Sons of God!

Sons of God!

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12 KJV 

Context and Charge:

When you read a BUT, it is good to consider what has gone before. John, writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, makes it clear that God's greatest gift was the life of His Son, given as the price for sin, so that all of man could be saved from the power of sin, and earn eternal life. Unfortunately, because he had no fanfare at his birth, no wealthy family connections to boast of and no earthly circle of influence to boast about, nobody took note of him, or even cared who he was at the time. Herod, out of fear of another king deposing him, took the criminal step of killing all children who were 2 years old and younger at the time. There really was nothing spectacular to endear Jesus to the people of his time. 

Whether it was familiarity, or just sheer hatred, you would read about his townspeople telling him to do in his own town the mighty miracles that they had heard he did in other towns. He came to his own people, in his own town, but of course, those people knew his father the carpenter, and the mother, virgin and simple, and they could not imagine the saviour of the world being born to such simple people and in such dire circumstances. This is where God's power stands out; He has never been one to do things to please people, or to just excite them. His purpose is eternal, and all He does on earth is in furtherance or establishment of that purpose. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

That is where today's extract stands out; everyone on earth may reject the gift of the Son, but as long as there is one to believe, there is a God to show his power. Even if there was only one person on earth, Christ would still have died on the cross. It is this love that makes today's extract peculiar. The power to choose is given to all of us; we live (and die) by the consequences of the choice that we make. The key to access all that God is and gives is to receive God. He does not ask me for money or anything similar; He just asks me to receive him as Lord and Saviour. That is all. If I receive God, I also receive all that God is. What I get is power to become a child of God. 

You do not get it by bank account balance, circle of influence or connections. It is simply by faith in Christ Jesus. Have I come to believe in the name of Jesus? I note that this is the name by which all men are saved; no other name makes such a claim. The world is coming to an end, and only those who are in Christ get to access what has been provided in Christ, with the ultimate being eternal life. I do not want to get to the end of my life, and discover that I had pursued the wrong priorities If you have never done so, pray this prayer: "Lord, I believe you are the son of God, sent to save me from my sin. I receive you into my life; make me your child, and make me worthy of heaven. Welcome to God's family. If you have already received Him as Lord, continue to walk and grow in Him, as we strive for heaven too. God's time of favour is here.

Helped!

Helped!

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13 KJV 

Context and Charge:

The very first thing that I observed from the verse above is that God introduces himself to all of us, in different ways and at different times. There is however a common factor in all these experiences, and it is that God will never lie about who He is or be inconsistent in his dealings with us. No matter the generation or the dispensation, the revelation of who God is must be the priority and pursuit of all of us. In this verse, he is introduced as the Lord thy God. There is no other authority or person who can make such claims. There is no human being who can claim permanent lordship over anything or anyone. 

That is the exclusive preserve of the Most High God. Is this God who speaks here my own God too, or am I actively seeking and pursuing after another God? Then he tells me what he is going to do for me. He says He will hold my right hand. What I understand from this is that the stronger one always holds the weaker one. It is the stronger one who keeps the weaker one in check, keeping him/her from danger, and in some instances, having to physically restrain the weaker one from getting into trouble. That is power at its best. He doesn't just hold my right hand, but also speaks words of encouragement and support to me, addressing the very core of my essence and existence. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

For all human beings, fear is a real thing. The uncertainties around daily life make it difficult for us to settle our hearts on God. The unknown tomorrow keeps our hearts busy; we want some measure of certainty and assurance, yet the only thing we really need is the confidence and assurance that comes from the sure and certain presence of God Himself. If God is on my side, holding my hand, what is there to fear? If he has spoken to my heart and told me not to fear, what change would worry and fretting bring? I do not notice anywhere in today's extract where God demands something from me before he holds and helps me. 

I do not read of any conditions precedent, apart from being made in the image of God, that qualifies a man to access God's abundant grace and mercy. God's help cannot be paid for by physical currency. God cannot be bribed by the things that are already directly under his control and influence. God is not moved by the things that move the hearts of men. God is in charge, and if I can only trust him totally, I will see the earthly and eternal benefits that accrue to me. Fear has no hold on me, because the One who has conquered fear is the One holding my hand. He has spoken here; what is your response? God's time of favour is here. 

Done!

Done!

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

Context and Charge:

Today's extract starts with a statement of fact. It does not reflect any negotiation or compromise. It is a statement borne out of an understanding of who God is, what He has done for me and where I am headed. It speaks to my past, present and future, all at the same time. How does this work. The past was my life of sin. Adam and Eve laid the foundation for a life of sin by disobedience. Death was supposed to be the natural consequence for sin, in line with God's principles, but by those same principles, I couldn't pay that price, so God sent his son to die in my place. 

The price for sin was fully and permanently paid for, so I could now live in the present, forgiven, clean and headed in the right direction. The present is my current life of total dependence on that finished work of Jesus on the cross. The price He paid was his own life, offering the perfect sacrifice for sin. Since He has died, I do not have to die anymore. My life now must reflect new ownership, pursuits and priorities. It can't be business as usual anymore; by his death, he secured life for me. Yet, it isn't a life I get to live on my own terms or for my own pleasure, but for the pleasure of the One who secured it. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Imagine the eternal gratitude if someone had to pay the price for freedom from physical bondage. That is the same heart I must have, in appreciation of the freedom I have received from spiritual bondage. I am the eternal debt to Christ for what He gave up for me, and what He has secured for me. The future is that unspoken, but very loud benefit of the cross. Jesus would not have done all He did if there were no eternal ramifications. This earth is just a temporary arrangement; a rehearsal for eternity. The work of the cross has eternal ramifications, as it secures eternal life for all who come to the cross for the cleansing it gives and the redemption it secures. 

Consider the finality of the cross, and the fact that it will never be repeated again, and you will know that it is not something to be toyed with or treated with levity. Paul understood what it meant, and that is why he could say with authority and finality that his present life was not his own, but one lived for the pleasure of the One who had died for him. Let this be my own default position too, that Christ will be all that matters and that I will live for him alone. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend it. God's time of favour is here. 

Cast!

Cast!

casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 KJV

Context and Charge:

As always, it is ideal to sort out the target audience of this verse, so we know what to expect from those who claim this identity. Who are these people? Peter refers to them as the 'elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.' The trinity is involved: God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God who calls men to himself seeks to introduce his nature, power and wisdom. He wants me to know who He is, what He can do and what He demands from me. In this instance, God wants me to 'cast all my care upon him.' This is deep; what would this entail?

To cast is to 'throw something forcefully.' It means that I have a lot of baggage to work through, and I need help. If I will seek help,  I must know the capacity and capability of the One who offers help. If He tells me to cast all my care on Him, it is because He has power to take care of it all. I also note I don't have to be careful of overloading him with all my care as He is more than capable of taking care of all my care. I really shouldn't bother about how it makes God feel; He is happy to help, quick to respond and his help is more than sufficient for life. Am I weighed down by the burdens I have held on to for a long time or would I take advantage of who God is and what He offers?

Conviction and Conclusion:

It is ALL my care, not some. It is not even just the ones I can't  handle, but all of them, warts and all. The devil would have me think that there are some things I should not bother God about  but if it is God who says cast, why would I hold on to the care? If He is willing to take them all, why should I burden myself with what I don't need to? His instruction to me to cast all my care on Him reveals his heart of love. I also note the definition of care, which is what God offers. This is 'the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.' God is presented to me in many ways, one of which is Jehovah Jireh, my provider. 

He is more than enough to meet all my needs, because He created all things and they answer to Him. His care is such that He touches every area of my life: the physical, spiritual, mental, psychological, financial and emotional. His care is so amazing that I do not have to do anything to earn, deserve or merit it, but he gives me all the same. This This is what makes God's care so amazing. It is freely given; if I had to pay for it, the rich of the world will run a monopoly. The One who is able to bear all my care is also the One who cares for me. My care must be in His care, so that His care becomes my complete care. God's time of favour is here. 

This God!

This God!

For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations. Psalm 100:5 AMPC

Context and Charge:

No one is directly credited with this psalm, but we know it has a powerful message relevant to our time. The verses before today's extract lays the foundation for the rest of the passage, and it is this: a personal knowledge of God is fundamental to how I life, and the priorities I pursue. I can only pretend for a while, and because pretence is difficult to sustain in its pure form forever, it is likely that the real deal will be revealed. Do I know this God? Before I can claim that God is good, I must have experienced His good, and also experienced what may be defined as 'bad'. After all, how would I fully appreciate God's good if I haven't seen the effect and power of evil?

The statement about God being good is factual, and backed up by plenty of evidence in support. Take a look at the world around you and you will see the evidence. God's mercy and loving-kindness is presented here as being everlasting. That tells me that long after all the evil of this world has been finally and permanently terminated, God's nature endures forever. Forget what the world tries to convince you is real; the gift of freewill places the responsibility of choice and its consequences on me. I have all the information required to help me make the right choice, and I can't then turn around and blame God for the consequences of that choice. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

God is good, no matter how much evil the world elevates or celebrates. God wants my heart to be settled on his nature presented here. He knows that my heart can be easily swayed, so he presents himself as an anchor for my soul. He tells me the eternal ramifications of his nature, his power and his blessings. I don't only get to enjoy the good He has provided me on this side of heaven, but I also have the assurance that the joy continues even into eternity. What better offer is there? Who else can give me anything that is bigger and better than these? I must not let the lie of the devil discourage or distract me; God impacts both the earthly and the eternal.

I also note that God's faithfulness and truth endure to all generations. That is also his nature. That which he called sin to Adam is still sin to us today. God is not like man, making compromises just because He wants to be liked. David was loved by God, and even got an eternal kingship, yet he was punished by God when he sinned. Eli was the beneficiary of a permanent priesthood, but after he ignored continuous warnings by God about the conduct of his sons, God terminated his lineage and started a new one. Let this be a warning to all of us: God is bound by his nature to honour those who love and respect his Word. He will not bend that for anyone. God's time of favour is here. 

The Holy!

The Holy!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NIV

Context and Charge:

Fear is both a good thing and a bad thing. It depends on the foundation and target of the fear. For example, there are a lot of things we cannot really explain about fires, how they burn and destroy all along their paths, so we strive our best not to start it. Yet, there are a lot of good things fire helps us achieve. We can apply this to a small extent, to the fear of God. God tells us very clearly from His Word who He ism what He is, what He can do, and what happens when we disobey Him. We have that wealth of information about God, so we cannot claim ignorance. What am I to do with all that God has told me about Himself? How does He expect me to process that information? 

Wisdom is defined as 'the body of knowledge and experience that develops within a specified society or period' and 'the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement.' Anyone can become knowledgeable about a subject by reading, researching, and memorizing facts. However, wisdom is what gives me an understanding of what is relevant in certain situations. Information is good, but the power of information lies in its right and timely application. If I claim to know God, yet I am quick to make compromises or bend to popular opinion, what is the value of the information or knowledge of God that I claim to have? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The fear of God is the foundation of a life of impact. That fear helps me to hate all that God hates and love all that God loves. Knowing God requires a daily and diligent study of the Word of God. If I am to understand who God is, what He does and what He demands from me, the secret is in His manual. The Bible reveals God's heart, and as I personalise the lessons, I know more of God than any other book, theory or seminar will tell me. I note that I am asked to know the Holy One. In this age where it appears that holiness and purity are not fashionable, God's nature of holiness is key. God does not lower His standards for anyone. 

He didn't lower it for David, the man after His heart, or even his son Jesus as he hung on the cross. If this is the standard, please don't settle for the lies of doomed Satan and his cohorts that holiness is impossible. After all, God has not called us to run the race by our own strength. He supplies all I need to walk with Him, with the right heart of fear and an embrace of His nature. The fear of God is not the crippling variant, but that which frees you to love him with all your heart. Take time out daily to add to your store of knowledge of God, so that there will be a bank of information to draw on when the situations of life call on you for a response. God's time of favour is here. 

Conclusions!

Conclusions!

For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened. Matthew 7:8 AMPC

Context and Charge:

It is always important to clarify who is the audience being addressed here. Matthew has it as part of the Sermon on the Mount, while Luke also has it as part of his teaching to his disciples. One thing is common to both accounts: Jesus spoke these words to his followers and disciples, not the crowd. The crowd has no long-term allegiance so it is under no obligation to commit to anything. It is important that I sort out my allegiance; who am I? Where do I fit? What is expected of me? I have the assignment to ask, seek and knock, depending on the need at the time. 

I also note that most times, what I need may not get to my hand physically as soon as I ask for it, but there is a place for God to teach me some other important life lessons, as I wait to get what I have asked for. There is a reason why today's extract enphasizes the continuous nature of the assignment. It is not something you do once and then give up simply because you didn't get it, but you press on with the assignment, confident in your relationship with the person who has told you to ask, seek or knock. The fact that I press on tells God that I know He can do what I ask, seek or knock for. I keep at the back of my mind the power of this relationship with the Father. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

I am able to ask, seek and knock because He is the One who says I should. If He could not do it, He won't emphasize his power over the impossible. If He could not do it, his nature forbids him to lie. For all who have surrendered their lives to Jesus, they have access to the rich treasure of all that God has made available in that same Jesus. You cannot bypass him to get to the Father; Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life and no one can come to the Father and take of what is available outside of Jesus. The question then is: "Am I a child of God, with access to the Father and all that He is and has"? 

The answer from God matches the request. In that same account from which today's extract is taken, Jesus says no father gives a child a stone in place of bread, or a snake in place of fish. The natural affection of man ensures that, within his means, he is able to provide what his child asks for. If this is true of the natural man, imagine the power of the love of our heavenly father, whose promises can be trusted, and who has consistently been found to be faithful to his Word. I can trust his heart of love, and therefore I can trust his Word of assurance. I press on, sure and confident that God's got my back, and all will end well. God's time of favour is here. 

Watch!

Watch!

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 4:23 AMP

Context and Charge:

When you read a verse like this one with a scale of preference, you have to pay attention to the full message. This verse tells me that some things come before some other things. They are all important, but if I will see the fullness of God's purpose, plan and program come to pass in my life, I have to get God's model for life. I can't do it the way I want to, or how I want to. God's model is the ideal for life, and as I am not the creator or sustainer of life, I have to trust the One who is the Way, Truth and Life. 

A quick look at the verses before today's extract gives me a view of what is important. The verses lay emphasis of the counsel of the parent of the writer. The parental counsel was based on God's Word, and we will do well to heed what God has to say on all situations. His Word has an answer to all of life's questions, but this is where it gets personal: I have the power to choose how I respond. God is omnipotent, yet gives me the power to choose him on my own freewill. I am able to love Him with all my heart, because I surrendered it on my own accord. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

This is why my heart must be guarded above all else. Whatever you allow into it takes root. It does not matter how long it takes; if you feed it long enough, or you do nothing to weed out unwanted seed, all that you allow to take root will soon bear fruit. I note that I can't change the outcome of the seed once it is planted, but I can prevent the seed from finding soil in my heart. I must stand guard over my heart at all times, watching and praying over all that will impact it. The end of this process makes the journey worth it.

The verse says out of my heart and its focus and pursuits are the issues of life. Of course, where God offers life, the devil will also try and introduce death. I can't rely on human strength or vigour; the devil has been around for quite a while and is skilled in manipulation and deception. By God's power, I watch carefully all that is allowed to impact my heart. I submit all to the dictates and direction of the Word of God. I want my life to matter in this generation I have been planted in. The key is in watching. God's time of favour is here.

All-Round!

All-Round!

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same The LORD's name is to be praised. Psalm 113:3 KJV

Context and Charge:

Science has since laid it out that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Also, a compass will confirm as best as it can the direction is, making it easy to determine North, South, East and West. Now, this is where it gets interesting; it is only east from the exact point you are standing to check. If you take a few steps away, or change location, you have to confirm where you are. If the natural can be this complex, imagine the impact in the spiritual. The man in Canada has a different idea of the east from the man who is in Cambodia.

That gives me a small view into the power and mercy of God. He owns the earth, yet His power is so mighty that He can give different experiences to different people at different times on the same earth. As the sun rises in a particular city, it is setting in another city. As some go to bed in one city, some are rising up to a new day in another. This is a raw testament to power. Is this a God that men have to beg me to fear, praise, worship and adore? Is this a God of absolute power that I would then dare to treat with disdain and contempt? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The writer of this psalm had experienced this God on a personal level, so knew how to proceed with the relationship. Too many times, familiarity with the tokens of the church build up assumptions in us. We think we know God well, and can predict his moves. We think we can figure out where he is headed and can help him out in his work using our own intellect, labour and strength. With God, these things don't work, unless they are placed at his disposal and used as He directs. It matters in whose hands that thing is, and who directs its impact.

Knowing who this God is then leads to the final part: the Lord’s name is to be praised. A personal experience of God must lead me to a visible, audible and personal expression of gratitude for who God is and what He has done. It also means that as long as the earth remains, I can never stop praising God. As one man raises praise in the east, another is raising up praise in the west. I get to pick the name of the Lord that addresses my present need. I get to do this over and over again, for as long as I live. Do the points above in any way describe me? God's time of favour is here. 

Distinct and Different!

Distinct and Different!

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

Context and Charge:

There is a undeniable and fundamentally important place of a personal encounter and experience of God. All the men and women of the Bible had these encounters and we see very clearly from their lives that no one comes in contact with God and remains the same. There is a change in confidence and character. I perceive that the first line in the verse above is a declaration to other people based on that personal encounter. You can't have it and not want to declare it to other people. You can't have it and not want to share it. Have you had that personal encounter? Have I? Before I can claim the benefit, I must align with the basic rules of engagement. 

God is a lot of things to a lot of people at different spheres of human endeavours, but today, the writer here emphasizes on God being his salvation. Not just the God who gives salvation, but the one who is also the personality and embodiment of what is man's greatest need. Salvation is the key to man's greatest blessing, which is eternal life. Of all that God promises to give me, that which I must not ignore, and which is the key that unlocks all others and guarantees them to eternity, is salvation. Utterances by the mouth are evidence of the convictions of the heart. It matters what you believe, because your beliefs drive your passion, pursuits and priorities. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

It is also my beliefs and actions that will encourage other people to seek out the God I know. The confidence that comes from a heart that has encountered God on a personal level. Fear will always come, seeking to threaten the peace that God gives, but knowing who God is, what he has done and is doing, and the mighty things he is able to do fill my heart with confidence that I will not be put to shame. Fear is that natural way the human heart responds to things it cannot control or does not understand. I tap into all the resources of God: his person, his Word, his  expectations and demands, his plans and purposes for the future and the eternal life that crowns all that He has promised me. 

That information is all I need to confront and counter all that the human heart may raise as 'legitimate' concerns. Can I say what this writer has said with confidence, sure of who God is, and where I stand with Him? Can I declare him to the world around me, sure and secure in my knowledge and experience of Him, that no matter what comes my way on the journey of life, the good end, which is eternal life with God, is already secured? Can I sing in the face of tough times and tribulations, because I know that there is always a good end for all things, for those who love God and are saved by Him? God's time of favour is here. 

Crucified!

Crucified!

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24 NIV

Context and Charge:

Today's extract speaks to a particular set of people, not the crowd. It identifies and defines the expectation of God for this particular set of people. It speaks about their earthly and eternal impact and relevance. It is therefore very important that I know who these people are, and why there is the demand from them. If I would walk in that path, I need to know what the expectations are. The set of people referred to in today's verse is: those who belong to Christ. This class is quite distinct; there is no doubt as to their total allegiance to Christ. 

There is no mixed messaging, no identity crisis. These people have sat down and counted the cost of following Jesus and have made up their minds that they would walk the path. They have forsaken the way of the world and pitched their tents with Christ. This is a decision all of us must make at some point in our lives: what would I do with Jesus? Belonging to Christ leaves no room for any other lord or master. Belonging to Christ is a full-time role, not one you do only when it is convenient. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

I note that there has to be a putting off of something so as to reflect who I belong to. Jesus takes me as I am when I come, but he does not leave me the same way I come to him. It is a realisation of my helplessness that draws me to him, and I make up my mind to forsake sin and follow him daily. That decision is the key to the putting off of the old man, the flesh, with its passions and desires. Let no man be deceived: by myself or by strength of personal conviction alone, I cannot deal with the flesh. It is older and smarter than me, and that is why I can only deal with the flesh with the power and help of the One who has conquered sin and death. 

Surrender to Jesus is the key. You don't do it once and go to sleep; you must keep standing in that victory on a daily basis. The flesh has demands that want feeding and attention. Christ also has needs that must be fed: know God more through his word, speak to him regularly in prayer and being a witness to others about the power of God. Whatever one you feed grows; that is the place of personal responsibility. Ownership indeed defines passions, purpose and pursuits. It is to be crucified, practically put to death, not pampered or allowed to fester. God's time of favour is here. 

Pity and Fear!

Pity and Fear!

Like as a father pitieth his children, So the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalm 103:13 KJV

Context and Charge:

Whenever you hear the words pity and fear, they generally connote negative meanings, but as we know, it always matters in whose hands these words are and who uses or dispenses them for his own purposes. In the hands of the devil, fear is a powerful tool he uses to hold in bondage those who are under his control. From God's perspective, the focus is quite different. God demands fear from those who follow Him, but it is a fear borne out of respect and awe of Him. It is not a fear that paralyses, but one that sets us free to really worship this God who is very mighty, yet brings himself to live in the hearts of all who come to Him. That is the God David introduces again to us here.

This is a follow up from yesterday's focus, where we looked at the blessings of who God is and the benefits He gives. Today's verse highlights some of those benefits. God is a Father who knows the strength and weaknesses of all He has created. He knows our frame and what we can stand, and he will never put on us more than we can bear. This is the amazing thing about this God: he will allow the trial, but will also supply sufficient grace for me to be able to endure. Pity is defined as 'the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others.' If this is the world defines pity, it then means that it is God's pity we call grace, mercy, favour and all the other names we call the undeserving gifts from God. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

I don't get to stand before God and plead qualifications, connections or influence. I don't even get to plead anything remotely resembling merit; I come with a heart of awe and reverence for God, knowing what my past deserved, but also fully aware that I am saved from the consequences of my past and brought into a new relationship with God through Christ. You get a healthy dose of fear for a God who is within his right to exact the punishment for sin from me, yet chose not to, because He knew I could not pay it. Christ did the paying on my behalf, laying his own life as the price for my sin. I identify with the cross, because it is also the key to accessing the blessings available in God.

In this case, fear is a good thing. It tells God I appreciate what He has done and what He has given. This fear makes you love what God loves and hate what He hates. This fear also teaches me to be careful about my daily choices, pursuits and priorities. Contrast this love God has for me with the hatred the devil has for all who fear God, and he will not rest until he has been judged. A father does not seek to destroy those who come to Him, but the warning is this: I don't have much time to sort myself out, as I have just this earthly phase to live out God's expectations. He will do all He has promised; what will my response be? God's time of favour is here. 

Blessings and Benefits!

Blessings and Benefits!

Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:1‭-‬2 KJV

Context and Charge:

It is easy to claim the blessings of David; the question would be: "Can you live the praise lifestyle of David"? This man had a song of prayer, praise or penitence about everything in his life. He wasn't someone who delayed returning to God as soon as he knew he had sinned. He was a man who would speak to God about every stage of his life: from the life of a shepherd boy to the life of the shepherd-king of Israel. He even had a song of repentance when he committed murder and adultery in the space of a few days. How would God not be moved to call a man like this 'a man after my own heart? Can you live like this man?

He makes this personal, just like all things with God must be. It is my personal encounter that will encourage another. It is my personal encounter that will serve as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy. How do I show off God's grace if I do not even recognise God's dealings with me? The word used here is BLESS. I would have thought that it is only God who blesses, but David makes it clear here that as a man, I have what it takes to bless God too. That is an awesome responsibility. The blessing must come from the soul, the place where all of my life's actions and decisions are first planned and fleshed out, before execution. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

I must believe it first, before I can achieve it. Blessing God is done from a heart that knows the power, wisdom, authority, ability and capacity of this God. It is done with the understanding that God alone really deserves to be worshipped as Lord, Saviour, Master, Father and Friend. It is worship, praise and exaltation of this God. Please note that the above does not yet even talk about the things this God can do or give, but first about who God is. The second verse now speaks to what this God has done; the benefits he has now given to David. You really cannot begin to understand what this God can do until you have fully understood who He is.

He stakes his name and reputation on who he says He is and what He can do. The same God checks all the boxes, as He is not limited by time, space or circumstances, but I must not seek out just the benefits, whilst ignoring the amazing and the miraculous impact that blessing God holds. It is only in God that the past, present and future all align to carry out God's perfect will. God wants to bless me with his benefits, but can He trust my heart to bless Him at all times, no matter what he brings my way or allows me to experience? Sometimes, the benefits are disguised as pressure, but if my heart is right, I will never lose sight of who He is, and what He can do. God's time of favour is here. 

Thanks!

Thanks!

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; For his mercy endureth for ever.

1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV

Context and Charge:

It is very important to place today's verse in the right context. David had seen a man die for touching the ark of God the wrong way, and then seen the same ark be a blessing to another man who probably knew the right way to handle the ark. Having learnt his lesson, David made the right provision for the ark to be carried the right way and by the right people. There can be no excuse for compromise; it is either I serve God the way he desires or not at all. For David, it was clear to him that familiarity with God is not a thing; in fact, knowing God makes doing the wrong thing even worse. Is there anything in my life right now that needs to be put right?

At the return of the ark to Jerusalem, David sang the words of today's extract. It tells me what to offer to God, as well as the reasons why I should. For a heart that knows what it has received, its response must be thanks to God. For a life that has walked through the valley of the shadow of death and has been delivered, the expected response is thanks to God. For a life that may not have all it has asked God for, but the fact that there is life and hope, it has many reasons to be glad and grateful. I note that today's verse does not tell me what to ask God for, as that would come later in the song, but here, it was first and foremost what I am to give to God. This difference is fundamental. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

What has been the focus of my life through the years? Is my life a reflection of a heart of gratitude? God is described as good here, because his nature is inherently and fundamentally good. You can only give what you have. Yes, due to the sin of Adam, evil is now a part of our lives, and there are both earthly and sometimes eternal consequences for sin, but let no man say God is tempting him when it is his evil desires seeking to destroy him. God is good, and he does and gives good. Part of that good is the mercy that we enjoy on a daily basis, and which today's extract makes very clear lasts forever.

Of course, if something is God's nature, it is forever. You can stake your life and reputation on the consistency and faithfulness of God here. Mercy is not deserved, so it is impossible to argue merit, ability, connection, influence or wealth here. Those things do not move God one bit, as mercy is his gift and prerogative, given as He desires and to whom he pleases, with no one able to question him. It is very important that I seek this mercy because it is the key to access all that God intends for me. I give thanks now for all that is ahead. I give thanks because I know God's got my back. God's time of favour is here. 

Wisdom and Fruit!

Wisdom and Fruit!

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV

Context and Charge:

Fruit is proof of growth. Actually, beyond that, even bad trees produce fruit. Weeds also grow, even though for the purpose of food, they are useless. This tells me that just seeing fruit is not enough reason to rejoice; what is even more important is that I make sure that the tree producing the fruit is of the right kind, planted right, watered and nurtured right, so that it is able to produce right. Today's extract refers to the fruit of one kind of wisdom, which means that there is another kind of wisdom that will also produce fruit, but not like the one described here. 

I have to audit my life and be sure that it is producing in line with God's purpose and will. It is not enough to make the claim to be wise and understanding; I must be sure to show it by the fruit of my life, that bit that others see, taste, hear and feel. It may not be a message or a challenge to everyone, but for as many as seek to be different, who want to make impact, the call is to dare to stand out. Wisdom is something that cannot be hidden for too long; its presence or absence is quickly noticed by our choices, decisions and actions. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The fruit of wisdom is to be seen in 'our good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom'. Men must see it; otherwise, how can they be attracted?  I cannot sit down and fold my arms, hoping to make men see that I am wise. I can't blend into the crowd, making compromises all the way, and then expect that I will be noticed as wise. God's version of wisdom points back to God, makes him known and glorifies him. It has no room for pride, self-promotion or vain glory. 

What kind of wisdom am I holding on to? What kind of tree has been planted in me, and what kind of fruit is my life producing? As always, the power of choice has been given to me, as well as everyone else. I have the power over the quality of the ground of my heart, where the seed of wisdom has to be planted and nurtured. The process takes time, effort, discipline and dedication. There will be distractions, as the enemy seeks to also sow discord and tares, but if I can keep focused on what God is building in me, with time, that which is in me will flow out to be a blessing to the lives around me. God's time of favour is here. 

Helped!

Helped!

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

Context and Charge:

Paul was writing to the church in Rome, full of new converts to Christianity from all races, tribes and nations. He spoke on different topics, and here, he is emphasising the work of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to help man please God. Let it be settled today that the natural man cannot please God, no matter how hard it tries. It's founded on sin, which God hates, and therefore can't be used to achieve God's righteous purposes. For a season, God would accept the blood of animals without spot or blemish as offerings for sin, but these offerings couldn't address the foundations of sin. 

A new way, and new help had to be supplied by God so that man and his offerings could be accepted by God. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, given when a person accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and is given to impact the life of a person for all of this earthly plane. The best of man is still weak and in need of help. The natural man will never willingly admit this state, but when, by grace, man realises that only God can help him, he is on the way to getting the help that only God can give. You can't get from anyone or anything else that which only the Holy Spirit can give you.

Conviction and Conclusion:

Praying is one of the pillars of the faith we have received from God. It is a call on God's power, presence and presents. When I pray, I am telling God that I cannot help myself and that need him. I am no longer pushing for my own interests, but seeking that which is the will of God. Prayer is more than just a list of expectations from God, but also a desire to see God birthed and sustained in me. Prayer is seeking to establish God's will on earth, just as it is the default setting in heaven, where no one challenges the authority of God. Wouldn't we like to have this as our normal setting? 

The Spirit knows the mind of God, so is able to help me pray the right way, and the right words. There are times when there are no words to be used, yet the Holy Spirit will step in and make intercessions in the way that God is moved to act. Sometimes, our hearts are heavy with worry and anxiety due to the unknown, but the Holy Spirit will step in and provided what is required at that time to meet the need, and move God's hands to act. When the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity, prays for me, how can I not access the throne of grace? How would I not take hold of that which is God's best for me? Seek Him today; earthly relevance and eternal redemption hang on getting that relationship right. God's time of favour is here. 

Like Christ!

Like Christ!

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 KJV

Context and Charge:

Paul, the writer here, was addressing the church in Philippi, and one of the things he emphasized was the state of mind and heart of all who claim allegiance to Christ. It is very important that I sort out my ownership, allegiance, oath, service and commitment. Do I know the people Paul speaks to here: people whose lives are in Christ, whose love comforts them, who have fellowship with the Spirit of God, and are able to share kindness and compassion, which are parts of the fruit of the Spirit, with other people of like minds.

This is very important: I may not be able to move forward until I have sorted out my mind. Who would I follow? Who would I submit to? Who defines my life's pursuits and priorities? Who is the Lord and Master of my life? Well, no matter what my response is, what my life produces is a reflection of my mind's focus and pursuit. What I spend time on becomes the fruit of my life. What goes in will always find a way to flow out at some point in the future. Is Christ the focus, or are there other competing interests? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

As God has given me the power of freewill, I get to choose what my response will be. Today's extract places the power right on me: it tells me to LET the mind of Christ to be in me. I have to allow Him work in me, so that my walk can be like Him. Men may not first see Christ in the flesh, but when they see, hear or interact with me, they see Christ in the flesh and seek to know more about Him from me. Think of the church in Laodicea that locked the Lord of the church out, and He had to knock to catch their attention. 

That makes it clear that I can't take my response for granted; I must make sure it is the right one. There are a lot of examples of the expressions of the mind of Christ that follow on from this verse, but it must be emphasized that you can't go near these expressions without first sorting out your identity. All that Christ is has been made available for all of us, but only those who surrender control of their lives can access what is available. Now that I know what is expected, how do I plead? God's time of favour is here. 

Right Order!

Right Order!

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Romans 12:10 KJV

Context and Charge:

As always, it is very important to sort out the audience that today's extract is addressed to. The church in Rome had the whole mix: Jews, Gentiles, and all sorts of people from all walks of life: the rich, the poor, the connected and influential, as well as the curiously religious. However, Paul made it clear who his audience was: beloved of God, called to be saints. No matter where you are coming from or what your experiences may have been, this is the foundation of a life of impact.

It is the foundation I must sort out, before I can comply with the requirements of the verse above. How can I be kindly affectioned to another, unless I have first embraced the affection that Jesus showed me when he died in the cross for me? How can I obey a God I have not fully submitted to? How can I even be expected to show off a nature that is alien to my natural inclination? Until Jesus rules and reigns in my life, I cannot be expected to love the way Jesus loves, or treat others the way God wants them to be treated.

Conviction and Conclusion:

The natural man has natural tendencies. The natural man has things it is comfortable with, and does not have to stress itself to do. Honouring other people above yourself is not one of those things that come naturally to the natural man. The natural man puts himself first, sees himself as the best gift to mankind, bordering on pride and arrogance. Pride was the bane of Lucifer too, who was sent out of heaven because he thought he was better than everyone else, even God. Of course, God had no room for him, or for pride too.

As it was then, so is it now. Those who know who they belong to have no problem showing off the nature of the one they represent. Love is God's nature, and is also part of the fruit of the Spirit. Humility is a sign of brokenness and surrender, and is proof that God lives in the heart of the one who sees himself as God sees him. Representing Christ means speaking, listening, relating and seeing as He would. Is Christ that obvious in and through me? Can men be glad that I came into their lives? God's time of favour is here. 

Sorted!

Sorted! 

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2 KJV

Context and Charge:

Right from the start, it is very important to set out the first word in the verse above: WHEN, not IF. Every other thing that follows is certain to be true at some point in our lives. Who are the people God is speaking to here? The verse before this one lays it out: those created and formed by God, and who had been  redeemed and called by the name of the Lord. I must check and audit my life very carefully, to confirm that I am one of the people that God speaks about here. 

Shouting "I receive" only is not going to give you that which total submission to God will guarantee you. I need God for the journey that is ahead. A lot of water, as well as rivers and fire will happen on my life's journey. Before they happen, God speaks to reassure me that He has it all under control. If God is able to tell me with clear certainty the things that are coming my way, how they will happen, and gives me an assurance that I will overcome, what else is there to fear? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

God uses: "through" three times in the verse above to show that his intention for allowing them to come my way is not to defeat, distress, distract or destroy me. No matter how high the waves, or how strong the currents, or how fierce the fire, God says I will pass or walk through. It is through the experiences that my faith is strengthened. Talk is cheap; anyone can claim that s/he will hold on to God in tough times. God has to test, before He can commit the great plans into our hands. 

The proof of my stand in God is made clear when times and seasons change, and when I cannot explain the process or the purpose behind the pain. His Presence is assured through the pain, process, problems or plan that God allows. When I have God, the path is clear, and I know that no matter what happens, the end is eternal life with God. If I don't have God, how can I survive the pain that is coming? Do I have Him? Is He enough for me? God's time of favour is here. 

His!

His!

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 KJV

Context and Charge:

Some words jump right at you as you read the extract for today. At the top of the queue is HIS. That is a mark of ownership that runs through the entire verse. When I am able to sort out my ownership, I will not compete with anyone for relevance or attention. If I truly belong to God, I will not envy another man's story. Do I know who I am and who I belong to? Am I still tied to the approval of mortal men like myself, whose views are never consistent? Knowledge and comfort in my identity in Christ must be my highest aim. 

Check out the definition of WORKMANSHIP too: "the degree of skill with which a product is made or a job done" . I am the visible expression of the skill of God; His nature, power, grace and mercy are all visible in and through me. I am the outward evidence of the inspirational, creative and awesome nature of God. You can look at a product, and from some of the visible symbols and sign offs, you know immediately that a particular artist is the mind behind the piece. That is how it must be with me, if indeed I know who I am and what I have been called out of and into. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

As men look at me, they should see the imprint of God upon my life. I also read the reference to the past in today's extract, but there is a context: that past is a reference to my creation by God in Christ Jesus for impact through good works. Long before I even knew what my life would look like, God already had it all mapped out. I cannot then do those good works outside of Jesus. Whatever I do that gets applause from men, yet is done outside of Jesus, has no eternal value. Is that where I stand at the moment?

Now that I am alive, my greatest discovery will be the plan and purpose of God for my life. It is a discovery that will shake the foundations of my life and give me direction. The things that had held my heart and distracted me in the past no longer seem important. That which God intends becomes my greatest desire. If God will take glory from my life, it has to be a daily search for the will of God. If I am in His will, it does not matter what doesn't work now; my life is a testament to God's amazing skill, and in His time, the value will be revealed. God's time of favour is here. 

Impact!

Impact!

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 KJV

Context and Charge:

Today's extract makes a reference to ALL scripture, which means that no part is left out. I do not get to choose a part that is convenient for me and leave out others. I do not get to embrace the parts that gives me comfort and reject the parts that make me fearful. That is the effect of the Word of God: he/it gives you a clear picture of who this God is, want He wants from us and how we fit into His eternal plan. He does not force Himself on anyone, but none has ever regretted the decision to surrender to this God. 

God is the inspiration behind every word. Even in the face of countless interpretations and versions, the plan of God, which is the salvation and eternal redemption of all men, still shines through. Check out all the many ways the Word of God meets human needs: 

doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness. When you need to know God's mind on a matter, or you need clarity on contrasting measures, God's Word provides what you need to make the right decision. Even when I do wrong, I am not left alone to fend for myself; God's word provides the correction and instruction required to get me back on the right track of righteousness. You get all these and more from the Word of God.

Conviction and Conclusion:

The Word of God never seeks to destroy a man or deny him a good life. God is very  concerned about my choices because He knows my actions and decisions have earthly and eternal ramifications. You get profit when you deal with the Word of God and let it deal with you. The Word is able to do a work in you that nothing else can, bring a change in you that no one else can and cause you to make impact like nothing else can. Check out the end purpose of the Word of God: perfect, thoroughly furnished for all good works. I will not be perfect outside the workings and dealings of God's perfect law of liberty. That which is perfect is the only person or thing that can make prefect. The equipping I need for journey ahead will be found in God's Word. I have been called to do good works, which line up with the good Lord. Am I totally surrendered to this Lord? Is His Word my daily priority? God's time of favour is here. 

His Time!

His Time!

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6 KJV

Context and Charge:

Ever wondered why God hates pride so much? Is it possible that pride fills a man with a sense of importance that makes him think he is indispensable? Or is it because it emphasises a man's achievements and skills, with nothing said about how he came to achieve those things, who or what helped him, and the lessons that total dependence on God should teach? Whatever is the basis for pride, it is obvious that it can never lead to the fulfilment of God's perfect plan for man. Is there room for a false sense of selfish ambition in me that God needs to deal with?

As made quite clear in today's extract, it is my responsibility to humble myself under the mighty hand of God. No man experiences God's mighty hand and still wants to promote himself. You don't see God at work in amazing and miraculous ways and still think you are indispensable. In fact, if I am very careful to observe how God works, I will see a God of absolute knowledge, wisdom and power at work. He cannot be predicted, and He does what he pleases, when and how He pleases. He answers to no one, and one day soon, all the earth will know and admit the power of this God.

Conviction and Conclusion:

The hand of God is mighty. His hand is able to save and deliver. He can bring down to the ground and also lift up to the highest. If you critically consider the stories of some of our heroes and heroines of faith, as well as those who failed in the way, you see very clearly that God's hand is mighty but there's a role each of them played in the final outcome. Men like David and women like Deborah understood the power of this God, and He came through for them. Men like king Saul and women like Michal his daughter also knew first-hand the pain and penalty of pride and arrogance. God can lift up and bring down anyone if their actions so warrant it.

If I will see God move on my behalf, my life has to line up with His perfect will. If I key into what God is doing, I am setting myself up for elevation at God's appointed time. Only the humble is constantly dependent on God's guidance and sustenance. Only the humble constantly seeks God's mind on all matters before acting. Only the humble will remind himself constantly not to get ahead of himself, as He will always have need of God at all times. If I can wait for God, He makes the wait worth it. If I run ahead of Him to take hold of what he did not give me, I rob myself of all the amazing things God wants to do in and through me. Wait for God; He is worth it. God's time of favour is here. 

New Heart!

New Heart!

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26 KJV

Context and Charge:

A reading of the verse just before today's extract reveals God's mind as it relates to those who He wants to use. The verse says God will sprinkle clean water on us and make us clean from all idols and everything else that has defiled. God seems to be saying that a new heart is an additional need, after his cleansing and purification. For anyone who desires to see God's mercy, there has to be a washing and cleansing, and then a surgical operation on the heart. I can't scheme or buy my way into a new heart. 

There is nothing I could have done to deserve a new heart. It is within the prerogative of God's mercy and dealings for me to get a new heart. I also get a new spirit. If he says he will give me a new heart, it means that the old one wasn't the kind he could use. If he says He will give me a new spirit, He is already promising the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that can birth that which is new in man. All that belong to the old man must die if that which is of the Holy Spirit must survive and thrive.

Conviction and Conclusion:

The word I is mentioned 4 times and the words YOU or YOUR are also mentioned 4 times in the verse above. God has a role to play, and I also have a role to play in my processing, equipping, impactation and usage. It seems that God is saying that there are things inherited from Adam that has to go before He can use me. There are effects and fruits of the sinful nature that must be completely destroyed if God is to use a life for His glory. Would I surrender my life for God to deal with as He pleases? 

It has to be clearly noted that the process of God giving me a new heart or putting a right spirit within me will be painful. This will require dealing with what the natural man craves: habits, practices, attitudes and conventions that have become a part of my life. God has to uproot them without a trace left if He is to use me without limits. God says I can take them out of your flesh, and give you a heart of flesh, one that He can write on, mold and bend to His will. He will do His part; would you also give up that which you cannot gain on your own, in order to lay hold of that which you cannot lose? God's time of favour is here. 

The Gift!

The Gift!

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38 KJV

Context and Charge:

This was the first public message Peter preached after the Holy Spirit had been sent by God on the apostles. It didn't matter what had gone wrong before; this same man had publicly denied Jesus a few weeks before this message, yet the mercy and the power of God found and restored him. Indeed, no one is ever beyond salvation as long as there is life. The Holy Spirit is a life-changing Influencer, who never leaves a man the same way He met him. This was Simon the reed, now Peter the rock.

He preached in the power of the Holy Spirit, and conviction came. Men came to know that their greatest need was not to possess things, but to be possessed by God. Salvation is man's greatest need, because it is the only way to secure eternal life with God. The old nature can't give you eternal life, as it is destined for death and hell. Only by total surrender is a man able to take hold of that which is truly life. I must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. There has to be a change in focus, direction and pursuit to line up with the blessing promised here, who is the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The Holy Spirit is central to this discussion. A man cannot truly repent if he is not convicted of sin. The conviction leads to a desire for change, which is repentance from sin and a fresh pursuit of God. Baptism, water or spirit, has physical and spiritual dimensions. Where available, you go down to the water as a symbol of dying to sin, and are raised up to the start of a new life in God. You get a measure of the Holy Spirit, and then grow in your knowledge and experience of Him. Can I say, with certainty, that I am saved? 

It all starts with the surrender and submission to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. That, you can't negotiate. God gives the Holy Spirit as the seal of this process above. You do not get the Holy Spirit simply by wishing or coveting him for personal use. Like all gifts, He comes from God the source of all good, and He will not promote that which does not give God glory. Like all gifts, I must accept Him as the Giver intends, not as I want. Like all gifts, He is to improve my life, so I must listen to Him and be willing to be guided by Him. Do I have Him? Do you? God's time of favour is here. 

 

Power!

Power!

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 KJV

Context and Charge:

Power has always been a major factor in human history. From ancient times, those who had it impacted history one way or another. Those who did not have it or did not have enough could only respond in certain ways. Even the disciples of Jesus at the time also understood the dynamic of power. They thought that with the death and resurrection of Jesus, he would now restore power to Israel. After all, he had proven he had power over death and the grave. However, Jesus' idea of power was fundamentally different from that of the disciples. 

What is power, if it is just transient, temporary and tempered by another higher or greater power? Is it power if it is exercised over a short period of time? Real power does not have limitations, and endures for all time. That was the kind of power Jesus was speaking about here. It is a power that comes from the Most High, so is not subject to the machinations and schemings of the earth. It is birthed by the Wisdom and Power of God Himself. This power will be requested for and received by all who ask the Source for it. Have you asked? Or first, is your life the place and platform where that power can flow in and through?

Conviction and Conclusion:

A major difference between the power the world promotes and that which Jesus speaks about here is earthly and eternal impact. Men seek power to oppress others or to feel important; Jesus gives power to men so they can be His viable representatives. I cannot receive that power unless it is given by the One who truly has it. You can't give what you don't have. The world cannot give you that which is not its in the first place. The Holy Spirit is that power; He is the dynamo that cannot stop or be stopped, unless I decide to limit His power and reach.

His reach is universal. For the disciples, it was to start from where they were at the time and then expand to cover the entire earth. Of course, if I recognise the Source of the power I have, I will be quick to testify of Him. I can't be witnesses to what I did not see, touch, hear or taste. A personal encounter with this Christ is the foundation of a lifetime of impact and relevance. The ends of the earth belong to God and He seeks men who have Him to take Him to the those ends. Am I such a person for such a time like this? God's time of favour is here. 

The Law, Fulfilled!

The Law, Fulfilled!

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:14 KJV

Context and Charge:

The law came at the point when Israel was on its way to Canaan. God wanted rules of engagement for his people, so they would know His expectations and demands from them. Rules were laid out, covering all layers of human behaviour and interaction, as well as with non-living things. These rules were a lot to demand from sinful man, and it was not funny or surprising that centuries later, God's view was that no man could be fully justified by following the rules under the law to the letter. 

A new engagement was needed, under a different covenant. The law only judged actions, and even if your intentions were ignoble, as long as you did all the things the law required, and in the way required, you were fine under the law. This surely was not God's perfect intention, and a new way had to be found to make imperfect man perfect before a perfect God. The law came from God, so the solution to the limitations of the law also had to come from God. What better way was there, than the nature of God himself, which is love. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The way of love has birthed new rules of engagement for man. Actually, love was mentioned under the law, but it was hard for fallen man to walk in God's kind of love without the help of the God of love. The law only focused on what I could do to earn approval, and had no provision for what I could do to hold God's heart. Only love could do all these. Love would give me a heart that appreciates all that God has given and promised, and then it will also supply daily help for me to walk perfect before God. 

The law and love are of and from God, so the help required to keep God's law and to love comes from God. Efforts and labour would only apply when God is in control of the heart. To love my neighbour requires me to know this God, and to know what He demands from me. The love of God will help me keep the law of God, so that I do not steal or kill, and at the same time, I do not harbour any kind of hatred, bitterness, anger or malice in me. The question then is: do I have this God living in me? He is the only one who can birth and sustain what is required to fulfil his law. God's time of favour is here. 

Right Mind!

Right Mind!

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:6 KJV

Context and Charge:

The mind is a battlefield. It is the place where destinies are settled or unsettled. For all human beings, we all have a control centre, where all of life's decisions are made. What you see in the physical are the manifestation of what goes on in the spiritual, in the mind. If a man will win in life, particularly the spiritual, he has to win the battle of the mind. The devil also knows the power of the mind, and he will do all he can to distract, disturb, discourage, dishearten and destabilize. I do an audit of my life right now: who is in charge? Who is dictating the focus of my mind at the moment?

The person at the wheel of your mind is actually in control of your whole life, no matter what you tell yourself. That is why the control centre is the determinant of your eternal reality. That is the summary of the passage under consideration today. For all human beings, we start with the first part of today's extract: to be carnally minded is death. As long as I am stuck in the first and natural birth, the end of that process is death. We all inherit death from Adam, because in Adam, all die. That is the destiny of all men born under the natural process of birth. This is why the second part of today's extract is very important. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

For all who are born according to the natural birth, they must go through the second birth in order to access the life and peace on offer here. The BUT that introduces the new birth shows that there has to be a change in direction, focus and pursuit, in order to access what is available. Being spiritually minded means the spirit is in charge of my life, providing guidance, direction, inspiration and purpose. If the spirit is to control your mind, He won't contest control with the devil. I have to surrender to the Spirit if I am to enjoy the blessing of the Spirit. Is the spirit of God really in control of my life, or are there areas I am still holding tightly to? 

Check again the eternal reality behind each control point. There is no middle ground here as you are either with God or not. The end of the carnal mind is death; the end of the spiritual mind is life and peace. The problem is that the end is clear, but the journey does not always look like the end. We prosper and do well, and then assume that we must be doing something right. As I go on this journey of life, I must not be distracted by the seemingly good things that come to me. I must sort out the end, so that the journey can take me to that right end. God's time of favour is here. 

Mercy!

Mercy!

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Luke 6:36 KJV

Context and Charge:

At the base of a life of mercy is a heart of love. You need to fully understand what love means in order to fully understand what mercy means. What is love then? The best way to understand love is to look at the perfect example of God Himself. What did he do, what has he done, and what does He plan to do? A look at the verse just before today's extract says: "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." How can the world ignore this message?

What more can a man add to what God presents here? He lays down the example, so that I can take strength and encouragement that as I trust and depend on Him, I receive the power and grace to also live and love as He did. I note that God is really not trying to cajole me into doing what He commands, but it is a directive, an instruction for me, if I claim to be His disciple. Yes, He speaks to his disciples here, not to the crowd. There is no obligation on the crowd, but if I claim to be a disciple, it means that I have submitted my heart to Him. That's a heart from which mercy can flow.

Conviction and Conclusion:

With love comes mercy. God expects all who have experienced his love would also be able to show mercy. What makes mercy so important is the fact that it is not deserved or earned. You don't get to plead qualifications or abilities or connections. Mercy is defined as "compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.". Did you see anywhere mercy comes as a result of it being deserved? God could have punished us for our sins, in line with His word, but mercy spoke, and his own Son, Jesus, paid the price. 

Actually, it means that in line with God's word, the price was still paid, but by the person who did not commit the offence. This is the template that has been laid down by God, which He expects us to copy. I am not left alone to fend for myself, clueless about God's demands from me. As He has done, so am I expected to do. The mercy I have received makes it possible for me to extend the same to others. I become God's eyes, hands, lips, feet and heart. As God is, so I am in this world. May I be the mirror through which the grace and mercy of God are revealed. God's time of favour is here. 

Properly Dressed!

Properly Dressed!

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV

Context and Charge:

You are addressed the way you are dressed. You do not have to do anything extra to recognise a soldier on duty if s/he is in uniform. The same goes for a person who is representing a head of state in another country. The letters of authority bear the authority of the presenting country, and the receiving country accords the representative all the honour you would usually give the head of state of the presenting country. If this is how mortal men conduct their affairs, imagine what it means to represent the King of kings and the Lord of lords. It is an assignment to be treated with utmost respect. We are called God's chosen people, which means out of billions, He chose us. That is a huge responsibility, as well as a demand for accountability. 

God's choices are not made carelessly; it is not a wonder that the next phrase goes on to describe the expectation: holy. There is no other word used, and I will do well to keep that word central to my life's pursuits and priorities. No matter what else I do, I must be holy. The other word used with holy is dearly loved. You see, God's love for me is never in doubt. It is love that drew the plan of salvation and brought it to man, even when man was not even conscious that he needed help. Yet, with love comes an expected response: reject or respond. God has done all he can to help me decide; his love and nature make it easy for me to know what I am getting into. There are no hidden costs; I just have to be appropriately dressed for the life and service God has called me to. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

What would my dressing entail? The following are listed:

compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I do not know how any of these can be measured in physical terms, yet there is no way to deny the presence or absence of them in the life of anyone. You can fake them for a while, but by their nature, you cannot sustain the deceit for long. I also note the AND; I don't get to pick and choose the ones I am comfortable with. It is a complete package, with my life expected to be a daily reflection of God's expectations and demands. 

Now that I know what proper dressing entails from God's perspective, what steps do I need to take to review my current appearance? What do I need to take off, and what do I need to look for, to add to my current collection, so that I can be all that God intends? I must note that God does not lower the standards for anyone, no matter who you are or what you do for Him. His choices do not have to meet my approval as He does not answer to me. As He chose me, so he chose you, and He can choose and use anyone he wants. Now I know; obedience is the way to amazing blessings. God's time of favour is here. 

Greater Love!

Greater Love!

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

Context and Charge:

The world has a definition and image depicting love. The image is largely physical; you have to do something to prove you have it. That is how the world can define anything. The Word of God also has a definition, and this is quite encompassing: it is spiritual, physical, mental and emotional. To make it even more interesting, the One who speaks here makes His life the perfect example of how this definition works in real life. If I will be able to define and enjoy the love here, I need a personal encounter with the One who speaks here. Have I met Him? 

Until I meet Him, I can't fully understand what he says here. His life is the perfect example of how love works, and as we study his life, we see his heart of love laid bare for us. He gives us a command, as laid out in the verse just before the. one we are considering today: Love each other as I have loved you. How did he love us? He laid down his life as the perfect sacrifice for sin, so we would not have to die. His love would not let us go to hell as a result of our sin. At the time, we could not care less if He died; today, his death and life are the keys to the kingdom of heaven. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

We did not even know the value of what we had been given. None of us alive now was there when Jesus died for our sins. In fact, the bible records that those who witnessed his death mocked him, thinking he was dying the death of a criminal, or simply as a enemy of the Roman state. I stand where I am today because of that experience. He bore the pain, took the shame and died in deep sorrow, with His father turning his eyes away as His son bore the sin of the world. In fact, think of the fact that even future sins were also taken care of, which means that there is already provision for the sin that has not even been committed yet. That's deep. 

It calls for careful consideration from all of us. He calls me his friend, but at the time He died, I really was not his friend. Sin took care of that. Sin was a barrier and an obstacle to what God wanted to achieve, and until sin was paid for, I could not make an approach. With the price now settled, I do not have an excuse. All barriers to living the life of love God intends have been brought down. No one can do anything greater than what Jesus has done, and if I will let Him live in me, His love will also flow out of me to touch the world. That is how God and His love are made known to the world. Do I know this God and His love? God's time of favour is here.