Shepherd and Sheep!

Shepherd and Sheep!

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. John 10: 11 - 16 KJV

Fairly long piece, but the lessons are worth it. First, no man is called a shepherd, except God alone. The sheep are all his. He only calls men and entrusts the sheep into their hands. That's a solemn reminder that an account will be demanded from all such men/women from the owner of the sheep. Don't be too much in a hurry to appropriate sheep to yourself. You don't own any, and you don't call any. You are yourself sheep under God's watchful care, with the grace to lead others to the same knowledge and personal experience of God that you already have. It does not come with a privilege of lordship or oppression over anyone.

Secondly, only one life needs to be given, and it has already been given. Every other sacrifice is only a shadow of the real thing, and every relationship as a sheep with the shepherd must start at the point of sacrifice. That life wasn't given for nothing.

Thirdly, am I an hireling, only along for the ride, the recognition, the fame, the fortune and the awe accorded the man/woman on the pulpit? Does my life reflect one called, consecrated and  commissioned by the owner of the sheep or have I simply  positioned myself where my interests are best served?

Fourthly,  there is a testament to relationship by Jesus here, stating that he knows his own and his own knows him. It's not about what I say or think, but about the fruits of my life. Do they show any connection to the Shepherd? Remember the simple men who turned the whole city upside down in Acts of the Apostles? The one thing recorded about them was that men took note that 'they had been with Jesus'. No man changes things until he has been changed first from within. You cannot affect the external until your internal has been positively impacted.

Fifthly, lest we think that we can run a monopoly, God calls us to remembrance that in the first place, every life belongs to him. The key to heaven hasn't been placed in the exclusive preserve of any of us, so we don't get to determine who comes in or stays out. Christ isn't coming back for a denomination or sect; he's coming back for people whose lives have been washed with his blood. It's not about colour, creed or race; it's all about grace.

All of us who are alive, irrespective of the quantity of sins counted against us, or the quality of our past life, and irrespective of the position we occupy or the title we hold, are candidates passing through God's examination, with eternal life as the reward. I must be eternally grateful that God saw it fit to call me to himself, and I must be careful to remain within the fold, whilst also calling others to the blessings and benefits I have received.

May I not be one who leads others into the fold, while I am cast out into darkness at the end of my journey. Others who I think are unworthy, or not good people, will come in, because in the first place, they do not answer to me. All of us are owned by God, and his love wouldn't let go. As long as I am breathing, I am a candidate for grace.

Unfortunately, grace will expire, either by rapture or physical death, and then judgment by the Shepherd will come. The One we call Shepherd and Love today will sit as Judge, Jury and Executioner and there will be no right of appeal. While I have time, I must take advantage and join the sheepfold.  The Shepherd's arms are wide open and he calls today.  Would I heed? Would I listen? His time of favour is here.

Fact!

Fact!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV

A statement of fact. In this present earthly generation, there are many pretenders to the throne. There are a lot of 'authorities' on the subject of control and influence, who claim to know what is best for the human life. There are claims of superior knowledge, superior experience and superior eternal reality, but the fault is usually with the foundation. If the basis of the claim is not founded on the eternal truth of God's Word, it can't be relied on or trusted. 

Jesus makes a claim here, calling Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life. These are quite big claims. How do we know these are true? By going back to the foundation. Was anyone of us alive when the earth was founded? Can created things actually give you a correct version of how the creator of all things work? The One who created all things leaves an imprint on my heart, almost daring me to believe anything else. All that I see are testament to the creative prowess of an Almighty God. No human being or alternative power could have thought up these amazing things and still uphold them to this very day.

So when he speaks, I must listen. My heart was formed by this same God, and only in God does it find true purpose. He wants me to come to him, learn of Him, develop a healthy and daily relationship with Him, and then at the end of this present earthly phase, reign with Him in eternity. That is the essence of His self-introduction here. He is the Way back to God from sin, the one through whom all men must pass through if their lives will make sense and have impact. He is the Truth all men must live by, if they would live free of the deceit and self-destruction that the devil offers and He is the Life, the end result of all that we are placed on earth for. Of what value is a life without God? Of what value is a life only good for this present earthly phase, and has no place in eternity with God?

Once again, the call goes out. Every day God gives is a day closer to eternity. The way, the truth and the life have been offered full and free. There are actually no true alternatives; the options you get aren't so much as options but alternatives that lead nowhere. God calls and knocks; He wants to come in and make a difference. No one can make the approach to God without going through the Son. He waits; what's your response? His time of favour is here.

Taking Stock!

Taking Stock!

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalms 90:12 KJV

The world celebrates milestones and achievements; really nothing wrong with that. We measure age by the number of years we have lived; we celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other achievements. But then I come across today's extract, and I am forced again to examine my life from God's perspective and see what He wants me to do differently, if any. 

It appears to me that God accepts our timelines but He does not respect them. We count in years, He counts in Time. We count in days, weeks and months, he just counts in time, whatever it is and no matter how 'long' it appears. There is a popular expression in the Bible that reads: 'And when the time had fully come'. What this tells me is that it does not really matter how well my plans have been laid; what matters is how my plans fit into God's perfect timing. 

He is the One who has been at work since the creation of the earth. He placed all things in their proper places, and they continue to thrive where they have been placed. If non-living things and animals could submit to God's command, how much more we who are made in His likeness? It is this understanding that drives today's extract: I ask God to teach me to see things from his own perspective, not mine. 

Too many times, we have measured ourselves in the light of other people's experiences and felt we were not adequate. We forget that our walk and race are unique to us. I ask God to teach me to see my life in the right way, which is to glorify God with all I am and have. I ask God to help me keep eternity before my eyes, so that its importance and consciousness will be my driving and guiding principle every day God gives me. If my days will be blessed, they must be lived in line with the perfect will of the One who gives it breath.

That is the path of wisdom: knowing God and submitting to His will. There is no other way; no other viable option. All other options lead to death. His time of favour is here.

Gifted for this Season!

Gifted for this Season!

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 NIV

As we consider today's extract, a few factors bear emphasis:

1. The Human factor: God is an awesome God, yet He has chosen to make Himself known through human beings. As mighty as He is, His power and grace are made manifest in and through people who have submitted to His authority. So, for me, the big question is: Have I submitted to God's authority? Does He have authority over the things I do and how I do them? 

2. The Gifting Factor: Every single person on the face of the earth, irrespective of colour, creed, culture or coordination, has been given a unique personality, gift or endowment. God is too awesome a God to produce duplicates of an original product. He broke each mold after making one person, and formed a new mold for every single person. This is why it is sheer foolishness for a person to compare himself with another, or to envy what the other person has. As many as we are on earth, we all have distinct fingerprints. That's how unique each person is, and the reason why it will be foolish to think someone else is more important to God than I am.

3. The Time factor: for all of us who are alive and have been gifted by this God, we do not forever to sort out our allegiance and get to work. The years of our lives have been written down by God, and we need to discover the purpose behind our personality and person, and get at it. We were not promised forever on this side of eternity, and the earlier we free our hearts from unnecessary competition, comparisons and confusion, the earlier we can start to make impact on the lives we have been gifted for.

4. The God/Grace Factor: of course, the connection is actually God Himself. He is the One who made the earth and formed us, amd and placed us in it to improve and impact it. If at anytime you think there is something wrong with the model that you see, you need to go back to the origin and sort it out. If at anytime you think something is not right, it is the one who made it who understands just how to correct it. All I can do is to be faithful in the place where I have been planted, and to pursue the very purpose for which God has called me. 

My service is a dispensation of God's grace, because anytime I speak or act, God is to be revealed, so if I am not doing it right, I am doing God a disservice. As a steward, I must remember that I will give an account of my stewardship. God doesn't waste resources. Every life is a manifestation of God's grace, and the variety in each life is proof of God's amazing power. I will do the best I can, in the power of God made available for me, so that God can be made known in and through me. I will do it while it is yet day; the night will surely come soon, when all work shall cease. What's your decision? His time of favour is here.

Right Pursuit!

Right Pursuit!

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NIV

We all are always chasing after something. We were wired by God for a life of purpose and what gived purpose its peculiarity is the fact that it cannot be truly defined outside of pursuit, priorities and personal experience of God. I am yet to meet a man who made impact without effort, dedication or commitment to a course of action. I don't think God works that way. 

What are your present pursuits? What are your present priorities? What holds your heart? Remember, what you consider important will be the things you spend time and resources on. The bible says it well when it says: "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also". If all that holds my heart are the stuff this world offers, then I am not headed in the right direction. All that the world offers are only good for this present earthly phase, and do no good outside of God.

If you pursue the things that God desires, you get more than you could ever imagine. The world is built around prosperity and all its trappings, and men use wealth and position to buy honour or to demand respect. Yet, God offers life, prosperity and honour to as many as would pursue after Him. What this tells me is that if I pursue God, I get all that the world seeks and kills for for free. If I pursue after the world's provisions, there is no guarantee that I will get all that I desire, because a man without God has got to fight for himself. If he cannot run faster, jump higher, fight dirtier and hustle longer than the other man, then he gets nothing. That must be a pretty difficult life.

I just have to get my priorities right. No point in spending my days seeking things without any eternal value. I must keep at the back of my mind that my present life is a preparation for eternity. If it doesn't matter down here, it really doesn't matter up there. If God counts it as very important, I must also take it as very important. If I want life, I must seek after the One called Life Himself. Nothing and no one else will count. His time of favour is here.

Even If......

Even If....

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:  Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17‭-‬18 KJV

Long before the challenges and trials come, you must make up your mind what your priorities are. Like Daniel, if you taste the king's meat before you make a stand, it may be too late. There are situations in life that will test the quality of your convictions, but if you have settled your foundation and fixed it on God alone, then the storms will not sweep you away. 

Life will happen; there is no stopping that. There are things that are beyond your immediate control. You can lay the best plans and sow the best seeds; it doesn't guarantee that you will get a rich harvest. You can go to school and get the best of degrees and qualifications; it doesn't always mean that you will get the best of jobs. Well laid plans can be messed up; the certain source of provision could fail. The man who promised may himself fall on hard times suddenly. The one with a good start is not always destined to come first. With God, there is no room for chest-beating or self-confidence; you just need to be fully dependent on God for all that you seek.

Make the plans, but remember to keep them fluid and dependent on God. Do all you can, but always remember that your best isn't always the reason why you get God's best. Your greatest gift to God is a heart of deep gratitude for all you have received. You may not have everything you think you need, but with God on your side, your present is sorted and your eternity is secure. I rejoice because I know God is on my side. I rejoice because I know he's watching out for my best interests. Life may be hard, but His love and life are stronger and better than anything life may throw at me. What's your own response? His time of favour is here.

Priorities!

Priorities!

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2 KJV

Today's extract would not make sense if there was no danger of wrong priorities. If there was just one option, there would be no need to make a distinction between things above and things on earth. What today's extract shows is that having the clear vision of what is important is key to unlocking all that God has in store for me. Not to know can be fatal, as I could be busy and focused, but on the wrong things. I could be expecting a rich reward, yet get nothing at the end of the day, simply because I was focused on the wrong things.

SET shows a picture of absolute devotion and focus. When you set a thing in its place, it is fixed and firm. There are some things that once you have set them in place, like bricks on cement, it would take a storm or heavy wind to dislodge them. That's how God would have me set my affections on things above. What he wants me to set aren't just anything, but those things that hold my attention, my heart and my eyes. Whatever it is I prioritize becomes my affection. If it is not anything based on God, imagine the heart ache and the pain that lie ahead.

The reason why things above are important is because they are the only things that outlive this present earthly phase. No matter what you amass, they remain down here. There is NOTHING at all down here that will do you any good up there, except your faith in God. It is your faith in God that guarantees you eternal life with Him, and it is your faith in God that sustains you through the experiences that will come and the ones that have come now. Your good works may have value, but of what use are good works if they cannot secure eternal dwellings for me with God?

Please note: this is not a call to be so heavenly minded that you are totally earthly useless, but it is a call to be mindful of the important things. Like Mary and Martha, there is a right time to serve tables, and a right time to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear Him speak. Your life's impact depends on you understanding the right timing, and the place for everything God brings. So, where is your focus? Where is your heart? What holds your attention long enough that it can impact your eternity? Be sure it is what God also considers important. His time of favour is here.

Attitude!

Attitude!

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalms 100:2 KJV

As I read the words of today's extract, there is a decision to be made. Do I view these words as advice or command? I believe that my reaction or response to God flows from my understanding of who He is. If I know him as the mighty man of war, or the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, it is a reminder of the awesome power of the One I have been called to know, approach and worship. It is not a call to be taken lightly.

We claim God is our friend, which is true. He calls me friend so I can be free to approach Him, but nothing takes away my work ethic or stops my sense of responsibility. God does not call me to a life of reckless inactivity but to a life of faithful service. It then matters how I approach this call to service. Do I do it with joy or out of a sheer sense of duty? You can deceive man with outward platitudes and hypocrisy, but we deal with the creator of the human heart, so nothing is hidden from his eyes. Men may applaud and praise but God's opinion is the key factor. If He accepts you and your service, it really doesn't matter what men say. If God doesn't accept it, then it really doesn't matter what men say or do.

I approach God's Presence with the right attitude. He is not my everyday buddy, who I can ignore on busy days and maybe call on only in an emergency. At least, that is not what He wants from us. He wants us to come to Him with joy in our hearts and songs on our lips. If I sit down and think deeply, I may just not be able to cover anything else except to praise and thank Him for all the mighty things He has done for me.

So I consider today's extract as both counsel and command. It is the best route for me if I will be all that God intends for me. With all the drama going on in the world today, I will not take the opportunity of access for granted, but will do all I can do maximize the benefit. Don't bother with trying to impress the world first; work on your relationship with God. The world will always know when a person has encountered God. His time of favour is here.

Enabled!

Enabled!

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalms 4:8 KJV

There are some things we take for granted, for example, waking up the morning. We rush through the day, perform our duties and make assumptions that we are where we are because of our life choices and decisions. Today's extract gives a different perspective to life, and we will do well to consider what it says.

First, there is nothing like a right to lay down in peace. There are people who have bought the world and yet cannot close their eyes, lest they should be attacked or deprived of their possessions. There are people who have mortgaged their consciences because of temporary power and position, and like Macbeth, have murdered sleep. Being able to lay down in peace has nothing to do with your bank account, possessions, position or privilege, but from the state of your inner man. If God reigns in there, things out there will make sense. If God does not reign in there, it does not matter what you surround yourself with. 

Secondly, you can buy security, but you cannot buy sleep. There is no medication, power or ability that make your sleep refreshing if God does not back it up. For anyone who has had to deal with insomnia or anyone who has had sleep problems, you kind of appreciate the blessings of God. It is not about what you can do to get it, but about the person who helps you to get it. If you do not have God on your side, there are no guarantees about the basic needs of life. You can get them, you can labour and hustle for them, but at the end, what does it profit if at the end, they do not come with the peace only God can give?

And that is the summary at the end of the extract above. God is the One who can guarantee safety. Walls are good; guards are good; but there are experiences that will come that will put human devices to shame. A good look around underscores the truth of that statement. Why not trust in the living God who calls Himself a Rock and Refuge, in whom all who run to him are safe? If you would be safe and secure from harm, your best place is in God, the Lord of all the earth. He waits on you; he knocks. Will you open up to Him? Eternity awaits your decision. His time of favour is here.

At Work!

At Work!

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6 NIV

Paul, writing here, makes a few things very clear: first, our confidence must be of God if it will stand the test of time. When God called me to Himself, He was making it clear that my life would only make sense if it was linked to Him. The world has its alternatives, and some of them are quite viable if you apply worldly wisdom and practical sense, but reasoning and common sense do not always count when you are dealing with God. 

Secondly, there is a work that God wants to fulfil in and through us. He is the One who starts a thing and has the power to complete it. Before you go beating your chest, thinking the world revolves around you, be sure that God is the inspiration behind all you do. Otherwise, you will get to the end of your journey and realise you had either pursued the right target with wrong motives, or had pursued all the wrong things from the very start. At that point, it may be too late to make amends. 

Thirdly, there is a day that is coming soon, when all flesh will stand before God to receive judgement. Believe this: none will escape. All will give account. All will receive judgement. If there is any part of God's Word you have confirmed to be true, then believe that the part about His return is also true. That day will not be about any man, our achievements or possessions, or our standing before men. It will simply be a question of what I have done to prepare for the coming of the Son of God Jesus Christ. 

Don't let the values and system of this world deceive you; the world does not have answers to your eternal reality. That is why the work in question here can only be started by God, sustained by Him and completed by Him. If you are tempted to intervene in the process and 'help' God, or allow the devil or the world tell you God is not enough, please resist that temptation. Go to God today and ask Him to perfect his work in you. He has the power; He is able and the whole earth will answer to Him at the end of this present earthly phase. How are you preparing? Am I truly ready? His time of favour is here.

Get it Right!

Get it Right!

I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Jeremiah 17:10 KJV

First of all, introductions. God introduces Himself as the Lord. He is the master of all; the indisputable ruler over all that is seen or unseen. That statement speaks of authority as well as dominance and dominion. He is the One who speaks and every other voice is silent. That is the God who speaks here today, and we will do well to heed what He says and carefully consider our ways.

God moves on to a small part of his power and authority: the human heart. Man has this self-deception that he is the master of his own affairs. Actually, there is no truth to that. No man has the power to determine how and when and where he is born, and unless you take your own life or God is pleased to prepare you for death, no man also knows the day, time and place of death. Yet, man boasts about achievements, possessions and position, things he cannot control or determine how they fall. Man is deceived into thinking that his efforts and labour had done these great things. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

We deal with the God who created the heart so no pretence can work. He cannot be fooled by outward piety with no true inner conviction. When Truth searches the heart, how can lies or deception succeed? When the creator is asking the questions, how can the created imagine that it can fool the creator? Yet, we try. Like a horse, we use the reins to control how the horse behaves. God also tries the reins of our hearts; examines the motives and intentions and determines if they align with His standards. Remember, it is not what the world applauds that matters, but what God approves. You have to be sure you have that rightyl figured out.

And the conclusion therefore makes sense: God will give to each man according to his/her ways and in line with the fruits of their lives. You cannot argue with fruit. It is either a reflection of healthy nourishment and time investment, or the lack of of it. Either way, my life will bear fruit, which will in turn determine what I get from God at the end of this present earthly phase. I do not want to get to the end and realise that I had pursued the wrong things. What kind of fruit is my life producing at the moment? If I were to be fed with the fruit of my life, would I enjoy it or detest it? As long as I am alive, I have time to work on the quality of my life's fruit. The time comes when time itself wil flee and time as we know it now will not matter. 

While there is time, I submit to God's Truth. He knows my heart, and understands its every complications and inconsistencies. He alone can heal it, and He alone can help me be what He wants me to be. I surrender all to you o Lord; do your work in me so I can be worthy of heaven. His time of favour is here.

The Last Word!

The Last Word!

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV

The pedigree of the one speaking or writing goes a long way to establish the authority of that person on whatever issue is discussed. The Art of War, written by Sun Tzu as far as the 5th Century BC and Animal Farm, written by Geroge Orwell and published in 1945, contain principles and political theory and science that have reigned true till this day. So, when a man the bible describes as one of the wisest people on earth, we should listen and take heed.

Solomon enjoyed his life. He had wealth beyond any man's wildest dreams, and men came from the ends of the earth to listen to him. He espoused principles and processes for life, and we still align with these till today. Yet, towards the end of his earthly life, he came to the conclusions in today's extract, and the summary is this: there is nothing to this earthly phase. It is a mirage; a mist that appears for a while and is gone. When you look at recent world events, don't you think that the world's systems, structures and technology are inadequate to deal with the fundamental question of life?

We acquire possessions so we can get power; we lobby for position and privilege, labouring under the false impression that these things will get us where we need to be or give us what we need. Unfortunately, the created things can never take the place of the Creator. Solomon had wealth, yet he knew something was missing. Today's extract provides that missing bit: the fear of God in all we do. You see, there is nothing wrong with the pursuit of power, position or influence, but it is best to do with the fear of God as the guiding light. In all my labour, I must never forget that nothing I acquire down here will go with me into eternity.

I must work hard, but also live smart. I must make alliances, but I must have the right allegiance. My whole life's duty is summed up in those words: "Fear God". When I have that fear, my pursuits and priorities are aligned with God's purpose for my life. I must live well and live right, which can only be truly done when God is the guiding light. When I fear God, his Word and commands become my daily interests. Obedience is first all that God requires of me; then networth can follow. Don't place network, networth or applause over and above obedience or the fear of God. Your eternal reality depends on the proper order. His time of favour is here.

Finding God!

Finding God!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

Until a man knows that there is a lack in him that only God can fill, he cannot be helped. Until a man knows that there is a vacuum in his heart that no activity, possession or position can adequately fill, that man will struggle to truly impact the world the way God intends. Acknowledging a need for God is the key to seeking Him. If you don't need Him, you won't go looking for Him. 

And God gives an assurance to all who seek Him that they will find Him. Is He lost? No, but the greatest treasures of God are not found on the surface, available to be plucked at will and without much effort. God is not my everyday buddy, who indulges my every whim. He is the Lord Almighty, the creator of heaven and the earth. If you will go looking for Him, you had better go with the right heart and intentions. 

And that right intention is reflected in seeking God with ALL the heart. God cannot stand half hearted devotion; He has made that very clear in His Word. He says He will spew out of His mouth those who are lukewarm. It does not matter how people praise you; it matters little how much applause you earn. In the eventual analysis, all that counts is how much of God you made room for in your life. Don't offer God halfhearted devotion; don't give God less than the best He deserves, which is all of you. So, how much of you does God have and control? How much of Him do you consider important? His time of favour is here

Do!

For if anyone only listens to the word without obeying it, he is like a man who looks very carefully at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he immediately forgets what he looked like. But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience]. JAMES 1:23‭-‬25 AMP

The Word of God is always available. Everywhere you turn, you encounter Him. Oh yes, the Word of God is a living being, who is Life and of course gives life to all who turn to him. God encourages us all to approach him through the Word, and all who do so reap the benefits and blessings that the Word gives.

Why is it important to deal with the Word in this manner? The passage above provides answers. The first and the most important is that I have a choice of response. I can open my heart to the Word to do His work, or I can resist him. Both choices have consequences, as we always know, God always tells you ahead what the consequences of your actions and inactions are.

The Word is a mirror. It tells me exactly who I am and where I am headed. People will always have opinions about who I am, but the only opinion worth considering is the one provided by the Word. If He tells me I am headed in the wrong direction, it does not matter if the whole world applauds me. If I am headed in the right direction, it does not matter what the quantity and quality of the opposition against me is. In the final analysis, the question  will always be: Who I am in the light of God's Word?

The choice is in the response. When you encounter the Word, you will always get a feedback. It could be a need for reproof, it could be correction, it could be validation, it could be emphasis on a Spiritual virtue; when He comes, and I receive Him with a correct heart, I receive God's blessings. If I decide to reject His truth, then I am like the man who forgets what he looks like as soon as he has left the mirror.

If there is anything wrong with the image you see in the mirror, you don't go breaking the mirror, or replacing it. You make the required changes. God does not lower his standards for anyone, and he has already clearly stated that he exalts his Word above all things. You can choose to be a careless listener who forgets, or you could be an active doer who obeys. Both are choices with consequences.

Don't forget: the foundation of ALL you will get in life is the Word. Your response to Him Now will determine his response to you. If you will make impact, if you will be a blessing, take the Word with you wherever you go. His time of favour is here.

Devise v. Direct!

Devise v. Direct!

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9 KJV

As I read today's extract, I am reminded again of God's view of the human heart- referred to as 'deceitful above all things and desperately wicked'. This is the same heart that today's extract refers to as devising its own way. Of course, if a heart is deceitful and wicked, what do you expect such a heart to produce? The word 'devise' gives an image of planning, elaboration or to contrive something. It could be either positive or negative plans, but it shows that the heart is capable of planning. What today's extract is not guaranteeing is that those plans will line up with God's perfect will and purpose.

Since the fall of man, man's plans have always been about his own selfish interests and not God's will. The natural man does not naturally desire what God desires. Man will always seek his own way, and his plans would always align with his own way, but when such a man has encountered God, there is a fundamental shift in focus, as well as pursuits, priorities and purpose. The natural man will pursue what he wants, not necessarily what he actually needs, but the man who has met with God would want God's perfect will to be done.

And that is the essence of the second part of today's extract. A man will devise his ways, with no assurance of success. However, when God directs his steps, he is sure and certain to succeed because now, he is guided by the God of absolute knowledge and one in total control of the ends of the earth. We are talking about the One who has the human heart in His hands and can direct it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. It is good to make plans, but it is also good to note that God is not bound to accept and uphold your plans, especially if they do not line up with his own plans for you. I will do well to make the approach to God and seek His view before I go all out to make plans. I will do well to hand over my heart to Him so He can deal with the pretence and hypocrisy that is common to the human heart. Whatever is handed over to Him is safe; whatever He controls thrives. His time of favour is here.

CAST!

CAST!

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). I Pet. 5:7 AMP

Quick Lessons
1. We all have burdens and weights that sin has brought our way. We have taken upon ourselves more than what we can bear, and some people are dying slowly under the weight and complexity of their burdens. God offers a way out to all of us, inviting us to CAST ALL our burdens on HIM. I believe every part of the instruction is important: 

CAST- God expects me to drop all the burdens with him and leave them there. Sometimes, we contribute to our problem by being too naive. God says CAST; we try to hold on a bit longer. God says CAST; we think we are disturbing God with our many problems. God says CAST; we take it to him in prayer, and as soon as we stand up from prayer, we take up the burdens again. Can't we just learn to leave all the burdens to the one who has promised to take care of them? 

ALL- how did we ever think that there are some problems too little or too big for God to deal with? If God could make the tiniest baby unique, with his/her own fingerprints and DNA, how do we ever think that there is a problem that God does not understand? Give them all to God, after all, my life is his creation and his business; it is his prerogative to sort me out whichever way he thinks is best.

HIM- you cannot afford to miss the target of the burden. Contemporary Iife seems to emphasize the importance of friends over and above God's influence. We spend hours telling friends about our problems, forgetting that most of them have their own burdens and cannot help, while others are even seeking to dump theirs on you. Others are happy that their own situation is not even as critical as your own, so why bother? Why not give your burdens to Him who truly cares? 

RIGHTEOUS- God will always play his part, and he expects all who will enjoy his blessings to also play their part. Righteousness is the qualification required to enjoy God's sustenance. Before you think it has to do with you, righteousness is from God and of God. No man can earn it; you simply walk into it by confessing your sins, renouncing them and accepting the free gift of salvation available in Christ Jesus. You cannot buy it, you cannot earn it, you cannot qualify for it. All you need is to depend totally, completely and absolutely on God.

Where do you stand? Are you trusting in man-made self-help philosophies or in God alone, who can sustain you in the most pressing of circumstances? Man can only lift you up to the length of his arms; God's everlasting arms can hold you to the end of time and beyond time into eternity. Your choice controls your eternal reality. His time of favour is here.

Fellowship!

Fellowship!

and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching. Hebrews 10:24‭-‬25 AMP

Today's extract is quite  instructive: quite a lot of things it covers. Firstly, there is an underlying statement of fact that we are in the end times. These are the times when it is easier to blend in than stand out. It is easier to shut up than speak out. However, this is not the time to be complacent or passive; this season calls for action. What action you will take is now dependent on your understanding of what God demands of you. Paul encouraged the church here to consider carefully what they could do to encourage love and do good. That call still rings true today. 

Secondly, what God demands of us will take something from us. We must be willing to leave our comfort zone and to endure tough times for the sake of the faith we have been called to. Love is easy when the recipient is lovable; love only makes sense when the recipient isn't so worthy. That is the standard God follows, and is the example He has laid down. For all who follow God, the standard must be scared and binding on all. How else will the world know God  if He is not visible in and through us?

Thirdly, part of the package is the place for fellowship and growth. We must not abandon fellowship, as this is God's prescription for a life that will have impact. God prescribes this as a measure to keep us from pride and self-sufficiency. Some have made it a habit to stay away, thinking that they have all that is required, or that there are too many 'hypocrites' in fellowship. Unfortunately, the church wasn't meant to be a place only for perfect people, but for people seeking perfection in and through the only perfect God. 

Fourthly, there is an eternal consequence to this fellowship. As we meet down here, there is a witness also in heaven. Remember, God took great pains to describe the earthly tabernacle to Moses, and warned him to build it exactly as he had been shown. As we meet down here, we are preparing for what will be the constant experience with God in heaven. If you cannot stand fellow men like yourself down here, how do you expect God to stand you when you stand before Him? 

The day comes soon, when all we do down here will make sense. The day cones soon when an account of my life will be demanded and a reward assigned for what I have done. The day comes soon, when all motives and intentions will be laid bare before God. Before that time comes, make sure you are obeying all that God commands. If He prescribes it, it is because it is necessary for my proper growth, development and impact. If he tells me to avoid a thing, it is because He knows the danger of that thing to my life. What's it going to be for you and me? His time of favour is here.

Right Account

I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Psalm 119:11 MSG

Just in case you don't know where the extract above came from, let me share the familiar version with you: Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You. PSA 119:11 AMP

Some key words jump out: God's Word can be BANKED or stored up. God's word is a treasure, invaluable and limitless, and your treatment of it determines the value of your life. When you are guided by its precepts and directives, your life will make impact. When you ignore its warnings and admonitions, you place little or no value on your life.

Your heart is a VAULT, where things of value are kept. Your heart always reveals what you consider important to you. If your life produces evil, then what you value becomes obvious. If your life produces good, it is also obvious what you have spent time storing up. A combination of what you value and the place where the valuables are kept reveal the real YOU. You can only hide the real you for a short while, the truth is just a matter of time.

Why are the contents of storage and the place of storage so important? Because eternity is at stake. The reason why I must watch the contents of my account is I have an understanding of who God is and what he likes. As I study his Word, value his Word, store up his Word and live by His Word, I know what to avoid and what to do to please God. Sin brings eternal separation from God if I do not repent from it, and God does not desire the death of any sinner.

I must therefore watch my values and priorities today. What is in my account? Am I deficient in the right contents? It is not too late to get it right. Am I storing up the right contents? I must keep at it, living and doing right. God is pleased with a life filled with the right contents, and he will make that life a blessing to its generation. What will it be for you? His time of favour is here.

Choices!

Choices!

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Proverbs 18:21 MSG

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. PROVERBS 18:21 AMP

Where do we start? How else can the place and purpose of the tongue be fully explained, other than how it has been laid out in today's extract? So many words are spoken about the tongue and its uses, and maybe just a few references will help underscore its importance. First, James talks about the tongue as being a fire, one that is capable of sending its owner to hell. The tongue is so unpredictable and versatile that it can be used to praise its creator and curse the products of the creator in the same breath. One moment, we are praising God, one moment we are cursing men. As far as James is concerned, and surely as God is concerned, that is an improper use of the tongue.

Solomon too in his wisdom speaks about the tongue. One of the most concise truths about the tongue is his conclusion that even a fool is thought to be wise, as long as s/he can keep the mouth shut. For such people, as soon as the mouth is opened, all doubt is removed. For Solomon, even for the home, building it up or pulling it down seems to be based on the proper use of the tongue. If any of the partners is a constant nag, instead of a constant encourager, then the home is in danger of being destroyed. Same tongue, different priorities.

That is why today's extract makes so much sense in the light of impact and eternal consequences. There is nothing I do today that is done in vain. There is nothing that is ordinary or routine, when it comes to the life God has given me. God would always make a demand for all He gives me, and I must be careful of how I use the resources He has placed at my disposal, even my tongue. Words can kill and give life; the difference is in what my tongue produces.

If i were offered my own words again to eat as food, would I be able to eat what my tongue produces? If words became poison or fruit, and I was ordered to make a choice, I believe my response would be to take the fruit. If that is my conclusion, then I must watch my words and ensure they are the stuff I would gladly eat again if offered back to me. The choice is always mine, and the consequences of my choice will always be personal to me. Each one of us will render an account to God for all he has given, so with the consciousness of God's grace, I watch what I do, what I say and how I live. His time of favour is here.

Silent Wisdom!

Silent Wisdom!

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Proverbs 17:28 NIV

Is there true wisdom in silence? The world may not agree, but then, when did the world become the standard for anything God says? The world refers to men as 'smart' and 'savvy' based on the output of their lips and lives. Men are judged and opinions formed by what they say and how they behave, but when you are dealing with God, all the things you think you know would not just be enough.

Recall the warning in James 3 about the use of the tongue, a small part of the body, but one with the capacity to set a whole life on fire. That's how important the tongue is to a person's destiny. How you use it is equally as important as when you use it, and destinies have been shaped or destroyed through the use of the tongue. Even more poignant is the fact that God used words to create everything we see now, and he breathed his nature and power into us. This means that we carry the same creative or destructive power, depending on our understanding of who we are and what we are.

One definition the Bible gives to a fool is one who says in his heart that there is no God. He doesn't need to speak it out; it is just enough to think it in his heart. If such a man who denies God's existence or power can be thought wise simply because of his prudent use of his tongue, then we all must learn the wise and proper use of the tongue. Not every situation demands a response.

As you step out today, remember that it is not always a sign of wisdom if your voice is always heard; it is better to be remembered for making a positive impact with your words, than to be known as someone who just loved to talk. His time of favour is here.

Priorities!

Priorities!

Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ (the Messiah).
Galatians 1:10 AMPC

Truth Facts:

1. All of life comes down to a choice: who do I please with my life: is it God or man? No matter what your response is, the truth will be determined by your actions and reactions everyday.

2. What are my priorities? What do I consider as very important? Am I crazy about man's applause and not so bothered about God's approval? Do I seek out the tokens of liars, men who will tell me what I want to hear, truth or otherwise, or do I seek out God, who is interested in developing my character here on earth in preparation for eternity?

3. I then have a choice. I cannot do both: please God and please man. Both have competing interests; both do not see eye to eye on anything. I cannot play both sides, or smartly avoid commitment to any. The denial of one is the embrace of the other, so think deeply on your choice today.

Paul got it spot on when he concluded by saying if he was still seeking out popularity with man, he could not be an effective disciple or witness for Christ. A man who would impact the world must be totally free of man's expectations or the need for man's approval. Have you made your own choice? Have you set your priorities? Whose applause matters to you right now: God's or man's? His time of favour is here.

God At 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

Let me repeat this verse in another version:  That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure. Philippians 2:13 MSG

Please know and acknowledge this: it has never been about you. I consider the value of my gifts, talents, qualifications and valuables, then remember that God decided to put all these treasures in a vessel of clay, breakable, soft and moldable. There is a reason for this, and today's extract simplifies it by saying that the energy I have is God's energy. It is God who is effectively at work, using my life as a pulpit to reach the world.

I also remember a conversation with the Jews of Jesus' time, when they wanted the crowd to stop shouting 'Hosanna'. His response again confirms the above: "If you tell these ones to keep quiet, the stones will cry out". Whether literally or figuratively, with God, there is no room for pride or self sufficiency.

God is always at work. You can't initiate an assignment on your own, because you have no idea how to start. God calls me to join in at his work, and he determines my point of entry, the necessary provision for the VISION he has given, and my point of exit and influence over his assignments. At no time can I seek to please myself. I know we claim we are free, but that freedom is actually a life commitment to God and his work. 

You don't get to pick and choose; you simply move at his command. After all, if God's pleasure is my desire, then nothing will be too big or too little for me to do. He will provide the desire and willingness, and also provide the sustaining grace to see the work to the end. Have I surrendered my life to the One who really owns it in the first place? His time of favour is here.

The Right End!

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, And the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever.  ISAIAH 32:17 AMP

The world defines peace as the absence of war; God defines it in various ways, but the most crucial as the Presence of the One called Peace himself. The world may not know peace the way it has defined it, because the unbroken, carnal human nature thrives on conflict. However, when that life comes in contact with the One called Peace, there is both inner and outer witness to that change..

Peace is a function of 'doing right' or 'righteousness'. Interestingly, there is nowhere righteousness is defined from the human perspective; it has always been about God's perspective. I cannot earn righteousness; it is credited to me by God on the basis of my relationship with Him. So we see here that God is the major and only factor in getting all the blessings that are mentioned in today's extract. When God is present in a life, it does not mean the absence of trials and tribulations, but the presence of God will guarantee peace.

When he is in you, it doesn't matter what comes around, in or on you. Water may get into the boat, but it cannot sink it, if the one who matters is in you. Even if the winds and storms rage, his presence assures me of quietness and confident trust.

Please don't forget: what is key is who lives in you, not what you do, have or how much you are worth physically. If God is in, it doesn't matter what else comes around. His time of favour is here.

Benefits

Benefits

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.1 John 1:7 NIV

My identity cannot be established outside of the One who loved me well enough to die for me. If I claim I am a Christian, then I derive my identity, my functions, my heart, my life and my pursuits from Christ. I must go beyond the drama of mouth confession and move into the realm of life profession.

What are the benefits of my identity in Christ?  First of all, as today's extract establishes, I walk in light. When I have Christ, I cannot walk in darkness. His presence guides and guards. When the road seems long, hard and unsure, he is there, providing leadership, guidance and direction.  Secondly, fellowship with other believers will make sense, because there is a connecting sense of purpose. I realise I am not alone as I run my race; God keeps bringing in people who will encourage, bless and build me up as I work. The connection is the blood of Jesus, by which men of all tribes and colours are united in the kingdom of God here on earth.

One great benefit of fellowship is that I do not need to know where you have been, or what you have done before. By the connecting blood of Christ, I share in this amazing bond that nothing on earth can explain or sever. I am a part of something divine and powerful; a relationship whose foundation and function is based on eternal life.

Are you a part of this Kingdom? Have you been washed in the blood, and become a part of this family? Do you have the light?  Have you been cleansed from sin, and walking in the fellowship of imperfect people made perfect by the perfect Master himself, Jesus Christ? Am i a part of the great movement of ordinary people made great by their connection to an extraordinary God? Remember, every decison, whether to accept or reject this free gift, will reverberate through eternity. His time of favour is here.

Paid!

For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 AMPC

The picture is given of a man who is a servant/slave to something. He is bound by his choice to the benefit or detriment that is embedded in his choice. Whatever his condition, there is something to gain or lose. You cannot have a middle course, where you sit on the fence, uncommitted and unconcerned about your eternal destination; it is an argument you must submit to and answer, because life itself, as you know it now, will NOT really end on this plane, and MUST continue somewhere else. Where it continues is still bound to that decision, that choice you need to make.

WAGES portray the reward for something done. You are employed to carry out a function and you are given a fair value for services rendered. Today's extract says death is the wages for sin. There is nothing you do without a consequence. It does not matter how much the world preaches freedom, no one is truly free to do as s/he pleases. You are bound to one master, and there are only 2 end zones: one ruled by death and the other known by Life.

For everything God advises on, he always gives you appropriate guidance. He wants me to have life, and he has given me clear directions on who can give me and how I can get it. I cannot claim life on my own terms. Only in union with Christ, the One God has introduced as the Life, can I get the full measure of the blessings found in Christ.

This generation seeks to belittle the effect of sin, make it out like something not so serious. The death and ressurection of Jesus tells me otherwise, and if a whole life had to be given to provide salvation from sin, I had better know that God takes the issue of sin very seriously. If he can give up his only Son as a sacrifice for sin, I can only blame myself if I reject his offer and the full penalty for sin is demanded from me. While I still can, I must make that decision, get the free gift on offer. Yes, free gift; no price from me to pay, except to believe and accept the Life that is on offer. Only in Christ do you get Life for free; every other place would demand its full wages.

Where are you located presently? I am again reminded of the temporal nature of this present earthly phase, that my debts have been fully paid off and I have a new master who loves me enough to give me eternal life, so why won't I rejoice? His time of favour is here.

Done Right 2!

Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. 1 Timothy 1:15‭-‬16 MSG

Why is today's extract so fundamental to our faith? It is because therein lies the entire summary of the mission and assignment of the one called Christ or Saviour. No matter what else he came to do, the name he was given at birth, as well as all the prophecies about him all point to one fact: he came to save sinners.

I could argue the point about who I am, but God's summary about all men is: "All have sinned". It doesn't matter what I tell myself; God's verdict is the start point. There is no man who was born good; we were conceived in and into sin, and we needed the help of the only One who was without sin, and whose life assignment is to save all men from sin.

Paul here, as well as all men, could take comfort from the fact that nobody is so far gone that s/he is beyond God's grace. No sin can be bigger than that grace, unless I do not forsake that sin. Grace is abundant and sufficient, and can take care of any past, no matter how dirty or evil. That's God's promise.

It doesn't just end there; with mercy comes the display: where God uses my life as a testimony to others. When I have enjoyed grace, my life will reflect it. When I have received mercy, the best I can do is extend the same to others. There is no room for pride, self-sufficiency or a false sense of worth; there is a full awareness that I am all I am simply because of who Christ is and what he has done.

The offer is still open to all who acknowledge their need of him and come to him as they are. His promise is ever real: he will take me, clean me up and release me into the world as a testimony to others. Am I taking advantage of this offer? His time of favour is here.

Even Measure!

Even Measure!

See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 AMPC

I note that today's extract is addressed to people Paul calls 'brethren', who share the same faith with each other. You would assume that there would be no rancour or bitterness, but as long as human beings exist, conflicts are integral to interactions and relationships. What you do and how you respond to conflicts would speak to your knowledge of God and maturity in relationships.

Today's extract, spoken to brethren sharing the same faith, admonishes them not to repay evil with evil. It is normal human reaction to get even with someone. We keep friends, who we share things with. We give gifts in exchange at festive seasons, we offer help to others who have also helped us in the past. It's all easy when the target of our affections 'deserve' it. However, it takes the highest form of grace to extend help and good to someone who has only done us evil, yet that is the charge today, and the lesson the life of Christ teaches us.

Every action would get a just recompense but the determination of reward or punishment is God's exclusive preserve. All he asks me to do is to represent him on earth, be his eyes, hands and feet and show him off to the world. How does the world know the difference or how would the world be convinced to switch allegiance if I act the same way the world would act?

The charge to do good to everyone is not with conditions. It does not require the target of your good to deserve it, or to have worked hard for it. It just requires you to obey your own Master and Lord, do what he commands, and leave the consequences and effects of your actions to him. Is there a guarantee that your good will be appreciated? NO. Is there any guarantee that you will not lose your life or lose some other benefits while doing good? NO. Yet, God says do good. Obedience would unlock other doors that generations after you would enjoy. Ask Abraham and David.

As you go out today, sow eternal seeds. Lives are waiting for your manifestation and they will only take notice when you are different. Are you? His time of favour is here.

Purity!

Purity

With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 MSG

God calls us to a life that is distinctly different from that of the world around us. God demands from us a standard that is different from that of the world's system. There is a constant battle going on everyday over our lives; good and evil are constantly fighting for control and whichever you feed will grow and take control. You have a choice on which one you will feed and which one you will kill. The challenge is this: the consequences of your choice will rule your life and determine your end. You had better be sure you are on the right path.

Today's extract reminds us again of our eternal journey. We are encouraged to make a clean beak from everything in our past that defiles us and keeps us distracted. We are encouraged to pay attention to both our internal and external state. We cannot keep an eye on eternity while struggling for relevance and importance from the things of this world. We cannot claim we are on the way to the promised land, while still distracted by the petty cares and worries of this world. We cannot combine forces with the world, do what it wants and still be fit for the kingdom of God. Like Lot's wife, we cannot look forward to what God has for us, while seeking to keep one eye on the things we have or cherish. There is always a choice to be made; a sorting of priorities and a rearrangement of values.

Our entire lives must be fit, holy and prepared for the Master's use. We were created to give God pleasure, and to worship him with our whole lives. When you understand what that means, you will know that God alone counts, nothing else does. Our lives will never amount to anything outside of God, and we will never fully realise our potential until we live as he desires - in holiness, purity and true worship.

The call goes out again today. Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. It is not a negotiation; it is a command. It is not really an option; it is the essential ingredient for qualification for eternity. Without it, nothing else counts. His time of favour is here.

Believe!

Believe!

DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. John 14:1 AMPC

Jesus was speaking to his disciples about the events to come: his death at the hands of the Jews and his resurrection and life. These were a bit difficult for the disciples to understand, and I am sure they couldn't comprehend how a mighty teacher and their master would go through such disgrace and shame. Even Peter spoke with so much passion, claiming he won't fall away, even if everyone else deserted Jesus. We know how that turned out. Against that backdrop are today's words; Jesus says: do not let your hearts be troubled.

I have the power to determine what impresses my heart. Thoughts, desires and emotions are part of daily life, but their effect and impact is determined by me. If I allow negative thoughts fester and take root in me, how can I turn around and blame God for how those thoughts affect my life? So, Jesus counsels: guard your heart against negative thoughts. The reason why you have the ability and grace to do this is because you have faith in God. Faith in God and fear/uncertainty cannot exist together in the same heart at the same time. If indeed I believe in God, I have all I need to survive whatever comes my way. If I do not have God in me, it does not matter what else I have.

Just as God is to be believed, so also does Jesus make the same claim on my heart. I cannot claim to know God and reject Jesus. The same reverence I claim for God is also to be accorded to Jesus, as Jesus is the ecpression of God's power, mercy and grace. Through Jesus, we have redemption from sin and the hope of eternity is sealed through faith in His finished work. That is the basis of joy, and the sole cure for a troubled heart. When I am sure and certain of where I will end up, nothing temporal or earthly can hold my heart in fear. His time of favour is here.

Before and Around

Before and Around

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8 AMP

What is your inspiration? What motivates you to act and what are the motives for all you pursue? The answers to those questions will determine the extent and depth of the impact your life makes. What have you set before you as idols? Does God have absolute control over your life or you share control with other stakeholders?

It is first a personal decision before it becomes a corporate position. You can join hands with others to worship God, but when you set out on your own, is God still before you, or have you conveniently left him at the venue of service? The right hand is a position of strength, a place of authority and command. When God is at your right hand, nothing else can take his place. Every other authority bows to his; every other power is rendered powerless. You are not moved, not because you are strong in yourself, but because you are backed up by the greatest power in the world.

When God is before you, the world loses its allure. When God is the focus, nothing else matters. When God is the only one whose word counts, then every other thing loses significance. If you want stability, make sure you are in God's corner. Setting God before you means there is no room for any other. Setting God before you is the final position, no options. You don't have a back up plan when God is the only one you are banking on. I ask again: what have you set before you? Who is the inspiration? His time of favour is here.