Rest!

Rest!

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest.
Exodus 14:14 AMPC

Let it be very clear from the outset that there is nowhere in God's Word where it is promised that all His promises will just fall into your laps without you doing anything. It is the trap of the devil to raise lazy, entitled people who see God as a meal ticket, not the ticket to eternal life. God has become a viable option, one of many. He becomes the go-to person when all else fails. There are some things God will do, even if you do not pray. He will most likely give rain in due season, and your planted seed will bring forth food after its kind. But beyond the usual and the regular, God wants to make the supernatural an everyday reality for his children.

'Fight' means that there are battles ahead. The bigger question is: Who is in your corner? In fact, who is fighting for you? The boxer takes the hit; he can only take advice from his trainer and coach, but when the bells ring, he had better be swinging. With God, things run differently. He becomes your feet, your hands and your brain, helping you to fight to win. Well, it appeared from today's extract that the Israelites didn't have to do anything; they simply moved forward at God's command and victory was sealed. That is the secret to the life God has called us to.

Trust, faith and confidence are the reasons why you can hold your peace and remain at rest. That is the unseen power behind the victories, not the size of the armour or the years of fighting experience. Do you spend time studying God's Word so you can be fully equipped for the battles ahead? Is your heart fully resting on God or are there viable options? If God does not lead you, how do you win? If you don't know God's mind, how do you overcome? The decision on who wins is based on who is in charge. His time of favour is here.

The Search!

The Search!

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. MATTHEW 6:33 AMP

The main thrust of today's extract is on the word: Seek. It is a deliberate action; it is something you do with your mind fully conscious and awake. There is a target you aim for; there is something that has to be a reward or outcome for all of your efforts. It is the first and essential requirement for walking with and working for God.

It is not an aimless exercise. God never calls a man to seek Him in vain. If He asks me to go looking for Him, it is because amazing things will result from that search. The search has to be about God; not power, position or possession. And when you seek God out, you have to define terms. The nature of God- where He replicates Himself in me and manifests Himself to the world through me - that is the focus.

God's kingdom is the desire; his authority, power and might being made manifest to the world. If I seek peace around me, I have got to let peace reign in me. His righteousness: his nature, redemption and provision are abundantly available. When all of these are your focus, you do not have time for frivolity. The things of this world do not hold your heart. It is then that the other part of today's extract makes sense. All the other things the world seeks after become free gifts by God to you. You can't chase both extremes at the same time.

God's promise to bless all who seek Him stands till today. Right from the Garden of Eden, God has been seeking men who will hold on to Him alone, and who will be the first recipients of the amazing blessings He has prepared. Can He count on you? His time of favour is here.

God at Work!

God at Work!

He guards the paths of justice; And He preserves the way of His saints (believers).
PROVERBS 2:8 AMP

God is introduced here with words we can relate to. He is presented as a guard; as one who knows and understands justice; one who keeps and preserves; and one who knows the paths those who belong to Him take, which makes him the Omniscient God. All of these attributes are important; they speak about the nature, power and wisdom of the One who calls us into a relationship with Him.

All who claim to know Him must walk in his path, and one of the attributes of that path is justice; not as defined by man but by God. He is the One who gives to man what He thinks is best, not necessarily as a function of right or entitlement, but of his grace and mercy. He does not allow to tamper with his laws and get away with it, but He is also slow to anger and is willing that all men repent and return to Him.

He knows those who truly know and follow Him. He is not deceived by outward piety at the expense of sincere worship. Man can be fooled by the outward; because God formed the entire human spectrum, He is not limited by it, and can rise above it to do much more than we can ask or imagine. He keeps His own, watching over their paths and making sure they end well.

Flip side: how do you explain the death of the righteous? Does it not seem that part of the preserving is to keep them from coming evil? They are his saints down here, and because His desire is to ensure that they remain so, his preservation may also require that when danger is ahead, He takes steps to bring them home. It is a hard sell, but who can fight His wisdom and power? Who can fully explain it? One sure thing: He is God; nothing can unseat Him. I am safe when I am in Him. No matter how life turns out, it ends well only when I remain in Him. His time of favour is here.

Pray; Worry!

Pray; Worry!

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6 NLT

Paul seems to be making it clear in today's extract that at no time is your mind blank. There is nothing like a blank mind. At all times, your mind reflects the deposits of your heart. You become what you spend time on, and you look like what you have been thinking. And for all who claim to follow Christ is this evil and perverse age, you are either worrying or praying. In truth, you really cannot do both at the same time and get anything done.

That's why God hates double mindedness. In Revelations, the church in Laodicea that He would spew out of his mouth those who are neither cold nor hot. It is not about competitive advantage, where you choose the most important thing to worry about; it is either you are worrying about everything or praying about everything. There is no middle ground here. And nothing is left out. You don't consider anything either too big or too small to worry or pray about.

When you pray, you tell God you recognise his power and leadership. When you worry, you tell God you doubt He can help you so you have to look out for yourself. Prayer is asking God to do what you know He alone can do. Prayer is an admission of helplessness, where I hand over the reins and let God do what He does best. I don't argue with his process and procedure; I simply trust He knows what is best. And of course, thanking Him, whether in advance or after the fact, is a clear sign that you appreciate his mercies and trust Him for more. So, which one do you do? His time of favour is here.

Three-Piece Suit!

Three-Piece Suit!

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

In working out the Christian life, there are a lot of things God would have us learn and do, but today's extract speaks about maybe just three parts to this experience. First is the golden rule that says I must do to others what I want others to do to me. It is so easy to point the finger at someone else; to demand better from someone else while ignoring the reality of my own weaknesses. As long as I am clothed in this mortal body, I am not immune to mistakes. I must live daily in that reality, my daily interactions shaped by my understanding that if not for the grace of God, I would amount to nothing.

Then the other bit about forgiveness. As it has been said, being human means offending other people. How I process these offences speaks to my submission to God. How do I react when it seems the other person is taking advantage of my meekness? How do I react when the other person rebuffs my attempts to make peace? One thing is clear: I am to forgive the one who offends me, not wait for him or her to make peace. It is my response God addresses, not the other person's response. For a moment, forget how weak you will look and think of how happy God will be when you live out his heart.

And closely tied to these is the constant reminder that you stand where you are now because God took 'a chance' with you. At the time He called you to Himself, it wasn't as if you were the best of people or the most behaved. God extended his love to us while we were still sinners, and his love remains the same quality for all who will make the approach. If God could forgive me all I had done, it frees me to do the same for other people. If I have been given God's best, it is only fair that I also extend God's best to others. After all, my life is now the extension of God's grace and mercy and in and through me, God is able to reach the world with His love. Is my life that kind of vessel? His time of favour is here.

Peace!

Peace!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.John 14:27 NIV

Just before Jesus went the way of the cross, He spent some time teaching his disciples lessons about the life they were going to experience when He leaves them. He told them categorically that the world will not love them; the world and the Word of God are parallel lines that can never meet, no matter how hard you try. Compromise is the only way the world and the Word will be comfortable together, and God tells us ahead of time that we cannot truly be His own if He cannot trust our hearts.

He brought peace when He came in human form, and leaves his peace with us. The world has no peace to give, or at best, it guarantees you some level of comfort at a very high price. What the world gives isn't peace, because true peace is only found in the One called the Prince of Peace. God does not treat us as the world does, where the world demands a price from me before it gives or secures anything for me. The world also gives you something and may take even something more precious from you. God wants me to have everything I need for life and Godliness, and that is why He has asked me to believe in Him totally and trust His power, wisdom and love.

If you are in God, let your heart be at rest. If  you are not in God, you are exposed to the inconsistencies that happen all around you. Fear and faith cannot exist in the same heart, so check your heart today. Does God hold the reins or is the fear of the unknown the reigning theme of your heart? Get into God today, and see Him take care of all that relates to you. He wants me to have the best He has on offer, and by complete trust in Him, I get access to all He is and have. His time of favour is here.

Fruit!

Fruit!

So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin];
MATTHEW 3:8 AMP

God also follows precepts and protocol. He is a God of order, and He expects His own children to have the same outlook to life. Let it be said here that God's ultimate goal is the salvation of all men. He gave his one and only son as the sacrifice for sin, and by the blood shed, life is given full and free to all. God invites all men to get cleansing and redemption through the blood, no matter the quality of the stain of sin or multitude of transgressions. He will forgive all and give a new life and a fresh start, free of guilt or condemnation.

However, when you claim to now know God, there is a standard of behaviour expected of you. If there is no difference between my old and new life, then I need to check again who I have received. If I claim I have repented, there will be external evidence; fruit that proves that I now serve a different master. It is by my fruit that the truth of my convictions is established. It is by my fruit that the world knows where I am rooted. And there can be no deception; it does not matter how hard I try; I cannot change the fruit until I change the seed and the root. If I am used to sin, no amount of dressing or seed work can change my life's output. I have to first address the foundation of sin.

Today's extract was spoken to hypocrites of Jesus' day, and the message through the ages remain the same: the seed of God is seeking fertile and prepared ground where it can be sown and nurtured until maturity. God is seeking lives He can trust to make a difference in the world. Am I one He can count on in these end times? The fear is that we seem to be comfortable in sin, thinking we have time. Unfortunately, we do not. While we have time, let us approach God and take advantage of the free gift of life on offer. Our eternity hangs on that decision. His time of favour is here.

The Standard!

The Standard!

And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God). Genesis 15:6 AMPC

At the time of today's extract, it was Abram- the old name, that was the focus. Long before his name was changed, Abram had learnt how to trust God. How easy it is to claim to trust God when all is going on as planned. Abram didn't wait for the stars to align or for an outward sign that God was true to His Word; he simply believed who had spoken. That is the definition of faith: knowing who has promised, trusting in His power and wisdom and acting on the basis of that confidence.

Abram knew who he was putting his trust in; it was not an idea, a concept or an abstract theme but a person. Christianity isn't so much a religion as it is confidence in the grace and mercy of God Himself. We come to the saving knowledge of the One who loved us enough to die for us, and by His death, life here and now and life eternal have been signed, sealed and delivered. We simply depend on that finished work for our own daily walk. That is faith, simply defined.

This faith was counted by God to Abram as righteousness. This isn't about outward works being the most important; but inner confidence first. Abram's actions flowed from his inner convictions. It is not man's opinion that count, but God's. If He accepts me, it does not matter what the quality and quantity of the opposition against me is; He is able to bring me to the place He has prepared for me. Faith is focused on God's ability; not man's approval or applause. In the final analysis, it will all about my walk with and work for God, not how many people liked me. His time of favour is here.

Fear!

Fear!

The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence];  But arrogant  fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline. PROVERBS 1:7 AMP

There is a good fear and a bad fear. There is a fear that comforts and gives you wings, and there is a fear that cripples. We note that today's extract says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. It starts with knowing who God is, but it does not just end there. You go further by searching, meditating and obeying the Word of God, which bears testimony about this God.

The opposite of the above is also true. The non-fear of God is also real, and evidence of this abounds all around us. No matter how much we read about God's judgement on sin, some people will not fear God. It has always been the way of the world to despise whatever it does not understand or know. How does God reach a heart that holds no regard for wisdom, instruction and self-discipline? If the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, it means that whoever doesn't have this fear cannot know who this God really is, and if you don't know, then you can't relate or obey.

And of course, relationships require time, effort and discipline. The man who does not fear God cannot submit to discipline. Review your life at the moment: what/who do you fear? The answer will determine how far you go in life, and your eternal destination. You don't want to get to the end of your life on earth and discover you had the wrong pursuits and priorities. Ask God to reveal himself to you today. He will. His time of favour is here.

God At Work!

God At Work!

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27 NLT

Long before I was born, the devil has been fighting. He's skilled in warfare; he has been given the earth as his battleground, and he's taking his assignment seriously. Sin is his trigger and permission, and the unfortunate thing about sin is that it does not announce its arrival. Unless you are full of the Spirit of God, you may not notice when sin is fully in control and dictating the direction and destiny of your life. And that is the power of anger.

The extract above admits human nature will usually allow anger. There will be times when things don't go the way you plan and people will sometimes deliberately wind you up. It is possible that for no fault of yours, terrible things will happen. These are the times when I must be very careful about my actions and reactions. I am permitted to show the emotion of anger but I must watch carefully the reactions that follow. You may not be able to control the times you will be angry but you cannot afford to let anger control you. One sure way is to quickly address the issues that led to the anger; could be by talking about it, changing location, praying about it but most importantly, it must be addressed quickly. Time is one of the greatest catalysts for anger that lead to destruction.

All the devil needs is a foothold; it could be a sense of pride, that you are better than the other person; could be unreasonable expectations from another person; it could be a carryover of bitterness from another person into another relationship. Whatever it is, DO NOT give it time to simmer. It may be the little hold the devil needs to destroy a life. Wars have been fought and lives destroyed simply because someone lost his/her temper. May the Lord help us. His time of favour is here.

Praise!

Praise!

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. Psalms 113:3 KJV

In reading today's extract, a picture comes to mind: whether you consider the rising of the sun from the east and its setting in the west, or you consider the break of a new day as the sun rises and the end of the day as the sun sets, there is one thing God demands of all who know who He is: praise.  As I rise up early in the morning, the first thing God would expect from me, if I truly know what I have received, is praise and gratitude. As the sun sets, I reflect on all that has happened, and no matter how 'bad' they may have been, I go to sleep with the assurance that tomorrow is another day for God to show himself strong in my life.

God has already established that as long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, day and night will never cease. This means that it is not given to me to control the season, but I can control my reaction to whatever the season brings my way. The one who wrote this psalm didn't have it all good, but he had determined that as long as God gave him breath, God would be praised. It wasn't dependent on the stars being aligned or everything being in place; it was about knowing the God who deserves all this praise and giving Him his due.

So, all around the world, no matter the state of the sun and the moon, the events of the day or night, irrespective of circumstances or location, or the state of the economy or the wallet, praise is the natural outflow of a life that is aware of all it has received and what it did not deserve. Praise tells God I am grateful for ALL I have and am; praise tells God I know He is all I need; praise says I am privileged to be alive to even offer all I can. What's your life saying at the moment? Does God stand a chance with you? Does He have your heart, or does He have to share praise with other people? His time of favour is here.

Renewed!

Renewed!

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Waiting on God is a choice. God will not compel you to; He only lists the benefits of waiting and gives you the grace to make a decision. Jacob had to learn the hard way the benefits of waiting on God. Habakkuk came to understand the importance of waiting for God to act at his own time and in his own way. You learn much more about God in waiting than in hasting. Men are born with strength, but the experiences of life depletes it. You need to renew it, and only in God do you get inexhaustible supply. The world will give you 'viable' options; but only God can truly renew your strength.

The eagle is known for the strength of its wings, but it is also known to shed its old feathers and grow new ones. It does this away from prying eyes. For all who wait on God, the waiting is done away from the public; but the benefits are seen by all. Men will envy the new wings, but will never understand the pain and dealings that went into those new wings. Men will see the divine usage and elevation but will ignore the divine support holding you up. I note that all of the benefits of waiting on God are listed here; nothing is said about man's opinion or approval, because these are not required for what God wants to do. We can get caught up in what people say or expect or we can ignore the noise around and focus on God alone. As always the choice is mine alone.

And the strength God gives empowers you to work, walk, labour and fight without giving up. Oh, we will fight. God will supply strength but we will fight. For us, the fight is fixed, because God already assured us of victory. No matter your present level of strength, in walking, running or soaring, you cannot survive without God's help. He is the defining factor, the enabler and the One who upholds. Who is your strength? His time of favour is here.

The Law!

The Law!

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 KJV

First, God makes reference to THIS book of the law. It is not any other book, but the one God Himself has laid down for his people. It is also the book of the law, not advise or consultation or negotiation. You don't get to pick and choose which part you will obey; you either obey God's Word or you choose your own path. There is no middle ground on this one. Then you wonder why this book of the law must not depart out of the mouth. Why the mouth and not the heart? Could it be it is because my lip confession is the loudest testimony about the contents of my heart. No one knows my allegiance until I speak. No one knows who I answer to until I provide the answer through my life's choices and priorities.

You can only guarantee the right content from your lips when you spend time on the right content. You can read all you want, but the proof of a life that is immersed in the Word of God is seen in its every day application. It is regular and consistent; not a weekly or monthly affair. It mentions day and night engagement; it is not time bound or subject to feelings; it has to be your way of life if it will bless your way of life.

You open it; you meditate on it; you seek to  understand it and be determined to obey, and then you actually obey. That is the only way success is assured; not the type the world understands, but the One God can sustain beyond the resources of this world. It is not just reading; it is not just to meditate; the obedience part is so central to what you get from God. How does God trust your heart if He does not control your pursuits and priorities? If He will bless you beyond your wildest dreams, you have to seek Him out on His own terms. What are you focused on at the moment? What are your priorities? His time of favour is here.

The Code!

The Code!

If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7 AMPC

Access to God has been discussed on many platforms today. God wants men to come to Him of their own freewill so He can release to them the treasures of His presence, but then, there is a prescribed way to make that approach. As much as God desires fellowship with man, man will do well to find out what God needs and how God wants to be approached. The most effective way, if not the only way, is through my understanding and application of the Word of God.

The Word of God holds secrets about who God is and how He deals with man. Today's extract emphasizes the need for man to live in God and allow His Word live in their hearts. Why is this important? It is because God's Word is the prescription against sin and wrong doing. It is the cure to a life without purpose and direction. The Word of God teaches me about God, how to live, speak and relate and it teaches me life's lessons that prepare me for eternity. And the focus is on 'living', not temporary arrangements. It is not something you go to only when things are rough; it has to be your main stay and your daily guide.

That is the foundation of receiving anything from God. When His Word is my guide and guard, my thoughts and actions align with His. I do not pursue personal agendas; all that matters is God's kingdom and its impact on earth in and through me. All I will ask will align with His Word, because His Word is my first love. I am assured of an answer, because my requests align with God's will and purpose. Can this be said about me at the moment? Can it be said about you too? His time of favour is here.

Father 2!

Father 2!

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13 NKJV

Reference is made to both earthly fathers as well as our heavenly Father. There is a connecting thread between both and it is in the area of giving. Indeed, we are made in the image of God, who is the greatest giver of all time. He set the example and asked us to follow in His footsteps. When we give, we are only acting true to our origin and make up. However, due to sin, the original template has been tampered with. Now, we give with ulterior motives, either to get something back in return, or to show off to other people that we are 'better'.

That's the other part of today's extract. Sin hasn't been able to totally tamper with our giving nature, even if it has been able to poison our motives. Men still find a way to commit resources and time to the things they consider important; in this case, their children. If man could be this caring for children born in the natural human way, imagine just how concerned God will be for all who have put their trust in Him. All God demands is that I come to Him in faith, asking for whatever it is I desire. He promises to give me all I ask, in particular, the Holy Spirit.

Why is the Holy Spirit the focus here? He is the seal of redemption for all who belong to God, and He is God's biggest gift to the world. Through Him, we get all that we could ever need. He represents all of God, and when you have all of God, what else is there to give? Man can only give out of what he's been given; God gives Himself. Ask God for all of Himself today; there are no regrets when it comes to who God is, what He's given and all He is. His time of favour is here.

Father!

Father!

As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
Psalm 103:13 AMPC

It is quite important to note here that God is presented as a Father, not a judge, fire or terror. It is the symbol of relationship; the epitome of love. God could have been called other names to show his authority, dominion and power, yet, even in the symbol of Fatherhood, the message is clear  and it is this: we can approach God and enjoy the benefits and blessings that come from Him, simply because He is a Father, but then, we do it in fear of the understanding we have of who He is and what He can do.

The words 'love and pity' are so strong here.  You can pity someone from a position of authority and superiority; man won't really be nice to someone you know you are above. With God, it is fundamentally different; his authority is founded on his knowledge about our weaknesses and inadequacies; He knows we are prone to sin and error. That's why both his love and pity apply at the same time and in equal measure of grace. If God were to mark and punish every sin, we all would be dead. It is his love and pity that hold out, giving us the opportunity to approach the throne of grace with confidence, sure and certain that we will get what we need.

And the warning: God expects the right response to his love, which is a heart of fear. You do not want to test God to see the end of his love and pity. You do not want to take grace for granted. As much as love and pity is available to all, so also is the command to fear God given to all men. If I will enjoy the fullness of God's mercy and grace, my heart has to be right. If mortal men can love and pity natural children, imagine how the heavenly father loves and pities his creation. Just as a mortal father will punish disobedience, imagine then how the heavenly father will handle rebellion against his command. We have been warned. His time of favour is here.

Right Treatment!

Right Treatment!

Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) Ephesians 6:2 KJV

In case you are wondering what the origin of the command above is, it was first pronounced by God when He was giving the commandments on Mount Sinai to Moses. You could also wonder why relationship with parents will be considered important enough by God for Him to make clear prescriptions on how they should run. Let it first be laid down that from today's extract, it is clear that even God acknowledges that it is from the family unit that all of life's decisions and destinies are settled. That is the start point of all I can become.

And it is also an acknowledgement of clear authority. God's original template of placing us in homes with a father and mother was to ensure that we grow up in a balanced, healthy environment, where each parent brought his/her own personal experience into bringing up a child. One parent could be high-wire, always quick to address issues; the other may take a measured and calm approach to issues. Whatever it is, it is clear that it is within these boundaries that God expects a child to be brought up.

And it says nothing about the faith of the parents; it just commands honour to parents. It is the first commandment with a promise of long life attached, and it is a seed to the next generation. You reap what you sow. If you do not have any respect for your parents today, it is almost assured that the children coming after you will pick up on that and do the same to you. Carry out a honest assessment of your present situation today, and where required, make the necessary changes. His time of favour is here.

Defence!

Defence!

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalms 68:5 KJV

Whenever I read words like today's extract, I pause and consider the God I have been called upon to serve and worship. There are a lot of sides to this God, and one short piece will never do Him justice, but let us focus on what today's extract says. First, He is called a Father. It means that no matter your present status, you take origin and source from Him. If I clearly understand this, it will significantly impact the way I relate with other people. If I know God is my father as well as the father of all other people I come in contact with, I will be very careful how I live.

He is also called a judge. This picture is one of reward or punishment for actions done. It doesn't matter what I tell myself; God has laid down the standard for judgement and I will do well to seek it out and follow it. We love the picture of the God of love, but we will do well to also consider that He is the God of justice also. If I understand this, it will also affect how I prepare for my own judgment. And He is Holy, the part we don't like to talk about, but is central to the walk and work God has called us to. He is Holy, his dwelling place is holy. How else do you think those that aspire to live with Him and enjoy his benefits must live?

This picture sounds a warning on how I treat others. I may think I am better, but I must remember that God fights for those who cannot. If man opposes you, you can take his case to God, but if it is God opposing you, where do you appeal to? I take stock again and ask myself: How's my relationship with people God has placed around me? Do I treat them the way God desires? If God were to defend the cause of the helpless, would I be found guilty? Deep questions, but it is never too late to make amends where required. His time of favour is here.

Love 2!

Love 2!

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. 1 Peter 4:8 AMPC

Peter speaks of the end; when everything that we know now will cease to exist. Peter calls to our attention the need to pay close attention to the things God considers very important. The central theme is a life that is dead to sin, and sensitive to the Spirit so it can pray in line with God's will. All of these things are important, but love is the central factor; the cord that binds them all together; the chord that makes them all complete; giving sweet melody and impacting lives.

This love is for one another, everyone; not just people who are lovable, or who deserve love or who are able to reciprocate the love you show. What is love if it is only for those who are able to return the favour? I recall Jesus' sermon on the mount where he very clearly stated that if we only love those who love us in return, then we are no different from the Pharisees and hypocrites. If God were to deal with me the way I deal with other people around me, would I be alive today? That's food for thought for you and I. 

Oh, offences will surely come; all of human relationships are complex and quite  unpredictable. People will step on my toes but what I do and how I react will reveal my heart's control centre; the One who is in charge of your thoughts and actions. I can deceive others with words; my actions are the loudest testimony of who I submit to. I also ask God to forgive me my own sins. Imagine if God were to hold my sins against me. If I want to enjoy all of God's mercy and grace, I must align myself with Him. I must obey Him in all things, not only when it is convenient. His time of favour is here.

Love

Love!

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬5 NLT

Did you see that human attributes are given to love in today's extract? Why would this be the case? Could it be the greatest lesson about God and His expectations from us is that He is the perfect embodiment of all He commands us to do and be, and none of his commands are impossible to achieve if we trust His grace and power? Love is not an idea; a concept; logic or data. Love is a person, full of emotion, capable of feeling and able to let go of grudges and hurt. The next time you are tempted to think that someone is beyond your forgiveness, think about this: if God were standing next to you, holding out grace and mercy for your own wrong, would you accept it or stick to your own position?

If you are the recipient of love this amazing, you cannot hold on to your own hurts and rights. Check out all that love doesn't do in today's extract: these are attributes of a life that is grateful for all the mercies it has received from God, and is quick to share them with other people. If I insist on my 'rights' everytime, or I keep reminding you of the times you have wronged me, or I envy your 'success' or I am the one filled with pride on my own 'achievements', then I need to check myself before I wreck myself. If I do a honest assessment of my life now, what will be visible about my priorities: my way or God's will? My own interests or the display of God's grace?

So, what do you have or hold on to NOW? It is either love or the very opposite. You cannot sit on the fence on this one; in fact, there is no fence when it comes to God's express commands. Love is a person; God is Love, and all who live in God live in love. Where are you resident at the moment? His time of favour is here.

Love!

Love!

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬5 NLT

Why are human attributes given to love in these 2 verses? Could it be that the greatest lessons about God and His expectations from us is that He is the perfect embodiment of all He commands us to do and be, and none of his commands are impossible to achieve if we trust His grace and power? Love is not an idea; a concept; logic or data. Love is a person, full of emotion, capable of feeling and able to let go of grudges and hurt. The next time you are tempted to think that someone is beyond your forgiveness, think about this: if God were standing next to you, holding out grace and mercy for your own wrong, would you accept it or stick to your own position?

If ypu are the recipient of love this amazing, you cannot hold on to your own hurts and rights. Check out all that love doesn't do in today's extract: these are attributes of a life that is grateful for all the mercies it has received from God, and is quick to share them with other people. If I do a honest assessment of my life now,

Peace!

Peace!

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 KJV

A little context; here is the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus takes his time to teach those who will follw him as disciples. As always, there is a crowd around, but Jesus always addresses those who will stand out from the crowd and be different. Are you one of such people? God's purpose is my blessing. He wants to, craves to, longs to. But because He's God, He has principles and processes for all of His promises. If I am to get what He offers, I must do what and how He commands

And all God asks me to do is an offshoot of who He is. God never demands of me what He is not, and He will place a burden on me that He has not given grace and strength to bear. If He calls me to peace, it is because He himself is peace. He's calles the Prince of peace, and all who claim to live in Him must live in and pursue peace. Can that be said of you? Can it be said of me? Do I make situations worse or do I seek to make it better?

And for all of my obedience, there is a reward. Too many times, we seek monetary rewards; things we can place value on. For God, his best gifts cannot be valued by money. How much is being God's child worth? I believe being recognised by God as His child is my greatest blessing. What of you? What would you rather have: the world's treasures or sonship? His time of favour is here.

Power!

Power!

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 KJV

The world has a definition for power. The Word of God also has a definition for power. One focuses on the individual and the ability to lord it over others, whilst the other focuses on enablement for exploits. Those are the two opposite purposes of power. When Jesus was leaving the earth after his resurrection, the disciples were seeking the world's version. They wanted to be lords over their destinies and wanted the kingdom to be restored to Israel. That was not the purpose of the power Jesus wanted to give the disciples.

Power is promised, not wealth or success or fame. That is the first and major consideration. It is power for effective witness - to what you have seen, tasted, heard or felt about Jesus. If you don't know or have Him, how can you testify about Him? Everywhere you turned in the Bible, you read about men and women who had encounters with God and whose lives turned around for good. They didn't get more power to oppress; they got power to witness. What are you seeking power for? What are your pursuits and priorities?

It starts from where you are at the moment. We want to impact the world, yet we have not learnt to conquer daily devotion. We do not keep at least weekly appointments for fellowship, in line with God's Word. How do I get power, as defined by the Word, if I don't know what the Word says? The lives of men and women are important to God, and that's why the work of witnessing is His way to reach the world. The world needs power - infused witnesses; people who have been in the presence of God, and have received the power He has made available for witness. Where do you stand? His time of favour is here.

The Comforter!

The Comforter!

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26 KJV

He is specifically called the Comforter, is referred to as Holy, He is Sent in the name of Jesus, and his assignment includes to remind those who receive Him of all that Jesus has said. Specific terms of reference. The Holy Spirit could have been called any other name; Jesus referred to Him as the Comforter. Long before the tribulations and trials will come, God already promises that we will not be left alone. There is someone who is of Him, skilled in providing what is required to endure and enjoy the seasons that are ahead.

And just in case you think anything goes, be reminded that He is Holy, and anyone who will interact with Him must come in that consciousness. He will not stay where there is sin. He does not operate where God is not glorified. He is not the figment of any one's imagination; He is sent by God, in the name of Jesus, showing that there is unity of purpose in the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is not an independent contractor, and He will not LEAD anyone down a path contrary to God's express commands. If what you hold on to is against God's Word, better check the spirit behind that inspiration.

That is the basis of the assignment; if what I hear isn't from God, then it is not the Holy Spirit. If I am more interested in comfort the world gives, then maybe what I have isn't the same Spirit promised. If I do not find time to study God's Word and store it up in my heart, what will the Holy Spirit remind me of when the trials of life come calling? The Comforter has been sent; He is the gift of God for this season. He knows God's mind and is able to lead us aright. Would I let Him work? Would you? His time of favour is here.

The Call!

The Call!

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT

For every life, there is a purpose. For that life to discover and fulfil that purpose, it has got to hear and heed the call of God upon it. And God's call is not like any other call; it is a call to live a holy life, a sanctified life, a life of difference. It is not the usual, the regular or the normal; it is the representation of the life of God here on earth; where God is seen and heard through the lives of those who have heard and responded to the call of God on their lives.

And the call didn't come out of the blue; God has always sought to live out his grace and mercy and power in us, who are made after his likeness. From before the earth's foundations were laid, God has laid down a plan for man to be the centrepiece of His creation. Sin tampered with that template but because God's plan cannot be thwarted, He had in place a plan of restoration. That plan is only fully expressed and manifested in Christ Jesus. None of the men in the old testament understood the full ramifications of this plan, but in this generation, we are privileged to personally experience the best God has on offer.

God's eternal plan makes sense in the light of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. When God gave his Son, he gave His best, and with the Son comes every other blessing God intends for us. If I will make it down here and also make it to heaven, I have got to go through the Son. If God says He is the only way, experience has shown that God doesn't lie. What do I stand to lose? I rather look stupid down here and get to heaven to discover I was right, than take a risk on God and end up eternally foolish for rejecting God's gift. It costs me nothing; just faith in God. His time of favour is here.

Perfect Peace!

Perfect Peace!

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3 KJV

The world says that there is nothing like 'perfect peace' and I agree with the world because that kind of peace isn't available in the world. In fact, the only time the world uses it is at funerals, where we add 'rest in perfect peace' to the burial notice. It is apparent that the world hasn't met the Prince of Peace, the one called Jehovah Shalom. The world cannot understand the concept because it did not originate it, neither can it sustain it. The One who makes the promise is the One we should consider his credentials and confirm if indeed He is able to do what He has said.

There is a condition for me to fulfil if I am to enjoy what is on offer: my mind must be stayed on God alone. My mind may wrestle with many thoughts at the same time, but it must finally rest on the unwavering and unfailing commitment of God Himself. How does God still my heart if I do not allow Him work on my heart? How does He speak His peace if I do not allow His words settle in my heart?

The mind is such a powerful thing; it stretches as far as you want it. It is the seat of warfare; the place of decisions and if God will control a life, it will start from the priorities of the heart. It has got to be a 'staying', not a 'tenancy'. You do not come in and go out as you like; otherwise, you may miss out on the amazing things God has in store for you.

Am I trusting in God or do I have options? Is God the only or just one out of many ways to get things done? And if God keeps, who can snatch from His hands? If He dispenses peace, who can question his decision? Your location will always determine your allocation; if you are in the world and not in the Word, you cut yourself off a very fundamental source of favour and grace. If you are in the world and also in the Word, God has you where He can bless you. Where are you located? What are your present pursuits and priorities? His time of favour is here.

Redeemer!

Redeemer!

For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives, and at last He [the Last One] will stand upon the earth. [Isa. 44:6; 48:12.] Job 19:25 AMPC

This is Job, battered and bruised by all his experiences- he had lost all his children in one day, lost all his farm produce and animals in one day and had lost his health too. The devil was waging a personal war on him, though with God placing limitations on how far the devil could go. One quick lesson: being in God does not mean trouble will not come looking for you: we do have an assurance that being in God is a sure protection, and only what God allows can touch you.

Job knew the God he served; he knew his power and wisdom. It wasn't about physical manifestations around him, but the deep assurance in his heart that God lives and rules in the affairs of man. He also had a revelation that one day, God would stand again upon the earth. He is seen as the Redeemer and Vindicator, the one in whom forgiveness of sin and guarantee of eternal life are found. He is the One who will outlast everyone, who is ageless, timeless and limitless. Nothing else going on NOW will outlast God, and if I know this for a fact, I do not need to worry about the NOW. I just need to focus on the God who is eternal.

Do you know this God? Does He know you as His own? It is easy to read about this God or hear other people talking about Him, but what matters eventually is if you know Him as Redeemer. Every other thing will pass with time; everything going on now is a preparation for eternity. How are you preparing for the return of this Redeemer? He gave His all, so I could be all He wants me to be. I can't turn around and blame him if I reject him and miss out on his eternal plan. This life is temporary; work for the life that will never end. His time of favour is here.

Approach!

Approach!

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NRSV

Paul charges us to approach God's throne with boldness. That boldness is founded on something outside of ourselves; it is founded on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Those who will approach must take that step in that consciousness, sure that they will get attention. It is a throne because it is a place of authority; where the One who sits on it speaks and every other person or thing is silent. It is a place of kingship and Lordship, above which no other power or authority can or does exist. I am asked to approach that throne with boldness because at that throne, guilt, condemnation and perdition are dealt final blows and life is released, full and free to me. Will I then make the approach?

What do I gain from the approach? Today's extract says I receive mercy and find grace. Do they not mean the same thing? Well, it would appear that the first and only reason why I can even make the approach is because of mercy. Without it, sin would have destroyed me. Mercy enables me approach, cleanses me from sin and grace enables me work and walk in that new life I have received, so I do not again go back to the life I had before I made the approach. I get the clear message that only in God do I find both; the world has no answer because it does not have it.

And the need for that mercy and grace will continually exist. It is not a one size fits all dispensation; it is daily and regular dosage. At no time do I grow out of that need; at no time do I become sufficiently capable of standing up for myself. I fight with the strength of the One who understands what is at stake, and I fight an enemy who has been doing this long before I was born. My skill or ability make no sense here; the grace and mercy of God are the only things that matter. Daily, I need God's help, and as long as I depend on Him, he will keep up the supply, until I come home. May God's grace continue to be available for us all, as we run the race and fight the good fight He has called us to. His time of favour is here.

Perfect!

Perfect!

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1‭-‬2 NIV

God does not do things by half measures. When He created the earth, it was based on a desire to relate with his creation, particularly man. He made man in His own image, so He could connect on a deeper level with man more than any other thing He had made. His plan was for man to have total and eternal dominion; to remain connected to the Source of all life. Then sin came and changed the entire landscape, for the earth and for man. Fortunately for man, God, in His wisdom, had a plan of restoration in place, and it was activated right at the scene of the crime itself.

God has always laid out a way to deal with sin, because He knows that sin is the key to permanent disconnection from Him and the tool of oppression and slavery by Satan. The Blood of Jesus provides that sure way to full restoration. The blood makes it possible to live free of sin, as long as you daily depend on the strength God alone can supply. God provides the grace and inner witness to enable us live right and please God. That power in us is the ONLY thing that keeps sin from dominating you. It is therefore safe to say that the only way you can live totally free from sin is through Jesus.

What happens when you sin? It must be made clear that this is not a falling back into a lifestyle of sin, but an action, thought or motive that is sin. When you do wrong and you are convicted in your heart, remember all that God did to bring you into a new life in Him and run towards Him. When the devil tries to remind you that you are struggling against sin and that it is easier to give up and give in, remind him that in Jesus, you have somone always praying for you, holding you up and will receive you when you return. That is the key to this whole life: Jesus is the One who makes it all worth it. His grace will accept me and His blood will cleanse me, and His life will secure eternity for me. What else could I need? His time of favour is here.

Process!

Process!

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18 KJV

Statements like the one above are borne out personal experience of both sides of the discourse. If a man will emphasize the glory that is ahead, even in the face of hard times and suffering, such a person must have seen both sides. Paul was such a man who had experienced tough times; he had been in shipwrecks, been bitten by a snake and beaten by man about five different times, had gone without food for days and been the target of assassination attempts. If you do not have a fair idea that all of these things are worth enduring for the sake of the amazing things ahead, you won't be in a hurry to embrace them.

Why do you think Paul had this confidence: it is because he had an inner witness that it was all worth it. He had God living inside of him and giving him the strength, grace and power to press on. This is the one and only factor that makes the difference: the Presence of God. You can psych yourself up and fill yourself up with positive words and thoughts; they won't make sense or give help when trouble comes. The sort of help you need when the world attacks you can only be supplied by the Word of God himself. And the inner witness is sure: the more I endure by the strength God gives, the more I discover more of God's great plans, both for the present and future.

God's great plans for the future are revealed in His Word and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit living in you. When trouble comes, let the Word of God give you the courage to press on. Troubles are only good for this present time; the glory to be revealed is for all of eternity. You can only view the trouble that this world gives whilst you are down here; the glory is already been revealed down here but will be fully manifest when this present earthly phase is over. Which one do you prefer? Which one is your permanent reference and focus? His time of favour is here.

Pursue!

Pursue!

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NLT

Human nature abhors a vacuum. At no time is the human mind able to comprehend idleness and inactivity. At every point in time in our lives, we are actively/passively pursuing something or being pursued by something. This is where the power of choice and the understanding of God's will for my life become very important. Let this truth be known: your pursuits will always be determined by your priorities. You do not need to convince me about the things you consider important; I will see it from the decisions you make daily.

As always, there is a choice between two extremes: God or the devil. You cannot sit on the fence on this one. Both are eternal in view and in consequence. Before I make the choice, I have the power to gather as much information as I can on what each choice entails. As soon as the choice is made, the consequences are sealed, unless I make another choice. Do I know what I am getting into? Have I searched out the author of all wisdom, in order to know what He wants for me and where I will end up? These questions are so fundamental to my eternal destiny.

Your pursuits will always bear fruit; good or bad. In this case, if you pursue God's nature of righteousness and love, you reap all of God, which includes his life, his nature of righteousness and honour. You get blessed down here, as well as sealed hope for the future. Let no one deceive you: it is God's law that as long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest will not cease. As long as God remains God, his law will never be broken. If you want a particular kind of harvest, then you have to work on the seed you sow. His time of favour is here.