extract?

Let's rearrange the words again in phases, starting from the end: 'for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose'. This is the control point. Everything in that verse falls on this truth. Your control point determines how you view life in the light of all that will come your way. If I take God as the only love of my life, if  his will is my only pursuit, if my heart is fixed on him alone, if I understand that I am not an accident, but a product of God's careful planning and strategy, I am assured that 'God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good'. God has already established his purpose and plan for me, long before even my parents were conceived. The Psalmist put it down so beautifully when he said in Psalm 139:16b: '.... all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.'

Do you see the link? What you see depends on who you know. Oh, you can do all the positive confessions, and claim all the promises in the Word of God; if God does not know you as his own, or you can't find your identity in God, it is likely that you may not enjoy the full benefits that have been promised. That is the first part of today's verse: 'And we know with great confidence'. You don't say things like that unless you are very sure of who you know, where you stand and where you are going.

As you read this again today, check your connection. Are you rightly connected? Does God know you as his own? Can you say with any sense of confidence and assurance that you know God is at work in your life? Are you even sure that you have not pledged your allegiance to self help measures, seeking to make it on your own terms? Review your life in the light of eternity. His time of favour is here.

Totally!

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

As I read today's extract, one thing that strikes me is an understanding of who God is and what he can do, as well as man's response to his understanding of God's ability. The verse before today's extract talks about the priesthood of Jesus, and the fact that his service is eternal. He isn't like the priests of old, who had a fixed term, and had to pass on the torch after physical death. Jesus lives forever and his service continues for as long as life remains. His sacrifice is good for all time, and its benefits are there for as many as would take it.

This brings me to the other part: man's bit. I look again at today's extract. What isn't in doubt is the fact that God is all powerful; the problem is whether I can trust my life into his hands. All through eternity, that question has been answered through the lives of the people we read about. We see men like Jabez, taking his case to God and receiving a destiny different from what his own parents established. We also see men like King Saul, good start, but a terrible end, as he sought to do things his own way.

Whichever way you look at it, two things are clear: God has got his own part to play, man has got his own part to play. God is able to save, and his power is not in doubt. In fact, there is nothing man can do or refuse to do that will reduce the efficacy of the power of God. His plans are eternal in scope, and he desires to make impact in the lives of men. But men must come to him through the means he has provided, as indicated in today's extract, which is through the One whose blood makes a way. You can't choose to come; you can't find your own way even if you tried hard. The only way has been clearly stated, and I owe it to my eternal destiny to find that way and approach God, while I still have time.

Jesus keeps interceding, he keeps speaking to God on our behalf. That is his lifelong assignment. His actions are not just for this side of eternity alone, but for all of life, both now and the one to come. Don't settle for anything that only secures you for the now, and does nothing for your eternal security. Don't settle for the temporary and the temporal; make sure that the eternal question is also answered. The only answer you need has already been provided in the Son, Jesus. His time of favour is here.

My Bit, God's Bit

I pray to God —my life a prayer— and wait for what he’ll say and do. Psalm 130:5‭ MSG

As I walk through this life, fundamental questions require answers. The answers I seek or receive will always determine gherkin quality, direction and eventual destination of my life. I look at the extract today and a few important things come to mind.

Firstly, what I do NOW will determine what I get later. At no time does God release everything I need for life all at once. As I grow both physically and spiritually, there are provisions that are meant for particular seasons. There is no guarantee that those things will come at the time, which is why I must make prayer my daily habit. The Psalmist says: 'I pray to God, my life a prayer'. Until I see prayer as a function of relationship, not just a means to getting what I want, I may not realise the full potential of all that God intends for me.

Secondly, as I pray, I wait for him to act and to reply. We get confused with this bit of prayer, and some people say God will not do for you what he expects you to do for yourself. I agree, to the extent that what I do is what he has asked me to do, not what I think is best, or an attempt to 'speed up' the process. We kneel down to pray, committing our cares and worries into God's hand, and then we get up again and lift those same burdens on our shoulders. We don't doubt his power, but we also can't fully relax and trust his leading and direction. Who are we deceiving? Is there really anything I can do to speed up the divine process of God's plan and purpose?

Thirdly, waiting is not inactivity. Yes, whatever he asks me to do is what I get busy at. Like the people of Israel, all they had to do was to move forward into the Red Sea. At the time, it didn't make sense, but then, God's way isn't to make sense, but to make history. At other times, the battle was won long before the Israeli test woke up, like it happened with Sennacherib, King of Assyria, recorded in Isaiah 37:36: Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. For Joseph, all attempts to get out of prison failed, even from someone he had helped 3 days before. When you are dealing with God, you cannot argue from a position of strength. You have got to trust that God knows what he is doing and whatever he says or allows or does will ultimately work out his perfect purpose for you.

As always, there is a choice to be made: to trust completely, or to strive in your power. Both will have results, you just cannot guarantee what your labour will get you. Trust God totally, and let him work that which is perfect. His time of favour is here.

Full Price!

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

Your location and identity will always determine your allocation. Life only delivers into your hands when you know how to lay claim to what belongs to you. As I read today's extract, a few things come to mind:

First, all of God's gifts were sealed through blood. I don't know of any other way I can claim the riches of God's grace, except I go through the blood. Sin required atonement, and a price had to be paid. I couldn't do it, and Christ alone had what was required. He paid it, and now I owe my life to him. Don't think it was a cheap price; it cost a whole life. The least I can do is to live my life daily in appreciation of that sacrifice.

Secondly, that sacrifice is the seal of my deliverance and salvation. Through the shed blood, a new way has been opened for me, so I can approach the place of grace and enjoy the benefits provided. The sacrifice is perfect for all time, as it takes care of the past, the present and the future. Even for unborn children, the sacrifice does not need to be repeated. All that I am asked to do is to accept that I cannot help myself, and put my complete and absolute trust in the One who loves me enough to give up his life for me.

Thirdly, it is a complete package. Nothing else is required and nothing else can be added to it. Men have always had a problem with human effort; we feel that God's offer is just too good to be true, so we feel we need to add something to it. We are not content with trust; we need to add labour. Unfortunately, our labour can never match up to God's favour and we will do well to recognise our limitations and trust that God is enough.

Fourthly, and closely connected to the third point above, is the truth that all we are and have is by grace. Grace is all we need. His grace was so rich then that even a sinner like Zacchaeus got a place. His grace was do rich that a murderer like Saul got a place. All around us today, we see men that we would naturally despise and consign to hell being saved and commissioned for assignments by God. That just tells me that with God's grace, you are never lost until you are truly lost, and you are only truly lost when you reject the free grace you have been offered free of charge.

I take stock today and ask myself if I am truly dependent on the grace of God, or if I have found an anchor in ability, capability or connections. Note that all the resources and help on offer are found IN God, not anywhere else. You can live in church, and still no enjoy it. You can be called the right names, and yet not enjoy the benefits that a personal knowledge of God brings. Don't be content with a head knowledge of what you are; find God for yourself and know him personally. The benefits are good for this present time and for all eternity. His time of favour is here.

Life Defined!

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

Two masters, two different journeys, two different destinations. There is no middle ground, no demilitarized zone, where you could sit down, pause and catch your breath. There is a war going on over every life on earth, and the war has eternity as its end point. Both masters will seek to pull you to his side, and both tell you what to expect both in the now and at the end of the warfare. Then, you must decide.

Each master has stated his manifesto. When you call anyone a thief, what else would be his mandate? He comes to steal away anything that will do you good, or keep you on the right path. Just like the parable of the sower, before the seed can do much good, the birds come to eat it. Even when it struggles to germinate, the cares and worries, as well as trials will take away the seed. That's the lifelong assignment of the thief. Don't forget that both masters have an eternal plan: the thief wants to make sure that he kills and destroys ultimately. When he has stolen the good, and broken down the defences, he swoops in to take the life.

The Master of life, who's speaking here, refers to himself as the good Shepherd. He feeds the flock, leads them out, provides shelter, comfort and protection. At no time, irrespective of present location of the sheep, are the sheep ever away from the watchful eye of the Shepherd. He says he has come so that they may have and enjoy life. That is in the immediate. Most times, we keep our eye on heaven, forgetting that we were built and planted for impact here on earth. As I focus on heaven, I must remember that God's promise is that I have and enjoy life here on earth. It doesn't mean that trials will not come. It doesn't mean that times will always be easy; one thing is sure: I'm always under the watchful and we eternal care of the one called the Shepherd.

The now and the end is eternity. Whichever side of the divide you are on, there is really no end of your journey. Life will continue on either side of eternity. When this present phase ends, another will start. I had better be sure that I am in the right sheep fold, and under the care of the right shepherd. Keep this in view: it will not end here, but the NOW will determine the eternal destination. His time of favour is here.

Cutting Through!

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.
HEBREWS 4:12 AMP

His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what. Hebrews 4:12 MSG

One of the greatest mysteries is the Word of God. Irrespective of your perspective, the Word would always make impact. There is revealed truth in the written Word, there is power in the spoken Word and there is the Person and power of the Word himself, through whom ALL things are created. No matter where you look, you just cannot ignore this fact.

Why is this important? Today's extract tells us why: in the same verse, you get a view of the different dimensions of the Word. First it is LIVING AND ACTIVE. You don't refer to an inanimate object as living. It is full of power. Anything referred to as powerful has in itself the capacity and capability to make things happen. The Word is seen as operative, energizing and effective. From the days of creation till today, men are still testifying to the power of an encounter with the Word.

Secondly, there is nothing in this life that can withstand its truth. It is the standard of truth, and all lives rise and fall according to its standards. Whatever direction you apply it, it is fit for purpose and relevant to the times. We are the ones who choose to ignore its warnings and promptings. Unfortunately, the Word wasn't sent to make us comfortable, but to make us rapture - ready. Once you don't fit according to the measure of the Word, then you don't go.

Thirdly, the Word tells me who I really am. When it is sent, spoken or read, it is a mirror against which I must review my life. I can tell myself I have done my best, yet the Word will tell me its not good enough. In the final analysis, whose opinion counts: mine or the Word's? All the deepest secrets and intents of the heart are laid bare; the WHY behind the WHAT that I do is revealed for what it is. There's nothing I can hide, and nowhere to run to avoid the scrutiny.

He needs to do the surgery. He needs to cut out the excess and the unnecessary, so I can be fit for purpose and ready for the assignments ahead. God does not waste resources; can he count on me to allow him work through his Word? Can he count on you? His time of favour is here.

The Right Play!

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” MATTHEW 19:26 AMP

If we place today's extract in context, you learn that in most cases, trust in riches cannot accommodate trust in God at the same time. Man was not made for such distractions, and he cannot survive for long on such confusion. In several places, Christ warns that we cannot serve both God and mammon. Both are two different masters, with different viewpoints and different eternal destinations. Of course, there is no harm in being rich; you just must learn to put everything you have and know in its proper place.

For the world, possessions are the standard of measurement for success. Men lived and killed just to taste this kind of success. Jesus however warns us elsewhere that 'a man's life does not consist of the abundance of the things he possesses'. If I place riches above God, what happens when the riches are gone? What's the guarantee that the riches will endure in the first place? Who says that the wealth of this world can buy you a place in eternal life?

For all things the world cannot provide answers to, God is saying 'Leave it to me'. No matter how impossible you think a situation is, leave the details to God to sort out. What man calls impossible becomes easy in God's hands. What man cannot carry becomes settled when God handles it. It does not matter how hard, terrible or serious any situation is; Christ says 'Hand them over'. Don't let the world's pressures push you away from God. He's all you need. When you have God, it really doesn't matter what else you don't have. When you don't have God, owning the world won't save you on the day of visitation.

Don't depend on man's assurances or promises. A man's capacity to help you will be determined by his eternal reach. You cannot give what you don't have, so if you are not headed in the right direction, you can never lead anyone the right way. Personally, go to God and let him have all the uncertainty and inconsistency. He will give you an assurance if eternal rest, no matter what your lot in life is. His time of favour is here.

Called to Suffer?

But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name.1 Peter 4:16 AMPC

There is this new age philosophy that propounds that faith in Christ does not leave room for suffering, trials or tribulations. Some hold on to the saying that because Christ has already suffered on the cross, anything negative that his followers may experience has already been taken care of. That's just a small part of the whole truth.

The while truth is that faith in Christ is a call to a full life, a life that will experience all that Christ experienced, so that it can also enjoy the fullness of the blessings that his life has established. Anyone who seeks to identify with the blessings of Christ cannot claim the good and reject the inconvenient. Life in Christ is a complete package.

Let it be known that following Christ will certainly not be popular. Deciding to follow him will bring its own set of problems. Following him means going against the world, and anyone against the world cannot settle for an 'easy' life. The world and the Word are opposites, parallel lines that can never meet. Being on one course means being against the other, and you cannot have the best of both extremes. You have to choose which one you want to follow.

At no time does Christ promise an easy run. He promises his Presence and Power, and those are enough for any problems that may come. His name comes with grace and mercy, which are enough to take care of any inconvenience the world may throw at you. But you have to get the connection right. Being called by his name is a matter of identity and ownership. When you know who you are and who you belong to, your priorities are ordered correctly.

So, when trials and tribulations come as a result of your ownership, rejoice. The person who owns you will not let your life go to waste. Eternity is both a journey and a destination and all I do now is the journey and the preparation for eternity. How ready am I? His time of favour is here.

Rightly Placed!

By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me? Psalm 56:4 AMPC

Everyday is a reminder that there is nothing a man can do to please God by himself; our best intentions are sometimes hidden in the garb of hypocrisy, and we silently want the praise, admiration and respect of other men. We have perfected the art of double-speak, whereby a man will say one thing whilst meaning something completely different.

David here reminds us of the importance of knowing the God we are dealing with. He is a God of total knowledge, who, through his Word, has laid down the standard of life for everyone. He wants me to trust him, and his promises are written down, so I can hold him to them. The greatest test of God's faithfulness is the truth of His Word. One amazing fact: God's Word is his person. Whatever God speaks is tied to who he is. When he says he is a healer, he does not refer you to a physician; he does the work himself. When he says he can protect, he doss not send you a physical bodyguard; he does that work himself. So, if David is praising the word, he is praising the person of God himself.

Nothing should take the place of God's Word in our lives. There is too much danger, confusion and troubles around, and the only place I'm assured of safety is IN and ON God. I can hear all I want, read all I want. If I don't act by putting my total and  complete trust in God, then I'm only wasting my time. I lean on him, because I know he cannot break. I rely on him because all through the centuries, he has been consistently faithful. I will not fear because his word asks me not to, and also provides evidence why fear is not the answer. When man threatens me, I can go to God. When man makes high claims, I run into God.

If I am in God, nobody can take me out unless I walk out all by myself. I choose to remain in God and hold on to him. I know I'm safe and secure from all alarm. What's your decision? His time of favour is here.

As You Are!

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

Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go. John 6:37 MSG

Your ownership determines your eternal destination. That is one truth that My thinking, rationale and mentality can do nothing to change. If I don't own the life in the first place, then I cannot speak with definite authority on how and where that life would impact. That is fully in the hands of the one who owns it. If I understand this fact, then today's extract would then make perfect sense.

Jesus says with certain authority that ALL who the Father has given him would come to him. ALL means without exception. The difference will be in the decision. I can choose to exclude myself from those who come to Him, and I can choose to go to Him. The choice is all mine. The path has been clearly laid and the benefits clearly stated. You are headed in the right direction when you choose to go to Christ.

Why is this? Because he has promised that ALL who come will be accepted. Acceptance is not based on any external consideration, such as height, possession, mental capacity, connection, affiliation or any other thing. It is simply on the basis of your approach. The MSG version says all who the Father gives me will eventually come running. You could argue that even if I run away for years, I have no choice but to return. Yes, that's true, but can you legislate on the expiration of the return period? God says TODAY is the day of salvation, tomorrow is not in our hands.

When I come, I am assured of an open door and open arms. God promises that he will hold on and never let go. When God holds, no one can take away from him. When God holds, you are safe in his everlasting arms. It doesn't mean that you are immune from trials; it just means that everything that comes to you has to pass through him. You can rest assured that anything he allows cannot take you away from his hands, If you are there and you trust him completely. You can't trust him only when it is convenient and try your own way when it is convenient. Trust him completely, and watch him break natural laws, just like Daniel, for you. His time of favour is here.

Give Thanks!

O give thanks to the Lord , call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the people.PSALM 105:1 AMP

As always, David would encourage us all to give thanks to God on a regular basis. His own life was a living testimonial to the blessings, benefits and rewards attached to a life of praise. More than half of the Psalms, of 150 chapters are either directly attributed to David or related to his song leaders. It then tells me that if I am to have an experience of God's testimony about David's life, I must learn to live like he did.

Of course, David was far from perfect. There were times in his Psalms he asked God to deal with him based on the integrity in his heart and the cleanness of his hands. We all know how that ended. At no time can I come to God, claiming strength, power or abilities; I cannot lose sight of the fact that wherever I stand, it is God alone that helps me up. When I am tempted to look down on other people, or to think there's something perfect in me, I am reminded that I am all I am simply as a function of God's grace and mercy.

I think David got it right towards the end of his Psalms. His words tuned more towards God's grace than his own 'righteousness'. His words recognised the supremacy of God over all creation and his power over the course of man's life. Have I come to the same conclusion, or do I still think I have control over what happens to me? And in that understanding, today's extract is penned: 'O give thanks to the Lord'. No matter what has gone before, give thanks. No matter how bad it looks now, give thanks. I serve a God who is fully in charge, no matter how bad things look, and he is the One who has been keeping it all together since the beginning of creation. Long before I was born, he holds it all up, and long after this world ceases to exist, he won't stop being God.

So, I relax. I use every opportunity to talk about who he is and what he has done. I can testify that I stand here, solely by the grace of God, not because of any inherent good in myself. Lord, I am grateful. What's your testimony? His time of favour is here.