Stand!

Stand!

Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 AMP

The Inspiration:

Paul writes these words, and from the picture he paints, he may have taken his inspiration from personal experiences. He was a man who was frequently beaten and imprisoned, and this physical description could have come from one  of those 'prison' encountered, guarded by Roman soldiers. Please note that following and serving Jesus faithfully will not keep you from tough time; life itself outside of Jesus is tough enough. What you get from following and serving Jesus, among many other thigs, is a  daily supply of protection, provision and grace for all facets of the journey He sets you on. At no time does He promise a life free of trials, but He then gives an unbreakable promise of His ever-abiding presence. God will definitely supply all that my journey needs, but the verse above makes it clear that I have to put it on myself. It seems to me that this dressing up is my responsibility; it cannot be delegated or assigned to someone else.

The Contention:

I also note the reference to the 'full armour of God'. Please do not dare face the world before you are fully dressed. There is no soldier that is allowed to stand on guard without being first fully kitted and prepared for the assignment. God would not rejoice in the daily deaths of His saints, which is why He supplies all they need. I cannot take the nice-looking parts and dispense with the rest. All parts of the armour are important, because they build up to the complete soldier of Christ. This soldier of Christ is one that He can trust to represent Him well, and He can send on assignment. There are battles to fight, and God is described as a 'man of war'.  He is skilled in these things, and if I will also survive that which is coming, I need the provisions God has made for victory. He does not ask me to dress up because He is helpless; He wants me to experience the benefits and blessings that come from a life that God helps. 

The Conclusion:

The devil will fight, with all he has got. The devil is the master of deceit and deception, and can present himself as the real deal. It is by God's provisions that I can fight the devil's pretences. He comes with his darts of fear and doubt, and his schemes of trickery and deceit, but there are antidotes to all that the devil brings. There is a divine provision by God for every situation the devil can bring. Salvation, the Word of God, righteousness, the gospel of peace, are just some of the parts of the armour provided by God to defeat the devil. God makes them available; I have to put them on. It is by putting them on that I can successfully stand. Yes, things may not end up the way I want them to, and like Stephen and some of the apostles, the physical end may not be pleasant, but as long as I have trusted God with my life, I will definitely enjoy eternal life with God at the end of it all. What more could I ask for? God's time of favour is here. 

No Fear!

No Fear!

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 KJV

The Inspiration:

As you read the verses just before today's extract, you get the distinct impression that the time these words were written was a season of fear. God has raised a man from the East, and gave him victory over great nations. The first lesson here for me is to ask God for grace to recognise when and where He is at work, so I can join Him at work. If I do not understand or recognize the times and seasons I am in, it is very likely that I will take the wrong steps. The people who saw the man of the East in action reacted in fear, and rather than turn to God, they turned to smiths and welders to help them fashion a god that had to be held in place so it would not fall down. For me, how do I react in this season that wants to strike fear? Would I turn to the devices of men, or to the One who can raise men to do His bidding? Would I seek after the tokens of liars, or would I turn to the true God for help and sustenance in these times of fear? 

The Expectation:

The verses before today's extract go on to talk about God's people, who He had chosen for Himself. The expectation of and from those who know God must always be different. God speaks to those who have come to trust in Him completely, not those who have alternative measures in place, in the event that the main plan does not work. It is important to note that it was God who chose the seed of Abraham for himself, because Abraham walked in faith, even when the realities around him did not make sense. In these times too, many of our experiences may not encourage faith in a God that we cannot see with our physical eyes, but for all who have walked with God, we know that faith is never first about what you see, but about who you know. You believe in God, and then you walk with him, and no matter where He leads, you can trust His power, wisdom and grace to sustain you all through the journey. Do I really know this God, or is there any other god that is appealing to me?

The Conclusion:

The words of today's verse then makes sense in the context above. I do not fear, not because I have high fences or plenty of muscles, but because God is with me. This is all that matters: God's presence. God and fear cannot co-habit the same heart all the time. God knows my frame, as he knows that sometimes fear can grip my heart and threaten my peace, so He encourages me to focus only on Him. All I need for the journey ahead is available only in Him: strength, wisdom, direction and help. When I am helpless, weak, and clueless, God is there to provide whatever is appropriate for the season I am in. He upholds and preserves, because He is an eternal God. There is no earthly experience that lasts forever; only God is eternal, and all who trust in God have his assurance that all will end well. It is never too late to know and submit to this God; He waits for all of us. Do not delay, as there is no guarantee of tomorrow outside of God. God's time of favour is here. 

Encouraged!

Encouraged!

and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24‭-‬25 KJV

The Inspiration:

The world is at a critical stage of its existence. The inhabitants of the world have always been selfish and self-centred, but things seem to be getting worse in these end times. We seem to discover new ways of being extremely wicked to other people, developing weapons of mass destruction. Hatred of and bitterness to other people now seem to be the order of the day. Well, it would not be a surprise if the people of the world did these things, but it will be the shocker if those that should know better are the ones who then engage in these things. How would the world know the right way to act if it is not shown the right way? It is important that those who know and have the truth lay it out, promote and live by it on a daily basis, so the world can have the right examples to emulate. Two of these truths are love and good works, noting that the word AND connects both, signifying that both cannot be separated. 

The Contention:

How can I claim to love people if there is no external evidence in support? The real proof of love is first internal, before it is seen or felt on the external. My life flows out with what I have inside of me. I could pretend for a while, but because fruit is physical, the truth about what is in me will be revealed. People know they are loved by the actions of other people. For me, the questions then are: "Do I truly love people the way God wants me to"? "Are there fruits of 'good works' in my life that prove that I really love the way God wants me to"? It is not so much what people say first, but what God desires. Once I get the God-perspective right, every other thing will be right. This is why coming together in fellowship also becomes an experience I look forward to, because it is another oppourtunity to flow out with all that God has deposited inside me. What kind of fruits is my life producing at the moment?

The Conclusion:

Things will not always be like these. Yes, they may get worse, but the world, as we know it now, has an expiry date. Every day God allows is a day closer to the Day, when all of us must stand before God for judgment. We have got to prepare for that day the right way, and it is only by allowing God work in me that I can be truly prepared for that day. My life, and the lessons God teaches me, must encourage other people to also seek to know and follow God. Together with other people of like faith in God, we come together for mutual strengthening, exhorting and encouraging one another on this journey of life, and then we go out to impact the world around us. The day draws near when all of these things will come to an end; how are we preparing? Can my inner life and outer impact stand the test of God's judgement on the day He returns? Today must be the day to get it right. God's time of favour is here. 

Sustained!

Sustained!

And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 AMP

The Inspiration:

You cannot give what you do not have. You may make all the claims in the world, and boast about what you hold, but the truth is that before you owned it, someone else either made, had it or sold it or lost it. We make claims about things that we do not even fully understand, and make plans for tomorrow and the next, like people who can control their destinies by themselves. One thing that can be said by Paul was that he knew who God is, who he was and what he was empowered by God to do. He kept an eye on the permanent prize, not the physical possessions that were finite and non-lasting. He enjoyed all that life brought his way, as long as God permitted it, but he would not be concerned by what he did not have. What a life we would have if we could keep such a heart free from the pressures of power, possession and position.

The Contention:

Paul had tasted the opposite ends of the spectrum. He had persecuted Christians, sending many to prison, and some to their death, yet God would not let him go to waste. When he reached out to Paul, Paul came to experience God in a unique way. Paul's life story is that classical lesson in what God can do with a life that is totally surrendered to Him. If I want to hold on to what I think I have, it is not a problem, but I must not then complain that God seems to leave me to my own devices. He will not take care of, or preserve for all of eternity anything that has not been willingly committed to Him. He will not force Himself on anyone, but He will leave an indelible mark on any life that surrenders to Him. When I surrender, I have access to all of God: grace, mercy, provision, protection, power, prestige and all that life may demand from me. 

The Conclusion:

This is why Paul could say the words of today's verse. He spoke of God as a personal God; one he knew he could depend on to be faithful to His Word. He knew God as one who had all of life's provision under His control. Recall the first words of today's reflection: You cannot give what you do not have. If it is not yours, you do not own it, and you cannot give it out. If God says He can and will, be rest assured that He will and can do it. He will also do it in abundance, so you know that this had to be God. What is that thing that has become a burden on your heart? Is there a mountain proving to be too difficult for you to deal with? Is there a need that is weighing you down? Bring them all to the God Paul speaks about here. If He could give up Jesus as a sacrifice for my sin, what else can't He give? God's time of favour is here.  

Helped!

Helped!

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

The Inspiration:

The words of today's verse holds out hope for all who are God's children, and it is that I am never left alone to fend for myself. At no time does God abandon me to my own devices, but in all my experiences, the good, and the ones I call 'the bad', there is the divine presence of God that sets my heart at rest that God is on my side, rooting for me to do well, and to also end well. God is not like man, selfishly thinking of only the immediate or the short-term, but God is always looking out for ways to advance His name, presence, love and power. What better platform is there than the life of a person who reflects His glory, presence and power? What louder message is there other than a life that consistently relies on God for sustenance, help and support? Why would God not go all out to glorify Himself in a life that is totally surrendered to Him as Lord and Saviour?

The Contention:

There is nothing God allows that has not been tested and approved by Him for my good. He is like the most gifted pharmacist, lovingly applying medication for my wounds at the right time, in the right manner and in the right quantity. He knows how to nurse me to full maturity, and He will never allow the devil to overpower me, as long as I am constantly depending on Him for help. There is no experience that is strange to God, but He knows how to fit each experience into my life's journey, and to ensure that I emerge better than when I went into it. His promise is that He will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able to bear. This then means that if I do submit to temptation, it would mean that I took my eyes off God to consider other options. If I get the focus right, I have access to the greatest resource in the world, who is God Himself. He is all I need. 

The Conclusion:

In the temptation lies the way of escape. This would also mean that 'I had no choice' will not be a valid excuse for submitting to temptation. For Joseph, his way out was to run. For Daniel, it was a strong resolve in his heart not to compromise. For Jesus, it was a steadfast focus on God for help. For Samson, he would not flee. For Judas, the love of money was the bane of his life, As I read today's verse, what steps do I need to take, so I can place myself within the boundaries of God's help? God's nature is very consistent, and nothing catches Him by surprise. Life may throw curveballs; sometimes, the inevitable may happen, but in all, God is at work in me, so that my life can be a blessing to the world around me. It is His work IN me that will bless the world AROUND me. He is never tired, and He does not give up on anyone. Let Him do what He alone can do. God's time of favour is here. 

 

Accepted!

Accepted!

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 KJV 

The Inspiration:

Again, we read a psalm of David, a man after God's heart. Two quick lessons from the life of this man are that position, power and influence didn't make him think he could become independent of God's help. Also, he knew what God wanted and he gave out praise and thanksgiving very often. You would hardly read any psalm of David and not find at least 1 verse extolling the virtues of God. What is even more important to note is that even when David sinned, he wouldn't allow the weight of sin to block him from approaching the throne of God's mercy. These are attributes that are becoming increasingly scarce these days. For me, another day of review and reckoning is here: how's my heart at the moment? Can it be trusted to offer acceptable sacrifices to a holy and perfect God? 

The Contention:

David had just spoken of the benefits of knowing God personally. In the word of God, His heart and mind are revealed to us and we get to know what God demands of us. He speaks to us out of the abundance of love in His heart, and He lays down the rules of engagement for all who desire to follow and learn from Him.  The Word of God has several benefits, as listed in the verses just before today's extract, and I will do well to consider the blessings and benefits that accrue from forming and sustaining a personal relationship with the Word of God. If I seek that which is right, true, perfect, pure and clean, God's Word is the only person that ticks all those boxes. The warnings, counsel, advice and rewards spelt out in the Word of God are all assured if I will align my heart and life with the requirements. 

The Conclusion:

When all of the above are in place, with my heart and life focused on God's desires, then I can deal with the requests in the verse above. Can I honestly pray to God to accept the medications of my heart as well as the words of my mouth right now? Are my daily words the kindthat glorifies God and makes Him known? It means that both my heart and lips are aligned and submitted to the authority of God's Word. I don't have a view contrary to the express provisions of God's Word. I don't flaunt my achievements or qualifications, but all I seek is what gives God glory. God will not accept anything less than my all, and He will not share control with any other power or authority. If it will be God, let it be all God and no one else. My life then is an acceptable offering. God's time of favour is here. 

Glorify!

Glorify!

Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV

The Inspiration:

God did not need man to be recognised as God. He did not make man because He needed an overwhelming desire not to be scorned. His power, nature, wisdom and craft stand Him out as nothing like man. No matter how far back man is able to trace his roots to, God has been God long before then. God created man for his own pleasure, so that man will come to Him of his own freewill and submit to Him. He gave of His own breath so that man could have His nature, and that man may seek Him. Have you ever wondered why men struggle until they find God? That part of God in us will never be complete unless and until we seek and find God, and then follow Him on a regular basis. This is the same God the writer of this verse knew and of course celebrated constantly. Which God do you know and follow? 

The Contention:

David was called a man after God's heart because he knew how to get God's attention. His life is a study of praise, worship and thanksgiving to God for every facet of his life. Here, he was thanking God for the privilege of his son being chosen by God to build a befitting temple for God. David was rejected by God for this same work, but David would not suck. He simply gave all his support to his young son, and also encouraged the people to also do the same. He then led by example, giving great treasures out of his own house for the work to be done. What personal examples am I laying down for people to emulate? Is my life a constant study in complaint-cycle management or thanksgiving? He knew God for himself and nothing was going to stop him from praising this God. Where do we stand on this matter of praise? 

The Conclusion:

Does God know where my heart lies? Remember, He does not need you to be God. It is a privilege to be able to offer Him praise and thanksgiving. He owns all I have right now, as well as whatever I may claim to own in the future. His is a kingdom without boundaries, because the heaven and the earth belong to Him. God is Owner, Creator, Possessor, Authority, Head and Ruler over all that we see, can't see or whatever it is that our divinely-created imaginations can conceive. From the verse above, it is clear that man's view or opinion is not required. His power has been laid out; the time for a decision is now. Would I praise and thank Him daily out of a heart that loves Him or do I want to only ask and demand from Him? He can deal with both, but for my own good, I choose to praise, worship and thank Him. He will do mighty things in and for me. God's time of favour is here.

Process 2!

Process 2!

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24 KJV

The Inspiration:

As was Jesus' custom, he had specific messages for the crowd and specific messages also for his disciples. Just before today's verse, he had challenged his disciples to be careful of the doctrines of the Pharisees and Saduccees. These sects knew all about the letter of the law but no idea of what God really required in that dispensation. As it was then, so is it now. We have become good in keeping up false appearances, holding on to a form of godliness, which looks very good on the outside but is of no eternal benefit. At this time, the message wasn't for the crowd but for all those he had gathered together, who had agreed to submit to His leadership and follow Him wholeheartedly. He does not compel anyone to follow Him but if I desire to, I have to learn the right way to do it. 

The Contention:

This is where the verse before us today starts. There is a choice all of us must make, and we have but very limited time to do so. The door is open to all men who are on the earth, but we don't have forever to make up our minds. Every day we wake up takes us a day closer to our appointment for judgement. The choice before me is to decide what to do with Jesus. Every other thing is temporary and as long as it was made or acquired with the resources of the earth, they will all perish with the earth. I need to focus on that which will outlive this earth, and the only One who will is the One who created the heaven and the earth. He alone is eternal, and He wants me to also live with Him in eternity. This desire will only find reality if my life meets with and surrenders to Jesus, accepting Him as Lord and Saviour. 

The Conclusion:

This is what makes my journey of life worth it. It involves denying myself and all the desires that will limit the work of God in me. I surrender total control to God, so He can lead, guide and direct me daily. There is a cross to bear, because following Jesus always costs something. It is not a call to comfort as defined by the world, but comfort from the presence of God in the midst of the storm. Storms will come; the winds will blow but as long as my eyes are fixed on the One who called me to follow Him, I will be fine. With denying myself and taking up my cross also comes following Jesus. These are the complete steps; you can't pick and choose the one that makes life easy for you. If my walk with and work for God will be acceptable, these are the steps. Anything else is just noise. God's time of favour is here.

Reconciled!

Reconciled!

Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Romans 5:1 AMP

The Inspiration:

The verse starts with a conclusion first, before it leads to the benefits attached to this conclusion. It does no good if I pray over and over for the benefits, but do nothing about the conclusion. Reading the verses just before today's extract lays out the futility of trusting in good works alone. It is great to be known for acts of kindness and charity, but as it has been laid out above, the conclusions behind my actions matter. I could not have paid for the acquittal from sin that I received from God, because in line with the righteous nature of God, there was nothing in me that could. Good works couldn't; my bank account balance would not be sufficient. Only the precious blood of Jesus, born free from the shackles and biological connection of sin, could provide the perfect offering, sacrifice and price for sin. That is justification.

The Contention:

I am made just, simply because the just God made a way for me to return to Him. Death is the natural consequence for sin, but the One who knew no sin became sin for us, took on the punishment we should have been given, and then fully paid the price with his life. We now have been totally cleansed from the power of sin, as long as we rely totally on the gift of life that has been given. If we could not offer any precious possession of ours in order to secure this gift, then we cannot boast of anything we may have done to deserve it. If indeed it has nothing to do with what I have, then it means all that counts is simple faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Faith is key to this process, and because it is not something I can process with my physical senses, I have to live daily, trusting that the sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient for me.

The Conclusion

The benefits then follow. How would I lay claim to the benefits of peace if the Prince of peace does not own and hold my heart? How can I lay claim to eternal life with God, when the eternal God does not rule in my heart on a regular basis? That which Jesus did has reconciled me to God, and provided a way for me to approach God without the need for an earthly intermediary. I don't need the blood of bulls or goats anymore; that which was shed for me is sufficient for all time. Having died and rose again, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and all who may approach God must come through Him. God has made that clear in His Word, and His Word cannot be broken. He can be trusted to keep His Word, and all He has promised here will be mine if I come in faith, accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour and living in that reality on a daily basis. That is all that counts. God's time of favour is here. 

Directed!

Directed!

A man's heart deviseth his way: But the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9 KJV

The Inspiration:

It is expected that I make good plans; it will be termed foolishness if I just coast through life with the mentality that 'anything goes'. The man who wrote this proverb would know, as the bible records he waa the wisest man of his time, and even after. God promised that as long as Solomon obeyed his commamds, He would bless him beyond imagination, and because God is faithful, He did as promised. God has no issues with my beautiful and well-crafted plans; what He needs me to do is to make these plans with Him. How would I imvest so much time, energy and resources into a venture that God will not bless or approve of? Why waste my life on a pursuit with no gain, and no life at the end of it?

The Contention:

A man's heart is the place of struggles and challenges. It is the seat of emotions and feelings, and that is where the seeds of both allegiance and rebellion to or against God are first planted, before they then begin to manifest. The bible also enjoins me to guard my heart with all diligence, because from it flowa the issues of life. It is also not a place that can be empty, because at all times, you are faced with decisions to be made and steps to be taken. Imagine the consequences of a heart that God does not own or control; just imagine the chaos and confusion that will arise as a result of thst unbroken and unregenerated heart. God will not use it for any long-term impact; so that God's great treasures are not treated with contempt by the world. 

The Conclusion:

I must make plans, but I must also keep them fluid enough for God's perfect willl to shine through. The authority in heaven knows, determines and directs the future, and He is the only one qualified to guide and lead a man in life. The structure and path that draw plans from a man's heart to his actual steps is very complex; we have seen or heard great ideas perish because of bad timing, improper execution or even personal flaws in the character of the person involved. I must not leave God out of any plans or pursuits; I will not succeed. Men may applaud for a while when it seems to work, and will definitely mock when it all goes to pieces. Trust in the Lord who has never failed, who knows the end from the beginning and can make the most beautiful pottery out of broken shards. He waits for you and I. God's time of favour is here.

The Process!

The Process!

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 KJV

The Inspiration:

The word 'submit' is defined as 'to accept or yield to a superior force or to the authority or will of another person'. This would mean that it is either by freewill acceptance or a forceful yielding to a superior person. It is better if it is of my own freewill, where I recognize and accept the power and influence of the One I am to submit to. If it is of my own freewill, I know what I am getting into, and since we are speaking about God here, you are sure that there are eternal consequences to also consider.  I am asked to submit of my own freewill, so I can enjoy the benefits that are also listed in the verse before us. It is also important to note that the way God formed man was to have dominion over all that God had created. Sin came and messed up the original template, but God knew how to restore us back to Himself.

The Contention:

I must also remember that the authority to  be submitted to is also laid out clearly. It must be God and nothing else. God does not share His glory or praise with idols, and when He places a demand on something, I am yet to find a man who can successfully resist Him. I come to God as I am, because I know that He is all I need and He has all that I am and have. When I have submitted to God, and His ways have become my delight, I wonder which devil will be able to stand in my way. Yes, he may try, but his efforts will be the final gasps of defeat, which will be confirmed when Jesus returns. As I wait on God and strive to please Him, i am able to walk in the grace that God makes available. I can resist the devil and his cohorts, and also defeat his schemes. These are a few of the benefits submission brings. 

The Conclusion:

Whenever he devil fights, God gives me strategies to defeat him, but I also note: he does not stop. He will keep coming, hoping that one day, you will fall and fail God. How would God fight for me if He does not own and hold my heart? How would I know what to do and when to do it if God cannot reach me? It is foolishness to cry to God morning and evening, asking for what you know God will never do. He won't break His laws for me. If He lays out rules of engagement, it will be utter wisdom to seek out these rules and ask Him for help me navigate through all of life's issues. God's grace is sufficient and available to all, but I must rely on that grace to successfully navigate through all that life brings. Have I submitted? Have you? God's time of favour is here.

Kept!

Kept!

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2 NIV

The Inspiration:

Placing a demand on resources you have not spent time gathering can be a waste of time sometimes. The mercy of God has made some things available to every person on the face of the earth, but there is a dimension that is only revealed to those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Saviour. David who wrote this psalm had a clear understanding of this fact, and we see His relationship with God shine through all the songs he wrote. He also knew that walking with God is first internal before the benefits and blessings are seen on the external. Too many times, we want to keep up appearances, focusing on signs and symbols at the expense of a personal encounter with God. I must not settle for anything less than God's best; I must not seek to live anywhere outside of God's demand for all who seek to follow Him. 

The Contention:

As David said in this verse before us, can I make the same pronouncements? Can I say, without the risk of being found out to be a liar, that God is all I have or need? As I read the verse, I note that God is described in both offensive and defensive options. He is a rock, fortress and deliverer. He is the place of safety and rest, as well as the place of strategy. A fortress enables you rest and recuperate as you plan the next offensive. He teaches me to war, but He also provides a place of refreshment and rest. He is also a shield, a stronghold and the horn of salvation. Check out the very personal terms David used in laying out his relationship with God: he used MY a lot. This showed that David wasn't giving hearsay evidence, but direct evidence, from a place of intimacy with God.

The Conclusion:

If my life will make sense, I must seek and find the same level of intimacy with God. The stories of other people are great, as long as they motivate me to seek God for myself. There is a limit to using other people's stories; I have to write my own. A stronghold is also a place that featured prominently during the lifetime of David. It was a place he would go to after fighting, or after he had experienced trouble. I must do the same; I must have a place in God where I can go tp any time the world is threatening my peace. I simply go in, and as God has promised, His arms are open wide to me. He wants to help, keep, bless and protect, but I have to let Him be God. What is the use of knowing God as all these and not taking advantage of the benefits? He waits for you and I. God's time of favour is here.

Filled!

Filled!

But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, As the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14 AMP

The Inspiration:

The world, since its creation, plods on. The seasons come and go, and then return again. Even with the scope of climate change and all its attendant impact, nothing has disrupted the changing of the ssasons from summer to autumn, to winter and to spring, or from the rainy season to harmattan, and all repeated over and over again, depending on where in the world you live. The promise by God to hold the seasons in place was given as far back as Noah's time and till today, science has not done much to change it. If time has not been able to break that promise of God, then I must rest assured the promise in today's verse will also come to pass. It is man that struggles to keep his word, because he is also subject to external circumstances. No man can beat his chest that he will see tomorrow unless God assures him. 

The Contention:

When you consider where the world is right now, with its propensity to sin, evil and unrighteousness, you may wonder how this promise will be fulfilled, but if God has always shown himself faithful, you have the confidence that nothing down here can upset His plans. We can lay out the best plans or draw up amazing ideas, but we must get used to the truth that only what God backs up that will stand. The verse makes it clear that it has not yet happened at the time the words were sent to Habakkuk, but as we look at our world today, knowledge is critical to where we are now. The internet has made searching for things about God easier; the bible is one of the most downloaded and translated books in the world, and even the world seems to admit that it needs help that it cannot produce by itself. 

The Conclusion:

This is where those who know God truly and sincerely must come in. What am I doing to promote and entrench the knowledge of God? What am I doing to make Him attractive to men? Is there anything in my conduct, conversation, the company I keep or my general character that will make anyone take a second look at me and want to ask about the scope, depth and basis of my convictions? The seas are covered with water; that is a given. You can't go into the sea expecting dry land. A day comes soon when the earth will know and recognize and submit to the authority of Jesus. I can do it willingly now, or I can be compelled to do it later. The choice, as well as the eternal consequences of my choice, is left to me to decide. God's time of favour is here.

Follow!

Follow!

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. Proverbs 21:21 KJV

The Inspiration:

Solomon is credited with most of the words in Proverbs. His story is one of those that do not make sense from a logical perspective. He came from a relationship that was founded on adultery and murder, with David his father the one who killed his mother's first husband, Uriah. What made this action even more horrible was that Uriah was one of David's mighty men, who would defend David with his life, yet when it came to David's desire, he did not mind doing away with anyone in his way. Be careful of the actions and decisions you take today; the end of all life is very important, because eternal reward or punishment will definitely be applied to all men. God is the rewarder of all who diligently seek Him; He loves to guide and lead, and all who willingly submit to Him access his grace.

The Contention:

It is very important to sort out the examples you want to pattern your life after; the person you follow will define your earthly impact and your eternal reality. I note that the verse above emphasizes 'following'. We all must follow someone or something. Even if you are the leader of many men or the manager of many resources today, you did not start as a leader. There is a process of following that leads to impact. Right now, how am I following? Following the right way requires that I recognize the leader, believe in Him and obey His instructions carefully and promptly. Today's verse defines the leader: one who is righteous and also dispenses mercy. If I follow Him truly, my life must truly reflect Him. He cannot lead me in mercy and righteousness, and I will live in sin and unrighteousness. 

The Conclusion:

Of course, what you seek is what you get. You cannot plant corn and then fast and pray to harvest yam. God can perform miracles, but one of His principles is that you reap what you sow, but usually in larger quantities than you sowed. The verse above makes it clear that if I seek after righteousness and mercy, I find the same righteousness and mercy, as well as life and honour also. You seek that which is not physical to the eyes, yet you get that which the world cannot ignore. Righteousness and mercy are first internal, but the blessings that come from the search will definitely be celebrated by all men. If I seek honour from God, the key is in searching for all of God. I must not settle for anything less than God's best and all. God's time of favour is here. 

Led!

Led!

Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For I trust in You. Teach me the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalms 143:8 AMP

The Inspiration:

David is credited with the words of this psalm, and this verse is a prayer request that all who would impact the world they have been placed in must make to God. We live in strange times now, and without the right kind of guidance and leading, we would miss the mark. The signs of these end times point to even greater dangers ahead for those who cannot understand the demands of these times. How can I know what is expected of me in these perilous times? How do I know how to act, what to do, or when to do it? The prayer in today's verse provides some answers. First, David lays emphasis on hearing God. No matter what else you have, this is one of those many things you can't do without because it is central to your survival in these perilous times. The One who owns and holds tomorrow is the One who can lead me down the right path. 

The Contention:

David asked God for power to hear, which means he was also asking God for ears that would listen and then obey. It is a waste of time to ask for God's word of guidance if you have no intention of hearing or obeying Him. It was also very important to David to start the day the right way by asking for guidance early in the morning. Before the hustle and bustle of the day starts, it is critical to get clear instructions for that day. Would I wait until there are problems before I remember to speak to God? Wouldn't it be great if I have a clear word from God about the coming storms? What joy is it that nothing catches me by surprise, because God's presence and word are with me every step of the way? Don't dare start the day without His clear word; there is nothing in the world that can prepare you properly for the trouble that is coming on the whole world. 

The Conclusion:

David also prayed that God would teach Him the way he should walk. Teaching also takes time and effort, and the one who is taught must be open to disciple. Not all paths are right, and it is by listening and heeding that a man knows where to go and when. There is a time to go ahead and a time to hide away, not always out of fear, but by leading. Like David, I cannot determine my own path, but the One who knows and holds tomorrow is willing to guide and lead, if I will let Him. He won't force himself on anyone, but for all who have surrendered their lives to Jesus and have His daily leading, there is nowhere else you would rather be than where God wants you to be. His blessings will reach you there. God's time of favour is here.

Fight!

Fight!

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 KJV

The Inspiration:

The word 'fight' usually carries a negative connotation, so it is noteworthy that the verse for today speaks of a good fight. A fight also indicates two or more opposing ideas or positions, with each side seeking to entrench itself as the best. This also applies to the spiritual, and in this case, there are only 2 options: God's side and the devil's side. You really cannot play both sides at the same time, because both are like parallel lines that can never meet, no matter how long you draw them.  There is a bad fight, one whose end does not lead to anything good, and there is a good fight, which has eternal consequences. As always God gives me the power to choose the side I will fight on. I must also note that whether I know it or not, I will have to fight; it is not an option, but a matter of when and how. 

The Contention:

If God has called me to fight, it is because He knows what is ahead. He knows what this fight requires, and He will supply it. I am also asked to lay hold of eternal life to which I was called. Both fighting and laying hold signify positive action on my own part. I can't sit down and watch life happen to me; I must take advantage of the provisions and resources made available by God for the walk and fight of faith. If I know it is a fight, it means that there will be weapons. If I have to take hold, it means that there may be some resistance. This christian faith was not laid down on the back of very pleasant experiences, but on blood. Jesus gave His life so He could secure eternal life for all of us. This price is huge; the life of God's son was not given carelessly, but that all who seek to come may understand the value and price of what they have received. 

The Conclusion:

For me, understanding what this price is helps me make a good decision. For Timothy to whom these words were written, he stood before men and made a confession of surrender to Jesus by accepting Him as Lord and Saviour. It is a confession all who will take hold of the life on offer must make. I cannot take hold of the life available IN Jesus while living a life OUT of his will. I cannot take hold of and hold on to the practices, principles and policies of this world and still expect to have the presence of God in place. I must take careful stock today and review where things stand for me; the world is watching, seeking the right examples to follow. All who claim to know Christ must be good witnesses to the power and presence of God. May the Lord be pleased with my life and may He be able to commit great treasures into my life. God's time of favour is here.

Ask!

Ask!

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 1 John 5:14 KJV

The Inspiration:

John speaks from the place of personal encounter; as we all know, hearsay evidence is not admissible in court. You are called as a witness to testify to what you must have personally seen, heard, felt, tasted or experienced. In the same court, be sure that you will still have to submit to cross-examination to prove the truth of what you claim to have personally experienced. That is the power of a personal encounter. You don't get it by physical inheritance, magic wave, assimilation, osmosis or by paying for it; it comes from a place of total surrender and absolute trust in the One who is God, and who is the same no matter the dispensation or generation. If I know this God, it will definitely breed confidence and hope. If He does not know me as His own, there is nothing I can receive from Him.

The Expectation:

It is those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus that are addressed here. Who else can make you confident in a world that is slowly headed towards destruction? What else can secure tomorrow for you except the One who owns and holds tomorrow in His hands? John speaks of the One and only, the Lord God Almighty, who has answers to all of life's questions and can bring out the greatest miracles from the most mundane objects. It was He who gave working feet to the man at the gate called Beautiful, and He it was who made Hannah the barren the mother of many. This must inspire confidence in me as I consider who this God is. He is not like mortal man, unsure and uncertain of the very next second of the day. He is the One whose supply knows no end, and no demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven.

The Conclusion:

My confidence must be IN Him, not outside Him. There is nothing to be gained being outside. You will be out of the cover that God gives. That shows positional awareness: I must consistently check my bearings to be sure that I am in Him. In him lie the riches of God's grace; and He does not give them to outsiders as much as He does to His children. The fact that you can read these words mean you have access to God's grace, but it is for a season. A time comes when grace will expire and all that will remain is the expectation of judgment. As I wait for this final judgement, God asks me to ask anything according to His will, and His promise is that He will hear. He is not deaf, and He takes no pleasure in the suffering and pain of His people. He will hear, and His responses will always be right. God's time of favour is here. 

Priorities!

Priorities!

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Hebrews 12:14 KJV

The Inspiration:

For all who desire a good end, the foundations of that desire lie in our daily interactions with God and fellow men. We make the mistake of thinking that we can be close to God yet be quite distant from fellow men. We do not want to be stained by the sin of the world so we keep our distance, holding on to some semblance of dignity and false holiness. God's path to heaven lies in impact; my life must be a visible and audible testimony to men around me. It is by daily interaction with men that God is made manifest. It is by my words, interactions and engagements that God is revealed to the world. I take stock of my life today; how have I fared? Are men drawn to or away from God because of my lifestyle choices? Is my light shining bright enough for the world to ask me for the reason why I am different?

The Contention:

I am asked to follow peace with all men. It does not ask me only follow those who are also willing to walk in peace with me, but as far as it depends on me, I must seek and pursue peace with everyone, even those who deliberately hurt me. This is the advanced school of Christianity, where God demands I live by different principles and standards. I also note that the verse combines both peace and holiness; it does not give me room to make a choice between both. I cannot pick one and reject the other. Both peace and holiness reflect God's nature, and i cannot see God if I do not align with God's nature. That is the standard laid down by God, and He does not bend His standards for anyone. God will not demand from me something He has not supplied grace for. 

The Conclusion:

Now I have a choice to make: to see or not to see God. There is nothing a man can get that will ever get that can equate to the presence of God. There is no value a man can lay hold of that can match God's ever present help. The earth is the testing ground for God's grace to be made manifest in the lives of people. By the way I live, relate, converse and interact, I am laying down the foundations for my eternity. There is more to my life than what I see now; God has kept me down here so I can prepare properly for my life up there with Him. I note it does not give room for any manoeuvre, as it is certain that no man shall see the Lord. Don't settle for anything less than God's standard. Don't let the world tell you otherwise. God'stime of favour is here. 

God at Work!

God at Work!

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18‭-‬19 KJV

The Inspiration:

Still speaking about the new, God speaks here through the prophet Isaiah to his people Israel. Here was a nation chosen by God as His own special people, children of the promise made to Abraham the father of faith, and a nation which had been the recipient of mighty and wonderful miracles. They had seen their numbers increase in Egypt, even though they were oppressed and treated badly, and when they would have to leave Egypt, they did so with an abundance of gold and jewellery. Their journey to the promised land was also miraculous, as things that had never happened before did so - a whole sea was parted in two for Israel to walk through, whilst the same sea flowed back and covered the pursuing Egyptians. no nation at the time could resist the people of Israel because they had the backing of a mighty power.

The Contention:

The entire journey of Israel, which lasted forty years due to Israel's sin, was full of miracles, with the nation enjoying an unending supply of food and water, as well as victory over skilled warriors, all through those years. Yet, God speaks here, telling his people Israel that, no matter how wonderful or miraculous the experiences they had seen in the past were, He was going to do a new thing. The greatest enemy of the new is the old; the greatest enemy of the new is routine. When God does mighty things for me constantly, if I am not careful, I will come to expect them, and then they become the expected and the usual. That is when a sense of entitlement comes in; when I think that there must be something in me that helps me earn the grace and blessings that God gives. I just must conscientiously guard my heart against the dangers of routine.

The Conclusion;

God asks me today to forget all the things that may have happened, whether good or bad, and simply focus on Him. I must be grateful for the amazing things He has done, but my heart must be in the right place to look ahead to Him at all times, so that I can recognize His leading and know when to move, and where He is leading, and the mighty things that He wants to do. He says he will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Places that would not naturally respond to me would begin to so so, simply because God is at work. Places, people, policies and procedures that do not naturally respond in a particular way will simply begin to do so, simply because God is at work. Whatever it is that lies ahead of me, I simply look to God. He alone knows the past, present and future. God's time of favour is here.

Demand!

Demand!

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;  But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  Matthew 5:43‭-‬44 AMPC

The Inspiration:

Jesus again teaches his disciples about the new standard he had come to lay down. The old way was fine for those who were under the dispensation of labour and effort, because it permitted you to love only those who deserved it, or who at least made loving them easy. There was plenty of room for pretence, hypocrisy or eye-service, because it was easy to go through the motions, do the basic minimum required, and get away with anything. The old dispensation even allowed you to hate your enemy, because it was more of the survival of the fittest. Men lived and died by the principles and processes of the old dispensation. It is not a wonder, then, that love was reciprocal and even difficult to determine its sincerity, because there was no standard to live up to. Well, until Jesus showed up. 

The Contention:

As Jesus called the disciples to himself to teach them about the principles of the kingdom, it was obvious He was quite different from the teachers of the law in His own time. He taught with authority, and His own personal life was a testament to the truth and possibility of what He is and demands of us. He will not place on me that which He has not first shown, and He will not demand from me that which He has not supplied grace for. His life ushers in a new dispensation; a new way of doing things. Gone are the excuses of the old dispensation, where you just had to strive by your own power to earn anything. With the new way of life made possible by Jesus, I can live out the life of Jesus and show Him off to the world around me. This is the entire focus of the new covenant- divine help to live right.

The Conclusion:

Now I know what God demands of me, and I also know He has supplied all that I need to live the right way. He does not leave me to do it on my own; He knows I will fail miserably. Only in Him is it possible for a man to love someone who hates him. Only in Him is it possible to pray for those who persecute you. Those are a few of the demands of the new life in Jesus; your desire to please God on a daily basis will motivate you to seek His help. Loving and praying for people who do not normally deserve these show your maturity and dependence on God. These may be the only message some will see, hear or experience, and you will have won them over. God will always play His part; grace is always available. Would you rely on Him? God's time of favour is here.

Times of Refreshing

Times of Refreshing!

So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; Acts 3:19 AMP

The Context and Focus:

We are in the season of the new. New year, a new week has just started and of course, it is a new day. This story is the fieer miracle directly performed by the apostles, so it was also a new experience for the apostles too. A man who was lame from birth had just been made whole. Think about how far these men had come; they were from different places and backgrounds, yet they found a common purpose under the leadership of Jesus. But also note that though they were all disciples, we know where each ended. Remember the story of the 12 sent out by Jesus in Luke 9. Recall that they were all given authority to drive out demons and to heal every sickness and disease. The bible did not say that Judas' experience was different, which means he was also used by God to drive out demons and heal the people. He was a man the whole community knew as lame, but an encounter with the power in the name of Jesus changed the man's story. Just as it was then, so is it now; that same power is still as active and potent now as it was then. Time has done nothing to limit its reach or scope.

The Message:

 The man who had been made whole was jumping, leaping and praising God. For me, I must also seek to come to the realization of who God is, so I can relate to and praise Him the right way. The story of the lame man has already been written; mine is currently being written. How is the story of my life progressing at the moment? Does it look like a life that God is pleased with? If my life will please God, there are three things that must be settled, and these are:

 REPENT, RETURN and BE REFRESHED. The first step is to repent. Until a man knows and admits that he needs help, he cannot be helped. Repentance is first internal, before its evidence is seen on the outside. Too many times, we want the outside to dictate terms, but for God, the outward has no use for God if the true change is not first inward. The world would have me focus on the outside, but God's greatest work is always first on the inside. Repentance means being sorry for past sins and making a decision never to return to sin anymore by God's help. It is repentance that leads to return. The prodigal son was sorry, then he went back home to his father. God will not turn his back on anyone, but why waste your time by holding on to the comforts of this world if you do not want to truly return to God? You can't combine both; you have to let go of one and then hold tightly to the other.

The Conclusion:

A return is a change of direction. I cannot hold on to the old way, or keep a longing eye on the attractions of the old way, and still claim to be returning to God. Recall that God sees the heart, and He cannot be deceived. God does not move until He can trust my heart: He will not commit great treasures into my hand if he cannot trust my heart. Times of refreshing are His promises, and I note that the times are in plural, so that I can be assured that God is not a one-season wonder, who bamboozles with magic tricks once and can't repeat them. He is the Source of the water which becomes a spring of water flowing continually unto eternal life. The days may be hot, but God's grace will always provide refreshing. Remember, the key to access these times lies in true repentance and return. God waits for you and I. God's time of favour is here.

Clean Start!

Clean Start!

God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Romans 3:25‭-‬26 NIV

The Inspiration:

The whole chapter speaks about the law, as well as the power of faith. It speaks of our helplessness in the face of sin, and the help made available to us through faith in Christ Jesus. We read of the general and  universal condemnation of sin that applies to all men, and the universal application of grace too that has been made available to all men. This is the proof of the love and mercy of God; He hates sin but loves the sinner, and He was ready to move heaven and earth just to restore man back to himself. Sin even came before the law was given to Moses, and by the law, no one could walk righteously before God. The practice of sacrifice of blood only got us temporary cover, so we were not destroyed but it could not provide the clean and fresh start that God wanted to give us. This is where Jesus came in. 

The Contention:

Blood is the cover. As seen in the story of the first Passover, blood was key to the protection of Israel from the angel of death. As seen also in the universal Passover instituted by the death of Jesus, blood is key to the plan of God for the salvation of all men. Life is in the blood, so the shedding of blood is like an irreversible end of life. By the blood, the old life was brought to an end and by the resurrection of Jesus, a new life was birthed. It would then mean that if I want to take advantage of the life now available, I cannot do it by relying on the old cover of the blood of bulls and goats, but on the blood of Jesus. The blood was shed, providing atonement for sin, whether past, present and future, and the benefits of the blood are accessed by faith in Jesus. Nothing else can provide the cover that the blood of Jesus gives.

The Conclusion:

I note that the blood of Jesus takes care of the past and even future sins. This was not possible under the cover of the old process, and this is why it had to be repeated almost daily. This tells me that there is nothing down here that the blood of Jesus cannot cover, if I truly repent and return to Jesus. Sin condemns all who are subject to it, but Jesus also seeks to justify all who submit to Him. Sin does not ask for permission before it oppresses, but Jesus waits for me to come to Him of my own freewill. It does not matter what I have done or where I am now; the sacrifice of Jesus is all that I need to be justified before God. He does not need my good works to earn salvation; it was freely given to me even before I was born. I take hold of that grace by faith, sure and certain that I have been made right with God. Sin has no control over me. Does this describe you too? God's time of favour is here.

The Process!

The Process!

So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; Acts 3:19 AMP

The Inspiration:

A man who was lame from birth had just been made whole. He was a man the whole community knew as lame, but an encounter with the power in the name of Jesus changed the man's story. Just as it was then, so is it now; that same power is still as active and potent now as it was then. Time has done nothing to limit its reach or scope. The man who had been made whole was jumping, leaping and praising God. For me, I must also seek to come to the realization of who God is, so I can relate to and praise Him the right way. The story of the lame man has already been written; mine is currently being written. How is the story of my life progressing at the moment? Does it look like a life that God is pleased with? If my life will please God, there are three things that must be settled, and these are: REPENT, RETURN and BE REFRESHED.

The Contention:

The first step is to repent. Until a man knows and admits that he needs help, he cannot be helped. Repentance is first internal, before its evidence is seen on the outside. Too many times, we want the outside to dictate terms, but for God, the outward has no use for God if the true change is not first inward. The world would have me focus on the outside, but God's greatest work is always first on the inside. Repentance means being sorry for past sins and making a decision never to return to sin anymore by God's help. It is repentance that leads to return. The prodigal son was sorry, then he went back home to his father. God will not turn his back on anyone, but why waste your time by holding on to the comforts of this world if you do not want to truly return to God? You can't combine both; you have to let go of one and then hold tightly to the other.

The Conclusion:

A return is a change of direction. I cannot hold on to the old way, or keep a longing eye on the attractions of the old way, and still claim to be returning to God. Recall that God sees the heart, and He cannot be deceived. God does not move until He can trust my heart: He will not commit great treasures into my hand if he cannot trust my heart. Times of refreshing are His promises, and I note that the times are in plural, so that I can be assured that God is not a one-season wonder, who bamboozles with magic tricks once and can't repeat them. He is the Source of the water which becomes a spring of water flowing continually unto eternal life. The days may be hot, but God's grace will always provide refreshing. Remember, the key to access these times lies in true repentance and return. God waits for you and I. God's time of favour is here.

Renewed!

Renewed!

but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV

The Inspiration:

We are in a generation that celebrates labour and effort. Reward is tied to what can be physically measured. You can't fault this process, as there is no other way to determine reward. We set up races and sports, rewarding the one who can run fastest, jump highest, or swim fastest, but there is no such way to measure the spiritual and the eternal. Even for the men and women who run, jump or swim, there comes a time when the physical effects of labour and effort would begin to tell, = would have to retire, and move on to less strenuous activities. Some only compete in these sports for 12 years, some until they are 38, but they cannot keep at it forever. That is the way of the world, but there is yet another reality, and this is about labour and effort backed up by God. 

The Expectation:

God also calls us to labour, but He does not need the physical side first. He needs me to first understand that by strength shall no man prevail. The things the world celebrates and rewards have no place with God. You do not hear the gun and still wait; the sound of the gun is for you to run, jump or swim. With God, you can't start the race until you have first surrendered all the ideas and concepts you have at the feet of Jesus, and then wait for him to tell you how and when to start. That is 'waiting' upon the Lord. You know the commanding officer personally, you recognise His voice, and you await instructions before you start to labour. Don't expect him to bless any endeavour He has not commanded. If I wait for instructions, I cannot be late, because I am acting on orders. 

The Conclusion:

The reward is for obedience, not labour. The world rewards position, while God rewards the discovery, pursuit and fulfilment of purpose. Those that wait on the Lord will renew their strength; this will not make sense to a world that has been taught to hustle. As I wait on God, I get principles and guidance that will set me up for impact. I can run and not be weary, and walk and not faint. I can even soar like eagles, because I am not relying on my own strength or ability, but on divine supply of grace. The world will continue to teach its own how to obtain, but God continues to teach His own how to wait. Of what use is laying hold of that which has no eternal value? Why not seek God out today, so you can lay hold of that which is truly life? God's time of favour is here.

Helped!

Helped!

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; For I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11 KJV

The Inspiration:

The sons of Korah are credited with the words of this psalm. As you read the verses just before this one, you get the impression of pain, disappointment and defeat. There would have been some unpleasant experiences, as well as regrets over missed oppourtunities. The writers said so much in the psalm, looking back at some very great encounters of God's grace, and wishing for a return of those good times. However, if these 'bad' times did not come, how would I appreciate the grace of God for the good times I have enjoyed? If life was all rosy, with no clouds, how does God prepare me for the journey that is called 'life'? Nowhere does God promise me that it will be constantly calm outside of me, but in my heart and soul, His presence will make a big difference. 

The Expectation:

The question then will be: "Does God have total control of my heart"? Is He the One who daily pulls its strings so that it responds to His leading and direction? I cannot place a demand on an account that is not in my name, and as much as God would love me to enjoy His grace, there is a part that I must play in allowing that grace to work in and through me. God's grace is available for all men, and it is sufficient for all situations, but the issue will always be about my response and reception to this grace. I also ask the same question that the sons of Korah ask here, after I have sorted out my allegiance and control. I must not allow the storms of life derail my faith and confidence in God. If I truly know this God spoken of here, I know I am safe in and with Him. 

The Conclusion:

The fact that He tells me what to expect in the future speaks to his power, might, wisdom and grace. He does not leave me to navigate this life blindly, but by His grace, He supplies all I need for the journey of life and Godliness. The charge then, and the charge now, is still: "Hope in God'. Praise lies at the end of hope in God. No man hopes in God to the end and is disappointed. You may not get what the world expects, but when did the world become the measuring gauge for grace? The world cannot give you that which it does not have: hope. Only God can; He speaks to my past and present, and seals my future. I look ahead with hope, daily praising Him, confident that He can, and will perfect all that concerns me. God's time of favour is here.

The New 6

The New 6!

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV

The Inspiration:

It was early days in the lives of the men who had just been chosen as disciples of the man from Galilee. There was no way to prove He was the real deal, as there were no written accounts directly about him, apart from the words of some prophets written in a scroll, and the testimony of John the Baptist. These were all these men could rely on, as they were called to follow this unusual man, who taught with power and authority, not like their teachers of the law. His teachings were direct and impactful, and He would tell them about how to impact the earth, as well as make eternity. This was not a teacher who would only make a case for earthly impact, but He would also teach his followers how to make heaven. Today's verse is one of such teachings: how to live in the present, with an eye on eternity. 

The Expectation:

It is a waste of time to worry about what you have not seen. The world will tell you to plan, but it cannot really prepare you for all that life will throw at you. I may have an idea of how to plan for some of the unknowns, but I cannot have a clear view of all that lies ahead. That is the prerogative of God, and whatever He chooses to reveal. All He asks me to do is to keep my eyes and heart focused on the miracle of today. Today is packed full of God's mercy, which He releases every morning. As long as I am given the grace to wake up from sleep, I have been given access to a fresh supply of mercies. Why would I leave all these, and be worried about a day that I have not yet seen, but which already has its daily supply waiting for its manifestation?

The Conclusion:

Tomorrow has its own troubles. God has woven that continuity into the fabric of our lives, as seen after the flood when he made that promise that as long as the earth remains, day and night will never cease. Every day I am given to live in is a refresh and restart; an oppourtunity to get it right even if I do not start it right. This is the amazing thing about God: no matter how bad the day goes, He does not stop being God, and He does not withdraw His mercies from me. Let it just be known that He spoke these words to his disciples, men who had made up their minds to follow Him. If I will place a demand on God's supply, I must be His child. His mercies cover everyone, but His children enjoy a limitless supply of mercy. Am I one? Are you? God's time of favour is here.

Shine Out!

Shine Out!

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 KJV

The Contention:

Again, we read Jesus' instructions to men He had chosen to be His disciples. These were men from all walks of life, from tax collectors to fishermen. The connection was submission to the authority of Jesus, and a readiness to follow Him daily. This is what qualifies anyone to access the daily  resources and provisions available for disciples. One of these resources is light, and as simple as it may sound, this is very critical to the journey of faith we have been called to. One interesting definition of light is: 'the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.' Among many things, light would therefore be the thing that reveals things and make them known. It is hard to define the original source of light outside of God, and anyone who would understand the power and efficacy of light should seek to know and understand who God is. 

The Inspiration:

What is the use of light if it is not seen or it is unable to help another see his way? Why light a lamp if you do not intend to make use of it? What difference would additional light make in a place where there is already sufficient light? These questions are quite relevant to the season we are in now. The value of light is seen in its impact and effect: how does one light a lamp and then hide it? It is before men that the value of light must be placed. It is men who must be attracted to the light in me, so that they can come to know the God I serve. If I am indeed a child of God, His light must flow out of me. It is not a matter of choice, but of compulsion. The light is revealed by the things I do. I cannot hide at all, and even my silence is a message to men around me. I cannot afford to live carelessly. 

The Conclusion:

When men see my good works, they must praise and glorify my father in heaven. It would mean that God is indeed my father, and His imprint is visible on and in my life. Faith without works is dead, and the proof of faith is always seen in what I do and how I do it. Actions have consequences, and it will be foolish to think I can get away with hypocrisy or eye-service. I have to sort out my allegiance and identity, so I can focus on the assignment I have been given by God. God does not need me to be God, but it is a privilege to be His visible representative to the world I have been placed and planted in. It also tells me that an account will be demanded of me of how I represented this God. Am I truly shining out for God or do I first need to clean out the dirt? God waits; God's time of favour is here. 

This Love!

This Love!

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9 KJV

The Inspiration:

John would know what he was talking about here. Whether it was John the beloved or any other John, one thing is clear: it takes a personal encounter with the love of God to be able to write this way. Men generally go to school and get an education in specific areas of knowledge, and just as it applies to the physical, so does it apply to the spiritual. God is using this earthly life to show us our eternal need of Him. It may look ordinary or maybe one of those many things, but we know now that God would not let any of us go down without a fight. He moved the whole of the heavens and the earth just to lay out a plan and path for the salvation of all men. That plan is eternal in nature, but it needed to come at God's appointed time. That plan was and is still all about Jesus. 

The Contention:

This plan remains in place until Jesus returns, which means that I do not have forever to make up my mind what I want to do. It does not matter what I do or not do; it will not change the fact that the love of God is available to me. This love was not subject to me earning or working hard for it; it simply was available. I could not afford to pay for it, because it was not the kind of thing you could pay for with any type of earthly currency. It was not love by words alone, but love brought to life in the person of Jesus. Jesus was not sent for any other part of God's creation, but for us human beings. No other part of creation needs salvation. We are God's focus, His heart. He wants us to come to Him in full assurance of faith, sure and certain that the life of Jesus given for free is all I need. 

The Conclusion:

I note the reward for the right response to the love of God defines eternal life for me. Life without end lies at the end of my response. It must be pointed out that this eternity is without end, and there are only two choices: with God or without God. There is no middle ground or fence to sit on as I must either go with God or settle with the devil. The way to God is through Jesus; there is no other person accredited by God to be the channel of salvation for mankind. I must make the approach today, while I still have time. Life is available in and through the Son. The danger here is to make assumptions about how much time we have; now is the acceptable time; today is the day of salvation. There are no guarantees about tomorrow. Have you embraced the love of God? Have I? God's time of favour is here.

The New 7!

The New 7!

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 NIV

The Inspiration:

Again, we read here the words of the greatest leaders of all time. Jesus speaks here to His disciples: men at the time, as well as all who have surrendered their lives to the total control of Jesus. Whatever it is you may have heard in the past, this is the season of the new. Whatever it was that we thought we knew or were familiar with, Jesus charges us to follow a new path. It is easy to go down the old beaten road of the familiar, but anyone who will walk with and work for God must be ready for the challenge of the new. God is both very  predictable and unpredictable, because truth is His nature, but the path He takes me to encounter and experience that truth will be different from yours. I must be ready to listen to and learn from Him, so I  can be all He wants me to be. Are you a disciple? After all, I came to Him because I needed help; if I know I do, I should then not struggle to obey whatever it is He commands.

The Contention:

Today's verse is one of his commands, and it is to LOVE. Love here does not wait for acceptance, and it is not given subject to conditions, but simply because it is a command from the leader. If I recognize the authority of the leader, I will strive to do all He commands. He will not place on me a demand for something He has not supplied grace for. To make matters even better, He doesn't just tell me what to do; He shows me what and how. His own life is the perfect example of love that I can emulate. He doesn't hide expectations from me, and His life has many examples I can emulate. He doesn't just say; He leads from the front and as I follow his lead, I know I cannot go wrong.It is a new command, because it comes from the One whose life bears allegiance to what He demands. The old way was about reciprocal arrangements, where I responded in kind to what you did to me. 

The Conclusion:

The old way of life allowed hypocrisy and eye-service, and there was really no way to measure the sincerity gauge of the affection shown. The new way here makes it clear: the example to follow is that of Jesus. He didn't wait for me to deserve it; He showed me love. Even for all who reject Him today, His love still waits. He is there until it is too late, and then, it really is too late. Whilst I still have time, I must embrace the love I have been shown. It is from what I have received that I can also give, as a man cannot give that which he does not have. When I have embraced His Love, then my own life becomes a visible and audible expression of God's love. He is the real deal, and all who come to Him receive the grace required to live out this love. What are you waiting for? If you are not yet His child, the fact that you are able to read this means it is not too late for you. Whilst you still can, make the approach and embrace God's love. By this, you would have secured eternal life with God for yourself. He has spoken, and He waits on all of us. How do you plead? God's time of favour is here..

The New 5!

The New 5!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

The Inspiration:

Sin always has a high price. Judah would know, because at the time the verse above was sent to Jeremiah, Judah was already in captivity. It was the price to be paid for rebellion and disobedience to God's command. Let it be known that the same God who dealt with Judah's sin so many centuries ago is still the same God demanding obedience from us today. What he said was sin so many centuries ago is still sin today, no matter the level of education, exposure, experience or earnings we may claim. Man's greatest achievement will then be the discovery and pursuit of God's perfect will. I cannot afford to go below the standard; God does not show favouritism to any one when it comes to sin. His love is amazing, but so is His hatred of sin. 

The Contention:

God sent this message to Jeremiah, meant for the exiles from Jerusalem. He had punished them, but He would also show them mercy. They had been exiled to a strange land, but He had not forgotten them. He is a God of consistency, and from generation to generation, He would always be the same God: full of mercy and quick to bless. No matter my current experiences, I must know that God always thinks good thoughts towards me, My current experiences may be my fault even, but God does not abandon me to my own devices. My current experiences may not also be my fault, but it does not change who God is. His thoughts are always good, because He is a good God, and He is always constantly thinking and implementing good things for me as His child. Are you one too? 

The Conclusion:

This is a God who works from the end to where I am now. There will be times when I will struggle to understand the process, but there is no doubt that God is in charge of the process, ensuring it leads to His perfect will for me. What I call 'bad' is God working out His good and perfect will in my life. Even when everything around me is going to pieces, and it seems that the storm will overwhelm me, His word to me is peace. He is the only One who can sleep in the midst of the storm, and all who trust Him can also smile at the storm. In this new dispensation and season we are in, God wants to show forth His might if I let Him. He has spoken and made His will clear. As always, the response is mine to sort out. God's time of favour is here. 

The New 4!

The New 4!

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 KJV

The Inspiration:

Solomon, known as the wisest man that ever lived, is credited with writing most of the book of Proverbs. He was blessed by God with wisdom beyond his peers, as well as riches and wealth. He was known all over the world at his time, and the verse before us today help strengthen the point that it is only God that can truly bless a man and the man will indeed be blessed beyond limits. The verse before us makes it clear that God is the Source of help; the type that can last. The word 'trust' is quite deep, because it means 'a firm belief in the reliability, truth or ability of someone or something". It is a belief that is firm, not easily swayed or moved. It has to be fixed or founded on someone or something that is itself also immovable. In this new year, I have to sort out my foundation and anchor as this is the key to the rest of the verse. 

The Expectation:

It must also be ALL my heart that is engaged in this trust, if I am to access all that God is and offers. Hypocrisy or eye-service is a disservice to me, because they will rob me  of all the great things God has in store for me. Part of the problems of the fallen human nature is that it makes you think that you can make it on your own without any help. It must be known today that no man has ever achieved anything of eternal value on his/her own. God is the eternal One, and He is the only one qualified to provide guidance and leading for all who also want to make eternal impact. I am limited in every respect, and I must completely rely on the limitless God to achieve limitless possibilities. As I trust Him daily and regularly, He is faithful to His promise that He will provide direction. 

The Conclusion:

The One who makes the promises stakes his name and reputation. He wants me to trust Him with all my life, not just a part of it or almost all of it. Can I really take care of the part I seek to keep to myself? Can I secure for eternity the part I seek to control by myself? I am made in the image of God, with his creative ability, but sin came and tampered with that template. By the death and resurrection of Jesus, that ability is now fully restored. I have full and unfettered access to the riches of God's grace and can place a demand at any time. God is too invested in me to allow me go to waste. In this new year, I must take advantage of the resources of heaven that are now at my disposal. Can I dare trust God to keep me down here, and also secure eternal life with Him? God's time of favour is here.

The New 3!

The New 3!

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 KJV

The Contention:

Just in case you were wondering, the words of today's extract were addressed to an actual church, located in Laodicea in the then Asia Minor. The Lord sent these words to the church, and they portray a God who cares about the condition of His church, and will do anything to preserve its integrity and holiness. God sent these words to remind the church that He sees and knows all, and nothing is hidden from Him. We can convince ourselves about anything, but we cannot ignore the words here: they warn us about becoming complacent or familiar with the things of God, so much so that we do not recognize His leading, direction or warning. That is a dangerous place for any 'child of God' to be, and it is something I must consistently guard my heart against. 

The Expectation:

Familiarity indeed breeds contempt. This is a church that had shut its doors against its Lord and Master, and who was now standing outside the door, seeking to be allowed to come in. How would a church survive if the presence of its Lord was not there? We do try and force it sometimes; we keep up appearances, go through the motions and just pretend all is well, but if the presence of the Lord of the church is not there, it is just a ceremony, empty of power, purpose and perfection. There is the power to choose the right response, which is to open the door to Him. Until I respond the right way, the rest of the verse will not happen. No matter how much I desire the presence of God, I have to be the one to invite Him of my own freewill. He does not force Himself on anyone. 

The Conclusion:

He wants to come in. As His patience has no limits, He will continue to knock until I  respond, or the need to open the door expires. From the passage the verse above was taken, you will see that time is very critical to this conversation. I need to make up my mind how I will respond. It is a new year, with its own challenges and peculiarities. It is a year that will demand a lot from me, but I need the help of the One who owns and holds times and seasons in His hands. He wants to come in and eat with me, showing that He is interested in every detail of my life. Of course, these decisions also have eternal consequences, and if I allow Him in, He will eat with me down here, and I will also eat with Him when He returns for the final judgement. It is not an appointment to be missed; I must accept it today. Tomorrow is not assured for anyone. God's time of favour is here.

The New 2!

The New 2!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

The Contention:

We are in the season of the new. A new year has just started, and for many of us, we are looking forward to new challenges, new inspirations and new heights. Yesterday's verse spoke about God's pronouncement, that as the Lord of all, whose authority cannot be questioned, He is making all things new. Today's verse goes ahead to lay out the context behind the new that God is seeking to do, and this has to do with the son of God Himself, the One who made the promise. God is faithful to His Word, and He will always keep His word, because it is His nature to be consistent and constant, but He does not force His will on anyone. We come to Him of our own freewill and surrender our lives to Him; only then can the promise in today's verse will come true. Am I truly in Christ? Are you?

The Inspiration:

The word IF tells me that it is a choice; I choose to come to God of my own freewill. Location will always define allocation; where I stand defines what I get. I must also ensure that I know where and in who I stand. My standing must be in Christ and Him alone, not in anyone or anything else. I also can't combine Him with anyone or anything else. He does not encounter a life and leave it the same way He met it; he changes that life from within, and the evidence cannot be denied. No life comes in contact with Him and remains the same. I must not be content with mere membership of a church, or being familiar with the tokens of Christianity, but I must make sure that I am IN Christ. If Jesus is not Lord of all I am and have, I do not have the right to make any claim on Jesus.

The Conclusion:

Whatever belongs to the old man cannot remain in place when the new comes in. I cannot also hold on to the old, whilst striving to align with the new. The old has to go completely, because the old cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old has no place in the affairs of God's kingdom. The old man cannot be born again, and must give way to the new. The old must die, in line with the word of God, and the new life, which is born of God, must become my new life. God won't leave any part of me untouched but will keep working on me until men can see His reflection in me. This is the whole essence of the new work that God wants to do: that I become His image and ambassador. Does this describe me at the moment? Can men see God in me? God's time of favour is here.

The New!

The New!

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:5 KJV

The Contention:

The world understands that you do not seek prosperity or provision from a pauper. You want to see the physical evidence of that which you need from the one from whom you seek it. Position therefore would define provision. You cannot give what you do not have. The One who speaks here is the one who sits on the throne, and He is qualified as the King, the Lord over all and the One who cannot be unseated or displaced by anyone. Therefore, whatever He says has the full backing of His kingdom and authority, and no one can question Him or reverse his pronouncements. Today's pronouncement in the verse above is one of such authoritative and irreversible statements, where the authority in heaven declares he is making ALL things new. If He says it, who can deny or reverse it? If He says ALL who can limit Him?

The Inspiration:

In this world of turmoil, everyone is looking for a change; something different from the norm. The world has been in the throes of trouble since man fell in the garden of Eden, and man has been seeking alternatives to peace since then. Quite fortunately, God has declared that man will not find peace outside of the Prince of Peace Himself, who is Jesus. Is there anything God has said that has not come to pass? If there is anything he has said in the past and which has come true, then that gives me confidence that all the other promises too will surely be fulfilled. If I can seek out the One who sits on the throne and submit to His authority, I get access to all that He is and gives. That provision for all of life and Godliness, as well as eternal life with God at the end of it all, as promised, all become mine. 

The Conclusion:

If a man of authority asks you to write down his words, he is staking his name and reputation on His words. He is daring anyone to test him and see if He can keep his promises. We may have been used to seeing and hearing the same old news everyday, but on this first day of a new week, month and year, God is telling us that He makes all things new. He gives us a new slate on which to begin afresh, with no baggage from the past. His words are true and faithful, just like the one who said them. Can I dare trust Him completely, and surrender my life to Him? As a new phase starts, would I trust His power, and rely on Him for everything I need for this new phase? Welcome to the new, as backed up by the Authority Himself. God's time of favour is here.