Angry?

Angry?

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Ephesians 4:26 KJV

What can you do? It appears that today's extract allows you to be angry. There are things in the world that may cause you to show emotions. Man's inhumanity to man is a case in point. Sin has made us godless; we do not seem to care how people feel about what we do or how and why we do them. Our hearts seem to have become hardened. Yes, we could get angry at what we see or what people do, but this is just the first part of the extract under consideration.

What can't you do? The other half says that while you do have a right to be angry, you MUST NOT sin. We conveniently claim 'holy anger' when the narrative suits us, but we forget where we are warned not to let anger lead us to sin. Our emotions are ruffled, and sometimes because of pride, we justify our reaction. Let us be quickly reminded of what James 1:20 says: for human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote God’s righteous purpose. It is clear that as long as my reaction is not directed by God, it can never work to God's purpose.

How long should it last? I am also warned that even where I am able to justify the reaction, and I believe I was right, there is a time limit on how long I should hold on to the emotions. Haven't you seen where 2 people quarrel, and after some period of malice, none of the parties can really tell you what the root cause of the offence was. The devil is crafty; all he needs is a good reason to come in. He doesn't need any further reason to stay put and destroy a life from within. In fact, the next verse after today's extract warns: for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Now that you know, you must guard against any opening in your life for the devil to operate.

Who can help you? Of course, God will not ask you to do anything He has not supplied strength for you to do. If He commands it, grace is available to help me align. If I don't trust Him, how would I see Him at work in and through me? If He's not in charge, how can I call on His power to help; a power that my life doesn't recognize or accept? Help is available; grace is sufficient. All I need do is surrender and ask for His help. His time of favour is here.

Afraid?

Afraid?

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Isaiah 41:13 KJV

Let it be known from the outset that fear and God's Presence cannot mutually coexist in the same heart. One would always displace the other. In several places in the Bible, God charges His children not to be afraid. He recognizes the power and influence of fear; if He did not, there won't be several references to 'Do not fear' in the Bible. But He makes it clear that the antidote to fear isn't bank account balances, political connections or circle of influence, but the Presence of the One who has conquered fear. So, what holds your heart? You can focus on the Pressure or you can focus on the Presence; the choice is yours but as you know, choices have consequences. I cannot claim the Presents and conveniently ignore the Power who gives them.

It is in that context that today's extract is set. The Lord speaks here, setting my heart at rest that He knows me and wants to help me. He wants to do a work in and through me that no other person or authority can do. That is what is covered here: First, clarity on the source of the help. It can be no other person except God Himself. And he holds my right hand, as a sign of total knowledge about who I am, what my strengths and weaknesses are, and where I need Him. And then He speaks and addresses all the fears and uncertainties I may have, offering me help and support like no one else can. 

These are only available to those who have surrendered to God, and have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour. How do I demand help and support from someone I do not recognise as being able to help me? If I keep rejecting Him, can I then turn around and blame Him for the consequences of my actions? Fear is real; events around the world have given room for it to grow and fester. But then also is God real, and for all who will seek Him out, His help, support and Presence are all available. Take advantage of the offer; it is free now. A time is coming when grace is no longer available, and judgment will be based on what I did with this free gift. His time of favour is here. 

Burdened?

Burdened?

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

A little context: today's extract is part of a chapter that speaks to the wickedness of man and the need to make a choice as to who to follow. David spoke about the wickedness of man, the inconsistencies of the fallen man, and the refusal of man to see the folly of wickedness and to repent. When you consider the effect and impact of wicked acts around us, does it not seem that evil is 'profitable'?

And from the verses before today's extract, that much is obvious. David had friends who had made covenants and broken them without much thought. He had met people whose tongues promoted sorrow and mischief. Yet, in all of these, his choice was clear: I will call upon God. That was his default setting, and his life, as we read it, is a testament to the power of a life totally given to God.

No matter the pressure, cast all your cares and burden upon God. It is my duty to cast; if I do not give it up, God wouldn't go against the exercise of my free will. I must cast it on God, not any person, no matter how strong or connected s/he is. A man can only lift you up as high as his hands can reach; God's everlasting arms is a better place to be. 

I note that the extract doesn't say that your life suddenly becomes easier and carefree; the big difference now is that you got God on your side and He alone has the power to sustain whatever He has ordained. His promise is that the righteous will not be moved. No matter the shaking, the upheavals and the storms that may arise, the righteous will not be moved. 

I note that all these parts are linked and related. You cannot lay claim to the promise of stability and sustenance by God while holding on to your cares and concerns. You must let go of that which will not let you take hold of God alone. As long as you have 'viable' options, God cannot trust your standing. If He can't vouch for you, how does He trust that you will choose Him? So, where are your cares? In your custody, or already in the hands of the only One who can take care of them? His time of favour is here. 

Worried?

Worried?

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Matthew 6:25 NIV

In putting today's extract in the right context, Jesus had been teaching the disciples about the principles and practices of God's kingdom. He had warned against revenge, taught about love, giving of alms, prayer, fasting and forgiveness, and here he was, warning against trust in riches and anxiety over the things the world considers important. I believe it is clear that today's extract would only make sense in the light of the lessons that Jesus had been teaching before this one.

When the One who knows the heart charges us not to worry about life, He knows what He is talking about. He knows that our hearts can only take on so much extra weight. He knows that we were not build to pile up pressure on ourselves, but to live each day trusting in the One who created us, gave us life and set us up where we are. 

He tells us not to worry about what we will eat and drink and what we will put on. The world teaches that the three basic human needs are food, clothing and shelter, yet God is saying I shouldn't worry about them. How does this work? Simple: what you set your heart on becomes your most important pursuit. If all I think about is what to eat, drink or wear, how does God catch my attention to show me what He wants me to do, or what is next on his agenda for my life? 

The questions at the end of today's extract are quite instructive. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothes? It takes a man who has seen God at work to know that God is able to provide when it is needed. We define our worth by the things we put on; our net worth is defined by our account balances; our value to society is defined by what we can bring to the table. Unfortunately, from God's perspective, these things hold no value unless and until the holder understands the place of the things s/he holds, and knows that God can place a call on those things at anytime or can command more to flow at anytime. So, it is not really about WHAT you hold, but WHO you know. 

There is more to my physical body than what I put in or on it. Jesus would have me focus on the things that are of eternal value. While I pursue sustenance down here, I must not forget that this present earthly life is a preparation for the eternal. I must not be so caught up in daily living that I do not prepare in any way for eternal living. May I not stand before God at the end of this earthly phase and realise that I had pursued the wrong kind of sustenance. His time of favour is here. 

Blessed?

Blessed?

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Psalms 119:2 KJV

This is the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses divided in 3to 22 sections of 8 verses each. One thing that runs through each of the 22 sections is reference to the God and His Word, which is referenced in different ways in the whole chapter. It is therefore clear that if a man will prosper and be all that God created him/her to be, the sure way is through a relationship with God and His Word. 

This is emphasised in today's extract. God's Word is a testimony about Himself; He sets out His CV for us to see for ourselves and decide what to do with Him. He tells us what His will and purpose is, and makes it clear that when we walk with Him, He can bring to pass all of his plans and purposes for us. Testimony comes from a witness; someone who saw, heard, did, tasted, smelt or felt the thing(s) being testified about. His testimony also tells us what He demands from us and we will do well to learn what He wants and be careful to obey them. 

Blessings are mentioned here and we will do well to understand the context of the blessings, otherwise we will shout "I receive" all day and yet get nothing. The key word here is 'keep'. You will only seek to keep safe the things you treasure. If it is valuable, you will take steps to keep it safe. Have you taken time out to learn what God demands and desires? Are you careful to seek to keep His commands, or are you all about effects with no depth? 

In keeping the testimonies of God, your life will also testify. Men who come into contact with you will also testify of your allegiance. However, the seat of this public testimony is the hidden place of the heart. You will see from today's extract that what is emphasised is the WHOLE heart, not a part or the greater part of it. It has to be the whole thing, or God cannot confirm your total surrender or allegiance. If He cannot vouch that you will choose Him anytime, would He be quick to commit His testimonies into your hands? But if my whole heart seeks Him, He will be quick to reveal His mind and will to me. I will not see the full picture all at once, but the promise is that as long as my heart is totally sold out for God, there is no limit to what God can do in and through me. That is the way to claim the blessings promised by God. You can live on the altar, or offer daily sacrifices; if you don't walk the path as defined by God, you cannot claim the benefits that are linked to His path. That is how easy and also how difficult it is. You have a choice to make; in fact, eternity awaits your decision. His time of favour is here. 

Friend?

Friend?

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:13‭-‬14 KJV

A popular saying is "Talk is cheap"; you will agree that this is true in all respects.  The verse before today's extract talks about a command from Jesus. He directs all who would listen that love is not really a counsel or advice, but a command. Of course, as He speaks, a fundamental question would be to clarify who is being addressed. He came to die for the whole world, but his benefits of his commands are for all who will follow closely and obey Him. 

And He will never demand of you what He has not done Himself or ask of you what He has not supplied personal example and sufficient grace for. As today's extract makes clear, Jesus gave His life for the world. He died in our place, since we could not pay the price for sin. From that example, a command is given: as I have dealt with you, so you must deal with other people. It is not a negotiation; it is an instruction. If you will enjoy the benefits of His death and life, you must align with the conditions of the promise. 

And He calls me friend, if I am careful to obey His command. Friends are not like servants; you have access to the presence of the Master. You don't have to go through any other medium or consult any oracle in order to get God's attention. Taking advantage of the free gift of life in Christ is all that you need to become His friend. 

And since I am his friend, I am set up to represent Him wherever I go. I become his eyes, ears, lips and feet. My life becomes a reflection of his love and life. When people come in contact with me, what is obvious and evident? Do I show off His love, or am I doing my own thing? Remember, obedience is the outward manifestation of a life that has an inner witness to the life and love of God. Do you have Him in you? His time of favour is here.

Disciple?

Disciple?

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. Luke 9:23‭-‬24 KJV

In laying a foundation for today's extract, Jesus was praying with His disciples, and he asked them 2 questions: 1. Who do people say I am? There is a perception from the crowd about who Jesus is. We come to Him for so many things. We stay sometimes because we think we got nowhere else to go. Sometimes, it is that He is one of many options available to us, so we stick around until another viable option comes around. Or like the response the disciples gave, we recognise his power, authority and influence but we know nothing about His Lordship and Sonship. Unfortunately, these are the most important considerations when it comes to knowing who Jesus is.

The crowd knew Him as maybe Elijah, some said He was John the Baptist, others called Him one of the old prophets who had died and had risen again. It was great to see these comparisons, as these men were great tools in God's hands in their time, but they were NOT Christ. And this is important because Jesus then asked those who had been following Him for a while now: "Whom do you say I am?" There is a place for public opinion but there is a place for personal experience. How you respond to Jesus will always be a function of what you know about Him? 

And this is the foundation of today's extract. For all who crave a personal experience of Jesus, the terms are laid out above.  The call is to ANY MAN. There is no one alive who is so far gone that s/he is beyond the grace of God. As long as you are alive, the invitation to draw near is for you. However, because you are dealing with a God of absolute purity who demands all from me, there are terms and conditions. First, you must desire to come after Him. You can't lead yourself; you must be willing to subdue your will and desires to the One you claim to follow. If you know everything already, or you know definitely where you are going and how to get there, then this call may not be for you. If you will come after Him, then the next step is for you.

Second, there is a need to DENY MYSELF. I must come to a point where my desires and personal will no longer control me. I must stop feeding the human desires and start feeding the things God desires. It is the power of sin that pushes man into all sorts of  evil desires, but it is the power of God that delivers from the power of sin. When you fully understand the power of sin and the eternal consequences of living in it, you will appreciate the need to deny yourself, relying on the power of God. Sin will not die by itself; it is older than any of us. Victory over sin is only possible in and by the Only One who died and rose again to secure that victory once and for all.

Then comes the next part: TAKE UP HIS CROSS. There isn't any call to comfortable living or compromise. It is a call to take up your cross. It is the place of daily death, where you constantly remind yourself that you have died to sin, and it no longer has any power over you. It is a constant reminder that your strength is not in yourself, but in the One who calls you to Himself. You may walk with God and He may bless you beyond your wildest dreams, but you must never let go of the cross. It is your daily reminder of why you started following Him in the first place. You can never outgrow the need for your cross, unless you have found a way to sustain yourself through all the experiences and challenges that are coming.

And then with all of these, you must FOLLOW HIM. It is not enough to desire or pray about it; you must actually take steps to do it. And just like the part of the cross, this is also a daily requirement. You can't take a part that is convenient and leave out the difficult parts. You can't pick and choose how to proceed as there is no middle ground in this matter. And the reason for all of these is in the extract above. Don't assume that you can protect yourself or guarantee how your life will end. The times we are in are so strange and unpredictable. You can take all necessary steps, yet none of us can determine what the end of today holds. We can secure ourselves the best way we know how to, but it is not possible to change the plans that God has in place. It pays then to constantly depend on God for his help to live and walk right, so that you can end well. The lines have been drawn and the conditions and consequences have been made clear. What's your decision? His time of favour is here. 

The Right Value

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:11 KJV

Let it be quickly established here that today's extract is addressed to people referred to as 'sons' and 'children'. If you feel you have outgrown the need for control or discipline, then maybe today's extract is not for you. 

The next lesson for these sons is that part of the package of the family you have been born into is discipline. I am yet to see anyone who turned out to be quite useful, who didn't submit to discipline. It is not a matter of IF but WHEN. If I will amount to anything God can use, the way there would have to involve a lot of discipline. 

And discipline is an offshoot of love. I am also yet to meet anybody who looked back at the past and didn't appreciate the experiences that helped shape him/her. All that we had to deny ourselves of; all that we had to endure all had one main goal in view: to make us what God could use to further His kingdom on earth. In fact, the context of today's extract makes it clear that if there is no discipline of a child, it means that the child, most likely, is an illegitimate one. That seems to be quite a hard one, but it is quite apt in explaining why we all need to be subjected to discipline, if we will amount to anything God can use. 

Earthly discipline by earthly parents was good; we learnt life through it. If this applies to the physical, imagine the value in the spiritual. Earthly discipline helped us understand the place and the limits of earthly things; so also does spiritual discipline help us know what God wants and what he hates. Both hold value for both the present earthly phase as well as eternal life that we are hoping for. 

If I will make heaven, I cannot avoid discipline, as defined by God. If I ignore or resist it, I am telling God I do not recognise his Fatherhood over me, or I do not belong to Him. That is quite dangerous. The times we live in calls for help from One who knows what I need, when I need it and in what quantity or context. He knows what I need for the place He is taking me, and as I trust Him, I will arrive safely. If I resist Him, I cannot turn around and blame Him for the consequences of my actions. His time of favour is here. 

Getting it Back!

Getting it Back!

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:7 KJV

Today's extract starts with a statement that seems to suggest that some people had convinced themselves that they could get away with the consequences of their actions. And when you consider how 'slow' punishment for evil actions come, you kind of wonder whether it is not true. 

This early statement re-emphasizes again the law according to God's own standard, which He had laid down since the flood, that as long as the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. That was the law then, it is the law now, and no matter how 'slow' we think God is, be sure: you WILL reap what you sow.

And when you read the very clear words: God is not mocked, you get the clear message that the God referred to here isn't the type that needs to be told what is going on. He created the human heart, so He knows all its secret and hidden agendas. He formed the life, so He knows all the areas of pressure and deceit. 

He is not the type of God to be moved by external piety that does no good to the inner man. Man has learnt to deceive other people with outward activities: charity, piety, moralistic uprightness, yet for this God, these are not enough. They all matter when the soul is surrendered to God, but until then, these activities remain what they are: mere activities with no eternal value. 

And the law is simple: whatever a man sows is what he will reap. There is no respect to gender, ethnicity or race. The law is the same. There is no respect to power, position or privilege; the law is the same. And because there is a time lag between sowing and reaping, we sometimes think we can change the consequences of the seed that has been sown. 

Another fundamental lesson this also teaches me is that if I want a determined end, the point of caution is at the point of sowing. I can carefully choose the kind of ground I want; I can carefully prepare the seed for transport; I can ensure that there are enough nutrients to nourish the seed when it is sown. All these matter until the seed enters the ground and is covered up. As soon as it is covered up, the nutrients, water, sunlight and all other things will impact the seed. 

Sowing was done in secret, away from the crowd. Even if you had so many people witness the planting of the seed, you will have to look for more than that number to help you harvest the fruit from that seed. And of course, a bigger audience will witness the outcome of the seed that you sowed back then.  People will pass by your field and witness the fruit of your seed. This just tells me that the time to take caution is at the point of planting. Whatever it is you want to get out from your seed must guide what you put in the ground. If I will end well, the time to start is now. I may have made mistakes in the past, but God always gives fresh starts. As long as I come to him, he can help me sow new seeds. He may not touch the old seeds I had sown, or he may teach me steps to take to fundamentally affect the outcome of the seed initially down, or the consequences of the initial seed sown may still come, but I have been able to secure the greatest fruit of all: eternal life, and that beats any other kind of fruit my life can produce. The biggest question now is: what is my life producing? What kind of fruit am I to expect from the seed I have sown? If I don't like what I have reaped so far, maybe it is time to change the seed. His time of favour is here. 

Sorted!

Sorted!

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. John 14:1 KJV

The disciples had heard Jesus speak about his coming death and resurrection. So many things were running through their heads as Jesus spoke. One fundamental thing He said was that he had to go the way of the cross, but there was a glory that would follow the cross; a glory bigger than anything they had ever seen or experienced. Peter just wanted that glory, but just as Peter was told that there was a process to all that Jesus promised then, so are we also told that there is a process for us too if we will enjoy all that God offers. 

Today's extract starts with an advice, counsel or a charge, depending on your perspective. With all that is going on in the world today, that message is so timely and important. If my heart will not be troubled, it is because it has found a viable alternative; one that is totally engrossing for it to keep my heart away from fear. If there is any lesson to be learnt from recent events, having a good job isn't all it. Having solid investments isn't enough; having multiple MBAs doesn't seem to command comfort. It is clear that what works isn't something that can be bought with money or obtained through connections or power. It is first and foremost a matter of faith in God. 

Today's extract lays down faith in God as the key to unlocking all that God offers. The world doesn't have the answers to the eternal. The world cannot even legislate on what is going on at the moment. Nations are blaming nations; organisations are going bankrupt; people are scared, yet, God says: "Do not let your heart be troubled". If this will be true for you, your focus must be set right. 

Please note: faith in God is not presented as the key to the end of all trials. Faith in God is not an insurance against tribulations. Nowhere does Jesus promise such. If you read further, you will find that the ultimate end of the counsel in today's extract is eternal life with God. Of what use is faith in God if it doesn't secure for me life after this present earthly phase? If all there is to life is just down here, and there was no assurance of eternal dwelling, then discipline, patience and joy hold no purpose. They would have just been in vain. But we have hope: Jesus returns soon. As you wait for His return, hold on to your faith in God. The benefits of that faith will soon manifest. His time of favour is here. 

Repaired!

Repaired!

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:18 KJV

David's life is a study of constant dependence on God. He was so filled with love for God that even when he did terrible things, God punished him but His love never left David. David understood the mind of God and how he wanted to relate with man, and it is not a suprise that David is referred to as a man after God's heart. 

Today's extract is no different. David was in trouble, but he pretended to be mad so that the enemy allowed to leave unhurt. You can debate the issues with what David did, but you can also ask yourself why our greatest mistakes are sometimes the raw materials God needs to give us miracles. This song is a tribute to the power of God, and also a reminder of what God would demand from me, if I am to see Him work in and through me. 

What does it mean to be brokenhearted? The closest is 'overwhelmed by grief or disappointment'. For all who will see God work, you must constantly check that sin is not dwelling in you. When you sense that sin is crouching, you must take steps to go to God for his help. Even if you fall into sin, you must not wallow in it, but must go to God immediately for his cleaning and restoration. What this means is that I must have a Godly fear for sin, and must depend on God daily for his help to live above sin. When God is sure of my allegiance, His help is always available. As long as I have 'options', there is very little He can do for me. 

If I will see God move in and for me, I must daily check my stand with and work for God. God is close to those who are contrite in spirit, who acknowledge that the only way they will make it in life is by constant dependence on God. The question then becomes: how do you view sin? Does it move you to cry to God for help, or does it make you even more self-dependent? Does sin push you towards God or more towards man-made self-help schemes? Like David, know this: nothing outside the One who has defeated sin will work. Sin is older than all of us, so it is cunning. Only the Omniscient God, who has paid the full price for sin, can supply the needed strength to overcome sin. It is a daily work and walk; one from which you never can graduate from, until the Lord calls you home. How's your heart? His time of favour is here. 

Status!

Status!

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18 KJV

Sin has always and is still the doorway to death. The Word of God constantly holds this position and almost dares us to provide any alternative narrative. The wages of sin has always been and is still death. It doesn't matter in whom the sin is found; sin will be punished. Putting this in context of today's extract, the sin of rebellion of the people of Israel had disastrous effects, but God had in place a plan for redemption. It invloved the lifting of a bronze serpent on a pols and asking anyone who was bitten by snakes to look at it. All you needed to do was look, and you would live. If you did, you lived, and if you refused, you died. The options were that simple.

Even today, the options are still that simple. The Son of man was made like the bronze serpent; given as a gift to seal our hope and redemption. He died and rose again, which is the outward sign of the inner power of God Himself. As Moses lifted up that serpent those centuries back, the Son of Man is being lifted up again. Man has a decision to make, and it is a decision that will impact eternity. 

All who looked at the serpent back in the day did so in faith, and they lived. God also invites us to look at His Son and receive life. It takes faith to accept the finished work of Christ on the cross. If all of these things were done by God so we could come to Him and accept this free gift, imagine what it would be like if you reject the gift that is meant to secure life for you. What else can you get if there is no life? What else can you look forward to if there is no certainty of hope of eternal life with God? 

As I live daily, I must take stock. Where do I stand? Have I believed in and accepted the free gift of life made available for me in Christ? My choice today has eternal consequences, as seen in today's extract. Condemnation is tied to rejecting the gift on offer, and life follows after all who believe. It all starts from down here, to be concluded when I stand before God in His Son's Righteousness, to receive the full measure of the benefits my faith in Christ has secured for me. The alternative isn't worth considering. Have you believed? Do you believe? His time of favour is here. 

Stay!

Stay!

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

We need to be careful not to ascribe God's mighty works in us to our own abillites or perfection. In the chapter and verses before today's extract, God promises to restore Judah, after punishing it for its sins of rebellion. Like it has always been said, God has no favourites when it comes to sin. He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. However, His love also always comes through, and we stand where we are today because His love came through, not our goods works or standing. 

High fences and gates are good, but they are of not much use in the day of trouble. Judah found this out the hard way. Before today's extract, Judah had fortresses, but sin had made a big hole and the nation did not know. Enemies came in and looted, and while they cried, God reminded them of their rebellion. But here was God again, promising restoration and safety, the kind He alone can guarantee. Is there anything you need God to help you with? Is sin threatening your peace of mind? Go to God; He is still in the business of changing lives. 

Of course, the peace that God gives isn't the type the world can duplicate or tamper with. This peace isn't the absence of trouble, but the undeniable presence of God in the midst of all the pressure. Long before the physical will manifest, the inner unseen part must be settled. In fact, in today's extract, I do not see any mention of physical measures required to bring today's extract to pass. It then means that what God requires of me is mainly a matter for the heart.

The world will notice on the outside what you have already sorted out on the inside. God will play his part by supplying the grace I need; I also need to clear my mind of all distractions and lies from the devil. I must Stay my mind on God; it has to be fixed. It cannot be floating all over, looking for options and alternatives. I ask myself again: who's my focus? Where do I draw strength and direction from? Eternity lies at the end of the answers. His time of favour is here. 

Power!

Power!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16 KJV

As you read the verses before today's extract, you get the clear message of the power of the gospel of God, which, in simple terms, is His Son Jesus Christ. Paul introduces himself to us as a messenger of this gospel, with the privilege of serving as a servant of the gospel, and in the specific office of an apostle. For all who will speak about the gospel of Christ, you must first have a personal experience of the power that is in this gospel. It is not first about the office or title, but about knowing firsthand the power available in the gospel. Have you experienced it? 

Paul had, and he could stake his life on it. It didn't matter what people said or did; he knew who God is; he had experienced the power firsthand when he was called on his way to Damascus, and he had seen the gospel at work in other people's lives in the course of his ministry. He could then stand up and speak the words of today's extract. Before you just repeat them as empty words, do you know this Jesus or the power that brings salvation to all men? 

This power was made manifest on earth when Jesus was raised from the dead, and that same power is still very much at work, setting men free and setting them on the path of eternal life. We couldn't pay the debt we owed due to sin, and nothing we had or offered could take away the guilt and weight of sin, so we were in trouble either way. It was the power of God, made manifest through Jesus, when He died and rose again, that the debt was fully paid up, and the weight and penalty of sin fully atoned for. 

Now, we can stand in the light of these benefits and share our story, like Paul. We are what we are by the grace made available in and through Christ. No matter what comes next, our eternal hope is sealed because His power has made it possible. Do you know this power? Have you experienced Him? It is also worthy of note to emphasise that whilst I insist on not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, I must also not be a shame to that same gospel. Am I promoting it, making it attractive to other people? His time of favour is here. 

Residence Status!

Residence Status!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16 KJV

In putting today's extract in the right context, it is important to consider the very first verse of the chapter under consideration which reads: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. It means I have to seriously check my life to see if I qualify for the things that follow. Am I risen with Christ, having partaken of his death and resurrection? Have I surrendered my life to Him yet, or am I still struggling for control? How I answer this question will determine if today's extract actually applies to me.

If I have sorted out my allegiance, the Word of God becomes my most important companion. I am to LET the Word dwell richly. I have a part to play, and it should make me careful and at the same time awed that the Lord of all the earth will not force Himself on me. If I do not allow the Word to dwell, I cannot blame God for the things that then take all my time and attention away from God. There is no fence on this one; you are either all in or all out. 

What would you TEACH and ADMONISH if you don't know what the mind of Christ is? How do you encourage someone else who is going through depressing times without the true comfort God alone can give? Are mere words, empty of the power of Christ, sufficient to bring hope, joy, peace, comfort and grace to a grieving heart? You cannot give what you don't have. Is my life an example of someone who is under the control and influence of the Word or am I given to platitudes and high-sounding words, empty of the healing, restoring power of God? 

My heart will always reflect its residence status. If God dwells in it, praise and thanksgiving will never be far away from my lips. Could it be that the reason why we struggle with daily appreciation is because we take our eyes off God and fix them on the problems we have? We forget that we are now in Christ, and all that happens to us must first pass through Him to get to us. I take comfort from this: God knows me. He wants to do an inner work in me, so that when men see me, they will know that indeed, this person has been with Jesus. Would I allow His Word work in me? His time of favour is here. 

Right Way!

Right Way!

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

Actions are like the outward evidence of inner thoughts. Men are judged by the things they do, but even physical, man-made laws recognise the power of intentions and can punish actions based on intentions. If earthly laws can deduce and punish actions based on intentions, imagine what the Lord of all the earth, the One who created the heart, can do. 

In all I do, the foundation must be based on a relationship with the God who made the heart and cannot be deceived. I could act in a certain way, or speak in a certain way. Man may be swayed by what I do or how I do it, but the silent why is laid bare before God. This is why I must act in the name of the Lord Jesus. If I know I bear His name, I will be careful about my actions. If I know His name and reputation are at stake, won't I be careful to defend it? 

Man sees the action; God starts with the intentions. Man could judge based on what he sees, and still yet be wrong. God judges based on the inner thoughts and He is never wrong. If I know this and act accordingly, I bring praise and glory to God through my life. When I think and act right, maybe not all men will appreciate it, but God promises to take glory in and through me. It doesn't really matter what is the quality and quantity of the opposition against me; as long as God is happy with me, it will always end in praise. 

God is seeking for people through whom He can shine. He is seeking people whose hearts are totally sold to Him. He is looking for people who flow through Him before they seek to affect their world. Are you one of them? Am I? Will God be glorified with the results of the audit of my present life? Eternity hangs on that answer. His time of favour is here. 

Inner Workings!

Inner Workings!

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18 KJV

One of the most commonly used words and of course the most abused is 'love'. No matter how abused a word is, we need to consider the view of the One who calls Himself the Truth, if we are to gain a healthy understanding of love. What other way could we begin to fully understand love except through the personal example of the One whose view is true? What has he done to hold our attention? The most important consideration here is the fact that He laid down His life for us. We needed help with sin, but we didn't have the strength to defeat it. He came and defeated it for us, freeing us to live in line with His dictates. Now that we are free from the power and consequences of sin, how then are we expected to live?

There are a few important matters in today's extract, but what is in focus now is a matter of the heart. It is the seat of all that I am and do. Whatever my life finally produces is first birthed and nourished in my heart. If I am given to pretence and hypocrisy, the seeds are first laid and of course nourished in my heart. If I am given to double standards, my heart would first agree to it before my life can act it out. That is why God must first work on my heart before it can produce in line with today's extract. 

When the Bible counsels me not to love in word or tongue, it is saying that it recognises that my heart can say one thing and mean the very opposite. It is saying that it understands the nature of the heart, and that it must be constantly kept under the control and influence of the Truth Himself. Talk is cheap; men pay good money to motivational speakers. However, how many of these speakers can you testify of their true allegiance to the standards of love as laid down by God Himself? 

When I love the way God wants, the world cannot but notice. When my heart is free of wrong motives, or when I am not first moved by what I can get, then my heart is prepared for impact. When my heart seeks to bless lives; when I submit my hands, feet, lips and life to the dictates of Love Himself, impact is non-negotiable. Maybe the reason why the world does not have good examples of God's kind of love is because we have not allowed Him work first in us. 

You cannot give what you don't have, and you cannot sustain what you have not originated or ordained. You can make all the noise, but at the end of the day, it is a matter of your heart that the world will take note and respond to. If I will change or impact the world, God has to do a work on my heart first. Then and only then can today's extract be a daily expression. Does God have your heart? Does He control its inflow and outflow? If no, ask Him to. Your eternity will be glad you did. His time of favour is here. 

Call!

Call!

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21 KJV

Here was a band of 120 people, who had walked with Jesus when he was on earth. They had heard his words and seen the miracles, but now they were alone. He had laid down the commission: go make disciples of other nations. Where was the power to do all of these coming from? And then the Holy Spirit was sent, the empowering presence of God Himself. The man who denied knowing Jesus before servant girls now stood up before thousands to declare the message of salvation. It truly matters who is living inside of you. 

The message then was and is still simple: the invitation to make the approach to God is open to All men. It does not matter where you have been or what you have done. If the door could be opened to a highly temperamental man like Peter, or a murderer like Saul, the door is open to ALL. The invitation is to WHOSOEVER. 

You do have to call though. Is there a point to making the approach and not doing the one thing that will guarantee you what you need? Pity parties, grumbling, complaining or being bitter about anything won't work here. The one thing that matters is that I call on God for help. And you must call the right God, not what you want it to be. Too many times, we convince ourselves that there are many ways to God, but He has said is that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. If you don't come through the prescribed way, how can you guarantee that you will get to the desired destination? 

And the assurance is salvation first. No matter what you have or acquire, your greatest blessing will be that which is of eternal value. Possessions, power, position and privileges are all time-bound; they are only good for this earth alone. When judgment calls, you can't call on any of these things. 

God is a God of the eternal, and all He does is to help us on that journey to eternity. He has laid out the path, told us what to do and how and who should be our pursuit and focus. Obedience will guarantee us all that is on offer. If I reject Him, I cannot turn around and blame Him for my choices. Would you call on Him? Would you take Him up on his offer? Eternity awaits your decision. His time of favour is here. 

Faithful!

Faithful!

Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word];

Hebrews 10:23 AMP

In this time of fear, there is a need to audit our hearts and critically consider where we started from, where we are now and where we need to be. Today's extract is addressed to believers, washed by the blood, and given access to the presence of God. The invitation must be responded to, before I can begin to lay claim to the blessings and benefits promised by God.

First, have I confessed hope? True hope lies in a life that has no end, and you only find this in the One called Life Himself. No one else can guarantee this endless life. Life as we know it now can be taken in an instant. Think about this: if the owner of life were to ask for it today, where do you think you will wake up? Eternity depends on your response.

And if you have confessed hope in the past, are you still holding on to it without wavering? Have the circumstances of life shaken you so badly that you are considering quitting or compromise? Remember, only those who hold on to the end without wavering get the reward promised. It doesn't matter how long you hold on; the end is the basis of the reward. Men like, Demas and Judas Iscariot started well, but the recorded end wasn't good. Very clearly, the owner of life says: 'those who endure to the end shall be saved'.

And we have the undeniable power of the Owner and Preserver of Life to rely on in these strange times. He puts out His reputation on the line, telling us to trust Him and depend totally on Him. If you do not hold on to something in these turbulent times, the winds and the storms will sweep you away. If what or who you hold on is not fixed and stable, both you and the support will also be swept away. You just must know who you want to hold on to. You just must know what you are getting into from the choices that are available for you.

God's Word is reliable. He has been at work since creation, and his standards remain the same, no matter how complicated or complex life gets. He is the only stable and consistent portion of life, and His offer of life stands, until it is withdrawn either by physical death or His return. All that is happening right now points to a shaking and a change in focus. You must be ready for more uncertainty, but the One who rules in your life will determine whether you respond out of hope or fear. The choice is mine. His time of favour is here. 

Truly Wise!

Truly Wise!

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

A little context: the church in Paul's day was caught up in a popularity contest. The people were all about the visible and audible ministries of 'great' men of God amongst them. Paul and Apollos had laboured among the church, yet all the members could see was the individual minister, not the power or the inspiration behind the ministry. We also get caught up too, where we elevate men above the One who calls and equips them for the ministry that has been a blessing to us.

Sometimes, it is the men who elevate themselves, making themselves 'visible' and seemingly 'irreplaceable'. Such men have gone to the extreme of ascribing God's work to themselves, or claiming to speak on God's behalf when God hasn't sent them. This is the season of fear, when men need to hear things that set their hearts at rest. Unfortunately, no else can play God's role in your heart other than God Himself. He wants to take total control of my heart, so His peace can reign in there. He will not force Himself on me, but He will also not contend with me forever. 

The above is the foundation of today's extract. Lest anyone think he can beat God at this game of relevance, remember that it is God who calls, equips, commissions and commands. There is no wisdom in thinking that you can do without God, or you can share glory with Him for impacting His earth. True wisdom dictates that I have the clear understanding of who I am, what I have been called to do, where I have been asked to stand and minister and when I am to quit if required. That is wisdom. The world teaches the opposite, demanding you milk the situation for as long as you can. If it is God's work that is handled this way, God will take glory but the person will not get very far.

Become a 'fool' for the sake of the Word and Work of God. Be so totally dependent on God that you will say or do nothing without speaking to Him first. Resolve that you will keep away from all schemes to keep men's attention on you, and you will draw men's attention to God. Resolve to know no man except God, and to pursue all that glorifies Him. Remember, we are all God's creation, made in His likeness. My highest and noblest achievement will be the discovery, pursuit and fulfillment of the purpose of God's call, giftings and placement upon my life. The world is awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. His time of favour is here.

Comforted!

Comforted!

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Psalms 94:19 KJV

These are indeed strange times. For those born just under 80 years, there has been no experience of wars of the scales of World wars 1 and 2, yet it seems that these days are looking pretty dire. For some nations, people have been confined to their homes, with strict instructions on movement. Some other nations of the world are warming up to it, while others are seemingly unaffected by what is going on. No matter what your present circumstances are, these are times that call for sober reflections and careful thought, prior to appropriate action.

The writer here had considered the happenings around him, wondering why the wicked seems to prosper and do well. He also wondered why God seemed to be silent in the face of the constant flouting of His instructions. If the writer was so concerned about the iniquity of his day, I wonder what his views would be in this present generation. For all who truly know God, His will, Word and ways, these times call for careful thought. Have you considered your ways in light of what God's Word says?

When all else falls apart, what holds your heart in place? In the face of life's daily challenges, what is the anchor for your soul? Do you default to your bank account balance or your circle of influence? Are you one of the many who have made necessary compromise, because it is the easiest option? No matter what your response is now, God knows the truth. His comforts are always available for all who will make the approach in the right way. 

Don't make assumptions when it comes to God and His promises. When the way seems rough and uncertain, and you have done all there is to do, and yet, nothing seems to work, remember that you have God as the ever-present help. He is called the Comforter, amongst other names, and He will always come through for all who trust Him. So, consider very carefully what your next line of action will be: approach God and seek His comforts, on his own terms, or seek after my own schemes, and live with the consequences. Whatever the decision, each has eternal consequences. Choose wisely; his time of favour is here.

Why; Why Not!

Why; Why Not!

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 42 : 11 NIV

Checking out the verses before the one above, it is clear that the writer was at some crossroads. He had always sought out God and sought to serve Him; He had always been glad to go to God's House to listen to Him speak and to fellowship with other people. He was faithful and consistent in his service, yet it felt like something was still missing.

Being in God's presence does not protect you from trouble. There are seasons in life where it will appear that God is silent or far away. There are times when you may question the basis of your trust and confidence in One you have not physically seen. In those times, take a look back, like this writer, at the things that God had done in the past, and let your faith in God be strengthened. As I take stock of my life, I realise just how much God has done in and for me, and that encourages me to hold on, persever and press on. 

Like the writer here, I speak to my soul: you have the Almighty God on your side. You need not worry about the distractions of the devil. Things may not look great right now, but they are not surprises to the One who is in control. Like the writer, I undertake to put my whole hope in God, nothing less than all will do. I cannot hold on to God with both hands and still have room for alternatives. No matter the difficulties, tribulations and trials that are going on, I rest on the confidence that the One who holds times and seasons will turn things around in His own way, and will make all things end in praise for me. What could be more? His time of favour is here. 

Supply!

Supply!

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

First, let it be noted that part of the package for this present earthly phase are trials and temptations. No matter my level of spirituality, I cannot argue my way out of them. God also never promised anywhere that I will be free from them; it is a lie from the pit of hell to teach that faith in God insures you from trials and temptations.

Second, timing, impact, duration or depth of the lessons will differ from person to person, but there is nothing strange, unusual or odd about the experiences that are bound to come. Job lost 10 children in one day; Stephen was stoned to death; John the Baptist was beheaded like a common criminal; their faith in God was tested but it was testified of them that they stood to the end. 

Third, God's nature is faithfulness. He is true to His Word, and He cannot lie. If He says He is with me, He will move heaven and earth to prove it to me. If I do not have Him, nothing I do will make a difference. It really matters who is with you on this journey of life. If God will supply the way of escape in these trials, I must be found in Him. If He will speak and I hear Him, my heart must be aligned with His will and purpose. Nothing less than these will be enough.

At the end, God is not interested in my falling, but in my standing strong for Him. He wants to take glory in and through me, and the best way is for my life to be a loud testimony to the Presence, Power and Peace of God. So, God has supplied all I need for the journey ahead. Am I going to go to Him for these supplies or would I keep trusting in my own devices? Remember, this decision impacts eternity. You had better be sure. His time of favour is here. 

Pray!

Pray!

pray continually

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

This is one of the shortest verses in the bible, along with the verse that confirmed that Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. In this short verse are messages for our present situation as well as the future God desires for us. What would God have me do?

First, there are a lot of things going on today that we do not presently understand or fathom. There are things going on that science cannot fully explain. The world keeps getting more and more complex by the day; man keeps developing new ways to be more evil, technology keeps making life easy yet creating more distance between human lives, yet God must desire some order in the midst of all the chaos around me. How else would I make sense of this chaos if i do not have a default setting that goes back to the One who made it all?

Second, this then means that I do have a choice as to the reaction I have to all the things I am seeing now. Some may choose to throw a pity party and wish for the 'good old days' and some may just fold their arms, do nothing, expect the worse. Some may just ascribe the mysteries that they can't explain to fate, destiny or some other mysterious force, but for all who know, there is no doubt as to the power that is at work.

Third, my reaction is a function of who I know. If I fold my arms and do nothing, does it not reflect the fact that I know nothing about the power of God? If all I can do is complain about my lot in life, does it not mean that I know nothing of the abundant grace that God has available for me? Prayer is a outflow of a heart that acknowledges the power of God, sure and certain that God is in full control and nothing happens without his permission. Prayer means that I answer to the divine; I accept His reign and rule over my life, and I know where to go when things don't look good.

And it is not a fire service, which you call on only when there is a fire to urgently put out. It is a daily experience; something you do out of a clear understanding of the power that is available in it. Men in the Bible, such as Elijah and Paul understood the power of daily communion with God; it is no wonder their lives impacted their generations. It is still the same God who calls out to us today. He is still very much interested in our lives and wants to be involved. He won't force Himself on anyone, but He will show Himself strong and mighty in the life of anyone who comes to Him. What are you waiting for? Make the approach today; seek His face daily. Make Him your default and daily setting and your eternity will be glad you did. His time of favour is here.

Even If!

Even If!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psalms 46:1‭-‬2 KJV

Before I claim the blessing in the latter part of today's extract, I need to sort out my priorities as laid out in the former part of the same extract. Today's extract introduces God to us: a refuge and strength. What is the use of a refuge if there is no risk of danger or peril? What is the basis of the promise of safety and protection if there was no danger of attack?

In essence, before God tells me to trust and depend on Him, he first tells me who He is, what I gain from coming to Him, and what is at stake. If I will decide for Him, I need to know what I am getting into. So, which God do you know, or which God has been introduced to you: the One mentioned here, or the one that says come to me, and all your problems are solved. 

He also speaks about strength, because He knows days of weakness, pain and trouble are coming. They are a part of this present earthly phase, but how far I go in this life depends on who goes with me and supplies the strength needed to stand up. If I go with other men like myself, what happens when our combined strength is depleted? What happens when we all do not know what to do next? It then means that what I truly need for the journey ahead isn't so much about what man can do, but who God is and what he has promised.

It is God's nature to be faithful to His Word. It is man's nature to be consistent only as long as the elements, weather, finance and opportunities all agree with the promise. Which one would you prefer, considering that your life actually depends on your choice?

He is called a very present help in trouble, because at the time you need Him, he is always there. He proactively provides what you need, even before the problems arise. And that is the basis of the confidence we have in God, that we will not fear. No matter how the world convulses and shakes, we will not fear. Even when the unusual happens, our confidence is in the God who has warned ahead that these things will be, and provided a place of safety and security for us. 

I note that God does not say that we will NOT be affected; it is his prerogative how, when and to whom things happen; however, the assurance of my location in Him, and the benefits of His presence give me the confidence that no matter what comes, they have to pass through Him to get to me. 

If they happen to me, as long as I am in the very place of refuge provided by God, they are not surprises to Him. It is like prescription carefully measured out and dispensed by God to match my situation. If I am where God has provided, then whatever meets me there will work out for my good. The world's standards measure good in different ways, but God measures good by different standards. Disaster, peril, storms, winds are tools in His hands to work out his purpose just as physical and spiritual blessings are. 

As His child, I must trust that God knows what He is doing, and as long as I remain IN Him, I am truly safe. The world's high fences, fat bank accounts and deep connections are good but limited; only in God is anyone truly safe from the storms that are here and still coming. Where are you presently located? Is God your refuge and strength, or do you have viable options? Guess you also know you cannot keep 2 places of refuge at the same time. You are either fully invested in God, or you are fully invested in human schemes for safety. There is no room for playing both sides. Time will tell whether other options were worth it, but God has already warned that only in Him are we truly safe. His time of favour is here. 

Wait!

Wait! 

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Psalms 130:5 KJV

As we critically examine the words of today's extract, a few things stand out. First, all that matters first impact the heart before it can bless the life. We focus so much on impressions, visibility and speed. The world rewards those who attain a visible measure of 'success' without really defining what that success really means. The world celebrates speed over impact, effects over effectiveness and pleasure over process. Unfortunately, with God, there is a whole new order at play, and anyone who will get all that is on offer must play by God's order. 

Second, God's order is based on process and patience. Without these, you really cannot walk or work with God. This is a God of absolute knowledge; who made the heavens and the earth and gave them all their features. He knows the importance of everything He has made, and the right timing for all He intends. My best service is to allow God work out what He desires in His own time and in His own way. 

Third, it is my own decision. The decision cannot be taken on my behalf, or behind my back. No matter how beautiful corporate fellowship is, there is a personal walk waiting for me. I have to sort out my priorities, get my heart to seek diligently after God and stay the course. I cannot start with God and seek to end on my own strength and wisdom. I cannot go to God for guidance, then afterwards, seek to do things my own way. And like it has been said, all that matters start from the inner heart of man. 

The patience, the waiting, the hoping are functions of the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks and the life testifies. Am I like the writer here, sure and certain about my heart's condition, knowing full well that it is God or nothing at all? Or do I have options, alternatives, just in case God doesn't come through? Fundamental questions, and your personal answer is a matter of eternity. This is not something to be taken lightly; all that we pursue for the earth will stay down here, but the very thing that matters most to God, which is my soul, will live forever. Where will it spend eternity? His time of favour is here. 

Roll Them!

Roll Them!

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 AMPC

Actions are an outflow of planning. We don't just act; what men see is a function of the things we have spent time thinking about. When we see outbursts, it's not just a spur of the moment thing; it is usually the outward evidence of private time investments. 

It's therefore important that I allow God work on my inner man so that my outer man can please Him. If I am in total control of my actions, answering to no one but myself, how does God take glory in and through me? If I live for myself alone, not caring what God's Word says or demands, can I turn around and blame God for how my life turns out? 

Before the pressure to compromise comes, I am encouraged to seek God out. Before I am compelled to go against God's will, I am challenged to seek His face and ask His guidance. Like it has been established, there is a strong connection between planning and acting. It matters who inspires the thinking behind your actions. I am encouraged to roll all my works upon the Lord; to trust them into His hands. I can't roll stuff unto God and still be struggling with Him for control. I can't give God the wheels and still be dictating directions. 

It is by daily committing my way to God's hands that His will becomes clear. It is by seeking His face in prayer that my will becomes fused into his perfect plan and purpose. When I have submitted my will to His, and He directs all I do, success becomes a daily experience. I measure my life based on His opinion, not human applause. I measure impact based on His Word, not the expectations of the world. 

If I will impact my generation, the secret is in the secret place of the Most High. That is where God's will is revealed and perfected, and it is where men are prepared. Don't let the world's expectations burden you into compromise; don't let the world deceive you into thinking you don't need God. More than ever before, these uncertain times is the best season to seek God's face and will. He knows what is ahead, and He will guide aright, only if I can trust Him with my life. Would you? His time of favour is here. 

Trust, Regardless!

Trust, Regardless!

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalms 56:3 KJV

There are about three principles that are highlighted in today's extract and we will do well to consider each one in the light of recent events. The first one is the principle of SEASONS. For all of us, God has given us life and broken it down into physical seasons. There is a time to be born and a time to die. In between, there is a time to plant vineyards, reap the harvest, drink the wine, get married and have children, as well as build houses. Just as it applies to the physical, so does it apply to the spiritual also. There are also spiritual seasons in our lives too, and all the physical seasons mentioned above have equivalents in the spiritual. 

There will be seasons of uncertainty and fear. The world is going through that kind of season now. Nobody knows with certainty what to do, and men are reacting out of fear. This is the second principle: REACTION. For all that you see going on around you, a response is required and demanded. Even sitting on the fence, not committed to anything, is a reaction. The letter to the church in Laodicea is proof of this: being lukewarm is dangerous. For all who know God, a reaction is also required from us. This is the season where the depth and quality of the faith you profess will be tested. As you consider all that is going on, how do you respond: do you even know what or who you are to respond to? Are you going to keep holding on to God, or have you found 'viable' options? 

And that is the essence of the third principle: FOCUS. How you get to your destination depends on what you fix your heart to. If you throw stones at every dog that barks, you will not likely get to your destination early. But if you focus on the One who calls and equips, even when there are distractions, He is able to uphold you to the end. 

For the writer of today's extract, all 3 principles came through here. He has his seasons of fear several times: Goliath, Saul and here, the Philistines, but he has sorted out his response long before the challenge arose. He had spent time in the secret place with God, received strength from Him, so when the challenge arose, he was ready. Even when he did wrong, he knew his way back to God because he had spent time building that relationship. How's yours with God? When the seasons of uncertainty comes, what will it draw out of you? 

God is the ultimate focus. Everything else has failed: bank accounts, political connections, wealth and influence, intellect and energy. Trust in things of this world is foolishness, because nothing of this world was built to last forever. They were all made of created things, and they all have expiry dates. Do not focus on such; focus on God. He is only One who matters in these strange times. He is consistent; His eyes are always open to bless all who are fully committed to Him. Don't cheat yourself out of all that God is and can do by relying on false tokens of protection. God alone can guarantee safety; trust Him. His time of favour is here. 

Held and Upheld!

Held and Upheld!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

First of all, it should be noted that today's extract addresses specific people: Israel, God's servant, Jacob, chosen of God. The people here had no hand in the matter; but by virtue of Abraham's walk with God, his descendants became God's chosen people. My walk with God may be the key to unlocking greatness for the generation coming after me. Men like David walked with God and his children after him enjoyed stupendous blessings. Men like Eli got careless and even the covenant of priesthood was taken away from him and his generation. It matters what I do now. 

My walk with God is therefore the key to unlocking the promises here. I can't lay claim to the blessings of God's presence if He is not present in and with me. The basis of my being able to confront fear is the reality of God's presence with me. He deals with fear, and gives me the confidence to face life's challenges. Times of dismay and distress are here, but his strength and help are all I need to stay strong and keep working. 

What this means is that the times of distress and pain are inevitable. Nowhere does God promise that all will be smooth sailing all life long. However, before those times come, we have the assurance of God's amazing presence and power at our disposal. In the days of weakness, He is there. In the days of pain, He is there. In the days of joy and favour too, He is there. My biggest concern then has to be this: do I have God with me? As I face life's challenges, is God an ever-present help with me, or just one of my many 'viable' options? 

If my life will make sense and make impact, I must sort out my allegiance. I must work out what God wants of me, and strive to please Him by daily obedience. The benefits of doing this will last a lifetime, and also usher me into eternity. I should not live for this present earthly phase alone; I must keep an eye on eternity. May His grace hold us to the end. His time of favour is here.