In Me!

In Me!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 KJV

Jesus used 5 whole chapters - John 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 to teach the disciples the principles of his kingdom. From the very start, it is clear that the call of God upon a life brings him/her in direct opposition to the world. If you ever think that you can align with the world's systems and still be able to please God, perish that thought. All that Jesus taught in these chapters are core principles that go to the foundation of his call upon my life, his expectations from me, and the eventual end to all of these things. I will do well to consider what He says, and take necessary action.

Today's extract makes it clear that for all of us, there are 2 possible locations or residences at any time. However, there is one small but fundamental point to make: 1 location is the standard for all men, the other is a choice that all men must make. Both locations have got their pros and cons, but when you consider the eternal implications of both locations, you get the need to critically examine your life again to see where you need to be. 

First, the world. All of us were born into it. We learnt life in it, and some of its nuances have rubbed off on us. We learnt from books, we learnt the way the world works. We knew and obeyed its laws and we clearly understood the threats of punishment if we broke its standards and laws. However, there is yet another location: IN Jesus. This is a second location; one that all in the world can also be, if they choose to. You see, the world has got multiple laws, but it cannot guarantee peace. It can direct action and control behaviour, but it cannot address the foundational problem of sin in man's life. It has all the gadgets and technology to make man's life simpler, but it cannot address the problems of the soul, which is the core of man, and is the one that is destined for judgment at the end of this present earthly phase.

The world guarantees tribulation, like the one the world is passing through now. Medicine, science and technology can only do so much and are being stretched at the moment. But Jesus guarantees peace, the sort that the world can never understand or duplicate. Please note that nowhere does Jesus promise that in Him, all tribulations cease; He only promises us His peace in the midst of the distressing circumstances. He does not say wars will suddenly cease, or that problems will automatically go away; He just promises peace.

Sounds ordinary, but for all who have experienced this peace, they wouldn't trade it for all that the world offers. For all who have tasted the pure joy that God's assured presence gives, they wouldn't trade it for all the world's presents. It matters if you have experienced it before or simply heard about it. It is that guaranteed peace that helps you face the guaranteed tribulations the world has. Do you have that peace? Has the world battered you so much that you need a place of refuge and protection? Only IN Jesus do you have that option. The world can't give you because it doesn't have it; you only give what you have. And the assurance by Jesus further comforts, when he declares: "I have overcome the world".

The cross and the empty tomb are symbols of this victory over the world. It is because He died and rose again that we can face the world and declare victory over its threats. So, where are you: just in the world and not IN Jesus? Remember, the world, as we know it, is changing, and one day, life as we know it now will cease to exist. Physical death is part of the world's package, and when it happens, we have to then face the judgement seat of God. When you stand there, would you be found in God, or just the world? Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend it. His time of favour is here. 

Be Still!

Be Still!

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

In these strange times, today's extract does not seem to make sense. The world, as we know it, may have changed forever, and the way we have also handled things may change too. We have been brought up in action and effects; we were taught that standing still meant inaction or foolishness. However, when dealing with God, things are a bit different from the way the world perceives or understands.

The world says: hustle. The Word of God says: Wait on God. The world advocates instant responses; the Word of God says: Be still. The world seems to be passing you by, and it appears you are standing still, not progressing. God's Word still says: Wait. There has to be something unique and unusual about a God who is not interested in the pace of the world around you, but on the depth of the connection you have with Him.

That is the purpose behind that instruction to be still: Know that He is God. What is the point of this whole season, if I come out of it with no knowledge of who God is or what He is doing? What is the whole point of time for soul - searching if I am not willing to seek God out and find out what His will and purpose for my life is. I owe it to God not to let this season pass before I sort this out.

What makes this even more expedient is the fact that God will be exalted, one way or the other, and there is absolutely nothing any of us can do about it. If I am still before God, He can show me what He desires of me, and when I know, that becomes my motivation to live to please Him. If I choose not to seek Him, a time is still coming when I will have to deal with Him, when He is exalted and lifted up.

That time comes soon. Recent events point to a supernatural power at work; one who is able to put the whole world on hold if He wants. While you still have time, why not seek Him? While He is still near, why not call on Him? When you meet Him, you will realise that your life's pursuits do not make sense outside of Him. When you have and know Him, you have everything you need. If you do not have Him, it will not matter how much else you had. Be still and make your approach; your eternity will be glad you did. His time of favour is here.

One and Only!

One and Only!

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 KJV

The world tries to sell us options. It tries to convince us that it has answers to the fundamental problem of man, which is sin. It boasts of great achievements in science and technology, advances in modern medicine and space exploration, but it has not found the answer to the genetic nature of sin. This is because the antidote to sin cannot be the very world that celebrates it, but One who has conquered sin and supplies grace and strength for all who would walk with Him.

The one and only need of man is salvation. Man does not admit it, but he needs help. Sin ensures that the end of all men is death, but through Christ, life is offered full and free to all men who come to Christ. And that is the defining factor: you have to take the step of faith and make the approach.

Let it be known that God has not placed the hope of salvation in any other name. As long as I am sure that God is the target of my search, I have to come to Him on His own terms. He has laid down the standard; my opinion doesn't really count.

And names matter; ask those who were named by God before they were born, like John the Baptist, or whose destinies were changed, like Jabez, but whose negative name wasn't changed. Names matter, because they speak to the past, present and future. Men assign names to reflect their journeys and experiences. However, no man can by his power determine the destiny of any name. That is what applies to the name Jesus. His name has been established by God to be the source and seal of salvation. Long before He manifested in the physical, Jesus had been put forward as the One in whom the people of the world will find all that God is and gives.

What are you waiting for? He is waiting for you to come; He knocks, waiting for you to open up to Him. Remember, eternity is at stake here. Have you responded to the invitation? Has the gift of God become your personal gift too? His time of favour is here. 

Love - Defined!

Love- Defined!

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV

The world has got all sorts of definitions for love, so it is important to make a distinction between the original and all other pretensions. There are even acts of sin that the world defines as 'making love', and the world's opinions are so strong that you just must know the truth if you are to take a decision.

If we look at today's extract, we read of at least two of the attributes of love. First, love does not delight in evil. As far as love is concerned, it is only interested in the good of other people, no matter their past or present. Love does not hold grudges or rejoice when an enemy falls. Love does not seek revenge. The world is becoming more and more complex as man keeps seeking new and novel ways to hurt other people, yet, the call for all who claim to know God is to live by different standards. That is the standard of love.

It doesn't just end on the fence, where love does not delight in evil. It is easy to claim that at least, you are not on the side of evil, but then, where is your allegiance? You may not promote evil, but are you actively seeking to establish and promote the truth? Do you rejoice with the truth? Am I a proponent and advocate for the truth, or do I just seek the path of least resistance, so I do not step on toes. Unfortunately, truth is not a popular concept, so be ready for opposition and resistance if you intend to stand for the truth. 

These are two parallel sides, never destined to meet. You cannot play both sides, or sit on the fence. You are either promoting evil or promoting truth. Your silence on any matter isn't enough; you have got to make up your mind where your allegiance lies and stick to it. 

All the above then leads to the question at the start. Love is defined from the perspective of truth, not what you and I think. Love is a concept that existed long before any dictionary was written so it will be difficult for a dictionary to properly define love. God defined it when he gave us his Son to die in our place due to our sins, and it is His love that keeps us going, even when we do not understand fully what is ahead. Any definition we hold on to must therefore flow from this understanding. True Love isn't an idea or concept; He is a person. The One who loves us enough to die for us, and still keeps giving us all we need for life, even when we ignore Him. He just cannot let go. This love keeps calling; He wants to come in and make a change in you. He wants to give you the strength and grace to live right, in line with today's extract. Would you let Him? Remember, nobody is promised forever down here; a time is coming for judgment on God's terms. Is His love in you? His time of favour is here. 

In Need 8!

In Need 8!

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 KJV

What is the basis of your present day experiences? What lies at the heart of your daily interactions? Let it be clear again that God operates by standards He has made known through His Word. All who will enjoy all that He is and offers must align with the standard. The requirements before today's extract, which is part of the Sermon on the Mount, point to holiness, righteousness, a heart that seeks after God and peace, which are requirements for all who claim to know God. Before yoi claim the blessings, make sure you have aligned with the basics.

Today's extract focuses on persecution, but in the right context. We note that this is the persecution that arises out of my relationship with Christ, not as a result of sin. For all who will follow, know this: persecution will come. It is certain that there will be a test of what you claim to hold on to. The world today is totally opposed to the Word of God, and there are bound to be conflicts between people who live by these 2 parallel standards. Both cannot see eye to eye on anything, so as soon as a child of God begins to feel too comfortable around the world, that child of God should know that trouble is ahead.

Your stand for Christ will be tested. You have to know the power and the resources that are available for you in Christ. He warns ahead of time about what is coming, and if I have been given advance notice of what is ahead, it means that the One who warns has it all under control. The reward for enduring the experience is this: the kingdom of heaven. That must be the ultimate desire and aspiration for all of us. Of what use are the treasures of the world if they cannot secure eternal life with Christ? Of what use is chasing after the world's treasures, if we will still leave them all when the owner of life calls for it? 

Today's experiences call for sober reflection and a review of what is truly important. The limits of the world's knowledge and resources have been made obvious. In the place where science reigned, prayers are now becoming a daily occurrence. Men have reached their wits end, because nothing now makes sense. It is a call to once again reexamine our values and get them straight. Do you belong to the group of disciples addressed here; people who have signed over their lives to God, who know that no matter the experiences, hope and eternal life have already been secured for them? Or are you still holding on to the false tokens the world holds out? These experiences are just the preparation; eternity calls. Would you listen? Will you surrender to Jesus? His time of favour is here. 

In Need 7!

In Need 7!

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

In a world where it is easier to spoil things than to create them, today's extract is apt. In a world where man has found novel ways to make and wage war, today's message is timely for the wise. In a world where war brings profit, today's message holds eternal lessons for as many as would listen. 

I checked out the meaning of peace: 1 called it freedom from disturbance; tranquillity; freedom from interference. Another said it is a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended. As much as these definitions are true, they are limited from God's perspective. These definitions refer to peace from the external; considering what is going on outside of me. However, from God's perspective, peace is first a function of my inner state, before it becomes my external reality. 

You cannot truly define peace outside the Prince of peace. You cannot experience true peace until you experience Peace Himself. There are no guarantees that wars will cease or you will never have interference. Wars and rumours of wars are part of this side of eternity. As long as I am on this side of eternity, I need the presence of the Prince of peace, if I will truly experience the tranquillity God promises.

And of course, what you don't have, you can't give. How do I make peace between people if I have not experienced it? How do I promote peace in my space if my own heart is at war over its pursuits and priorities? Making peace is an outflow of having peace; you draw on what you have stored up. There are no credit card transactions when it comes to the Christian life, where you borrow and then pay later. You pay the price by seeking it and doing what is required to store it up. God's grace makes it available but you must work it to establish it. It is abundant; it is free but it will place a demand on you to live it out daily.

And the reward for living right will be that you are known and recognized as belonging to the One called Peace. Men know what the standard is, even though they are not willing to live by it. The men in Antioch were first called Christians because their lives had marks of distinction that bore semblance to Christ. As I live from day to day, what do men see in me? What kind of fragrance does my life produce?

Am I truly a child of God, known by Him, or am I still struggling for identity and purpose and direction? Time is of essence; the world awaits the manifestation of the sons of God. Am I one? Are you? His time of favour is here.

In Need 6

In Need 6!

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 KJV

One of the definitions of pure is "not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material". This definition speaks volumes about God's standard and expectation for all who claim to know and follow Him. How does this definition impact me? What burden does it place on me? 

First, let it be known and established that purity is God's standard, not man's. However God defines it must be my daily pursuit, not how man defines it. There are things that man applauds but God abhors; there are things celebrated by man but despised by God. You just have to know the difference, get your priorities right and seek after the important things.

Secondly, it is an outflow of the heart. Purity isn't assigned as a degree in the university, or acquired by 3 or 4 years in a seminary or bible college. It is the outflow of a heart that has been submitted to God, which God is working on daily. It is never quite the finished article on this side of eternity, but it is a constant work in progress, just like the path of the righteous that shines more and more unto the perfect day. When the heart is right, the life is right. When the heart isn't right, it does not matter what the life produces; the end will definitely testify as to the contents of the heart.

Thirdly, there is an end to all of these. You don't think God placed us on earth and left us to our devices? Why would he make us in His own image, give us of His breath, a measure of His spirit, the freewill to choose or reject Him, and give us a promise of eternal rest if it was all for nothing? God did all of these so we could come to Him, discover His purpose for our lives and seek to please Him daily. If I am not doing this now, then I am yet to fully discover the purpose for which I was created.

That is the basis of the end of today's extract: see God. Is there a point to this life if I don't see God at the end of it all? Is there a point to all of the pursuits, possessions, position, power and privileges we seek and run after today, at the expense of our eternal reality? Would it be worth it if I am celebrated on this side of eternity as having lived well, yet God would have no record of my walk with or work for Him? Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend it. While you have time, make the right choice to seek, know and follow God. The end will be worth it. His time of favour is here.

In Need 5!

In Need 5!

Blessed are the merciful,  for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 NIV

How do you define mercy? One definition picked up on Google puts it this way: "compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.". In that definition is a summary of all that God is and what He expects from all who bear true allegiance to Him. So let's break it down. It is compassion or forgiveness shown. It means that there is an offence or sin for which the response is compassion or forgiveness. It does not take away the weight of the offence, but the one offended decides to overlook the offence and wipe the slate clean. 

And did you read the other bit? The compassion shown isn't from a position of weakness, where the one forgiving has no choice in the matter. In fact, it is within His power to punish or harm, but He decides not to exercise this option. It is this bit that gets me: I deserved to die for my sins, but God forgave me, not because I was indispensable but because His mercy just won't let me go to waste. In that mercy lies an issue: it places a burden on me to live up to what I have received. If I know the true value of what I have been given, it will show in my daily life.

And of course, the one who has obtained mercy and knows the value is quick to share it with others. S/he knows what has been forgiven, and is quick to extend the same grace to others. Do you even know what you have received? Do you have an idea the price that has been paid for your present stand? Am I quick to point out the obvious faults in other people, closing my ears and eyes to the lessons God wants me to learn? It is important to point out that by God's unbreakable law of sowing and reaping, whatever I put into the ground of other people's lives is what I will get from it. If I sow mercy, God assures me that I will get it back. 

Actually, I have already received mercy, because I am alive reading this. This is just a reminder of the standard expected of me, and how God demands I live. It was first given to me freely, and it is now beholden on me to give it freely to other people. What would it be for you? What is it for me? Remember, God cannot be mocked or deceived. He knows if I am sincere or hypocritical.  His time of favour is here.

In Need 4

In Need 4

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 NIV

There is a process for dealing with physical hunger and thirst. There are specific solutions for specific types of hunger and thirst. No matter how much you eat, it cannot replace the urge to drink water, and the opposite is equally true: no amount of water can fully satisfy an urge for food. You may be good for a while, but the hunger pangs will return after some time. And let it be known that hunger and thirst are natural human instincts, which will not be stopped in this side of eternity. 

These principles also apply in the spiritual. God who made man with these instincts knows that there is a hunger for something deeper in every man He has made. Do you have a witness in your heart that there is never a full satisfaction to life, no matter how much you have amassed, unless you have truly found God? Do you have a witness in your heart that you are never truly complete until you have filled the vacuum of your heart with God? That is the way man has been made, because he has the breath of God in him. Nobody and nothing else will satisfy that need. That is the spiritual dimension to the physical reality of hunger and thirst referred to above.

When the hunger and thirst align with God's purpose and will, the benefits and blessings are enormous. When a man seeks to fill his heart with the right kind of stuff, he is on the way to being blessed. When a man has sorted out his pursuits and priorities, and seeks after the things for which God is glorified, that person is on the way to a lifetime of impact. It matters what you place before you, and it matters what/who holds your heart. If it is not God, you will have to fight for yourself. If it is indeed God, then you have a lifetime of blessings ahead. 

Don't labour for bread that doesn't truly satisfy. Don't strive for recognition or applause from men who know nothing about who God is or His expectations from you. The man who seeks God and His righteousness is on the path to life, and it is no wonder that God promises that such a desire will be fully satisfied. What do you seek after? Who/What holds your heart? Can you truly say you are satisfied with the fruits of your present pursuits? If not, go find God, and seek after Him with all your heart. The benefits are not just good for this present earthly phase, but they will last with you into eternity. His time of favour is here.

In Need 3

In Need 3

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 KJV

How do you define 'meek'? The Cambridge dictionary defines it as 'Quiet, gentle, and not wiling to argue or express your opinions in a forceful way'. It gives a picture of someone who believes that the path of peace is better in the long run than the path of conflict or self-interest. It doesn't mean that the person is clueless or without any opinion; it just means that the person is willing to accommodate different opinions. 

You have to then wonder what's so special about being called meek? The one good example that can explain it is Moses, who was called the meekest man on earth by God. If you look at Moses' life and his decisions, you have to give God credit for the work He did in Moses' life. Here was a man whose first public walk ended up in the murder of an Egyptian. Yet, for the next 80 years, he learnt how to lead a multitude of grumpy, ungrateful people from Egypt to Canaan. He was provoked, but rather than lash out, he would go to God and report. And that is the difference between God and the world's view on meekness. 

Man sees being meek as being foolish or easy to oppress. God seeks meekness as a character he can use to achieve his purpose. All the men who God used were of different character traits, but the one thing each one had was a heart that was submitted to God. That is the basis of the reward promised for all who are meek: inherit the earth. All of God's greatest blessings are reserved for those who God can use to impact the earth. How does God deliver mighty treasures into the hands of arrogant and self-centred men, who do not know or appreciate the power of the Almighty God? How does God use proud men for mighty miracles, men who think that their strength or wisdom has made the mighty possible? 

If I will enjoy all that God promises, the secret lies in my secret pursuits and priorities. God is very interested in what goes on inside me, because that is the secret to how He can use me in the public. Meekness is internal, but its benefits are both visible and eternal in impact. Can God call me meek? His time of favour is here.

Located Right!

Located Right!

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 KJV

There are a few fundamental truths laid out in today's extract that bear emphasis. First, for all of us alive, there are 2 laws at work in our lives: the law of sin and death, and the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. All human beings, born of women, are subject to the law of sin and death. Due to the nature of sin we were born with, God already laid down the consequences of the breach of that law as death. Adam and Eve, the first beings on earth were the first recipients of that punishment, and it has stayed with us till today. 

There is a second law also at work, and it is the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. It is the exact opposite of the law of sin and death. The law of sin required us to comply with God's strict righteous requirements, but it could not provide us with the required grace to enable us comply. In fact, the law of sin placed on us an onerous burden by saying that once you failed in one, you had failed in all. How would any man be able to comply with God's righteous laws without help? This is the whole essence and purpose behind this second law. 

And the highlights of this second law is the grace and mercy available in abundant measures. I have a fresh and regular supply of them to enable me comply with God's righteous requirements. I do not need to depend on any moral code, or rely on human strength to enable me comply; now, I had Jesus helping me to live right. 

And it is quite important to emphasize my location and placement, if I will enjoy the benefits of the law of the Spirit. There is no condemnation for all who are IN Christ Jesus, not all who know about or follow Him or enjoy what he says. I can live around Him, read about Him or enjoy the stories about Him, yet what will work at the end of my life is to be In Him When He returns for me. 

Sin brings condemnation; Jesus gives grace and mercy. Where am I walking at the moment? Where am I located? What are my present pursuits and priorities? These are questions with eternal consequences, which I will do well to answer down here before I have to answer them again before the judgment seat of God. His time of favour is here. 

In Need 2!

In Need 2!

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 KJV

Yet again, it is emphasized that the surest way to get God's help is to admit that you do not have all the answers, you can't help yourself and you need His help daily. All the Beattitudes mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 5 all speak to human needs and divine solutions and conclusions to these needs. If you do not think you fall in any of the categories, why then would you think that you can claim the benefits? 

Today's extract addresses those who mourn. It could be as a result of the effect of sin, or an admission of helplessness in the face of the daily challenges that we face, but the start point of the suppy of God's grace, power and strength is the admission that there is a need in me that only God can satisfy. Am I so unconcerned with sin that it doesn't bother me much? Am I comfortable with seeing people go to hell when I know the antidote? Am I so focused on my needs that I do not care what is going on around me? 

If you are not bothered about the state of the world around you and it doesn't move you to go on your knees and pray, how can you expect an automatic change around you? If the devil can get busy polluting the atmosphere with sin and a lackadaisical attitude to its effect, why would we, who know God's view about sin, remain unconcerned and not bothered by it? If God calls death the wages of sin, what are we doing to counter its power? 

It is safer to mourn now, take the right steps to enthrone God's authority in the earth and establish his purpose down here. Go into your private room, call on God. Ask Him what His perfect will is, and how He wants you to respond to what is going on around you. His coming is at hand; He returns anytime soon. If I will lay hold of the comfort He offers, now is the time to get uncomfortable and to get to work. His Word is sure and certain, and whatever He promises will definitely come to pass. I must play my part, certain that God will always play his part. His time of favour is here.

In Need 1!

In Need 1!

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 KJV

There is a poverty of the mind as well as poverty of the spirit. Neither is a reflection of your earning power or your account balance, but both are usually deeper than what a surface review can reveal. Both also have solutions which are spiritual in nature. Today's extract addresses the poverty of the spirit and lays down the solutions as well as the benefits of the right application of the solution.

To enjoy the benefits stated here, you have got to admit your weakness or lack. For the benefits of the kingdom of God to be yours, you have to admit that you do not have it all figured out or in control of anything. You know and admit that there is always room in your life for more than you have now and only the true Word of God, who is Jesus, can fill it. That is the state of a man that can receive divine help. If I am full, there is no room for more. If I admit I am empty, I open myself to more of God.

Why are the poor in spirit blessed? It is because they come to God with a heart that is hungry for all God is. They know He is the answer to all of their life's questions, and they will stay with Him, no matter how bad things get or whatever happens. They know they have nowhere else to go, and nobody else to help. If God would not help, then they would rather die than compromise or seek help from wrong sources. Do I have that same attitude? Can God count on my total and absolute commitment, or do I have 'viable' options, just in case God fails or does not show up when required?

The kingdom of heaven is the eventual benefit of all who stay true to God. Even before its physical manifestation, they have already secured a place in the kingdom while on earth. How does that work: with God, His eyes are always on the eternal. He has already finished His work, and all He does is use lives that are totally committed to Him. The kingdom of heaven is where the will of God reigns supreme, with no dissenting voice or contrary opinion. As I live from day to day, can I say of a truth that God's will is my daily desire and pursuit? Can I say of a truth that my life and heart are open to His control and influence? Fundamental questions, with answers that will impact eternity. His time of favour is here.

Fact! Grace!

Fact! Grace!

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6 KJV

Today's extract is accounted for by Isaiah, centuries before the events mentioned here actually happened. What are the facts? In the Garden of Eden, we claimed independence, telling God we could take care of ourselves. We went our own way, thinking we knew best, and that has been the painful cycle all through the dispensations of man. We have thought up new and novel ways of hurting one another, and there appears to be no end to the capacity of man to inflict harm on another. 

Yet another fact: there is a price to be paid for sin, as Adam and Eve found out in the Garden of Eden. It is also a fact that all men would have had to pay that price. The price for sin was death, as laid down by God. And by God's righteous laws, the price would have to be paid if man would ever be worthy to stand before God, without the fear of death or condemnation. The big question though was: "Who was worthy enough to stand in the gap and pay the price for man's redemption? Who was pure enough to be the lamb of sacrifice, who would deal with the power and root of sin, once and for all? 

Yet another fact: Jesus was sent by God as that lamb, the One who takes away the sin of the world. No matter what you hold on to, at least you know that history points to the truth that Jesus walked this earth in Jerusalem of old. He came to the earth in our own human likeness, so He could feel what we feel. He had to be made like us, so we could be encouraged to depend on Him for strength to live right. And in this last fact is the definition and essence of grace. Rather than us walking the plank of death, Jesus did that for us. Instead of us paying the price, Jesus did that in full for us. Now, we stand redeemed, free from the effect and consequences of sin, because we have believed in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

This is the control question to all of these things: have you believed in the One sent to deal with sin? Have you accepted Him as both Saviour and Lord? Does He hold total control over your life or are there parts of your life that you are still holding on to, afraid of what might happen if you let go? Remember, you can never love yourself more than the One who formed you, gave you breath and preserved you till today. His love didn't let you go then; He won't ever let you go. Trust in the finished work, and secure eternity for yourself. The price is fully paid now; you do not ever have to pay anything again, except to walk into the eternal reality secured by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Those are the facts, and the essence of grace. His time of favour is here. 

Saved!

Saved!

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 25:8 KJV

As we take stock of recent events, today's extract is in sharp contrast to all we see and hear. We hear of deaths in hundreds daily, and there appears to be no coordinated effort to tame the monster. Not even the best economies are spared, and life has become such an odd commodity when it can be taken away in an instant. Yet, in the face of all these, God would have us pause and again consider who He is, what He can do and has done, and what lies ahead. 

First, his death and resurrection so many years ago sealed eternal life for me. It means that physical death or rapture, whichever one comes first, is just a translation of location into glory. Jesus went down into the grave, took over the keys to death and hell, and by that finished work on the cross, redemption has been completed and delivered. Nothing else can be added. 

Second, sin and evil make us cringe, and there are times we can do nothing about the spread of evil. However, as much as God gives grace, we strive to live above the dictates of sin, trusting God to help us live right. However, one day soon, all weeping will cease, when the power of sin and evil has been permanently dealt with. 

Third, it is not popular opinion these days to speak of these things. The world has become comfortable with what it sees and holds on to. However, for all who hold on to a different master, we know that nothing down here was built to last. It is not popular to claim allegiance to Christ, but then, the fact that all we see today will one day perish makes it clear that there is a need to critically assess what is truly important and pursue after these things. After all, what is the point of acquisitions and possessions, if they cannot save you in the day of God's wrath? 

And of course, if you would believe anything, you need to check out the credibility of the One speaking. The mouth of the Lord, the One who cannot lie or change his mind, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient God has spoken. Who else can speak anything contrary to what He has said or who else can counter what He has said? He has told us what is ahead, what is coming and how we can stay connected to Him, so we can enjoy what is offered. 

Now that you have again heard and read it, there is a need for action on your part. Now that you know what is ahead, what steps do you need to take to align, or what things do you need to address in your life so that you can remain rapturable? Don't forget: nobody is promised forever on this side of eternity. Whilst I wait for fulfilment of God's promises, I rely on His power and grace to help me walk in line with His will. Eternity is quite a long time that I just have to be sure where I will spend it. His time of favour is here. 

Free!

Free!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1 NIV

The preceding chapter and verses before today's extract speaks about the meaning and context of the freedom that the death and resurrection of Jesus has secured for us. The law operated up until Christ came, and its righteous requirements continue to apply to this day, but one major difference in both dispensations is that under the law, no grace was available to help us comply with the law. 

We struggled to comply with the regulations under the law because sin had messed up our code and DNA. We knew now the difference between right and wrong, yet we could not choose right every time. The law was supposed to provide regulated lifestyles, but it just couldn't address the problem of sin. As good as the law was, it just couldn't make a law as to how I would react to it. 

In came Jesus, in whom the law finds full fulfilment. Now, grace and strength to comply with the righteous requirements of the law were now available, and in Him, all the requirements are fulfilled. Through his blood, access is now given to limitless resources by God, and we are set free from the bondage of the law and sin. The grace is available, it is free. Jesus has come to seal my redemption and to secure eternity for me. 

In there lies a dilemma: I know now what is available; what is my reaction to all these? Would I take advantage of what is on offer, or would I ignore, certain that I don't need it? God will never force Himself on anyone, but He will always supply the grace I need to choose Him, until that grace expires, either by physical death or rapture. Then, it is too late to change your mind. 

For all who accept the gift on offer, the grace to stand fast is given. It is a daily stand, where you keep checking yourself to see where you are, and what you need to address. The discipleship lifestyle is one of daily education and experience, because if you do not guard your life, you run the risk of going back into bondage to the old way of doing things. We were saved from the past, given the gift of grace for the present and future, and sealed with the hope of eternity for the future. 

Don't let the devil deceive you into thinking you can make it on your own. God hasn't yet created anyone He doesn't have final control over. He gives me freewill, but He warns of the eternal consequences of the exercise of my freewill. I choose to stand with Christ, resting in His finished work on the cross. I choose to rest in His grace, sure that it can sustain me through these strange times and keep me to the end. How's your own stand? Are you truly free, as defined by God? His time of favour is here. 

New Priorities!

New Priorities!

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 KJV

True life starts at the foot of the cross. All of life's achievements are a fluke, unless they are based on the experience of the cross. If my life will have meaning and make impact, it must be rooted in the cross, so it can also flow out with the life of Christ, which is the whole essence of the Easter season.

I am crucified with Christ- if I am truly a Christian, I have partaken in the experience of the cross. When he bore my sins and went down to the grave, he took me along with Him. It was my sins that took Him down this path, and it is His resurrection that secures life for me. I can't claim His life if I have not partaken in His death. I can't claim the benefits if I have not borne the detriments.

Crucifixion meant death. If I have been crucified, I should be dead to the things that took me to the cross in the first place. If I am still sstruggling to live above sin, maybe I am still relying too much on my own strength or wisdom to live right. The cross teaches that I cannot do it by myself; I need the help of the Holy Spirit to live right. So, if I have come to the cross and picked up the true life on offer, I cannot then live as I please anymore. I serve a different master now; I live by a different code now. It is not the same old measure anymore. That's the essence of this piece: 

nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.

The strength required to live right is supplied in Christ. The life I live now finds essence in Christ. I live by different standards; faith in Christ becomes the whole drive. Even though I am in this weak flesh, I depend daily on the grace and help available in Christ: the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God. Is that true about your present life? And the example of Christ becomes both a burden and a lesson. He loved us when we were not really lovable, snd and He paid the full price for our redemption when we had nothing to offer Him in return. Do you think then that this sacrifice would be for nothing? Do you think that there will not be a price to pay if you reject this free gift to the end? 

Recent events further underscore the fact that we are in the end times. All we think we know are being challenged and nothing is ever what it has always been. However, one thing is certain: the immutable nature of God's Word. He offers life to all who come to Him, and He secures eternal life for all who trust Him to the end. ....who loved me, and gave himself for me. He gave His all for me, and one day, He will return and demand all of me. Would I be able to give Him my all: sanctified, redeemed and rapturable? His time of favour is here. 

Guided!

Guided!

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9‭-‬10 NIV

Following yesterday's piece on love as defined by God, Paul here again takes time to pray for the church in Philippi. Let's look at the contents of this prayer and see where they apply to us. First, for all who claim to know and follow Christ, the start point is yesterday's position, where the love of God must exist and abound in my heart. If I do not have God's kind of love, how do I impact the world the way God wants me to? If I cannot see with his eyes, hear with his ears or feel with his heart, how does God then use me to effect change in the lives of men? 

Second, when that love has been founded and established in my heart, it MUST grow and abound. There is a right environment for that growth, and it is based on the right kind of knowledge, the type only the Holy Spirit can supply. How do I see beyond the facade and front that people present to me, if I do not have divine help? How do I recognize hurt and pain if God doesn't impress it upon my heart by the help of His Spirit? That is why the love of God in my heart, if it is there, has to abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. 

And that is the third reason for the need for growth: the world is pretentious and complex and a lot of pretence and hypocrisy go on. The devil too is on a rampage for the souls of men, just as God is also seeking to work in the hearts of men who truly seek Him. He wants us to truly know and follow Him. He wants us to walk with Him without blemish, spot or wrinkle. He wants us to be blameless as we walk in this wicked world. There is an end to all we see now, and the day draws near when Christ comes back for His own. When he comes, what will He find in your heart: love or pretence/prejudice; His Spirit or spurious allegiances? 

For all of us, Paul's prayer here applies. We are in strange times, but the standards of God never change. His love is stil the one tool that will never fail to make impact. Does this love have a place in your heart? Am I growing in my knowledge of God and His will and purpose for my life? Does God have control over all I am and do, or are there other allegiances that hold my heart? Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend it. Sort it out today whilst you still have time. His time of favour is here.

Proof!

Proof!

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34‭-‬35 KJV

Just before Jesus went the way of the cross, Today's extract details the events at the washing of the disciples' feet, where Jesus had just taught them the importance of humility in service. Judas had just been identified by Jesus as the one who would betray Him, but the other disciples didn't understand it then. Judas stepped out to go do his own thing, and Jesus used that opportunity to lay down new standards of engagement for all who profess to follow Him. 

The old testament contains commands on love, but there was no supply of inner strength to comply. The law made a rule, but could not supply the inner convictions required to put them into practice. But here, the one who supplies grace was laying down the new law: the law of love, complete with the supply of the requisite grace to comply. Before now, the law had no viable example to present; it was just rules and regulations. Now, there was a practical example, one who was about to redefine love and present us with a standard that woud require grace to attain and sustain. 

His love is the perfect example of what God demands: love without pretence; love without conditions at the time it is given. We didn't work hard to earn it, and we could do nothing to uphold or sustain it. We only became aware of it when it was shown to us, despite our sins. However, please note: this love that has been shown us will demand something from us. This love demands that we open our hearts to Him, allow him work in us, and then flow out through us. We have been shown love; the right response is to show it to other people. 

Even though we didn't earn it, we have got to show it since we have received it. That outward flow is the proof of our allegiance. The world has seen enough examples of hate, bigotry and wars. It is time for the sons of God to be made manifest, and the sure way is the way of love. Men can read books or listen to sermons, but what louder message can a life proclaim, than one which is a living, breathing example of the love that the world cannot ignore. 

Grace has been supplied; strength is made available. The command has been given, and God awaits willing vessels through which He may flow and impact the world. Will I be one He can trust? Am I available? Are you? His time of favour is here.

No Fear!

No Fear!

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6 KJV

This is the Easter season, but it is also a season of fear and uncertainty due to events around the world. The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus should inspire hope and faith that God holds and knows the future but it is apparent that the devil is trying to take our eyes off the finished work of Christ and to keep them focused on his own evil schemes. Today's extract reminds us again of what is truly important. 

Oh, there was a basis for fear. The One whom they all knew and followed had just been put to death like a common criminal, and had been buried under a Roman guard. Then a few women came to anoint his body and they found his body gone and an angel declaring strange news. What is your fear: uncertainty, death, lack, debt or poor health? The words of the angel are timely for this season..

Jesus is the only way to conquer this fear. His life is the proof that God has got it all under control. There is a specific Jesus, the One from Nazareth, who has sealed eternal life for me. Every other 'god' or authority or power bows to the Lordship of Jesus. If you will truly subdue your fear, the secret is in Jesus. 

His death and resurrection are real events, not figments of anyone's imagination. He died and was buried in the full view of the people of His time so no accounts can deny these events. You do not bury a man publicly, under a Roman guard, and then claim publicly that his body was stolen. If that was, why were the disciples not arrested? 

The fact that there was no body found, and the fact that the angel pointed out an empty tomb to the women is the loudest testimony to the truth of resurrection and the seal of our redemption. As the women were shown the evidence of resurrection and charged not to fear, so does God again remind us in this generation not to fear what is here now or ahead. Our hope and faith are built on eternal truths, not the uncertainties around us. We have confidence in the Word of God that assures us that the risen Lord is Lord over all situations and circumstances. May the joy of Easter be our daily experience, and may the reason for this season reveal Himself to us and deliver us from all fear. His time of favour is here.

The Day Dawns!

The Day Dawns!

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:5 KJV

There are two distinct parts to today's extract, with both parts addressing God's nature and power. We speak about God's love a lot; we preach a lot about his mercy and grace, which are of course all amazing, but then, that is not all the story. We don't really like talking about his judgment and anger. We make the popular assertion that his love is far greater than his anger but the truth is that both his anger and love flow from the same heart of his: which is His desire that we become all that He wants us to be. 

Let it be known today that whatever God called sin in His Word remains sin, no matter the level of 'exposure' or 'enlightenment' we may have received. At the same time, the same love that has the earth going is still very much in place. The same God who pronounced death as the punishment for sin also pronounced love to all men, irrespective of what they had done in the past, as long as they made an approach to Him. This is the crux of this whole season: my reaction and response to the God who calls. 

He will always be angry at sin, but His love will always be available to all who come to Him. His anger at sin must not be mistaken for anger at the sinner, because it is his love that keeps calling at that sinner to return to Him. When the sinner returns to God, he finds God with open arms, ready to receive him/her back again. God's favour is such that stays with you and guarantees eternal life, but I note that favour is mentioned after the anger has been addressed. You cannot lay claim to God's favour until you have dealt with the hold of sin over your life. You do not want to enjoy all that the world has to offer and then discover that you have no place with God in eternity. 

This is a strange season, where many are weeping due to ongoing events. However, there is an assurance that this weeping will only be for a season. Joy will follow this strange season, but when it comes, what will it find in your hand? Are you using this time to take stock of where you are, and what you need to address now? Are you using this time to address the issue of sin, so that it does not become a hindrance to your eternal reality? The night will be over soon; the day dawns shortly. How will it meet you: prepared and ready or in sin and condemned? The choice, as always, is mine. His time of favour is here. 

Do it Right!

Do It Right!

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?  O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.  But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalms 22:1‭-‬3 KJV

At the time David penned down these words, little did he know that centuries later, Jesus would pronounce the words of verse 1 above as He hung on the cross. Whilst He bore the sins of the world, His Father turned His eyes away and couldn't look at His Son. In this is the gravest warning yet: if God took this view with His own son, is there anyone who still doubts how God would treat anyone who rejects His Son to the end? While I still have time and opportunity, today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is not assured, not with recent events. 

David felt something was wrong; he had a personal experience of God so when it felt God wasn't there, David had to cry out. The seasons of pain will come; uncertain times are here. What do you do when the path ahead is unclear? Do you sit, mope and throw a pity party, or like David, do you cry out? When you are not sure what God is saying or where He is directing, what do you do? Like David, make it a habit to call on God no matter the times or the seasons. His ears are not dull to hear neither are His arms too short to save. 

The last verse can only be pronounced by someone who has touched, tasted, felt and seen God at work. In that last verse lies the secret of victory: an acknowledgement of the power and might of God, and the willing heart to give Him what He is due: Thanksgiving and praise. A heart of deep gratitude has never be known to lack reasons to keep giving thanks. That heart will always see the divine hand of God in the midst of danger or despair. 

In this strange season, how's your heart? Does it feel like God has abandoned or forgotten you? Does it seem He has left you on your own? Learn from David today and offer Him what His heart desires: praise. He will come through for you, because it is His nature to be faithful to His Word. He lives in praise; offer Him your whole heart and all it can offer. His time of favour is here.

On Guard!

On Guard!

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 KJV

Jesus finished the last supper before his death on the cross and he took the disciples apart for prayers before the terrible experiences were to start. The words of Jesus here bear emphasis, and we will do well to heed his warnings.

First, you are most vulnerable when you think you are most secure. You are more prone to attack when you think you have sorted out your defenses. The disciples were about to witness the true test of their allegiance. They had seen Jesus perform miracles and get away with opposing the Pharisees and scribes, but things were about to change. Do you take the path of least resistance or are you standing for God, no matter what lies ahead? 

Second, this is a season where all you think you know or are sure about is being tested. A few of the disciples had made promises: "we won't deny you; we won't stop following you". We know how these promises went. Don't beat your chest about things you have not tried and proved. Your faith will be tested; you priorities will be proven. It's the season of fear for some, but the season of faith and soaring for others. The difference is in the strings of the heart. 

Third, watching and praying are fundamental to all that God has in store. You can't close your eyes to what is going on around you, because the signs of the end of the age are all around us. But you cannot also get a  understanding of the times and seasons if you do not go to God often. As I wake up each day, I realise there is a lot about the day that I do not understand, so I must go to God and seek His face. I realise I do not have any answer to all of life, so I must go to the Creator of Life Himself. That is the only way I can guarantee a good end.

Lastly, the pressure is real. There is always the temptation to think you can do it by yourself. There is a tendency to claim that God will not do for you what you are required to do for yourself. Whilst that may be true, have you at least sought God's face to know what He requires of you? Is your spirit aligned with His? Don't let the world's expectations burden you so much that you think you have to struggle on your own to make it. Nobody has ever succeeded in doing that. 

You are only truly safe when God is on your side, and you can only ensure this is the case when you constantly seek Him and seek his perfect will and purpose. This Easter season is another time to reflect and ask yourself: do I have God on my side? Is He my daily single pursuit or one of many options? Does He hold all of my heart or are there parts of me under my own personal control? Is my flesh subdued or still in charge? So many questions, with answers that will impact eternity. His time of favour is here.

New Covenant!

New Covenant!

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant [ratified] in My blood. Luke 22:20 AMP

Easter is here, and of course, a lot will be said of the greatest gift given this season. Of all that you have heard in the past, there will be repetitions. It may all sound familiar, but do not ever become so used to the story that you lose the awe of the awesome sacrifices that have secured your new standing with God.

The Lord's supper, or the last supper, is one of such stories. It represents the last thing Jesus did with all His disciples before Judas went his way, Peter did his thing and John too did his own bit. In that story are lessons that should hold your heart as you wait for the return of the reason for the season. First, the bread and the cup are symbols of his body and blood. These represent sacred reminders of the price paid for my present standing. I must never become so used to the solemn practice that I do it without considering its implication. 

Secondly, it is a window into the new relationship that God desires with me. Before the cross, lambs and goats were the sacrifices that were accepted as substitutes. However, with the cross, the blood of Jesus now speaks. Consider the price: God gave up his own son; He turned his eyes away from him when he hung upon the cross. If God dealt with sin this way, don't you think you need to also consider how you view sin? If such a high and final price was paid for the redemption of man, don't you think there will be an equally high price to pay if you reject the gift already given? 

Thirdly, a new covenant has been sealed. The contents of the cup has been poured out for ALL mankind. Covenants are usually sealed by a token, in this case, by blood. The blood of Jesus represents access into all that God is: healer, provider, protector, guide, guard, refuge and so many other things. Man-made devices may work for a while, but consider the eternal implications of who God is, what He offers and what He has done. You do not want to stand before God on the judgement day and realise you had not taken advantage of the life offered in and through Christ. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend it. Easter calls; Jesus calls. Heed, and obey. His time of favour is here. 

For Me!

For Me!

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Philippians 2:7 KJV

This is the season of Easter, when we remember the greatest gift given; the One who sealed our redemption and secured our eternal reality. We talk about what he gave us, but have we ever thought about what He had to give up so we could have what we hold on to today? 

Here was the One called the Word; was with God at the beginning of recorded time, and is declared by God to be the One for whose pleasure the earth and everyone in it was created. He is called the Wisdom and the Power of God. He is the image of the invisible God, so if God is seen as glorious, it means that the Son has the same glory.

Yet, when it was time for sacrifice, He left it all behind. He didn't just leave it all behind; He went back to basics; the minimum. He came down to ny level, took me by the hand and led me to where He was before He came down. His birth was the most simple of events: born to the simplest of homes and the humblest of places. He is Lord and Master, yet He came in the form of a servant so He could teach me the service is the best form of representation. 

He came in my likeness, so I know He can help me. He came in my image, so I know I have help anytime I need it. But in all of these there is a word of caution: I do not see anywhere God compels man to come to Him. It is a decision I must take, knowing full well that rejecting Him to the end will result in eternal damnation. 

God does not compel anyone to follow Him, but let it be known today that one day soon, by choice or compulsion, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Today, whilst you have time, make the right decision. Easter reminds us of what is truly important; don't waste the season. His time of favour is here.

Settled!

Settled!

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:4‭-‬5 KJV

Let it be known and established today that God has no favourites when it comes to sin. He punishes it wherever and in whomever it is found. He did it to David, even to Ahab, and most vividly turned his face away when his own Son bore the sins of the world. Don't ever think it will be different for you, simply because you 'hear' God; his dealings with Israel show that God is NOT a respecter of persons. 

In context, this passage started with a word of encouragement to Jerusalem, that its people will be restored from captivity. They had been punished, but now they were to be restored. In the midst of these words, we read today's extract. God punishes sin, but He also shows mercy. God punishes sin, but He remembers our weak frame and knows we are dust. However, he warns of the eternal effect of sin, and charges us to return to and remain in God, who is able to secure our lives in eternity. 

These are strange times; sin is at an all time high, yet God's voice keeps speaking, warning us that He is coming back. For all who will take heed and learn, know this: God is able to keep his promises. All that we know now will change, and nothing will ever remain the same. If the physical world can be impacted as it is now, with the way we live, travel and work forever changed, imagine what it would be like when The Lord returns. Valleys and mountains will undergo changes; the familiar will lose its appeal; the ununsual will become the new normal, and the glory of the Lord will be made manifest. 

As it is now, hasn't the unusual become usual? Are we not experiencing strange things now? This is a time to remember the Creator of the ends of the earth, the One who holds all things together and who will judge all the earth according to His standards. You do not want to stand before the judgement seat of God to discover that you had pursued the wrong things. 

God's glory will be made manifest, with or without your cooperation. His day is coming soon, and all eyes will see it. Jesus had come once in the flesh, and bore the consequences of our sin. Sin has been dealt a fatal blow by the death and resurrection of Jesus, and a direct line to God has been sealed. The Word of God has spoken extensively about this season as well as the Great and Terrible day that is coming, and my ideal response is to carefully examine my ways to see if I align with God's expectations for me. Does my life presently reflect the glory of God? Is God visible in the outflow of my life? Is His will my own pursuit and priority or are there other competing interests? If the trumpet was to sound at this very moment, where would I end up? May the Lord make me worthy of heaven at the end of these strange times. His time of favour is here.

Lifted!

Lifted!

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Psalms 24:9‭-‬10 KJV

David took time to lay the foundation for today's extract. For all who will stand with Christ at the end, there are minimum standards expected. It all starts from the heart, that hidden part that nobody sees or can control, without God's help. For all who will make the approach, clean hands and a pure heart are the starting and building blocks. If God were to show you an xray of your heart now, what will it reveal: a heart free of pollution or one that He cannot use? 

The question above and your true response are both important because of today's extract. There is a reference to gates and everlasting doors. Gates and doors reflect security, authority, safe boundaries and protection. And then, it matters on which side of the gates or doors you are on: on the outside trying to get in or on the inside trying to keep people out. Why your position is important is also documented in today's extract: there is someone, called the King of glory and the Lord of Hosts, who is coming through those gates or doors. 

Let it be known today that nobody can withstand the coming King. No doors have yet been built that can withstand Him. He is coming, and those gates/doors will be opened and lifted up, whether the gates want to or not. It won't matter how strong or how long the gates are or have stood; the King of glory is coming. You need to sort out on whose side you are on. When the King comes, where will you be: eager to let Him come in or ashamed that you have been found wanting? 

Everything happening around us shows indeed that the coming of the King is at hand. We really do not have as much time as we think we do. In case you do not know who the King is, he is Jesus, the son of God. His life was given to secure my admission through those gates, and my admission with Him is based on my acceptance of the life that was given. Have I accepted Him as Lord and Saviour? Does He know me as His own, or am I still struggling for identity? His time of favour is here.

Get A Word!

Get a Word!

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10‭-‬11 KJV

In the verses before today's extract, God takes time out to introduce himself to as many as would make the approach to Him. He is near, He's knocking and waiting. He's not like man, who likes to hold grudges or lord it over others. His Word is his bond, as is evident from the words of today's extract. What do these words mean? 

First, seasons were set up by God to define times and dispensations. The rain, snow and sunlight all serve a purpose: to make God's power and might known on earth. They are a testimony to the trust-worthy nature of the One under whose command they operate. If seasons and times are under his command, then imagine how powerful the God who speaks here is. 

Second, when times and seasons are in operation, they lead to other outcomes. Rain has a function, just as snow and the sunshine do. They serve a particular purpose in the scheme of God's creation. One of them is to help the seed planted to produce after its kind, for the benefit of man and other animals. If this is true of physical seed, imagine the full dimension of this with spiritual seed, which is the Word of God. I have NEVER seen where a good seed was planted in a good soil, received all nourishment required, and still failed to grow, unless there were other things that happened that were not obvious at the time of planting. 

Third, the Word of God is seed, planted in the ground of the human heart, and nurtured by all God demands or provides: the Holy Spirit, personal study, fellowship, prayers and others. The seed sown always produces far more than what was put in the ground. As long as I allow the Word of God to take root in my heart, I am a candidate for the awesome and the miraculous. The Word of God is backed up by His name; in fact, in Hebrews, we learn that when God would enter into covenant with Abraham, he made an oath, swearing by His name, because IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE. 

Fourth, if seasons can be this trusted and have so been consistent for centuries, imagine the power and efficacy of God's Word. God promises that he will not just talk; whatever it is that He has spoken out of his mouth become impossible to deny. As long as you are sure He said it, He cannot later deny that He didnt say so. What was the weapon of choice when Jesus was tempted? It was the Word of God. He kept saying: IT IS WRITTEN. 

For all who claim to know and follow God, the challenge is this: do you even know this God truly? Does He know you as His own? Do you even have any idea of what He wants you to do, when He wants you to do it and how? It is easy to hide behind corporate fellowship, but when you are on your own, what value do God and His Word hold for you? For both the eater and the sower, the Word of God is sufficient. It is able to meet the present physical need and also be relevant to any future need or discussion. God has already made a promise about His Word, and He waits for anyone who will take Him at His Word. Would you be the one? Would I? His time of favour is here. 

Urgent!

Urgent!

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 NIV

Today's charge speaks to all of us; or at least it addresses our foundations and seeks to take us back to where we should. James had earlier spoken about pride, adultery and double-mindedness, and now, he was speaking to specific people. Who were these people?

First, if you do not know you need help, you cannot really be helped. If God stretches his arms to me but I do not lift your arms to be carried, how can I turn around and blame God for ignoring me? If I do not respond to God's invitation, how can I turn around and blame Him when my life doesn't make the impact it was formed to make? 

Secondly, the invitation is to make the approach: come near to God. I am not asked to bring a price or to offer blood. I am asked to just come. God promises to come near to all who make the approach, but then it gets really simple: if I will make the approach, there is a small price to pay: making a clean break with the life of sin. That is the minimim requirement for getting God to do what He has promised to do. He will take me as I am, but He will clean me up before sending me back into the world to make impact. If He does not reign in me, he cannot fully trust or use me. 

Sinners are asked to wash their hands, not with soap and water, but in the cleansing blood of Jesus. The double-minded are asked to purify their hearts, not with cleansing agents, but with the purifying power in the Word of God. Sin is a reproach; being of double mind is a hindrance to what God can do in any life.  Both will not allow God do what He is able to do with a life that is totally surrendered to Him. Where do you stand? Are you washed in the blood, or are your hands your greatest hindrance? Have you made up your mind what your priorities will be going forward? Eternity awaits your decision. His time of favour is here.

Sustenance

Sustenance!

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:13

As we look at today's extract, an awareness of the enormity of the issues facing us dawns on us. We realise that we do not simply have what it takes to survive in this cutthroat world where people can kill each other just because of power, position, privilege or possession. We are in a world where effort, labour and physical exertion seem to be the basis of reward and return. By the world's standards, if you blink, you lose. If you don't hustle, you don't get anything. Unfortunately, this is what we have learnt growing up and we have gone to the extreme by inculcating the same mentality in the coming generations.

Whilst we do not encourage laziness of any sort, it must be settled that what you get from God is not on the basis of your effort or labour. What God gives you has nothing to do with your IQ, your family background, your ethnic leaning or your connections. Paul here had learnt how to depend on God for everything and in everything, he could see God at work. He had experienced times of weakness and pain, moments of sorrow and anguish, seasons of joy and gladness, but in everything, one thing was clear: I am what I am by the grace of God. We are who we are by the grace of God. We don't earn his help, we don't deserve his favour, we don't fight for his recognition, we can't be self-sufficient outside of him. Our sufficiency is in God alone.

Can this be our confession? Whatever you have or become, never lose sight of the truth that God makes us who we are. His breath in us is the distinguishing factor. His grace is the enabler. Never forget that He is the one who matters. Men come and go; seasons change, but God remains the same. His time of favour is here.

Missing the Point!

Am I Missing the Point?

And Jesus entered the temple [grounds] and drove out [with force] all who were buying and selling [birds and animals for sacrifice] in the temple area , and He turned over the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the chairs of those who were selling doves [for sacrifice]. Jesus said to them, “It is written [in Scripture], ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer ’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.” And the blind and the lame came to Him in [the porticoes and courts of] the temple area, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful and miraculous things that Jesus had done, and heard the boys who were shouting in [the porticoes and courts of] the temple [in praise and adoration], “Hosanna to the Son of David (the Messiah),” they became indignant and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus replied to them, “Yes; have you never read [in the Scripture], ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared  and  provided praise for Yourself’?” Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there. MATTHEW 21:12‭-‬17 AMP

It is amazing just how easy it is to miss the point as we seek relevance based on the world's expectations. When you get used to a particular way of doing something, you lose the 'awe' value, and start taking many things for granted. How did the people of Jesus' day get to the point where the temple became a place of commerce? Had they forgotten how the glory of God came down when Solomon dedicated that first temple? Couldn't they remember how God promised to hear and attend to all the prayers made in that temple? How did the people get to this point?

Firstly, please note that what worked for you yesterday is not bound to work for you today. You may have experienced a mighty move of God yesterday, but today is a new day, and another opportunity to learn something new about God. You cannot be content with yesterday's glory; God is always at work and when you rest on past glory, you miss the move of God and the new things he wants to do.

Secondly, this was a temple with leaders, chief priests, teachers of the law, scribes and all sorts of titles, yet they knew nothing about the fulfilment of all of God's great plans, fulfilled when Christ came. Please, don't get so stuck up on what 'my pastor said' that you don't bother to confirm that what you hold on to is the truth. Many lives have been shipwrecked because they patterned their lives after imperfect examples. I can imagine men and women of those times, simply taking in all they heard, without any conviction in their hearts. No wonder they were easy to deceive. No wonder the temple had lost its place in their hearts.

Thirdly, please note that though the focus then was on the physical temple, God has also moved beyond that and is seeking a place in our hearts. The men of Jesus' day were so concerned about their bottom line, they didn't know that Jesus didn't need figures to make impact; he just needed willing hearts and available lives. Can he count on yours?

Did you notice that in the verses above, there is one small part that talks about healing? In the very place where men were busy buying and selling, just a few steps away from the madness, in the porticoes and courts of the temple, were people with prepared and ready hearts, and they got healing. The main temple was full of scheming and greedy people, but a few steps away, people's destinies were being reset. You can get lost in the multitude, or you can get the blessings ordained for you. What you get depends on relationship and readiness. You can come to meetings and sit through 4 hours; there is no guarantee that you will get anything. You can do all the rituals and lift up the hands, the chairs or roll on the floor;  God has never been moved by the ephemeral and the hypocrisy. He sees the heart and deals accordingly.

Of course, when you are right, you can never be popular. This race is not a popularity contest. If you are looking for general appeal, don't bother. If you want to be liked by everyone, then this race is not for you. Jesus had dealt with man's expectations and had made up his mind when this was said about him in John 2:24-25 NIV: But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. If this was said about Jesus, then who do you think you are, if you think it will be different for you?

Then comes the children. If there is anything I have learnt, it is that you have to see things from the perspective of the kids sometimes. As far as they were concerned, this was the son of David, the Messiah. Who told them? How did they know? Once again, God's unquestionable power comes to the fore. In the midst of the highest confusion, God makes a way. When a man thinks there is no way forward, God makes a way where none ever existed. When I think I have reached my limits, God can decide to use a child's wisdom to set me right. After all, my life is his in the first place, and my eternal destination is his highest priority. The shouting by the kids was done in the same porticoes and courts were the healing took place. People, let's find God wherever he is at work. If the physical building makes it hard, go look for him in the porticoes and the surrounding courts. Listen to his voice and look for him amongst the blind, the lame, the poor and the less privileged. Join him at work, and see him move the heavens and the earth on your behalf. 'Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found' tells me that there is a season for searching and there are benefits for searching. When you find God, it doesn't matter what the other distractions are. When you find God, then you have found an anchor for your soul. When you don't have God, it doesn't matter what else you have got.

As usual, I can ignore his leading, just as the elders of his day did. I can choose my own path, but I must know today that all decisions have eternal consequences. Can I honestly evaluate my life now and say with confidence and assurance that I have found God? Can you say the same? His time of favour is here.