Overcome!

Overcome!

Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good. Romans 12:21 AMPC

Context and Charge:

It appears that a lot of our recent reflections have required some soul-searching, to see where we fit into the grand plan laid out in those verses. Today, we again see a verse that demands a particular reaction or response from me. We live in a world that is completely surrendered to sin; we read and see the depth of man's inhumanity to fellow men. It is hard to explain how much evil is permissible and even excusable in the world we are today. The devil is is charge of the world's affairs, and man keeps developing even more devillish ways to hurt himself, yet God demands that I live in such a world, and be able to show off his nature and power. This identity is key; the demand in the verse is not for those who have not submitted their lives to God. God will not force Himself on any man; we must come to Him of our own freewill. 

If I am to really live out the words of today's verse, I need to define a key term, which is 'overcome'. It means to 'succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty.' This tells me that you cannot speak of overcoming without a challenge. There must be very dire situations, or maybe some very unpalatable circumstances which would require me to apply God's help and wisdom to navigate. I cannot boast of victory without a fight. I can't say I am able to give counsel or advice on a situation I have not been able to master. The devil remains busy on this side of eternity, seeing to overpower my heart with evil. He knows that what you focus on grows; it does not matter if it is good or bad. To overcome is not to rest on your laurels, however nice they may be, but to keep pressing on and working at it until victory is assured and settled. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Now I have a clear idea of God's expectations from me. It will never be a good excuse that I did evil simply because I had no choice. If I really understand the definition of overcome laid out earlier, I know that I can't let evil win. Yes, it is usally the easier option, because it takes no personal convictions or strength of character to avoid. Evil has power, because it has the backing of the devil. However, good also has power, because it is the nature of God and is backed up by God too. Evil will keep fighting as long as this earth remains, and it is left to those who know God to keep promoting the good that comes from God. The world needs to know that God is good and that He can supply all the strength and wisdom needed to overcome evil with good. It is a decision I must make; good must flow unhindered out of me if I am indeed God's child. This victory is freely available in God. God's time of favour is here.

Saved!

Saved!

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark 8:35 NIV

For whoever wants to save his [higher, spiritual, eternal] life, will lose it [the lower, natural, temporal life which is lived only on earth]; and whoever gives up his life [which is lived only on earth] for My sake and the Gospel's will save it [his higher, spiritual life in the eternal kingdom of God]. Mark 8:35 AMPC

Context and Charge:

One verse; two versions, same message: Life has many perspectives, dimensions and definitions, and it is important to know which one matters. The world presents to us a good life as one filled with many physical and emotional objects, things you can see, touch, taste or smell. Yes, indeed, God's desire is that I have all I need for this earthly phase, but there is more to life than what my physical senses can detect. Just as the world has its perspective, so does God have His own too. As this is a God who will demand an account from me about the life He has given me, I must have a clear and unequivocal understanding of what He demands from me, and what I must do daily to meet His expectations. This earth is the daily preparation for the eternal. The choices of today impact the future. What's your decision today: which life are you working for?

Today's verse makes it clear that this life God has given me is very important, and it is the key to my eternal reality. How can a man want to save his life? Why would he have to lose his life to save it? Sounds confusing, but the foundation to this verse is in the clear understanding that I do not have any control over my life. It is the lie of the devil for anyone to think his/her life is to be used as s/he pleases. For every product made, the product manual, not the product itself, is the key to understanding how the product works. Am I the one to tell the creator the best use of my life, or am I not to surrender all to the Creator, so He can use my life the way He pleases? It is also a double-edged sword; if I hold on to it, thinking it is mine to use as I please, the reality of eternity is that there is no eternal reward for a life that was not given back to God. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

If I will give my life to God to use as He pleases to the end of my life on earth, I have the assurance that my life will indeed be saved and safe. I must know the limitations of this earthly phase, and seek the limitless, unending life that God offers. It has been said that the best use of a life is to use, spend and expend it for a purpose that outlives it. This verse tells me what that purpose is, and it is simply Jesus. He is the reason my life will make sense and have impact. As I seek to know, please, serve and worship Him, I enjoy the blessings that go with a life that has been secured by God for all of eternity. Don't hold on to what you can't really keep by your own power; let the creator keep it as best as He wants. S/he is no fool who gives up that which s/he cannot keep in order to get that which s/he cannot lose. God's time of favour is here. 

Sorted!

Sorted!

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25 AMPC

Context and Charge:

How do you define 'anxiety': it is the mind and body's reaction to stressful, dangerous and unfamiliar situations. In essence, there will be an external situation that the body is trying to process, and depending on how the body is able to handle the situation, it may lead to either anxiety or stability. You would wonder then if there is a good side to anxiety; science would make the argument that a certain level of anxiety helps us stay alert and aware. As nice as that sounds, the challenge is in knowing the end result of the situation that is before me. I have not been given the power to predict the future, or to be able to determine, with any degree of certainty, how any matter will end. This is why I need the help of someone bigger and wiser than myself to provide the right kind of support. We all need this at this time of deep uncertainty and instability. 

There are many solutions God provides to deal with stressful situations, but the focus today is on the words I permit to take root in my heart. God's nature shows us the power of words. God spoke and the heaven and the earth were all formed. God's Word has the creative power to bring into the realm of reality all that God intends by His Word. If I am a child of God, I must be fully aware that I bear the same creative power. The other side of the argument is the impact sin now has on that creative power. God used it to create the world; sin takes that same power and the exercise of this power, under the influence of sin, can be quite destructive. Words have immense power, and as we know, it was words that the devil used to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, and it was also with words that Jesus also overcame the devil. What is the power behind the words you use?

Conviction and Conclusion:

Days of anxiety will come; this earthly phase has its own challenges. The uncertainties of life require fine balancing acts, and things may not always end up the way we plan. However, the one thing I must get right is the fact that I need to filter out words that do not add value to my life. Negative people will never see anything good; I must move out from such circles, if I will hear words the encourage. Am I someone who builds up with words, or someone who is quick to tear down another? Can people come to me for the right words of comfort, sure and certain that my words will provide the needed environment and encouragement to press on and face life with faith? Have I submitted my life to this God? Remember, you can't give what you do not have; men must be glad that I have come in contact with them. God's time of favour is here.

 

Mercy!

Mercy!

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 KJV

Context and Charge:

One of the elements of God's nature and identity, out of many, is His mercy. We speak of it daily and regularly, but it is important not to miss its impact and essence. One of the best definitions of mercy I have come across is: 'compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm'. A lot of things stand out from this definition. First, it is always the greater who is in the position to show mercy to the lesser. Secondly, the lesser is the one who needs to be forgiven by the greater  because of sin or wrongdoing. Thirdly, the person to be forgiven has no doubt that s/he had done wrong and should be rightly punished. The due punishment wasn't because the greater was superior, but because set rules had been broken. This is why mercy is so important and quite critical to my present stand and my future reality.

I think of my life's journey up to this point and I know, without a doubt, that I am alive today simply by the exercise and dispensation of the mercy of God. By the sin of Adam, I had inherited the sinful nature, and by God's nature, death is the right price for sin. If He were to dispense death for sin, God would not be wrong, but mercy had to speak, otherwise, we all would be dead. I could not afford to pay the price of sin on my own, so God sent his own son to do so. That is another outflow of that mercy. I now have a new standing in God, with sin fully forgiven and new life sealed. God does not hold that past against me in any way, and He will continue to dispense mercy as long as I am dependent on Him. His nature forbids that He makes a promise that He has no ability or capacity to bring to pass. That is why He is consistently called a faithful God.

Conviction and Conclusion:

This mercy is a daily supply, not weekly, monthly or annual. The verse says that it is mercy that wakes me up each morning that I open my eyes, and it is that mercy that will  sustain me all day. God is so wonderful that he has enough mercies for all of us on earth, and then the next day, he still supplies new mercies. He does not need to repeat anything if He doesn't want to; unique fingerprints for over 7 billion people on earth show that God is amazing and awesome. His heart of love for man is awesome; He showers us with abundant mercies, and no other part of His creation can claim such attention. If this is how God deals with me, how would I then deal with God in deceit, hypocrisy or eye-service? I must not take God's mercy for granted; the life of his Son paved the way for me to enjoy all that God is and has. God's time of favour is here. 

Comforted!

Comforted!

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

Context and Charge:

No one is directly credited with this psalm, but the lessons are equally relevant to the generation we are in now. There is an economic crisis across the globe, with wars and rumours of wars swirling across the world. Men are in turmoil, unsure of what will happen at the next minute; people are risking life, limb and logistics to escape from a life of pain, seeking comfort and convenience elsewhere. Yet, nothing can keep a man from trials and tough times; they are a part of this phase called life. Let it be clear that how I handle these tough times will depend on my relationship with God. There is nothing in this life that can provide sufficient help to handle the problems that this life presents. What is my stand with God? Does God know me as His own? Do I trust God enough to rely completely on Him?

With all the issues that I face, it is easy to focus on these and ignore the One who can help me. When I sit down and my heart is overwhelmed, I must remember God's past dealings with me and how He came through for me. These testimonies in the past become the comfort for the present and the future, giving me confidence that if He could do it in the past, his power, nature and mercy make it certain that He can do it again. He does not need my help to be God; He is God regardless of what comes my way. His name, among many others, is The Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent God. He is everywhere, He knows and He can do all things. Yes, it is human to worry, but when the worries come, it is best to hand them over to the One who says I should cast all my cares on Him. What else could I need?

Conviction and Conclusion:

My confidence in God must remain unshaken all through the experiences God brings or allows. He will not let me go to waste, and He will not allow anything of this earth deny me what the eternal has planned for me. Even when the thoughts come, they must find me in God. When the storms rise and the winds blow, my anchor must go deep into God. Let the storms meet with the peace of God in my heart. Let nothing be so strong that it can take my eyes off God to focus on the scale of the problem before me. Let God be all that matters to me; let the presence of God in me be sufficient comfort that all will end well. Do not dare face the world without the assurance of God's abiding presence. Nothing and no one else outside of God will be able to keep you from the troubles that are definitely coming. God's time of favour is here.  

Grow!

Grow!

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

Context and Charge:

Paul and Timothy were writing to the church in Philippi, and there is a mention of God's Holy people. It does not matter what else is there; if there is no holiness in the camp, it is a waste of time. This is the minimum standard for God to engage with a man. If I will see God move, I must see from God's perspective,  and that means being holy.  He gives the grace, but I must seek His face and help. Furthermore, this church was celebrated for partnering in the gospel, and must have been involved in missions alongside Paul. This is also the heart of God, who seeks men to come to him and enjoy the benefits and blessings of salvation from sin. Do not attempt or claim to live or work for God whilst living in sin; my life must be sanctified and holy if its offerings will be accepted by God.

Then Paul could pray the words of today's verse, that the love of this church would continue to abound even more and more. Knowing God is the key to growth, and it is simply because you can never know all about God on this side of eternity. It will be continuous growth in knowledge and experience of God here on earth, and a new level and depth of knowledge when we get to heaven. If I don't have time here on earth to learn more of who God is and what He desires of me, what knowledge of God would I build on when I get to heaven? God calls me to serve from a heart of love; the love He births and sustains in those who are fully submitted to Him. Am I submitted to the God who is love personified? Does God count me as one who He can entrust the deep riches of his identity, grace and favour to? Are you?

Conviction and Conclusion:

The end goal of all God desires is always clearly spelt out by God. He leaves no one in doubt: if you act in a certain way, in line with His Word, you have access to true riches. The work God wants to do in his church is that they may discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. It is His church, not mine. He is able to equip his church with all it needs to be able to know, recognise and pursue that which is God's perfect will. As I pursue that which is God's will, He keeps me holy and blameless as I walk and work into eternity. The more I know of God, the more I will avoid sin. The more of God I know, the easier it is for God to guide me. Knowing God must end up in eternal life for me; that has to be the proper end of all knowledge. God's time of favour is here.

The Outflow!

The Outflow!

We love him, because he first loved us.

1 John 4:19 KJV

We love, because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19 AMP

Context and Charge:

The entire chapter from where today's extract is taken speaks on love from the perspective of God. The person who also was inspired to write these words is known as John the beloved. He must have had some unique personal experiences for him to be so called, and for him to write this way. It has to be again underlined how important it is to have your own unique encounter with God. If I have it, and learn the lessons ìt intends, that encounter will never leave me the same way. Today's verse is on love, God's style, not the version the world celebrates, which is just glorifying sin. Let it be clear from the outset that love cannot be defined outside of the One who embodies it. Let no one deceive me into settling for a definition or experience that does not include an encounter with the One who is called love.

I am able to show a particular virtue because its seed has been birthed in me. In physical terms, you cannot reap where you did not sow anything, and you cannot place a demand on resources that you have not spent time building up. However, God's dealings with man tell a powerful story: at the time God showed me love, he had no guarantee that I would accept and respond to his love. He knew that some people would reject his love to the end of their lives, and that some would even mock this love. But He also knew that some would embrace his love and become visible and audible expressions of this love. He loved me, not first because I would accept Him, but because love is his nature. As amazing as this sounds, in it is a word of caution too: this love will demand  a reaction or response from me.

Conviction and Conclusion:

If I have received love, I must give it out. This love is not to be kept personal only, but to be freely shared with other people. It is not to be dispensed as a favour, where I show love because I want something in return. I did not and could have not paid any price for the love I received from God, and it is expected that I will show the same love to other people, with no hypocrisy or price demanded. Freely was I given and it is expected that I will also give freely. I can love because the perfect God accepted me as I was then, showed me, an imperfect man, how to be perfect before Him. I love, because now I know what love means. Jesus has done all He needs to do; the response is left for me. I do not have any valid excuse not to love; I have the perfect example to emulate. God's time of favour is here. 

As Commanded!

As Commanded!

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV

Context and Charge:

Joshua had seen Moses walk with God for a number of years. He had also seen God punish the people of Israel for their sin, and they had wandered in the desert for 40 years. God had also told Moses to hand over to Joshua, who would now lead Israel to the promised land. Picture the big shoes that Joshua was now required to fill. Imagine the mistakes that Joshua had to be careful to avoid, so as not to face the same punishment Moses and Israel faced. It is important that I take the lessons from the people of the Bible, and ensure that I am who God wants me to be, do what He wants me to do and be where He wants me to be. The price of disobedience or rebellion is very high. God does not brook rebellion and He will not condone sin. He will provide all I need for life but my life must be fully submitted to Him. 

I must move only at the command of God. God does not send out a man on assignment and then leave that man without help. This earthly life will be tough, and there are things that will happen that I may never be able to explain. However, like Joshua here, ahead of these challenges, God sends his word ahead, telling me to be strong and of a good courage. If there was no likelihood of trouble, God would not use the words in today's verse. Before fear comes, He anticipates and sends a word of comfort, telling me not to be afraid or dismayed. I am dealing with a God of absolute knowledge and power, who knows the purpose behind what has happened before, who knows what is coming, and is able to guarantee that all things, past, present or future, will all work together for my good. That is power. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

That is the power that is at work in me, and has been made available to me. Obedience and total submission are the keys that unlock the power. God has made a promise that He will be with me wherever I go, and as long as I go where He wants me to, I am safe. Therefore, before I embark on that next journey, or commit to that next project, I had better be sure of who is in command. Like Joshua, I must be sure and certain that my pursuits and priorities have been sanctioned by God. That is the only way success can be guaranteed. Before I set out, the inner man must be fortified with that which God alone supplies. If the One who has conquered sin, death and the devil tells me not to fear, then I really do not have any need to. His Presence is all that I need. God's time of favour is here. 

Love!

Love!

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:37‭-‬39 KJV

Context and Charge:

Be careful of motives that push you into sin. Be careful of motives that give you a false sense of your own importance. Jesus was busy teaching the crowd and his disciples about the principles of his kingdom but as it was always the case, the Jewish leaders- scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and teachers of the law- were always there to oppose him. Today's extract is one of those engagements. Jesus had spoken about the law of Moses, and how his coming to the world was the fulfilment of the righteous requirements of the law. Maybe the Pharisees sensed a challenge to their authority and power, or they simply wanted to put Jesus on the spot for raising one commandment as more important than the other, one of them asked the question: 'Which is the greatest commandment in the law?"

Jesus' response is quite revealing. The Law was expected to draw men closer to God, providing them with a set of rules to govern their relationship with God and also with man. I note that God had already established rules for man, even in the Garden of Eden, where the man was not to eat from a certain tree. However, by virtue of sin, man now struggles with obeying God's law. It's obvious that mere force of will is not enough to command allegiance to the law. There is something that only God can birth in me that will supply the grace and strength to live in line with the law of God. That thing God gives is called LOVE. With love, obedience to God is easier. With love, affection for God, and then empathy for others at the same time, is easier. You cannot fake it. Do I have God's love in me? Do you?

Conviction and Conclusion:

Love for God must demand the whole of me, if it is to be genuine. I cannot love God and the world at the same time. It will demand all of me, and that is why it makes reference to all my heart, all my soul and all my mind. I note that none of these options speak directly to what I do, and which men see, but when the allegiance and commitment of the inner man is sorted, it will always reflect on the outer man. My love for my fellow man is a result of my love for God. I cannot fool God with hypocrisy, eye-service or outright deception; that which he births in me answers to him, and cannot be faked. Love for God and love for man are connected; the understanding of who God and what he wants helps me also relate with other people with God's kind of heart. This is what he demands from all who claim to know and follow Him. Am I one of them? Are you? God's time of favour is here.

The Overflow!

The Overflow!

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

Romans 15:13 AMPC

Context and Charge:

Paul writes to the church in Rome, speaking to believers who were passing through persecution and tough times. It has to be clear that what God promises us is His presence, not the absence of pressure. For all who have come to believe in Christ as Saviour, irrespective of tribe, culture or tongue, they have come into the family of Christ, with access to all that Christ is and has. Faith in Christ is fundamental to this process, as there is nothing else God recommends as the key to this access. God cannot fill me with joy and peace outside of the One who births and sustains joy and peace, as joy and peace are part of the fruit of the Spirit. If I will be filled, I must submit the vessel to the One who can fill it. Of course, to be filled requires that I be empty and submissive, so that the One who can fill me right can do His work. Am I empty and submissive, willing and ready to take on that which God wants me to have? 

There is always an end in view for all that God does. If He says He wants to fill me, it is because I am the expression of His creativity and inspiration. He wants to be known by the world. When I stand and speak, He must be made manifest. Even when I am silent, and I am just relating and interacting with people, the impact of his presence in me must be clearly felt. Even when there is pressure, trials and tough times and there is a squeeze on me, what flows out must be that which God has filled me with. This is quite important, as the world is looking for lives that will make a difference. He is the God of my hope, the One who makes these earthly experiences worth it. I know that it will not end down here on this side of earth, but that there is an eternal future He has planned and sorted out for me. Do I have a part in that future? Does God even know me as His own; as someone in whom He can work?

Conviction and Conclusion:

The joy of God's work in me is that it can never be kept to myself alone. God's work in a man's life will ALWAYS lead to an overflow. God keeps his eyes on eternity, and whoever He calls to use enters into a special relationship that will impact eternity.  Ask Abraham and David, as well as Peter and Paul. It does not matter what the testament, dispensation or generation is; I cannot keep God's inner work in my life to myself; it is bound to flow out. The Holy Spirit is that sustaining power; He is the One who does the work in a submitted vessel. He does not force Himself on me, but when I come of my own freewill and submit, I have access to the abundance of the Spirit, and I have heaven's backing. Have I truly come into faith in Christ, or do I need to first sort out my standing with Christ? Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where I will spend it. God's time of favour is here. 

The Key!

The Key!

By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4 KJV

Context and Charge:

Every line; a message. The man who is credited with most of the words of the book of Proverbs was a king, and a popular one too. He was rich and influential, and people came from all over the world to hear him speak. It was in his time that the bible records that silver was as common as stones, and gold was the usual article of use. It is not clear at what time things changed, but his heart was drawn away from God, and he pursued after strange gods and strange women. It is not a wonder that his end was not so great, but that is what God is saying very clearly in the passage before us today: humility and the fear of God are keys to unlocking the best that God has to offer us today. If I will be all that God wants me to be, I must be the kind of person He can lead and guide into the place He has prepared for me.

It is important to emphasize humility and the fear of God. These attributes make it clear that I know I am nothing outside of God. I know the One who has brought me this far, and I recognise that he is the only one who can take me to the promised land. Men have tried and laboured by their own power to lay hold of these things, and some have succeeded in getting some of these things, but when you consider their end, you realise that what they had was indeed dust and vanity. Look at what God gives: riches, honour and life. There are riches that come laden with heartaches, and there are riches that have no sorrow attached. There is honour a man can buy by hypocrisy, deceit or money, but there is an honour that even wealth will seek to be a part of. Which perspective am I pursuing: the world's, or God's?

Conviction and Conclusion: 

And then there is a good life, which money may secure for you on earth, but there is a life that only total surrender to Christ can secure for you. Too many times, the lure of this earth wants to hold my heart. It presents the gifts of this world as important, but all that the world gives you will perish with the world. The treasures of this earth will be taken when the earth is destroyed by fire, but the man who fears God leaves no room for pride and self-sufficiency. He is always focused on pleasing God and making impact for him on earth. Do not let the world deceive you with its false tokens; let God hold your heart and keep you focused on the keys that give access to all that God is and has. The humble heart asks God to be Lord and Master over all, and the heart that fears God places God at the centre of his life and decisions. Of course, the opposite is equally true. Which side are you on? God's time of favour is here. 

All Sorted!

All Sorted!

according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 2 Peter 1:3 KJV

Context and Charge:

Peter writes these words to those who have received precious faith, who walk in the Spirit and put no confidence in the flesh, daily depending on the Holy Spirit for grace to live right. As always, I have to define my stand, understand what is available to me and what is expected of me. God does not expect me to strive by my own power to live right, and by his omniscience and omnipotence, He is able to supply all that I need to live the life I have been set apart to live. God will not force his ideas and ideals on me, but I have the confidence and assurance that if I can only trust and depend on God, I will enjoy all that God is and gives. 

The power that supplies all I need is defined as divine. It is not of this world, and is not something this world can imitate or limit. It comes from God and answers to Him, so if He commands resources my way, I am sure that nothing can stop them. God knows the end from the beginning and knows the precise nature of the provisions and prescriptions required for my life's journey. I also note that His power supplies all I need for both life and Godliness: the earthly and the physical, as well as the eternal and spiritual. That is the complete package; God leaves nothing important and necessary for my life, whether it pertains to my physical labour or my spiritual journey. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Nothing is held back from me; as long as I am in His will, He is willing and able to supply all that I need. It is ALL, not most things. If God can give me all that I need, it means He owns them all. I also note that these things are made available in and through Jesus, not by influence, social standing, positive confession alone, or by sheer force of will or power. There is grace that Christ gives that make it clear that I am who or what I am simply by the exercise of that grace. There is no room for pride. I am called to glory and virtue, and of course only that which is given by the One who called will guarantee the end that is expected. Who have I come to trust in and who am I following? God's time of favour is here.

Helped!

Helped!

Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19 KJV

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalms 68:19 NIV

Context and Charge:

Same verse, two different versions. From the perspective of the man who wrote them, you know these words come from a place of personal experience. As we know, David is called a man after God's heart. He knew God as a father, friend and faithful provider, and he praised God often for all the blessings and Benefits he received from God. We note that David did not always get it right, but God who knew his heart helped him to quickly retrace his steps when he did wrong. What more help could a man get? It is still the same God, who does not change. Like David, can I praise God faithfully and consistently, no matter what the physical realities around me are?

David recognises the imprint and impact of God on his life. He mentions benefits and burdens. God loads us with benefits because it is his will that we have all that we need for life and Godliness. He will not hold back  anything we need from us, but will freely give us out of the abundance of His riches in Christ. No demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven, so feel free to ask God for anything that lines up with his will, and He will do it. Life also will happen to us; there are seasons of pain and discomfort built into the life that sin has now wrought. However, we also have this standing assurance that God will bear those burdens when they arise.

Conviction and Conclusion:

What else could I ask God for? He gives me all I need, and then holds me up when life threatens to crush me. David calls God blessed, or ascribes praise to God for all He does. I note that this is the God that David had come to know by personal encounter. Do not be content to be told about this God; find Him for yourself. Don't settle for a person's version of God; seek Him out yourself. Don't seek out false gods or other man-made lies and tokens, which cannot help or save. He gives daily help, not weekly, monthly or yearly, and if I will enjoy His favour, I must also seek him out daily. Have you met this God? Have I? God's time of favour is here. 

Cleansed!

Cleansed!

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

Context and Charge:

It takes a personal encounter with God to be able to fully recommend him to another. When I have experienced God, it is hard to keep him to myself. One of the things which become very clear as we walk with God is his nature of holiness. He does not and cannot condone sin. It does not matter how special you think you are; please don't toy with sin. It will destroy a man's life. This God is defined as light and in him, there is no darkness. If I will indeed have fellowship with this God, I must seek to align my life with the necessary requirements for him to manifest. I cannot embrace darkness and expect God to shine his light on my ways. Where do you stand at the moment? Where do I?

The light here is not what I say it is, but what God says it is. I must walk in that light on a daily basis, not weekly, monthly or yearly. I don't get to walk in the light by appointment, where I have to only look the part on some days and then I am free to look different on other days. It is constant, as God does not take a break from his holiness in order to dabble into a little sin. The same must be true of me. When I align with the standard laid down by God, and you also do the same, picture the blessings that are available when we then come together for fellowship. Picture the power of God on display and available for impact when we all gather to promote the light of God.  

Conviction and Conclusion:

Consider one definition of fellowship: 'a group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest or aim' What could be better than this? It is not about the tribe, culture or language, but first about the blood of Jesus, which gives all of us the same salvation, cleansing from sin and the promise of eternal life. No matter what part of the world we all are, the blood of Jesus does this for ALL who share fellowship. It is a blessing that money, class, prestige, influence, power or position cannot buy or understand. It is only available by the blood of Jesus. Have you been to that fountain for cleansing from sin, so you can enjoy all that the blood has secured? Have I? God's time of favour is here. 

Pass It On!

Pass It On!

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. Proverbs 23:24 NIV

Context and Charge:

Life has its own challenges. Relationships are tough, and a society will always reflect the quality of the relationships that happen at the family level. God himself understands the power of the family. When he made man, He laid the foundations for the society and the nation. He blessed the man, giving him the power, ability and capacity to be fruitful and to multiply. In that blessing of being fruitful and multiplying is the reality of bringing in children into the world and nurturing them into maturity. On that journey, many things will happen, but ultimately, whatever efforts a father and mother make will always reflect on the quality of the lives of the children. You cannot fold your arms and magically wish that children will grow up in the fear and nurture of the Lord. You must put in the effort. 

It will not happen overnight. It will not happen by accident. Nobody stumbles upon, and is able to sustain truth by accident. Even if you come across nuggets of truth by accident, you have to consciously and deliberately nurture it and work on it until it reaches full maturity. A child is the reflection of the investment of time and resources by the parents. While the parents are working, sometimes, you may not have happiness. The fallen nature of sin has made it easy for children to rebel and to seek to do their own things their own way, but as the parents persist, press on and persevere, the fruits of that investment will eventually shine out. It is best to keep the long-term benefits as the focus, even as you seek to work on the short-term discomfort. That focus helps keep parents sane, even in the face of the madness around.

Conviction and Conclusion:

Do not bring in children into the world simply because it is fashionable; do it with eternal impact in mind. Do not bring children into the world only because you love children, but because you understand the value of a life that will impact its society in the future. Work, labour, train, guide, protect and guard these children with eternity in view. It is also equally important to remember that a child learns righteousness by the example of the parents. What example am I laying down for my children as a father? What legacies of eternal value am I laying down as examples for my children as a mother? Remember, eternity is at stake. I must not labour only for that which this earth celebrates, but I must also lay up treasures in heaven. My children will be grateful to God that I showed them God's way. God's time of favour is here. 

Let Go!

Let Go!

forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:13 KJV

Context and Charge:

It cannot be overemphasised how important it is to define expectations. No matter how hard I try or how long I pray for, I can't demand oranges from yam seedlings. The expected fruit is in the nature and quality of the seed to be planted. Today's verse is also seen in that light, and if any part of this verse is to be fulfilled, I have to know what God demands and live in line with those demands. Who am I expected to be? The very first verse of the chapter from which today's verse makes clear who it is addressed to: If ye then be risen with Christ. There is a conditional statement in that verse, and if I know who I am, and where I have been placed, then I can align with what this verse demands. As I take stock of my life now, do I consider myself to have died to sin, and then risen with Christ?

Look at what the verse demands: Forbear and Forgive. To forbear is to politely or patiently restrain an impulse to do something. There are times when people will step on my toes or sometimes seek to deliberately trip me up. When the squeeze comes, what flows out of me? When pressure comes, what would my life produce? The verse does not say I should respond in this way because the person deserves it, or has earned it. I am not concerned about the person's state of mind, or the motive behind the person's action. All God asks me to do is to forbear; to let go. Yes, the human nature sometimes will seek to lash out, but when I have died to sin and risen with Christ, the human nature is always and fully subdued, and the life of God will shine out. Does this describe me now?

Conviction and Conclusion:

To forgive is to excuse another person's ignorance or impoliteness. Christ already laid down the perfect example of forgiveness. When I was not even conscious that I needed Christ, He gave his life for me. Even for those who have not yet surrendered their lives to Christ, there is in place a standing provision to wash away their sin if they repent and return to Christ. Offence will happen as long as we are on this side of heaven, but as long as I depend on the finished work of Christ, and the forgiveness that He has freely offered me, I can forgive and let go. It is clear that Christ wants me to live out his own kind of life, so that I can show off his love and light to the world. That is the life that God demands from me. Would I let his life flow? God's time of favour is here.

 

Taste!

Taste!

O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 KJV

Context and Charge:

It is important to find, develop and nurture a relationship with God. There are things that happen to a person in life that may not be fully understood, but a relationship with God will always help it make some sense. David is someone God called a man after his heart, and it is not a wonder that he enjoyed grace and privilege that not too many people have. There were things he did, that Saul, the king before him also did, but David's relationship with God always led him to seek God's mercy and favour very quickly. He would not let sin of adultery and murder dwell too long, and as soon as he was made aware, he repented. He was severely punished, even to the generations after him, but he knew that his relationship with God was fully restored. That is the benefit and blessing linked to a healthy relationship with God. Do you have it? Do I? 

I note that being close to God did not stop David from experiencing some uncomfortable experiences. Abimelech could have killed him; after all, he went into the camp of the enemy of his own accord, when he was seeking refuge from king Saul. He knew and loved God, and he had been anointed as king at this time, yet he had to learn total dependence on God every step of the way. That is the ultimate desire of God; that no matter what comes my way, I learn to depend solely on him and trust him every step of the way. That is the personal experience that is the best lesson for anyone; that which you have tested and proven for yourself. On dark days, those experiences will remind you of who God is, what He has done in the past, and what He has power, ability and capacity to do in the future. Do you know this God? Do I?

Conviction and Conclusion:

Just as David ends this verse, so do I need to learn and hold on to this truth: it pays to trust in God. In fact, if you do not trust God, what are the options? Is it to trust in man, who cannot guarantee you the next second, not to talk of tomorrow? Trust does not have multiple sides; it is either I trust God fully or I do not. I cannot combine trust in God with trust in other created things. There is no middle ground or fence to sit on, where I get to play half-hearted devotion, and then jump ship when things get uncomfortable. It must be total, and it must stick to the end if I am to get the reward promised those who trust in God. There are earthly blessings to consider, as well as eternal consequences to trusting God. If I will enjoy all that God is, total dependence is the key. I have the assurance I will never be disappointed. God's time of favour is here. 

Harvest!

Harvest!

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew 9:37‭-‬38 KJV

Context and Charge:

It is important to know the mind of God on any matter, so I do not labour amiss. There is no point being busy in any work for which God has no regard or reward. This verse follows the clear message of the focus of the kingdom, as we see Jesus teaching, preaching and healing. These were the things He had come to do on earth, and He expects that we all who claim to his children also do the same. The Great Commission, as laid down by Jesus, also summarises these expectations. I must therefore settle down and decide that I want to be busy at that which God is blessing. At that time, Jesus saw the crowd of people following Him, and He understood the big challenge: not too many willing labourers. We all want to lead or control, but too many people want to labour. 

Unfortunately, it is labour for the harvest that counts. It is not just labour just for show; it has to be labour in pursuit of the waiting harvest. Jesus has already established that the harvest is plenty; He prepares the ground to receive the seed of the Word, and provides all the nutrients the seed needs to thrive, but then, when the harvest comes, there are not too many willing labourers. We love to be audible and visible, and we love the titles and recognition, but we forget that what God blesses isn't leadership for its own sake, but a life that labours, no matter what title s/he is known by. Once the harvest is ready, only those who understand the work required involved will be called to work. Am I a labourer that God can count on in these times? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

These verses are addressed to disciples, not the crowd that was following Him. The expectations of Jesus from the crowd are fundamentally different from those for disciples. We serve the Lord of the harvest, and He alone knows the conditions of the field, and the state of the harvest. He knows the hearts of men and who is ready to receive the seed, which is the Word of God. He is the One who knows which field is ready for harvest, and which one needs more work. Jesus wants me to pray that God will send labourers; it would mean that I understand what this entails, and I am ready to be called on at anytime to labour to bring in the harvest. May my life's decisions not lead to waste. May God find me a vessel he can use for labour in these end times. God's time of favour is here.

Live and Walk!

Live and Walk!

If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. Galatians 5:25 AMP

Context and Charge:

I can make a claim, but the fruit of my daily life is the loudest testament to the One who sits at the control centre of my life. In fact, anyone can make any kind of claim, but words are cheap. You do not produce fruit overnight; the evidence of fruit cannot be ignored, because it is the product of labour, time and effort, with the major work done away from human influence and control. That is what the Spirit of God is and does; He is never always visible, but His presence in a man's life cannot be ignored. When He is in, a man's life will surely reflect his presence. When He is absent, a man's life will also show it. That is why there are works of the flesh, as well as the fruit of the Spirit.  You cannot be in one and fake the other; my life will always reflect the state of my command centre. Which one am I truly subject to? 

The effect and impact of the control centre has eternal implications. I must keep at the back of my mind at all times that I am working for an eternal reward. The people Paul writes these words to must also define who they are: those who belong to Christ. Do I know who I am and who I belong to? Do I know what the terms of engagement are, and am I committed to the dictates and demands of that engagement? The old man has to die, if the new man must thrive. The old man and the new man will NEVER see eye to eye on anything, because they are not from the same source. It is the Spirit of God that births and sustains that new man. I must therefore depend on the Spirit of God, on a daily basis, to provide all that I need to keep the new man in control. The alternative is trouble, and the end is death.

Conviction and Conclusion:

It is about freewill and choice; I get to decide if the old man stays dead, as it should, or if I want to indulge it once in a while. I hold the power over that decision, but God holds the power over the permanent and eternal consequences of that decision. God will supply all that His own nature desires and demands, and the devil will also supply all that the old nature desires and demands. I do not get to sit on the fence, as there is none. I do not get to coast through life, without any commitment or dedication to an assignment. I do not get to start with God, and then seek to finish it on my own, relying on my own wisdom. I take heed to the things that God considers important, so I do not pursue wrong priorities. Eternity is too long not to be sure where you will spend it. God's time of favour is here.

The Body!

The Body!

that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

1 Corinthians 12:25‭, ‬27 KJV

Context and Charge:

Have you ever imagined what impact autoimmune disease has on the body, where the body's immune system fights against the body? Imagine where red blood cells that carry oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the body suddenly refuse to work as they should. This is similar to the picture that today's verse portrays: the body was built to function with all parts working in harmony to achieve a fully healthy and functional body. The reason why no 2 parts look the same is because they do not carry out the same function; even though the teeth and tongue are located in the mouth, each has its own role. The moment one part feels it is more important than another, trouble starts. That body can no longer function at its optimum. As it is with the physical body, so is it with the spiritual body. Am I a part of a functional and healthy spiritual body, or am I pursuing and promoting my own selfish agenda?

God's idea of a perfect body is one where each part cares for the other. It is the same care that the hand has for the feet that the eyes have for the ears. No part is less important, simply because it is not visible, audible or its impact and effect felt. We do not see the small or big intestines, but our bodies will surely feel the impact if they do not work as they should. The fact that I do not see the prayer team members come together before service to pray does not mean that their role is not important. The fact that it is only the pastors and teachers that everyone sees does not make them more important than the man or woman who is focused on church cleaning and is faithful to the assignment. Who determines which part is more important than the other? Would it be a part of the body itself, or the creator of the entire body Himself? If He says all are important, then His view is all that matters; nothing else.

Conviction and Conclusion:

When I am joined to Christ, I share in a very special relationship. I am joined to the body of Christ, with Christ supplying all that the body needs to thrive and impact. As long as I am joined to that body, I enjoy all that Christ supplies. The things on the surface, such as skin colour or language, are all minor matters when compared with the status of the family I have become a part of. It is a family that goes above national boundaries; as I call on the name of Jesus in one part of the world, and another person calls on the same name in a different part of the world, we all have access to the same Christ. A divided body cannot survive or thrive, a body at war with itself will not last. Christ is not the author of confusion and he is not a part of anything that promotes discord or division. What kind of body am I a part of? Christ's, or the one I have put together for my own benefit? God's time of favour is here.

Stand!

Stand!

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 KJV 

Context and Charge:

Again, it is important to note the audience these words are addressed to. Paul speaks to people who he calls God's church, who have been made holy because they belong to Christ. This ownership is the key to the instructions that are in today's verse. It is not for the crowd; not for people who are unsure of their convictions. If you do not know where you stand, the wave of false doctrine and convenient falsehoods will sweep you away. Biblical history is full of people who started well, but could not endure to the end. If I will carry out the instructions in today's verse, I must align myself with the key that gives access to the resources that make it possible. How else can I do God's will outside of the instructions and directives given by God? How else will I survive the fire that is coming?

It is the trouble that is certainly coming that must push me to be ready. It is not a matter of IF but WHEN. Watching requires attention to detail; watching means being alert, standing in the place I have been assigned, and doing exactly what I have been commissioned to do. I am required to stand fast in the faith, not in anything else, no matter how deceptively attractive it may be, because the devil will certainly raise a storm. I must stand in the strength and use the resources that God gives to achieve all that God demands. God calls me into a new life with Him, and though there is a fight to sort out, I am already assured of victory. All I need to do is stand and enforce that victory. Am I in the faith, or still trying to fight my own way, using earthly tools to fight a war with eternal ramifications?

Conviction and Conclusion:

Every part of this verse is important; watching, standing, quitting like men and being story. This quitting has nothing to do with giving up, but for discharging the responsibility and requirement of men who know who they are, what they are called to do, and are doing it to the best of their ability and relying on God every step of the way. Do not try and fight this fight or run this race with your own power; I cannot make anything of my life by my own power. He will supply the grace required, but I must daily rely on that grace to do all that today's verse requires. Eternity awaits; I must guard my ways, thoughts and actions, so that I can be found worthy to reign with Christ at the end of the fight on earth. May I not fail; may I not give up; may I not fall away. God's time of favour is here. 

Know Him!

Know Him!

that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:10‭-‬11 KJV

Context and Charge:

Any good of ourselves that we may lay claim on is not the righteousness of God in Christ. No man can come to God and plead self-righteousness. Sin has rubbished whatever good standing I had, and now, all who will be accepted by God must come by the prescribed way, which is Christ Jesus. Paul had walked the path of self-righteousness, and after listing all his achievements, his summary was that they were all dung when compared with the excellency of knowing Christ. That has to be the summary of a life that will make impact: it cannot rest on human metrics, thrive on human applause or be controlled by human approval. Am I striving for acceptance by God through labour? Am I seeking God because of what I can get or because I really want to know Him?

The knowledge of Christ is the highest form of knowledge. Check out the complete package: the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, partaking in his death and attaining unto the promised resurrection. I do not get to pick and choose the one that I am comfortable with; Christ came to give me a full life, and only by identifying with him in all respects can I access all that He is. This is not a one-off process, and it is not something you completely achieve on this side of eternity. Paul lays it out as a continuous process, something that takes the whole of a person's life until death or rapture changes the atmosphere. Even in heaven, this is where we get to experience God even more closely, and to know him even more. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Like Paul, can this be my prayer? Is the knowledge of God my absolute focus, or is there room for other viable alternatives? Can God hold my heart and its pursuits and priorities, so that all that my life produces line up with the nature of God and his desire for me? I must keep at the front of my mind the fact that eternal life is the end of all life. Where I get to spend mine is a reflection of the things that held my heart down here. Christ is the end of all things, and a day comes soon when every knee, whether by choice or compulsion, will bow before him at the judgment seat, and then eternal life is permanently settled. I had better bow the knee now willingly, and be assured of resurrection when Christ returns. God's time of favour is here. 

The New!

The New!

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4 KJV

Context and Charge:

A time is coming when all that we see and know now will be gone. The familiar and the earthly will give way to the eternal. The chapter from which today's verse is taken makes reference to a new heaven and a new earth, with no more sea. If God has been found to be true in other things he has said, be rest assured that this is also true and will come to pass. Think of this for a moment: new heaven and a new earth means that there are things from the old heaven and the old earth that will not have a place in the new heaven and the new earth. A few of those things are sorrow, death, crying or pain. How that will work is not yet very clear to me, but the expectation of a life without the constant pressure of pressure, pain and death is something to look forward to. 

How do I get to be a part of this new heaven and new earth? It is clear that a lot of the old way of doing things in the old earth cannot be sustained in the new earth. If death was part of the old earth, and is not part of the new earth, it means that the cause of death cannot be a part of the new earth. As the bible has made very clear, the wages of sin is death. If I will gain the new earth, I must avoid sin at all cost. It does not matter how much the present world excuses sin; God's view of sin has not changed since the days of Adam, and as we know, God's view does not need man's approval or applause in order for it to be enforced by Him. I have a duty, for the sake of my eternal rest, to be sure that my pursuits and priorities line up with God's. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Just know and be comforted by this: God created all things, including this current heaven and earth, and they answer to Him. If He says that they will pass away, I must be careful of the things I hold on to very dearly. What would it profit me if what I consider as important down here has no value in the new heaven and earth? All that I see now will one day go out with the old; I must seek the things that are relevant to the new earth. At the top of that list is the new life, birthed and sustained by faith in the one by whom all things in this present heaven and earth were created. Do not settle for the temporary thrills of the old; strive for the benefits and blessings of the new. Eternity is too long a time not to know where you will spend it. God's time of favour is here.

Cast Down!

Cast Down!

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 2 Corinthians 10:4 KJV

Context and Charge:

We are in a war. As hard as that may sound, it is true. From the time a child is born, it is a struggle for practically everything. At a young age, the parents must provide, but at a later stage, that child must grow to fend for him/herself. The child spends those early years leaning the skills needed to survive and thrive in the world. Just as this principle applies in the physical, so does it apply in the spiritual. Whether you are born again or not, know that you are in a war. This war came to earth when man fell into sin, and every man must fight. The big difference is made by the support man gets in this war. This support is important, because it makes the difference between success and failure. 

Physical wars require weapons, and spiritual wars also need weapons. You cannot use physical weapons to fight spiritual wars. Too many times, we apply worldly principles and procedures to spiritual issues, and wonder why it leads to comprehensive failure. Spiritual wars can never be understood by the world, and only those who are spiritually minded understand what today's verse requires. How can I deal with a problem that has existed before I was born if I don't have the help of the One who also existed before me? It is God to backs up that which He provides to accomplish that which He purposes. Nothing else will work, because nothing else can do the work.

Conviction and Conclusion:

Strongholds exist. Mountains and obstacles have existed long before I was born. I need the help of the Almighty God if I will be able to overcome these obstacles. I must never push forward effort, intellect, networth or network. It is first and last about God. He is the One who used only 300 men to fight a war with Midian; who led an army of choir members to fight, who in one night, killed 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian army. This God is called a man of war, because He knows and understands how life works. My life is safe only in Him, and I will only last if that life is secured by Him. Are you counted as a child of God, who can fight to defend you? Am I? God's time of favour is here. 

Pressure and Release!

Pressure and Release!

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:44 KJV

Context and Charge:

You may have heard something said very often and by so many people that over time, it seems to be the gospel truth. The context of today's verse suggests that familiarity or repetition does not always support truth. It is very important that I know and follow the truth as laid down by the Truth himself, not what the world thinks. The world will support tit-for-tat, and to love only those who are lovable or who can reciprocate the love, but Jesus is saying here that it is not enough to do the usual and the expected, but all who will follow Him must be ready to go the extra mile. After all, His own life is a testament to that extra mile; we were not lovable at the time He died for our sins, but He laid down his life anyway, in the hope that we will one day surrender our lives back to Him. 

As a Christian, my response cannot always match the action. The people I am called to love, bless, do good to and pray for may not understand the reason why I do what I do, but as I live as Jesus commands, my life becomes that message it was saved to be. If I do what the world expects, how do I stand out? If I respond in like manner as others act toward me, how does my life become an example to emulate? If I am indeed a child of God, my father's instructions must be very important to me, and must drive me to obey. Let the world act true to type; I ask God for grace to help me respond as He directs. Men will curse, mistreat and persecute me; I have a choice to respond in kind or to respond with kindness. As always, the power to make a choice is mine.

Conviction and Conclusion:

No matter how hard you try, you will find a situation that matches your past experience or your current situation. Whether people just hate or curse you for no reason, or simply despise and maltreat you, I have a mandate from God, simply because there is the seed of God in me, to respond in a different way. It is God's way of making a change in this generation; making Go known to a world that does not want to reckon with God. I must let the world dictate my reactions or responses; I must allow the Spirit of God flow in and through me to impact the world in which I have been placed. That is purpose, and its discovery and pursuit is the highlight of a man's life. The world eagerly awaits the manifestation of the sons of God. Am I one? Are you? God's time of favour is here. 

Peace!

Peace!

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

Context and Charge:

Jesus spent several chapters in John speaking to his disciples, praying for them and speaking about the future. He spoke on the way to the Father, his special relationship with His Father and God's expectations for his followers. He wasn't speaking here to the crowd, which was usually a large one, but to His disciples, which are usually fewer than the crowd. Which one am I: part of the crowd or one of His disciples? Whatever side you are on defines your pursuits and priorities. In God, I have the assurance of all that God is. The world cannot give what it does not have and it can't secure for you which is not its to give. Only God gives that which lasts.

What is it that you hold; was it given to you by God or did you hustle for it by your own strength and wisdom? It is only in God that genuine peace can be found. Yes, the world can offer you what is has, secured by blood, sweat and tears, but it will not last if it is not backed up by God. The only guarantee the world can give you is plenty of temptations and tribulations; that is all it has to offer. This is even further worsened by the fact that the world hasn't and cannot submit itself to the Prince of peace. The world is in constant opposition to the word of God and it will not get any better, even as things get worse. I need to seek the help of the One who has the answers to all of the world's questions. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

These words by Jesus are apt for this season. Ahead of whatever it is the world will throw at me, he tells me to cheer up and smile, because He has gone ahead of me to clear the way and secure victory for me. Ahead of the promised tribulation, I have his secured protection, provision and peace. I can only be of good cheer if I have surrendered control of my life to Him. I cannot be the boss of my own life and decisions, and still expect God to be in charge. Disciples know that they take daily instructions and guidance from the master, even if they do not understand the reasons. Obedience is just key. Are you a disciple? Am I? God's time of favour is here. 

All God!

All God!

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Psalm 119:114 KJV

Context and Charge:

This verse is taken from the longest chapter of the bible - 176 verses divided into 22 parts of 8 verses each. Each part has a reference to the Word of God, which is referred to in different ways in these 22 parts. What this means is that the Word of God is central to all I hope to be. Whatever the direction I want to take, I can only make a plan that succeeds when I make a plan to align with God's Word. The world has its theories, practices and conventions, and most times, these work for the people of the world since they are already under its control, but for all those who decide to align with God's Word and allow it guide their lives, their lives are always beautiful. Who/What is your motivation and guide?

For those who have made God their confidence, he becomes their hiding place and shield. Isn't it a bit odd that God is referred to as a hiding place? Confidence in God does not give me permission to jump headlong into any situation, but to wait for God's guidance. The fool in the world relies on the false tokens the world provides, trusting in the false hope the world gives. However, the one who trusts in the Lord knows when danger is ahead, and as led, hides him/herself in God. When the enemy also shoots deadly arrows, God becomes the shield that quenches all the fiery darts of the evil one. Don't trust the provisions of a world that cannot secure itself from God's wrath. Only God can truly protect.

Conviction and Conclusion:

This confidence does not happen overnight, but is the product of long usage and experience. The more I trust God, the more I learn His ways and can gladly do what He loves. By the exercise of my own freewill, I surrender my life to God. I am confident that God is all I need for all of life. In the face of troubles, trials, tribulations and tough times , God has proven over and over again that when I have Him, I have all that I need. My hope is in God alone; there is no one and nothing else that can replace God in my life. I am safe only in Him; the world and all its troubles have no hold on me. God's word assures me that it will all end in praise. God's time of favour is here.

All to God!

All to God!

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV

Context and Charge:

The world makes arguments that line up with whatever position it wants to defend. One of man's greatest blessings, as well as his greatest limitations, is his freewill. God gives us that power so that we can, of our own choice, love, follow and serve Him. Of what use is a robot that is programmed to just follow orders, with no mind of its own, no feelings, no emotions and no heart? It means that God can then just command obedience, with no possibility of rebellion from all of us. How does a robot love sincerely from the heart? How does the robot show off the glory and grace of the one who has made it, when it does not an opinion or view on anything? It is this freewill that makes it easy for me to choose to glorify God in whatever I do.

Even with freewill, the best use of my life is to spend it for the glory of the One who owns me and gave me life. This would entail that I use my entire life as a platform where God is both audible and visible. There are many ways I can do this, but today's extract emphasizes eating and drinking. Why would food be this important to God? It is because with God, there is nothing He cannot use to glorify Himself, just as there is also nothing the devil cannot use to promote evil. Food is good for the body, as it is useful for nourishment and sustenance, but we also know that eating in excess leads to waste, as well as poor health eventually. There is no detail about my life that God is not interested in, even that which goes out as waste. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Can I categorically say that my life's decisions, particularly as they relate to food and drink, glorify God? Even when I decide not to eat or drink, are the reasons such that glorify God? Life is too complex for me to leave critical decisions to feelings and emotions, but I must deliberately seek God's counsel for anything and everything. Nothing must be too small or too personal to take to God. This is a God before whom EVERY knee will bow, either by choice or compulsion, but while I still have the time, and am able to exercise freewill, let me bow the knee now with a sincere and grateful heart, fully appreciative of all that I have been given by God. Can I say that my life celebrates God and gives glory to Him? God's time of favour is here.

Power!

Power!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 KJV

Context and Charge:

There are powers, but there is a Power. There are kingpins, kingdoms and thrones, but there is a Lord and Master over them all. He is the One who sets up one king and brings down another. He is the One who can bring a man from the prison in one night and set him up as prime minister the next day. He is the One who made an iron axe head float on water, which is scientifically impossible to explain. The Old Testament is full of stories of men and women who experienced God in one dimension or the other, yet they did not get the full scope of who this God is. The New Testament also had men and women who also encountered God in one dimension or the other. Which God have you met?

In this present generation, we also have men and women who have also encountered the God Paul was talking about here. Until you have had a personal encounter, you cannot recommend Him to anyone else. It is the power of personal experience that births testimonies. If expectations are met, it may not stand out, but when expectations are exceeded, you have to speak about Him. This God is powerful, and He can change anything. He wants me to know Him, but He will not force Himself on me. His love is such that if I surrender myself to Him, He will display His power and splendour in and through me. I am the visible expression of His invisible power. Have you experienced that power?

Conviction and Conclusion:

This God deserves all the glory. This God deserves all the praise. His power, nature and goodness are evident through the old, new testaments and this present generation. This consistency shows that nothing in this life can change his purpose and plan. The church is that body of His, his ambassador, His eyes, feet, hands and heart. The church also has an eternal reality to look forward to, as Jesus returns for the church He died for and redeemed from sin. As we live, we remind the world of what God can do with a life that is surrendered to Him. Are you surrendered? Does the description above in any way reflect who I am at the moment? Remember, eternity is real. God's time of favour is here.

The Outer and the Inner Man!

The Outer and the Inner Man!

Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 AMPC

Context and Charge:

Life happens. Storms come. The wind blows. Trials press. Tough times form part of life and you cannot do without them. It appears that God also uses the experiences that He brings my way to build up character in me. The emphasis is on the inside. The outer man is the reflection of the inner man. The work that God does on the inside must always show on the outside. Check out all the men and women God used in the bible, and one thing that shines out so clearly is the fact that God had to subject them to His process, before they could be used for his purpose. These people went through the process, were used and then eventually died, but till today, we read and speak about them today. 

That is the power of a life that has been subject to God's process. Sometimes, you do not look like what you have been through. Sometimes, there is physical evidence of God's process, like Jacob, who became Israel, who limped visibly after his 'process' with the angel. Whichever way God decides to deal with me  it is clear that his process is not unto perdition, but unto paradise and peace. Fear of the experience is pointless, because at no time did God say I would go through it on my own. Fear is unnecessary because it is God's school, God's earth, God's creation, and all answers to Him. As I grow older, my outer man is indeed progressively decaying. No make up, touch up or set up can reverse aging. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

You can do all you can to look or feel young, but without drugs or external influence, there are things you can't easily do at 75, which you could easily do at 35. Thank God there is more to my life than just this physical body. Even in this limited physical body, God chooses to display his power, splendour and grace by doing the most amazing work in the most mundane vessel. The treasure is not so much about what is outside, but about what is inside, shining out on the outside. When you see me, you must see the inner work of God. My life must be the visible expression of the inner inspiration of God. Does that describe me at the moment? Can men see the imprint of God upon my life? God's time of favour is here.