Take Steps!

Take Steps!

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7 KJV

Two options: I can sit down, sit back, relax and do nothing or I can take steps in line with what I want God to do or believe He can do. I can complain, grumble and cry about the events around me, or I can take steps in the direction I want my life to go. As always, the outcome always depends on the choices I make. 

Today's extract looks at taking action from 3 different perspectives, though they are all tied to the same end. I am to ask, seek and knock, in line with the expectations of my heart and my understanding of who God is and what He can do or will not do. Asking means that I know what God has promised, He can make it available, and is in line with His Word and perfect will. Seeking means that I understand that God will reveal the deep things at his own time, and all I can do is trust His wisdom and timing, as well as the revelation of His perfect will in His own perfect time.

Knocking means that there are openings and opportunities that God will bring my way, and He opens my eyes to see what He is doing per time and invites me to join Him at work. One thing that underlines all these is the fact that nothing God does for me will break His Word. He can suspend physical laws; He can bypass protocol and process, but He will not go against the divine principles by which He operates. 

The action is mine to take; the end of it is all assured by God. All of these expected actions take time, which is a scarce commodity in this jet age. We want it now, we want it gift-wrapped and delivered to us immediately. Unfortunately, God is more interested in building my character than He is about my comfort and convenience. These required actions teach me patience and consistency, as well as self-control. After all, my life is expected to give God glory, and what better way is there than for God to use my life as a public display of his mercy, grace and favour? Ask, seek and knock and keep at it. God is seeking to show Himself strong in the lives of all whose hearts are fully committed to Him. His time of favour is here. 

Just Ask!

Just Ask!

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV

It starts with a honest personal assessment of oneself, so you can determine areas of strengths and weaknesses. When you have established the areas you acknowledge a lack, then you take steps to address the lack. It starts with the admission of helplessness, that you cannot do anything by yourself without God's help. As long as you have options or alternatives, you will always go seeking after choices. But when God is your only outlet, you kind of take a risk, but then God knows your heart and He knows you will not share His glory or praise with other people or things.

So, when I know what I lack, I go to the true source for supply. That is another tragedy in our modern world. Wisdom is a principal requirement to navigate this complex world, and man will go to any length to obtain this wisdom. Unfortunately, true wisdom is only of one kind, and it is the type God alone can supply. No human connection, amassed school degrees, bank account balances will get you that wisdom; you just must go to the true source and ASK. We can do all the nice things like complain, grumble and gripe about the things we don't have, but until we ASK, God is not obligated to give us what we do not understand, or what we do not appreciate enough to ask Him for it.

And God is so gracious that He will give what we ask of Him generously, without finding fault. Finding fault is the devil's prerogative; God is only interested in making me a better version of myself than before I came to Him. God is interested in my character first of all,  not just in my comfort. And He is ready to do all He can to bring me to the place of fulfilment of His purpose. I just need to trust His timing, actions and opportunities for growth and development that he brings my way, disguised as trials. He will help me; He will sustain and uphold me, and will perfect His work in me if I hold on to Him to the end. His time of favour is here.

Let God!

Let God!

But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Amos 5:24 KJV

As you read the context of today's extract, you get the clear impression that one of the gravest dangers of our generation today is the abundance of activities, but a dearth of true heart commitment. The people of Israel were faithful to the commands of God with regard to offering sacrifices; in fact, there were about 3 annual major feasts, complete with offerings. The people kept the feasts alive but over time, the hearts behind those sacrifices had wandered far away from the purpose behind those offerings.

As I read these words, I am reminded again that the things God looks for aren't so much on the outside but on the inside. Men have learnt how to pretend and keep up appearances; we have mastered the art of deception, thinking that we can treat God the way we treat other men. But the God who laid down the law of sacrifices makes it clear that the heart with which you offer the sacrifices is even more important than the quantity and quality of the offerings you offer. Ask Cain and Abel. As long as the heart of Cain wasn't right, it didn't matter what else he did. 

God's prescription for acceptable sacrifices starts with a heart that is totally submitted to God. The heart allows God be all He can be. That life allows God to flow through it, so that men can see God flow out and change people and things. Justice is God's nature; righteousness is God's nature. If my life will make impact, these things must be a part of my daily life. They must flow out and abound; it cannot be an occasional outburst once in a while. These things cannot be subject to how I feel, but a daily connection to God must be seen in my daily interaction with other people.

If I am truly a child of God, his nature and power must flow out of me. If indeed I am His, who He is must be made manifest in and through me. The world is waiting to see the difference my life can make. Is my life flowing with the right ingredients? His time of favour is here.

Balance!

Balance!

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19 KJV

Today's extract holds lessons that are apt for the times we live in. This is the season of special effects; the generation that thrives on the spectacular and sometimes the ridiculous. We love the dramatic; we can hardly stay quiet. Technology hasn't also helped: 24 hours TV, cable access, no controls over content or timing, internet and its nonchalance towards what is right by God's standards. Indeed, we are in strange times but there is nothing unexpected about these times from God's perspective. He had foretold all that is happening now, so the appropriate question now is: How does God expect me to handle these strange times? 

Today's extract gives a few answers. First, today's extract is addressed to 'beloved brethren'. We are enjoined to sort out our ownership. When I know whose I am, I know what is expected. Maybe the major reason why we struggle for impact is because we ourselves are yet to be impacted by God Himself. We keep up the required appearances; we pretend all is well. However, first things first: sort out who you want to follow and serve, then the other bits will make sense. 

Secondly, our senses were given to help in our walk with God, but they must be used in line with God's set procedure. The sense of hearing helps us perceive what is said, and for all who will obey God, there is a place for listening to and hearing God speak. You can never grow beyond your pursuits and priorities. If God is important to you, you will seek Him out on a daily basis. 

Then comes the grace to speak. Of course, the Bible already confirms that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. If your pursuits were never about God's Word, how would you mouth be able to produce the right kind of fruit? And of course, my reaction to people and events around me flow from the status of my relationship with God. If I have allowed God deal with me in the secret place, my public life will line up with the will of God. If I have not surrendered to God, there is no sieve or control on what I am bound to produce.

We are given 2 ears and 1 mouth so we can hear twice as much as we speak. We are to pause twice as long as it takes to process what we hear before we respond. God is looking to impact our world with his nature, and it will be most unfortunate if all we do is react to anything that comes our way without seeking prior divine guidance. If I will make God's way known in this evil and adulterous generation, I must start at the feet of Jesus. He alone knows how to prepare me for the challenges ahead. His time of favour is here.

Get Dressed!

Get Dressed!

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 KJV

Today's extract is the end of Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. This church was central to Paul's ministry, and just before he left for the final journey to Jerusalem, he warned this church about wolves that would come in to deceive people. Interestingly, the same Ephesian church was the recipient of the first letter to the 7 churches in Revelation. God takes as very important how those who claim to know Him live. The race we have been called to run isn't one we can succeed in by ourselves; we need the help of the One who is called the Man of War to help us.

What is expected? For you to put on the whole armour of God, you have got to put off something else. Putting on is a conscious and deliberate action, and not something you are forced to do. You realise you need help, and that you can't do anything by yourself. It is called the whole armour of God because you can't take the parts you like and leave the rest. It is called armour because this race isn't first about my convenience, but about God building character in me. How else will He trust me with great treasures without testing my heart's priorities and pursuits? 

It is called the armour of God to differentiate it from any other option the world offers. Do not be deceived: this life is a fight. The devil will give you options, just as God offers you His own too. Satan has been at it long before any of us alive now were born, but God is even stronger. However, God will not force a man against the exercise of his/her freewill, but there are eternal consequences to every decision or step taken. And before the challenges come, God warns. Before the tests start, God puts us on notice. We must sit down and count the cost; be sure of what you are getting into. For all who have come to trust totally in God, they are sure of the support of the eternal God, and are certain of a good end. Where do you stand? His time of favour is here.

Context!

Context!

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV

This was part of a letter written to the church in Corinth. Of great importance is the context in which these words are written. Paul had just warned the church about unequal yokes and being separate from the world. Paul had to warn the church about the dangers of the times they were in.

The same message is apt for this present season. It appears that compromise is convenient and easy; it appears that blending in is easier than standing out. The world makes sin attractive, yet God's view about sin has not changed since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Death has always been the consequence of sin, and it will remain so as long as God remains the Lord of the earth.

God provides a way out of sin. He asks us to make the approach and come to Him, and He will forgive, cleanse us from all blemishes and restore us. All He requires is a heart that is truly sorry and is committed to living right. When I am truly sorry for sin, His salvation is near. When I confess my sin, I receive mercy and forgiveness. There is no regret for asking God to come into my heart and make me a new man. 

Of course, the opposite too is true. If I do not truly repent of my sin and go to God, I must be ready to live with the consequences of my decision. Worldly sorrow only focuses on the external, giving the appearance of soberness, without the true change that happens first on the inside, then manifests on the outside. Of course, any change that does not affect the inner man is cosmetic, and will only lead to eternal death. The life that God wants us to have is one that never dies, and the only way to have it is to have that Life living inside you. Do you have Him? Does He know you as His own? His time of favour is here.

Praise!

Praise!

From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the Lord is to be praised [with awe-inspired reverence]. Psalms 113:3 AMP

The first 3 verses of today's extract speaks about the name of the Lord. What's in a name, you may ask? Actually, a lot. We see God giving names to some children, long before they were conceived, or we see God speaking about the life-purpose of a child about to be born. The same thing was done in the case of Jesus: his name as well as the purpose of His life was made clear, long before Mary conceived Him.

And the name continues to make ripples all over the world. Men come to salvation just by calling on that name. Mighty things have happened and are still happening, all because of that name. Philippians 2 speaks about the name that has been given to Jesus which is above every other name, and a name to which all knees will bow, either by free will or compulsion. That is the name that is the focus of today's extract. 

And today's extract looks at this name and my reaction to it from many perspectives. It could speak to time of day: early in the morning when the sun rises till evening when it sets, or it could speak to location and places: from one end of the earth to the other opposite, or it could speak to seasons and times. Whatever your view is, one thing is clear: the name of the Lord deserves to be praised. All around you, you can see His mighty works and his glorious strength made manifest. You cannot take that name for granted, and you cannot treat that name with disdain. 

God calls me to know Him, and I can only do that if I seek Him out daily. The more of Him I know, the more of Him I reverence. The more of Him I reverence, the more of Him I can praise. Unless the value of someone or something is recognized, familiarity or abuse becomes inevitable. God, teach me to recognize your power, might and mercy and teach me how to praise you acceptably. His time of favour is here.

Guided!

Guided!

Teach me to do Your will [so that I may please You], For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalms 143:10 AMP

Let it be known that no one alive is able to know God and his will by himself; we all need God's help to walk in line with His will. He alone knows the reason why we have been made and gifted and He alone knows the seasons and dispensations around our lives, and where and how best we can thrive. This is the understanding that forms the foundation of today's extract. 

David asked God to teach him to do His will. Teaching takes time, and it involves a superior and an inferior, at least from the perspective of knowledge and information. It is not likely that I will submit myself to the authority of someone who cannot add to what I know or improve what I already know. It means that I understand who God is, I know He knows more than I do, and that in and by Him, I am able to fulfil His purpose for me. Am I willing to take the time required to be taught by God? 

The purpose of this teaching is to help me please God; not to have an inflated opinion about myself. Do i seek God just for the power and recognition the benefits give me? Am I seeking God so I can get what I need and move on to something else? Like it has been said, the recognition of the power, might, nature and grace of the One I am seeking to know more about is the key to what I get. 

If I know and recognize Him as God, He is able to guide me. He keeps my feet from danger. He levels the path before me. He does not promise me there will be no dark days, but His presence and power are the sure things that will guarantee that all ends well. And of course, He does not force Himself on anyone; He provides all that I need to make the approach and waits for me. The benefits of seeking God are both physical and eternal. Make the approach today; His time of favour is here.

Man!

Man!

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalms 8:3‭-‬4 KJV

There is this imbalance that the world has come to accept, and it is about the place of man in the scheme of things on the earth. The world supports the theory that man is the centrepiece of all creation, which is true even from God's perspective, but then the world stretches it to also mean that man is not accountable to anyone for how he lives and what he does. This is where God's Word teaches us something different. 

The earth and the wonders of creation shows the awesome nature of God's power. In the heavens, there are things that the human brain is yet to comprehend, and even on land and in the sea, there are yet uncharted territories and places that technology has not been able to understand. We are still in the process of discovering what the earth has, and man sits at the very top of the mysteries of God's creation. 

This is the mystery: as complex as the earth is, man is even more complex. Man is the only part of creation that the bible records as having the breath of God in him, to make him a living soul. No other part of God's creation has that record. If this is the case, how would you think that there will be no accounting demanded by the One who owns the breath that makes man alive? 

It is no wonder that the writer of this psalm, having considered who he was and his place in the amazing place called earth, had to ask the question: what is man? In the midst of the vast universe, the amazing seas and oceans, the forests and hills, mountains, as well as the nature's wonders like the hurricanes and tornadoes and earthquakes, you just have to wonder why man is God's sole focus, and why everything else caters to the needs of man. 

And then the sober thought: God does not waste resources; if He gives you something, He will demand an account from you. He created materials for our use, but none should take His place in our hearts. Man is the reflection of His glory, and nothing else should take that glory off Him. It makes me realise that I have a special place in God's heart and I must make sure I live in line with His purpose and plan for me. An account will surely be demanded of me. His time of favour is here.

Right Present!

Right Present!

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 KJV

Today's extract is adressed to brethren, people who are connected by virtue of the blood of Jesus, and who answer to a superior master. Like it has been said before, Jesus refers to us as His friends because He trusts us with the assignment of reconciliation but that does not take anything away from the fact that we serve at His pleasure. If I agree to submit to another, I agree to his authority and undertake to obey and align with all that He commands. I can never get to a point where I think I got it all figured out. No Christian has really arrived until s/he arrives at home. 

The plea, charge or counsel in today's extract is one that is very relevant to this present generation. God plays his part and supplies what we need to serve well: mercy and grace. We also have a part to play, and it is making my life a worthy present for a worthy superior. I am asked to present my body as a living sacrifice. If I am giving a gift to earthly superiors, I take my time to get the best, wrap it up beautifully and present it in sincerity. I match the gift to the value of the superior. If this applies in the physical, imagine the power it carries in the spiritual.

What does this charge mean? It means that God has supplied the grace I need to live right; I am the one who must act on that grace and do what is right. Sounds very odd to refer to sacrifices as living, but from God's perspective, it means that even though I am alive in the physical, my will and desires have been handed over to the superior. I am dead to the world and its desires but alive to the One to whom I have given control. Just like under the old covenant, the superior will only take what is holy, clean and free from all blemishes. I cannot do any less; anything less than the perfect offering is not acceptable to God. 

I do the presentation; God will not force Himself on me. I depend daily on His supply of grace to live right. Holiness isn't old school or out of fashion; rather, it is God's minimum standard for engagement. He's not first seeking for perfect people. He needs surrendered people, who will trust His finished work and depend on His grace for everything they need to live in line with God's will. He then perfects His will in them as they daily depend on Him. You do your part; God always does His part. There is no limit to what God can do with a life that is totally surrendered to Him. His time of favour is here.

God's Opinion!

God's Opinion!

Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. Proverbs 21:2 AMP

There are 2 absolute statements in today's extract, one speaking from God's perspective and the other from man's perspective. One lays down the fact that it is within man's rights to plan his life. In fact, it is wrong for a man to stumble through life, unsure of what he wants to do and how he wants to do them. It means that it is proper for a man to lay down plans for his present and future, but there is a reality that man must contend with, and it has to do with the other reality, which is God's perspective.

God also has his own plans. He laid down the foundations of the world long before man was made and He has an eternal view of what is really important. He then creates the avenue for man to discover Him, so that man can truly find purpose and fulfilment through the things that God considers important. Now, this is the sticky point: God has provided the avenue, but He will not force man to take it. Man would have to come to God by himself.

So, man thinks that because his plans come together, he must be smart. He does not know or consider that the divine controls the visible. Man makes a few bucks and thinks he has arrived; that it is his wisdom, tact and verve that made them all possible. God would however let us all know that we will have to deal with Him, one way or another. God knows the motives and intents of every heart and He judges accordingly. 

I must then be wise: as I plan, I must consider what God wants and says. As I plan, I must seek counsel, instruction and direction from the One who knows tomorrow. If my life will make impact and be the blessing it was created to be, God must be my first priority. He knows men, and knows those He needs to bring my way to get me to the place He needs me to be, so I can fulfil His purpose. God will play His part; what is my response? His time of favour is here.

Hear and Do!

Hear and Do!

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. James 1:22‭-‬24 KJV

For anyone who will make generational impact, today's extract is relevant and timely. There are several categories of people in the world today, but today's extract looks at two types: those who are quick to hear only, and those who take what they hear and act on it. It is easy to take time out to listen; everywhere you turn to these days, there are opportunities to hear God's Word. Radio and television programmes, as well as books share various stories and lessons from the Word, but it appears that the value does not flow beyond the hearing. 

If all I do is hear, I am compared to a man who looks into a mirror, sees himself and as soon as he leaves the mirror, forgets what he looks like. How is that possible? The mirror tells you what you look like; it reveals your outer self to you; it shows you the areas where you need to make adjustments and what you need to put on or off. That's the power of a physical mirror. Imagine then the power of a spiritual mirror, which is able to reach into your soul and show you exactly who you are. 

And for all who just hear and do not care about the obeying part, God's position is clear: you are only deceiving yourself. Why is that: God's Word always demands action from you. When it comes, it demands you take a side. When it warns, it demands that you listen and heed. It never supports inaction or indecision; there is no sitting on the fence when it comes to the demands of God on a life. 

The Word of God is so fundamental that it serves as doctrine, reproof, instruction and training in righteousness. God wants to change me from within, because He knows that it is the inner work that leaves a lasting impression on man. Let's not get carried away by the drama of a man who just hears and does not do; but let us be hearers of God's Word, who are also quick to obey. Of course, it means that there are blessings attached to obeying what has been heard. Trust God to reward all who diligently seek Him and are careful to obey all that He commands. His time of favour is here

Guided!

Guided!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105 KJV

This is indeed a strange generation. We seem to believe more in the theory of evolution than in the facts laid out in the Bible. We ascribe the wonders of creation to discoveries by scientists or the formations of rocks over a long period. We are guided by the latest fad or trend, not caring who or what is the inspiration behind the trend. However, one thing remains true: God's standards have not changed since the time of creation and it does not appear that they will change anytime soon. 

With that knowledge comes this decision that must be made: who is my guide and leader? Who inspires my pursuits and priorities? The answer to these questions are so fundamental: your control centre is the determinant of your eternal reality. As always, God does not force Himself on anyone. We all must come to Him out of our freewill, asking for his help to live right. And the one thing you need, more than anything else, is the Word of God. 

The testimony of God about His Word is amazing. At different times, we read that God has exalted above all things His name and His Word. He says none of His words will return to him without accomplishing the purpose for which He sent it. Armed with that knowledge, apply this to today's extract. According to the Cambridge English dictionary, a lamp is defined as 'a device for giving light'. It then means that God's Word is both the receptacle that gives light and it is also the light. 

It is in the Word of God that we find guidance for daily living and impactful life. Why the feet? Is it because it is the feet that take a man towards or away from the place of his divine destiny. If you sit and do nothing and become nothing, your life will still end either by physical death or rapture. But if a man seeks divine impact, he must rise up and walk towards God and His purpose for his life. The manual for that guidance is found in God's Word. 

As I start a new day, I must ask God to shine His light on my feet and path. What works for one man may not work for me. We may end up in the same destination: heaven - but God prepares different paths for us to get there. That is why it is MY FEET and MY PATH. It is a personal walk, not a joint venture. How's your walk? His time of favour is here.

Bread; Word

Bread; Word!

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 KJV

How do you explain the move from public affirmation by heaven to obscurity in the desert? You would expect that after open heavens and divine testament to the sonship and authority of Jesus, the next thing would be public proof. Guess that's not the way God works. There was a need to get inner strength for the public works that were ahead. Without the inner preparation that only God can wrought, no man can be used mightily and extensively by God.

That private preparation is the time to lay your entire life before God, so He can deal with whatever will stand in your way in the future. After 40 days and nights of fasting, of course, Jesus was hungry, and of course, the first temptation had to do with his primary need: food. Beware of the attraction and deceit that comes from what you think is important and pressing NOW.

Beware of the pressure to prove a point that doesn't need to be made. The devil wanted Jesus to prove He was the Son of God. Of course, He is, but the bigger danger was that the devil would have succeeded in getting Jesus to react more out of fear of people's opinions, rather than a secure knowledge of who he was, irrespective of man's opinions. This is the gravest tragedy of our generation: we want to please men; we want to be loved; we want to make men comfortable; we want to satisfy their every whim. Unfortunately, God's call isn't first about our comfort or convenience, but about our inner character. 

And that's the essence of today's extract. Man needs bread to live, but bread isn't enough. Man will need earthly things, but he is doomed if that is all he lives for. Bread is good, but bread is limited. It can only satisfy for a season, but the Word of God is able to address both physical and spiritual needs. What you need most isn't what the body needs, but what your soul needs. God's Word is bread for your soul. It is all you need to make it through this difficult world. 

What are your priorities? What are the things that hold your heart? The truth behind your response will be the foundation and basis of your earthly impact and your eternal reality. His time of favour is here.

Measured!

Measured!

[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings. 2 Cor. 9:6 AMPC

God has rules of engagement. He has laid down the terms since creation, and even though man has consistently failed to honour his side of the bargain, God has always been faithful to his own words. Just after the flood that wiped away the world at the time, God pronounced those immortal words: As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” Genesis 8:22 NLT.

From that time till now, those words still ring true. Man has tried in several ways to break that chain, thinking up ways to shortchange the process and delay or even try to defeat the consequences of actions taken. However, because God is immortal and sovereign, His words cannot be broken. Firstly, there is a place for a conscious decision to sow something. We have all been given seeds in the form of treasures, giftings, talents, time, emotions, empathy, and so many other things. God demands that all He has given be given back to Him: sown into the lives and destinies of people He has placed all around us.

Secondly, you cannot go above and beyond the heart with which you sow. Men see the quantity; God sees the quality. Men may applaud the quantity, but God is the One who blesses the quantity and makes it quality. A man may make noise about what he has sown, but God, who sees the heart, is able to make that sowing generate just the appropriate output. God's law of nature lays it down that what you sow is what you reap, but I believe God wants us to go further and to understand that with Him, you get far more in quality what you put down in quality.

Have you ever had someone call you to appreciate something you said, or did or gave and you were wondering just how that little you did or which you didn't even think was important at the time, could make such a big difference? That is the power of God's touch on your life. If I will go far and make impact for God, I have to surrender all I am and have and do to his total control. After all, the giftings and the talents are His in the first place, and He alone knows just how and where best they would thrive. 

I surrender all to God. My life is His, and He knows best where I can thrive. He knows best how to bring out His best in and through me. Anything placed in His hands will always be useful and will be a blessing to other people. What will you do? His time of favour is here.

Decision Time

Decision Time

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 KJV

There comes a time in everybody's life that you must take a decision; you have got to make up your mind who you want to follow: men or God. It cannot be both or neither; your life's pursuits and priorities will confirm the choice that you have made.

All of us have that decision to make. Joshua at a time told the Israelites the same thing: you have to choose whom you will serve. For him, the choice was non-negotiable; he had already made up his mind to serve the Lord. Paul here also says the same thing: you have to decide whose opinion counts or matters to you: God or man.

Man's opinions and standards are also evolving and never static. He changes his mind as frequently as he changes his clothes. The constant change in fashion standards, dress culture, attitudes to sex and sexuality all point to the fact that man is difficult to please because his principles are difficult to establish. He is constantly trying to adapt to the world around him, pursuing an invisible target and generally failing to make any impact. God, on the other hand, has laid down his standard right from creation, and through all generations, no matter how complex, he has refused to lower that standard for anyone, no matter how special s/he is.

Whatever God says is his desire now will not change, no matter how much we dislike his decision or rationalize our own action. God remains God through the years, through all our experiences and I  spite of our own actions. Just like Paul has established, if man is the focus and the defining factor, then I am not a servant of God. If I claim to be a child of God, I must answer to my father's dictates and commands. If I do not, then I am not. 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

There are a few statements in the extract above, which are eternal facts and bear the basis of our faith and walk with Jesus. Firstly, we are saved and called by God. Sin had dealt a mortal blow to our relationship with God, yet His love just would not let go. We didn't deserve it; we couldn't earn it, so it makes his saving and calling all the more glorious. There was nothing we could do by ourselves to change our eternal reality but He did it all by Himself, when He gave his life for us. 

Secondly, the hand of God upon us demands a life of holiness. God does not place a demand on a life He cannot use, and the fact that I am alive means that I am never ever beyond the grace of God, unless I reject it to the end. We did not earn it, but since we have received it, we cannot afford to take the grace of God for granted. 

Thirdly, none of these things catches God by surprise. It is a bit worrying when men try to bring God down to the level of logic and reason; where we want to use human wisdom to explain away divine concepts. Our hearts have the whole of eternity to understand just what we have received from God, but one thing is certain: it calls for sober reflection and careful living.

We have received grace, and this places a demand on us. This grace demands that we live to please the one who calls us. This is the sober reality: God will demand an account of whatever resources He gives. His grace has brought salvation, full and free. I cannot turn around and blame God for whatever decisions I make. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure about where you will spend it. His time of favour is here. 

Life!

Life!

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24 KJV

Today's extract follows the healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda. The people of Jesus' day just didn't realise who He was, and the familiarity that came from knowing his family lineage and history was their greatest undoing. Can the same be said of me today? Have I become so used to the tokens that his move does not impress me anymore? Have I become so accustomed to him that I have lost the sense of reverence and awe for Him? 

As is His custom, Jesus takes his time to teach those who will listen about the power and consequences behind their response and reaction to Him. You see, man's greatest decision is what He does with Jesus. Let's check out what Jesus says: note that it does not stop at just hearing; it goes with believing on Jesus also. Many are content with hearing and enjoying the stories; not too many go the extra mile to believe.

You cannot believe without hearing, so the first step is seeking out the right information. When I believe, I accept I cannot help or save myself, and I am putting my complete trust in Jesus. And the benefits of that belief is immediate; the bible says I have everlasting life. So, the faith I have is good for both the present and the future life. That faith answers today's questions as well as the ultimate eternal question. I have passed on from death to life, simply because I have true life living inside of me. 

It is very clear that these are the last days. Sin is increasing and becoming more complex; we keep seeking new ways to hurt one another, yet the standard of life remains the same: God is seeking men who will come to Him, accept his life on offer and walk into the fullness of his life, which is good for both this present earthly phase as well as the life to come. What are you waiting for? His time of favour is here.

Staying Power!

Staying Power!

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalms 73:26 KJV

There is an undeniable reality of life, and it has to do with the process of time and its effect on our lives. We are born, we grow up, we engage in activities, and then, when the time comes, we die. God's divine plan for human life goes in that direction. It does not matter how much I build up muscles, eat good healthy food or exercise; these may help make my life physically healthy, but they may not have an eternal impact on my life. How then do I find the right balance?

I must accept the fact that life will happen to me. The physical strength I had at 25 is not the same as I would have at 75. My cells are renewed as I grow, but then comes a time when the process is slower and more painful. That is the physical reality. However, there is another reality that is important, and it has to do with God. This other reality is very important, because it determines your eternal reality. When all else fails, as they must do at some point, God is the only One who remains true. When all the good plans you have laid out go to waste, God is the only One who puts things in the proper perspective and gives you hope that tomorrow will be definitely better.

The writer here understood this, noting that God is the strength of his heart. What keeps me going actually isn't the heart's muscles, but God's power. It's not really the alarm clock that wakes me up but God's grace. He is my portion because I have attached my life to him and take all my nourishment, guidance and help from Him. And it is not for a season or for a short time; I'm in it for the whole of my life. Life is too short and unpredictable to leave it to chance. I have to involve God in it all, if I will live well and end well. So, who's holding you up? Who's your focus and your portion? Eternity awaits your decision. His time of favour is here.

Attitude!

Attitude!

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 AMPC

God warns ahead of time that situations will arise that will put pressure on my heart. He knows that life isn't really about fairness. He knows that trials will come, the winds will blow and the storms will rise. But there is a preparation required to stand up under the pressure, and it is about how much of God I have stored up in my heart. You see, all the things mentioned: the fretting, the fear and faith all lay hold of the human heart, and they are nourished by the things I feed them on.

If I allow my circumstances dictate terms, I will only be feeding the fretting and the fear. But if I allow God's sure Word to dictate terms, my faith in God grows and the fear loses its hold. It all depends on my understanding of who God is, what He is able to do, and how much of Him I relate with. God wants me to come to Him about anything, no matter how small or big. In fact, the longer it takes me before I take them to God, the deeper the fretting and the fear grows. 

The cure is faith. It takes faith to drop all your burdens before God in prayer, sure that He has all the right answers. I note that nowhere does God promise that He will give me the answers that I want, but when my heart is right with God, I am rest assured that He will do that which is best for me. It takes faith to pray about everything, and be thankful to God for everything, even when there is no physical reality to back up the attitude. 

Don't bother depending on man; don't expect man to understand what you are going through. Don't imagine that anyone will understand your position. God, who made you and knows your name, is the only one who is concerned both with your present position as well as your eternal reality. Let Him in, let Him take charge, and let Him make your life the spectacle it was created to be. His time of favour is here.

Command!

Command!

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12 KJV

It is not an admonition, or a piece of advice or counsel, where you are encouraged to adhere to what has been said. The relationship with God isn't really so much a partnership, but a master-servant relationship. Jesus calls us friends, but we are friends who obey what He has commanded. If I am under authority, and I have a mandate to fulfil, it is only a privilege if the One who commissions me sees me as His friend and partner. If there are consequences for disobedience or rebellion against God's authority, then technically, you cannot limit that to just a friendship.

And what is his command: that I, as long as I know who I serve and who has command over me, must love other people. There is nothing that speaks to the other person's reaction or response to me; that should not be my concern. What God commands is love, not because the target deserves it, but because the One I answer to demands it. And in the final analysis, reward or punishment is tied to my response to what I have been asked to do, not what another person did or did not do.

And the One who demands does not leave me without a worthy example to follow. He does not just point the way and ask me to go on blindly. He leads the way by personal example, having loved me also when I didn't deserve it. He does not just tell me what to do; his life is the perfect example of how he wants me to live. He is the leader, and I am the follower. It is a privilege to be called friend, but there is no doubt that I am called to a life of service and discipleship. 

Who is the One dictating terms for me? Who is laying down the law on what I do and how I do them? Am I seeking to negotiate my way out of God's express commands, thinking I have a choice? When God directs, obedience is the only way that leads to reward. God has no favourites when it comes to his commands and directives. I could see them as advice, or as commands. I could choose to obey or disobey; the choice is mine but the consequences of my choice have already been determined by God. His time of favour is here. 

It's Personal!

It's Personal!

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

Firstly, it is a personal experience; a personal relationship with a God who delights to have us search for and walk with Him. Paul, writing here understood this, and from all his writings, he made that very clear: you are only as good as how much of God you personally know. How much of God do you seek out on a daily basis? How much of God do you allow to impact what you do and how you do it? 

Secondly, the knowledge of God does not preclude any trials or tough times. Nowhere does God promise an easy ride, but before the rough seas come, He already prepares you for what is ahead. These present times had been foretold by God long ago, so nothing about it catches Him by surprise. And because I am his child, I am safe and secure in the knowledge that God knows what He is doing. 

Thirdly, all of these present experiences have expiration dates, and they must all give way to something better; something eternal. There is this eternal truth in God's Word that runs through everything He has said: "the glory of the latter house shall surpass the former". No matter what the present looks like, the future is definitely going to be better. No matter how tough or rough the present is, tomorrow holds a hope that nothing on earth can explain or sustain.

Lastly, please note that the fulfilment of this promise is predicated on your inner state. Paul ends by laying down the standard: this glory is going to be revealed in US. Who are the us? Just 2 verses before today's extract, we read those immortal words: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." If I will enjoy all that is promised, I must sort out my relationship status with God. I can claim all the words and recite them over and over again on a daily basis, but until I know God and God knows me as His own, I may just be deceiving myself. 

The promise has been made; the price has been paid; the prize has been offered full and free and the grace to live and walk right supplied in abundant measure. What are you waiting for? Take hold of it all, and enjoy all that God has on offer. His time of favour is here.

Sing!

Sing!

O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. Psalms 98:1‭-‬2 KJV

This is one of the psalms that is not attributed to anyone, as the author is said to be unknown. Whatever the case, the start of this psalm is instructive: it is time to sing a new song to the Lord. It may not mean a song different in words from what you have always sung, but maybe it is time to do it with a change of heart: one that is confident and composed in its knowledge of who God is and what he can do and has done.

And the basis for the new song is also listed out in today's extract: 1. He has done marvellous things; 2. His right hand and holy arm has gotten him victory; 3. He has made known His salvation; 4. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the heathen. For each one mentioned above, there are both internal and external pieces of evidence in support. Cast your mind back over just one year ago, and ask yourself if indeed you could have survived on your own. Yes, there may have been personal tragedies, but you are alive, not because you were any better than the dead, but because of the marvellous things God has done.

And there have been battles He fought for you whilst you slept. He didn't need you to be aware, because there was nothing you could have done by yourself to change the outcome of the battle. His arm alone gives him victory and his arm alone is sufficient for all you need. And as He does all of these things, He is making known His salvation. He is proving to you that only in and through Him are you truly safe. He is telling you that no man trusts fully in Him and is disappointed. His credentials are from eternity, and He has been in the business of salvation long before any of us were born.

And lastly, his actions are a testament to the heathen that He is God. What other testimony will speak of who God is than what He does for those who trust Him? When I stand before men and speak of the mighty things I have enjoyed, I lay down the standard and make it known. The choice of reaction is left to every man. You can take or leave Him; your decision has an impact on your eternal reality. For all who know God, break out in a new song today. Let the world know that you know God, and let your life be a daily testimony to the grace and power of this God. His time of favour is here.

Patience!

Patience!

The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 AMP

Peter lays down a marker for God's ways of dealing with man. In today's extract are 2 things: a loving message and a dire warning. We usually claim that God is a God of love, which is true, but we conveniently ignore the fact that He is also a God of judgement. This is the balanced diet of scripture, and we will do well to heed the message before us today.

Right from creation, the wages of sin has always been death and till today, it remains so. God has provided a means of escape from sin, and it is by the blood of His Son Jesus. To all who come to God through the blood, they receive the sanctification and justification required for a new lease of life. And of course, in that same message of love is the warning that if I reject Him, I cannot turn around and blame him for the resultant consequences. 

And that's the essence of today's extract: God already promises judgment for all who reject Him. Because it appears that evil thrives and pays well, men do not seem to take the warning to heart. Unfortunately, when the owner of life makes a demand for it, it is too late to change the consequences of your choice. I must not interpret God's patience for foolishness or complacency, and I must not take his silence for acquiescence. 

It is His desire that all men repent and turn to Him. It is His desire that all men take full advantage of the love He has provided in full measure. Think of this: if such a high price was paid for the redemption of man, think of the consequences of rejecting that price. Eternity awaits your decision and allegiance. His time of favour is here.

Warn!

Warn!

Give a warning to all those who cause arguments. If they continue to cause trouble after a second warning, then don’t associate with them. Titus 3:10 ERV

Human relationships are complex. It would seem that disagreements and arguments are integral parts of these relationships, as it is almost impossible for any two people to be completely agreed on any one point. However, what is important is this: what do I do in the face of disagreement? How do I handle opposing ideas and views? What is the best way to handle disagreements? Today's extract sheds some light on these matters.

It appears to me that there could be a central truth on a particular issue, but there will be different perspectives to how two people receive and understand this central truth. If I take a point of view that is opposite of my friend, would I be willing to hear my friend out and see his/her point of view? As long as the other person's view is not against God's Word and will, would I be willing to accommodate this other view? When it does not appear that there is any agreement on this view, how do we proceed? If there is any threat to the good of the church, both parties must be warned about their conduct and where the threat continues after a second warning, Paul recommends a stop to associating with such persons.

Why is that: the focus isn't about who is right or wrong, but about keeping the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. When the focus is on God, I worry less about being right or wrong or having my way. Why would Jesus ask me to turn the other cheek or even surrender my cloak if asked to give up my coat? It's never about being right all the time, but allowing my life to be a vessel God can flow through. What louder message can my life preach than when God's peace is my response to conflict and disagreements? What's your focus? His time of favour is here.

Source of all Things!

Source of all things!

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Colossians 1:16 KJV

Paul, writing to the church at Colosse, could testify about so many gifts that this church had. They had come to the knowledge of God and they loved God and his people, and they had room for growth. The whole of chapter 1 here is a prayer for this church, as it is a desire for all of us too. The God who calls us to Himself wants to reveal Himself to us. He wants us to have a personal experience of His power and grace. The only way to have this is to totally surrender our lives to Him, and allow Him have his way in and through us.

If I understand today's extract, I will not struggle with giving up control. After all, the life I lay claim to isn't mine in the first place; it belongs to the One called Life Himself. Today's extract makes it clear: ALL things were created by God and for Him. All things find expression and fulfillment in connection with Him. Outside of Him, nothing works. Outside of Him, nothing can exist. In fact, there is nothing to be imagined outside of Him, as he fills all things. 

If this is the God who seeks a relationship with me, I must tread carefully. God is not given to frivolity, and he does not take commitment lightly. He owns and holds all things, seen and unseen, including the sincerity or hypocrisy of your heart. If you will be all that God intends, you cannot do it outside of God. If life finds true expression in Him, then I must go to him for all of my life's needs. Otherwise, I will struggle and fight on my own for everything, and there is no certainty that I will win. His help is available; make the approach. His time of favour is here. 

Will and Work!

Will and Work!

For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure. PHILIPPIANS 2:13 AMP

Man's achievements pushes him into the deceit of self-sufficiency and pride. I take a look at bank account balances, paper certificates and physical possessions, and I could be tempted to think I got it all figured out. However, for the more important walk and work of salvation, a different outlook, perspective and focus will be required. God can use your possessions, certificates and bank account balance to achieve great things, but that is not the start point. The first and most important factor,  is my understanding of who I am, the reason I am where I am and the purpose for all that I have received from God. When I know that, my life's pursuits and priorities are set right.

No man seeks God by his own willpower. God draws us to Himself with cords of love, supplying the energy and desire for us to seek and follow Him closely. It is in God that willpower and the ability to work meet and find expression in and through us. We are the mirrors of God's amazing power and mercy, all at the same time. The reason why God supplies both the willpower and the ability to work to us is so that we learn quite early that it had nothing to do with us in the first place, but it was all about the mercy and grace of God.

And He keeps supplying the grace. He keeps seeking men and women who will surrender their own quantity and take on his own quality. Fulfilling purpose isn't tied to my own qualities, but to the total embrace of who God is and all He offers. If He births it, He will sustain it. If He has nothing to do with it, it does not matter how much zeal is applied to it. I surrender to God today; use me how best you please so I can achieve all you have created me for. His time of favour is here.

Entitled!

Entitled!

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

John 1:11‭-‬12 KJV

If the people of Jesus' time knew who he was and what he was sent to do, do you think their reception of him would have been different? The account of John here seems to underscore the danger of familiarity and contempt for the usual. Jesus was born into a regular family, even if most didn't know how he was conceived. They knew his brothers and sisters and his parents, so they had him all figured out. There really couldn't be anything special about him. 

Unfortunately, with God, in the usual lies the extraordinary and the amazing. Jesus came to those who were his own, the Jews. They didn't recognize God's hand because it was seen with the eye of the familiar. But then, the invitation was extended to other people who weren't really the first recipients of the message. For all who take the step of faith and believe in the One God has sent, they are renamed as sons of God. That is deep; it is a treasure whose full dimensions this earthly phase cannot fully comprehend.

What does it mean to be called sons of God? It means that status has changed; name has changed. Also, the blood line by which you stand to inherit has changed. The key to all these is the expression: 'as many as received him. That is the key to all that God is and gives. He will not go above and beyond the exercise of your free will. If you make the approach, He will gladly complete the transaction. If you do not accept his terms, you cannot turn around and blame God for how life turns out. 

He is calling; in fact, He has been calling since creation. He wants to make me the centrepiece of his affection, and he wants the world to know Him through me. What will you do? How much of you will you surrender to Him? Remember, eternity awaits your decision. His time of favour is here.

Fruiting!

Fruiting!

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. John 15:5‭ MSG

God establishes boundaries and identity for life. He refers to himself as the vine, and those who follow him as the branches. The postions are NOT interchangeable; no man gets to be the vine, because no man alive can sustain any other man. I cannot play God in the life of anyone, and I can only thrive when I know and live in accordance with my place in God's orderly universe.

I thrive when I remain connected. No branch survives on its own. How do I remain connected: simply by a daily walk and dependence on the vine. The vine supplies necessary nourishment, and no matter the season, the branches can always depend on the vine for all they need. Fruitfulness is assured as long as the branch is connected to the vine. The opposite too is true: no branch ever lasts long if it is on its own. I get to choose to remain connected; God does not compel obedience; but the consequences of not being connected are also eternal. And you are never actually totally disconnected; you are either pulling nourishment from the True Vine or from the devil. There is no middle ground on this one.

In today's extract lies this truth: we need each other, but our greatest need is the right foundation and connection. If I am attached to Christ, I am in the right place to grow and make impact. Others too who are connected right will supply nutrients, and I also will supply. The result is a body of Christ, fully mature and making impact on the world around it. The world is in dire need of a change; we have tried all sorts and nothing has worked; it is time to show off the fruits of our connection with Life Himself. The world is waiting for our manifestation; the proof of our relationship status is in the fruit that we show. His time of favour is here.

New 2!

New 2!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

For all who claim to be in Christ, there are a few things that are non-negotiable, and must be in place. Firstly, it means that there had been a dying to something and a living to something different. You can't put the old nature and the new nature in the same vessel and you cannot claim God's life while holding on to the sinful nature. Both are parallel lines that can never meet. 

Secondly, it means that you have taken full and complete residence in Christ. You are not just living in church or doing the things of church; you are actually in Christ and He knows you as His own. One of the gravest dangers of our generation is the substitution of relationship with activity. Note that today's extract does not say "if a man works faithfully for Christ". It is never about activity first of all, but a personal knowledge and experience of who Jesus is. 

Thirdly, you must know the difference between what the old life was and what the new life represents. You may not have been a 'bad' person before you met Christ, but there must be a witness of an inner change that reflects on the outside. The old must pass away, like something dead, never to be revived, and the new has to be established, take root and become the new normal. Cornelius had a stellar reputation, known to be a good man, but there was something missing that God needed Peter to address. 

And it must affect all aspects of life. With devotion to Christ, there are no compartments. It is either God takes all or nothing at all. You cannot keep him out of some parts of your life and expect Him to come through for you in all aspects of your life. If I will experience the fullness of what a relationship with Christ can birth, I have to surrender all to Him and allow Him do His work. 

It is the season of new beginnings and fresh starts. When you go with God, there is no limit to the amazing things you stand to enjoy. He wants to make an amazing spectacle out of me, and the key is total surrender. Nothing less than this will work. His time of favour is here.

New!

New!

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 KJV

In context, Israel was in bondage. Nations that were worse than they were had taken them captive, and they had lost hope. In fact, the end of the chapter before today's extract says that even with all these experiences, Israel didn't even think to retrace its steps back to God. Yet, this chapter opens with a BUT, which means that whatever it is you have read before, forget it; things are about to change. 

Even in the face of rebellion, God promises a new thing. In the face of sin, God promises mercy and grace. If God were to treat us in line with our actions, would we survive? Yet, his mercy just would not let go. His grace is always greater than our sins. His blood is stronger than any stain. His power is greater than any pressure from the devil. 

He calls us to see what he is doing. In this new season of change, He calls us to pause and consider what He is about to do. It is the unusual, the unpredictable, unprecedented and the miraculous. Where nothing existed before, God says He will do wonders. Where nothing was supposed to exist, God says He will make something happen there. 

And when you read things like these, you have to consider the credentials of the One making the promises. Does He have the power to do it? This is the God who made an expressway through the Red Sea, who brought down walls with a shout, who led out choirs against trained armies, who held up the sun for a whole day so his people could win a war. This is the God speaking here, so you can rest assured He knows what He's doing, and he has the power to bring about all He has said. 

That is the God who calls us to fellowship with Him. A warning though: all He has promised are for those who will trust Him. You can shout 'I receive' all day long, but the only way you can be certain about getting the promise is by getting God to live in you. His greatest limitation is the exercise of my free will. If I let Him, He will do wonders. If I limit Him, I limit the outflow of His power in and through me. His time of favour is here.