Who's He 3!

Who's He 3!

There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 KJV.

There are a lot of dimensions to the God who calls us to Himself. Over the past few days, we have looked at different sides to this God. Today is the account of Hannah, one-time barren woamn who had no child, and came to cry in the temple year after year. She would not be consoled; in fact, the other rival would rub it in her face. But there was a day she prayed the kind of prayer God could not ignore, because it was what God was looking for. Her story changed; she got what she was looking for at the time and more later on. God is still very much in the business of showing Himself strong and mighty in the lives of all who align themselves with His will.

Let's look at another dimension of this God: He is called Holy, incomparable to anyone and a dependable rock. All of these features are important: first, God's innate nature is holiness and it is mentioned first. In all you would do with God, this is non-negotiable. I cannot claim his benefits and ignore His conditions. And for all who love to compare, God is described here at the one to and with whom no one can be compared. He stands out; like a beacon on a hill, asking me to look at Him, learn of Him and approach Him. His arms are open wide to receive me, and He will do whatever is required to bring me to the place He has purposed.

And He is also the incomparable rock. Other rocks are subject to the elements, and over time, may lose configuration and structure, but all through the centuries, He remains the same. His processes and procedures may differ from man to man, but His principles have never changed. That is the consistency that comforts your heart that this God knows what He is doing. The woman who wrote these words knew who this God is; have you met the same God? Who/What are you seeking after today? His time of favour is here.

Who's He 2!

Who's He 2!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 KJV

Man's greatest achievement will be an early realization of the focus of this piece, the One who is called God. Man has achieved quite a lot in terms of technological and scientific discoveries, yet there is an hunger for something deeper. There is a void that can't be filled by people, service or activity; the one who breathed into man and made him a living soul must occupy his place in man's life, otherwise life will be a pointless pursuit of nothingness. That is the God of whom this whole piece is about.

There are many parts to this God, but today's extract speaks to just one part. Think of all the good you desire for yourself down here, and you have not scratched the surface of the scope or depth of the power, strength and might of this God. No demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven, but the greatest limitation to the outward expression of God's power is our inner doubts and fears. We ask, and then we doubt if God is able to do it. Why ask, if you are not certain that the One you call on has all power to do all He promises?

Even for the things that are in the realm of imagination, God says He is able to do more than these. Imagine God giving you a dream, and you subject the possibility of the dream to human machinations and schemes. You want to do use human connections and abilities to drag these dreams into reality. Unfortunately, it is what God births that He can sustain. If He gave them, He will bring them to pass. His power is not subject to rational thinking but when you see the results of his power, you will know that God alone is truly the all-powerful One. All other authorities are mere pretenders.

The power is not of me or about me; it is of and from God, but expressed in and through me. If I allow God work in and through me, the glory and praise are returned back to God as it should be. The expected output from my life must be praise without end. The world has to know who this God is; He wants to be made known throughout the earth. How else will this work if my life is not the receptacle through which this will be done? Can God take glory in and through me? Is my life such that God's power can shine through? His time of favour is here.

Who's He?

Who's He?

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2 KJV

It was also established in yesterday's devotion that God is One who punishes sin, no matter in whom it is found. The writer of this psalm had experienced this side of God, when in the verse before today's extract, it says: "though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me". Let no man ever think s/he could become so familiar with God that sin will go unpunished. God has no favourite when it comes to a close walk with Him, and the same way He will punish sin is the same way He's quick to bless and save those who trust in Him.

Today's extract speaks about other parts of God's nature: the part where mercy and grace speak. He is not just the giver of salvation; He's salvation. Because I have hope of eternal life, nothing down here holds my heart. Fear finds no ground in me. I am filled with his strength, and his song flows out of me. I take in all of Him so that there is nothing from the devil that can find room in me. And one thing is also clear from today's extract: you can only speak about someone with whom you have a personal experience and you can only introduce to others someone you have also met and known.

Who's God to you? Do you even know the One true God? Who's He to you? Does He know you as His own? The reason why you have to be sure is because the world has options but the world itself cannot guarantee anything. The world cannot determine what the future holds but the one true God can. He wants to show Himself strong and mighty in the lives of all who come to Him. All He needs from you and I is our total surrender. He will do His work, if I give Him room to show His power. His time of favour is here.

Approach!

Approach!

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 KJV

Today's extract touches on a critical aspect of our relationship with God. After all, the book of 1 John is addressed to people referred to as 'little children'. It raises the assumption that John understood the process of growth as a Christian and the challenges that are a fundamental part of that process. Let it be clearly stated here: the Word of God says that anyone born of God cannot sin. As hard as that sounds, God does not set standards that He does not give grace to man to attain. If He commands it, He is able to inspire it.

Sin comes as a result of unchecked desires or carelessness. We make the assumption that once we are saved, we are forever saved and nothing can take that salvation away. If the devil gets you to believe that, he will get you to see sin as something minor. If God paid the price of sin with the blood of His son, it is not something minor. For all who profess Christ as Lord and Saviour, they have received power to walk in God's ways and to live above sin. But in the event that there is a falling into sin, God does not abandon. He waits for us to return to Him and to take full advantage of the same blood that sealed redemption in the first place.

We have this advocate on our side. He knows our weak frame, but it is not the excuse for living in sin. His blood and life provide the means for living above the dictates of the flesh and all who come to Him receive these means. I must keep my eye on God alone, if I will make it to the end. The devil will try and distract; he will paint sin in attractive colour but I must not forget that in God alone lies all I need for life and Godliness. Even if I make mistakes, God's love will not let me go to waste, and through His Son, I can return to my original position. What more could be better? What better gift can the devil offer? His time of favour is here.

CV 2

CV 2!

Who is a God like You, who forgives wickedness and passes over the rebellious acts of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He [constantly] delights in mercy and lovingkindness. MICAH 7:18 AMP

We are introduced to another dimension of the God who calls men to Himself and demands they adhere to a code of conduct, laid down in His Word. At no time does God place His hand on a life and does not demand accountability and responsibility. We are not called to follow and serve a God who allows just anything; His glory and Holiness do not condone iniquity and His promise is that He will punish sin in whoever it is found. That rule has not been broken since the foundation of the world and we should not equate mercy with forgetfulness.

He punishes sin, yet He is the God of absolute mercy. He is the Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world, yet He is the Lion of Judah, who can tear to pieces and none can save. He is the silent One who didn't open his mouth while been led to His death on a cross, and He is the Mighty One who will return to the blast of trumpets and fire. Today's extract captures both extremes: He has punished his people but left a remnant. If God didn't spare the people He called His own, I wonder what will happen to those who have been called in by grace?

Oh, today's extract says He does not retain His anger forever and He delights in mercy and lovingkindness. The problem is this: how do you know if you will be caught in His judgment or His mercy? In the journey of 40 years in the desert, God dealt with Moses, Aaron and Miriam, as well as all above 20 years, who left Egypt with songs of praise and a mighty hand. Yet, his mercy kept a generation of those less than 20 years, and Joshua and Caleb. We can only pray that God's mercy will find us in the midst of this perverse generation.

Judgement is coming; God's laws can never be broken. You can try and water down the Word; as long as you are not the source, you cannot determine its impact. If God says it, be sure it will come to pass. I ask for mercy for myself; If God were to mark iniquity, who can stand? But I rely on His grace to live right; I cannot live in sin and demand His grace to abound over me. What's your stand? His time of favour is here.

Coming Glory!

Coming Glory!

But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14 AMPC

As you take a good long look at the world around you, what do you see? One thing I can say is clear is the pervasive depth of godlessness all around us. All the laws of God are being broken with impunity, and man always has an explanation for the present state of affairs. We have tried to convince ourselves that what we see now is the sign of advancement and progess, while we conveniently forget that God's standards have never changed and will not change, irrespective of generation or dispensation or advancement in science.

Through today's extract, we are reminded that God has not forgotten us and He is still in control. It may not look like it now, but God's promise is that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God. How would that work? First, I must understand my place in the divine plan. I am a carrier of God's glory, and His glory is made manifest as I live for Him. Secondly, if I choose not to allow God work in and through me, He can raise 'stones'. It is a privilege to be counted on in this odd season, but God is looking for vessels He can clean up and make use of. Through me, God wants to work. He wants the world to know and fear Him, and the best lessons on this would be each of us, living this out everyday of our lives.

The time is coming, and I believe it is now. The devil is working hard to raise and promote falsehood; God is also raising men to promote His kingdom. God's purpose will be established, no matter how it looks now. You had better be on the right side of this, because eternity is at the end of your decision. The glory is coming; the waters are rising and the children of God, born for exploits, are taking their place. Whose side are you on? His time of favour is here.

Why Ask?

Why Ask?

You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. JAMES 4:3 AMP

A fundamental part of our relationship with God is prayer. That is the proof that we know God and desire His will in our lives. We are saying to God that we acknowledge His power, wisdom and insight and we need Him to make these available to us. Imagine if I then completely abandon the benefits prayer gives me or I do not do it the way God wants so I can get what God wants for me. That is the essence of today's extract.

I am required to go to God in prayer and ask Him what I want. However, one of the things that guarantee answers is MOTIVE. When you are dealing with God, this is very important. Man may be swayed by the sincerity of your request, but God is more interested in your heart. That is where the battle of intention, usage and purpose is won or lost. God already assures those who follow Him that He answers their prayers, so it would mean that any prayer not given a YES response would have to be one so out of his will that NO would be the only answer.

And one of the reasons is given here: to spend on your desires. Let it be clear here: no demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. It's not as if God has to hoard some things so that everyone can get a fair share; He is able to meet the needs of all people at all times. However, His love will not approve of a desire that will only promote self and not Him. Why do I ask what I ask for: is it because someone else already has it, and I feel I am better than that person? Is it just about a feel-good factor, not something God can be glorified by?

Before you make that approach, ask these questions: Why do I need this? Who will it benefit? Is this the right time for this? Your relationship with God should be the gauge for determining the right responses, not what the world thinks or expects of you. His time of favour is here.

Release!

Release!

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalms 55:22 KJV

I read today's extract again and I see another lesson for all who come to God. There is no magic wand that wishes away your trials and tests. In fact, in all of the parts of Scripture, you find God always taking His own through fires, water and 'pain' because the process is fundamental to their growth, development, longevity and depth. God never entrusts treasures into the hands of people He has not tested and found worthy to bear them. Generations yet unborn are waiting for the manifestations of those who know God and are willing to let Him work in and through them.

For all who follow God, know that you will always have burdens. At no time are you free from that reality. Whether it is a burden of your own making, or the one God places on you because of where He is taking you to, you need help with it. But what I see here seems to be that God does not take it off you completely. It is the WEIGHT of the burden that God says you should let go; that part that weighs you down and prevents you from being all that God wants you to be. His promise is that He will SUSTAIN you; not TAKE IT OFF COMPLETELY. It then appears that how far you go is a function of your support system. God may not take away the pain; but He will give you something that is better than the pain: His grace. Ask Paul. Do remember also that Jesus clearly asks that we take his yoke upon us, and that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

He promises, to all who are under pressure but aho are His own, is that they will NOT be shaken or moved. Oh, the devil will try. He will try the fundamental foundation of your confidence in God. Satan will try and pull you apart, or seek to cast God in a bad light because of your burden, but God always tells you ahead of time what is coming, as well as providing help and support you need to overcome. Never forget that burdens do have timeframe for operation and the closer you walk with God, the more those burdens pale in comparison to where God is taking you to. His grace, strength and power are all available to all who will make the approach and seek His help. What are you waiting for? His time of favour is here.

Believe!

Believe!

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:24 KJV

It appears that today's extract is the basis of the popular 'law of attraction' message: you attract what you desire. This is true, but like all things that God says, there is a context to it. First, recall that this was at a time when Jesus had cursed the fig tree and it had withered. The disciples couldn't understand how it happened so quickly and Jesus simply replied with the eternal words: Have faith in God. The first part of 'the law' is a sound and fundamental belief in the name and power of God. There is nothing you can get or sustain by your own strength. Whatever you get is a function of who you know.

Secondly, there is a place for opening your mouth to ask whatever it is you want. That is your faith in God put into action. A closed mouth means you do not know what to ask for, or you assume that God knows what you need. Like blind Bartimaeus or the man at the pool of Siloam, Jesus would ask: what do you want me to do for you? If the all-knowing God still has to ask, then you know that He wants to build up your faith in the ability of God to deal with whatever bothers you.

Prayer isn't a one-way or one-time street. You note from today's extract it is in the continuous tense, something you never stop doing. You pray, you believe in the prayers you have said, and you get what you ask for. Do not forget: your faith in God is the foundation of your prayers. Whatever God says in response to your prayer would not affect the foundation of your relationship. You know His power and His grace, and you know that He can do all He promises. What if He says NO or WAIT? Would that matter? Are you in for what you need from Him, or are you in it for the whole of your life, sure that God has got your back? His time of favour is here.

Attention!

Attention!

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord . Isaiah 54:17 KJV

I note that today's extract speaks of the attacks that are coming as a matter of when, not if. Nowhere does God promise us a trial-free life. What He promises us is His presence and power, and grace for the journey He has called us to. It would be very wrong to assume that because you are following Christ, everything must fall into place, and that there can be no issues. It is not the way God takes to prepare His children for the glory that is ahead.

Trials and tests are a fundamental part of our growth and development process. But God indicates here that no matter the quality or quantity of the opposition against us, they can't get to us without first getting through God. No two people's experiences will be the same, but the principles of victory are the same: you will only make it out alive through God. Each dose of trial has been specially prepared to meet your particular need for growth.

So as people devise wicked plans or speak evil of you to harm you, God says 'Relax, I have all these under control'. Note that these promises are for those who have God as their master, who have surrendered to God as the Lord of their lives. You cannot remain in control and demand an intervention. You cannot be at the wheel of your life and still demand God to be on standby just in case you need Him. He has to be your all; your only way. Is He? His time of favour is here.

Received?

Received?

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC

God is defined from the perspective of giving. Everywhere you turn in the Bible, you see God going out of His way to seek out men, so He can give of Himself to man. John 3:16 defines this so well where it gives the greatest picture of God's giving, where He gives His own son as the sacrifice for sin. When we respond to this gift, we receive the Spirit of God, which confirms our new ownership.

What is this new spirit? Today's extract tells us what it is and what it is not. There is no sitting on the fence on this one. The devil also wants to make an impression on our spirits too if we let him. The devil can only give you out of what he has, which is fear and timidity. He is not the final authority on what is good; God is. When I look at my life and my pursuits, priorities and allegiances, it will be very clear who is in charge.

What God gives is the spirit that further underlines who God is. His spirit is one of power, and it is not a wonder as God is the all-powerful One. His spirit is one of love, and God of course is One of Love. Self control is one of the fruit of the spirit. Indeed, the fruit of your life and the things that flow out of you are the proof of your ownership. So, which kind of spirit have you received? His time of favour is here.

CV!

CV!

GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 AMPC

Today's extract reads like a CV. This is about God. The easiest way to understand who this God is will be to define the key terms in today's extract. Refuge means a state or place of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or difficulty. Strength means the quality or state of being physically strong as well as the capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure.

A few things stand out here: whoever is spoken about here is more than just the usual; He is a person, an institution and the source of all that life needs. In God, we find a place where we are kept from pursuit, danger or difficulty. It does not mean they won't try; it means that in God, they would have to touch Him first before they get to us. You have got to run into Him to enjoy the protection on offer.

God as our strength reminds us that what God supplies is both physical and spiritual. He keeps us from physical harm as well as the arrows of the enemy. Whatever it is that comes at me must come through God, and if it hits me, its impact has been measured by God and found to be just appropriate for my development. You have got to be in Him to enjoy what flows out of Him.

He is also seen as a present help in trouble. At the very time you need Him, He shows up. It may appear that He is slow or late; but He is actually always on time: His time. We measure life by time; God measures our lives by His own purpose and will for our lives. And it is important to round off this piece by reminding us that the focus of this extract is not a theory, concept or physical material, such as high walls, adequate security measures or guards; it is God Himself.

If you don't have or know Him, how do you enjoy all He offers? He has told us who He is and what He can do; the decision to accept Him and enjoy all He offers is mine alone. What's it going to be? His time of favour is here.

Pride!

Pride!

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 AMPC

A lot of what makes us followers of Christ are hidden beneath the surface. There are things about the Christian experience that a personal relationship with God is the only way to explain them. How do you explain faith in a God who is not seen, at least not by the naked eye? How do you explain hope in an eternity nobody has ever returned from to prove that it does exist, yet for all who follow Christ, we are convinced that there is life after this earthly phase and we live our lives carefully, so that we can be found worthy of a place with God in that eternity.

Against this backdrop is the truth of today's extract. Just as you have the positive side, so do you have the negative. All who follow Christ walk in humility, sure and certain that they can only make it by a daily dependence on God. The flip side is also true: all who think they can make it on their own are telling God that they do not need Him. That is pride: a sense of independence and a false sense of security in position, power or possession. And because God never leaves us in doubt as to the consequences of our decisions, He tells us what the end of pride is: destruction.

And the danger of pride is that just like salvation, it is not tangible. Just like faith, you can't touch pride but its end is always eternal. It is also not easily acknowledged by the person who is proud, and it is only a cry to God for help will save from the consequences of pride. So, how's your heart? What are its present priorities and pursuits? Are you surrendered to God or are you in charge of your own life? Remember, eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend it. His time of favour is here.

Love 2

Love 2

The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3 AMPC

It would appear that today's extract is a form of testimony; a confirmation of the nature of God Himself. It is one thing to know God as love; it is a different thing altogether to experience that love on a very personal level. God's love transcends generations of families, as can be seen in today's extract. Centuries after God entered into covenant with Abraham and his descendants, Israel is still remembering the love, grace and mercy of God. Indeed, God is a generational God. Nothing He does is for you alone, but is a seed from which the children coming after you will benefit from.

And I note that nothing is said about this love being based on reciprocity. It's not as if God based his love on my being worthy of it or my responding to the love. He makes an offer, but gives me time and grace to respond of my own free will. His love has always been on display, free of charge and with eternal value but He will not force his love on me. That is a decision I must take myself. And while I have time, I can decide either way: take him at his offer or reject Him. He continues to show love to all, no matter what we do. His rain falls on all, the land yields its increase for all who sow, and life's benefits accrue to all men no matter their allegiances.

But a day is coming when love will not be the major consideration but judgement. At that time, the reward or punishment for my decision will apply. We see God as love not as the Law, we see God as the Lamb not the Lion, we see God as an advocate, not as a judge. He's actually both extremes, but while we still have time, we control the narrative. When natural life ends, God controls the narrative. If today was your last day, how would you want to meet the judge of all men? Have you responded to His love? His time of favour is here.

Love!

Love!

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 KJV

An example is presented to us as the template for love. First, we see Jesus presented as a man, in human form, subject to nature like hunger, thirst and even anger.
He came as man, to show ot man that whatever God commands is possible. As a man, in human form, He paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of mankind, laying down his life for people he called his friends.

And that is the suprise: He calls us friends here, but the time He died, we weren't even close to being His friends or even friendly in any way. Romans 5:8 KJV says: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We didn't care who He was at the time, and the men of His day would rather secure the release of a murderer than allow Him, who was without sin, to walk away. These are the people Jesus calls friends now.

In that, is the example and pattern established. The standard is set and the template formed. Anything less than the standard is not acceptable. If I will show forth God's grace in all its fullness, I must follow the pattern. If Jesus could pay such a high price for people He couldn't guarantee their allegiance and surrender, and He demands I walk in His steps, why would I only show love to people who I think deserve it? Would that be the example I have been given?

I take stock, and ask God for His help to love others the way He demands and has given grace for. His time of favour is here.

Good!

Good!

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 KJV

There is a big difference between these two words: SHOW and TELL. Today's extract makes it very clear that God leaves us in no doubt as to what He expects from us. He does not just tell us what to do; He shows it to us by example. Men of this world lay down the law just by precept alone; we expend so much energy on trying to find the right words, but our lives are a far cry from what we profess. Our lips are quick to speak, but our lives are slow in catching up to what we say. With God, you can take his Word and his acts all the way to the bank.

He tells me what is expected: to DO justly, to LOVE mercy and to WALK humbly. These are three active ingredients for a life that will please God. There is no passive behaviour when it comes to God; there is no sitting on the fence. You are either drawing closer to God everyday or simply walking away from Him. I am called to DO what is right and fair as per God's standard, not man's. I am called to LOVE mercy, and a heart that has not been conquered by God's love cannot love by God's standard. I am called to WALK in humility, knowing that all I am or have is by the grace of the God who calls men to Himself.

All of these things are visible in my life. The foundation of all these things will be a heart that has encountered God on a very personal level. So many people talk about their walk with God, but it ends in just talk. Not so many people actually walk the walk we all have been called to. As it has always been said, in the final analysis, it won't matter what I tell myself; what would matter will be how much of God I allowed to flow in and through me. This call is first personal and relational, before it can become generational. Can God count on me? Can He count on you? His time of favour is here.

Imitate!

Imitate!

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1‭-‬2 NRSV

Imitation is art. The reality is that great art is expensive. There are people who are skilled in the art of copying the works of great artists like Picasso and Michelangelo. This takes time and effort. You sit down for weeks and study every stroke, every brush, the canvas, the background and everything the eye can see or the hand can feel. If crime can be this tasking, imagine how much time and resources God expects me to put into imitating Him, Life Himself.

That is the charge today: the only example worth copying is God. You study his manual which is the Bible and you depend on Him daily for strength and grace to live right. No other person should take our attention, as they also should be imitating God, just like us. And of course, who you follow so closely will always reflect in your life's choices and decisions. If I truly follow God, one of the 'fruit' my life must produce is love.

And as we have said, God doesn't ask us to do what He has not shown as an example or left us to grope in the dark about how to proceed. He gave us His own best: His life- as a perfect sacrifice for sin. Through His life, we also have life now, and we are set free to love freely, knowing who we have become and what we have received. This is the life God accepts. The fundamental question is this: who am I following? Well, the truth will be shown by my life's pursuits and priorities. His time of favour is here.

Hidden!

Hidden!

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11 KJV

The importance of the Word is unquestioned. The Bible, which is God's Word, also says that the whole world was created by the Word of God. It is not just anyone's word; it is God's Word. It does not matter how highly placed or connected the person who is speaking is; as long as the person is not God, it can never be referred to as the Word.

The source and person of the Word is God- Do I know Him as God or as one of my many options? The world gives us options and varieties, because it needs to distract us or give us alternate versions of the genuine article. Unfortunately, if it is not the real thing, it does not matter what men say it is or what it does. At the end of the day, it will be shown for what it is: fake and temporary.

Hiding the Word shows it has value; it is treasure. You do not handle valuable things carelessly. If you truly value the Word of God, you will treasure it and treat it right. Its rightful place is in my heart first and foremost, not under my pillow or into my cup of water. The heart is the seat of all I do and eventually become. If the deposit in my heart is right, then the fruits and eventual outflow will be right.

That is the basis of the conclusion of today's extract. I do not do what I do because I want to feel important; I do it because God is glorified through my right choices and decisions. These choices will not be right if not guided by the Word of God. Ultimately, WHY I do what I do is because of my understanding of WHO God is. I know His Word so I am able to adhere to his Way and Will for my life. In the final analysis, nothing else will matter. His time of favour is here.

Free!

Free!

It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed]. GALATIANS 5:1 AMP

Sin brings bondage. Ask Adam and Eve and the price they paid for one moment of forgetfulness and rebellion against God's express commands. The cure for sin was pronounced by God at the very scene of the first sin, and it is the Seed of the woman, who is Jesus Christ Himself. God puts Him out as the one through whom freedom from sin and its consequences come. All who come to Him are set free from the curse of sin and death.

It is this freedom that should be the highest pursuit of any man. It's a complete package; one that sorts out earthly impact and eternal life also. It has been secured through the death and resurrection of Jesus, but the continual hold of that grace and benefit is in my hands. I must keep this ever before me, that a high price was paid for my freedom and I must regard it as grace, not right. I must rely on the strength God gives to stand in the victory secured for me.

And the devil will not rest. I cannot assume that 'once saved, forever saved'. It will be foolish to go to sleep on the freedom I have received, and assume it can be taken for granted. God keeps fighting for souls, seeking men who will stand in the liberty His Spirit gives. On the other side of this Freedom is slavery and bondage to sin. If sin did not pay in the past, it can never pay in the present. If God could view sin as so serious that He gave a whole life to pay its price, imagine the pain in His heart if we go down the road back to sin. He has given life and offers it full and free. Would you take it? Would I? His time of favour is here.

All In!

All In!

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 KJV

As I read today's extract, a few words jump out that require a second look. To 'Follow' signifies someone or something leading or showing the way. There is already a worthy example, and all you can do is strive to be close to that example as possible.

For those who follow Christ, nothing else can be an example except the One who calls us to follow Him. He is called the Prince of peace, so it is not a suprise that all who follow Him also must follow peace. And the target of this peace is ALL men, no matter how they react.

In addition to peace with all men is holiness which is God's nature resident in us and made manifest through us. It is a complete package; you cannot take one and leave the other. So, with men and with God, the rules are the same. Your fruits will show your allegiance. Your lifestyle will reflect who is in charge of your life.

And the reason for all the above is simple; the end is very important. Where I end up is a function of what I do now. And if I will end well, I need to start doing well now. God's standard has been established from the beginning of creation and as the world grows more complex, the standard has not changed and remains simple: follow God. If God says this is his way, nothing else will work. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure where you will spend it. His time of favour is here.

Staying True!

Staying True!

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Exodus 20:16 KJV

Today's extract is part of the bible's account known as the "10 commandments". These commands prescribe a code of conduct for both divine and human relationships. It starts with the divine because there is a clear understanding that the spiritual controls the physical. When my relationship with God is sound, it will positively impact my human relationships. It does not matter how many human friends I am able to develop; nothing will last if these are not founded on my personal relationship with God.

That's why the 10 commandments start with God. This is the foundation of my walk with men. If I love God, its proof is seen in my walk with men. At the heart of false witness could be envy, jealousy, love of immoral gain, filthy lucre and other vices that God has expressly said He despises. And it does not have to be obvious for it to be wrong; when I am expected to speak up to right a wrong and I keep quiet, that is bearing false witness. When I should speak out on what I know and I exaggerate a little, I bear false witness.

My neighbour doesn't have to live beside me; everyone God brings my way on this life's journey becomes my neighbour. I must pay close attention to the things going on right beside me, so that the light of Christ will shine in and through me to touch the world around me. After all, what better way is there to preach Christ than to let Him breathe and live through me? In the end, it is about my priorities and my knowledge of God. His time of favour is here.

Father-like!

Father-like!

So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is [all these]. Luke 6:36 AMPC

Human relationships are complex. We find love, envy, pretence, pretence, hypocrisy and hatred all across the spectrum of human interaction. Because of the fallen nature, it has become difficult to precisely determine the sincerity of whatever emotion or feeling we are exhibiting or reacting to. Whatever it is, God's standard for human interaction has not changed; He demands a particular code of conduct from all who profess to know and follow Him.

Being merciful, sympathetic, tender and compassionate flow from a heart God has touched. It is easy to do these things once in a while, but it takes grace to consistently show these attributes, particularly when there is no gain or recognition to be made out of it. And God the Father has shown that it is possible; he gives his blessings of rain and sun to all men, irrespective of their allegiances. He may have his choice of favourites, but you will not accuse Him of being unfair. The example has been laid out in vivid detail, and we have no excuse not to rely on the strength that God has made available, so we can live the life that God can bless.

And when you live right, you show off your ownership. If I claim I am a child of God, I must live as God does. The world may not have seen God before, but when we live right, people meet God through us and God is glorified in and through us. My life becomes the template for God to be glorified. Can God be glorified in me? Can God's grace, glory and virtue be seen and made manifest in me? His time of favour is here.

Discipline!

Discipline!

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

Let it be clear: Discipline is from God. It is a non-negotiable part of our calling and walk as Christians. It is also a sign that God loves us enough to want to mold us into the kind of vessels He can use, and that is why one of the end purposes of discipline is discipleship - where we follow Christ, in line with His will and under His tutelage and direction.

It wasn't built to be palatable, because its end goal also involves dealing with the nature of sin in us. That nature will not give up without a fight, and God will not let go, except with the exercise of our freewill, and His mercy will keep the door of return open until it is indeed too late. Right from the Garden of Eden, man, on his own, has been losing the war against the devil and only the skill, experience, stability and guidance of the Man of War can help us to survive the devil's schemes and tricks.

There is an end to all discipline, whether in the earthly or heavenly realm. The fruit of righteousness becomes evident down here and eternal life is the final result. Everything you allow in your life will bear fruit, good or bad. That is the law of sowing and reaping as ordained by God from the creation of the world. So, what's the deal with you? Will you submit to God's discipline or would you go your own way? Do you want God's defined end or do you want to take a risk that you know what you are doing? Either way, eternity is at stake. His time of favour is here.

Help!

Help!

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 KJV

Right from the time I give my life to Christ, I surrender control to the One who can help me stand. The power to do right not in me anymore; I receive help and grace to help me walk the walk, run the race and fight the good fight of faith. The Spirit of God is that ingredient required to succeed in the race, walk and fight that all who profess Christ MUST undertake. Let no man deceive you into thinking that salvation is a ticket to laziness or self-sufficiency.

Part of the package that comes from that dependence on God is the need to constantly draw strength, wisdom and direction from Him. Prayer is the key that lets me draw on the treasures available in God. Unfortunately, my human nature is weak and can do not much good in itself, so the Holy Spirit is given to help do it right. Self will always want to promote its own interests, but by the help of the Spirit, I am able to understand what is required and I also receive strength to be able to wait for the manifestation of all I ask for.

The Spirit of God stands in the gap for us, making up what is missing in us and ensuring that whatever we ask from God is in line with His will. Natural laws can never understand or explain the things of the Spirit; only the Holy Spirit can. And because you are dealing with a God of absolute knowledge, even the unspoken words are heard by Him, and He will answer in line with His will. I rest assured that God is on my side, and His ears are open to my cry. He is God, yet He is my advocate. I will open my mouth and speak with Him daily, sure and certain that He hears. His time of favour is here.

Above All!

Above All!

Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.
Proverbs 4:23 ERV

With God, there are priorities. In walking with God, there are some things he considers to be very important. Two days ago, we spoke about the human heart and its deception and deceit and the fact that God would have to work on it for its offering and sacrifices to be acceptable before God. And that point is only further emphasized by today's extract, where it charges me to take care about what goes into my heart. The natural tendency for the human heart is towards evil, due to our fallen nature. Sin is attractive; we crave it; we respond to it. Only when the heart is totally given to God can it be free of the power and control of sin.

Why do I need to be careful of what goes into my heart? Today's extract gives the answer, which is that what goes in always determines what comes out, as well as the impact my life will have on the world around me. If I do not consciously sieve what I allow into my heart, my life becomes a dumping ground for junk. I must take deliberate action about my processing centre- if it is not of eternal value and does not improve on my knowledge and understanding of God, then it has no place in my heart.

Above all means it must be my first and utmost priority. It is the door to a fruitful and result-oriented relationship with God. The thoughts of my life will eventually show off in the physical evidence of my life's choices and priorities. I wouldn't want to stand before God at the end of my life and discover that I had pursued the wrong things or expended energy on the wrong things. May I not live a purpose-less life, chasing after the things that considers minor, leaving out the things of eternal value. His time of favour is here.

Balance!

Balance!

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1 Peter 3:12 KJV

A few truths are established in today's extract and we will do well to look at a few of them. First, nothing escapes God's attention. He created the eyes, so you can bet it that nothing is hidden from his view. Secondly, those who walk in line with God's will enjoy a measure of protection and presence that others walking outside have. Yes, God is faithful to all, irrespective of loyalty, but He assures all who follow Him of His presence, power and provision. What could beat that?

Thirdly, God hears the prayers of all who follow Him. Note that it does not guarantee answers the way we want them, but that God hears and His answers will always be what is best for His children. When I approach the throne of grace, I am coming before the owner of all things, who is able to do much more than I could ever ask or imagine. When God is on your side, it does not matter what the quantity and quality of the opposition is. God always hears and answers; He could say Yes now, or No or maybe later, subject to conditions, but you can rest assured that His answer will be to your advantage.

Lastly, it cuts both ways. If God is pleased with all who surrender to Him, imagine the lot of all who resist Him. There is no sitting on the fence when it comes to allegiance; you are either all in or all out. If God could spew out of His mouth all lukewarm people, don't think you will do any better if you do not define your allegiance. God has enemies, and they are all who reject his Lordship over their lives. If man fights you, God could defend you. If God fights you, who is able to defend you? Make up your mind today; God will not take anything less than all you are and have. His time of favour is here.

New!

New!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. PSALMS 51:10 AMP

This is David, praying to God after the evil incidents with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his mighty men, Uriah. David slept with the woman, and sent the man with his own death warrant. Who would have imagined that a man after God's heart could think up such evil schemes? But then, God's Word has it all figured out, when it says that the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. No wonder the prayer of David is for a new heart. God is not able to work with the natural heart. Nothing about it pleases God, and that is why He has said he will take away hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh. He would have to CREATE a new one; the natural one is beyond redemption. He won't take it out physicall, but with God, nothing is beyond his power.

At creation, we were given a part of God; his breath in us is His Spirit. Our spirit man seeks after God. Sin is a hindrance and a distraction and the only way God can keep us connected is to keep renewing our spirit man. Sin will aim to keep us polluted; God will always seek to renew our spirits, so we can stay connected, alive and quick to do his bidding. Why are these two important? It is because God's desire is to walk with us and bring us to a place where He owns us, commands our allegiance and dictate the direction and impact of our lives. He wants to use us, but we have to be clean and worthy vessels.

His assignment is generational. If you do not make your life available, He will move on to someone else. He is seeking men and women whose hearts are fully commited to Him, and who fear and honour Him. He will not lower the standard for anyone, and He will not compromise His principles for anyone. All who come must know the One they approach, and must understand that He is both the Advocate and the Judge, the Lion and the Lamb. He is Love, yet He is also the Fear of Isaac. He is to be feared, respected, loved and adored. His time of favour is here.

Right Fruits!

Right Fruits!

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

First, this is addressed to brethren: people who share common faith. They may not see eye to eye on some issues, but they have submitted personal interests for the sake of one fundamental principle: which is to seek the glory of God in all they do. And that is the essence of the call of God upon our lives: He calls us into a personal experience of Him. It is not first about people, but about Him. When I have known him, then my life can impact other people. When I do not know Him, it doesn't matter how well I am liked or loved; it will not last.

So, I am called into freedom, where I am set free from the shackles of religion and thrust into the joy of impact. However, freedom in Christ isn't absolute, where you are not accountable to anyone. This freedom is one where nothing stops me from expressing the joy I have received from my connection with Christ. People who relate with me see the imprint of my daily walk with God. They know I have been in the presence of God, and it is evident from how I speak, walk and impact. You can never hide the impact of God on your life; otherwise you have to be a good pretender.

And that's the warning: in the midst of all these activities, I must be careful about giving power to the flesh. Pride, a sense of self-sufficiency and self-importance slip in and mess things up. At no time should I let what I do or know become more important than who I serve. When I am tempted to think I cannot be replaced, I must remember that the call wasn't at my own instance, but God's, and if He wants, He can always call another into the same field of impact. I keep the connection to God secure, so that I do not give room to the devil. His time of favour is here.

Slaved Out!

Slaved Out!

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.   Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Matthew 6:24‭-‬25 KJV

Fairly long extract, but its words capture a truth: all of us who are alive are under the control and mastery of one master. It does not matter what your level of education or enlightenment is; your past and present pursuits give a good idea of your present situations and reflect your centre of control. Your control is one out of two extreme choices: you are either under God's control or you are subject to the other god: money. These are parallel lines of control that can NEVER meet, no matter how far you draw them or how hard you rationalise them.

Please note that this has nothing to do with whether money is good or bad; it is all about slavery and mastery. Because both are masters, they demand absolute attention; you cannot be at war and be thinking of other things. Your full attention is demanded for the present situation. That is how it is for the life God has called us to; He demands our complete allegiance. Only then can we align with the next verse that charges us not to expend energy on human needs, like food, drink and clothing. If God is your only master, He assures you that He can take care of your needs. If He is one of many options, you would have to try all to see which one works.

Those who have God as their master have the owner of the universe as their master. They may not have all they want now, but they have the most important possession of all- God. Those who do not have God as their only master would have to fight to secure the world's goods for themselves. Wouldn't it be nice to have God provide for you, while you relax in his love, working with all your might to please him? Wouldn't it be nice to have all your needs sorted out, while the work of God's kingdom is prospering in your hands? Can God trust your heart and its allegiance? His time of favour is here.

At Work!

At Work!

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalms 19:1 NLT

It first starts with the acceptance of the story of creation. Which account do you hold on to: the big bang; the evolution theory or the account as put down by God through His Word? Your actions and reactions will show which one you believe. Let it be clear that even though there are so many things in creation I do not understand, I believe God's account of creation because there are things down here that science has not been able to properly explain.

We see the sky and its varying degrees; we see the elements positioned all across the skyline, as far as our eyes can see. There are other parts hidden from our physical eyes, which technology and advancement in science has helped reveal. There are parts unknown under the sea, hidden from view but testifying to the greatness of the Creator. There are several other parts of the earth we can even see, like the sun, which no one has yet dared to land on. No wonder the Psalmist here could see the testimony of creation about the might, power, wisdom and greatness of God.

Everything you see down here reflects the glory of the One who made it. The great masterpieces we see today are called by the name of the person who painted or created them, and it is the same principle here. The earth belongs to God: He has made it the way He desires, and all He has made gives Him praise. They speak of his glory. When you see the elements in action- the torrential rain, the howling whirlwind and tornadoes, the volcanic eruptions, you get the distinct sense that you are only privileged to walk the earth.

God has only given me the grace to be the centrepiece of His creation. I did not work for it; He only called me into it. I should live grateful and fearful, knowing it is only a privilege. I must live in daily gratitude to God for all He is and done. Would it not sound funny if it is his silent creation that gives him praise, while I, with all I have been given, remain silent and ungrateful? His time of favour is here.