Life's Deals

Life's Deals!

Why are you in despair, O my soul? Why have you become restless and disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. PSALM 42:11 AMP

Questions, questions!. Answers are difficult to come by, because the problem at hand is not one with conventional or usual answers. The Psalmist in today's extract has simply put into words the general state of mind of almost all of the world's human population. Everywhere you turn to in this adulterous and sinful generation, sin is the order of the day. Everywhere you turn to in these strange times, men seem to mock God and dare him to challenge or stop them.

In this context do the sons of Korah pen down these words. They remembered the good old days; they remembered the days when God's hand was visible in and around them, and they rejoiced as they went to His house to worship. Now, trouble had come, and those things they probably took for granted had been taken away. It is the same in this generation too: men find the path of least resistance when it comes to serving God. As long as it is not convenient or in line with his plan, man finds it convenient to just do away with Godly commitments. However, one thing is clear from today's extract: trouble doesn't change who God is; it only tests the quality of my faith and dependence on God.

No wonder the writers here made their choice so clear: they spoke to themselves and in the light of the past experiences of God's faithfulness, charged their souls to remain focused on God. Storms will come, doubt will speak, winds will blow, strange voices will speak, the devil will roar, but yet, none of these will matter if my soul is fully anchored on Christ. This anchor bit is very important because it is the one thing that will keep you sane when everything else falls to pieces.

Hope in God never fails. The world may have you believe the gospel of self help and manual labour, but God does not need my help to prove that he is God. If I can hold on to Him, he will come through for me. If I can depend absolutely on his power, grace and mercy, I will have cause to smile. Things may not end up the way I planned them, but they will always end up right, because God is in charge. After all, the life I live is his, not mine, so it must reflect his glory if it must be lived right. His time of favour is here.

Love's Full Contents

Love's Full Contents!

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. 1 John 4:18 AMPC

Today's extract starts with a declaration that there is no fear in love. Could this mean that if there is any fear in me, what I hold is not true love, as defined by God? God is love, and whatever life He possesses has love in all its fullness. It is not about what I claim, but about the truth of my inner contents. Who holds the reins of my heart?

What is full grown love? Is it not the perfect love that only God can birth and sustain? Is it not love that sees beyond hurt and pain and still cares, even when the object of the love really doesn't care? You see, there is no assurance here that this love will be appreciated or reciprocated; it is love that loves no matter what the other person says or does. It is the only way to deal with the fear of the unknown or the terror of rejection, pain or eternal torment.

With fear comes the thought of never being good enough. With fear comes the thought that maybe God does not accept me the way I am. With fear comes the never ending race to qualify for grace, something no man can ever earn or deserve. With fear comes unhealthy comparisons and pursuits, and a life lived at less than its full potential. As long as I do not allow God take the whole of my heart, it could be that there's something I am afraid to give up or surrender, but unless and until I do, I cannot live out the kind of life God intends for me.

As I live daily, I can only ask God for help to allow him work in me. As I surrender daily to God, I grow in my knowledge and personal experience of Him. As I allow his love take root and bear fruit in me, I get to the point where the ephemeral, temporary things of this world do not bother me. All I desire is to see God shine in and through me, and true, genuine and Godly love is the loudest testimony of my allegiance to God. What is that thing I am holding on to at the expense of the genuine thing? May it not cost me eternity. His time of favour is here.

Walk Right 3

Walk Right 3

Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. Romans 12:21 AMPC

There is a war going on all around me, and it is a war that I am a participant in, whether I want to or not. There is a war between good and evil everywhere you turn, and the outcome of each cycle is largely dependent on my action and reaction, not necessarily any other factor or circumstance. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, we have embraced evil as a natural way of life. Sin has become the order of the natural man, and only a surrender of the will of the natural man to the power and influence of the supernatural Man will sin lose its power and hold over us.

Unfortunately, no matter what I do, evil may win. That's the way of the world right now, and there is the place for the expression of my free will, where I either cooperate with or acquiesce to the evil around me or I say No and allow God's kind of good to shine through. That power of choice is the thread that runs through today's extract. No matter what happens around me, I have the power to determine what wins: good or evil. No matter the physical realities around me, I have the power to decide how they affect me and the fruits my life produces as a result.

Good is also fighting. Good is represented by all that God is, and his desire is that his will covers the entire earth. The mere fact that evil seems to be more visible and easy does not mean that it is more powerful; it only means that I need to let God shine in and through me to establish his good around me. It is a constant war, a war that will not cease as long as this earth remains. I get to pick a side by my daily life.

When I am tempted to revenge evil done to you, I am being overcome with evil. When I want to level the playing field by doing to others exactly what has been done to me, I am allowing evil thrive. When I live by the principles of this wicked world, I am deciding to allow evil win. When God decides my steps, good always win. When I allow the love of God flow through me, no matter what kind of cards I have been dealt, I  am giving good room to shine out through me. This has to be a daily lifestyle, not an occasional business.

You have got to get in there and stay in, even when it hurts. After all, you know who you have believed, and you know you are pursuing an eternal home. Depending on whose side you are on, there is a victory at the end of this war. You had better be sure you are fighting on the right side. His time of favour is here.

Walk Right 2

Walk Right 2

for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]-- 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 AMP

We are called to a life of action and not free or unaccountable inaction. We are called to daily live out the faith we claim to have confessed and received. The proof of this faith is seen in our daily activities as well as the overall quality of our lives. Today's extract refers to this daily life as a walk. It would mean that at some point in my life, I must stand up to be counted; I must use my feet, hands, mouth and life to confess openly that I have a new allegiance and master. My talk must match my walk. According to today's extract, the central  ingredient that is fundamental to this daily walk is faith.

What is faith and why is it important? Could it be that there are things about God you will never understand while on this side of eternity, but you just have to believe that God knows what He is doing. Could it be that there are things promised to you which do not align with the physical realities around you, yet there is a strong conviction in you that God will come through? Could it be that even when you hold on and life comes to an end, you have this strong assurance that there is real life at the end of this physical earthly realm? That is faith- the evidence of things you have not seen, touched or tasted, yet you are sure of it like your own skin.

The world will never understand faith. The world is about cold, hard facts; the Word of God asks me to trust God even when the cold, hard facts say something different. Men of old lived and died by the convictions in their hearts that God knew what He was doing. The men of old didn't have everything they wanted or desired from God, but they had something better: the firm, unshakable assurance that God was with them, and could use their lives to impact the world, no matter who they were, what they had or didn't have.

The question would therefore need to be asked and answered: am I living in a manner consistent with a confident belief in God's promises? Do I wait for the stars to align before I acknowledge that God is at work? Do I trust my limited senses or have I found an anchor in God, sure and steadfast and unshakable, no matter the storms that may arise. Faith does not prevent storms from rising, but it ensures that my focus remains right, even when everything around me is going to pieces. What do I have? His time of favour is here.

Love, Reloaded!

Love, Reloaded!

Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. 1 PETER 4:8 AMP

The end of all things is near. Peter exhorts the believers of his day to be careful in the things they do, and to exercise restraint in whatever they do. There is however a supreme character trait which sits at the head of all that I must have, and that is love. When you read God's Word, you find it hard to specifically determine if love is not an action, a character trait and a person rolled up into one. The Bible records in some instances that God is love, and in some other instances, God's Word also enjoins us to love other people, whilst also in some instances, it charges us to allow love dwell in us. What do all of these things mean?

Love is the supreme attribute. It is the one definition of God that runs through the entire Scriptures. It cannot be faked or forced; if what you have is not love as defined by God, then you may define whatever you have in whatever way. Love is fervent and unfailing, because it is not subject to the inconsistent emotions of the natural man. It does not have highs and lows, because its origin is not the mortal, limited edition that is human nature.

If I am unable to let go of faults, then maybe I need to examine again what I claim to have. If I have to keep reminding others how much they have hurt me in the past, then maybe I do not yet have the genuine article. If all I can do is insist on my own way, to the detriment of other people, then maybe I still have much to learn. If I can only see faults and errors, then maybe I need a new perspective. If I only see the worst in people, then maybe my view is only a reflection of who I am. Fortunately, grace is available for me, if I submit to God and allow Him work in and through me.

It is important to critically review my life in the light of God's Word. Who am I? What am I holding on to? Can what is my heart be likened to love? If it is not, it is not too late to get the real deal. God's Love is the kind that never lets go, and He will keep holding out His hands, waiting for me to allow Him work in me that which is perfect. Only in and through Him can my life really flow out in love to other people. His time of favour is here.

Love, Refreshed!

Love, Refreshed!

We love, because He first loved us. 1 JOHN 4:19 AMP

This may be one of the shortest verses in the Bible, but there is no doubt about its power, message and destination. The Word of God always speaks, and it is fit for any purpose you wish to apply it to. One of the greatest testimonies about the Word of God is given in the Bible itself and it goes like this: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

We look at today's extract and it is important to build on the right foundation. First, who am I and how did I get here? I can only move in the right direction and stay focused when I am sure where I am from and where I am headed. I know without any doubt that I stand where I am, not because I am the best of people, but because I have received grace in its appropriate measure. I stand where I am, not because I am the best of people, but because God saw it fit to draw me to himself.

On that foundation of grace is my life's pursuits and priorities set. Because I know who I am, I have no doubt as to what I am to pursue. Because I know what I have received, I have no problem giving it all back. Because I know I earned nothing by works, I do not have to hold tightly to anything. When I did not even care about who God is, he loved me. When I couldn't care less that He gave his life for me, he did it all the same, and continues to hold out his hands, waiting for me to respond to his love.

So, I love, not because it is first a duty, but an outflow of what I have received from God. Even though I am commanded to love, I see it, not as a duty, but as an expression of gratitude to God for all He has done. He first did it, then asks me to do the same. If it was impossible, He would have made it clear and would not have places such a demand on me. However, he has laid the perfect example, and because his grace is available, the power to obey has also been released. I do not pretend I have it all figured out; even when I make mistakes, I just hold on to the grace already released and press on.

It is not about the other person's reaction to what I do that matters; it is about my obedience to what God commands. I simply obey and trust God to work out what he sees as best. If it is his Word, I can rest assured that He will bring it to pass. His time of favour is here.

Loving Differently!

Loving Differently!

“But I say to you who hear [Me and pay attention to My words]: Love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, [make it a practice to] do good to those who hate you, bless and show kindness to those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. LUKE 6:27‭-‬28 AMP

It always starts with a personal decison; it is always about what I choose to do. God will and is always speaking, but he does not impose his will on me; he would want me to come to Him willingly, because I can only get his best, which is His will for me, if I just surrender control to Him. Today's focus is on love and the instructions are for only those who choose to listen. I can hear but the difference will always be on how I listen. The parable of the sower makes much sense in this regard: all kinds of ground received the Word, but reception and response made the difference to the fruits that followed the sowing.

And when you are dealing with God, expect the unexpected. God asks me to love my enemies, people who may have sworn to kill me. We talk about reciprocating love, where it is easy for me to love people who love me in return. Unfortunately, where I stand now isn't because I loved God first, but because He first loved me. If that is what I have received, then it is expected that the same love flow out of me to other people. Just as I didn't deserve it then, so would other people not deserve it for me to show them love. I love not because I get something in return, but because it is the natural outflow from a heart that appreciates what it has received.

And the same theme runs through the entire extract. The target of my love, prayer, blessing or kindness don't have to earn it; I only have to show it if I have got it. If what I hold is the genuine article, it cannot be suppressed or denied. Could it be that my struggle to obey God fully is a result of areas yet to be fully surrendered to Him? Could it be that the reason why I struggle with loving 'undeserving' people is because I do not yet fully appreciate who I was before the love of God found me?

Nowhere does God promise it will be easy, but he assures me of his never-failing presence. If God gives a command, I rest on the assurance that He will not leave me to struggle with obedience on my own. He will release grace to help me obey and show off his grace to others. That's how hearts are won back to God: by examples that show God's heart in all its fullness. Do I know who I am? His time of favour is here.

Walk Worthy!

Walk Worthy!

So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior--a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. EPHESIANS 4:1‭-‬3 AMP

Fairly long passage, and the lessons are indeed many. The man speaking here was a prisoner, not because he had done anything wrong, but because he was holding on to an unpopular idea, concept or reality. The same is still true today: for all who will heed the call by God, you will not be popular, and you will face hardships and difficulties, but one thing is certain: as long as you know who has called you, then the outward fruits that should follow that call would always manifest.

All of God's creation have been called to a life of holiness and sanctification, but not all have heeded. For as many as have heeded the call, check yourself and ask if indeed, what you have is what God has prescribed. The first thing mentioned is godly character, which is molded by God to look like Him. All other things, such as moral courage, personal integrity and mature behaviour only make sense when they flow out of character that has been molded by God. Cornelius had other things, but God had to send Peter to him so he could have the complete package. It is good to have personal integrity and high morals, but unfortunately, I can't plead good works before God; the first and foremost is a relationship with His Son, leading to the molding of his character in me.

As I walk with and work for God, there are a few things that will also help me on my way.  Such things include humility, gentleness, self control, patience and unselfish love. All of these are highlighted as the fruit of the Spirit, so you see that human labour and effort just won't cut or secure them for you; only by a daily dependence on God can I attain to God's standard for life. And working together with other people is also emphasized. It is not about agreeing with all that is said, but it is about finding common ground for God's will to be established on the earth. I may not agree with the process, but I must work towards the end, which is the establishment of God's kingdom on the earth.

If indeed the Holy Spirit is in charge, there will be no disorder. Even when there are disagreements, as there would always be, allowing God work in our lives would always guarantee a good end. I must never forget that I stand where I am by the grace of God, not by works, abilities or qualifications. The foundation is God's call; every other thing that comes after would be the outward fruit of an inner working by God. So, who are you? Who do you work for? What are you doing now? Questions whose answers are fundamental to my eternal destination. His time of favour is here.

Strength!!

Strength!

casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 1 PETER 5:7 AMP

One of the strongest images that today's extract evokes is the exchange of cares and burdens. I am encouraged to take all the cares, pressure, anxieties, concerns and worries and just hand them over to God. Easier said than done!. We are masters at holding on to something real, even at the expense of our mental and spiritual health. We are used to the worries and anxieties because they are real. How do I let go of the usual and seen, and hold on to something that is not really visible or tangible? That's God's Lesson 101: the part where all I need is faith to believe that God exists, and really wants a relationship with me.

Did you notice that the reason why I should hand over my cares and anxieties is because God cares about me? It is his job to; after all, He created, formed, breathed in and planted me where He thought best that I would fulfil His purpose. At no time did he need my consent to draw up an eternal plan for my life, because I didn't know any better. Right from the Garden of Eden, where all man would need was provided before he was made, and even after sin, it is obvious that God has been caring for man's welfare ever since creation. Why would I take up God's role and duty, when there is really absolutely nothing I can do on my own to change anything, except God permits?

My role is to do the casting and throwing and giving up and disposing of the cares; God will take care of the rest. If I do not do what is expected, how do I expect a result different from what I have always seen? If I do not cast on the right person, why would I expect anyone, as burdened as I am, to help me with my own cares? And do you know why God would care this much? Could it be because of His investment in me? He calls me his workmanship. I am His own, created to bring Him joy. I make him known when my life and light shines out in the darkness all around.

With God, it is hard to explain his emotions, but the Bible says He cares with deep affection. The Bible says God's love is unfathomable, and today's extract is just a small insight into how far God can go for the ones who put their trust in Him. Where do you stand? Where do I stand? Have I truly committed my life fully into the hands of the God who alone can sustain whatever He has ordained? His time of favour is here.

The Process!

The Process!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” JEREMIAH 1:5 AMP

Today's extract is a popular one, and is the usual piece that comes in handy when we want to talk about God's purpose for a life and what I need to do to bring that purpose to pass. What is key first of all is the fact as God speaks to Jeremiah, all of His roles stated in today's extract are all in the past tense. In the proper process of time, this shouldn't happen, but when dealing with a God who himself lives in Time, then you know that the earth's regular processes cannot delay his purpose or deny his power.

First, before Jeremiah was born at a very specific time, God had already determined with precise certainty what he would become. Issues of ownership and usage were settled long before physical existence manifested. God didn't think of what to use me for after creating me, but He had a clear eternal plan, and then He formed and equipped me with the required tools to fulfil that plan. Knowledge by God is a complete package, and it means that there is nothing hidden from Him or outside his sphere of control.

Secondly, before physical life manifested, God had set me apart for his own use. A part of his total knowledge is the proper place, time and circumstances under which I am to survive and thrive. It is not enough for me to just be created; I must sort out my ownership and allegiance. Could it be that the reason why so many people struggle is because they are yet to fully embrace who they are and who they belong to. If you do not know who you are, how can you thrive where you have been planted?

Thirdly, closely linked to ownership is the assignment. For Jeremiah, he was to be a prophet to the nations. For others, it could be something else, but the foundation is this: my assignment will mean nothing if I do not know who I work for. Note the proper order: consecration before appointment. The world sees it the other way round: we want the perks of office and appointments, but we want to avoid the discipline of consecration. We see the world as our own stage, forgetting that we exist only at the pleasure of the One who created, holds and sustains all things, including the life we think we own.

If God knows me so well, can the same be said about me too? Do I know God? Do I seek Him out, to know what He wants for my life? Is the life He's given me available and surrendered for his exclusive use? Don't forget: He already knows me, so I can decide to surrender it now willingly or I could wait till eternity and then lose it all. As always, the choice is mine. His time of favour is here.

Right Training!

Right Training!

Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. PROVERBS 22:6 AMP

There are many ways to bring up a child and there is a particular way to bring up a child. The world has its ways and the Word of God also has its own prescriptions for proper upbringing of a child. The world gives you many options; there are a lot of self -help materials everywhere you turn; the world advocates what is contemporary and popular and widely acceptable in line with the times we live in. Those are the realities of today, where there are no specific guidance or standards.

However, God's Word lays down its own standards for bringing up a child. First, from today's extract, I perceive that training of a child must be a deliberate action; not a general and generic process. You must not only tell a child what to do; you must show and lead by example, you must keep speaking out, while the profession of your  life is also matching the confession of your lips. The biggest challenge to today's child is the absence of true examples. There are plenty of motivational speakers and emotional intelligence services, but very few examples worthy of emulation. So, this generation is clueless and directionless, full of motion but no real movement towards the fulfilment of God's purpose for my life for their lives.

You do not really give the child options; you are deliberate about guiding, leading and protecting the child. You pour out yourself into the child, the right kind of stuff, based on the Word, and you send the child on his/her way, armed with the Word of God and the assurance that come what may, s/he will never depart from the way. You do not negotiate God's standard with anyone, because God cannot and will not be mocked. You properly channel the energy and enthusiasm of youth in the right direction, you give them the right platform to express their God-given potential.

If tomorrow for a child will be great, the seeds are planted when the child is still young. It is never too late to come to Christ, but if I will avoid heartache, I must pay the price early enough by teaching my children the way of the Lord. Fortunately, it is the only way that matters and has eternal reward. His time of favour is here.

Right Thinking!

Right Thinking!

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. PHILIPPIANS 4:8 AMP

First, today's extract is addressed to people called 'believers'. I believe that narrows the field and makes it clear what to expect from people with a specific set of values, beliefs and hopes. If you do not belong, you cannot understand the demands of today's extract. Unless and until you belong, you cannot fully comprehend why the thought process is intricately linked to your eternal destination.

Secondly, today's extract speaks to the pattern and content of thought. The standard has been set above, and it is about the One who sits on the throne of your heart, leading and guiding the thoughts. It says whatever is true, honourable, worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God's Word, whatever is pure and wholesome, lovely, brings peace, is admirable and is of good repute must be the focus. Did you note that somewhere in the list, the Word of God stands as a bulwark and standard bearer: the foundation of all that we are and should aspire to be.

Other attributes linked to God's nature are mentioned here: true, pure, peaceable, right and excellence. There is really no argument that can take God out of a life that will make lasting impact. If indeed my life must be the type that God can make use of; if indeed I will be a vessel of honour in God's hands; if indeed I will live true to the calling of God upon my life, then I cannot do anything outside of the God who calls, sets apart, equips and commissions for great exploits.

The challenge is that I must keep thinking about these things that keep God as the focus. Nowhere is it promised that I will find it easy, but the assurance is that I have God on my side. His help and strength is available for all who willingly trust in Him. I cannot do much about what comes, but I have the power to determine how anything affects me. If my focus is right, then my experiences will always lead to praise. If I am struggling to see God in the things that happen around me, maybe I need a new focus. His time of favour is here.

Shine On!

Shine On!

The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]. JOHN 1:5 AMP

There is a statement of fact and truth laid out in today's extract, and it is that "The Light shines on in the darkness". First of all, it is clear that the Light here is indicated as a noun, not an idea or concept. This is about a person spoken about by John the apostle, and is no other person than Jesus himself. Secondly, the ability of light to shine on has nothing to do with its context or environment; light shines because it is its intrinsic nature to give light. Its ability to be visible and impactful is in itself; it needs nothing else to make it act true to its nature. It really does not matter how thick or deep the darkness is; light will make the difference.

It is also noteworthy that light is much more appreciated because of the context in which it is seen: thick darkness all around. The world is in darkness, so also is anyone who does not have light in him/herself. If you have never experienced Light, how would you know anything other than darkness? If a man has seen Light, there will be no doubt as to the value of the Light he has seen. It is important for me to ask myself: have I met the Light? Do I know the Light? Am I walking in the Light? At one point in time in our lives, we must all answer this question, and the answer will reverberate through eternity.

Darkness has power; do not doubt it. There is an allusion to that power in today's extract. Check out the world we live in today and see how much sadness, bitterness and hatred go around. Men kill other men because of possessions, power and position, whilst other men hold grudges against other men for very ephemeral themes like connections and wealth. Yet, there is an assurance in today's extract that no matter how powerful darkness is, it is no match for Light. Till Jesus returns, darkness will never be able to understand the power of Light, or control or appropriate or absorb it. The two of them speak to different foundations, different earthly realities and different eternal destinations.

This is why I need to determine with full certainty where my loyalties lie, and who is in full control of my heart and life. There can be no mix between light and darkness and when all of life is over, each one will speak to the contents of my heart and life. At that point, deceit and deception are over, and the just reward for all I have done will be given to me. If Jesus were to return now, what would the verdict be? Will Light speak on your behalf? Remember, it is not about what I think but about whether the Light is truly in charge. His time of favour is here.

Man's Duty!

Man's Duty!

When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. ECCLESIASTES 12:13 AMP

The book of Ecclesiastes is attributed to the son of David, king in Jerusalem, and would be no other person than Solomon, the richest man in his time, and I'm not sure there has been any other one to compare with him. He it was who didn't deny himself anything he wanted: he got women in excess, he fed his eyes everything they wanted, he went after all his heart desired. Yet, he got to a stage in his life and uttered those immortal words: "Vanity upon vanity, all is vanity". With those words, he shattered the veil that surrounds this physical and earthly realm, and asks us to look again at our lives, set our priorities and pursuits right, and seek after God.

If I am to fully understand today's extract, it may do me some good to look at the 11 chapters that went before today's conclusion. Solomon spoke about work, labour, rest, wisdom, timing, opportunity, pleasure, possessions, power, authority, giving and then at the end of it all, a charge to remember God whilst there was still time. That's the context of today's extract. No matter what I get, acquire, achieve or become in this present earthly phase, it is nothing compared to the blessing that comes from a fear of God. No matter how attractive or pleasing to the eye the things of this earth are, they cannot guarantee eternal life. No matter what else happens to me, my greatest achievement will not be what I got, but who I submitted to. Not that riches aren't good, but what is the point of wealth that cannot secure eternity?

Fear God: a simple, yet powerful statement, which speaks to my heart, my life, my entire being. Fear is first a thing of the inner man, before it manifests in the physical. If I fear God, my life's pursuits and priorities will reflect that fear. If I submit to God, my life will be a continual offering of worship to Him. The opposite is also true, and the evidence of this is apparent all around us. When a man does not fear God, he has no scruples or limitations; he has no caution, no careful thoughts, no guard over his heart. Fear of God is also a conscious acknowledgement of my inadequacies, which leads to a daily dependence on God, his Spirit and His Word for guidance on life.

Another version even ends today's extract by saying "this is the whole duty of man". Nothing else will give you eternal gain, other than a healthy fear of God. Do I even know this God? Is all I know about Him just what people say? Even if it starts with what others say, I must find him for myself and grow in my knowledge of Him, because what will sustain me in life isn't so much about the value of my possessions, but the value of the One who controls all I am now and all I'm aspiring to be. That's the end I must seek after: the fear of God that keeps my heart conscious of eternity. His time of favour is here.

Word, Located!

Word, Located!

Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
PSALM 119:11 AMP

As I live my life from day to day, there will be choices to make and decisions to take. Because of the delicate nature of this one life God has given me, I must make the choices and take the decisions very carefully, so that I can fulfil God's purpose for my life in my own generation, before the owner of life makes a demand for an account. Today's extract looks at this from about four perspectives:

1. What's the substance of my life: is it books, lovely music, wonderful friends and family or a nice job? Whilst all of these are good, they still cannot fill the void in the human heart. We can get busy at changing the world, but until my inner man is changed and aligned with God's will, I may make impact, but it may be at the expense of my soul. I may learn all the good songs by heart, I may stay up to date with the state of the world, but my most important discovery will be the treasures of the Word of God and His person.

2. It is a personal encounter; first a private decision before it becomes a public testimony. Like David, I must take that first step: make up my mind to seek God out. It does not matter what the world sees as popular or acceptable; I realise that I am responsible for the choices and decisions I make. That's why it is not about WE; it is about I. What are my priorities at the moment?

3. The personal decision to seek God will lead to some particular actions, and the most important will be to treasure and store up God's Word in my heart. Your heart will always be drawn to your treasures, and whatever you consider important will always hold your attention. What's the place of the Word in my heart? Is it something I seek when all other options have been exhausted? It is kept in my heart because that's the seat of all decisions and choices. That's the link to who I am and what I do. With the Word of God as guard, then my heart is on guard against the power and influence of sin.

4. Sin is the reason why I must get my priorities right. Sin causes eternal separation from God, and it must be avoided at all costs. David here knew the effect of sin, and he warns all who would hear to avoid sin at all costs. Sin will keep me away from God and all He represents.

That's the power of God's Word in today's extract: I keep my eye on the eternal prize, while sorting out the temporal daily living. I seek his help daily to navigate through life, so that I do not get to the end of it all and realise I had pursued the wrong priorities. His time of favour is here.

Love, Defined!

Love, Defined!

By this we know [and have come to understand the depth and essence of His precious] love: that He [willingly] laid down His life for us [because He loved us]. And we ought to lay down our lives for the believers. 1 JOHN 3:16 AMP

The world has definitions for life's concepts. The Word of God also has its own definitions of these concepts. It would appear that the world's definitions are easier to follow because they do not demand anything unusual or sacrificial from you. For example, the world's definition of love could relate to the filial and the erotic, both of them the regular outcome of family love and the outcome of man's fallen nature due to sin. Both of them demand reciprocal treatment or feelings out of a sense of duty, but none of these two can fully explain God's kind of love.

What stands God's love out is the foundation on which it is built: it did not demand anything from us before it was given to us. That's fully underlined in today's extract: Jesus willingly laid down his life for us. He wasn't forced to do it; we couldn't pay him to do it; we didn't even care then if he did it, as we didn't even appreciate the trouble we were in or the death that we were due. That's why his sacrifice is all the more weighty. Man would make all the noise, but when it came to a head, it is likely that man would not follow through.

One clear lesson: Jesus didn't do all he did, simply because he had nothing better to do, but to use his life as an example for us, so the world will see Him in and through us. If indeed I have tasted of God's great gift of love, it is only fitting that other people taste of that same love in and through me. How else will the world know and understand true love, if my life does not first show the fruits of that love? How does my life speak of love if there is no seed of grace in my life?

I am called to live by example, not just by word of mouth. Laying down my life may not mean letting myself be killed, but like the early church, can I see beyond my needs and seek to meet other people's needs? Can I place other people's priorities ahead of my own? Can I share what I have with people who don't have, not because I want to feel important, but because I realise I have received even greater things than what I could ever give? Can someone be grateful to God that I passed his/her way in life, and made an impact of love? Remember, the things that do count are the things of eternal value, and they are the things that can never be measured by currency. What are my priorities and pursuits? His time of favour is here.

Hold Fast!

Hold Fast!

Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; HEBREWS 10:23 AMP

It would appear from recent days that God would have us focus on the last days; days when faith is tested and hope is tried; when it is easier to let go than hold on; when nothing around you seems to make sense. Yet, in the midst of these realities, Paul reaches out with this charge: let us hold tightly to the confession of our hope. What would this mean in the context of who God is, and what He has called us to?

When I surrendered control to God, what I did would not have sense in the physical, but what it meant was that I was reaching out in hope for something bigger and better than what I had before. I didn't see the whole picture from the start, but there was hope birthed in me when I took that step to trust God. That hope is the fuel that keeps me going, even when nothing around me makes sense. That hope is the driving force for good in me, because it places before me the endless possibilities that Christ has opened for me.

The charge is that I hold tightly to this hope. If there was no danger of me losing it, why would Paul charge me to hold tightly to it? Everywhere you turn, there is pressure to be like every other person, to compromise on your belief, to blend in. The devil knows the good things ahead, because he has tasted it before, so he would want to dissuade and discourage as many as he can. The Word of God is so pointedly blunt when He says that 'only those who endure to the end will be saved'. That makes it clear that it is not really about how you start, or what happens to you along the way; what is important is that you keep your eyes on the end game; the end of all the patience, perseverance, hope and faith.

The reason why I must hold on is the quality of the back up. I got God on my side when I surrender control to Him, and He's got me covered. He's faithful to His Word, and whatever He has said, no matter how long ago, is certain to come to pass, because it is backed up by his nature, which makes it impossible for Him to lie, and by His power, which makes ALL things subject to Him. When I have Him on my side, what is there to fear? When I have Him backing me up, who can stand in His way? That's the confidence; where do I stand? Where do you? His time of favour is here.

Build Right!

Build Right!

But you, dear friends: build each other up on the foundation of your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep each other in the love of God, wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will give you eternal life. Jude 1:20‭-‬21 CEB

Indeed, these are the last days. Everything that was spoken by the prophets and men of old are being fulfilled right before our eyes. Wickedness, godlessness, impurity and impunity have become the norm of the day, not the abomination they should be. Men who have sinned love the benefits that fallen state brings them, and the sense of non-accountability that it brings. In fact, Jude, writing here, clearly states that indeed, scoffers will emerge, people who will live according to their ungodly desires. These people will try and break up the fellowship of the church, preaching heresies and promoting discord. That will be the norm in the end times.

However, a word of caution is dropped in today's extract: I owe it to God, to myself and my eternal destiny not to be swayed by falsehood and error. The only way I can do that is to know, hold on to, follow and live by  faith, sealed in the knowledge of God and his Son Jesus. As I grow, I must help the other person. As I learn more about God, I must share that knowledge with other people. As I strive to make heaven, I must show other people the right way by living right myself. Through faith in the finished work of Christ, the way to eternal life has been opened, and as many as would walk in receive life.

The importance of prayer can never be over emphasized. The love of God for us can never be downplayed; and the mercy of God is the reason why we can stand, serve and await the manifestation of God's promise of eternal life. All three are important in my walk of faith: the foundation is faith in Christ, not membership of a church or active service as a pastor or deacon or anything else. Once faith is the foundation, then I can have sincere love for other people. As I serve in love, I can overlook offences because I keep the love of God right before me. As I serve, I am conscious that it is by mercy that I am where I am, and the end of all things is eternal life.

This is very key: I keep before me the end, so that all I do now will guarantee that good end. I learn to avoid anything that can take that good end from me, so that I am not found to have laboured in vain. His time of favour is here.

Expect It!

Expect It!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

First of all, the extract above looks nothing like the context in which it was pronounced. The people of Judah and Jerusalem had sinned against God, and had been taken captive to Babylon. Maybe at the back of their minds, they couldn't understand why God would do this to them, so some of them just refused to settle down in Babylon. Even false prophets had told them that it won't be long before they were returned back to Jerusalem. However, God's message to them through Jeremiah is simple: no matter what the external looks like now, I am still very much in charge.

There is a confidence that comes from knowing that God is in full control. God is banking on himself; certain that all He has planned will come to pass. Man can only plan, it is God who gives power to plans. If something does not align with his plans, it will not happen, and if I force the issue, I have to live with the consequences. At all times, I am certain of this: God knows what he is doing, and why He allows wahtever happens to me. This is true, not sometimes, but constantly, even when the physical circumstances do not agree.

Note that this message was sent to people in exile, who were receiving such a message of hope, even after receiving just punishment for sin. Do you see God's hand, even in the midst of 'evil'. God's love for me is not like man's: only shown when the person deserves it. And in the midst of all the doom and gloom, Daniel, the man who changed the face of Babylon and saw through 3 kings, was also taken captive to Babylon on one of such raids by Nebuchadnezzar. Whem you consider the story of Daniel, does it not convince you that God's plan indeed can never be thwarted?

And God promises an expected end, but then, whose view are we talking about here: mine or God's? When I submit my life to God, what I am saying is that I have given God total control over the what, when, how and why of my life. Troubles may come, trials may rage, fires may burn and waters rise, but through it all, what is key is my understanding of who God is, and that there is a guarantee that His own purpose is established and will come to pass. It is not about what I want, but about God's glory and praise.

Can I see God in the immediate and the now, certain that he has got tomorrow too figured out? His time of favour is here.

Feeding Sin!

Feeding Sin!

Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death. James 1:13‭-‬15 ERV

It is a difficult thing to make a difference between trial and temptation. In some interpretations, you actually get the words used interchangeably. It would appear that indeed, bible interpreters view the words as meaning the same thing. The Greek view temptation as 'scrutinize, entice, examine, prove, tempt'. Do these not sound like how you would view trials too? Both are tests of inner character, and the consequences of either giving in or overcoming are eternal. Why, then, do I have to pay attention to these 2 things?

First, I have to check my heart and determine its focus. What are the things that hold my attention and time? What are the places and activities I really enjoy doing? These are the foundations of either my spiritual growth or decline. If all I care about is the latest fashion trend or clothes,  which are good in themselves, but at the expense of a thriving relationship with God, then I open myself up to distractions. If all I care about is how other people see me, I open myself up to compromise, pain and hurt in the nearest future.

If temptation is viewed as a bad thing, God does not tempt, as He is not the source of anything evil. However, man's fallen nature guarantees that his default mode is toward sin. It is easier for natural man to blend in than to stand out and it is the things the natural man desires that form the basis of his temptations. However, the same situation that could be interpreted as temptation to one man, could be the basis of a trial of faith to another man. It then matters what my ownership or allegiance is. If I have handed over my desires and emotions to God, he provides the grace and strength needed to overcome temptations. If I am the one in control, then I have no defence in the day of battle.

It really does not matter what the distinction is; the most important is my allegiance. If I am on God's side, my feelings and emotions are under his control and they answer to him. It is easy for such emotions to be properly channelled for good, so that what could have been my downfall becomes my testimony. If I do not surrender control to God, then when the battle comes, I have no defence or fall back option. The end of temptation, if I fall, is always death but the end of trial, if I stand by God's grace, is eternal life. As always, the choice is mine, while the consequences are always eternal. His time of favour is here.

Right Praise!

Right Praise!

Thine, O Jehovah, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine ; thine is the kingdom, O Jehovah, and thou art exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 ASV

As I read today's extract, I am forced to go back and check the context in which it was penned. Here was David who had made grand plans to build a befitting temple for God, and had put aside great treasures of silver, gold and bronze, amongst several other things, to build. However, God had other plans; in fact, it can be said that God didn't like the idea of David being the one to build such a temple. The reasons were blood-related, but God assured him that his own son would be the one to build. If it were you and I, certain of our good end and sure of our eternal destination, would the matter of earthly temples still be a major concern?

David didn't allow God's rejection of his plans to stop him from raising more funds and materials. He led by example and gave the best from his house, then spoke to the people, who gave out of their own best too, after seeing David's example. If I will call people to a life of sacrifice, praise and gratitude, is my life a living testament to the message I am trying to preach? If I will lead people's hearts to praise God, is my own heart already totally owned by the same God? It is easy to tell people to spend their lives in the service of God, but it is very difficult to live it out in our own daily and personal living.

No wonder there was a great outpouring of praise to God by David and the people. The basis of acceptable praise is first a clear and precise understanding of who I am asked to praise. If I know I own and hold nothing except what God has given to me; if I know I live, move and exist because of His breath in me; if I know that nothing happens without his approval or permission, then I can offer acceptable praise. There is nothing I can become in life without God's help. There is nothing I can lay hold of if God does not approve and there is nothing on earth that functions and responds to me outside of God's express command.

The words of David's song underline these facts: God sits at the head of the table and all that He has made answers to him. He does not need my validation to be the valid and only viable option. It is man that needs reminding that God is the Lord. Other creatures seem not to have a problem with that. Can I focus again in the right direction? Can I take my eyes off the world and focus it solely on the One who is truly in charge of all things? When I lift up my hands, open my mouth and heart and offer my life as an offering, can it be said that it is the full and complete package of all I am? His time of favour is here.

The End!

The End!

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy, receiving as the result [the outcome, the consummation] of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 PETER 1:8‭-‬9 AMP

We are called to a walk of faith, a race of faith and a fight of faith. Why is this faith so key to our Christian experience? I believe it is because the very foundations as well as the structure of all that we hold on to are held in place by faith. It was faith that made us realise our sinful state and our need of a Saviour. It is faith that is keeping us same in the midst of an insane world, because we trust God's Word that promises a better life ahead. It is by faith that we hold on to God's exceedingly great and precious promises, knowing that his love will not let us go. These are a few of the reasons why faith is so central to all that we are and have.

That is also the reason why human logic and experience cannot explain the love God has for us, and why we ourselves love God with our entire being. How do you love an entity you have not seen? How would you describe it/him to someone else? How do you hold on to joy in the face of the most distressing circumstances? The human mind cannot comprehend these facts, as they do not bear roots of anything that is logical or reasonable. There has to be something deeper than feelings, emotions or senses; it is about that clear, definite and absolute assurance that God is alive in me, and that there is really no end to my life, just a change of address at the end of this present earthly phase.

That's why Stephen could embrace death and pray for forgiveness for those who were hurting him, because he saw something better just ahead. That is why Abraham took that journey, because he knew the One who had called him out knew what He was doing. And that is why Jesus went the way of the cross, because He knew the glory that was just ahead of Him. Why do I deny myself of the 'good' things of life? Why should I keep my eyes and heart away from the distractions of earthly comfort and  possessions? It is because joy is not about what I hold in my hands, in my bank account or in my head, but the assurance that comes from knowing God and holding him in my heart.

The end of all things will come; nothing down here was built to last forever, and one day soon, the owner of life will make a demand for his investments in me. Faith is not pointless; there is an end to all that I hold on to by faith today, and it is the salvation of my soul. No matter what I have now, if I have secured that, there is danger ahead. Am I walking and living by faith, or by the daily, hard realities of life around me? Am I really saved and safe? His time of favour is here.

Free, Serve!

Free, Serve!

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover or pretext for evil, but [use it and live] as bond-servants of God. 1 PETER 2:16 AMP

There are at least three parts to today's extract, and we will do well to keep each part in our hearts, as we live from day to day, working towards the end game of our lives, which is eternal life. First, we are declared as free people. The bigger issue is whether I see myself as such. Do I know what it entails to be truly free? Have I paid the price for this freedom? Let it be known that the only One who claims to be able to set us free indeed is the One called the Truth, and it is in and by Him that we come to the knowledge of God. The world itself is in bondage, tied to the strings of tradition, the usual, the normal and the expected. Only by the Word of God is any man set free from the bondage of the world and set free to fully display the grace and mercy that come from the new status of freedom.

Secondly, with this freedom comes the bit about responsibility. The world interprets freedom as license to roam; God interprets freedom as license to obey God fully and freely. The two are extremes, but either position comes from my understanding of who I am, what I have received, who I work for and where I stand. If I know who I am and who I belong to, obedience and submission to God is easy and unforced. If I struggle with obedience, then maybe, I am yet to fully grasp the value of what I am losing by not submitting.

Thirdly, freedom received by God leads to a commitment to serve. The world sees success from the view point of lordship and dominion; God defines success first from the place of service. It does not matter what you become or where you stand: bishop, pastor, teacher, evangelist, usher, cleaner, sweeper, doorkeeper; what is very essential is that I know that I am bound to service. I may speak from a raised platform or speak to a life in a secret room; it makes no difference, as long as both are ordained by God and commissioned by Him. That's the idea behind the word used in today's extract: 'bond -servant'. It is lifelong service; you never retire or resign, unless you just never understood what you were getting into in the first place.

I believe the most important part of today's lessons is my ownership status. It is when that is settled that other parts of today's extract will make sense. If I am still bound by sin, I can never fulfil God's purpose for my life. Unless and until I surrender to God through Christ, I will not experience the pure joy that comes from knowing that God is working through all I do or say. God wants to display his glory and grace in and through me, but my life must be right for his light to shine through. His time of favour is here.

Right Fit!

Right Fit!

The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother. PROVERBS 18:24 AMP

What is the right balance between too many friends and the right friends? How do you know when a relationship is not needed or is becoming toxic? It appears that the writer of today's extract is advocating caution in the choice of friendships and relationships, and considering how Solomon's life went, we will do well to heed his advice and appy them sensibly to our lives.

First, before you go into a relationship, do you ask God for guidance? It may sound funny, but when you look at the stories of men who moved the world, they didn't have the luxury of many friends, but they knew the One who mattered, and He did the rest. If my life will make impact, I have examples to pattern my life after. Abraham had to leave his father's house for him to walk into God's perfect plan. Sometimes, you may not have to leave the familiar, but you must know the limits of the familiar and allow God to work in and through you that which is His perfect will.

Secondly, when you are in a relationship or friendship, do you ask God continually to guide your actions, reactions and motives? Having the right kind of friends isn't as key as you being the right kind of person. Most times, we attract the exact kind of person that we are. If I pretend to love another, it is likely that I will meet someone else who is also a good pretender. If I am sincere, and I commit my ways to God, He will send helpers of destiny my way to help me to the place of fulfilment.

Thirdly, the end of all ungodly friendships is always ruin. If it does not happen in the immediate, it will happen eventually. Ask Solomon: what was the end of all his alliances? God gave him wisdom and riches beyond measure, but rather than keep God at the heart of his focus, he thought he could maintain the peace by marrying from nations God has specifically forbade Israel to marry from. At the end of his days, not much could be said of him, apart from his wealth and marriages.

Lastly, I need to ask myself: "Who am I". Am I someone to be trusted or do I need to first deal with my heart? When God has worked on me, I become an extension of his hand, eye, mouth, ear and heart. When I see as God sees, lives around me are blessed. It has nothing to do with the natural connection of blood between brothers and sisters of the same natural birth, but brothers and sisters connected by the blood of the eternal covenant, the blood that sanctifies, purifies and makes whole. It is beyond mere friendship, but it is about brotherhood: shared grace, shared hope and shared love, with eternal life as the final piece. Which is my focus? Where do I stand? His time of favour is here.

Life's Balance!

Life's Balance!

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3‭-‬4 NKJV

It appears we live in a world of competition, where man's barometer of success is measured in basic physical and visible things like possession, position, privilege, power and similar considerations. It would appear that it is the natural way of man to do what would bring him pleasure and gain. No one flows towards what will not bring him some immediate gain, which is why today's extract addresses the very foundations of why I do whatever it is I do.

Ambition and conceit are not things you can measure by human scales, but they pull at the very strings of the human heart. I could pretend to be nice, get involved in social welfare, and spend myself for the sake of other people, but the most important question of all still remains: how's my heart? The danger in today's extract is that because selfish ambition or conceit are not visible, I could pretend for years and 'get away with it' down here; however, in the final analysis, and on the basis of eternity, I would have lost everything.

In the same way, lowliness of heart is also not visible on the outside, but one thing is certain: God who creates the heart and knows all its secrets knows best how to reward faithful, diligent and honest service, when the focus is other people. If I do not see myself the way God sees me, I may have an inferiority complex. If I do not see myself the way God sees me, I may develop an inflated opinion about myself and think that I am the best gift to mankind. Whichever way it is, one thing is key: I must keep my eyes focused on God and how I can impact his world. I must see other people as His own workmanship, people who are being formed in line with His will and purpose.

Am I all about me, myself and my needs or can God interrupt my personal focus and get me to focus on others? Nothing done out of pride or selfish interests will be rewarded by God. Man may applaud and reward, but the greatest blessing I could get is God's approval and backing down here and eternal life with God when this present earthly life ceases. What will it be for you? His time of favour is here.

God's Timing!

God's Timing!

For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom [a substitutionary sacrifice to atone] for all, the testimony given at the right and proper time. 1 TIMOTHY 2:5‭-‬6 AMP

Just in case I had forgotten its importance, or I had conveniently ignored the critical implications of this truth, I am reminded by Paul that there is only one God. If it is true that there is only one God, why then is it so hard for all the religions to agree on the identity and power of that same God? Why is it so hard to agree on how to approach or worship this one God?

The next phrase provides a response: there is also only one mediator between God and man. This mediator pleads our case before the Father, standing on our behalf. This is the sticky point with man: the testimony about his helplessness and his need for help from someone bigger, better and stronger than he could ever be. This is where it is hard for man to ever qualify for grace, as it is not something you can earn. This is where the religions of the world can no longer speak, and all that is left is a personal encounter with the one called Life himself.

The reason why Christ can stand where He is, and we can stand where we are is simply by grace and by blood. Blood is a bridge, a channel of reconciliation and true life for all who trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross. We deserved to die; someone needed to die for the remission of sins. Of course, anyone polluted by sin could not qualify, and so only the sinless One could offer the perfect sacrifice. He has done so; all I need to do is simply walk in and seal eternal life.

God is never late. At the appointed time, when the fullness of the plans has been completed, all that God has said will come to pass. When the time was right, God did right by allowing His Son pay the price for us to be called Righteous. Just like the testimony of Christ for us, may our lives also lead to offerings of praise and thanksgiving to God. His time of favour is here.

Hear Well!

Hear Well!

The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure) Will remain among the wise. PROVERBS 15:31 AMP

Which of these questions would you consider to be the most important: what you hear, who you listen to or how you react to what you hear? One speaks to your power over the things you allow to leave an impression on your heart; one speaks to the people you give the power to affect your life, either for good or bad; the other speaks to the choice you have on how you react to what you hear. When you consider it all, you realise that really, all the questions are important.

Firstly, I do have power on the things I allow to impress my heart. The world is always speaking, seeking to mold me to its will and pattern; the Word is also always speaking, seeking to mold me to the will of the Father. There is no fence on this one; I must decide one way or the other where my loyalties lie. Secondly, the world and the Word have human agents all around me. Depending on where I want to go or what I want to do, there is no shortage of advice. However, the end of either choice you make has eternal consequences.

Thirdly, because the choice of eternal destination is mine, I cannot hold anyone else responsible for how my life turns out. There is a part of God in me, imparted when God breathed into me. I will always have that part of God in me, and I get to decide to listen or ignore. Today's extract simply hits the nail on the head by saying it is wisdom to listen to the right kind of advice. How would you know what is right? Simply because no matter how evil a man gets, he has a part of God in him that he cannot kill. He can learn to ignore, but he cannot kill it. That's why man will use drugs, wine or women to attempt to fill the gaps in the heart, but unless and until God fills that space, nothing else will work.

Want to be wise? Learn to listen to the wise counsel, correction and advice of the wise. Who is wise? The one who has submitted totally to the only wise God. Even when you make mistakes, God does not let go, as long as you return to Him and cry for his mercy. He wants to guide, and he wants to take glory in and through your life. Would you let him? His time of favour is here.

Know!

Know!

And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” JOHN 8:32 AMP

Jesus speaks here. Here he was, caught in the middle of his disciples, the leaders of the people and a crowd. Even though man does not realize it, his greatest need isn't money, riches, connections, power, privilege or position, but liberty of the spirit. The world has made it appear that you are less than your best if you do not have some things, but Jesus' words reverberate all through the phases of human existence: your greatest need is ME.

It is not enough to hear the truth or simply acknowledge its existence; you have to come to a deep and experiential knowledge of that truth. It is what you know that you can draw out of when the need arises. No matter how much I know, or who I know, or how much I acquire, when the question of eternity demands a response from you, nothing about what you hold or have will be sufficient. The only thing that will have eternal value is Who you hold on to as the standard for your life.

There is an assurance that if I know the truth, then only am I truly free. How does this work? If you care to know, sin always leads to bondage. It does not matter what you may have been told, or how well dressed sin may have been presented to you: as long as this human existence is concerned, all who are born of woman are under the influence and power of sin. Nothing in us could save us, except the power of truth. That truth finds expression in the One speaking here - Jesus himself. Only in and through Him do I find what I need to live the life God has formed me to live. Only in and through Him am I truly set free.

The offer stands only on this side of eternity; once the fatal line is passed, the power of decision is taken away. Whilst I have the time, opportunity and power to decide, I better choose right. Eternity is waiting at the end of that decision. His time of favour is here.

Who Do You Please?

Who Do You Please?

Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah). Galatians 1:10 AMPC

Today's extract starts with a question, and it is one all of us must answer at some point in time in the course of lives, as it will also form the basis of judgment and reward at the end of this present earthly phase. Right at the heart of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden was a desire to look good, to appear wise and appealing. Those three elements were present: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Till today, the pressure remains.

Paul understood the attraction of the old life; he had seen both sides so he could relate. Man's natural tendency is to relate well with people, get on the good side of people and generally appeal to their good side. Whilst this is good, it must not be the defining factor for my life. Whilst I run my race, I must keep at the back of my mind the reason why I run, and for whom I am running.

The questions above are important, as I take stock of where I am at the moment: am I about man's applause or God's grace? Do I seek favour from men or am I content with the favour God alone can birth and sustain? It is tempting to bend over and seek to draw men close, but think about it: even if you could draw them to yourself by the power of your words, can you also meet the deep spiritual yearnings of their hearts? That is the reason why pleasing men at the expense of God can never end well.

Paul understood the context, and used a strong image: you have to choose a side. There is no sitting on the fence on this one: you either serve God or you serve man. Look at the image used by Paul: a bondservant: someone bound to service without wages; a slave. We don't like the word, but it is a start point. If I know who I am, I won't fight the appellation. I will find out what it means and define my life by the lessons. If indeed it is God I am serving, am I doing it for reward, public praise, human applause or for God's glory?

Whatever my response is, that will be my position, as far as God is concerned. Daily, I choose on whose side I am on, and who will take the glory at the end of time. Don't labour for gain that does not satisfy; make your life count by committing it into the hands of the only One who does not owe any man anything, and will adequately reward all who are faithful to the end. His time of favour is here.

Right Call!

Right Call!

So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength]. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:10 AMP

Looking at the life of Paul, it would seem that there are two clear phases; one where he was running on his own fumes, his great intellect and education, his proud Jewish heritage and upbringing and his deep knowledge of the law. He was a persecutor of the early church, and he did this under the zealous impression that he was upholding the law and stamping out anything contrary. That was the phase just before he had his encounter with Jesus on the way to Damascus.

His second phase is the one that accounts for today's extract. Imagine a man who had in the past been zealous for God's law, but without a full understanding of what God's law really demanded, now being used by God to encourage the same people he used to persecute. Paul's story teaches that there is nobody so far gone that s/he is beyond God's grace. The words of today's extract are from a position of grace; where the focus shifts from what I want to how my life can be a message to other people. Today's extract is a testament to the grace, power and ability that are available in and through Christ.

It must be noted that the reason why all the experiences make sense is because they go through Christ to come to me. Outside of Him, I wouldn't survive or last long. Only in Him am I able to see my experiences as opportunities for God to be glorified. Only in Him am I able to endure hard times and it is because I am certain that His strength and power will not let me go. At no time can I rest on my laurels or degrees; at no time am I really independent or self-sufficient; at no time can I claim I have all I need in or by myself.

I am strong because He is strong in me. I delight in trials because I have an assurance of his never-failing presence. I look to difficulties with an eye of faith, certain that by God's grace, nothing can stand up to God in me. I know I am victorious, simply because my life finds both support and expression in God. That is my testimony; what's yours? His time of favour is here.

Priorities!

Priorities!

Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up. Proverbs 12:25 MSG

When the man credited as being the wisest man on earth speaks on an issue, it will do us good to listen and learn the lessons from his words. When Solomon was asked to request for anything, he chose wisdom. It would appear that money, riches, wealth and connections aren't our most important possessions, but the wisdom that only God can give and which is available in and through Him. When wisdom comes, then other things may follow.

In that light, today's extract makes sense. If the wisdom from God is my first and only pursuit, then there can be no place for worry or anxiety. The reason why I may be anxious is that I have made room for it in my heart. It could be that there is space in my heart for God and for other things as well. Unfortunately, God cannot share space in your heart with other considerations; you either give God all or nothing at all.

This is the danger of worry: it takes your eyes off the amazing God to the mundane things around you. You begin to see the size of the problem, rather than seeing the great and mighty God. One lesson I keep learning is that worry does not change anything on the outside; it affects the balance on the inside and when you don't have inner calm, you will not see God move or hear when He speaks. The supply of grace that a heart set on God can receive is threatened.

The flip side is that when my heart is rightly connected, there is continual cheer. It is not that I have everything I need; it is just that I have the Only One who matters on my side, and that's just enough for me. There are no guarantees that the days of worry won't come, but I have the advance assurance that God has it all under control. It does not matter where the right Word comes from, but as long as God is the One speaking, all situations around me must respond to His voice.

Then, I consider also, can God trust me to speak a word in season to the one whose heart is also worried? Am I all about what I can get from God, or can God entrust lives into my hands, sure that I will receive from Him and speak his words to those whose hearts are heavy? Can I take my eyes away from my own situations long enough to see who He wants to reach through me? What are my priorities? What is my heart's focus: problems or praise? His time of favour is here.