True to Type!

True to Type!

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 KJV

Your location determines your allocation and priorities. Whatever you pursue at the moment reflects the condition of your heart and as you should know, there are eternal consequences attached to every choice. Paul would always be specific about the target of his messages, and today's extract follows exactly that same pattern. Today's extract speaks to specific people, in a specific relationship status and specific location and focus. Before you can claim the blessings or promises or gain in any passage, you have got to satisfy the conditions.

It starts with a conditional statement- I then must check if i fit first before going on to read up the rest of the passage. It surely matters where i am located because i cannot swim with maggots in the sewer and still expect to soar in the sky with eagles. I cannot feed my mind with junk and expect that I will produce anything clean. If indeed I claim to know Christ, then I must have priorities and pursuits that match that knowledge.

Why is this important- It is because of Christ's perfect example. He died and rose again to seal life for me. If the process had not been complete, my life would have no meaning. If he had just died, then death would have been the final chapter. If he had never died, I wouldn't even be speaking about eternal life. If indeed I know what He has done for me, I must identify with his death and life, so that my life can reflect the same principles. I know physical death is just a phase into true life and death has no power over me.

Does my life's pursuits presently reflect that reality? Is my mind focused on things above, with Christ, or are they on the physical, ephemeral things of this world? Remember, nothing down here satisfies, only God does. Find Him, find life. His time of favour is here.

God at Work 2

God at Work 2

Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 AMPC
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Following on from yesterday's discourse is today's extract, emphasising the strict importance of staying connected to the source and spring of life. The word 'abide' or 'dwell' was used a lot in the whole passage and this gives a picture of what God intends for all who claim to know and follow Him. Dwelling signifies permanence, not just temporary occupation of space. It shows a full commitment to staying the course, no matter what comes. It tells God that I am all for Him, and to submit myself to His authority. Can this be said of me at this present moment?

And this is the secret to impact: connection. All around the world, the evil effect of individualism and absolute self-centeredness stare us in the face. Men think they can make it without any kind of assistance from others. Unfortunately, God places so much stock on the connection of fellowship, which is just an offshoot of the same connection God wants to have with us. If I will make impact on other people, I must first understand who I am and who I know, because all these will determine what I am capable of giving.

And this is made even more poignant by the fact that bearing fruit is a function of that connection. Trees can give signs of life on them, yet be totally empty of life-inspiring fruit, just like the fig tree Jesus cursed. In the same way, I must not be content with what people tell me they see; I must make sure of my status. I mustn't be content with the deceit of human applause, but seek after God with all my heart. I mustn't allow the world's principles define my life; staying connected to God has benefits both for this present earthly life and the one to come. His time of favour is here.

Getting it Right

Getting it Right

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1 AMP

It is easy to focus on the outward display of gifts, talents and abilities, and forget the basic foundations that give life to the gifts. It is easy to define a person by what s/he does, not who he knows, because as human beings, we are unfortunately moved by what we see or hear. It is easy to pay lip service to anything, because nobody can read the heart's motives and determine its sincerity. So, we go through life pretending, or simply keeping up appearances. That's not the life God wants for us.

One of the greatest concepts of life and God is love. Love is both invisible and tangible at the same time. For those who know, an outflow of affection termed as love first lives in the heart before it can flow out to other people. I cannot claim to truly love another unless and until that love has taken root in my own heart. Pray, what would I be giving out if I never had it in me in the first place?

I could have all the best gifts on offer; I could speak and lives be moved; I could prophesy and 'bless' people's lives with the Word of God, but God's first and only requirement is that I do all I do out of a heart of love. Why is love so important- could it be it is because love is what keeps your heart from unhealthy comparisons or rivalry. It is love that keeps my heart free from envy of other people's gifts and testimonies. Otherwise, I end up giving out so much yet getting so little satisfaction and joy in what I do.

If I do anything outside of love, I am referred to as a noisy gong; an annoying distraction. Waoh! Whilst men are applauding the display, God is questioning the motive and rejecting the offering. Maý I not get to the end of my race and discover that I had pursued the wrong priorities and wasted God's precious gifts. Love, defined by God, is the only guarantee against such an end. His time of favour is here.

Shine!

Shine!

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:14‭-‬16 KJV

Whatever I will be is a function of my understanding of who I am. If I do not know who I follow or who I am, it is difficult to talk about impact, which is the summary of today's extract. This is a statement of fact: all who claim to follow Christ must know that they are light of the world. Why would light be used in this manner? Could it be it is because no matter how dark it is, the smallest sliver of light makes a big difference? Could it be that this is the loudest voice speaking on my earthly purpose?

Light cannot be ignored. Light cannot be put in a box. The nature of light is to change the narrative around it; to give of itself to all around it. You don't light a candle and then seek to hide its effect; you put it where it can serve its purpose. If I know I am light, then I should know that I am planted where I am to make a difference. It may look like its a boring life, but it is important to settle the issue of identity, so I do not fight aimlessly or run without an end in view.

And the world is the stage of manifestation.  Men must know and see the difference, if they will listen to whatever it is I have to say. And it is even more important when I consider that the One who calls and equips is the One whose name and interests are at stake. He is to be glorifed in and through me, because it is by His name that I live and work. If I am not living right and pointing men back to God, would that not be a waste of the blessings and resources God has placed in me?

Is my life at present gorifying God and pointing others to Him? No matter what I say now, I remember that one day, I will give account of how I lived, and used up God's resources of grace available to me. His time of favour is here.

My Part!

My Part!

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Philippians 2:12 KJV

Paul speaks here, charging those he had spent time with to remember the things he had taught and shown them. There was a testimony by Paul about their sincere obedience, and not the hypocrisy we see so often these days. We act in a certain way when people are watching us, and then we act in another way when nobody seems to be around, forgetting that God sees the heart and understands the WHY behind the WHAT that I do.

Let it be clearly stated that what i need to work out isn't the initial salvation bit, where the blood of Jesus offers the only way out of sin. There is nothing I could do to deserve or earn it; it is a free gift offered to all men everywhere, and I enjoy the benefits of it when I have surrendered control to Christ. Then comes the working out, my own part. It is not a celebration of human effort or achievement, because what I do must take its source and nourishment from the finished work of Christ.

So, I work daily, keeping at the back of my mind who I am working for and why I am working. It is 'my own salvation' because even though I am called into fellowship with Christ with other people, it is still an individual walk and work. Others could be a blessing, holding my hand for a reason or a season as I walk through life, but ultimately, it is an individual thing. And why should I do all these with fear and trembling? Could it be it is because there is no such thing as eternal security?

The 'once saved, forever saved' message must be carefully considered in the light of what God intends. God does not intend that there will be multiple salvation experiences for me, but I could make mistakes and return to Him, and He will pardon. The caution is that I do not presume on this grace and live as I please, as I do not know my day of visitation. I keep that fear of and for God at the back of my mind as I work an walk, so that at the end of it all, I can be truly and eternally saved and safe. His time of favour is here.

Daily Dependence!

Daily Dependence!

No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word--He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 AMP

Depending on whose opinion you hold, you can discover a treasure trove of help and grace as you walk on the pathway of life. It has always been emphasized that since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, where he chose to reject God and make his own way, man has lost the inner strength to live right. In all spheres of human interaction, the desire to get ahead and beat all opposition has been in man. In the political, religious, academic or economic life of man, it has become a race to be better, bigger and brighter than everyone else. Where then is the light?

Today's extract provides light. No matter the weight of the pressure, God's grace is heavier. No matter the quality of the opposition, God's strength is bigger. Nothing comes to me without his permission or approval, and there is already an assurance that nothing in that situation will  overwhelm me.

One of the strongest reasons why we get overwhelmed is because our human sense of independence wants to go on his own strength and wisdom. At no time do I have the power, ability or capacity to succeed; at all times, I must depend on the One who holds the time and seasons in His hands.

Check out the words again: God knows about what is coming to you in the future. He ensures that the experience is specifically tailored to the size of your strength and ability. Whilst the situation is unfolding, his grace has already unfolded and is waiting for your call. Nothing in that situation is created to defeat you, but to empower you for greater heights. Inside that particular situation is grace for the journey ahead, as well as strength to overcome and come out stronger.

God will provide strength to match the trial, or bring a trial that will match our strength. Either way, we are covered. God isn't like man, inconsistent and untrue. If he says he will, history has proven that he does not lie. The secret is DAILY DEPENDENCE. Nothing outside of Him will work. His time of favour is here.

Gathered Right!

Gathered Right!

“Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.” MATTHEW 18:19‭-‬20 AMP

The importance of prayer out of a heart of relationship with God cannot be over emphasized. Men pray, and all sorts of prayers are offered to God from all ends of the earth, but God gives a framework and a model for the kind of prayers He answers and how we can approach Him and get what we desire. First, it is an outflow of relationship, with the focus being on 'believers'. It is important then that I ask myself: have I surrendered control to God or am I still in charge of my destiny? The answer to this is the fulcrum on which every other thing in this passage revolves.

Secondly, I must also pursue unity in purpose, if my prayers are to be answered. It does not mean that I lose my identity or become a robot, but I find common ground with others who share common faith in Christ, who are headed in the same direction and who seek God's perfect will here on earth. When these are present, answers are guaranteed. The focus here isn't getting what I want, but what God wants.

Thirdly, this is made even stronger by the grace of fellowship, where we all come together as one to seek God and to advance his will. If God could admit the power of oneness in the story of the tower of Babel, the same principle would apply when we all have the same goals and pursue the same purpose under God's will. Nothing will be impossible for us. It is important to gather under the right condition- which is in His Name, otherwise, we will pursue personal agendas and achieve nothing.

The assurance is that when I seek God's will, his Presence is guaranteed. When I pursue His purpose, his blessings become my daily experience. When the focus is on me, nothing works. When the focus is on God, things fall in place. His time of favour is here.

Love 2

Love 2

Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].
GALATIANS 6:2 AMP

Burdens are different yet universal to everyone. We all have ours, some more private than others, but we all have where the shoe pinches us. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, man has struggled for practically everything. Even in developed economies where you would expect things to be better, the simple matter of sin continues to pose a problem to all of humanity.

Today's extract gives a mandate to help others with their own burdens, yet appears to say nothing about what happens to mine. It would appear that when i help others with their burdens, then my own burdens are also being taken care of. As the same mandate is given to me, so is it given to all who share common allegiance and ownership in Christ. If indeed I know who I am, obedience will not be an issue. And the whole essence of this instruction is love.

This love- why is it so peculiar? Why does this kind of love keep looking outwards, not inwards? Why does it keep looking at impacting others, not pursuing selfish interests? Why does it always seek the good of others, no matter their reception or response to me? I have learnt that God isn't primarily interested in how people react to me as much as He is interested in how I reach out to other people. If I know what the love of God is through personal experience, I won't struggle to share it with other people.

It is called Christ's law of love, showing it is a law, a command and a requirement, but like all things from God, he won't force himself on anyone. He wants willing partners through whom He can work; through whom His heart will be made manifest. Though it is called a law, he wants me to come to Him willing. I could do that now and enjoy the benefits of a lifetime of service, or I could disobey, live as I please, take my chances and wait till judgment day. As always, the choice of the now and the eternal are mine. His time of favour is here.

A Word of Caution

A Word of Caution!

“The Lord, the God of Israel, promised that your father’s family would serve him forever. But now the Lord says, ‘That will never be! I will honor people who honor me, but bad things will happen to those who refuse to respect me. 1 Samuel 2:30 ERV

Why do we like to apply 21st century thinking to a God who is timeless and eternal, called the Ancient of Days? Why do we think we can bring God down to our level and get him to see our own side of the argument and why we were right to do whatever it is we did, which is a clear contravention of his express instructions? How does being current and realistic in today's world equate with being on God's righteous side, knowing certainly that God's judgment is coming on all that man does, whether good or bad?

Eli served in the old temple. He kept the oil of the lamp burning, as he should; the sacrifices were being kept by the people and they were coming in; year after year, people came from all over the land to offer the God of Israel sacrifices. Nothing on the surface revealed the cancer that was eating away at Eli's heart, and God was already looking for his replacememt. Eli's sons served as priests in the same temple, which by God's standard, was the proper thing, as priesthood was a family inheritance, but who says God is bound by traditions? If He was the One who set it up and it was not working right anymore, God had the right to take it all away. And that is exactly what He did.

I can never become so familiar with God that I think I can predict his next move. Though Eli was at his duty post day after day, God had left him a long time ago. After a while, God couldn't even speak to him, as he had shown a capacity for weakness in character and discipline. Be careful of toying with God's gifts in your life; an account will be demanded by God of all He has entrusted into your hands. It took a small boy, Samuel, to seal Eli's doom, and in one single day, Eli, his 2 sons and his daughter in law died on the same day, ending a dynasty of nonchalance with God's Word and Work.

Be careful how you handle lives committed into your hands. Be careful of the impact you seek to make on the lives of people God brings your way. It takes God nothing to wipe away a generation of godless people, if it will awaken a consciousness of righteousness. You are not too young to make an impact, and you can never be so close to God that you can escape judgment. I need to watch my life today; make sure that I do not become careless in my walk, making assumptions and losing that vital connection. Eternity is at stake here; nothing else down here will matter eventually. His time of favour is here.

Love!

Love!

For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].”
GALATIANS 5:14 AMP

We live in a world where pursuing selfish interests no longer look bad. We have been taught that the first law of nature is to love myself; then I can develop the capacity to love other people in return. Unfortunately, this argument does not say anything about how i can love myself first, and offers so many conflicting arguments that it would be difficult to know what works. Could it be that this worldly principles don't work, simply because they ignore maybe the most important part of the argument: my heart and my relationship with God.

Let it be clear: no man on earth can by sheer force of will obey God's commandments easily. The natural man cannot, becasue God's instructions go against everything the natural man craves. However, it was God's intention to relate with man, and that was the basis of the commandments. Please note that they are called 'commandments' not opinions. God wants to relate with us, but he has standards of behaviour and we will only enjoy the fullness of the blessings he has for us when we adhere to these commands.

These commandments cover practically every sphere of human activity and relationships, and the foundation of them all is summed up in today's extract. If I truly love my fellow man, I will seek his/her good. If i truly love people, I will pursue peace. All God desires through his commands is a mininum standard of behaviour, and I fulfil God's law simply by showing this love. There is no law on earth that can criminalise love and there are very cheap and easy ways to show love, but which will leave eternal impressions on the hearts of the recipients.

So, am I all about myself first, or do I have a heart for other people? Can I trust God to sort out my present whilst I get busy at impacting other people with the love of God that has already made an impression on my own heart? Eternal questions, with eternal consequences. His time of favour is here

Power of 2

Power of 2

Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up. ECCLESIASTES 4:9‭-‬10 AMP

There has to be some deep life secrets revealed to the wisest man on earth in his own time, for him to write the words of today's extract. In keeping this extract in context, it is important to note that there are some instances where remaining alone is better than being joined to the wrong company. The same Bible warns against bad company, so we keep today's extract in the right perspective.

When it comes to some spheres of life, two are better than one. If 2 people have the same mind, and are committed to the same project, there is almost nothing that they will not achieve. God himself testified to this when he addressed the project of the tower of Babel, which was defeated, not because the people stopped believing in the work, but because they could not walk and work together. That's the power of focus and commitment.

The power of the right 2 is seen everywhere you turn. It appears that there is an exponential increase when more people commit to a thing in sincerity. 1 chases a thousand, 2 chase ten thousand, reflecting the power of committment. If 1 makes a mistake, the other could help put it right. If 1 falls, the other is there to lift him/her up. Maybe God-ordained marriages could be the greatest testimony of the power of 2, where 2 very different people come together and work together to raise lives who will in turn impact their generation.

Indeed, God himself, from the Garden of Eden, never intended that man be alone. He knows the power available in fellowship, and He sets the example by reaching out to us daily, helping us when we fail or fall, and applauding us on as we live. That's his example, and he demands we do the same to others. Can God depend on me to be his eyes, hands, ears and heart to the world around me? Can others see Him in and through me? His time of favour is here.

The Other Person!

The Other Person!

And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Hebrews 10:24 AMPC

The world celebrates individualism. It is about me, myself and I. Nobody else matters, and I can step on anyone on my way to the top. That's the way of the world and lives have been destroyed on account of this practice. However, for everything God commands, He never uses the world as His own standards. Rather than use people to get ahead, He would that I hold the other person's hand as we go ahead together. This is becoming increasingly unpopular as man becomes more selfish and self-centred.

What God commands is deliberate action on my part. It cannot be produced by accident; I have got to go out of my way to do what is required. If I must impact a life, the best way to do it is by relationship. No one size fits all; what works for one person will not work for another. The language of love is a universal language, which is known and recognised all over the world, but made manifest in various ways. I am therefore required to find out how I can be a blessing to everyone God brings my way.

It could be words; it could be a visit that would make a difference; it could just be a listening ear, patient attention to the heart of another. Whatever it is, one thing is clear: it will take something from me, and that is expressed as a function of time. You just never know if your little insignificant action today will be the catalyst for great discoveries and breakthroughs tomorrow. Men and women like Martin Luther King and Mother Theresa could have been impacted by someone somewhere who took out time to leave an impression and the world remembers them, as well as others, for the impact they made.

What do you want to be remembered for: one who lived for man's applause or one who impacted lives? Both have eternal consequences. His time of favour is here.

Confidence!

Confidence!

This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us. 1 JOHN 5:14 AMP

Life is a function of relationships. It is also said that you get out of life whatever you put into it. If I take time to make the right investments into my today, then it is certain that my today will yield fruit that will be of great blessings for my tomorrow. The right foundation for this impact is my decision about the greatest gift given by God, which is His Son, Jesus.

That's why today's extract is addressed to people referred to as 'believers'. These are people who have handed over control to Jesus, and asked him to take over their lives and lead. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it would mean giving up other things that are pleasant, but it means that I know who I have come to believe, and I know He is able to guarantee eternal life for me. Do you have that same assurance, or do you need to make an approach to God today?

If that relationship is settled, then the other part of today's extract makes sense. Asking God for something is like a child asking a parent for anything. The reason why a child asks a parent is based on the child's understanding of who the parent is. If I ask just anybody for something a parent should do, the person may do it out of the goodness of the heart, but it won't be out of a parent-child relationship. It is the same with God, and even much better.

He wants to do more than we can ever ask or imagine, and His power is so great that nothing is impossible for Him. The biggest limitation to what He can do would then be ME. Can I trust God enough to know He is a faithful father; that is, if indeed, He is my father? When I ask as a child who knows what the Father wants, I am assured of answers to prayers. God's purpose must be a child's greatest discovery and pursuit, and when that is the focus, impact is inevitable. His time of favour is here.

God at Work!

God at Work!

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit]. JOHN 15:2 AMP

On a personal note, I believe today's extract calls for careful review of my life, so that I can see myself as God sees me, and can make changes where necessary. There is a reference to a branch that is in Christ, yet is not bearing fruit. How can that happen? How can a branch be connected, taking the nourishment from the vine, and yet not be able to give anything back? For Christ to say this, it means it is a possibility and is also a call for all of us to examine our lives again, so that we are not disappointed on the day of judgment.

Fruitfulness should be the natural outflow from a life that is connected to the life-giving flow of grace from God. However, the place of personal choices come into play here. I could accept Him as Lord and Saviour, then not allow his Word room in me. I could attend fellowship and enjoy the Word and prayer, yet not allow the Word take root in me. People may see all the signs of growth in me, but the only opinion that counts is God's. So I get to make the choice of reception, response and returns. So, God takes away an unfruitful branch, which also means that the dangerous doctrine of 'eternal security' isn't so true after all; you have got to stay connected to be eternally secure.

For the branches that continues to bear fruit, there is a process of painful pruning. The word here is 'consistency'. There will be tough days ahead, but you cannot forget where you are and who you are connected to. Trials will come, winds will blow, but these would only serve to make you stronger, if you know who you are. If I will make impact for God in my generation, as it was said of David, then I cannot take my eyes off the most important part of my life: my connection to Christ.

I check my life again in the light of God's Word: am I rightly connected and fruitful? It is not about human applause or opinion, but the vital assurance in my heart that I belong to God and He is for me. He can work in and through me all that He desires, and I know my eternity is secured, simply because I am His own. That's all that matters, and that's all that secures eternal life. Nothing else will. His time of favour is here.

Origins!

Origins!

So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.
GENESIS 1:27 AMP

Today's extract lies at the very heart of all I am, have or could ever aspire to be. It is very important that I look at today's extract again and see what God is saying to and about me, so i can take required steps to align myself with God's perfect plan for me. Today's extract answers so many questions about the WHO/WHAT I am, the WHY begind the way I am created and the HOW I got to where I am today.

First, I am told that God is the one who created me. Science will say all sorts, but one thing seem to be clear: even the sum of all empirical evidence does not agree on how man was created. Some refer to a big bang, some refer to the work of atoms, whilst others just don't make sense. However, when you consider the end of all men, when they all return to dust when they die, you get the distinct impression that God knows what he's talking about. He is the Source of all life, and because He is the creator, then all that has been made find Identity in and through Him.

Secondly, you cannot define anything outside the One who created it, and you can also define the content of a thing by its origin. Part of the greatness of this understanding is knowing that variety is part of the spice. Being male and female isn't so much about convenience as it is about God's divine purpose and will. He knew just why he created me and placed me where I am now, and my best service would be a discovery and pursuit of that purpose. This understanding is so fundamental to all of life.

Thirdly, I am made in the image and likeness of God, so all I do, say, think, or produce must look like the One who has made me. If I am not living true to my origins, it means I cannot end right. Actually, there was no end intended for me in creation. Because I was made in God's image, no end, limits or death were envisaged. Sin came to distort that plan, but through Christ, the original plan has been restored. I am made to live forever, and based on my choices down here, life will continue for me in eternity. Where I end up will depend on my acceptance and pursuit of God's perfect will for me. Where do you stand? His time of favour is here.

Ownership and Pursuits!

Ownership and Pursuits!

And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires. Galatians 5:24 AMPC

As God always does, his instructions are for man, and for particular seasons of life. He addresses his many instructions to man, demanding standards of behaviour from us, but I believe that my response to God would be determined by my relationship with Him. Today's extract starts with such a demand, addressed to 'those who belong to Christ'. Please note that it does not say those who think or who feel so, but to those who are sure of where they stand.

If I am sure of my relationship with Christ, there is a level of behaviour and heart condition expected of me. One of such conditions is that the flesh, with all its evil desires, must be totally crucified to the cross. Why is it important? When Christ died, he took away SIN, with all its power and authority, and triumphed over it by way of the cross. Death, which is the natural consequence of sin, was also dealt with. By the Life of Christ, all who identify with Him partake of His life, and are no longer subject to death, sin or the devil's authority.

It is therefore a strange combination to find someone who is truly in Christ also struggling with sin. It would either mean that the person is yet to fully grasp the power and grace available in Christ, or s/he isn't sure of his relationship status. Both extremes cannot coexist in the same vessel. That's the conclusion of today's extract. If I know who I am and who I belong to, then my life's pursuits and priorities will reflect my ownership status.

Christ's mission, as seen in his name, is to save men from sin, and it will be a total misnomer for such a person who is saved from sin to still be subject to sin and its eternal consequences. So, I check my life again in the light of God's Word, and if indeed I have surrendered to Christ, I should be living a life of victory over sin. If I am not, it is not too late to make the necessary changes. Victory over sin is in and through Christ alone; nothing else will work. His time of favour is here.

True Wisdom!

True Wisdom!

“So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
MATTHEW 7:24‭-‬25 AMP

As always, I have a choice of response to God and His Word. God is always speaking; the issue is always whether we are always listening out for His voice. It has always been my understanding that my relationship with God's word is what determines what I get out of God. If I do not know what I am entitled to or what God says about my situation, how do I stand on the Word? How does my life withstand the storms that life will definitely bring my way?

It is not enough to hear; the balance is to also act on it. It then means that if all I do is hear, it is not likely that I will stand in the day of trouble. Acting on God's Word shows trust, faith and total dependence on God, sure that He is able to do all He has promised. Even when the realities around me speak differently, I am unmoved if I have a word of assurance from God and I stand on it. This is the anchor for the soul; the firm assurance that I am firmly rooted and storms cannot shake my faith in Christ.

I note that the floods, wind and rain and torrents are not conditional; they WILL come, whether I am prepared for them or not. The other constant thing should be the quality of my foundations but it would only make sense if they are rooted in God. So when the uncertain and unpredictable reality of earthly storms meet with the firm predictability and reality of the eternal God, which one would you think will overcome? Standing firm on God's word is the only assurance I have that long after the storms have passed, my life will continue to make impact for God.

What's the quality of your foundations? Or first of all, what's the place of God's Word in your life? His time of favour is here.

Sourced Right!

Sourced Right!

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. JAMES 1:17 AMP

It is often difficult to understand the import of today's extract in the light of the realities that surround us daily. There is growing evil all around us, and we keep thinking up novel ways to do even more evil. We have taken God's perfect creation and turned it to our own selfish ends. However, nothing I do or don't do can change the original template, which is this: God is good, and all He has done is all good. If I would want good, then I must seek God's perfect will for my life. Only then will I see all my experiences from His perspective.

All good things given and all perfect gifts come from God. He is the Source and the Essence of all I need. When like King Nebuchadnezzar, I am tempted to think that it is my intellect and connections that have given me all I have, I need to be reminded of today's extract. When like Lucifer, I think i have arrived, and that I am the best thing to happen to my generation, I need to be reminded again of today's extract. Please note that the person referred to in today's extract is called 'Father', and this only underlines the importance of relationships.

He wants to have a relationship with me. The God of lights, who dwells in heaven and yet sees all that goes on down here, who created all things, visible and invisible by His Word alone, wants to relate with me. And He's constant, consistent and faithful. He isn't like your regular guy- saying one thing and meaning another; sincere about promises but unable to guarantee performance. You have a Father who does not change because of my own life's choices. He's perfect, above reproach.

Even when I do not understand what's going on around me, I rest assured on the Presence of God inside me. Men of old trusted Him and found Him to be faithful and men are still trusting Him today, and for me, I can say He has been faithful. What's your testimony? His time of favour is here.

Choose Wisely 3

Choose Wisely 3!

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. MATTHEW 16:24 AMP

This is the long version of today's extract, giving the complete package of what following Christ actually entails. It is a very familiar passage, but we see here the full details of what every facet of that decision to follow Christ really means. First, it is not about what you claim, but what God holds as the Truth. Jesus was speaking to people who were actually following Him as disciples, yet He was stating terms of discipleship.

Remember, Judas Iscariot was there, listening to this message. It is never about what you think is right and acceptable; it is about what God lays down as the terms of engagement. Secondly, such a person who decides to truly follow has a major alignment to make, which is denying everything the natural man would crave. That is the secret to a life of impact. The natural man cannot understand the things of God, and the desires of the natural man must give way to what God wants.

Until the natural man gives way, it will be difficult to take up the cross and follow after Christ. Both paths are parallel lines that can NEVER meet. That cross is never palatable; it will cost you some measure of comfort; it will cost you a few friends, and it will definitely make demands on your time, resources and life. It is not a decision you take lightly, as it is even worse to start well and then drop off later on, like Demas. Taking up the cross means identifying with Christ and allowing Him live and work in and through you.

Oh, it may not go the way you plan it, but it will end up the way God plans it: to His own glory. It may not sound palatable, but we must be aware that following God means signing over our lives to Him. It wasn't ours in the first place, so it is only proper that I live, serve and work daily for God with that understanding. Where do I stand at the moment? Can God count on me as a faithful disciple, or am I still struggling for identity? His time of favour is here.

Choose Wisely 2

Choose Wisely 2!

He who has ears to hear, let him hear and heed My words. MATTHEW 11:15 AMP

As always, God extends an open invitation to all men, irrespective of colour, race, creed or leaning. He created all men, and because he is a God of variety, we come from different backgrounds, yet we all answer to the one God. His power, might, wisdom and strength are beyond anything mortal man can understand, fathom or explain, yet He desires to have a relationship with us. I think this is the reason why I must sit up and listen to whatever He has to say.

Today's extract makes an assumption that all who read this or hear it said have ears and know what they are to be used for. Why would God couch the words in today's extract as they are? As long as you are human, and there are no issues with the physical ears, it is assumed you would be able to hear. However, beyond the natural tendency to hear, there is a deeper need to listen, which is the whole essence of today's extract. We all hear sounds, but interpret them differently. Is it possible that some use their ears only for ornaments, and cannot hear God at all, even if He is trying hard to get their attention?

Some may also use theirs for other purposes too, but the summary today seems to be that God wants me to hear what He says, why He says what He says, and be ready to obey what He says. What's the benefit of hearing God speak: there are so many. It doesn't always means that things will be smooth, but you will be directed right. You may look foolish to the world at the time, especially when what you said you heard goes contrary to what the world celebrates, but if you truly listen and heed, the end will always speak right. And it matters what you listen to or heed.

Not everything deserves your attention. There is too much junk out there, and you need to be selective and deliberate about the things that take and hold your attention. And on a final warning note: these same extract were the words that ended the letters to the 7 churches in Revelation: the importance and necessity of hearing right.
Eternal choices, eternal consequences. His time of favour is here.

Mercy!

Mercy!

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 KJV

If I will appreciate the effect and impact of mercy, I have to first understand the impact of sin. God's original plan was a lifetime of experiencing God on a personal level, and God would come down in the cool of the day to talk to the first man. But when man sinned, that intimate fellowship was broken. However, nothing could change God's mind about his purpose for man, which is an intimate relationship. So, in his absolute wisdom, He provided a way of mercy, whereby man could still approach Him and relate with Him. Blood sacrifices were not perfect, but they provided a means of restitution and redemption under the old testament.

With sin comes the natural consequence of judgment. Eternal death is the end of sin, and all who die in it end up in death. Today's extract, though located in the Old testament, speaks to God's nature here and now. It was mercy that made a way under the old, and still continues to speak under the new testament. It does not matter the dispensation you believe in; both speak to the grace, mercy and compassion found only in God, and His desire that we all come to Him to partake of that mercy. It is full, free and available to all men alive, and no demand on earth can exhaust God's inexhaustible resources.

It doesn't matter where you have been or how deep you have gone; mercy speaks. It does not matter what the past looks like; God's grace is sufficient for the here and now, and He is able to guarantee a fresh start. That's why today's extract talks about God's never failing mercy and compassion. Men of old spoke of it, and men today owe their lives to it. It is a daily dispensation, a regular supply. When I wake up on a new day, I have a fresh supply of grace and mercy to call on for that day.

Whatever it is, God listens. Go to Him for whatever you need. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I can ever ask or imagine. That is His promise and He is faithful to His Word. His time of favour is here.

Faith 3!

Faith 3!

So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. ROMANS 10:17 AMP

As I examine the concept of faith, I realise it is fundamental to my walk with and work for God. The Bible is replete with stories of men and women whose lives spoke of a personal encounter and daily walk with God. They weren't perfect people in themselves; they didn't have it all figured out; they only knew God and depended on Him for daily living. They didn't see the full picture of all that God had promised, but they knew the One who called them to Himself and they lived and died on the strength of those convictions. What could possibly be stronger than that?

You do not lay claim to faith without a foundation of knowledge about the One you are asked to believe in. You do not talk about faith without experience. It is not about sight or sense; it is about personal experience. And the foundation is on the Word of God, which is the person of Jesus Christ Himself. He is called the Word of God, the One through whom and for whom all things are made. What is amazing about the Word of God is His power and boundless impact. There is no generation that has not experienced Him; you can ignore or ascribe glory to something else, but you cannot deny the impact of the Word on your world.

And the secret is by exposure- you have got to go in search of Him. Either by reading or hearing about Him, you will get to meet Him. The decision on what to do with Him then depends on you. God does not force himself on anyone; you have got to go in search of Him because you know who He is and what He can do. No man has ever gone in search of Him, with a sincere heart, and came back disappointed. All the stories in the Bible are there to stir up your heart to go in search of the Word whose words can change your life.

It's all about Christ; not the skill or oration of the speaker. Even when a man is pursuing personal agendas and seeking fame for himself, as long as the Word is spoken or heard, it carries with Him divine power for the miraculous. At some point in time in my life, I must decide the place of the Word. Does it help ground my faith or is it something I treat as an emergency? My daily life's pursuits and priorities will reflect my decision. His time of favour is here.

Wait!

Wait!

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

In a world where success is attributed to speed and haste, today's extract seems to go against regular behaviour. The world focuses on the one who comes first, then to a lesser degree on other positions. The world rewards men on the basis of how high, quick, farther, deeper they can go; how they do it or get there becomes less important than the applause and the celebration. Unfortunately, with God, so many things the world considers important are viewed as inconsequential by God's standards. Haste is not the same as impact.

With God, it is never about who comes first, but about how you run and why you run. With God, there is no first or second place; just finishing the race well guarantees you eternal reward. Without taking away the benefits and blessings a life of commitment and faithfulness can give you down here, I must always remember that all of the world's treasures are only good for down here; there is no single physical treasure, gift or possession down here that will do me much good when the eternal is being discussed.

So, while I live, work and labour down here, I do it with a consciousness that I am at work for God. I keep at the back of my mind that I am not chasing shadows or the fleeting joy that comes from earthly acclaim. Waiting does not mean idleness; it means God is the focus and his timing, visitation and manifestation are all more important to me than anything the world could ever promise me. And I am not just waiting pointlessly; I know who I am waiting for: the God who reigns and rules over the affairs of men, and who can change lives in an instant.

Waiting on God has eternal blessings. His Word is the treasure house of all his assurances. With His Word, I can look forward to a life of meaning and hope. Because he is a rewarder of all who wait for Him, I undertake to wait. Hurry does me no good, if I do not know where I am going or what lies ahead. His time of favour is here.

Choosing Wisely!

Choosing Wisely!

Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, Making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength, And whose mind and heart turn away from the Lord. “Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord. JEREMIAH 17:5‭, ‬7 AMP

2 verses, 2 different earthly realities and eternal consequences. Both are statements made by God, and just as they were true centuries ago when they were first pronounced, so do they remain true till now.  Right from the Garden of Eden, we have seen the effect of trusting human intellect, wisdom and strength. The effects of that error in judgment and decision stay with us till this day.

When man is your first point of call when trouble comes; when your bank account is your point of assurance when difficulties arise; when your human connections give you peace of mind; when your acquisitions and wealth are the only things that set your heart at rest, you need to know that this is the summary of the first part of today's extract. There is no crime in being wealthy; in fact, God's desire for his children is success by His own standards. Nothing else should take His place in my heart, and nothing else should be so important that it will push God to second place in my heart. As long as God is not the first and only option, then your trust is in man.

Check the flip side: the one who believes, trusts and relies on God. These are pretty strong words. It shows total surrender and rest. You cannot believe God and also have much faith in man. You cannot hold on to both ends of the stick at the same time. You are either all for God, or you are holding on to man's assurances. The one on man's side has a curse, and such a person is cut off from divine supply, protection and favour. After all, if you don't believe in God, how do you lay claim to his blessings?

God rewards faithful devotion. There is no man, born of woman, who trusted God with his life and ended up in shame. Things may not have gone as planned, but God is too faithful to fail, and his promises are backed up by the power in His Name and Word. That's the greatest blessing I could ever have. What of you? His time of favour is here.

Confidence 2

Confidence 2

If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. JAMES 1:5 AMP

Getting help usually always starts with an admission of a need or lack. If I do not have a problem, or I figure I do not have a problem, of what use is an offer of help or assistance made by anyone? That's the start point of today's extract: knowing that when dealing with God, you can never get to a point where you are self -sufficient.

It is also important to accept that today's extract could be talking to me. What if I am the one in need of wisdom? Am I humble enough to know my limitations and present realities? Am I full of false airs, unable to see myself the way God wants me to, and so unable to approach God for the help He really wants to give me? I do not have all of life figured out; and there is a God who rules and reigns in the affairs of men. He sets up one and brings down another, and he decides who gets what and when and for how long. That's how powerful and eternal God is.

In God is found all that I need for life and Godliness. I go to Him daily, asking Him for help for the challenges and pressures of daily existence. I ask God, not grumble to men like myself who really can't help, and who also have their own issues to settle with God. He simply asks me to open my mouth, and be specific about my request and desire, and He will give me all I want and in the measure best suited for me. In this case, it is wisdom, but it could be anything. What qualifies me for anything from God isn't my righteousness, but the amazing love of a Father who delights to hear his children call on Him.

And if God could give me a whole Son, what else can't He give? If there is nothing too hard for God to do, then whatever I need is a small part of the mighty things He is able to do; after all, this is a God who says He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that I could ever ask or imagine. So, ask. See him work wonders. His time of favour is here.

Confidence

Confidence

This is the confidence that we have in our relationship with God: If we ask for anything in agreement with his will, he listens to us. 1 John 5:14 CEB

It's all about relationships. Everything in life is determined by the strength of relationships. We trace our roots, culture, background and DNA to that same term: relationship. Nobody fell from the sky; we do share a common origin from Adam, and we are all from different families. However, in Christ, a new foundation is laid, and there is a common denominator binding all who share common heritage with Christ. Skin colour, language and culture find common ground in Christ, and our inheritance follows the same route.

So when today's extract speaks about confidence, it's not so much about physical blood connection, but by the grace, favour and blessings made available to all who share that common heritage. All through the Bible, you find that thread linking the old to the new testament. Men walked with God, irrespective of generation or exposure, and all found God to be the same: loving, gracious, generous and amazing. Today, the story hasn't changed; all who have dared to walk with God have the same story to tell: that if you ask him anything, it is that family connection that guarantees you answers.

I note that the asurance is that God listens, not that he is bound to give me what I want when I want it. If indeed I am his child, his will be of utmost importance to me. I won't want to go outside his will, or pursue an agenda he has not approved. If I am sure of my ownership and allegiance, then I am sure of being aligned with His will. He promises to listen, and because I am His own, I ask for his will to be done at all times. If I am still pursuing my own personal agenda, or I am having trouble letting God rule, maybe I am yet to grasp the full meaning of relationship with God.

So, before anything else, how's your relationship with God? Can God actually vouch that I am His own? Does the world hold a part of my heart and life? Whatever your answer may be, remember: relationship determine reward. His time of favour is here.

The Pursuit 2

The Pursuit 2

Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord , And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:6‭-‬7 NKJV

For everything on earth, God has already assigned seasons and times. The wisest man on earth, Solomon, penned those same immortal words in Ecclesiastes: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven". If this is true about everything, is there any cause to doubt the words of today's extract?

We live in these times as if we are promised forever. We make plans and plot as if the world we live in today will never cease to exist. We are so much about the NOW and the HERE. Yet, God would have us know this: nothing down here was built to last forever; everything on the physical and visible plane falls within the scope of time and circumstances. While I still have the precious gift of time, there are one important thing God would have me do; seek Him.

The greatest discovery of man isn't anything else but God. When you find God, you find the greatest blessing you could hold. When God knows you as His own, you have the greatest powerin the world backing you up. And this search isn't anything done anyhow; it has to be a definite and deliberate search for God. The wicked must forsake his old way and return to God; the unrighteous man must change his thoughts and ways, and all must return to God. If I do not even know or acknowledge that i need help, how does God help me?

His promise is that if I return to Him, He will forgive, pardon and restore. What are you waiting for? If you need cleansing, forgiveness, restoration, favour, grace, he has these all in abundant measure, and he will give freely. His time of favour is here.

The Pursuit

The Pursuit

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. MATTHEW 5:6 AMP

Depending on the perspective you seek to hold on to, life is a race, a battle, warfare. At no time can I claim a no-conflict zone, where I can just relax and be free from attacks or trials or tribulations. Nowhere in the Bible does God promise anything like that. What he promises is a clear and corresponding reaction from God to whatever action my life produces. If I seek him, he promises that I will find Him. If I draw near, he also promises He will draw near. Of course, the opposite is equally true.

Today's extract also follows the same pattern. What would it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? By human standard, hunger and thirst are natural reactions. Apart from decisions to fast or keep away from food for some time, it is suicide not to eat or drink beyond certain days. In the same vein, it would appear that it is proper to seek after satisfying that deep hunger that only God can birth in a life. Am I only after the body and its needs or am I also seeking the spiritual food that will satisfy the deep eternal longings of my soul?

And the object of the pursuit matters. We can be so caught up in activity that we miss the important. We do not pursue after just anything: riches, fame, power or privilege. As nice as all these are, those are not the focus from God's perspective. It is his righteousness that must be of the utmost importance. When I seek God and His righteousness, I seek to introduce Him to my world. I am asking Him to take charge of the things around me, and to stamp his imprint on all that my life produces. When I am conscious of this, I will watch ALL that goes in or comes out of my life.

That same conclusion: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If I seek God, I will find Him. When his righteousness is my first priority, he has promised he will satisfy me. How will this happen: no matter what goes on around me, I have the inner peace and assurance that nothing external can shake. I rest assured that even when I cannot see change as quick as I want it, I am sure He is at work, and when the right time comes, at his own choosing, things will end in praise. What more could I ask for? His time of favour is here.

Light!

Light!

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 AMPC

For the commandment is a lamp, and the whole teaching [of the law] is light, and reproofs of discipline are the way of life. Proverbs 6:23 AMPC

When I read of the lamp and the light, it seems to give off 2 different meanings. It would appear that God would have me look at his Word again from a different perspective. What's a lamp? The closest image to this was the lamp set up in the old tabernacle, in which oil was to be kept to ensure that the light from the lamp never died. First of all, it would appear that the lamp was the receptacle, the object holding out the light, allowing the light to become visible and sustained.

Without the lamp, it would appear that the light would not be possible. Or it could be that the purpose of the lamp, and the way it was set up, was to give light to all who came in contact with it. Today's extract points to one conclusion: the Word of God seems to serve both functions: it is the lamp as well as the light. How does this truth affect me? The 2nd extract in Proverbs helps to clarify: I can take God's express commandments as the lamp. They provide me clear instructions on what God wants for me. I read them for instruction and information and guidance, but they will only become life-giving when I take the teachings and apply them to my life.

Of what use is knowing what the Bible says and yet, not live it out? Of what use is daily reading and meditation, yet no daily commitment to application and obedience? Information is good, but application is even better, and a lifetime of commitment to discipline by the Word of God is even best. Please note that the 2nd extract says 'whole teaching', not convenient half truths. I can decide to take the part I want and apply it to myself; it doesn't make it right, and I only end up deceiving myself.

Am I ready to take God at His whole Word? Would I willingly submit myself to sound doctrine available in God's complete Word? God wants to guide, He wants to lead, but He will not force himself on me. His Word is eternal, and is the manual for life. It will only work out its purpose in me if I take the Word and apply it as i should, not as I want. His time of favour is here.

Fully Committed!

Fully Committed!

Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. PROVERBS 16:3 AMP

I believe that the words of today's extract are very instructive for this season we are in. The world has tried to define success in terms of visible, physical things, and because the message of the world is always loud, man tends to be distracted by it. However, we are reminded again of the important and the necessary, as we journey towards the end of our earthly sojourn.

It is my responsibility to commit my works to the Lord. God won't force Himself on me, and he won't take over my life; I must give it to Him as a willing sacrifice. I note that it is 'works' referred to here, which are the physical manifestations of my thoughts. I could have great plans, but God expects me to commit their execution into His hands. I believe this is important because no matter how lovely the plans are, it is the execution that will affect lives around me, either negatively or positively. I must trust God that as i work, He will take glory in and through me.

If the physical execution (works) goes through Him, then I can bet that the plans (intentions, motives and desires) are also right, because I seek to please God, not myself. If God's will is my utmost desire, in my planning and execution, God sits at the forefront of it all. It is an empty gesture to claim that 'after all, God sees my heart' and then still proceed with hypocrisy and pretence. God knows too much about me and what is good for me. Nothing about me is hidden from view.

So, as this new year is still a few days old, what are those plans already drawn up? Who's sitting at the heart of those plans: you or God? Whose interests am I advancing, and who's taking the glory over my life? Am I seeking out God's will or seeking my own interests? Remember, with God, you just can't get away with pretence. His time of favour is here.

Life!

Life!

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalms 90:12 NLT

From the day we are born, to the day we die, life is full of lessons for us. Every experience, good or bad, holds lessons for us, and it is very important that we remain sensitive to all that God would have us learn from the things he brings our way or permits to happen to us. Maybe, the biggest lesson God would have us learn is that the best and the worst of us is all tied up in the finite and limited concept called TIME.

We are creatures of destiny and purpose, yet we are given a definite and specific timeframe to discover, pursue and fulfil that purpose. We are eternal beings, yet given very temporal and definite timelines to prepare for that eternity. We are immortal beings put in a mortal body, with a mandate to work out eternity whilst living in the immediate. Life is short. That's a fact that many in the world do not seem able to comprehend.

We live as if we have been guaranteed eternal life in this mortal body. We live as if we are masters of our own destiny. We see people die daily, yet we think we are immune from death, maybe because we think that there is something in us that keeps death away. God alone is the one who can help us know our limitations, and keep us focused on what is important, which is the discovery and pursuit of God. Believe me, my greatest achievement in life will be the discovery of God.

Nothing down here was built to last forever, and God has promised that all I see today will be destroyed by fire. This shows me that true wisdom is seeking after those things that cannot perish, and those things are only found in God. If I understand how short my life is, I will walk with an understanding of my eternal destination. If I know I am only down here for a short time, I will prepare properly for my eternal destination. If I am only about what I can amass down here, it may be that I am yet to fully grasp the danger of losing it all in eternity.

God, help me know you, and keep my heart focused on you alone, so that the world and its distractions will lose its appeal. His time of favour is here.