Redeemed!

Redeemed!

In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor, Ephesians 1:7 AMPC

The Inspiration:

Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, and as is his usual custom, he introduces himself as a servant of God. All who are sent by God have his backing, and they speak as his  representative on earth. Being a child of God is a special relationship, and is the key to all the benefits and blessings that God has made available for all who have come to trust Him. Though God is kind to all He has made, being His child is that level of access that not everyone is entitled to. It is very important then to sort out my identity and place today. The verse above ties my allocation to my location. What I get from life is a reflection of where I am or who I am. Who are you? Do you know what you are entitled to? Have you made any claim on what you are entitled to? The answers to these questions define the rest of the verse above.

The Contention:

For all who are IN Christ, there is redemption. I note the word IN. Christ is a person, the journey, the experience, as well as the final destination. You will not survive outside of Jesus. It is not about hearing or reading about Him; it is about being IN Him. It is quite dangerous to be outside of Him. Outside of Christ, there is no life, no peace and no hope. Check out the explanation given above for redemption: 'deliverance and salvation) through His blood'. The blood is the start of anything of eternal value. It is the place where the old man of sin was dealt the final blow, and the new man, created in the image of Christ, was created. I was delivered from the power of sin, and now, sin has no hold over me. The past is history, and now the present is about true life in Christ. I didn't do anything to get it; in fact, I could not have done anything. 

The Conclusion:

That is what grace and favour are all about. If it were by labour, earnings, influence or connections, not many of us would qualify for all that God has provided. God is rich in mercy which is His nature. It was mercy that drew up the plan of salvation, and His love brought it down to man. It is His love and mercy that keep the plan in place for as long as the earth remains, which is the reason why even those who are yet to be born meet this grace in place. Think of this: God's grace knows no bounds and is not limited by time, space or circumstances. However, in that grace is also a warning: grace expires. All that grace gives is for a season, and when the time comes, it will be withdrawn. Eternal life lies at the end of the grace that God gives. In the same way, eternal death is the end of the rejection of God's grace. What is your decision? God's time of favour is here. 

Choose Right!

Choose Right!

The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 AMP

The Inspiration:

This is a generation that believes in people as its greatest capital. Even God himself wanted relationships he could enjoy, and so He made man in His own image. He also made sure that the power of relationships was reflected in alliances and partnerships. It is difficult to find any long- term project with long-term appeal that was done by solo effort. No matter how small the project or minute the assignment, the secret to its success lies in the power of unity. It is also not always about a large number, but the power of focused thinking. It could be just two or two thousand, but that number will lead to success and impact. There are quite a number of stories in the bible that underscores this, such as the story of the tower of Babel, or the account in Ecclesiastes where it was stated quite clearly that two are better than one. What kind of alliances am I building at the moment?

The Contention:

The verse above makes it clear that numbers are good, but they must be the right kind. It is also said that it is better to be alone than to be in bad company. The power of association can never be overemphasised. It is good to have friends, as they will be of great help to you when the need arises, but these friends must be chosen carefully. Think of Jesus: He had 12 disciples, chosen from all walks of life. He had tax collectors, as well as fishermen and patriots, as well as a disciple who was a thief. They all had a part to play in the plan of God, but it was unfortunate that Judas went the way he did. It is very important to choose your conpanions and confidants carefully,  as the future you desire and pray for will depend on it. Rehoboam wanted reassurances from his own friends, and he listened to them instead of the elders. We all know what happened to him and the kingdom of Israel.

The Conclusion:

If I must choose, it is better to have that one friend who is closer than a brother. It is not always about blood, but about the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else. There is safety in multitude of counsel, but it must be of the right kind. Imagine 10 of us pulling a load in different directions, or seeking 10 ways to solve a simple problem. There is no harm in having friends, but I must also be concerned about earthly impact and eternal relevance. As I journey through life, I ask God to lead me to the right people who will help my walk of faith. It could be one or a hundred, but we wil all be of immense help to each other. As I also ask God to send such great people my way, am I that kind of person myself? Can men trust that they are safe with me. Can I be trusted with God's great treasures? Find one and be one today. God's time of favour is here. 

Focused!

Focused!

looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 KJV

The Inspiration:

 The year is just a few weeks old, and a lot seems to have happened and a lot is still happening at the moment. It has been a mixed bag of the good and maybe the 'not -so good' too. In all of the experiences that God may have brought your way this year already, at least, one thing is clear: there is nothing you could have done to change the plan of God for your life. You may not know the full picture right now, but even the 'not-so-good' experiences have been formed by God to work out His perfect will for you. Nothing catches him by surprise because He is the master of the universe. Long before this earth was formed as we see it now, God has been in charge of all of the universe, and long after the earth as we see it now will be destroyed and replaced with a new one, God will continue to be God. This fact or truth lies at the heart of the matter before us today. 

The Contention:

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the source of all that God has made available for our use on the earth, as well as the One we will have to deal with at the end of our tenancy on earth. For all who have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus, you know quite clearly that we would not claim faith in God outside of Jesus. He is the One who draws us close to God; His blood makes it possible for a Holy God to look at mortal, weak and sinful man and to show him mercy. In and by Him, we continue to live right by God's standard, and we live to please Him on a daily basis. His life secures our life; by His life, we also have access to life that has no end. These benefits are not to be taken for granted, because we know what it took for Jesus to secure them for us. He gave his life so I could have life. That example is the standard to follow. Indeed, I have the perfect example of focus to emulate. 

The Conclusion:

Jesus knew the benefits that would accrue from the sacrifice he made, but he also knew the pain and suffering that lay on the path He had chosen. The joy ahead made him endure the pain of the moment. The eternal benefits we stood to gain made Jesus endure the shame of being treated like a common criminal, with the death preserved for the worst criminals. By Jewish law, it was a curse to be crucified on a tree. Imagine the burden he bore because of me, but then also imagine how many lives have now come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Imagine the generations that now owe their earthly impact and heavenly reality to the cross. How's my own focus today? Can I say it is solely on Jesus, or are there other 'viable' alternatives? Remember, Jesus is the perfect example. He's done all that is required; would I surrender my life to Him, so He can make use of me as He pleases? God's time of favour is here. 

Overcome!

Overcome!

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

The Inspiration:

Again, we read one of Paul's letters to one of the churches he had been privileged to be a part of. A bit of his own history too features in some of these letters, and we see that across all the letters to the churches in Phiippi, Colosse and Ephesus, among others. One quick lesson from the life of Paul is that the past can be used by God to do amazing things in the present and the future. God is able to take that which I call a mess and turn it into a message. He is able to take broken and rejected pottery and turn these into beautiful pieces. However, as amazing as God is when it comes to the display of power and might, He respects my decision. He will give me all that I need for life and Godliness, but I must come to Him in total surrender. I cannot hold on to my own wisdom, strength and influence and still lay claim to God's help. This is the thrust of today's verse.

The Contention:

When you see the word 'overcome', it portrays a picture of a war and victory. Evil is so powerful because it is backed up by the prince of this world who has been given such power due to the influence of sin. It is a war because both God and the devil are in contention for the control of the hearts and lives of men. It is a fight, whether I recognise it as such or not. In light of the above, you may ask where you fit. Actually, I have the power to decide who wins in my own life. I have the power to decide who is in charge. This is why the verse above enjoins me not to be overcome by evil. Evil will fight as best as it knows how to; it is backed up by the power of sin, which all of us were subject to from birth, but through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the power of sin has been broken and the power to live above sin released to all men. If I take advantage of this new power, sin has no control or influence over me. 

The Conclusion:

Therefore, God also has power. That is why evil does not have the last say. In order to overcome sin, I need the help of the One who has been able to defeat sin and the devil. In order to overcome, I need the right tools provided by the One who overcame. These tools are founded upon faith in Christ, and then sustained by the practices of the new relationship with Christ. I read his word on a regular basis; I speak with him on a regular basis and I fellowship with others of like minds on a regular basis too. This is how I grow in my knowledge and understanding of what good is. Overcoming evil is not an overnight sensation, but the result of daily commitment to living right. God will supply the grace; I have to depend on Him on a regular basis. Are you? Does God own and hold your heart? God's time of favour is here.

At Peace!

At Peace!

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 AMPC

The Inspiration:

Paul would also know what he was speaking of here. He had been around the block; he had both instigated and experienced violence. He had led mobs to attack those who belonged to the way of Christ; he was there when the man of God, Stephen, was stoned to death. He was on the way to Damascus to arrest those who belonged to the way of Christ when he met the Prince of Peace. This is a journey or experience that we all must have, if we must speak as Paul spoke here. Let it be noted that the foundation of this peace is salvation. How can the Prince of peace give you out of his abundance when you do not submit to or recognize his authority? This is not something you can pick up on the market stalls, or snatch at gunpoint; you don't get it by assimilation or association with other people. The only One who gives it is the Prince of peace who has been introduced to us as Jesus Christ. Popular culture can do nothing to change this. 

The Contention:

With God's kind of peace, there is a contentment that the world cannot explain or define. Whilst the people of the world strive and labour for that which perishes, the one who has God's peace does not hustle without knowledge. The one with God's peace does not depend on intellect, earnings, connection or influence. S/he has found the secret to a life of impact, content and earthly and eternal relevance. This peace gives no room to fear; if God is on your side, what can frighten you? If God is on your side, it will not matter what the quality or quantity of the opposition against you is. The peace of God gives a man such calm assurance that nothing touches you without God's permission. Men may jump hoops to lay hold of that which perishes, but God can deliver it into your hands. Even if He does not give you, He always has something better in store. 

The Conclusion:

That peace also is a guard. The devil knows and understands the value of God's peace in a man's heart, so he will do his best to sow the seeds of fear into that heart. At all times, I must be sensitive to the wiles of the devil, and give him no room to operate at all in my heart. If you give the devil a foothold, he can take a life. The world will not understand the reason for your calmness, but the world will be drawn to it because it does not make sense. The peace of God is able to guard my heart from all evil. It focuses my attention on God, and I seek to know more of God on a daily basis. I have that clear understanding that this earthly life is but a phase that will come to an end at some point, and while I seek to impact the earth, I must not forget my eternal reality. This balance is critical to how I see life: I enjoy all of God's provisions for the earth, but I will not be ruled by them. How's your heart? Does God own and control it? If you want His peace, let God have it. God's time of favour is here. 

Truth!

Truth!

And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” John 8:32 AMP

The Inspiration:

Pilate once asked that golden question: "What is truth"? At the time, Pilate had no interest in the answer to his question, as he had his own agenda, or he just wanted to be liked by the people he was leading at the time. His story shows that one who seeks the truth does so because he knows the value. You may not get any immediate monetary value, but the benefits of seeking truth are ultimately eternal. As Pilate asked then, so must we also ask today. We must not be afraid of the answer we get, if we go to the right source for the right answer. In a world that is increasingly becoming confused and conceited, we need the right kind of guidance. Truth is fundamental to our lives; it is the foundation to all that we would ever become. The Bible even goes on to give an answer that is valid for all time: Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. What more can be added? 

The Contention:

Jesus was speaking to men who had just come to believe in Him. He was not interested in just numbers, but in true commitment. Do not be fazed by the numbers for or against you; what is critical is the content of your inner man. Truth is first personal before it impacts the public. It is what you know that will sustain you in the days of trouble and trials. To know something quite well requires time, effort, dedication and focus. To know something well is to seek correct information, and to also know the right application of that which you have come to know. It is also clear that knowing truth takes time; you will never come to the full knowledge of the truth on this side of earth, but you will spend the whole of your life learning about truth. As we have seen, Truth is a person, and this is Jesus Himself. He is the personification of all that God is. Have you met and do you know this Jesus?

The Conclusion:

If I will truly be free, as the verse above promises, it is the One who is truly free, and has the keys to freedom that can truly set free. You cannot give what you don't have; you cannot place a demand on an account you have not made any deposit into. That is how salvation works; it is always personal. All of us, born of women, are born into sin, and sin leads to bondage. It is God's desire that I am free from sin so I can live the life that God intends for me. A free man is at liberty to live for the pleasure of the One who set him free. A free man holds no grudges, and does not keep looking back. His eyes are fixed on pleasing the One who freed him. Are you truly free? Has Jesus done a work in you that now flows out through you. Remember: you cannot fake it. There is no middle ground here; you are either free or you are not. God's time of favour is here.

Restored 2!

Restored 2!

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:12‭-‬13 NIV

The Inspiration:

Yesterday's verse also addressed the problem of sin and how it leads to eternal separation from God. The solution by David was to ask God to do a work in us that will make us constantly dependent on God for everything. David asked God not to cast him away from His presence, but through discipline and love, draw him close to Himself. The same idea is the focus of today's verse. At the time these words were sent to Joel, God had sent his people into exile. They had rebelled against Him and turned their backs to God. Even with several warnings, they would not listen, and so, God had to apply the principles of His Word, which makes it clear that He will punish sin. Note that these were the people He called His 'treasured possession', and if He could treat them this way, this teaches me to watch my life and its practices very closely. God has no favourites when it comes to sin. 

The Contention:

Thank God that punishment is not the end of the story. Even though God hates sin with a passion, He also loves the sinner with even greater passion. He wants me to retrace my steps back to Him; he never turns His back on anyone who genuinely seeks Him. Just like the parable of the lost son, called the prodigal son, the Father's love just would not let go, even if the child has wandered away. His heart of love never gives up until it is too late. He wants me to return to Him in true repentance, truly sorry for my sin and relying on His supply of grace not to live in sin anymore. The terms of returning are also clearly laid out- don't come to God with a divided or distracted heart. If you can't give God your all, don't waste your time. How does God trust a heart He does not control or can influence?  A distracted heart is dangerous; it cannot wholeheartedly please God.

The Conclusion:

In returning to God, the things that show genuine repentance flow from the heart that is now broken. A man who is truly sorry for sin will not be ashamed to approach God for mercy. You are dealing with a God of amazing love and compassion: One who forgives sin, cleans you up and then empowers you to live a life free from sin. Check out how God is described in the verse above: He is called gracious and compassionate, as well as slow to anger and plentuous in love. He does not delight in sending calamity. Would you not want a God this powerful on your side? If He fights against you, can you stand? If He resists you because of sin, who then can plead your case or defend you? I must not take God's grace and mercy for granted, but must keep myself in God's love at all times. Where do you stand? God's time of favour is here. 

Restored!

Restored!

Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51:11‭-‬12 KJV

The Inspiration:

These are the words of David, the man after God's heart. He had a special relationship with God, which began long before he was made king over Israel. He would spend time singing hymns and worshipping God, and it is not a surprise that when king Saul was being tormented by a demon, David was brought in to play the harp, and as he played, the evil spirit would leave Saul. That is the power and impact of a life that has encountered God. You cannot but make a difference. However, like all human beings, there may come a time when we make mistakes. We could be so used to a process or system that we forget the rules of engagement. David was king, and in those days, he could have any woman he wanted as wife, but he lusted after the wife of one of his mighty men, had him killed, and then brought the wife into his palace. He did it in secret, but his punishment was in the open, even led by his own son.

The Contention:

Sin is a reproach to anyone. With sin, God has no favourites, and He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. The bible says very clearly that sin reduces a man to a loaf of bread. Its impact is both earthly and eternal, if one does not repent of it. No wonder that David had to pen down the words of today's verse. He had seen and experienced the power and grace available when God is with you, and now, he had to live through the experience of God's anger against his actions. God hates sin, but His love for the person has never been in doubt. God will always seek out the sinner, as the parables of the prodigal son and the lost sheep and lost coin all make clear but He does not condone sin. His heart is glad when a sinner returns to him, but He cannot and will not look upon sin. He has made it very clear that His eyes are too pure to behold iniquity. 

The Conclusion:

Sin leads to eternal separation from God, but while I am still alive, I have the opportunity to make things right with God. The prayer in the verse above is from a heart that knows that God is the only One who can fully restore joy. Being saved means having God live inside you, and one of the signs of that presence is joy. If I ever find myself without joy, I should go back to the Source. The Holy Spirit is the proof that God is in and with you. No matter where I go or what I do, I must make sure I do not lose the presence of God. How would I face this uncertain world without the help of the One who created it? I ask God to help me live right on a daily basis. I ask him not to leave me to my own devices, and to always guide my steps. When God leads, a good end is assured. If He does not live in you now, it is not too late. Make sure of eternity before it is too late. God's time of favour is here. 

Walk Right!

Walk Right!

But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts]. Galatians 5:16 AMP

The Inspiration:

As is Paul's usual custom, he does not write to the crowd, but to disciples; to those who have responded the right way to the call of Jesus upon their lives. The first few verses of the chapter from where the verse above is taken lay emphasis on the freedom that is available in Christ. It is freedom from the burden of sin and the pain of death, and a rebirth into a lifetime of hope and the promise of eternal life. I must check my life at the moment, in order to determine where I stand - am I a disciple or part of the crowd? Remember: there are no expectations from the crowd. It will ebb and flow with whatever is popular at the time, but for me, there are demands and expectations that align with my new life in Christ, and these are explained in the verse above. One of them is HOW and WHERE I WALK. Your location will always define your allocation. God will not be present in a place where His nature and power cannot be seen. 

The Contention:

The HOW and the WHERE are important; I am told to walk IN the Spirit. It would mean that at all times, I am found inside the Holy Spirit. He directs my steps, as well as the impact my life has. It does not just say WALK WITH, but WALK IN. It is a daily walk, as seen in the verse also. It says HABITUALLY. That is habit: something I do on a daily and regular basis to the point where it becomes a part of me. It would mean that my walk has become an integral part of my identity that you cannot find any other kind of walk. Am I consistent in my walk, or am I like the chameleon, fitting my walk into the environment where I am at the moment? Walking in the Spirit means taking directed steps; not just sitting down, folding arms and expecting things to sort themselves out. How am I walking? How and where I walk will determine what happens to me on this journey of life. Life is too complex for me to trust in schemes, plans and strategies without the help of the Spirit of God.

The Conclusion:

The devil is also seeking lives he can destroy, and of course, one way he does that is to keep men walking in the path of destruction. The fallen human nature also has its pursuits and priorities, and these also demand a particular kind of walking. In both instances therefore, one must walk, but both lead into either eternal life or eternal destruction in hell. Walking in the Spirit keeps me alive in God, and preserved unto eternal life with God. Walking in the flesh keeps one away from the guidance and leadership available in the Spirit. The choice to be made is quite clear: the end of all life is nearer now than when we first came to know Christ. It is important that we review where we are, so that we can take the right steps into the place God has prepared for us. God does not use a vessel that is not totally surrendered to Him. He also does not compel a man to submit; it must come from my heart, and it has to be a willing sacrifice. Am I walking right? God's time of favour is here. 

Enabled and Able!

Enabled and Able!

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:13 AMP

The Inspiration:

We read the words of Paul here, and we can't but cast our minds back to his life before he met Christ. He had zeal for the law, and would do anything to protect, preserve and promote the values of Jewish customs and traditions. He knew his stuff, and he did not mind killing or being killed in the defence of his position. Could it be this zeal was what God needed to harness for Himself, for His use and glory? For all of us today, one of the lesson of Paul's life is that there is no end to how far, deep or wide God can take us to, if we surrender to Him and allow Him do with us whatever He pleases. For some like Paul, the bible records that God came in search of him. For others, it may not be so obvious, but let it be known today that God looks for all of His creation. I can never wander so far away from the One who formed and planted me, that His arms can no longer save me. A man will have to reject God to the end if he is to be eternally lost.

The Contention:

Paul's experiences brought him to this point. He had seen quite a lot of things following His surrender to God. He had seen the effect of the power of God unto salvation for men; he had experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of men, women and children, and had also seen the punishment that could be meted out to those who resisted or tried to prevent God from working in the lives of other people. He had also experienced the pain of loss too, as in the same book of Philippians, he had listed all the 'achievements' as loss, because he had gained Christ. This had to be a product of calm assurance, confidence and faith in the value of what Paul had received. You cannot boast about something you do not know, understand or have personally encountered. For Paul, he had come to a point where he knew who was really at work in and through him, and he had no problem ascribing all the glory to the One who is really at work. 

The Conclusion:

It has to be personal for me too. That which I seek to exert energy on must be that which God has sent me on. It cannot be my own misguided labour, or a desire to be known, recognized or applauded. Paul knew he could do all things, which God had called him to do, because God would definitely supply all that is required for the work that He has ordained to be done. How would I use God's resources to pursue selfish interests and personal agendas? Why would I seek glory for myself, using resources that are not mine? Why would I take glory for something whose origin or end I do not know or can determine? Sufficiency must be of the One who is sufficient all by Himself. I take of that which He supplies and impact the world on His behalf. No matter what comes my way, I simply rely on the grace and provision that is available in the One I work for. Does God indeed know and recognize that I work for Him? Can He trust me to depend on Him for everything? God's time of favour is here. 

Impact!

Impact!

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 KJV

The Inspiration:

Again, we see here that Jesus is addressing his disciples, not the crowd. As always, before I claim promises, I have to be sure that my life aligns with the conditions for the promises to work in my life. Too many times, we make claims on promises that our current practices and activities cannot sustain or justify. We are different people on Sundays and different people on the other days of the week. We know how to keep up false appearances, because we have mastered the practices that the profession of faith requires. We can lift up hands, sing songs of praise, and we can quote the verses that align with the image we want to project, yet, when all is said and done, these are all empty gestures, with no power or effect or backing from God. Why would I expend so much energy on a venture that God does not recognize and will not bless? Am I a disciple, or content with following the crowd?

The Contention:

Jesus makes it clear who is the master and who is the servant. He is the One sending out, not the servant making claims to authority of his/her own. He is the One who defines the place, purpose and practices that align with the assignment He has defined for me. The fact that a place is attractive or physically beneficial to me is not just the only way to know if I am in God's will. There are times when it is even trials and tough times that God will use to remind me that I am at the centre of His will for me. The assignment is His; so is the platform for ministry as well as the audience He wants me to impact and bless. If I can't do it by my own power, skill, intellect or connections, why would I make any claim to impact outside of the One who commissions, empowers and then send out on assignment? Can I do anything of eternal value without the help of the Eternal One?

The Conclusion:

Jesus sends out, and then He also defines how He wants me to go about the work. The verse above says I must be as wise as serpents yet as harmless as doves. There has to be a difference between the way a servant of God operates and the way another one person operates. There are times when the King's business will require haste, and there will be times when patience is the way to go. There will be times when the King's servant must be quiet and seem foolish, and there will be times to advocate positions quite publicly. There will be times to be shrewd in dealing with men, and times when one must confront sin. How would you know what a situation requires if you don't surrender to the One who knows what is ahead?  I must depend on God on a daily basis for all that I need for life and Godliness. I won't make it on my own. God's time of favour is here.

Desire!

Desire!

As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. Psalms 42:1 AMP

The Inspiration:

The sons of Korah are credited with the words of today's verse. I can only imagine what their experiences would have been like, but as you read the words of today's verse, the hunger and desire for God really shine through. It must really be hard to imagine what the life of a deer is; this is an animal that knows that it is the target of lions and other carnivores in the wild. It knows that as soon as it wakes up, it has to run faster, jump higher and be smarter than all the other wild animals that may seek to kill and eat it. When it has run the whole day, and avoided the animals that may seek to kill it, it seeks refreshing and a place to rest. Just like the actual deer, so is it with us too. As hunan beings, we also have some unusual experiences too; the devil seeks to eat us for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if he could. Thank God for the provision of God for such seasons. 

The Contention:

The deer pants for that which it knows can fully satisfy the thirst it has. Nothing else will do; a man can seek alternatives to water, but experience has shown that water is still the best solution to thirst. God is very gracious and thoughtful, and His provision is always appropriate for the problem. Just like the bible says, even an earthly father will not give a child a stone if he asks for bread, or a serpent if he asks for fish. If fallen human nature will seek to meet human needs, imagine the amazing ability, capacity and power that is available by God for all who will come to Him. Seeking after or panting after God is a need that we all must recognize and pursue. God does not force Himself on any man, but there has not been a single record of regret for any one who truly sought after God. No one seeks after God and then fails to find Him. That is a standing promise. 

The Conclusion:

The need will always define the provision. It has to also be pointed out that there is no demand on earth that can exhaust the resources of heaven. If all eight billion people in the world ask God for the same thing and at the same time, God is able to meet all the needs. That is power and authority. This is a God who is not to be toyed with or belittled. The writer of this psalm must have had a personal encounter with this God before the words of today's verse could be written. It takes that personal touch for my life to make sense. soul must seek after God, because there is no other worthy or close alternative. If I will end well, I need the help of the One who can bring me home safely. I thirst after God who has all that I need. He is the all-sufficient God, the Almighty. I know that, and by God's grace, nothing will take my eyes off Him. God's time of favour is here.

Satisfied!

Satisfied!

For I will [fully] satisfy the weary soul, and I will replenish every languishing and sorrowful person. Jeremiah 31:25 AMPC

The Inspiration:

As I read the verse above, I cast an eye over the verses just before this one. God has pronounced judgment upon Israel and Judah because of their sin of rebellion against his commands. They had been scattered across the nations of the world; many of them had died, yet God was making a promise of restoration, healing and revival. It is a reminder of God's standard when it comes to sin; God will punish sin no matter in whom it is found. God has no favourites when it comes to the issue of sin. Even his son Jesus bore the brunt of the Father's hatred of sin when He could not even look at his son as he hung on the cross. Thank God the full price of sin, which is death, has been paid, and I don't have to pay again. However, this sacrifice calls for a particular reaction from me, if I am to end up with the promise that has been made in the verse for today. 

The Contention:

For every weariness, God promises full satisfaction. For every languishing and sorrowful person, God promises replenishing and refreshing. It was God who scattered his people because of their sin, but He is also the one promising them a return to their own land. It would also mean that I am humble to know when I have strayed away from God and can quickly retrace my steps. If I do not admit that I need help, how do I go to God for help? If I do not admit that I cannot help myself, would I not become self-sufficient? Sin will eventually bring sorrow and pain to all who are under its control, even though it will bring temporary pleasure as you indulge in it. Today's focus makes it clear that I need to run away from sin in all its ramifications, and look to God for help. He is able to do all He has promised here, but He needs me to submit.

The Conclusion:

God will not force Himself on anyone. It is like an offer made by God in the Garden of Eden too, with man given the power to choose how he will respond to God's love. In the very place of God's mercy is also God's judgment on sin. In the place where God shows his love is also the place where he lays down the law on sin. I must embrace both sides of God if I am to have a healthy and proper relationship with Him. If He could punish Israel, his own chosen and loved people, the way He did, you know quite well that He will punish all unrepented sin. As I take stock of my life right now, the question then is: "Do I admit my need for God or am I seeking false independence"? There is no limit to the love of God for us, but we must come to Him with a repentant heart. He will take us, clean us up, and then launch us into a life of impact for Him. In and by Him alone can life be worth it. He waits for all of us. God's time of favour is here. 

Surrendered 2!

Surrendered 2!

Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139: 23 ‭- ‬24 KJV

The Inspiration:

God must really be interested in the state of my heart if he keeps reminding me to submit my heart to Him for His review and examination. God's verdict on the human heart has been made clear in Jeremiah, where God made it clear that the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. That is the state of heart that God needs to work on, clean up and change, if He will use it for His glory. I have to know that the fallen man's heart has no use for God. An unregenerated heart is dangerous. There is no limit or depth to the evil that such a heart can produce. The same man who wrote the words of this psalm once had an illicit affair with another man's wife, killed the husband when he would not go home and be with his wife, and then immediately married the woman as soon as the husband had been killed. 

The Contention:

We may consider this extreme, but before God, the sin of lying or murder come from the same heart. No matter how you view any sin, it carries the same punishment, which is death. This is why today's verse is critical to my walk with and work for God. David was a man after God's heart, not because he was perfect by the world's standard, but because he would go back to God every time he did wrong. No matter how terrible his actions were, even the one that led to a plague on all Israel, he went back to God in repentance. I must not allow the devil fill my heart with so much regret about sin that it pushes me away from God. No matter how deep or dirty my heart is now, the blood of Jesus can take care of it. No matter how deep the guilt may have gone, the mercy of God can go to the roots to deal with it. All it takes is surrender.

The Conclusion:

The prayer in today's verse is critical. God must do the searching and the leading. I cannot do it by my own power. I must bring the heart under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit. The creator of the heart is the only One qualified to deal with the heart. I must bring it willingly, or I might as well keep it to myself. God will not force Himself on anyone, but He will do an eternal work on any heart that has been surrendered to Him. He will uproot the desire of sin, and replace it with the desire to please God. God is not just concerned about my earthly living but also about my eternal life. He wants me to impact my present location, but to also be worthy of eternity with Him. Am I totally surrendered to God? Is my heart under His direct leading and control? It's not too late, as long as it is done right now. God's time of favour is here.

Kindness!

Kindness!

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

The Inspiration:

Again, the need to sort out my identity and personality is emphasized in today's verse. The start of the chapter from where the verse above is taken lays emphasis on presenting my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is the class of people that the verse above is speaking to. I have to first internalise the requirement before I can submit to the demand. What you get when the order is not followed is chaos, hypocrisy and selfish interests. No one can follow God's demands simply by willpower alone; the devil will fight for as long and as hard as he can to keep me from looking unto Jesus for strength and for direction. God has supplied all I need to live right and to do right. He supplies fresh grace on a daily basis, and I must go to Him on a daily basis to reload and refresh. 

The Expectation:

Yesterday's supply isn't enough for today. The issues of yesterday will not always be the same today or tomorrow. The person who was nice today may not be nice tomorrow. That's why I must settle my response or reaction long before the need to respond arises. Love does not wait for the target to be deserving; in fact, love is better appreciated when the person being loved has done nothing to deserve it. That's me, before I came to know Christ, who showed me love even before I was born. His sacrifice on the cross enables me to experience love firsthand, and then helps me extend the same grace to other people. You cannot give what you don't have and you cannot fake it either. At some point, the pressure of pretence will tell, and the real self will be revealed. I take stock again today: who am I?

The Conclusion:

A man who has encountered God does not need to be first in anything. He knows that with God's backing, there is nothing that will be impossible for him/her. A man who has encountered God will not seek glory or prosperity for self, but will seek the glory and honour of God in all things and at all times. A man who has encountered God has the mind of God, and can see other people with the eyes of God. This personal encounter with God is critical to the entire verse. Don't place a demand for love from a man who has not laid his life on the altar. Don't demand self-control from a man who is still in control of his own life. The love of God in a man's heart makes the whole verse above possible. Does the above describe me in any way? Do I need total surrender of my life to God today? He waits for me. God's time of favour is here. 

Surrendered!

Surrendered!

Commit thy works unto the LORD, And thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3 KJV

The Inspiration:

In this day and age where self-interest and self-promotion seem to be the order of the day, today's verse sticks out as a strange message. We are in a self-conscious generation that only seeks to promote selfish interests and promote narrow, parochial instincts. Check out the latest inventions and discoveries, and you will find that as they make the world more comfortable to live in, after a while, they become a burden as man almost seeks to replace God with these inventions and discoveries. Man ignores the fact that the source of wisdom for all these things is God alone; not our intellect, capacity or willpower. Without God, none of these things will even be possible. I do note that this does not stop man from laying out strategies or making great plans for the future, but these must be done with God in view. How do I make plans for the present and the future if I do not know the God who owns and holds that future in His hands? 

The Contention:

This is the first step to the reality of the verse above. Read the 2 verses that come before it: The intentions of the heart belong to a man, but the answer of the tongue comes from the LORD. All a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates the motives. You get the very distinct impression that a man's life will only make sense when God takes front and centre of that life. Nothing else, and no other way will work. Make great plans, but before you go all out on the planning, take time to seek God's face. Plan for the future, but subject those plans to the control, influence and direction of the One who owns, holds and determines the future. Remember that rich fool that had a rich harvest; all he was concerned about was his own interests - bigger harvest, bigger barn, bigger profit and bigger profile, but because the Big God was not involved, that night, the Big God demanded an account of his life.

The Conclusion:

I must consciously commit my ways to God. It cannot be an accidental action, but one done carefully. God wants to be involved in my daily life; He does not force Himself on anyone, but if my life will have some order and direction, God has to lead it. All my works must be committed to God, and then beyond what I can think or imagine, He will do wonders. On my own or by my power, I cannot see how far my works can go, but if my heart is right with God, all I do glorifies and honours God, and He will make sure that my life points Him out. That is the way to point men to God; that is the way to let God take glory in and through my life. I must do the committing; just as I must offer my body as a living sacrifice to God. When it comes from my heart, of my own freewill, God is glorified. It shows I love God with my whole heart, and I am willing to trust Him with my whole life. Is that your position too? God's time of favour is here.

 

God-Pleaser!

God-Pleaser

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 KJV

The Inspiration:

Paul had come a long way from where he spoke the words of this verse. He had a zeal to promote Jewish culture and tradition, and he would do anything, even kill, in order to entrench his beliefs. At the time Stephen was stoned to death, the young men who did the stoning lay their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. He knew what the Jewish leaders at the time wanted, and he pursued it with vigour. He even went to them to obtain letters of authority to enable him arrest all who belonged to the Way of Christ. That was zeal, patriotism and national fervour, the kind that does not go unnoticed. It was not a surprise that he was noticed. However, we know now that zeal without the right kind of knowledge, is dangerous. For all who will please God and walk in His steps on a daily basis, there is need for daily dependence on what God says, to the exclusion of all other voices, no matter how loud or popular they may be.

The Contention:

At this time, Paul had gone on his missionary journeys, and had seen the power of the gospel of Christ at work in the lives of men. He could compare the effect of the zeal with which he tried to entrench Jewish culture, and the ease with which the power of God was able to change circumstances, situations and people. That power is still at work today, and there is no situation so far gone that it is beyond the grace and mercy of God. For a man who had seen both sides, it was easy for him to make such a categorical statement as seen in today's verse. It is quite important for anyone who will walk with and work for God to ask and receive that personal encounter of the power of God. There is a limit to where zeal, strength, intellect, elocution, education, earnings, influence and connections can take you to; these are important in their own ways, but the foundation of all these must be the personal encounter with the Lord Jesus. 

The Conclusion:

When you know Christ, He becomes the sole authority over your life. Pleasing God becomes the sole pursuit and priority of your life. Pleasing men can be very complex, because you always have to find a way to contour and change shape to suit the demands of your audience. Where is the consistency and the dependency that will make God trust your heart, if He cannot even predict your response to any situation? Servants serve at the pleasure of their masters. A servant cannot serve two masters, or be equally loyal to 2 opposing masters at the same time. If a servant of God is still seeking to serve man's selfish interests, then that servant needs to review and be sure where s/he stands. No servant of God seeks to please men, because that will be a sign that I have not surrendered my life fully to the control and authority of Jesus. He is looking for true servants, who He can send out to impact the world. Am I one? God's time of favour is here.

Build Up!

Build Up!

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:20‭-‬21 KJV

The Inspiration:

Again, we see that the audience usually determines the severity of the message. We read the words of today's verse, and it is clear that God is not joking about the standards He has laid down for us, if we seriously want Him to engage with us. I am called the Beloved of God, because His love has preserved me. I am not alive because I set alarms or have a great plan, but because God has chosen to set his affection on me. However, with such great blessing comes accountability; for all that God has done, He demands a particular response from me. My response will show whether I recognize the power of God or not. I must therefore sort out my identity early enough, if I want access to the riches of God's grace. My location will define my allocation. If I have embraced the love of God, the journey to eternal life has begun.

The Contention:

Faith in God is the foundation of all that God wants me to have. It is a sign of total dependence on God. Faith does not rely on the physical senses, because walking with God does not always 'make sense'. The journey starts with a firm belief in the power of God to save. With the work of salvation done in me, then comes the daily outer walk that is the proof of salvation. A few of these things are mentioned: praying in the Holy Ghost, keeping oneself in the love of God and lookng for the mercy of God unto eternal life. I am not called to sit down, fold my arms and wait for the return of Jesua. As I wait, I walk and work. As I wait, I rely on God on a daily basis for all that my walk and work requires. As the Beloved of God, if indeed I truly am, how is my walk with, and work for, God? Can God trust my heart? Can he trust my application will match my confession?

The Conclusion:

I note that all of these things I am asked to do are first spiritual, and are based on the understanding of who I am. Other people can pretend to do them, but if they are not inspired by the presence of God, they will just be a waste of time. Praying in the Holy Ghost will not be a priority for the man led by the flesh; keeping one in God's love will not be important to the man whose heart has a place for hate. How does a man who has failed to show mercy now come pleading for mercy? How can anyone who is only focused on what can be acquired consider the importance of that which can't be sealed with money? The end will soon be here for all of us; how it meets us is quite important. Will the day meet me ready and prepared, or would there be regrets? God wants to build; would I let Him? God's time of favour is here

Kept!

Kept!

Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:10 KJV

The Inspiration:

As you read the verse above, what comes to mind? Personally, the verse above gives the picture of a very powerful person, one you could almost call a dictator. It gives the picture of One with total knowledge and information about another person. The One who is being held or led knows that s/he is in the hands of a qualified person. The One who also does the leading and holding also knows his power and influence are unquestionable and undeniable. However, as we would see in the context of today's verse, this very powerful God does not force Himself on anyone. He states his case about his capacity, capability and authority, and he dares anyone to challenge Him. He then asks me to trust Him with my life, and to submit totally to Him. If I do so, I have unlimited access to all that He is. If I don't, I don't have an excuse for however my life turns out. 

The Contention:

Just to have an insight into the power and authority behind the words of today's verse, take a look at the words of 3 verses before this one: Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? Interesting question, with only one answer for all who have come to know the God being spoken of here. If God can make seeing eyes, then He is capable of seeing beyond what the physical eyes can see or even perceive. If God could make functional brains, capable of making all the things we have now to make our lives more comfortable, then He is capable of long-term, strategic and eternal plans. How do you limit God, who is Spirit, to a place? How do you hold Him down or keep Him away? How can anyone think he can do anything that is not seen by the very mighty and knowledgable God? What is it that God cannot do?

The Conclusion:

The points made above then give room for the verse above to thrive. When I know who I am, whose I am, what I have been gifted to do and where I have been planted to thrive, I will not fight God on anything. I will simply submit to His leading and direction, allowing Him have his way at all times, even when it is not convenient. No matter how hard the journey gets, or how impossible the demands are, I remember the past and how God had helped me through difficult times; that gives me the confidence that with God on my side, I will always win. His path for me may lie in the thick darkness or through the sea, but His hand upon me ensures that all will end in praise. I need God at all times and in all phases of life. In and with Him, it can only end well. Where do you stand - with or against God? God's time of favour is here.

Effect!

Effect!

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 KJV

The Inspiration:

In a generation that takes pride in position, privilege and power, there's a need to once again review and evaluate the right place for every facet of life. We lay emphasis on ephemeral things, such as possessions, seeking relevance from things that have been created, just like us. Men fight and kill themselves over limited editions of life, forgetting that there is a place where the things of this earthly life don't count as much. There is a limit to all of life's pain or pleasure, and it is therefore important to really know what is key, and then pursue that to the exclusion of any other thing. That one thing is the Word of God. First, it is the Source that is key here; the Source is the eternal being, who is the sole authority of all life. He is the One who spoke back at creation, and all we see today came into existence. Now, that is power. 

The Contention:

The power in His Word brought all life into existence. As it was then, so does it continue to be so till today. The same creative power continues to shake things up around us. We see God's hand at work in the universe: the earth as part of the solar system continues to rotate on its own axis, as well as around the sun. We do not see foundations or pillars, yet the earth continues to survive pandemics, pestilence and pogroms. The above is all in the physical. Now, picture the equivalent in the spiritual. You have to experience the power of God's Word first on a personal level, and then you can understand how it changes you on the inside first, and then impacts your outside. It is described here as sharper than any double-edged sword, able to cut in any direction, and the one seeking to handle it being careful too, so s/he does not get harmed. 

The Conclusion:

It is sharp enough to divide soul and spirit and precise enough to make a separation between joints and marrow. It is so powerful that it can discern even the secret thoughts of a man's heart. The One whose word is this powerful knows all, and with Him, there is no impossibility, except that which I place before myself. I must know and recognize that I am dealing with a God of absolute knowledge and power, whose word is still breaking boundaries and establishing new frontiers. God is His Word and His Word is He himself. He stakes his name and reputation on the integrity of His Word. He can be trusted to do all He has promised. Now that I know all the above, what will my response be? Would I allow God work that which He alone is able to do? God's time of favour is here. 

Edify!

Edify!

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 KJV

The Inspiration:

The audience defines the expectations. From the accounts of the gospels, Jesus always had different expectations and demands from those who chose to follow Him and those who were content to stay in the crowd. Being a disciple calls for standards of behaviour and expectations that are very different from those you would demand from the crowd. The first question I have to answer will be that of identity: who am I? Who are you? Do you know? Is it very clear in my mind what God's will is, and am I pursuing His will with all that I have got, to the exclusion of anything else? One of the ways by which a disciple is known and recognized is in the use of the tongue. My words provide a window into my life; whatever proceeds out of my mouth will reflect all I have spent time building up. 

The Contention:

I have a duty of audit of my words. It is a sign of surrender that my words reflect my ownership. Would it not be odd if there is no outward visible benefit of my citizenship of heaven? How can anyone spend time with me and not note the difference between the world and I? It is my responsibility to ensure that my mouth confession match my life profession. When men listen to me, what do they go away with? Do I use words that life up, or do my words pull down? Do I encourage or discourage? One of the many ways by which I can audit my words is to always line them up with the word of God. If I do not take time to read and study the word, what would I pattern my life after? What other examples outside of the Word of God exist, which can impact eternity? What am I storing up?

The Conclusion:

It is amazing how words work. The same word, spoken either in jest or with concern, can mean different things to different people at different times. This is why my words must always be filtered by the grace of God. A man who has experienced grace is quick to extend the same grace to other people. I must not allow my weaknesses to distract me from the need to depend on God totally. My words must edify other people to good works. My words must encourage people to be better versions of themselves, and above all, my words must make men seek God for themselves. This means that the presence and power of God in my life will be so visible that men cannot ignore. May God be pleased to live in me, so that the impact of His word can be seen in me. God's time of favour is here.

Value!

Value!

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:3‭-‬5 KJV

The Inspiration:

There is no better teacher than personal experience. The values you hold and the lessons you share are very personal, and they stay with you no matter where you go. Faith in God opens all other doors that God would have me walk through, and it is by salvation, which is the work Jesus does in me by faith in Him that is key to this verse. I will not survive the pressure of this world without the help of the One who created everything and I can't access the unlimited supply of God's grace without total surrender to God. This means that before I start to claim all these precious promises, I must be sure that my life can attract these promises. By faith in Jesus, there is hope born in me that I will reign with Christ at the end of my earthly life. But as I wait for this eternal phase to become a reality, I must be tested, so that the quality and depth of my convictions will be known and proven. 

The Contention:

It is good to fix my gaze on the eternal but I must not forget to live in the present. The benefits of trials and tough times are not seen in the immediate but they are fundamental to my growth process. If I want God's perfect work to be manifest in me, I must learn patience. God is never in a hurry to bring me to His desired end, and He will do all He can to make me complete and perfect in Him. God's process of completion and perfection usually lies in the path of trials and tough times. What they do is to push me to keep trusting in God, even when doing so seems foolish. Imagine Daniel before and after the lions' den experience; his confidence in God would have been deepened, and nothing else in the future would faze him. Imagine Stephen being stoned to death for standing for God. For each man, the process was different, but the end was the same: hope in God never disappoints.

The Conclusion:

Tribulations teach patience; patience leads to experience, and experience strengthens hope. Hope in God can never lead to shame, because God does not disappoint. He does not do things the way we expect, but if indeed I have surrendered to Him, I must let Him work as He desires. He has given me the assurance that He knows what He is doing. I must trust His presence and power in me, which is confirmed by His Holy Spirit given to me, and I can trust His process, procedure and timing. Every thing He does on my journey in life will work toward that good end He has promised. His love just will not let go; there is no close alternative down here that can sufficiently describe His heart of love for me. Would I trust Him to work that which is His perfect will for me? Can I hold on to Him, even when every other thing around me is falling to pieces? God's time of favour is here.

Life!

Life!

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 KJV

The Inspiration:

These are the words of Jesus, speaking to his disciples about related concepts: the sheep, the door, the Shepherd, sustenance and provision, and of course, the phases of the engagement. In the verse for today, Jesus addresses major distinctions between the good shepherd and the thief who pretends to be a shepherd. Let it be clear that the devil is the thief and pretender, and he has a clear mission, as laid out here: to steal, kill and destroy. He does not have any orher mission, because that is the only thing he is capable of doing. He is also called a thief because whatever he seeks to lay claim to isn't his in the first place. As you know, you can only give that which you have. The devil has done his worst, but God's best is also in place. Which one would you embrace? 

The Contention:

It was by virtue of man's disobedience in the Garden of Eden that gave the devil the power of man. This is the natural state of all men, but thank God it does not have to be end for all men. There is a Shepherd who is able to change that 'conclusion' and give man a clean, fresh start. Look at the tragedy and shame that the world has become now, and you know very clearly that the devil has no free gifts, or any interest in seeking peace. The Shepherd has a different agenda, and He seeks to introduce, entrench and sustain life in its pure form. Each gives what each has; one can only take away what he does not even have to give; the other gives all of Himself to as many as would come to Him. One is only interested in the eternal destruction of all men; the other paid with His life so that the entire world could be free from death and enjoy life to the fullest, both down here and with God in eternity. 

The Conclusion:

Both of them are come to us all. Nobody is exempt. Both have their CVs laid out in the verse above, and a decision on the right response has to be made. We all must take a decision today, before it is too late. Both are come, making offers. I may think I have some time, but nobody is assured of tomorrow unless God wills it. This response has an appropriate time, and it is today, right now. The devil comes to take away; Jesus comes to give, not just enough to get by, but in abundance. After all, he is the owner of all life, and He has all power, yet He does not force Himself on anyone. I come to Him of my own freewill, because He has all that I really need. Both have eternal consequences. The end of both choices are irreversible, so be sure of what you are getting into. God's time of favour is here. 

 

Given and Received!

Given and Received!

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

The Inspiration:

This was Paul, the mentor, speaking to Timothy, the young protege. Paul would know what he was talking about, as he could recall his own experience of conversion and salvation. God's love and mercy reached out to Paul, took hold of him, and turned him completely around, so he could then be an effective tool in the hands of God to impact the world around him. For all who are saved now, the assignment has not changed: God is still looking for people He can take hold of, equip for assignment and then send out for impact. All that I need for the life of impact will be provided by the One who calls and sends out. Intellect, diction, elocution, education, earnings and influence are all good, but the one thing or person that makes them flow properly is the Spirit of God. 

The Contention:

It is the Spirit of God that is the inspiration behind whatever good I see today. The verse above speaks to what God does and gives to all He sends out. The emphasis here is on what God gives and what He has not given; He has given us the spirit of power, love and a sound mind. He does not give the fear that cripples, but when a man receives grace to serve after having a personal encounter with God, the right kind of fear will be birthed in that man. Fear is not all bad; there is a good fear which a healthy knowledge of God will help sustain. God will never send out a man He has not prepared properly. God will always play His part by making adequate preparations for the platform He wants me to occupy, but there is a part for me to play, which is the surrender and total acceptance of God's will for me.

The Conclusion:

It is this surrender and acceptance that reflect the right response. God gives, and He has indeed given me all that I need for life and Godliness, but what have I now accepted? I may make any kind of claim, but by the fruit of my life, the truth about my response will be made clear. It is a fact that I need to sort out, in the light of what God's Word says. The Spirit of God is able, and wants to produce in me attributes and characters that reflect the nature of God, but He will not force Himself on anyone. This is a choice I must make freely, as I have the whole of eternity to live with the consequences of my choice. The impact of God's Spirit will be seen both internally and externally: power, love and a sound mind cannot but change the world for good. What have I received? God's time of favour is here. 

Safe!

Safe!

The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 KJV

The Inspiration:

Again, we read from the words of the wisest man who ever lived, according to the One who is omniscient. Solomon was given wisdom beyond his years, simply because he asked God for it. The start of his reign was characterised by many wise decisions, and God gave him success all around. He must have been the only king of Israel who never had to fight a public war, until he began to rebel against God and members of his own court turned against him. Solomon's life is a lesson on the gains of depending on God, as well as the dangers of rebellion against God. The benefits of depending on God will stay with you all your life, and there are also eternal consequences to also consider if you rebel against God. The understanding of the above calls for a decision from me: how do I respond to God's expectations of me? 

The Contention:

Would I fear and honour God, or do I hold men in higher esteem than God? The way a man's heart has been formed means it must hold someone or something in awe. God has shaped the human heart to have a vacuum that only its Creator should fill, but due to the power and influence of sin, many other authorities try to fill the space. God will not force Himself on anyone of us but He will really love to be in total control of my heart. Would I let Him, or do I want to subject myself to stress and pain which come from rejecting God? If I fear men more than God, I am telling God that He is not the priority. When trouble comes, which will definitely happen, can I call on the help of a God that I do not recognize or submit to? The fear of man is a big snare, and it will only lead to death. Who holds my heart at the moment?

The Conclusion:

The world at the moment is complex, and the wisdom of the world is not sufficient to deal with the world's problems. You need someone or something stronger and wiser than the current status to move ahead. That stronger and wiser person or thing is to trust in the Lord. It is that total dependence on God; no matter what God brings my way. God must be the focus of my trust; it cannot be anyone else. God will not share his glory with anyone or anything and He does not owe a man anything. He always rewards confidence in Him. You cannot play both sides at the same time; one will be boss at any point in time. I need to sort out my control centre, so that I can live a life of purpose and impact. You want to be truly safe? Safety is only in God; the world has no close alternatives. God's time of favour is here. 

Stand!

Stand!

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV

The Context and Focus:

Paul spent the whole chapter speaking on the fact of resurrection. There was the sect of the Saduccees who did not believe in resurrection, yet they were leaders in the temple. He took time to tell his audience that this earthly life is just but a preparation for eternity. We have been given this body as a clay vessel to hold God's great treasures. The focus must not be on the outward first of all, but on how the inner can impact the outward. I take stock again today, as I consider my life's journey into eternity: how am I seeking impact down here on earth, and also seeking the fulfilment of God's promise of an eternal home? The only way my life will make sense is it is applied in the way its Creator wants it to. I can choose to work blindly, seeking glory for myself, or I can work as God directs. 

The Message:

Being steadfast is defined as "being firm in belief, determination or adherence." This is a state where nothing is able to shake or upset you. When I keep my eyes on that which God is doing, it is hard for anyone or anything to distract me. To be unmoveable is to be fixed in a place A man who knows who God is, what God has called him to do, and is focused on the relationship and assignment can never be moved. Yes, storms will come; the winds will rise and there will be shakings, but I must keep my eyes on the One who calls, equips, plants and sustains me. There is no demilitarized zone, where I can just relax and get complacent. God is always at work, and my life's best use is in the pursuit of the work of this God. Nothing and no one else will do. Who am I, and who am I working for?

The Conclusion:

I must always abound; there is no room for being stagnant. It is God's work I am called to do, not mine. If it is God I am working for, the attitude must be right. The knowledge that there is a reward must keep me focused on the assignment before me. God does not call a man to seek Him in vain, and He does not wait for me to be perfect before He accepts me. It is called 'labour' down here, and then reward up there. It is labour that leads to reward. I must be sure that my labour is defined by God. He will not bless that which He has not commissioned. He will not defend that which he has not defined. He will not release grace for that which He has not ordained. May I spend my life only for that which God will back up. God's time of favour is here. 

 

  

With God!

With God!

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 KJV

The Inspiration:

I am not sure what the exact motivation was, but we see a young man here, who came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to have eternal life. It is a question all of us must ask and get the right answers to, if we desire to end well. Jesus gave him the first part of the answer, which is clear obedience to God's instructions. I cannot routinely and blatantly disobey the rules of a kingdom I claim to be subject to, and expect no dire consequences. Obeying rules is a sign that I am a child of God. As I review my life today, can I say, of a truth, that God is pleased with my life of service and obedience to Him? This young man took a good look at himself, and could say that he had kept the commands of the law. However, he knew something was missing. He had kept all the law, but there was still a lack. On a personal note, have I elevated activity over and above my relationship with God? Am I more concerned about how I look or should I not be more concerned with what God thinks of me? 

The Contention:

Jesus did not fault him, but then came the second part of the answer, which is the personal application of the life of Jesus to my daily pursuits and priorities. Knowing the law is just one small bit; the greater burden is in applying it to my daily life. Jesus knew the issue with the young man wasn't about activity, but about priority. The young man was rich in possession, but he could not define his life outside of what he had. Jesus then laid it out: power and possessions are man's greatest distractions. They keep your heart away from what God says, to what you think you can achieve on your own. As far as Jesus was concerned, earthly riches, if not properly situated, can become a hindrance to a man's eternal plan. For me, the question is: "How do I view the things that have been committed into my hands"? It is not a wonder that Jesus said that it will be hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. It will never be about possession, but about heart and attitude. Do I know the limits of what I hold and own?

The Conclusion:

Jesus' statement made the disciples ask: Who then can be saved, if this is the standard of the kingdom of heaven? Human beings remain mortal and limited; God is immortal and limitless. The things that would distract men do not hold God's attention. Man seeks to force things to happen, sometimes, trying to use the value of possessions to define impact. God is not bothered by such things; He is the One who can use the most mundane things to achieve the most miraculous. That which I think is impossible, simply because my mortal, limited mind cannot fathom is, is God's usual and daily activity. I note that verse says 'With God', which means that whatever it is I will seek to achieve must be done with Him, not outside of Him. If I will make it down here, impacting the world He has placed me in, and then also making it to eternity with Him, which is His ultimate desire, I must go with Him. When He is with me, the impossible becomes the daily experience. God's time of favour is here.

Joy!

Joy!

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:2‭-‬3 KJV

The Inspiration:

Joy cannot really be explained in worldly terms, because the world cannot fully understand or explain it. It is not what the world can define or limit because it can only be produced by the Spirit of God. It is part of the 9-fold fruit of the Spirit. The dictionary defines it using great feeling of happiness or pleasure, but I believe it goes deeper than that. You tie happiness to an event or experience, but joy does not need the physical, because it is produced by the presence of God. If indeed God lives in me, the things outside of me won't bother me so much. That is the foundation of today's extract. Tough times have become part of the human experience, but how well I go through these experiences, and the gains at the end will be defined by my inner state and content. The question then is: "Is God at the centre of my heart right now?"

The Contention:

My life cannot look forward to the tough times if I am not prepared the right way. Tough times make or break men. These experiences are God's tools to sharpen, fit and shape me for the place and purpose He has created me for. God may not commit great treasures into my hand if he cannot trust my heart. If He is uncertain about my principles or commitment, how would He commit the hearts of men who need stability and direction into my hand? These tough times are effective because they really push you into the hands of God where you just have to remain if you will survive. It may be hard to accept, but we need these tough times to prepare us for all that God has in store for us. Can I ask God to help me, even as I look ahead with expectation to all that God will bring as He prepares me for a lifetime of impact?

The Conclusion:

One of the benefits of tough times is that they teach you patience. There are some experiences you will not be able to pray your way out of, and there are some that may change once you pray. However they work, God wants me to learm patience, which is also one of the 9-fold fruitof the Spirit. It is clear that God does not do abandoned projects or go only half-way; He keeps his eye on the eternal while working out my earthly impact. With patience, I can accept or tolerate delay, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. Can this be used to describe me at the moment? I also note that patience is a 'work', which means that my life will always reflect whatever it is I allow to work in me. I ask God to do His work in me, so I can look like Him, and men can be attracted to Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Wait!

Wait!

I waited patiently for the LORD; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. Psalm 40:1‭-‬2 KJV

The Inspiration:

David writes the words of this psalm, and again we see the evidence of his relationship with God. Well, David was called a man after God's heart by God Himself, so there are lessons to be learnt from David's approach. Except for a few incidents, David had the habit of asking God for directions before acting. When the enemy came to take his family and community captive, he went to God. Just before he went up to be crowned as king, he prayed. He had learnt the secret of waiting for God's direction, because he knew that you can only go so far when God is not with you. You do not want to face the world's challenges without God's help. That is why God's leading is man's greatest need. I must learn to seek it and to wait for it patiently. Is there a point to acting in a hurry and missing the mark? 

The Contention:

As I wait patiently, not in a hurry, there is a standing promise from God here: he will incline to me and hear my cry. Two definitions of incline are: "to be favourably disposed towards or willing to do something" and "to bend one's head forwards and downward". Pause and consider this: the Almighty God, who is so awesome that the whole earth is just a footstool for Him, cares for me so much that He leans forward and downward to me when I speak to Him. He wants me to come to, speak and relate with Him. It does not matter where I am right now; what counts is if He is with me. Joseph went from prosperity in his father's house to the pit, Potiphar's house, prison, then to the palace and prosperity, but in all these phases, it was said that 'God was with Joseph'. You cannot face the world and its challenges alone. Don't try to.

The Conclusion:

God's help is freely available, if I will just ask. There is no situation so dire that he cannot change; there is no mountain so high that he cannot level. I just have to cry out. I note that God does not promise that i won't get into sticky situations, but His promise is that He will be with me, and He will deliver me. He will lift me up out of the mire and plant my feet on the rock. That is stability. In a world that is full of shifting standards and loyalties, this is comforting. I also note that there are no deadlines set for God to do what He has promised to do, which means that as long as I am alive, my life's experiences are platforms for the display of God's amazing power. He has the power to establish my goings, whixh means that my paths and life choices lead to impact. God cannot be involved in my life and I will be ordinary. God's time of favour is here.