Restored!

Restored!

if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

Context and Charge:

God was speaking after Solomon's amazing sacrifices. He had just been made king, and his father must have shared with him the dream and desire to build a befitting temple for God. Materials had been stored up, and resources for the building were in abundance. Yet in all of these things, God had to make it clear to Solomon that life outside the dictates and demands of God was a waste. I cannot use money, influence or connections as a replacement for obedience to God's express commands. Sin is a reproach to any people or nation. It will not matter what you have done before or what good you may be doing now or whatever good you may be planning to do; sin changes the conversation. If I will be all that God intends, I must avoid sin at all cost. 

God lays it out very clearly that His people are the only ones He will listen to. 

I must sort out my allegiance; am I a citizen, reckoned with by God as one of His, or an alien, only seeking what I can get, and simply running away from God at the slightest hint of trouble? If I am a child of God, I am able to pray down God's intervention in my life, family, home and nation. There is a right atmosphere for this intervention; I cannot be actively involved in the things God hates and still demand that He come through for me. It is said very clearly in the bible that it is an abomination to expect grace to abound while I keep on sinning. I must turn away from sin. I must come to Him with a heart of humility, sure that I cannot help myself that admitting that only God can help. I must pray. These are all active words; they call for something from me. I also note that I do not get to pick and choose the ones that appeal to me; it is a package offer, with the fullness of God's blessings tied to the fullness of obedience. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

God also has a response if I get the actions right. If I come to Him the way He has laid it out, I have access to His presence and answers. You cannot imagine the joy, peace and favour that accompany a man who walks right in the midst of God's perfect will. There is no struggle with obedience, and God promises He will hear, forgive and heal. As He works on the individual, the individual will in turn impact the nation. I hold the power of influence over my nation; if I can go to God, hate the things he hates and love the things He loves, I will enjoy all that God has made available, and everyone connected with me will also enjoy the same supply. He wants me to come; He is able to do what He has said He will do. God's hands reach the entire earth, and what He has made will always respond to Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Peace, God's Style!

Peace, God's Style!

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 KJV

Context and Charge:

Imagine the frustration, uncertainty, hurt and pain in the minds and hearts of the disciples as they contemplated a life without Jesus in the flesh with them. They had gone to all places with Him, and they had seen him perform some amazing miracles. They had listened to Him challenge the authorities of his day and made them look like fools. They had listened to His teachings as he laid out a new way of living that was supported by the  grace and mercy of God. Then He had to leave. He was to die a terrible death, and it was hard to imagine the One they had come to know as the Son of the Living God being subjected to such ignoble death. It was a lot to process, and of course, it was hard to have peace in the circumstances. But then, God has never done anything logically or reasonably. If it were so, then maybe God would not be God.

In the midst of all the uncertainties, and the many troubles in the minds of the disciples, the sure word of Jesus to them was PEACE. That was all He needed the disciples to have as they faced the world. As it was then, so is it now. We need God's sure word of peace for the times we are in now. Nations are at war, both within themselves, as well as with other nations around them. Any nation today that appears to have "world peace" must either be a superpower, or it has no resources or minerals that the superpowers want. The world cannot give you what it does not have; it cannot fake that which it did not originate. If I am looking for peace that is not first about the physical,  but about the inner comfort and peace that come from God, then the world is not the place to look for it. Don't go looking for peace in a world that is in turmoil.

Conviction and Conclusion:

Jesus calls it 'my peace', because it is peace that only a connection with Jesus can birth and sustain. You can't get this version outside of Jesus, so if you are yet to have Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, whatever it is that you have, and which gives you confidence, is not the peace Jesus speaks about here. He gives it freely to all who come to Him, without cost to them. The world has nothing free to give, and it would rather take what you have from you. If Jesus has Indeed spoken his peace, there is nothing the world can do to disrupt it. It is peace that the earth cannot limit, because its reality is in eternity with God. This is the cause for joy; this is why my heart need not be troubled or afraid. It has found a resting place in Christ, and it will go on until it finds fulfilment in eternity. God's time of favour is here.

Sent!

Sent!

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8 AMPC

Context and Charge:

Before the request or question in today's verse was pronounced by the Lord, there was an encounter by Isaiah that had to happen. God will not send out a man He has not prepared. God cannot prepare a man until that man has encountered God. That encounter may take different forms, or happen at different times, but it is certain that it must happen. How would I be sufficiently motivated to stay the course if I do not know the value of who I have been called to follow and what the One who calls wants me to do. For Isaiah, this encounter had to do with the holiness of God. There is no one who will encounter God's holiness that would see him/herself for who s/he really is. The question has to be: "Have I truly had a personal encounter with this God? Do I know clearly what His expectations for and from me are?

We can hold on to a form of godliness, keep to some traditions and uphold some norms, but when a man has seen God, he knows that there is a need to change track. A personal encounter with God gives a man new pursuits and priorities. You cannot fully discern or perceive God's voice until you have submitted to His authority. Being in church is not enough; knowing the words of the bible is also not enough. Being morally upright is also not enough, and holding the popular titles of the church, such as bishop or His holiness, but until the Holy God shows you who He is, the titles will always be empty of the power of the One who commissions men for assignment. Before I wander so far away from God that his warnings cannot reach me, I must submit myself to His purification and sanctification. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The Lord is always speaking; the question is whether I am able to hear him and respond accordingly. God is always looking for a man He can use, as there is a rich harvest waiting for willing labourers who will put in the work. The call for men goes out to the whole world, and men will lay claim on special access to God, yet only those who know His voice can truly submit and follow. Isaiah had seen God in all His glory, so it was easy for him to go on assignment for this God. He had no fear; he had no reservations; he just wanted to serve. This must be my own life summary, that when God came looking for a man/woman to work. He can count on me. There is work to be done, and it is work that cannot be done by intellect, human wisdom, or the strength of connections or influence. God is looking for anyone who is totally surrendered. Am I one? God's time of favour is here. 

Supported!

Supported!

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Ps. 118:6.]

Romans 8:31 AMPC

Context and Charge:

The verses before today's extract address an important part of our lives as Christians. We are in very unique circumstances, in the sense that we have access to all that God intends for all who fear and follow Him. You read about the new law, new way of life and a new eternal order that Christ had come to establish; you learn of the law of Christ that has sealed eternal life for me, and deliverance from the law of sin and death. You read of God's investment in humans, as well as the power and impact his Holy Spirit has on us. All the above gives me an insight into God's amazing nature, power and wisdom. He is the God with foreknowledge of all that concerns me, and long before I would even surrender my life to Him, He already gave up His life for me out of love. 

His love was not subject to me loving Him in return, as He would still have died if I were the only sinner on earth. He died for me, and still desires that I surrender my life to Him. He is my greatest supporter, as the bible says I am engraved in the hollow of his palm. I cannot get lost, because I am surrounded by the certainty of His grace. I cannot be confused, because His wisdom is my portion. Let men say whatever it is they want to say; let the whole earth be in trouble; let the wind blow, the storms rage or the earth quake; as long as God is on my side, I know it will end well for me. That is why today's extract can start by stating quite clearly, in the form of a question whose answer is obvious, that if God is already on my side, it does not matter what the quantity or quality of opposition against me is.

Conviction and Conclusion:

If God is on my side, let the whole world gang up against me, I have a standing assurance that I will overcome. As long as God is on my side, it is certain that nobody can last in opposition against God. Anyone who comes against God will not succeed, no matter how strong, influential or connected s/he may be. This is a God who existed before time, as we know it now, began, and who will continue to exist long after time as we know it now, ceases to exist. He has not lost a war yet, as He is called the Man of War. Yes, things we call 'bad' may happen to us in the course of the journey called life, but there is a standing guarantee that all things will work together for the good of all that love God. It is very important that I sort out my identity and  location. My location defines my allocation. God's time of favour is here.

Abide!

Abide!

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4 KJV

Context and Charge:

Jesus speaks here to disciples, not the crowd or those who do not yet know who they are. The disciple is one who has learnt the joy and blessing accessible to anyone who knows how to ABIDE. It is indeed by inspiration that this is the word used here: a man who abides in a place has no other permanent abode. He may go visit other places, and may even sleep over in a friend's place, but there is no doubt about where he resides permanently. When you ask him/her where s/he stays, the answer will always be the same. The disciple knows the importance of abiding, as this is the source of strength and the foundation of peace for the disciple. I consider it very important then that I must sort out my residence status, as it is the key to access the rest of the verse under consideration today. Who am I? Do I know where I am expected to be and what actions are expected from me?

It is a joint effort; I cannot claim to be in Christ and there will be no physical evidence of that location. Christ takes me as I am when I come to Him, but He definitely does not leave me the same way that I came to Him. There is a work He does first in me, before it flows out of me. Like every seed that bears physical fruit, there is a secret, hidden work that must first be settled before the fruit can be made manifest. This is one reality that cannot be impacted by magic or just wishing it into existence; I must put in the work and make the sacrifices required to bring it into the realm of the physical. Fruit is a sign that the seed has found good soil. It does not matter how hard I till the rocky ground, adding manure and watering it; it does not support long -term growth. If I will have frut, particularly the type that abides and lasts, the ground is also equally important. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Am I preparing my heart the right way to receive the seed of God's Word? Ever seen a branch bearing much fruit by itself, and on its own? Ever seen a branch that can sustain itself without help from the stem it should be attached to? In the same way, a disciple must be a lifelong dependant of the One who has  can supply all that is required for residing in the branch. I cannot be a branch of an orange tree and be seeking the same nutrients that a banana will require to grow into a banana. I cannot waste my time as a disciple envying another man's growth pattern; it is the same stem producing his own growth that is able to supply and sustain my own growth, so I need to just focus on that which I need to be all that God intends for me. Apart from him, the branch will die. Outside of Him, there are no citizenship benefits. God's time of favour is here. 

The Law!

The Law!

For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.

Romans 8:2 AMPC

Context and Charge: 

2 laws, 2 destinies. 2 laws, 2 earthly and eternal realities. 1 law kicks in at the natural birth, and the other kicks in at the spiritual birth. 1 law is the law of all human nature, and the other law rules the spiritual nature. One law rules you, whether you like it or not, but the other law is a matter of choice, where I get to submit, of my own free will, to its total control and influence. The first law ends in death, while the other law is a life-sealing law. It is also called a law because it binds all who come under it. You get to choose which one controls your life, but once the decision is made, you don't control the narrative anymore. This is why you don't make that decision lightly; it cost God something very precious for Him to be able to lay down the second law, and if I will enjoy the benefits, I have to comply with the law.

What is this second law and why is it so different from the first law? The first law laid emphasis on labour and effort. Grace made no sense here, because the first law could not understand it. The first law brought men under bondage because, try as they could, no one could fulfil the requirements of the first law. It would tell you what to do, yet could not supply the inner strength required to carry out the work. With God, labour has its limit. With God, the law of sin and death needed a challenge. Where God wanted man to be, the first law could not take man there. Of course, it was God's desire that man should live with Him forever, but the law of sin and death would not budge. Only a higher law could spoil the power of the old law. In stepped Christ, with a new dispensation. The old was done; the new was in. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Remember, both of these laws have eternal consequences. One ends in death, the other is and gives life. The Spirit of Life is in Christ Jesus; no one and nothing else can give you that life. My bank account balance, circle of influence or connections cannot impact this life. They may distract or deceive, but they will never serve as good excuses if one misses the life that Christ came to give. I also note from the verse above that what I own will not seal this life; it is all about Christ from first to last. He is God's solution to the problem of sin. All who desire to be truly free must submit to the law that seals liberty from the bondage of sin. This second law is really good; it places no further burden on you than to just believe in the finished work of Christ and hold on to the life on offer. It is that simple; would I take it? God's time of favour is here. 

Man!

Man!

When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places — what are human beings, that you think of them; mere mortals, that you care for them? Psalms 8:3‭-‬4 GNBDK

Context and Charge:

The entire chapter 8 of psalms is a unique celebration of the grace, mercy, power and infinite love of the God who made the universe. He didn't need my help getting here and He doesn't need my help to remain God and Lord over all that He has made. Creation is a daily testament to the wisdom and craft of a master strategist and builder, who made all we see now simply by the power of the spoken word. He simply spoke and these things came to be. Check out the things made by God before he made man: the sun, moon, stars and the sky. We feel the heat of the sun, and we also love the coolness in the evening when the sun sets. We see the stars in all their glory at night and then by the morning, the greater light of the sun operates. This has been the practice since the earth was founded, and it remains so till today. Honestly, that is power. 

How can anyone say that there is no God? How can anyone consider all that we see today and claim that they are the product of a big bang, or a theory or some other fantasy of man? Even if the creatures of the world do not excite and inspire you, what of man, made in the likeness of the God who created this world and gave its inhabitants their limit, function and work? There is the mighty lion, who struts before all and bows to none, yet man has found a way to catch and cage it. A bite from a viper is certain death if untreated after a short time, yet man is able to catch it, and then extract the same venom to make an antidote. That wisdom is not the type the world can fake or duplicate on its own. Only the God who made the earth can supply the same measure required to sustain it. If I will enjoy the earth on which I have been planted, the secret is in knowing and appreciating the God who controls the entire framework of life.

Conviction and Conclusion:

We have found, and yet continue to find new ways of hurting each other. We have now made hydrogen and nuclear weapons, and can cause death in millions in just a few seconds. We have now built high fences with tall gates, shuttling ourselves away from others who don't look, talk or see like us. We have become envious of each other, as if we were not also made in the image and likeness of the same God. Man is made by God to be His representative on earth; to be God's eye, hand, feet, ear and heart. I do not do my own thing my own way, but strive to properly represent the One to whom I have pledged allegiance. I must not make a claim and then my life will be the exact opposite. As David stated here in today's verse, so must I also hold it to my heart that I am special. I must live in that consciousness on a daily basis, so that my life can show off this God and people can be attracted to him. That must be my purpose. God's time of favour is here. 

Help!

Help!

Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].

Galatians 6:2 AMP

Context and Charge:

Today's extract seems to make it very clear that we all have burdens to bear. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, it has been a series of mishits and mishaps. Sin comes with its own burdens, and the wages of sin has always been death. However, when a man turns to Christ, the burden of sin is taken away. A man who is saved from sin no longer has to worry about the consequences of sin. However, that is also not the full story. When I come to Christ, there is an exchange of burdens. Jesus takes away the burden i could not bear, and He gives me the burden that I can bear, with his help and guidance. I don't get to walk away from responsibilities, content to just coast along with whatever comes. No, I am called to be deliberate and decisive, sure of what God is calling me to. 

Because we all have been given our own burden, it is tempting to think of how I can go it alone as my cross. In God's Word, I find a treasure: I am not required to go it alone. The mandate from God for this church was to ensure that nobody felt alone, or that anyone was on his or her own. The world drives men to unhealthy competition and comparison, but God would have me know that I do not have to live up to anyone's expectations but His own. As I help to carry another person's burden, God raises someone to also help me bear my own burden. Today's extract says that if we can live by that rule, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. This law must be pretty legal, binding and spiritual if it is to be called the law of Christ. And it must point men to Christ as Master, Lord and Saviour if it is to be the law of Christ. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

What example did Christ leave for us, making His life the standard to follow? How is His life the template for how I must live my own life today? At the time when I did not even know that I needed help, Christ showed up. At the time when I could not meet God's approval by anything I could offer, Christ offered himself. I could not pay the price for sin, because there was nothing in me that could be the perfect atonement, but Christ came and paid it all. In that is mercy, but in it also is the sense of duty that comes out of a heart of gratitude. Because of what I have received, I can give all of myself for the sake of other people. I do it from a heart that knows that it is, because of who Christ is snd what he gave. So, have you come to know this truth? Have I? God's time of favour is here. 

Wait!

Wait!

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:14 AMPC

Context and Charge:

If I am asked to wait for the Lord, there are a few things that are clear. First, there are benefits to the waiting. God will not ask me to wait for him if there is nothing to gain. It is also clear that God is worth waiting for, as evidence abounds of people who waited for God and were not put to shame. God stakes his name, reputation and character by asking me to wait for him, and if I do wait as He has commanded, not the way I want to, I get access to all that God has made available for all who wait. One great definition of waiting is: "to stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or event." One does not hurry out or hasten from the place where you wait. Until your hand has taken hold of that for which you have been waiting for, you do not leave the place you have been asked to wait for that thing.

This is the personal statement of a man who has experienced the God who holds, owns and has all things under his authority. David would know, and as someone who was helped to become king, and who secured an eternal kingship from God by simply following God's heart, he knew firsthand the benefits of waiting for God. In an age where haste is equated with intelligence, and people who take things slowly are seen as foolish, stupid or dense, this message is very appropriate. Do not let the world's system or expectations drive you out of God's perfect plan and purpose for your life. Don't let the standards of the world become a weight on your heart, driving you into unhealthy habits or comparisons. Things that cause fear may come, and uncertainties are a part of the fallen state of man now, but we have a God who is worth waiting for. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

If I know I cannot save myself, would I then wait for God? If I know I do not have all the answers to all of life's questions, would I then trust the One who created all things and to who all things answer to? If I know I cannot even change or alter the smallest detail of my life, even the length of hair on my head, why should I fret over things beyond my control, when this God has already assured me that all the hair on my head are numbered and nothing happens to me without his permission? Honestly, we all need that very personal encounter with this God to be able to trust Him completely and stop subjecting our hearts to pressure that is not ours to manage in the first place. That is God's role, and He has been doing it well for all eternity. Would you trust Him totally and surrender your life to Him? Would I also? God's time of favour is here. 

Life

Life!

Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; And whoever continues to live and believes in (has faith in, cleaves to, and relies on) Me shall never [actually] die at all. Do you believe this? John 11:25‭-‬26 AMPC

Context and Charge:

Jesus, whilst speaking to his friends, referred to himself as the Resurrection and the Life here, yet Lazarus, his friend, had just died. He was informed that Lazarus was sick and at the point of death, yet He waited until Lazarus was dead before he set out to visit the family. He was called a friend of the family, and the family knew what He could do yet on the day he was needed the most, He was nowhere to be found. These are a few of the things that make God to be God; you can't question His authority, yet there is no denying His power, wisdom or grace. Is there anything that man has concluded on and said it is now beyond redemption? Until the Lord who speaks here has spoken, men are free to hold on to just any view. As soon as God speaks, I have all I need for the miracle that I seek. Who do I listen to, and whose words motivate my daily pursuits, priorities and purpose?

The words of Jesus here are quite instructive as they speak to both the earthly and the eternal. If I believe in Jesus and act on that belief by putting my life in His hands, I have access to all that Jesus is and has. Now, faith in Christ does not shield me from all storms, but it keeps my anchor in place and my eternity settled. Death is the natural end of all people born of women, and it is that major appointment all of us will keep if the Lord Jesus tarries long enough. For Lazarus, he got a temporary reprieve, as he was brought back to life for some time, but he still died later. For all who are in Christ, they are in a special relationship; if you are in Christ, you already have eternal life sealed up. Let the whole world pass away and the mountains be shaken; the one in Christ does not die, because death has no power over the one who has the Life of God in him/her. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Do not fear death; fear the One who has already defeated death, and for all of eternity reigns and rules over all. There is nothing in this life that is not subject to the authority and power of the One who defeated death. Yes, life will happen to the best of us, and it may happen that death comes, even when we do not really plan for it; the unpalatable may be our daily experiences, but the temporary nature of the earth already makes it clear that nothing down here lasts as long as what God has in store for us up there with Him. Whether it is physical death or life, I have to be in the place where eternal life is the end. How am I preparing for that end? How am i making sure that, as Jesus asked his friends then, and as He asks me now, my allegiance to Jesus is total and absolute? My response has eternal implications. God's time of favour is here. 

Plan!

Plan!

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 AMPC 

Context and Charge:

Like all things that the world wants to give you, you have to make a plan for it. There is not really many things that fall into your lap by accident, and if any does, you must make quick plans for how you would make the best of it or it would waste. God abhors waste, and you will see His amazing love, grace and mercy in the way He made the earth. Every day was the building block for the next, and all that was made in a particular day had a particular purpose. If the earth as we see it now is the product of strategic and purposeful planning, how do I then imagine that I can improve the same earth without any concrete plan? Would it be fair to just coast through life, with no plan, no purpose, no procedure, no process for all that is required to improve on what is available? Would that be a fair reflection of a man who claims to be a  child of God? Am I living like one who knows God?

I am made in the image of God, so I must be a visible and audible expression of His nature. Because I am his child, I am in my natural element when I am making plans and laying the foundation for whatever actions I want to take. I make the plans with the consciousness that God is the ultimate decider of what happens to me, when they happen and how they happen. Because I am made in the image of God, it is impossible for my mind to be unproductive. What my mind will produce usually reflects the one who is in charge; if God is the One pulling the strings, then I will not struggle with submitting to the authority of this God. If God is not the One leading and directing, then there is no limit to the evil my mind can fathom or produce. Do you know who you are? Do I know who I am called to follow and serve? My identity will define my destination. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

God will be God, whether I say so or not. God is in charge of all life, whether I agree or not. His word is law, and He cannot be questioned. If He says a thing, He does not need my consent or approval to bring His Word to pass. Right from creation, His Word has stood the test of time, remaining constant and consistent through the changes in dispensations and generations. His Word on times and seasons in Genesis 8: 22 has remained true to date, and if this is the standard that has been established by God, how can anyone ever think that s/he can achieve anything in life without God's approval? Let all men gather together to help and uphold a man; if God does not approve, time will unravel all those plans. Make your plans, but let God guide you into all the details. That way, you will not have to waste efforts. He is the limitless God; I am human and limited. He knows the future and He alone can guide me into that future He has planned. God's time of favour is here.

 

God at Work!

God at Work!

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 AMPC 

Context and Charge:

As we read the verse above, it is easy to think that the people the writer was referring to here were perfect people, who had it all figured out. You would read the verse and praise God for his presence among His own people. Actually, the reality was quite different, as seen in a particular verse not too far away from the one we are considering now and it is this: For I will leave in the midst of you a people afflicted and poor, and they shall trust, seek refuge, and be confident in the name of the Lord. Zephaniah 3:12 AMPC. Imagine a God who punished His own chosen people because of their sins, sending the best of them into exile, and the poor and wretched left behind, as a reminder that God cannot and will not be mocked. He hates and punishes sin, but His mercy speaks on our behalf. Would we take advantage of God's nature and hate sin the same way God does?

If I will see God move in the way this verse describes, the secret is in running away from sin. If God says something is wrong and I should avoid it, no amount of public applause or adulation will make it right. If God will move in my life the way this verse describes, I must make the atmosphere conducive for Him to do so. The people who see God move do not need to be reminded of His standards; it is something that you will desire and crave every day of your life. He presents His CV to us, telling us who He is and what He can do, and He asks us to come to Him. He is a God who rejoices over all He has made. He is a God who delights in the works of his hands. He does not rejoice in the death of a sinner because He wants all men to come to Him for salvation, redemption and eternal life. Would you come freely to this God, and take hold of all that His death and life have sealed and secured for me?

Conviction and Conclusion:

When this God forgives, it is complete, total and absolute. He does not hold grudges and does not keep malice with anyone, but all who come to Him are accepted. He is a God to whom all flesh can come, and all find mercy and grace to help them in their time of need. I can picture an amazing God whose heart smiles at the thought of me, because I am His precious child. I can picture a God who leads the host of heaven as they rejoice over a life that surrenders itself to Him. I can picture a God who seeks after my good, and can move or level any mountain, if it will lead to praise to Him and joy to me. The way He may bring this to pass may be through tough times or trials, but at the end, there will be no doubt that God has held my hand all through. This is the God who has made Himself known to me; how do I respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Pause!

Pause!

You have forgiven and taken away the iniquity of Your people, You have covered all their sin. Selah [pause, and calmly realize what that means]! Psalm 85:2 AMPC

Context and Charge:

The Word SELAH occurs 74 times in the Bible; 71 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk. So many interpretations exist for the definition of the word, but we will stick to the one that is part of the verse under consideration today. The writer of this psalm asks us to pause, and calmly realize the meaning of what we have just read. What is the message behind the words in the earlier part of this verse? First, it mentions the impact and effect of the mercy of God, revealed in the gift of His Son Jesus who came to take away the sin of the world It did not matter how bad the past was, how terrible the present is or how diabolical the future would be; the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is sufficient for all time. Even for generations not yet born, that sacrifice is paid forward on their behalf, that as long as they come to the One who died for sin, they would receive cleansing and forgiveness of sin, and of course a new beginning.

It is difficult to explain in full to someone who is yet to experience the new birth, but for all who have, it is our duty to share our experiences with other people. When you consider the magnitude of what you have received, it is enough to make you pause and consider who you are and where you stand. Without salvation, I would have been a candidate for eternal damnation, without hope of eternal life with God. By the death of Jesus, hope is sealed for all of eternity. By the death of Jesus, the price I would have paid is now fully settled. The demand for the price of sin can no longer be placed on me; Jesus paid it fully, with nothing left to settle. I note the reference to 'your people' in the verse above. This was written to Israel at the time, but as we know, we are the Israel of God, if we dare to trust in the finished work of Christ, and daily depend on His supply to sustain us all through life's journey. Without Him, we will fail miserably.

Conviction and Conclusion:

He does not just forgive sin; he takes it away completely. The seed of God in a man helps him to live above sin. The life of God in a man is the dynamo powering the lifestyle of obedience that is the hallmark of a person who has benefitted fully from the cross. Of course, that which I have received from God then places a burden on me; I have to live right, as one who appreciates what has been received. God has covered ALL our sin, not just some or almost all. His blood has not lost the power to cleanse and deliver, unless I step away and walk on my own. That is the power and the curse of free will, and I cannot blame God for the consequences of my choices. I pause again, and consider the mighty things I have received of God. I consider the provisions for the earthly and the eternal life that God has secured for me, and my only response is a sincere heart of appreciation. God's time of favour is here. 

After This!

After This!

After this I looked and a vast host appeared which no one could count, [gathered out] of every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages. These stood before the throne and before the Lamb; they were attired in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. In loud voice they cried, saying, [Our] salvation is due to our God, Who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb [to Them we owe our deliverance]! Revelation 7:9‭-‬10 AMPC 

Context and Charge:

We come to the account of the end of time as we know it now. If I can believe and lay claim to the other promises of God, such as provision, protection and peace, then I have to also know that the promise of God, relating to eternity, is also true and will come to pass. I cannot hold on to only those words that make me comfortable; I must also make room for the promise of God that keeps me focused and committed to purpose. That is what today's extract lays down. We see events as they unfold, one after the other. At this point, time is of no consequence. As God has laid it down, so will it happen. There had just been the sealing of a particular number of the tribes of Israel, and after that, we see the unveiling of countless host of people, beyond counting, coming before the throne and the Lamb. I must do all I can to be part of that number.

The Bible calls it a vast host that no one could count, but be rest assured that God knows the number. I cannot get lost in the midst of a crowd; because God knows my name, I cannot be inconsequential in the move of God in these end times, unless I make the choice to. As long as particular names have not been mentioned as entitled to stand before the throne, I must strive to be qualified to stand before the throne and declare, as it is recorded in today's verse. Three things were common to this vast host; one was that they came from all over the world, from nations, tribes, peoples and languages. Let no one say one group of people or a particular tribe is excluded. The other thing was that they were dressed in white, which symbolises cleanness and purity. These two points must drive my daily purpose, pursuits and priorities. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Then the third point: this vast host was also connected by a common belief, that they knew without a doubt that they were able to stand before the throne because they had been saved by the Lamb, not by their circle of influence, bank account balance, connection or any other consideration. It was all by the blood. If the blood of Jesus was not sufficient to cleanse us from sin and secure eternal life for all who come to believe in Jesus, God would not stake eternity on it. These three points are quite important for me as an individual. I must be sure that my present life's choices and decisions will give me the grace to stand before the throne and be able to declare the words of today's verse. Am I holy? Am I clean? Does God know me as His own? Am I working the right way for the right reward or am I content with the mundane? Eternity is too long a time not to be sure where you will spend it. God's time of favour is here.

Flow!

Flow!

Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God].

James 5:13 AMPC

Context and Charge:

Life will happen to the best of us. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden has made it a sure bet that we will struggle with the effects and consequences of sin. When man was made, the issues of sickness and death were not even part of the discussion. Death was only mentioned after man fell into disobedience to God's express command. Even for those who have been freed from the power of sin must constantly guard their hearts and minds from the seeping and crafty influence of sin. As long as man is on this side of eternity, it is a daily effort to do right, think right and be right. Part of our humanity and fallen nature now is the process of aging. We will grow old, we might pick up a few life issues due to the life we love, but today's verse wants us to be deliberate in our choices of reaction and response to all that we go through on this side of eternity. 

Yes, afflictions may arise. The fact that I am a Christian does not, by that fact alone, keep me from trouble. What is key here is my response. Do I lash out in retaliation, so I can pay back evil for evil, or to match whatever trouble I get with trouble of my own? Do I let God shine out through my life's choices, or am I first and foremost about getting even? The verse today encourages me to pray in the face of affliction of any kind. What this means is that no matter how hard life tries to squeeze me, the only response it will get out of me is the expression of submission to God's will. I pray, not to twist God's arm to give me what I want, but that his perfect will be done in and through all the experiences He permits to come my way. I pray because from personal experience, I have learnt it is the source of power and encouragement. God will always be God, whether I agree or not, but prayer is the willing admission and surrender to the power and authority of God. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Even on the other side of the coin, when things are good, I must also not keep quiet. When the blessings come, do I put them down to my labour, simple luck, or the aligning of the stars, or do I acknowledge the grace of God that has given me reasons to sing and praise God? The undeniable conclusion I can draw from today's verse is that situations and circumstances must not break the connection between God and I. Knocks will come; mountains will rise; the wind will blow; the storms will rage, but in all these, my heart must find its rest and anchor in the unbreakable love of God for me. There is nothing in this life that can pluck me from God's hand, unless I decide to walk away of my own accord. No matter what goes on around me, my heart is at rest. It has no fear because the Prince of Peace reigns in it and He is fully in charge. Does that truly describe me now? Does this describe you? God's time of favour is here. 

The Shepherd!

The Shepherd!

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. John 10:11 AMPC

Context and Charge:

Men had come in the past, and even today, men still lay claim to omnipotence. They claim to be the most important and eminent of all creation, arrrogating to themselves powers and identities that are solely the exclusive preserve of God Himself. These men gather to themselves others like themselves who are easily deceived, and together they perish when things go bad. Men have claimed to be the guardian and protector, but unless you can control eternity, these claims are false. Jesus makes this categorical statement in today's verse; it is not reported speech, but His own direct quote and as we know, His words are eternal in outlook and effective in impact. For those who have ever seen a shepherd at work, you know it's an important and critical job, because the lives of the sheep lie in the hands of the shepherd.

The shepherd takes care of the sheep. He must ensure their safety, comfort, feeding and wellbeing. He provides a shelter from the elements, as well as protection from wild animals that would seek to hurt the sheep. Until all the sheep are in, he cannot settle down to sleep. Long before he settles down to sleep, he makes sure that all the sheep are accounted for. He would confront anything and anyone that would seek to hurt the sheep. Even if another comes to assist him in taking care of the sheep, the shepherd does not delegate the responsibility of care to the assistant. That is why the story of David, the sheep, the lion and the bear in the old testament, as well as the story of the lost sheep in the new things are relatable,  because you can believe that God's care for his own is second to none, and He never can forget His own.

Conviction and Conclusion:

Ownership drives accountability and responsibility for the shepherd. He knows the sheep by name and knows the specific needs of each one. Each sheep has a separate and distinct fingerprint from another, the role of each sheep is different from the other and the journey each sheep will take to the discovery and fulfilment of the purpose of the shepherd is different, but at the end of it all, the shepherd ensures that all sheep get home safely. To make it even better, the shepherd has no problem laying down his life for the sheep, which is what Jesus did for all of us. He has secured this present life, as well as eternity, for me. What would I do for him in return? Would I live daily in appreciation of all that I have received from Jesus? The shepherd has done and will continue to do his bit; what would i do for him? God's time of favour is here. 

Be Kind!

Be Kind!

He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given He will repay to him. Proverbs 19:17 AMPC

Context and Charge:

How would you want God to pay you back for what you do? If I have the clear understanding that all actions have consequences, would I not want to be careful about what I do and how and why I do whatever it is I do? There is nothing done in vain under heaven; God is too careful and precise to be involved in anything useless. If He commands a particular action, it is because He has tied some amazing blessings to that action. If I am careful to do the action the exact way God has laid it out, I get the blessings attached to that action. Of course, if I also do not do it the way God has laid it down, it is a waste of time to fast and pray for the blessings. Disobedience is automatic disqualification from access to the blessing tied to obedience. If I would still be entitled to the blessings tied to obedience even whilst I am wilfully disobedient, then God may be deemed to be a liar. His mercy may speak for a while, but sin will disqualify you eventually, unless you repent. 

Now that I know where God stands and what His Word says, I have to do it. His Word asks me to have pity on the poor. It is not about mere mouth confession but life profession. My life must minister to the needs of the poor. As I do that, I am making deposits into God's bank, and as you know, God's bank never goes bankrupt. Whatever it is I keep with him is safe forever. All he asks from me is to have pity and use what I have to help the poor. Now, how is that compared to lending to the Lord? I believe God is concerned about the poor and anyone who pities them has God's kind of heart. That is why God will bless anyone who lives out His nature. Helping those who are helpless is like what God did for us. He didn't wait until we were worthy or deserving of His help before He forgave us and sealed eternal life for us. That is the example we are called to emulate.

Conviction and Conclusion:

The part of the verse that speaks to the available reward is also important. God repays all of us for what we do, as well as how we do it and why we do it. You can share all you have with the poor, but if you do it for visibility or human applause, that's all you will get. If I do it out of a sense of duty, not love, I miss the opportunity God wants to use to teach me how to appreciate every mercy I have received. If I do it with the right heart, because I know who I am, who I work for and why I do the work I do, I am in line for some amazing experiences. God does not owe a man; it may appear like delay, but all of us will get our just dessert when the time is right. By God's law, whatever I do is a seed, and whatever I sow is what I will reap, but usually in larger quantities. If I will enjoy the consequences of my actions, I must be sure they are of the right kind. God's time of favour is here. 

Work...for God!

Work...for God!

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah). Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 AMPC

Context and Charge:

Work can be grinding, monotonous and boring but it is still called work because work is any activity involving mental or physical effort, applied in order to achieve a purpose or result. It then means that as long as the work I am called to do has a purpose or an end in view, it is not useless or pointless. Too many times, we are deceived by the visibility or viability of a particular role or work, and we think it is more important than others. Some other times, we want to define the value of work by the monetary value we get from it. We forget that work does not always have to pay you anything in physical currency for it to have eternal impact. The verse today makes it clear that WHATEVER my hands finds to do has become the work through which God wants to be glorified. Would I let God shine out through my work, whatever it may be?

I must also remember that the work must be one that God can take glory in. The excuse that it was the only work I could find will not be acceptable if it is sin. I cannot offer to God an offering with blemish, spot, stain or wrinkle. God does not and will not condone sin, and I must avoid it with all my heart. If I know who I am working for, and I have a clear idea of the reward that is coming, I will be careful to keep to the terms and reference of the work. I won't do it carelessly, but will strive to please the One who will appraise my work and reward me accordingly. The attitude with which I do the work is also important. I am a city set on a hill; all I do is laid bare before the eyes of people. I may deceive men for a while but eventually the truth behind my actions will be clear to all. Can I lay my heart bare before God today and ask him to pay me the just reward for my attitude to work? Would I be proud of what God will give me? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The clear understanding of who I work for guides the rest of the conversation. Men may reward based on physical metrics, but man's reward is only good for a season. Men may even not appreciate what you do, but never forget that all men will one day stand before the Lord to give an account of their lives. There is an inheritance waiting for me. While I am on earth, I work for God. Men may chose to reward me as best as they can, but the real deal is in eternity. Man's reward will expire; the one God gives will last forever. The inheritance is activated upon physical death or rapture, and I must work in the daily consciousness of this truth. Christ is the true master, the One who cannot be deceived or fooled by hypocrisy or eye-service. Now I know who is the true master; I must seek to please Him in every way. Eternity lies at the end of my daily decisions. God's time of favour is here. 

Touched!

Touched!

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows]. Psalm 147:3 AMPC

Context and Charge:

As we read the verse above, it is good to look at the context in which it is pronounced. First, it is said as part of a chapter celebrating the mercy of God to Israel. They had sinned against God, who then punished them, in line with the standards laid down in His Word. Yet, by the exercise of His mercy, also in His Word, he was rebuilding Jerusalem and bringing the people of Israel back from captivity. Secondly, let it be known that I cannot play favourites with God when it comes to sin. Even Jesus experienced for the first and last time what it meant for His Father to forsake him, as he bore the sin of the world upon himself. If God turned his face away from his son for a moment, imagine how God views sin. It is better if I run away from sin. It will save me a lot of heartache and regrets.

The lessons above from warnings, counsel or admonition, depending on where I am in my walk with and work for God. If God loves me, as is His nature, He will discipline me if I do wrong. If He loves me, he will provide strength and grace for me to live right. I also note that the psalm starts with a call for everyone to praise God because He is good, before it goes into God's dealings with Israel for its sin and unfaithfulness. Please praise God because he is good, but do not think that you can bribe God with praise so as to get away with sin. Do not think that God is like man who can be fooled by external effects empty of a heart's true sincerity. This is a God of total and absolute knowledge, who will give to each person his/her just recompense. Is this the God I have come to know or do I know and follow another?

Conviction and Conclusion:

It also takes a man who has experienced God's mercy to speak of it in this way. God can break in pieces, but He can also bind up. He can destroy, but He can also build up. If a man is truly sorry for sin and genuinely repents, the God who sees the heart knows if it is sincere, and He will definitely pardon. It does not matter how bad things are or how far down things are gone; with repentance comes restoration and renewal. It is God who heals and the scars are completely gone sometimes. It is God who binds up. Whatever is handed to Him is done right; His heart is such that seeks the best for everyone. Can I be honest with God and tell Him my struggles and difficulties? Can I give Him my heart so He can work on it and make the best use of it for His glory? He can do the most mighty with the most mundane. God's time of favour is here. 

Quick; Slow!

Quick; Slow!

Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. James 1:19 AMPC

Context and Charge:

God in His wisdom created man and gave him many human parts. He made the eyes to see, the ears to hear and the mouth to taste, eat and process things. Each part has its own primary function, but it also works in conjunction and cooperation with other parts of the body. God then places the man in the midst of other people, also created by God, so that relationships can be birthed, sustained and enhanced by the wealth and depth of the blessings God has bestowed on each one of us. As it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual. The human body functions in a family setting and then impacts the society at large, and the human body also functions in the church setting, impacting the lives which have come in and then in turn impacting the world in general. 

There is no part that is more important than the other but God places the burden of care on some parts, because they provide a window into the soul of the person. As we know, the wisdom or foolishness of a man is revealed by the words of his mouth. The Bible even says that even a foolish man is thought to be wise if he does not open his mouth. As we also know, anger is also a natural human reaction to things that we cannot explain or what we do not like. Yet, in all our humanity, God expects us to reflect his nature, heart and life as we relate with other people. Does God shine out in the way I use my parts?  Is God evident in my daily decisions, dealings and interactions? Can men see the imprint of the life of God in and on me?  

Conviction and Conclusion:

I was given two ears and 1 mouth so that I can hear twice as much as I can speak. I was given two ears so that I can twice as much time to process what I hear before I can speak about it. I was given two ears so that I can receive instruction for life; yes, I will hear both the positive and negative, and the one that leads to life as well as that which leads to death, but then, I have a choice of response, which is where my heart and lips come in. I can't throw sticks at every dog that barks; I must focus on the assignment I have been given. My heart must subject all it encounters to the word of God, so that God can lead and guide aright. After all, being a child of God means that my life must reflect his presence. Does this describe me in any way? God's time of favour is here.

Copy Right!

Copy Right!

THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. Ephesians 5:1 AMPC

Context and Charge:

As amazing as tbe instruction in the verse above is, the start point for anything related to this verse has to be a defining of my relationship with God. Am I his child, or am I just taking up space, not interested in knowing, committing to or following God. How I see myself goes a long way to settle and solidify my response and reaction to the words of the verse above. This decision also has eternal consequences, so it is not a thing to be taken or treated lightly. Have you made a decision on what you would do with this God? Is He one of many options, or is He a Father in the real sense, able to direct, discipline and instruct whenever the need arises? God never leaves us in doubt as to the model of behaviour we are required to follow. He leaves us in no doubt as to the pattern of life that fits those claim to be children of God. 

That connection defines the expectations. A child seeks to imitate the Father. For earthly parents, it is an amazing responsibility to be accountable to God for a child. A child would watch the parents closely and would want to copy all that s/he sees. That is why it is not a good idea to be careless about my actions and reactions. I have to be deliberate and intentional about the impact i want my life to have on the children God has given me. God knows the power behind actions, and that is why He sent his only Son to the earth in human form, so He could live like us and understand our inspiration as well as daily challenges. God's action has laid down the perfect example of love, care, concern and expectation from those who want to follow Him. The choice of response, as always, I mine to make.

Conviction and Conclusion:

In all ways, we have the perfect example to follow. His heart reflects love and mercy, which no one can pay for. His sacrifice on the cross secured and sealed eternal life for us. His great commission, given to the disciples just before He was taken to heaven, reflects his love for the whole world, even if it rejects him now. God is able to keep the big picture in mind; after all, he is the Lord of all the earth, and knows the end from the beginning. I have the perfect life to emulate, and the lessons of His life continue to speak even today..I am a well-behaved child of God; all the resources and provisions required to make effective and efficient impact in the lives I am surrounded with have been made available by Him. What is my excuse then? Is this true God my Father? If yes, it has to show. God's time of favour is here.

Saved!

Saved!

that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9 KJV

Context and Charge:

When God lays down the law around a process, it is important that I follow the process so I can enjoy the benefits and blessings of that process. God has so many laws around a lot of processes, but I must remember that none of these laws or processes can go contrary to God's nature. Today, we look at the laws and processes around salvation. What would being saved mean? The easiest definition is the 'deliverance from sin and its consequences, and is brought by faith in Christ, the son of God. I believe that God has laid out very clearly how I can be saved. It has nothing to do with labour, circle of influence, bank account balance or affiliations, but simple faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. That work is the key to where God is taking me, and only by total surrender and submission will I lay hold of all that God has made available. 

Salvation requires the marriage of the mouth and the heart. Both are important if there will be no hypocrisy, deceit or eye-service. Most times, the mouth will say things it does not mean so it can get away with what it does not like or even get away with commitment to an action. It's called lip service. Sometimes too, the heart is sincere and would want to embark on an action, but there will not be enough motivation to bring thought into visible action. When it comes to salvation, it is impossible not to find harmony between the mouth and the heart. This is a decision with eternal ramifications, and because it is a decision that impacts my walk with and work for God, it must not be taken or treated with levity. It is also a decision all of us, at a point in time in our lives, must make. It is to accept or reject the offer of salvation that has been made available to us for free. Remember, all choices have consequences. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Do not be content with assumptions. Please make sure that your mouth and heart are truly aligned. Don't let people's opinions, views or suggestions shape your life out of God's perfect will. It is God's will that I have access to all He has provided for life and Godliness. I must submit my life totally to God so that His desires can be fulfilled in and through me. The earth is just a phase, and it is the place of preparation for eternity. To gain eternity is to accept what God says, and if He says that Jesus is the only way to salvation, then I must accept that truth and pattern my life after that truth. My heart must believe in the fact that the resurrection story is real, and my mouth must then daily confess that truth. That is the definition of salvation. Nothing else will work. God's time of favour is here. 

Laid Up!

Laid Up!

Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 AMPC 

Context and Charge:

This is the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses. There is a reference that is common to all these verses, and it is about the Word of God. God's Word is so critical to the whole plan of God for mankind and the only way my life will make sense is if it aligns with the Word of God. That is made very clear in the entire chapter from which this verse is taken. Do I know the value of God's Word? Does it challenge me in any way to seek out what it says, and does it move me to obey it promptly and precisely? I must not deceive myself into a sense of convenience and false comfort, but I must seek God's view of who I am and where I am with him. His Word will not lie, but it will also not leave me without guidance. If I want to know where I am and where I am headed, God's word is the key.

I note the words 'laid up' in the verse above. It gives the picture of something that takes time and effort. You do not do it one day and then ignore it for the next seven; it is a daily and regular commitment to add to what is available. It also means that no matter how much effort you put into it daily, you cannot get to a point where you will say that you now have ebough. The entire verse is in the present, which shows that the duty of laying up will always apply on this side of eternity. As long as I have breath, the work of laying up will never expire. Is that what I am doing or am I busy at other things? Those other things might be 'important', but if I will not sin against God, the laying up of God's word, line upon line, precept upon precept, must be my most important pursuit. Is that it for me?

Conviction and Conclusion:

The heart is so important in this discussion, as it is the seat of all decisions I take. If I will lay up God's word, my heart must accept the assignment. If I will also not lay up anything of value from the Word of God, the decision is still mine to make. The head may help memory and recall, but the heart is the place of application and impact. The devil quoted the word back to Jesus at his temptation, but as we know, no matter how much of the Word the devil knows, it will not do him any eternal good. It has to be deeper than just reading or listening, but also studying, meditating and applying it to every day life. That is the path of victory over sin. Nothing else will work. God's Word is the guarantee of daily victory over sin. God's time of favour is here. 

Come!

Come!

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28‭-‬29 KJV

Context and Charge:

In just the first sentence of the extract above, a lot is packed. We have some admonition, counsel or advice to come. It tells me what I am coming to meet, and it makes it clear the kind of people that the counsel or advice is for. The first and most important place to start is an admission of my own state; does this first sentence address my peculiar situation? Do I consider myself as being in need of help or do I see myself as stable and self-sufficient? How I see myself will determine what steps I take, and if I will come to the One who also makes it clear what I stand to gain if I come. With God, there are no hidden agendas. He speaks from a place of power, ability, capacity and might. There is no situation so tricky that He cannot solve, and there is no burden so heavy that he cannot take away. All He needs from me is that first word: COME. 

When I come, what do I get? There is a yoke on offer, but it is not like the yoke I have to hand over to the One who asked me to come. I come to him with a yoke; he will take that away and give me his own yoke. This tells me that coming to Jesus is not a call to laziness or indolence, but to service. I am taking on the yoke of Jesus, the yoke that demands a life of surrender. Titles do not impact the yoke; the applause of men does nothing to affect the yoke. I must rid my heart of all the expectations of men, and just focus on the demands of the yoke I have been called to bear. The One who gives me the yoke says He will help me, and also give me rest. What could be better than this combination: a yoke from Jesus and all the help from him that I need to discharge the burden and responsibility attached to that yoke. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The yoke of Jesus must be a very peculiar one, if He recommends it for everyone. He invites us all to come and take it and if I know the heart of Jesus, his love for me will not let him offer me what will destroy me. His life example is the perfect lesson to emulate. He left all his glory in heaven to die the death of the condemned, but because He knew the gain that would come out of it, he endured the pain. If I walk in His will, I enjoy all that He is. The invitation stands for as long as this earth remains. The mercy of God remains in place until it is no more. Come and take full advantage of who God is and what He offers, which is rest. If my soul is at rest, I can serve with the whole of my heart. Learning of Jesus will definitely take time but the benefits will also definitely stay with you for all of eternity. God's time of favour is here. 

Serve!

Serve!

Serve the LORD with gladness: Come before his presence with singing. Psalm 100:2 KJV

Context and Charge:

Interestingly, nobody is directly credited with writing the words of this psalm, but all who have read it agree that the psalm is loaded with meaning for a life that seeks to please and praise God. As always, the need for a personal encounter with this God cannot be overemphasized. People can say whatever it is that they please, but the words of a man who has encountered Christ will always reflect that encounter. When you refer to anyone as the Lord, you recognize and submit to His authority, power and territory. You do not have an issue with whatever He commands, and are quick to come into His presence, get your orders, and then go out in obedience to do as He has commanded. That is the life that can write the words of the verse we are considering today. 

I note the word GLADNESS. One definition says it is a 'feeling pleasure or happiness'. I submit that it is deeper than just a feeling. It has to go deeper than just a feeling. It must have a life of its own, if it is to thrive through pain, pressure and problems. If I am not living for a purpose bigger and deeper than my external circumstances, I would not bear the pain. It does not mean that events around you will make you happy, but you are sure that the presence of God in you will guarantee that you will always have joy. That is the difference between situations and circumstances which make you happy or sad, and a heart that always has joy and seeks to serve and please God, no matter what the external circumstances say. What do you have: just happiness, but gladness and joy?

Conviction and Conclusion:

I am called to serve. That has to be the essence of my life. When I do it right, I am always in His presence, content with whatever lot he brings me. I do not envy another man's race; I just focus on the One before whom I am standing, and the One I serve. After all, a servant bears true, full and total allegiance to the master, and would not pay any attention to the commands of another master, as long as s/he is still in the employment of the first master. When the joy of coming before God is personal, and you have come to know God for who He is, not first about what you can get from Him, it will always lead to a breakout of praise. Nobody will cajole or compel me; the benefits and blessings of His being speak loud enough for me to covet them. God's time of favour is here. 

Done Right!

Done Right!

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV

Context and Charge:

We now live in a world where getting even is becoming even more popular. We see nothing wrong with paying another person back in his own coin, giving back as much stick that you get. We justify what we do with the comment that we are not fools, and that we can't be taken for granted, and so we lash out as often as occasion demands it, and then we complain and moan that the world around us is falling to pieces. How can the world work well when we are all looking out only for what makes us comfortable, does not challenge us or place any demand on us, but is content to excuse our behaviour? I note also that these words were written to a church, so let nobody think s/he is immune from trouble simply because the person has accepted Jesus as Lord. 

I must also not think that because it calls itself a church, it does not have the sinful and the miserable in it. What is key is that we all experience the power of good. We serve a good God, who does good things, and who also can birth and sustain good things inside us. It is convenient to go down the easy road and do what comes naturally to the fallen man, but if indeed I have had a personal encounter with this good God, I will not need to be compelled or cajoled into seeking the good of all who come in contact with me. In fact, because the good God lives in me, when trials or trouble tries to squeeze a response or reaction out of me, all that will come out of me will be the good that is my essence and content. Can it be said of me that good is all I am and have?

Conviction and Conclusion:

It is a warning and admonition to all of us to do good. I do not need to worry about the other person's reaction or response; I only need to worry about the output of my life. It means then that I must focus on the input into my life. Input takes time to fill out, but output may be revealed in just a few moments. I must pay attention to the things that are allowed to impact my input, so that when it is time to place a demand on what I have stored up, only that which is good, in line with God's nature, will flow out of me. God is looking for people He can work in and work out from; people who can serve as His eyes, ears, hands, feet and heart. The world is the platform for the manifestation of God, and He seeks men who will perform for Him on that stage. Can He count on you? Can He count on me? God's time of favour is here. 

Equal Measure!

Equal Measure!

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Matthew 7:12 KJV

Context and Charge:

Men refer to this verse as 'the golden rule'. It signifies the simple and complex parts of human interactions and relationships, and encourages us to seek the highest and noblest of all ideals when it comes to our interactions with fellow men. God, in His wisdom, created the first man in His own image, but laid the blueprint for increase in the interaction between human beings. Nobody can reproduce after his or her kind without the impact, influence or contribution of another person. As this is true in the physical, imagine the power, reach and impact of this same principle in the spiritual. We must also not forget that Jesus was addressing His disciples here, and if I am indeed one, I must sit up and take note of what He says here. The first rule of business here then is sort out my identity, so that I can sort out my daily pursuits and priorities. 

Do I know who I am? Have I sorted out my allegiance? If I expect a particular response, I must sow the right kind of seed that will lead to that outcome. It would be foolishness to sow corn and then fast and pray to harvest yam. If I react with evil to another person's words or actions, how would I expect that I will escape the natural consequences of my reaction? God's Word is so true that no matter the dispensation or the generation that you seek to apply it, it will always be true. One of such truths is the fact of sowing and reaping. This truth was expressly laid out in those words in the days of Noah and the flood, and it has been in place ever since. Actions, good or bad, have their consequences. If I were given the power to know, with certainty, the end of all my actions and responses, would I still persist in that course of action? 

Conviction and Conclusion:

Since I have not been given the power to determine the end of what I do, then I must watch what I do. Whatever it is I demand from others must be what I must be ready to give out to others. Since the days of Adam and Eve, the rule has always be relevant. I must not be so concerned about how the other person will react that it would prevent me from acting in the right way. God's judgment is first and always personal; there is no joint effort when it comes to accountability. The old and new testament all say the same thing: God's expectations from man has never changed, and will not change for as long as the earth remains. Prophecy will not change God's set law. I must align my life with God's law if I am to enjoy all that He has made available within his law. He is fair. God's time of favour is here.

Connected!

Connected!

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4:9 KJV

Context and Charge:

Paul writes to the church in Philippi, and he is almost staking a claim to people's lives, asking them to observe his conduct, conversation, company and convictions and then emulate him. This is a strange but very powerful request, and nobody speaks like this without a clear understanding of what is at stake. Paul had travelled far and wide, with bible records indicating he went on at least three missionary journeys. Imagine the number of people he met and interacted with at the time, and the lives that had been impacted by him, and he could say, with conviction, that his life model could be copied. That is confidence and conviction in the values, principles, faith and hope that a man can have in Christ. It is not the product of a sound education, or the result of your circle of influence, or something your bank account balance can sort out. 

This statement puts God on notice also that you are fully surrendered to Him and that He can use you anywhere He desires and in any way he wants. It is not for people who are immature and easily swayed from their opinions or views, but for people with unshakeable conviction in the God who calls and equips a man for effective service. Look at the connection between what Paul taught and gave out. There was no hypocrisy or deceit; he won't say one thing and mean the other. He won't tell people what to do without doing it himself. He would not show others the way and then go in the wrong direction. He lived a life of complete honesty, and so it was easy for him to correct anyone who erred in any way, including Peter the apostle. Can God find consistency and faithfulness in me? Can he entrust the lives of people into my hands? Can He trust my heart?

Conviction and Conclusion:

The heart is very important in this instance. It is in the heart that convictions are settled and fixed. If I have to wait for a problem to arrive before I settle on the conviction I want to hold on to, it is very likely that I won't find any I can hold on to. Yes, there are unusual instances that may require unusual steps to be taken, but they must not take your eyes off God into other false narratives. God wants to give peace and comfort, but these can only be accessed by those who are fully and totally surrendered to Him. He does not force submission on any one, but He will give heaven's backing to as many as would come to Him for help. With God's help, I can lay my life down as an example of God's grace, and ask others to emulate me. I can stand at the altar of God's mercy, and let him flow in and through me, so I can be a generational blessing to the people He has surrounded me with. God's time of favour is here. 

The Power of the Secret!

The Power of the Secret!

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 NIV

Context and Charge:

There is something about publicity and noise that hides the truth about issues. God is also an expert in the power of secrecy and silence and for all who want to have a deep and fully satisfying walk with God, you must crave the anonymity of silence and privacy. When God was to make the heavens and the earth, there was no man alive to tell him how to do things or to advise him on any matter. We must take God's view as the truth on all matters he has spoken about; when I do that, I have access to amazing power. Today's verse speaks on a matter that Jesus spoke to his disciples about, and if I will pray right, I must do it the way God lays it out. The keys to prayer that are effective and impacting include knowing WHY and WHEN you pray, WHO you are praying to, as well as WHERE you pray. I pray because I have come to understand the power I have access to.

I note I am not really given a choice; it is WHEN, not IF. When I pray, I must also know that I am speaking with a God of power, mercy, grace and judgment all at the same time. He is the creator of all things, and He can change anyone or anything at anytime. When God asks me to pray to Him, He is asking me to trust him and cast all my cares and worries on Him. The secret to that power is away from the public eye. I go to my room and lock the door and then pray. It is a process that takes dedication, commitment and discipline. God is presented here as a Father who loves and cares for his children, and if I am truly His child, I will not have to be forced to speak with Him. From experience, it is clear that the God who invites me to speak with Him regularly in prayer, is a God who can fulfil whatever it is I ask Him. Do I speak with God or am I more content to plead my case before men?

Conviction and Conclusion:

Testimonies abound of the ability, capability and capacity of God to bless a man so much that he cannot hide the blessings. He is not a God who craves publicity the way man does, but when I am able to reach Him in secret, His response cannot be ignored or denied. I have this standing promise from God to that effect, so why should I not take the opportunity and speak with Him as often as possible? God sees; motives, intentions, pretence, hypocrisy, eye-service, sincerity are all laid bare before this God. When I come to him, it is no use pretending or trying to be 'a man'. Can a man hide from his creator? I must seek God where he says He sees, which is in secret. I must not crave the open, because men can easily deceive, but I must take a step into the secret place, so that when I emerge with God's power upon my life, the world will be impacted. God's time of favour is here.