Instructed!

Instructed!

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8 KJV

The Contention:

This is a psalm attributed to David, and as we know, David was a man after God's heart. He wasn't perfect, but he was teachable, and through his experiences, he learnt a lot about God's ways and will. For all of us who would desire David's experiences, we must also crave David's lessons. His seasons in the wilderness, taking care of his father's sheep, prepared him for leading the nation of Israel. There will be seasons of silence for me also, when it would seem that God may have forgotten me, but my past experience of God will comfort my heart, because I know that God does not abandon his own. It is not in God's nature at all to abandon His children, or ignore their cry for help, and if there is anything that should comfort our hearts, it is that God stakes his reputation on the way He deals with His children.

The Inspiration:

That is the essence of today's verse. God wants to instruct and teach His children. What kind of a father leaves his children without guidance or instruction? Any parent who wants his/her child to learn the right habits must consciously teach these habits. They will not be learnt by osmosis or spiritual transmission alone, but by daily application. God promises to instruct and teach; the main question for me then is if I am where God can reach and teach me. Depending on the source, to instruct is to 'tell or order someone to do something' or to 'teach someone a subject or skill' or to 'authorize someone to act on one's behalf'. What is clear is that there is a superior directing another to act in a certain way, or to do certain things. Can God instruct me? Can He direct my actions? Do I truly represent Him? 

The Conclusion:

What makes this even more pressing is the fact that God does not force His way on anyone; we come to Him of our own freewill and submit to his authority. He says He will play His part, but I also need to play my part. To teach, you have to show the example. 2 definitions of teach are: 'to impart knowledge or instruct someone on HOW to do something' and 'cause someone to learn or understand something by example or experience'. God never leaves me to grope in the darkness of ignorance; He will always provide clear guidance, and then He will walk with me every step of the way. His eye will not lead me to the place where His presence will not keep me. I have access to the riches of God's presence and the full dispensation of His grace. What more could I need? God's time of favour is here. 

Hold On!

Hold On!

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

Hebrews 10:23 AMP

The Inspiration:

The words of today address people Paul refers to as 'believers'. These are a unique set of people who have come to the reality of their helplessness and hopelessness outside God. They have come to know Jesus as the Son of God, and have also accepted him as Lord and Saviour. This is the foundation to the rest of the verse. There is trouble ahead: the signs that we see daily are testament to the end of the times we are in. Everything God predicted about the end times are upon us, and they are happening with regularity and precision. How do I prepare the right way so that the return of Jesus can meet me the right way? Today's verse tries to provide the answers, and parts of it are steadfast endurance, faith, hope and trust in the unfailing word and nature of God. You can't go wrong with these. 

The Expectation:

Times that will test the quality and depth of your faith will come. It is not a matter of IF but WHEN. If you truly belong to Christ, you know the tests are coming, and God who calls will supply all that you need to stand well, and to remain standing to the end. I must therefore live daily dependent on the supply of God's grace for the journey ahead. I don't get a reward for a good start, but the reward is for a good end. I have to hold on to the hope that is born out of faith in the finished work of salvation on the cross. I must seize and hold on: there is a part for me to play. God is always faithful to His promise, as it is very impossible for God to lie or to say what He does not mean. Think of all He has done and given, and then consider that if He could give all of Himself, what else won't He give? 

The Conclusion:

If there was no danger of it slipping away or complacency setting in, I will not be warned to hold tightly. The devil knows the value of the reward of eternity, and He will do all He can to distract, deflect, deny and destroy. That is his modus operandi: deny who God is and says and then take from us that which God has already given us. Let it be known that God is faithful: He will not promise that which He has no intention of keeping. I keep my gaze steadily on the One whose nature is True and Faithful. His consistency through the a ages is the reason why I can be at rest, sure that whatever God allows will work for my good. As I look to all that is ahead, I do so with joy and a settled heart, because I know who has called me His own and planted me where I can represent Him properly. What of you? God's time of favour is here. 

Liberty!

Liberty!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. 2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP

The Inspiration:

Indeed, the law of the old testament came with so much glory. It could not redeem men from the power of sin and death, but God left it in place for a season until the  manifestation of the greater glory to be revealed in Christ. The old dispensation involved the blood of bulls and goats, because life was the price for sin. With Christ also, life had to be taken. However, this time, a life not subject to the power and influence of sin had to be laid down so that the price for sin could be fully paid once and for all. It won't matter how rich, influential or successful you are; we all must come to and by the blood of Jesus If we are to access the glory that the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus have all  sealed for us. This is just a window into all that Jesus has secured for us. 

The Expectation:

In all of these, there is a note of warning: only those who are in Jesus have access to these benefits. You may be able to speak the language, or know what it means simply you have heard or read about it, but it is not enough. The Bible is the most read book in the world and it has been translated into various languages, yet its power and influence are only felt by all who allow the One who inspired it's contents to reveal God's mind to them. I cannot apply common sense to these words or apply the doctrine of rational thinking; not too many things in the Bible may make sense to me, but if I allow God bring the words to life, I have access to the mind and will of God, and I can live to please Him everyday of my life. What else is the purpose of life if it does not please the One for whom it was created? 

The Conclusion:

It is obvious then, that I need the help of God's Spirit if I will enjoy the liberty and freedom available in and through Christ. By the Spirit of God, I learn daily what God's will is and I have the help I need to carry out His will. There really is no room for self-help or physical exertion to please God; it is first and foremost about the help of the Holy Spirit available for me when I turn to Christ. When I have turned, then I can work well. My works are now done in the clear understanding that I am grateful to God for what He has done for and given me. I work without fear of the unknown, confident in the salvation I have received, and also looking forward to the eternal redemption that lies at the end of my life on earth. What could be more than these? God's time of favour is here. 

Grace!

Grace!

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

The Inspiration:

It is the season of giving. God laid the very perfect example of the art of giving, when He gave Himself fully and freely to all men. There is nothing else a man can give that will be greater or better than what God has already given. However, the proof of a life that appreciates what it has received is in its own giving. If I know the value of what I have received, there will be nothing too difficult for me to give up. This is the context in which today's verse is based. Paul writes to this church, appreciating them for their heart of generous giving. Is God able to boast about the priorities of my heart, with Him confident that no one and nothing can take His place in my heart?  If I can let go of anything, I can take hold of that which is truly life, and has eternal reward. When I have learnt to let go of everything else, God is able to put in my hands that which has eternal value.

The Expectation:

That is the place of grace. God is able to bless abundantly, beyond expectation. He is not a seasonal wonder, where he does mighty things once in a while, but His entire existence is miracles-personified. He does not bless in some seasons, and then take them away in other seasons, but He is consistent and faithful to His Word. Like it has been laid out, if he could give His life for me, what else can't he give up? He does not do the usual and the ordinary, but He will bless abundantly. He does not do it so I can become full of myself or promote my own selfish interests, but that I may flow out with all He has given me to impact and bless the lives of other people. It is God's will that I abound. I serve a God without limits, and there is no demand on earth that can exhaust the resources of heaven.

The Conclusion:

I was created, gifted, planted and placed with all that I am and have so that I can point people in the direction of the One who has given me all that I am. God does not make mistakes, and He does not do abandoned vessels, unless I decide to ignore Him to the end of my earthly life. He wants the world to be attracted to Him, and what better way is there for people to know God than to have me as His own ambassador, flowing out with His grace in all aspects? In me, His work is made perfect and through me, his might and power are made known. He gave Himself first, and that has made it possible for me to also give that which is of Him in me to other people. What of you? Have you accepted His gift of grace? God's time of favour is here.

The Gift!

The Gift!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 KJV

The Inspiration:

The Christmas season reminds us of the greatest gift that was given. The gift is not tied to bank account balances, circle of influence, political or family connections or any of the other popular theories of the world. The world has built a commercial process around the season, yet it does not have a personal encounter with the reason for the season. However, as the verse above says, though the gift is given to all of US, the benefits are for those who have identified and responded to that gift of God, and made him personal to themselves. The verse tells me who the gift is, what His assignment and purpose is, and how I can identify and recognize His work in and around me. The gift is given as a child, one of us and like us, so He could identify with us, walk in our shoes and pay the price in His perfect human body for the weakness of sin.

The Expectation:

The gift was not an afterthought, but laid out by God since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Isaiah himself spoke of this gift several centuries before the actual birth of this child. It was God's plan all along to give of Himself to us, so that the price for sin could be fully paid off, once and for all, by the only one not subject to the power, scope and influence of sin. He was given freely to us, with God holding nothing back. If God could give Himself totally like this for something as grevious as sin, what else would God not give? If He could offer such an amazing gift for something so grevious, imagine the scope, depth and reach of the love He has for us. The gift and His attributes are mentioned here, so I know who and what I am getting. He is and owns the government; He is the authority. 

The Conclusion:

His name is Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Note the singular NAME, not plural. A lot of identities, but the same God. Multiple influences, but one God. All these identities have a singular purpose, and it is to point us to the One who was sent to save us from sin and guarantee us a place in heaven with God. He is the One who tasted death for us, so we don't have to taste it anymore. He is the One who has a home for us and invites us to come to Him so we can enjoy these benefits. There is a response expected from us, and it has to be the right one if we are to end up in the right place. God has introduced himself to us, and he is patient with us, so we can come to Him of our own freewill and a heart that loves Him. What is your response? God's time of favour is here.

Jesus!

Jesus!

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 KJV

The Inspiration:

What is in a name, some people may ask? Quite a lot actually. Destinies are tied to the names we give our children. We see a few examples too in the Bible where God specifically gave the name of a child long before the child was born. This is quite relevant when the child has an assignment that reflects the name to be given. This is what happened in this case too; God had laid out a plan for the salvation of all men, and the plan was to find physical fulfilment by the birth of God's son. At the scene of man's first sin was the scene of the revelation of God's plan. That is one miracle; time could do nothing to disrupt the plan. The other miracle about the birth of the Son was that a virgin who had not known any man would become pregnant and have a son. If God could break the law of natural human conception, what can't He do?

The Expectation:

Sin needed the right response. The only fitting response to sin was the perfect sacrifice of blood, free of sin, for the full redemption of all who were subject to sin. One born by the natural human conception could not provide the right response to sin, because one subject to sin could not offer the right cover from God's wrath on sin. This is why Jesus was sent, and His name means Saviour. Now, Jesus is many things but it would mean that the most important attribute of Jesus to me has to be Saviour. I can ask for and access healing, provision or general success in life, but what will be the point behind all these if I don't have Him as saviour? Of what use are physical blessings if there is no eternal benefit? What would it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul to the power and destruction of sin?

The Conclusion:

The name has defined the assignment and purpose. The name has clearly defined the expectation, manifestation and destination for all people. In that name is the perfect revelation of the life of God; the personal revelation of God's love. In that name is the will of God revealed; the heart of God made known. For all who will put their total trust in Jesus, the purpose of God for that name is made alive. This has always been the plan of God: that all men shall be saved from sin. The gift of his Son is the perfect window into the heart of God, as well as the loudest testimony to His love. He has done all He can; the response is mine to sort out. There is nothing more that God can add to what He has given; I will have to live with the consequences of my response. Eternity lies at the end of my response. God's time of favour is here. 

Revealed!

Revealed!

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14 KJV

The Inspiration:

The introduction to the book of John gives us a deep insight into God's mind and plan for the world. It was and is still his will that the world gets to know Him. He created all things for his pleasure and purpose, and all that we see find expression and impact in and through Him. By His Word, the earth and the heavens were made. Even when sin wanted to tamper with this plan, God already has a countermeasure in place, which was still Himself expressed in His Son Jesus. By the Word, the world was created, by the Word, the world is saved from the power and pressure of sin, and by the same Word, the world is sustained and held in place to fulfil God's perfect will. The Word of God is very powerful, and it is still as affective and efficient as ever. Time has done nothing to whittle down its power or lessen its effect. 

The Expectation:

It is the nature and consistency of God at stake here, and an encounter with the Word of God will surely not leave you the same way He met you. In God's form, as He has made known to us in the Bible, it would have been impossible for man to come even close, so God chose to reveal himself to us in a form we could relate with. He sent his Son in human form, without the burden of the nature of sin, so we could have a point of reference, knowing that God indeed knows us and our weaknesses, and that His Son is able to provide all that we need to please God. The Word had to become flesh, and then dwell among us, so He could identify with us, walk in our shoes, know where we hurt and then from his example, know what we ought to do. 

The Conclusion:

God didn't leave us without full guidance, but He progressively reveals his will and purpose to us, so we know we are loved. For all who have given their lives to Jesus, we are partakers of His glory. We have come into a new standing with God, where our sins are completely washed away and then given new life. For all of us who are in Christ, we have access to unlimited grace. I note then that for all that God has done, a demand has been placed on me. The Word must also find expression in and through me. Men must come to the knowledge and personal encounter with God through me. The Truth of God must find expression also in me. I must not live a lie, saying one thing and meaning the very opposite. The world awaits the manifestation of the sons of God. Am I really one? Are you? God's time of favour is here. 

The Disciple!

The Disciple!

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:35 KJV

The Inspiration:

As is usual with Jesus, He does not make assumptions on my behalf. He would define terms of engagement for the crowd, and also define terms for the disciple. The task for all of us is to then examine our lives in the light of those terms to see where we belong. It must be noted that there is no fence here; you really can't be both part of the crowd and a disciple at the same time. Your actions, reactions and responses to whatever situation is in front of you reveal who you are and where you stand. Every seed that is put in the ground and nourished properly will bear fruit when the time is right. As it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual; remember that in the Garden of Eden, God made reference to the seed of the woman. That seed cannot take root in the life of a person and you will not see the fruit. 

The Expectation:

The proof of that seed must be revealed. The fruit must break out and be seen, felt, touched and even tasted. The bible even invites men to come and taste, and see that the Lord is good. The proof of the seed of God in me cannot be hidden or ignored; it will definitely be made manifest. When pressure comes, how do I react? When storms rise and the winds blow and threaten to destroy everything, how do I respond? When people want to provoke me to anger, sometimes for no just cause, how do I process this? It is easy to make claims that I am a disciple, but it is usually the leader and teacher whose view is most important here. He is the One who calls men to Himself,  and commissions them for assignment. I can choose to heed or ignore the call, but my response will define my discipleship.

The Conclusion:

It won't matter then what I call myself; in the view of the leader and teacher, He knows who I am, and it is His view and approval I must seek. When I have his approval, then I can impact the world I have been placed in. I note that I am not asked to seek the world's approval, but that the world will know that I am a disciple. There are a lot of fruits my life will show, and love is one of them. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit, and it is a fruit that the world has tried to replicate but it cannot fake. Love does not wait to be earned; it just gives. God did it for us, laying down the perfect example, and if indeed I know Him, I must live like Him. The world may not understand precepts, but it will respond to love, as shown by people who are truly followers of Love Himself. God's time of favour is here. 

Light 2!

Light 2!

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14 KJV

The Inspiration:

Jesus was speaking to his disciples here, who were sitting with him at the top of the mountain, and with a large crowd at the bottom of the mountain listening to Him. As always, the demands of being a disciple are far weightier than those of the crowd. There is always mass hysteria with a crowd, but discipleship is first and foremost an individual call and response to God. I must make up my mind which one I will be, and then be committed to the demands. The crowd is always content to go with what is popular; the disciple must dare to stand alone sometimes. It is one of such demands on discipleship that is the focus of today's extract, and that is I am light. That simple statement is very powerful, because it defines who I am, what I am, and my role and impact in and on the earth I have been placed on.

The Expectation:

As light, I am both a person and a target. I am placed where I am to deal with the problem of darkness. Wherever I am, the light must make a difference; the world must know that I am different. The world is the stage for the manifestation of the light. Of what use is more light when there is already sufficient light? The light must be taken to the world where its nature and impact will be directly felt. In my business or workplace, or at school, wherever I am given an opportunity to stand, is my identity as light obvious for all to see? I am also called a city set on a hill. A city does not contain only one house; it is a place where different need can be met because it has different services. When people come in contact with me, can they find solutions to whatever problems they may have? 

The Conclusion:

As light, or as a city, I cannot hide. By virtue of its location and provision, a city cannot hide. As it is set on a hill, it is visible from afar. Men will come looking for succour and nourishment because you stand out; men will come looking for assurance, because you are like an oasis in the desert. I must also note that men will come looking for trouble too, seeking to test and try the quality of your light and convictions. Nowhere does God promise it will be all rosy and sweet; darkness also wants to be relevant, and it will do all it can to draw men to itself. God is also The Light, and all who surrender to Him are also light. If I will impact the world the right way, I must allow God live in and through me. The world awaits the manifestation of the sons of God. Am I one? Are you? God's time of favour is here.

Love, God's Version!

Love, God's Version!

Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]. 1 John 4:7 AMP

The Inspiration:

Love has been presented to us in different ways and terms. Hollywood, Hollywood and Bollywood all have their versions, and the images we see seem to suggest that it could be demanded or compelled in some instances, and it could also be rejected in some instances too. It also appears that the perspective of love from these models reflects physical acts or gestures. While there is nothing wrong with the physical side to love, the real version is first internal before it then flows out to the external. The love of God described here is the type that does not need my contribution before it can be real. It exists, it thrives and it is sustained by God until grace is withdrawn. The demand today then is for me to allow God's version thrive in and through me. No other version can replace or replicate that which God is and gives. 

The Expectation:

Whatever it is I hold on to as love must look like and celebrate God alone. Love, in its real sense, is God's name and nature. The word 'unselfishly' has been added to the verse, because it reflects the attitude and response I must have. It can't be love if I am only interested in my welfare to the detriment of other people. It can't be love if I deliberately hurt other people in order to gain an advantage or benefit. It would also mean that God has to do His work in me, before the fruit of my life can look right. The world will prescribe external solutions, focused on improving the outer, forgetting that love is first internal. What you see on the outside is the progressive work of God in the heart. That is why the verse also makes reference to 'personal encounter'. Have I had that personal touch of God? 

The Conclusion:

Has God left an impression on my heart so deep that it cannot be hidden? A man who has encountered God cannot hide the outflow of that encounter. Love shows that I am born of God and I know God. Love shows that God lives in me and that His life is made manifest through me. Love shows that other people can recognize my walk with and work for God. If I claim to know God, it will be testified to by men. The opposite is also equally true; it may take time, but hypocrisy and eye-service will eventually be found out. Who or what is the inspiration behind my perspiration? Can it be love, defined from God's perspective, or the result of my own plan? Remember, if it is not God, it is not love. Am I born of God, or do I need to sort out my allegiance and identity first? God's time of favour is here.  

The Sign!

The Sign!

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 NIV

The Inspiration:

The ending does not always look like the start. The story from where today's verse is taken did not reflect peace at all. Syria and Israel had ganged up against Judah, and had come to war against it, but they could not prevail, try as much as they could. A few of the lessons from this story are that you only get success in any endeavour if and only if God approves of it, and the quality and quantity of the opposition against you will not matter if God is on your side. God sent the prophet Isaiah, with his son, to go and give a message of deliverance and hope to the king of Judah. Who is providing you support and encouragement on this journey of life and faith?

The Expectation:

For this season we are in, God's sure word is the only recipe that guarantees success in life, family, work and ministry. Isaiah gave the message of God to king Ahaz of Judah, and it must have seemed incredible or impossible. God asked the king to ask for a sign that God's promise would be fulfilled. Either by a lack of faith or false humility, the king refused to ask for any sign. Be careful of false humility, or a heart that pretends to be pious or is self-righteous. God is God by himself, and does not need my help to be so. He remains God no matter what I do or don't do, and when He speaks, there is nothing or no one that can stand against Him.

The Conclusion:

Consider the sign that was given: a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and His name was defined long before the child came. God is the One who could break the law of natural conception in order to bring his son into the world; He is the One who can determine the end from the beginning. He is also the One who can shed light into the midst of the utmost darkness, and there is nothing impossible for Him. The sign of Immanuel is the sign of peace; it is the sign that God's love for the world is boundless. It does not matter the amount of pain sin has caused, or the attempts by the devil to keep reminding of my past; I simply remind the devil that I have seen, responded to and accepted the gift of God's Son. What of you? God's time of favour is here.

Joy!

Joy!

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7 NIV

The Inspiration:

Think of the love of an earthly father. It does not matter what the child does; the blood connection cannot be broken or destroyed by rejection. A son can go ahead and claim independence, and even change his name, but that does not change the DNA connection between the son and his earthly father. A man who has a daughter knows firsthand what it means to have a child who hangs on your every word. If human relationships can reflect love like this, imagine the impact, scope and depth of our father in heaven.

The Expectation:

That love is what is shown in today's verse. God is the good shepherd who takes good care of the sheep. He calls each sheep by name and leads them out to pasture and to rest. His heart of love will not lead a sheep astray, but it may happen that the sheep decides it wants to go its own way. God's love is such that doesn't force anyone against his will; He wants me to come to Him of my own freewill. It is love that gives freewill, so that love can flow out of a heart that has submitted to it.

The Conclusion:

God's heart of love is such that no matter how far I wander, I am never too far away from God's grace. Paul, a murderer, found grace. Simon the fearful became Peter the rock. Today's verse tells me that even heaven reflects God's heart when it comes to His creation. He made me, and He will not just give up on me. The one person who wanders away is very important to God, as much as the 99 who are already safe. No matter where I am right now, God is looking out for me. Picture God rejoicing as I find my way back to Him. The blood of Jesus makes the bond unbreakable. What are you waiting for? God's time of favour is here. 

Rejoice!

Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! [Ps. 37:4.] Philippians 4:4 AMPC

The Inspiration:

Paul writes to the church in Philippi, and as is his custom, his message is always about the Christian life and experience. He enjoins the people around him to walk in unity, promoting peace. God cannot and will not work where there is disunity or bitterness. He is called the Prince of peace, as well as Jehovah Shalom. He is the One who births and sustains that which is of Him. He is the God who lives in the hearts of all who are fully submitted to Him. His Spirit lives in those people, and His Spirit births attributes and lifestyles that reflect the presence of God. One of such attributes is joy. God cannot live in a man's heart and there will be no joy. Along with joy comes other attributes such as peace, goodness and love, among others. This tells me that joy is not so much about what goes on outside, but who lives inside.

The Expectation:

The world will celebrate the external, laying emphasis on ephemeral things like possession, position, power or prestige. Men will tie their happiness to these things, and will not be happy when things don't fall in line. That is the difference between happiness and joy; one stays on the outside, and is linked to physical things, and the other does not need any physical thing for it to exist. The presence of God is the guarantee of joy, not possessions or position. If I will then live out today's verse, I have to take a good look at my inner man, and confirm who /what is in charge there. If God sits on the throne of my heart, there is a guarantee of joy. If anyone or anything else sits on the throne, you may enjoy the thrill for a season, but there is a guarantee that it will not last. I need God to be in total control if my life will take shape.

The Conclusion:

The charge to rejoice is repeated in this verse because, as you know, repetition strengthens memory. Life will definitely happen to the best and the rest of us, and you could sometimes forget to pause and be grateful for who you are and what you have. Let God do the work only He can do in a man's life, so that the life can produce and reflect all that God is and gives. I rejoice in the Lord today, because I know that my earthly life is just a preparation for eternity with God. I know I have hope for a great tomorrow; a tomorrow that will impact lives. I rejoice in the finished work of Christ on the cross, because by it, I stand to inherit all that Christ is and has. What could be more? I rejoice; God's time of favour is here.

Seasons!

Seasons!

Let those who wept as they sowed their seed, gather the harvest with joy! Psalms 126:5 GNBDK

The Inspiration:

Times and seasons have been built into the fabric of life. God himself, after the flood of Noah's time, laid out the laws of seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. He also added that as long as the earth remains, these laws will continue and remain. No matter what we do, these laws continue to operate. Night will definitely follow day, no matter how hard we try. There will always be a season of planting, and if we do what is required, the season of harvesting will also follow. This law of sowing and harvest is the focus of today's verse. What would make anyone weep as they sowed seed? Could it be because of past experiences that were not so good? Could it be that there had been great loss in the past, and the seed now was the last hope for a bountiful harvest? 

The Expectation:

Whatever the reason, it made the sower weep. What could be the experience that is making you weep right now? What is that precious thing in your hand and heart that is in danger of extinction or expiration? What is that burden you have that just seems not to go away? It could be that you are burdened because there is a great harvest ahead, something even your earnest preparation cannot adequately cater for. You have the precious seed entrusted to you for a reason, and it must be applied to the right kind of ground at the right time or season so it can lead to the right kind of results. The seed could be a business idea, or a concept that will change lives but I must always remember that the seed must be planted in the right ground if it will lead to increase and harvest. 

The Conclusion:

That ground is one of the fundamental factor, because in it lies all the nutrients that the seed needs to bring fruit. How is my ground at the moment? Can it nurture seed to full maturity? The promise by God is that all who sow in tears will reap in joy. That means that God will work on your seed, away from your sphere of influence or control, to bring out the value of the seed you have put in the ground. If you will have joy, you need to treat the seed right, in the way that God can bless the effort. What is the seed in your hand? What are the preparations you need to make in order to maximise the seed? Am I preparing the ground properly, so that the seed can find all it requires? The start may be painful, but the end, as promised by God, will be joy. I look forward with hope to all that God has provided and prepared for me. God's time of favour is here. 

Clap and Shout!

Clap and Shout!

O CLAP your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy! Psalm 47:1 AMPC

The Inspiration:

The sons of Korah are credited with this psalm. Along with David, these are the next most popular names linked to psalms and songs. Not much is known of them, but one thing is clear: they knew the value and impact of praising God, and they did it regularly. What is it that I am known for? It is not about world knowing me, but that in my little sphere of influence, what I am known for? Am I known as a child of God, or do I have to struggle to even let people know where I stand on any issue at all? The world is in need of lasting standards, which will outlast the fickle nature of the world. Is my life reflecting that standard? The sons of Korah call us all, irrespective of age, gender or culture to come before the Lord in clapping, shouting and rejoicing. 

The Expectation:

You cannot clap or shout if there is no good reason to. There would have been an event, or a story that will be the basis of your clapping and shouting. In this verse, at least two reasons are given. One is the fact that there is triumph. If there were no wars, you can't speak of triumph. If there were no struggles, you cannot speak of victory. It means that these sons had experienced some battles, but they could break out in song because they had seen victory. Like them, nothing has changed for us. We would also have our own challenges and struggles, but we can also, with the heart of faith, break out into song for all the amazing things that are ahead. Can my heart rejoice, even in the face of all that is going on around me? Can God trust my heart that, no matter what comes, I will always praise Him? 

The Conclusion:

This is a call for a reaction; when I have had a personal encounter with God, you cannot be silent. When God does as He pleases, you cannot help but kneel amazed at the greatness and power of this God. There is a time to sing quietly to God, but this verse today enjoins us to sing and about. Men must hear us, and then ask for the reason for our reaction. I must sing and shout, because it is a loud testament to what is also ahead. When I praise God for what he has done in the past, He is really motivated to do even much more in the future. He has won the victory, and has delivered it into my hands. All I need to do is maintain that victory, and I must daily appreciate God for all He has is and done for me. God's time of favour is here.

This Jesus!

This Jesus!

Anyone who confesses (acknowledges, owns) that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides (lives, makes His home) in him and he [abides, lives, makes his home] in God. 1 John 4:15 AMPC

The Inspiration:

My life's profession will usually follow my mouth's confession. There is power in the tongue, and the One in whose image we are made has laid down the perfect example of this power. He it was who spoke the heaven and the earth into existence, and still continues to sustain all things by His powerful Word. He actually does not need me to be God, because in the first place, I exist simply because He permits me to. He also does not need my consent to remain God, because long before I was even born, and long after this present earth ceases to exist, He will keep being God. However, there is a role for me to play here, and that is for me to publicly acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the secret to a life of purpose and impact. Have I discovered this secret yet?

The Expectation:

Yes, there may be a place for private faith and confidence in God, but it is important to move into the realm of public confession. This public phase is the proof of your private faith. People know where you stand when it comes to the faith. It helps define for you what your pursuits and priorities should be. When men know your stand, they may test you for a while to see and prove the quality, depth and scope of your convictions, but once they know that you are consistent, they will respect you. The devil will definitely not stop trying you, but because you have made a public show of your faith and confidence in God, He will definitely also show up for you. That is the latter part of today's verse: God is comfortable to dwell in the life of a man who is not ashamed of Him. 

The Conclusion:

This mutual benefit is one of the greatest blessing a man can have: to have God live in you, and for you to also live in and make your abode in God. I note that the words used here are 'abide', or 'makes his home'. These words signify long-term residence, not temporary accommodation. You are not expected to come in and go out as and when you please, even though you are allowed to. God will not compel me to stay in and with Him; He will supply all that I need for life and Godliness, but I have to sit with Him and learn all I can. If I go out temporarily, like the 5 foolish virgins, what is the guarantee that door will not be shut by the time I want to come back in? God warns; I must pay attention. He wants me to come; how would I respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Keep at it!

Keep at it!

“Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 AMP

The Inspiration:

Jesus continues here with the sermon on the mount, speaking to his disciples. The crowd was at the foot of the mountain also listening, but as we know, the crowd was always present wherever Jesus went or taught. He would not be moved by the size of the crowd, but by the commitment of those who had made up their minds to follow Him. Which one am I: part of the crowd content to sit at the foot of the mountain and enjoy the lovely words I hear or a disciple, willing to climb the mountain of commitment, sit at the feet of Jesus, and then also obey all that has been commanded? I must let God know where I stand, so that He can commit great things into my hands. The challenge by Jesus to the crowd is always different from that to the disciple, which is why I must sort out my identity early enough in this race. 

The Expectation:

Today's verse asks me to ask, seek and knock. It does not say I should do it once, or maybe once in a while, but to keep at it. God is not deaf, dumb or blind, and as God, He knows me more than i know myself, but in the commitment to press on with asking, seeking or knocking, He is building up something in me. If I have learnt persistence and commitment in asking, seeking and knocking, He knows that when He commits great assignments into my hands, I can hold on, press on and keep at it, because I have learnt the secret behind getting God's approval. I note that the verse does not say when I will get all that I ask for, seek or knock for, but I have a standing assurance by God that whatever it is that I ask for, seek or knock for will be given to me. That is a promise by a God that does not lie, and whose word can be trusted for all of eternity. 

The Conclusion:

I have the promise from the One who is called the Promise-Keeper, and I have all the terms and conditions attached to what He has asked me to do. My request from God will always match his response to me, which means that my relationship with Him must be such that when He answers, I can recognise His voice, leading and demand from me. I must not come with my own ideas of what the right response should be, but I must leave room for God to be God in my life. If God sits on the throne of my heart, my asking, seeking and knocking will always align with His will. If I find myself seeking the things that only point to myself, I need to check my command centre again. Is God in total control or are there areas I still need to submit to God? He wants to be glorified in and through me, and as He answers me, the world takes notice and is drawn to Him. Would I let God be God? God's time of favour is here.

Transformed!

Transformed!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

The Inspiration:

Paul writes to the Romans, emphasizing the mercy of God. It is by mercy any of us is standing today; if it were by sin, we all would be dead, but by mercy, the plan of salvation was drawn up and brought to reality, and today, I can claim worship of God, and an heir to the riches of God's grace. That mercy then makes the plea in today's verse, and it is a plea that I have to respond to, one way or another. There is no fence to sit on, because there can only be two responses: it is either I respond to and embrace the mercy of God, or I reject the mercy, and live with the consequences. As always, the choice is mine to make; God provides the favourable conditions, but I have to make the final decision. Remember,  actions have consequences, and in this instance, eternal life is at stake.

The Expectation:

The choice is to either conform to the pattern of the world or be transformed by the renewing of my mind. The world seeks to bend people to its will, and because of sin, we do not have the power of ourselves to resist the pull of the world. The demands of the world line up with our own desires, and that is why the bible says to be carnally-minded is death. It is by total  surrender to the mercy of God that the power of the world can be broken. The world and the word are both powerful, and while one seeks to destroy, the other seeks to give eternal life. Which one would I submit my life to? I ask for the help of God to conduct an audit of my life: which one is in charge? Am I conforming, or am I submitting my life to be transformed by the power of God? 

The Conclusion:

It is by transformation that I can test and know what God's perfect will is. How does God reveal his deep secrets into a heart He doesn't control or influence? How can God commit great assignments into the hands of a person who has not submitted his life, heart and senses to the dictates of the Spirit of God? Even by submission, there is a process of testing and approving what God's will is, because in God's school, you never really graduate, or become independent of God's help. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new about God, and as I learn more about Him, I know what He loves and hates, I can make better decisions that please God, and I can be entrusted with even more important things pertaining to God's kingdom. I must not settle for anything less. Eternal life lies at the end of this process. God's time of favour is here. 

First Things First!

First Things First!

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. Matthew 6:33 AMP

The Inspiration:

This is part of the first sermon of Jesus recorded in the Bible. He took his disciples up a mountain, and sat down and taught them the principles, practices and processes of God's kingdom. All who will be a part of the kingdom must follow its rules. The crowd, as usual, was present everywhere Jesus went, but today's verse is not for the crowd, but for those who understand the demands of the kingdom and are willing to submit to and pursue those demands. The Kingdom of God takes priority over all other important things, and it is only when I also take it as my most important priority that its benefits and blessings will be mine. I am allowed to seek many things, but the kingdom of God must be the most pressing of all. What is my priority now?

The Expectation:

The Kingdom of God does not allow opposition. You really cannot resist it. It may look like you are independent, because God does not force himself on anyone, but this is a kingdom with a king, loyal subjects, a territory, and of course, enemies. The King is the Lord and Master over all He oversees, and he has standards which are not subject to negotiation, debate or compromise. The King has a duty to provide for all who are his loyal subjects, and He will defend them to the end. You cannot lay claim to the benefits and resources of a country whose king you do not submit to. You cannot claim the protection and provision of a country you are not a citizen or resident of. Have I defined my citizenship or residence status? Does the scope of the kingdom of God extend to me?

The Conclusion:

If there is anything I need, I must first get the One who is all I need. It is God who provides all that I need for life and Godliness, and no demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. When God already holds and owns my heart, He knows that nothing and no one else can take His place in my heart. He knows that I am totally sold out to Him, and if He could give Himself totally for me, there is nothing else too big or too much for Him to give me in addition. He sent Jesus to die for my sin, and He has secured eternal life with God for me. That is His most precious gift; life eternal with Him. What else could be more important? What else won't He give, so I can enjoy this life, as well as the one to come? He's done His bit; what would we give in return? God's time of favour is here.

Pray!

Pray!

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18 NIV

The Inspiration:

Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, was speaking from personal experience. He had seen a lot during his missionary journeys: he had been attacked, beaten, imprisoned and even bitten by a snake, and had even suffered the loss of many things and people who had supported him. He knew what it meant to be in want, and he also knew what it meant to have plenty. In all of these experiences, Paul knew quite clearly what was important, and what else were distractions. As it was for  Paul at the time, so is it now for all of us today. We must focus on the demands of God's call upon our lives, so that we are not moved by the temporary discomforts that will definitely come. One sure way we can keep the focus right is by the daily and regular exercise of prayer. 

The Expectation:

It must be pointed out that this is not just talking about prayer, but actually doing it. A lot of books are written on the benefits and blessings of prayer, but we must move from talking about it to actually doing it. It is the doing that actually leads to amazing blessings. There is the act of prayer, and the action needs the right environment and application for it to be effective. I am asked to pray in the Spirit, because prayer itself is a spiritual exercise. It cannot be done by sheer force of will, but by the dependence on the Spirit. If I will hear and touch God, I need His help and provision for me to achieve it. It is to be applied to all occasions, because you can never know the truth behind any situation unless and until God shows you, and His time-honoured channel of revelation has always been by His Spirit. 

The Conclusion:

I must therefore remain alert at all times, aware of what God is saying, so I can pray in line with God's will. God also lays out who and what I am to pray for: all sorts of prayers and requests, as well as for all of God's people. There is no situation so far gone that it is beyond God, and there is no one so far gone that s/he is beyond God's grace. Prayer is that key that God gives so I can touch him, know what His plan and will is, and then commit my life to making His will my own pursuits and priorities. That is the secret to a life of impact and purpose. God wants me to trust Him, and He will of course honour such trust. I bring all my cares and concerns to God, and I know He will take care of me and bring me to the place He has prepared for me. God's time of favour is here. 

Go Forward!

Go Forward!

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 AMPC

The Inspiration:

At the heart of today's extract are the words of Moses to all Israel. He had come to the end of his journey, and could go no further, not because of old age, but disobedience to God's express instruction. It was God's plan that Moses will lead Israel to the land of promise, but Moses, in a fit of rage, lost the opportunity. 

If I can accomplish all that is required of me by my own power, strength and wisdom, I would not need God. I must never take my eyes off God at any time, no matter how easy, convenient or difficult it may be.

The Expectation:

Moses had to encourage Israel to press on in obedience to God's word. Whatever it is that God commands will definitely be accomplished, whether I cooperate with God or not. If it is God who commands, be rest assured that He will supply all that is required to achieve His purpose. The message is to be strong, courageous and firm. God also says do not fear. He knows that anyone who depends solely on Him will be helped. The quality or quantity of opposition against you does not matter if it is God backing you up.

The Conclusion:

If it is God fighting against you, it will also not matter what the quality or quantity of the support for you is. I need God for all of life; He alone can bring me to the place He has prepared. He says he goes ahead of me, and this tells me to keep checking my position as it relates to where God is. Am I the one leading God where I want to go, or am I trusting Him to lead me as I follow? It is His nature to be faithful; He can be trusted to keep His Word. Can I also trust Him with my present and future? Remember, He only keeps what has been entrusted to Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Bow Down!

Bow Down!

O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Psalm 95:6 KJV

The Inspiration:

The chapter starts with a declaration of the power, nature and attributes of God. The writer invites us to come to the place where we can appreciate this God, who He is and the things He has done. When I consider who God is, and the amazing things He has done, there cannot be any other reaction except those that have been highlighted in today's extract. This is why we always ask God for a personal encounter with Him; it is good to listen to the accounts of other people, but it is best that you have your own. Tough days are ahead, when the devil will seek to sow the seeds of doubt in your heart about who God is and what He can do. If you know this God personally, praise, worship and thanksgiving will flow out of you on a continual basis. Nobody would have to convince me that God deserves praise; my daily life is a testament to His power. 

The Expectation:

The invitation says: "Come, worship, bow down and kneel". All of these instructions are important. If you don't come, how would you know? If you don't make the approach, how do you come to the full realization of who God is and what He wants? It is as I come that I can worship the right way. It is as I come that I can see the glory of God. If Isaiah didn't see God in His glory, may be his ministry would not have had the same impact it did. As I come in worship, I am asked to kneel. This is the attitude of submission, where a man recognizes the authority of the One before whom he kneels. You do not kneel to a kingdom you are not subject to, but this is one kingdom that does not force its power and authority over you down here. You come of your own accord, and submit to and embrace its authority. 

The Conclusion:

It must be noted however that one day, all knees shall bow, either by free choice or compulsion, before the One who sits on the throne. He is called the Lord our Maker in today's verse, because it is by Him that we all are made, and continue to exist down here. If God were to withdraw His breath, we are done. The Maker is the One who makes, and He is the Lord because His authority cannot be questioned. He actually does not need me to be God, as He has been God long before I was even conceived, and long after this present earth ceases to exist, He will continue to be God. I can argue as long as I want, or I can simply submit to His will and let Him be all He is and can be. May God be glorified in me, and may His power be made manifest in me. God's time of favour is here.

Light!

Light!

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12 KJV

The Inspiration:

Just take a quick read of the verses before this one: a woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus, as if Jesus was the sole custodian of the law of Moses. The scribes and Pharisees were looking for occasion to accuse him of something, but Jesus wisely handled the matter, letting the woman go, but also warning her not to sin anymore. The fact that Jesus was sought for by His enemies is proof that they recognized his power and authority. He had constantly spoken truth to the people, and this was another occasion to teach. As I strive to handle life's issues, I must remember that God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness. I cannot come to God, holding on to my prejudices, but I must let him work in, and then flow out of me, so that all that He is can be manifest in me. 

The Expectation:

The scribes and Pharisees left, and Jesus again told the people: "I am the light of the world". That is a strong statement, coming from the place of absolute authority. He is not just the source, but the actual origin and essence of light. In and by Him can the world even see its way. Anyone who would walk through life and make it safely to the end would have to walk in and with Him. That statement leaves no room for a contest with any other authority, and does not permit any other source to be the light. Only Jesus can make such a claim. He does not attribute His power to acquired status, but to His nature. He is light, and of course, wherever He goes, light is made manifest. Just as He spoke to the people who had just witnessed Him forgive a woman caught in adultery, so does He now invite us all to come to Him today. How would you respond?

The Conclusion:

What is the benefit of following Jesus, you may ask? Jesus assures all who follow Him that they will not walk in darkness. Darkness has one attribute, out of many, and it is that you cannot see, hear or feel anything until the trouble is on you. You will not see danger coming; you cannot respond the right way to issues and you just cannot read the times and seasons you are in. The light of God comes to guide and guard, and also provides assurance of life that does not end. This is the ultimate: God does not just lead down here, but He leads all the way into eternal life. Would I want to rule the world down here, and then have no place in heaven with God? Does the world hold any attraction for me, so much so that I would sacrifice the eternal for the earthly and the temporal? Jesus is waiting for me to come to Him; He has all the answers, and if I have Him, I have all that really matters. Do you have Him? God's time of favour is here. 

Saved!

Saved!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8 KJV

The Foundation:

Take a look at the verses before today's extract; you find the state of man before God intervened. Man was destined for utter destruction due to the power and influence of sin, and there was nothing man could do, of himself, to dig himself out of the hole he had found himself. This was a situation that education, earnings, elocution or enlightenment could not help. Someone or something that understood the predicament man was in, and could offer a lasting and permanent solution to the issue of sin, was required. This is where God and His grace stepped in; grace will not be grace if there is an element of works, or if I could earn it by influence or labour. Grace will not be grace if a man could sell something to buy it. This is where God shows both his power and His love. 

The Expectation:

Salvation is the gift of God, flowing from the grace He has freely given. Salvation is a need for all men, no matter their status. The plan of salvation was first laid out at the scene of the first crime, which means that salvation was not an afterthought. God knew we would need it, and in His wisdom, He planned ahead for it. God will definitely play His part, but there is a part He counts on me to put in, and that is faith in that plan. I have to trust that the gift that was given, which is Jesus His Son, is sufficient to wash me away from all sin. Why come to God if I cannot trust that His plan is not sufficient? Why call on Him if I have no confidence in the blessings and benefits that accrue from the cross? The cross has power, but it does not compel me to come; I have to come in faith, trusting that the blood can do what it was shed to do. 

The Conclusion:

Faith is that secret ingredient that makes the whole package worth it. God's gift can sometimes be presented in unattractive packaging. If anyone had told us that the way back to God will be through very painful death on a cross, rejection by men and taunting and hatred for the One who would save, we would have argued, because it would not have made sense. Thank God he did not wait for it to make sense before he made good on his plan. I stand here today because of the blood. I am who I am today because of the blood. I can look to the past, and thank God for both the present and the future, because all have been secured by the blood. God has given the best gift possible: himself. How do you respond? How would I? God's time of favour is here.

New Birth!

New Birth!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3 KJV

The Foundation:

Remember Peter? He was not always this bold. His name was actually Simon, which means reed - something not firm; easily swayed. He had his moments, but then came his encounters with Jesus, who renamed him Peter, which mean rock. That encounter stayed with him for the rest of his life, and this encounter must be the experience of all who want to speak like Peter here. How would a man recall the mercy of God if he has not had a personal experience of it? I do not just want to read about or talk about the mercy of God; I need to experience it on a personal level. It is mercy that keeps, guides and preserves. It is mercy that gives an assurance of eternal life with God. It is mercy that makes the difference between death and distinction. Have you had the experience? Have I had the encounter?

The Expectation:

Jesus is the focus here. Peter is blessing God for the gift of the Son, given for the forgiveness of sin, and the seal of eternal life. He is God's recipe for all of life; He is the seal of approval from God. He gave His life so I could have life; He extended mercy to me so that I could also flow out with mercy to other people. His mercy is abundant; the whole earth has enough supply to last it for as long as it remains, because no demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. It is mercy that birthed the plan of salvation, laid out at the scene of the first sin. It is also mercy that continues to operate till today, cleaning up the worst of men and bringing them into the saving grace available in and through Christ. What a great hope that we have; it is not a wonder that it is described as a 'lively hope'. 

The Conclusion:

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. I know He owns and holds the future, because He designed the future to suit His purpose. He has begotten us; given us new birth. This new birth is only possible and available in and through the One called the Life. He is Life and He gives life too. If God is powerful enough to raise the dead, or to reverse a situation that was physically impossible, then know that with God, there is no situation so far gone that it is beyond the intervention of God. If God could change Simon the reed to Peter the rock, there is no one who is beyond the grace of God. He wants to do His work in me, so that my life can then reflect His grace. Would I let Him? God's time of favour is here.