Looking Ahead!

Looking Ahead!

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 AMPC

It is already settled that everywhere you turn, there are distractions. We live in the technology age now, where you can get answers to almost anything from the search engine of any internet browser, yet the greatest need of man is left ignored. We want to live our lives on the basis of other people's approval, forgetting that just like any other person, you cannot trust the heart of a mortal man. Today's extract is a call; a reminder to pursue the things that truly matter and the starting point is a focus on the things that will get me to the place God intends for me.

I must keep my eyes on Jesus alone. The world is distracting enough as it is; the only constant thing is the love of God that won't let go. He's the source and finisher of my faith: that deep confidence that in Him, I cannot fail. It is a choice I must make: there are so many options, but only one takes me from the depths of despair and sets me within sight of the heights of heaven. And the model, Jesus, has already laid down an example for me: there were many distractions too in his day; but He ignored them all to pay the price for my salvation and redemption.

If that is my model, I have hope. He promises not to leave me to my own devices but to help me. My part is the decision to take my eyes off other options, viable as they may be. I just focus on Jesus, sure and certain that if He could succeed, I also will succeed if I hold on to Him to the end. What's your focus; better still, who's your focus? His time of favour is here.

My Part; God's Part!

My Part; God's Part!

“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. Matthew 6:14‭ MSG

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Matthew 6:14 KJV

Same verse; different perspectives. So many lessons to pick up from today's extract, but we examine a few. First, it is assumed that those who know and follow God take delight in speaking with Him in prayer. This extract is from the Sermon on the Mount, with Jesus teaching his disciples about how to relate with God and man. Do I know and speak to God as a son or daughter should do? Is it a daily affair or a once in a while thing? Prayer isn't so much about God doing his bit; he's faithful to His word. It's more about me giving God liberty to work in me, so I can be all He wants me to be.

That leads to another application: in relationships with other people, offence will happen. How I handle offence speaks a lot about how much I have allowed God work in and through me. There is however a warning: how I treat others is a reflection of what to expect from God too. Men will offend me, just as I have offended God too, but in the same way God forgave me, so does He expect me to forgive others too. It is more like getting back from God whatever it is that you offer other people.

And in that is a warning: there are eternal consequences attached to all of life's decisions. All I do now is a preparation for eternity. If I do not obey God down here in the matter of human relationships, how do I convince God that I qualify for life in heaven? God has done his bit; I am asked to do my bit. Grace is available for the journey and it can only make sense when you rely on this grace. His time of favour is here.

Worthy!

Worthy!

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11 KJV

An amazing insight into heaven and what goes on there was given to a mortal man, John. He received a revelation of heaven and the events that go on there, as well as the things that are yet to happen. Why would God give a mortal man a view of heaven? I believe there are several reasons but only a few will suffice here. First, we get insight into who this God really is. The verses before this one describe something so pure and good that you know you are in the presence of a Great and Awesome God. His appearance, throne, environment and all those who wait on Him and tremble in His presence all point to one fact: this is a God not to be toyed with: great, yet gentle; awesome, yet approachable.

Secondly, if all of heaven are unified in doing just one thing, which they have been doing since recorded history and which they will continue to do, it means all of heaven cannot be wrong. All of heaven testifies about the nature and the acts of God, and why He deserves all the glory. There is something fundamental about me here: in the midst of all that's said, I realise I was made for God's pleasure. If all of heaven knows this, do I? Do I need to be reminded of who I am or who I belong to?

Do not forget: God isn't God because I say so, and He will be glorified one way or another, either with or without me. He calls me to His presence, gives me an insight into who He is and what He has done, so that I can willingly serve Him. He's done His bit; what's my response? His time of favour is here.

Peace, God's Way!

Peace, God's Way!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”John 16:33 NIV

All through the teachings of Jesus, there is a thread that is common: we all have a choice as to how we respond to his Word. Both in Jesus' time and in this present generation, the story remains the same: we all hear God's Word, and we are all called to respond: how we respond and what we respond to go a long way in determining our eternal destination. First, God's Word will keep going out; we hear it regularly, his Spirit in us keeps confirming in our hearts if we are doing the right things. We do have the power over the effect of these words in us. If I allow God's Word do His Work in and through me, I get the peace that only God can guarantee. That's why when it comes to God's peace, it is a choice, a decision.

This world offers nothing else but trouble. Sin came and changed the landscape and all men, born of women, must experience this trouble at some point in time in their lives. It then means that God's peace is a decision, a response to the trouble that is certain to come your way whilst you walk through this world. Nowhere does God promise that being in Him keeps you away from trouble, but He promises that though you are in the world, as long as you are also inside of Him, you are kept safe by His power.

What this tells me is that I function from two different places, but what I enjoy depends on my inner content. If I am in the world but do not have God living in me, I will get into trouble sooner or later and that trouble may overwhelm me. But if I am in the world, but I have made a decision for God, and His Word lives in me, I am certain that I will end well. The physical realm may not look like it now; but the eternal reality gives me joy and hope because I know who I have believed. God has overcome, and that reality is the same for all who are located in Him. Where are you located? His time of favour is here.

Blessed!

Blessed!

Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. MATTHEW 5:4 AMP

The Sermon on the Mount, preached by Jesus Christ, starts with a list we refer to as 'The Beatitudes'. A list of attitudes that God blesses is given and maybe the best response any life can give is to critically review and determine where it stands on the scale of God's expectations. What does today's extract hold as lessons for us? First, it would seem that God views mourning as something good. Whatever my view may be, I owe it to myself to check out what God says and see where I fit. Here, it is clear that whatever makes God's heart break must also make my own heart break. If it does not, then maybe what I think I have is not the real deal.

Today's extract talks about sin and its evil effects, but also places side by side with it God's amazing grace. It is because of grace that sin has lost its hold over me. I could not help myself but God came through for me. At a time when I didn't even understand the dangers of sin, God's grace spoke on my behalf, lifting the burden of sin by dying on my behalf. If God could treat sin by making so great a sacrifice, it would be foolishness on my part to think I can toy with sin and get away with it. This is the blessedness: I see sin the same way God sees it, and I run away from it towards the grace of God which is able to help me overcome.

So, what is your state? Blessed or still under a curse? Sin comes with a curse, and it leads to eternal death. Life has been offered; grace is available, and the end is assured, but I get to decide what I should do. His time of favour is here.

Free 2!

Free 2!

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep. JOHN 10:11 AMP

Jesus introduces himself to the world as the good shepherd; not one out of many, but the only good Shepherd. You do not get to pick and choose Him out of many viable options; He's the only viable option, the One who guarantees life eternal. He has left no one in doubt as to his identity and purpose; so when you come to Him, you know what you are getting: guidance, protection, provision, discipline, feeding, nourishment and all the things that a good shepherd does for his sheep.

Jesus called a shepherd means that I am his sheep: helpless, hopeless and lost without Him. Have you ever seen a sheep that made it home alive by rejecting the protection and guidance of a good shepherd? This good shepherd here already showed the perfect example: giving up His life for the sake of his sheep. Our own kind of sheep wasn't the silent and docile type; we were unruly and stubborn; yet He loved us enough to give his life for us. We didn't deserve it, but He did it anyway to show that I wasn't really about what we deserved, but as an expression of his amazing love.

And now, the gift is given; paradise lost and gained again; redemption sealed and eternal life guaranteed. Actually, nothing guaranteed unless and until I choose to accept the gift given. One day soon, all of life will cease, and the only decision that will matter is whether I chose to accept the gift of life made in and through Christ. His time of favour is here.

Free!

Free!

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:23‭-‬24 NLT

Two contrasting verses, yet complimenting each other. One speaks on the fate of all men, irrespective of colour, race or gender. It addresses man's fall from grace and the eternal consequences of that fall. It doesn't exclude anyone; all men, born of woman, has fallen short of God's standard, and only by the same standard can man be redeemed from the consequences of his fall. If the passage had ended there, then we would have no hope, but thanks be to God for his unspeakable grace.

Though man didn't deserve it, he got a pardon from the consequences of his sin. A price was required from a righteous God, but because man was already stained, he could never pay the required price. So, in comes one not born by natural laws of human nature, free from the generational consequences of sin, and able to provide an eternal way back to God. He paid the full price so we could walk away from the legal consequences of our actions. It wasn't about anything we did to deserve it; otherwise grace won't make sense. It had to do with the nature of God to forgive and redeem and restore.

The price is now paid; the prize made free for all who would make the approach. God doesn't compel anyone; he just asks me to come, as I am, and He will make me into what He wants me to be. That's the best I can do. If all of this is done, and I still reject Him, what excuse do I give when he demands an accounting from me? He has done His bit; he expects me to choose Him of my own free will. Would I? Would you? His time of favour is here.

Motivated!

Motivated!

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17 KJV

It would seem that life is defined by both its input and output. We see the output but we forget that what we see is a product of the work that goes on within. We make judgments about people based on what we see, but God judges based on the contents of our hearts. How do I see life from God's perspective? It is by seeing everything about my life from his eyes. I do not have a safe zone; where I can do as I please some times and then do as God pleases other times. It has got to be consistent living, in line with God's perfect will.

God's will is that all I do and say reflect his name. My words are as good as my deeds, because they proceed from the seat of control: the heart. There has to be an agreement between what I say and do, otherwise, I become a liar and a hypocrite, whose life profession does not match his mouth confession. If I know who I am and who I belong to, it helps to put what I do in the right perspective. If I do not know who I am, anything becomes permissible, and then there is no accountability. It even becomes worse when you consider that I was made to give God glory. If I am not living right, I am bringing disgrace and shame to the name I claim to bear.

How am I living now? Can it be said of me that I am living up to God's expectation for me? Would it be said of me, just like Enoch,  that my life pleased God and that men were led to give thanks to God because of me? As long as I am alive, I get the chance to get it right. I have the motivation to ensure that at the end of my life, it is said that my life gave God praise. His time of favour is here.

Shout!

Shout!

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Psalms 47:1 KJV

The sons of Korah are attributed with the Psalm before this one and today's extract. The 2 chapters speak about God's amazing power seen in the victory He gives his people. God is called a Man of War because He has never lost a battle, and in every generation, God continues to prove himself as King, Warrior, Lord and Master. His people Israel are the first recorded subjects and beneficiaries of his power and might, but by faith, we also have come to enjoy all that this God is.

That's the basis of the call here for us to clap our hands and shout to God. Clapping and shouting are outward expressions of an inner witness: that God's power and might are fully resident and expressed in us. If you were dealing with man, you can never predict the outcome, but when you are dealing with God, you are certain of both the process as well as the outcome. Even when there are problems and mountains in front of you, the call is to shout with triumph, because by faith, we see God, the One who never loses a war, fully in charge of our lives, and working out his own perfect will and purpose in and through us. It is not ignoring the problem, but acknowledging that there is a greater power at work.

That's the basis of joy: not that all is perfect, but that even in difficult times, nothing shakes our confidence in the God we have come to know and believe. Do you have this confidence? Do you truly know this God made known in today's extract? You can claim all you want; what you get is a function of who you know. His time of favour is here.

Declare!

Declare!

A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this. Psalms 22: 30‭-‬31 KJV

There is something generational about the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It goes beyond the actual sacrifice itself, speaking to the past, present and future of human life and experience. As you read the entire chapter of Psalm 22, you can almost imagine the scenes at Calvary, as David speaks prophetically about the coming Saviour, everything He will experience and the consequences of his actions.

All who understand the value of what they have received become witnesses of their generation. They become seeds to the next generation, serving God and passing pn their experiences to the next. If I know the value of what I have received, I would love to pass it on to other people. And it is indeed a seed; with the inherent power to reproduce after its kind in a geometric proportion to what is sown. I see at least three generations/dispensations indicated here: the ones who know the Truth and who serve and teach the Truth, the ones who are learning about the Truth now and making sure that generations yet unborn find the paths towards those ancient paths.

How much of a legacy of Truth are you laying down? Are you generational in your thinking or just interested in the immediate and the now? God's righteousness has been made known to all men, and God is looking for witnesses and carriers, who will be his hands, ears, mouth and heart, extending His grace to unborn generations. Can He count on me? Can He count on you? His time of favour is here.

Truth and Choice!

Truth and Choice!

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection &  the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25‭-‬26 KJV

At the death of Lazarus, so many lessons were taught by Jesus. Today's extract only addresses two of these: First, there is no dispute about the identity and power of the One speaking here. He introduces himself as the Resurrection and the Life; not the source of both but the actual realities themselves. Because He died and rose again, He can claim the titles and nobody can question Him. Do you know and recognise Him as such in your life?

Secondly, because of who he is, I stand to enjoy so many benefits. Once I believe in Him, I pass over from death to life. It does not matter what my present state is; life becomes a real part of me. Jesus came to seal eternal life, and either by physical death or rapture, I pass into that life. By today's extract, the secret is in believing in and accepting the risen Jesus as Saviour and Lord. You can read, learn or hear a lot about Him, but it will remain only in the realms of head knowledge. If the heart, the seat of choices, is not involved, true life is not received.

Just as Jesus has said, we all must come to the place of decision: "What do I do with this Jesus"? This question is fundamental to eternity. When all is said and done, that's all that matters. How do you respond? His time of favour is here.

Call!

Call!

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 KJV

In light of all we have read and heard this Easter season, I think it is apt that this passage is the focus today. Right from creation, God knew what was coming: sin, punishment, death, Jesus, life and eternity. Nothing catches God by suprise, so nothing I see today will have made a big difference to the purpose and plan of God for my life, except of course, the exercise of my own free will. This is the focus of today's extract.

All has been done: the price paid, and the prize laid out. All i am asked to do is to take advantage of the offer laid out: call on the One God has indicated as his means of salvation for all mankind. God asks for nothing more or less; just a sincere call to God from the heart. You have to call to the right person and at the right time and on the right issues. It is an offer to all men everywhere; it is a call to call upon the same God that men of old called on and their lives never remained the same.

Remember, the call has an expiry date. Nothing down here, no matter how ugly or beautiful, lasts forever. Whilst I still have time, I must take the decision: what do I do with Jesus? He is not just a nice concept; He is the One approved by God to be the saviour of the Lord and the Lord of all flesh. Do you know God this way? Have you experienced Him this way? He wants to make a change; will you let Him? His time of favour is here.

Willingly!

Willingly!.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and [voluntarily] gave up His spirit. JOHN 19:30 AMP

What does this season represent? What does the death of Jesus signify? What do I stand to gain from the events of Calvary? Everything that happened on that day had significance for my eternity. First, it was the drink He was given. He had been battered and bruised, and He asked for a drink. Even at the point of death, He couldn't even get a proper drink. Think about it: the people he asked a drink for were the ones He was suffering for, yet nobody cared. Consider the price He paid so I could lay my hands on the prize.

Secondly, he said: "It is finished". Whatever it was that sin started, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross finished it. Whatever was the plan of God for the eternal redemption of man, Jesus had just completed and perfected it. All of God's great mercy, grace, favour and love found expression at that point; where the price was now fully paid, and man could walk away from the consequences of his evil actions. Lest you think it was for fun, think of this: If God considered sin so great that such a high price had to be paid for it to be fully dealt with, I cannot view sin any less.

Lastly, He gave up His life Himself; nobody could force Him to. This was a willing sacrifice, and through it, I am called to willingly surrender my own life to Him. If He gave his life as his best, the best I can do is to give him my life in return. Remember, all men will give account of this life decision: what I have done with the free gift of God- Jesus Christ himself. His time of favour is here. 

Breaking Bread!

Breaking Bread!

And when He had taken bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” LUKE 22:19 AMP

All the events of the week of Passion hold significance for us in this generation, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his ascension back to heaven after fulfilling the mandate of God on his life. We see the last supper with his disciples, also called the Lord's supper happening in today's extract. What does it mean?

Very importantly, there was no compulsion; it wasn't as if Jesus was led kicking and screaming all the way to the cross like a reluctant lamb; he gave his life freely and willingly for the sins of the world. That's why he took the bread, broke it himself and gave to his disciples. Of his own free will, he shared his life with all those who will follow him willingly.

Interestingly, Judas Iscariot too was there. For all who will come to Christ, it does not matter how terrible your past may be; you are assured of a part of His glory and kingdom if you surrender control to Him. For Judas, it was too late; as long as you are alive, it is never too late for you. But the clock is ticking; you don't have forever to make up your mind.

Jesus is the Bread of Life; he is the one who nourishes all who come to him. His body has been given for us, and he invites us to 'eat' of Him. He satisfies fully; He is all I need. If I have Him, I have all I could ever need. If I don't have Him, it doesn't matter what I have.

Everytime I come into God's presence, he invites me to eat at His table and partake of Him. Everytime the Lord's supper is taken, it is a solemn reminder that I am taking up God's offer of life again and again. Have you taken up this offer or are you still thinking of what to do or how to respond? Remember, you have got an eternity to sort out. Make sure, while you still can. His time of favour is here.

New Command!

New Command!

I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another.
JOHN 13:34 AMP

You have to wonder why Jesus called the command to love a new one. Right from the days of the Law given to Moses, one of the two greatest commandments, as confirmed by Jesus himself in one of his parable- messages, is the command to 'love your neighbour as yourself'. God commands love as an expression of His presence in His children, and this theme runs through the entire Bible days and after. So, how's this a new commandment?

In the days of Jesus, the people had lost the true message on the meaning of love. All they could see were the terrible examples of the Pharisees, scribes, priests and elders in the temple. These were men who should know the law of God, but they knew nothing about the God of the law, the God of love or of grace. They were self-centered and selfish. The old law focused on 'neignbour', making it a bit narrow in scope, but Jesus has simply extended it to all men everywhere. He has also laid down an example worthy of emulation. The people may have had no good examples to imitate; but the disciples had seen firsthand what love meant, when Jesus, their Lord and Master, washed their feet.

This is a new commandment; one that only a dependence on God can help you obey. It is the season of grace, where God releases help for his children to obey his commands. He is the example: loving us when we were unworthy; giving his life for our sake. The best we can do is to live our lives in daily appreciation of what we have received. His time of favour is here.

For Me!

For Me!

And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! Philippians 2:8 AMPC

The easiest way to understand today's extract is to understand where Jesus was coming from before the words here. He was called the Son of God - full of glory, one with God, part of the Trinity. He hated sin, just like his Father, but he took on the very nature and form of the ones He came to help.He wanted to look like them, walk in their shoes, experience their humanity so He could appropriately cure the disease of sin once and for all. He could have applied His power from heaven, made a law and with it, cure sin permanently, but He had to follow His own rules, so He could be found blameless and righteous.

The template of the old testament was followed precisely: blood was offered to deal with sin, and a sacrificial lamb, without spot or blemish was used. The law says anyone hung on a tree was cursed, and the One who brings God's blessings down to man had to walk that path so that we all could avoid the curse and get the blessing. Someone had to pay the price; we should have, but we couldn't. Now, Jesus has paid, and He calls me to respond to his sacrifice and accept Him as both Lord and Saviour. We note the part about obedience; to God's plan. Could we ever imagine that God could do this to His Son?

This season reminds us of the greatest gift given, and the gift that keeps giving. If God viewed sin as so evil that the only acceptable sacrifice was the blood of His Son, we had better not take it for granted. If God turned His eyes away from His Son whilst He bore sin, how do we ever think we can escape if we toy with sin? The price has been paid, and the prize of eternal life offered full and free. Would you take hold of it? His time of favour is here.

Eternal Supply!

Eternal Supply!

Jesus replied to them, “I am the Bread of Life. The one who comes to Me will never be hungry, and the one who believes in Me [as Savior] will never be thirsty [for that one will be sustained spiritually]. JOHN 6:35 AMP

Food is such an essential part of our human existence. We need it for daily living just as much as we need clothes to cover our nakedness and a roof over our heads to protect us from the elements. Jesus had just fed 5,000 men, beside women and children, with just 5 loaves and 2 fishes, and 12 basketa of left over food was saved. The people wanted to make Jesus king; at least, they were assured of daily food. Life has got to be more than what I put in my mouth.

Jesus took time to explain to the crowd that just as human life needs physical food, so also does the spiritual man need more than just physical food. My greatest need isn't actually physical food; but a personal experience of the Bread of Heaven. God has already assured me that He will provide all I need for daily survival, so I can concentrate on the greatest need of my life: knowing God. I have a part to play: I must come to Him of my own accord, not out of a sense of compulsion, but from a heart that knows its shortcomings and that only in and by God will its need be met.

God satisfies. No man encounters God and remains the same. It is not about hearing and reading about Him alone; it is about accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour and allowing His Spirit work in me. God is the One who satisfies the greatest and deepest need of man, and if I choose Him, I choose life. If I reject Him, I tell Him I do not consider Him important enough for life's journey. He won't force Himself on me, but one day soon, either by free choice or compulsion, every knee will bow to the Lordship of Jesus. His time of favour is here.

Glory, Glory!

Glory, Glory!

shouting, “Blessed (celebrated, praised) is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory (majesty, splendor) in the highest [heaven]!” LUKE 19:38 AMP

Palm Sunday speaks on the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and starts off the week of his death and resurrection. I am reminded of the incidents that occured at the time, and how people celebrated Jesus. It was so different from what had always happened; with people not sure how to treat Him, and with the religious leaders totally ignorant about who He was and His mission. Today's extract is therefore something of a suprise.

In that encounter are various classes of people; you find the praise singers, those who only pay lip service to what they say and do not have any connection with the object of the praise. They are only in it for the gain. You also find the crowd followers, emotional people; those who were there because at that time, it was the most popular place to be. You had to have a story to tell your children that when Jesus came into Jerusalem, you were there. And you find the spectators; who lived around these events and would only pass an occasional glance at the crowd and wonder why people were just wasting their time.

You will also find the true disciple; who understood the meaning of the event they were witnessing. All of them stood and shouted: "Hossana, Hossana", but as you know, a week later, the various categories of people manifested. Where do you fall this Easter season? Spectator, praise singer or a crowd follower, or a true disciple? Remember, you deal with a God of absolute knowledge, who cannot be decieved by the deceit a human heart is capable of. What would you offer Him this Easter season? His time of favour is here.

Shhhh!

Shhhh!

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10 KJV

In a world that rewards speed, today's piece is a bit unusual. The world understands hustle, bustle and haste; the world seems to be in a hurry to an uncertain destination; not sure where it is going or when it has reached its intended destination, but it keeps running anyway. Against this kind of background is today's extract placed: 'Be still'. I note that it does not advocate being still and inactive on the outside, because a man who is waiting on God doesn't sit idle, but his actions and decisions are guided by his relationship with God.

When the world is running and God says 'Hold on', his child hears and obeys. When the world is uncertain and unsure and God says: 'Move out', his child obeys. Being still hasn't got anything to do with just inactivity, but with an inner calm that comes from knowing God is in control and nothing happens without his permission. God does not need my activity or labour to prove He's God; but I can only fully experience His power, might, strength and grace when I allow Him work as He pleases.

As God has declared here, He will be exalted among the heathen and in the earth. This is a statement of fact and an undeniable truth: God will get it no matter what I do or don't do, but it will be great for me to be a part of what God is doing. He needs my cooperation, sometimes my silence, to allow Him work out His purpose in the earth. He's God; powerful yet gentle; strong yet meek; mighty, yet He brings himself down to man's level. That's the God who wants to relate with his creation. Do you know Him? Does He know you as His own? His time of favour is here.

Target!

Target!

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Psalms 126:5 KJV

Putting today's extract in the right context, it is important to consider that this was written as an appreciation of God's restoration for his people after they had sinned. God had punished sin, but He had also shown mercy by restoring the fortunes of His people. It needs emphasising that sin always carries a heavy penalty. It doesn't matter in whom it is found; God has no favourite when it comes to sin and He will always punish sin.

There is a target audience, a target activity and a target attitude that will lead to a target result: 'those who sow in tears'; people with a clear understanding of their limitation and who know they need help outside of themselves. They come to God in full awareness of who they are and have done in the past, seeking help to live right going forward. They come with broken and contrite hearts, the kind God says He will not ignore. They come sowing, knowing that the God they seek is the One who guarantees a plentiful harvest.

The target result is a bountiful harvest. However it manifests, it will be obvious that the one who sowed has encountered God and his/her deepest needs have been met. If there is no sowing, no sincere repentance, no desire for change, no sorrow for sin, why would you demand any harvest of joy from God? If I will get the full measure of God's grace, I must seek Him on His own terms. Hia grace is available; full and free, until it is withdrawn. His time of favour is here.

Power!

Power!

I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ROMANS 1:16 AMP

There is a need for a personal experience of God's power as explained in the gospel. It is not the display of himan power - selfish and self-propagating, but the power that speaks to God's ability to secure man's present and future. Who else could this be true about more than the one writing this letter to the Roman church - Paul: a murderer, yet after a personal experience of God, a drastic change of direction, purpose and pursuit. I cannot just claim his ending; I must walk in the paths he walked, and take the decision he took to follow Christ.

You may ask: "What good has the gospel done?" Well, salvation is the most viable point of the gospel, where a mortal man learns that there is nothing in him that could merit God's grace, but God in his infinite wisdom, has made a way of escape from the consequences of sin, and sealed eternal life. All man needs to do is to believe the gospel and take full advantage of the offer made. Nothing else works; connections, privilege, money or class will not cut it. When you have experienced it, you cannot keep quiet. When you have truly seen the benefits, you do not want to lose it.

It is not about a call to good works or moral uprightness but a call to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. The offer is for all: the order is not all there is to it. God's will is for the Jews to be saved, but He has extended the grace to all of us too. You won't claim place of birth as the reason why you didn't take advantage of the grace made available by God. Eternal life is the prize; absolute faith in and dependence on God is the price. The alternative is not worth thinking about. His time of favour is here. 

Mercy!

Mercy!

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. Psalms 51:1‭-‬2 NLT

Today's extract has a lot of possessive pronouns. David the writer wasn't someone who would hide once he had been found out. As long as what he did was not known, he was fine keeping up appearances, but as soon as the prophet Nathan reprimanded him, he owned up to his sin and asked for mercy from God. Great lessons to learn from David.

We stand because of God's mercy. We live because His grace lives. His love is the reason the devil has not taken over our lives. His compassion has been found out never to fail, and it is the reason why man sometimes takes life for granted. We treat sin with levity, and because punishment is 'delayed', we think we are smart. However, today's extract lays down a truth: if I will last the distance and land safely, I need to avoid sin. There is a guilt and stain that sin has; and as long as these are weights on my heart, my life cannot be acceptable before God.

God alone can blot out sin and give a fresh start; He's the only one who can wipe the slate clean, because his blood is the only accepted medium to accomplish this. It is when I am free of guilt that I can stand without condemnation and point others to Christ. It is when I have been forgiven that I can stand confident in God that anything I ask Him for, according to His will, is granted. Anything else is playing with eternal loss. Have you been to Jesus to take advantage of the blood? His time of favour is here.

Caution!

Caution!

Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you— protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.
Zephaniah 2:3 NLT

As it has always been established, man is faced with choices every day. In today's extract, we are reminded again that it pays to seek God out and to undertake to obey His commands. For all who know the benefits, we are called to seek God out. The targets of the instruction are people with a clear understanding of who they are and what they are not. Others will most likely ignore the call to seek God out - the proud, haughty and self sufficient. Which group do you fall in? It's not about what you think you are, but what you really are in God's eyes.

And there will be visible evidence of the choice that is made- do what is right, live humbly. Men will see the outward proof of a life that has encountered God in the secret place. If I audit my life now in the light of God's Word, what would the verdict be? And the Day of judgment and wrath is coming. It is not about IF but WHEN. It is an event that is non-negotiable, and God consistently warns about it from his Word. If I take God at his Word that He's a God of love, why would I doubt that He's also a God of judgment?

We may think that we can explain our way out of judgment even when we do not do the right thing, but you cannot seek your own path, yet demand God's protection when things go wrong, as they will certainly do. You cannot insist on your own way and expect God to sanction and reward your disobedience. He loves, yet warns. He is loving, yet firm about His standards. We will only do well to seek Him out on His own terms, so we can enjoy the full measure of His protection and deliverance. His time of favour is here.

Simple!

Simple!

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.   Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. Matthew 18:3‭-‬5 KJV

Let's put this in context; the Mount of Transfiguration had just happened; great miracles had just been performed, and the disciples must have been feeling pretty special. Maybe that's what led to the question asked a verse earlier: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of God". Jesus' response is instructive: forget who is the greatest; focus on the state of your heart.

For me to enter into the kingdom of heaven, a sense of entitlement or pride won't cut it. The usual and the normal won't work; a change or conversion must first occur. We claim we are morally upright, but Christ demands much more than physical effort; it has to first impact the heart before it can lead to eternal life. Children are the standard: simple, easy to trust, quick to forget offence and quick to love. They don't read motives or intentions into anything they receive, and if I will qualify for life, I must learn and apply myself to that standard.

Humility like a child is life. It is the greatest attribute and the most appreciated virtue in heaven. Pride cost Lucifer his place in heaven and the standard has not changed. If I will enter, I must earn the qualification, which is child-like simplicity and faith. God loves and accepts the little children; imagine the blessings attached to loving what God loves. His time of favour is here.

Total!

Total!

The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalms 24:1 KJV

A statement of fact; a claim of ownership and possession: 'The earth is the Lord's'. Can anyone alive dispute God's claim over the earth? Can science fully and truly explain the origins of the universe or where the foundations of the earth are laid? Can something that was itself created fully explain its Creator? All that my eyes see, ears hear, mind conceives and the things they cannot fathom are all accounted for by the wisdom, power, might, strength and grace of the Creator of all things.

All things belong to Him, and he dispenses as He pleases. To some, he gives more, to others, maybe seemingly less. Who can truly measure his dispensations or argue with his/her lot in life? He does not neglect any of his creation, though it may appear that there is lack and poverty in some respects. Yet, there is no doubting his authority over all things, and man can only trust the wisdom of the owner and provider of all things that He knows what He's doing and whatever is given is done with amazing love and care.

Even in lack, I have to trust God's wisdom. When I do not understand the why or how, I rest in my personal experience of the Who, and because I know He's in charge, that's good enough for me. His time of favour is here.

Measured!

Measured!

A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. PROVERBS 15:1 AMP

Words are important. It does not matter how good or pure your intentions are; your thoughts, motives and intentions usually are revealed by the words you speak. The power of words is seen from the cradle to the grave; with the lives of both children and adults formed, shaped or broken by the use of words by the people around them.

It is even made more poignant when you also consider that God, in his wisdom and power, created all we see today by words. If I understand that I am made in his likeness, and made to reflect his creative abilities, glory and power, I must also learn to use my words carefully, in line with the purpose and intent behind my creation. Sin tampered with the original template; but it could not in any way reduce the power of the tongue. Now, I am warned to be even more careful how it is used, because the devil also knows the power behind words.

Human relationships are complex; no 2 people are the same, yet in that variety, the cords of God's grace should emphasize unity of end-product. We may not agree on process, procedure or channel, but we must agree on the end result, which must be the advancement of God's grace in and through us. If at any time I find myself insisting on my own way, refusing to hear contrary views and shutting down other voices, then I am not living out the grace of God in me. Even when I think I am right, grace teaches patience and faith that if it is God's will, others will get there eventually. But if I fight and insist on my own way, I lose the chance to let God shine out in me.

If I will promote grace, my words must speak grace. If I will impact lives, my life must first be impacted by God's grace. If my words will speak life and health, they must proceed out of a life that has encountered grace. You cannot give what you don't have. His time of favour is here.

Equal Measure!

Equal Measure!

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:15 AMP

Today's extract is directed by Paul at the believers in his day in the church at Thessalonica. Paul had given them several instructions on how to live in the world as people with an understanding of eternity; people with an impact on earth but with their hearts set on God. One lesson: You may be celebrated and applauded by men, but God must hold your heart completely if your life must have lasting impact.

And for my life to have lasting impact, it must showcase God daily. How do you imagine that amongst people who claim to know God, Paul is charging them not to repay evil for evil. What this shows is that the human nature needs to be put to death daily, if it will not become a stumbling block to all that God intends. The world is inclined to evil, but all who live by God's standard must follow a different code. I cannot claim to be a follower of God and at the same time, a follower of the world. The world believes in meeting force with force; an eye for an eye, but God demands a different code of conduct from me.

He demands I seek good for those who are of the same faith with you and goes further to demand it for all people also. Good does not discriminate; good does not consider reward; good does not look at tribe, culture, background or connection before it flows out; God does not send his rain on only those who have given their lives to Him, but to all men. He demands the same response from all of us who claim his standard.

And this is important because there are eternal consequences to every action or reaction. If I do good, I sow seeds of good that someone somewhere will reap. If I do evil, I also lay the groundwork for what I will also receive in the future. Forget people's reactions to you; just do what God has commanded and leave the hearts of men to Him. If He created the heart, He is able to sort it out and align it to his perfect will. His time of favour is here.

Priorities!

Priorities!

But let justice run down like waters and righteousness as a mighty and ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24 AMPC

Looking at the context of today's extract, we are once again reminded of the things that God considers as very important. It is not what the world celebrates or what the popular culture emphasizes; it is first and foremost about what God says is important to Him. This is prophet Amos reminding the people of Israel about the old days; this had become a nation that had forgotten God and had been laid to waste. The first lesson therefore is this: sin always comes with a high price.

There is also a grave danger in not getting our priorities right, and it is the fact that we can get so lost in physical acts of service that we forget to audit our hearts to see if they are still under God's control and He can direct them however he pleases. The people of Israel had gotten used to service: they kept the sacred feasts and solemn assemblies; they offered multitudes of offerings: burnt, grain and peace offerings. They sang melodious tunes during their service in the temple, but their hearts were not right.

Therein is another lesson: God is not like man who can be deceived by an outward show of piety; He is a God of absolute knowledge and all our secret motives and desires are laid bare before Him. He cannot be bribed with the things that are already under His command. The only thing He needs is what He has given us power to willingly surrender to Him: our hearts. When my heart is right with God, I will crave what He loves and seek His Truth. He wants justice and righteousness established on the earth and these can only be promoted by people who have experienced them.

And these must flow like waters. Nothing stands in the way of water in its full flow. Give it time and a constant flow of water will break down any barrier. In the face of  temptation to compromise or lower the standard, God's justice and righteousness stands strong. All who will stand to the end must be sure they are standing right. His time of favour is here.

Come!

Come!

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].
MATTHEW 11:28 AMP

Until you realise you need help, it is not likely you will go looking for it or appreciate it when it is presented to you. Natural man has built a defence around his heart; man tells himself he has everything he needs and nothing more. Unfortunately, sin brought its own dire effects, one of which is that there is nothing in natural man that can save him or wipe the slate clean; he needs to go back to the One whose help is all that man needs to succeed.

The offer is made in today's extract: "COME" and nothing else is demanded. I am not asked to bring food, money or any other price. Who is asked to come? All who admit their weaknesses and acknowledge they need help. The world itself is a burden: you are asked to conform to a particular image or standard if you want to be accepted, and man keeps pursuing that image, not sure if and when he has got it or even what the standard is. If I know I need help, then today's extract is for me.

What God offers is rest. He does not really say He will take away the circumstances, but He will give you a heart of purpose, which allows you see God even in the daily grind of routine. No experience becomes useless; because I am at rest in God, I am certain that anything and everything that comes will work out God's perfect purpose. That rest signifies salvation: an experience of God in the midst of life's situations. With God's rest, you can smile while you work, and you can rejoice in trials, because you know that the One who lives in you makes all of life's experiences worth it.

Have you responded to the invitation? This is a seasonal offer, valid only during the lifetime of anyone who will respond. Once physical death comes, your decision is final. Whilst you still have time, take God up on His offer. His time of favour is here.

Love, Defined!

Love, Defined!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV

How do you define love? Most of natural man will view it from the perspective of what s/he gets from the person professing love. That's why you hear a commenr such as: "If you love me, you will.....". We express love as a function of what we can get out, not what we can bring in. For natural man, it is first about me and my needs and what the other person has to do. However, God presents it differently.

From today's extract, one thing is clear: God sees love first as a product of His nature and heart. That's the basis of everything else that He does. God is Love; and all that flows out of Him is love. That's why the greatest expression of his heart is the gift of His Son, Jesus. He didn't hold Him back and offer any other option; He gave His best so we could be the best version of ourselves. His own love wasn't first about what He could get; in fact, at the time of the gift, we didn't even care, but He went ahead anyway.

But for all that God does, there is an expected response and of course, attendant consequences to all decisions. The gift is given; salvation has been offered and the path to life established. The gift is the channel to access this life, and once I accept this gift, I move into a new phase of life, both down here and in eternity. It is not a decision to be taken lightly, and it is also not a decision to be taken wrongly.

God does not want anything of value from us, so we could earn His gift; all He asks for is that I accept His gift and believe in His Son. That's all; costs nothing but is eternally costly if I refuse. Have you accepted this free gift? His time of favour is here.