Listen!

Listen!

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27‭-‬28 KJV

The Context and Focus:

Again, we consider the first sermon of Jesus on the Mountain, where he gathered his disciples to Him and taught them. There was a huge crowd at the foot of the mountain, but as you read the 3 chapters which contain the messages, you get the distinct sense that Jesus was speaking to disciples, not the crowd. Men would make up all sorts of lies and compromises, just to make up and keep a crowd, but not Jesus. You listen to Him, and you hear of the rules of salvation and redemption, and what man must do to walk in them and enjoy the benefits. As I also read the verse above, I get the impression He is also speaking to people whose ears have been pierced, and who are also to hear clearly what Jesus is saying here. That is the very first line: "But I say unto you which hear". Who am I? What kind of man am I? Do I listen carefully and attentively to what Jesus has to say, or am I interested in the latest fashion and trends? Do I hear only out of curiosity and to add to knowledge, without a corresponding readiness to obey what I have heard and become convinced of? Just like the Lord of the church wrote to the seven churches in Asia Minor in Revelation, so does He write to us today: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches". 

The Message:

The message challenges the acceptable culture of that age, as well as ours today. It dares us to live by standards that are quite fundamentally different from those of the world's. Of course, the people of the world will make friends with those who are like them in pursuits and priorities, and will naturally dislike those who do not conform to that level of behaviour. The people of the world will find it easy to hate those who are not like them; in fact, hatred will be a natural emotion for the people of the world, because it is one of the many manifestations of the works of the flesh. You cannot be under the influence, control and direction of the flesh, and produce anything different from that which looks like the flesh. However, for the person who is under the control, influence and direction of the Spirit, who listens attentively to the words of the Master, Jesus, and is wiling and ready to obey, there will be different standards of behaviour. Right at the top of the list of the many dimensions of the fruit of the Spirit is love. You cannot give what you don't have, and you cannot fake what you can't produce. When there is a squeeze or press, each man will flow out with that which has been stored up. When the squeeze comes, and it will surely come, what will your life produce? What will mine produce? 

The Conclusion:

Even when hate is all you get, you can't give it, because the seed of hatred is not in you. You hate sin, just like the nature of God in you, but love is the fruit that men see. When men curse, the response from you is blessing, because you are full of it, and it is all you can give. When men treat you with despitefully, and sometimes mock your faith and the standards you follow, the only response you can give is to pray for them. You may not be able to legislate on other people's reactions to you, but you can be certain of your own reaction to other people. You may do your best and others will still hate you, but you strive to show the love of God to other people at all times. When the light of God shines brightly, men notice, and they are attracted to the light. If the light then becomes darkness, how unfortunate that would be. When there are no standards to emulate, because those who belong to the light no longer shine, how do would the world get to know that there is a better way of living? Creation eagerly awaits the manifestation of the sons of God. If I am one, is my light shining brightly enough for the world to see? Am I hearing precisely and clearly, attracting men to the light, so they can know the God who calls men from darkness into his marvellous light? God's time of favour is here.

 

Able!

Able!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20‭-‬21 NIV

The Context and Focus:

In order to fully appreciate the verses above, it is important to look at the verses before these. Paul was thanking God for the grace God had given him, in order to be an effective witness of Christ to the Gentiles. At the time, the Jews believed they were the only ones entitled to all of God's gifts and grace, because Jesus came from the lineage of the Jews. Well, the vessel was Jewish, but his Father is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Creator of the whole earth, and therefore all men are the object of His mercy and grace. Though the Jews were to be the first partakers of the gift of grace, by God's divine arrangement, all other races would also be part of the blessing of salvation in and through Christ. In and by Christ, all men, no matter the race or tribe, can approach the throne of God's grace with confidence, because there is sufficient supply for all the needs of men, no matter who they are or where they come from. It would mean that I have no excuse not to take from what has been freely given me. What am I waiting for? 

The Message:

Is anyone or anything keeping you away from your entitlements in Christ? This is why Paul could pray the way he did in this letter, and particularly this chapter. He made it clear that all families in heaven and on earth derive their name from the amazing Father we all have. We derive our origin from him, which means that our past was defined and sorted out by Him. Of course, if our past was defined by Him, our present cannot be anything other than what he has foreknown. He gives the power to make right decisions, but it has to be known that even my worst mistakes will work out that which is His perfect will. There is nothing in my present that God does not know about, but it does not mean He takes away my power of personal responsibility and accountability. We like to hide behinf God's omniscience to excuse our sins and wrongdoing, but we conveniently forget the part where God gives us the power of choice. God has supplied the grace and the strength to do what is right, and I must rely on that supply for my daily living. 

The Conclusion:

As you consider Paul's prayer, you note the reference to God, and the different measures of His grace, love, mercy and power. One lifetime on earth is never enough to fully grasp all of these concepts, and the chapter from where today's verses is taken makes that quite clear. This is why the verses above refer to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. No matter how much you think you know about God, or how much He has done for you in the past, it is nothing compared with what He can still do in the future. There is a power that the world cannot fathom, limit or define, yet it holds the whole earth in place, and continues to defy and exceed expectations. That is the power at my disposal, and the source is God. To this God belong all the glory, and I am the visible expression of God's grace. I am His earthly representative, and as long as this earth remains, God will never lack representatives. His church is His ambassador, and even in eternity, the marriage supper of the Lamb beckons. This is a relationship without an end, and I must do all I can to be a part of it when eternity with God in the new heaven starts. You do not want to miss this. He has done all that is required; how do I respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Seek!

Seek!

Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

It is important to learn about the person and identity of God. It helps to know what he loves and hates, so it can help me in my walk and work to know what to do and what to avoid. This is a God who does not lower His standards for anyone, and whatever he says is sin is sin, no matter how advanced, developed or educated the generation is. This is the same God who speaks in today's verse, and it is important to note the context in which these words were spoken. Judah and Israel had been warned by several prophets to check their ways and avoid sin, but they would not. As it was in line with God's Word that no sinner will go unpunished, God sent the nation of Judah into exile. The king, the nobles, the craftsmen, and both the common man and the rich were all taken captive to Babylon. The lesson here is fundamental: do not joke with sin. It will always lead to disaster if you do not repent. God has no firm favourites when it comes to sin; whether rich or poor, young or old, God hates sin, but the note of joy is that his love for us is not diminished in any way. When we repent and return to Him, He welcomes us back with open arms.

The Message:

That is the context of today's verse. Judah did not think that God could punish them for that long. God had made it clear: this exile would last for 70 years. Rather than settle down and make the best of the time, they were waiting on false prophets and promises, who kept making pronouncements contrary to what God had said. It does not matter what the quality or quantity of opposition to you is; as long as God is on your side and you are obeying His commands, be at rest. There are times when, due to no fault of yours, you could get into trouble. Daniel was a young man who knew and followed God, yet he found himself among the exiles in Babylon. We know now that there was a purpose for him going there, but for us today, we know nothing about the future, except the word of God's constant faithfulness. We do not know where or how our story will end, but we have God in and with us. That should give us the hope and confidence we need to face the present and the future, no matter what may come. Judah was told to settle in the land of exile, and to also pray for its peace, so they could also enjoy peace. Imagine praying for your oppressors. 

The Conclusion:

God sure has different standards from man, and if we follow them, we will get results that will shock and surprise those who watch us. In that land of exile, there was a standing promise by God: you will seek me and find me, as long as you seek me with your whole heart. That is deep. God is the One punishing, yet He is also the one promising His power, presence and protection. The same One who punishes sin is the same One showing mercy, grace and forgiveness. It does not matter how far life takes you, or how deep sin drags you; as long as you are alive, you are never too far away from God's mercy, until it is too late. As long as a man has not sinned against the Holy Spirit, there is yet hope. Sin may be as scarlet, or as red as crimson, there is yet no sin that the blood of Jesus cannot cleanse you from. Location, situation, circumstance and living condition do not matter in this conversation: God's grace is able to reach and save me, but the condition is that I must seek God with my whole heart. Nothing of that hypocrisy or eye-service, which leads to self-deceit, but a sincere search for God, and a commitment to daily obedience. God will be found by such a sincere heart, because he is the One you cannot deceive. He waits for us to come. Take the step today, before it is too late. God's time of favour is here.

The Word 3!

The Word 3!

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 KJV

The Context and Focus:

This letter is written by Paul, a mentor to the young man Timothy. The letter covers all there is to the Christian faith, both from the perspectives of leaders and followers. No matter the point of the spectrum you are in, there is a word for you in the book of Timothy. It is also not a wonder that today's verses speak to the place and importance of the Word of God to our present generation. The Word of God is presented as the focal point for all of life; the revelation of God's mind and heart. By it, we know the history and purpose of creation, and see God's hand as He shapes his creation as He pleases. Man also has a role to play, because he is a part of God's creation, and has been given the responsibility of tending and taking care of the earth. Man will only succeed in this role if he does it in line with the will and purpose of the Creator. If I discover and pursue the mind of God for my life, it will be a life well lived indeed. The opposite is also equally true.

 

The Message:,

In the Word of God, the mind of God is made manifest. Whether it is the love stories of the Song of Solomon, or the accounts of wars in the chronicles of the kings, all of them reveal God's dealings with men. It gives us insight into the person of God, the things He loves and hates, and how men and women of old walked with him and got his approval. The stories that speak of God's judgment for sin and disobedience, as well as the stories that emphasize God's mercy, even undeserved, also reveal the scope and depth of God's grace to man, and the fact that there is really nothing man can do to deserve or earn it. It is ALL scripture, not just the part I love. I cannot love the parts that approve what I want to do, and then reject the parts that convict my heart about sin. All scripture is given by the Inspiration of God. His Spirit spoke through men like us, and we have the infallible Word of God, with signs and wonders following, as evidence that the Word of God is life. 

The Conclusion:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for all that will help me grow into the person God wants me to be. A complete man is formed by discipline, instruction, correction and doctrine. I need the right information in order to become what God wants me to be. I may make mistakes, but He does not abandon me. His rod and staff are there to comfort me by getting me back to my feet, and on the right path also. When I am unsure what to do or how to do it, His Word provides necessary information on all areas of life. Isn't it interesting that the man who wrote this letter never married, yet is the one who wrote authoritatively on marriage. This is what the power of the Word of God can achieve. I also note that it refers to the 'man of God'; not just any man. If I am not surrendered yet, today's extract is not for me. How can God do an eternal work in and through a man He does not control or own? The Word of God will supply all I need for impact, but I must open up my heart for the Word to take root, so I can bear lasting fruit. Nothing else will work. God's time of favour is here.

The Word 2!

The Word 2!

But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

The story behind the verse above is from the account of the temptation of Jesus. From the verse in focus yesterday, we were introduced to the person of the Word of God. He is the One for whom and by whom all things we see are created, and they exist for His pleasure. He is the Authority behind all of creation; the power that holds all things together in place. Before anything existed, He is, and long after everything will cease to exist, He remains. This is the God who introduced Himself to us as the Word in yesterday's devotion. Yet, as mighty as Jesus, God did not keep him from trials and temptations. God needed him to walk in our shoes and experience our pain, so He could be provide us the perfect example of grace and mercy in the face of temptations. If He had to walk though that path, we will also walk the path. The steps he took then have become the platform for our own success, if we would apply the same measures He did. His life has become the perfect model to emulate, and if I can walk in His shoes, I will end up with Him.

The Message:

The devil came to Jesus who had just finished a 40-day fast. Of course, he was hungry, and that was the first need the devil wanted him to satisfy. I must be careful of the sense of urgency the devil will seek to place on me. This is the generation of the NOW, where it is hard to teach perseverance and patience. Men want it now, and they may kill or maim to get it. Hunger is a legitimate need, but I must be careful of the things I do to meet the need. If I have to break God's commandments, or seek help from the wrong place, how long can I last? If the foundations of my help are based on sin, how far can I go? Jesus was hungry, but He kept his father's will and purpose right in front of Him. I have to do the same at all times: keep God as my focus on a daily basis. The devil wanted Jesus to turn stones into bread, based on the odd question: "If you are the son of God". The devil knew Jesus is indeed the son of God, and I must also be careful of living up to man's expectations of me. Of what use is impressing men if God is displeased with me? Of what use would man's applause be if God is not also applauding? 

The Conclusion:

The response of Jesus to the odd request is quite revealing: Jesus didn't bother debating his sonship, as that was not the point. Would anything I do or say change who Jesus is? Does my acceptance or rejection of Him impact who He is? The response of Jesus as revealed in the verse above shows the place and importance of priorities, pursuits, goals and aspirations that put God at the centre of all I consider important. Bread is good, because it meets a need that is critical to life, but after bread, what is next? After physical hunger has been fully satisfied, how do I address the equally important spiritual hunger? I must know that I am first a spiritual being, and I must seek that which feeds my spiritual man. God's Word is that sustaining power that provides all that a man truly needs, and without it, there is no hope. What is the use of the strength food provides, if there is no direction to apply the strength to? I must seek God and his Word. I must get a Word from God every day, so that every day can be guided and directed. God waits for me. God waits for you. How would we respond? God's time of favour is here. 

With God!

With God!

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. Luke 1:37 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

Today's verse is one of those statements of fact, pronounced by one who sees God at work on a regular basis. An angel was sent by God to a virgin called Mary, and told that she would be with child, without the help or input of a man. Science has always tried to find a way to replicate human life without the natural law of conception, but whether it takes place within or outside the womb, God has so ordained it that human life, as He has planned it, will always require the input of the fertilising agent as well as the receiving agent. However, because of God's plan to break the power of sin, and to require innocent blood for the remission of sin, there had to be a life without sin. Therefore, God made it possible, as a once-in-a-lifetime miracle, that life will be conceived without the cooperation of both agents. By God's divine power, purpose and arrangement, a virgin would get pregnant and have a Son. Even Mary wondered how it would be so, since she had not known a man up till that time. Today's verse is the response of the angel to the concern raised by Mary. The lessons in that response bear emphasis for us in this present generation. 

The Message:

As long as God is in control, there is no limit to the things that are possible. As the story above shows, God suspended the law of natural conception, in order to fulfil his divine purpose for the salvation of all mankind. It is still the same God, and the laws He has established for man are within His control, and He can decide what to do with them, whenever He pleases. However, it bears repeating again to say that there is a place for personal surrender, where I place my life under the direct control and influence of God Himself. I allow Him work in and through me to achieve all that men may call impossible. This was where Mary found herself at this time, and she allowed herself to be used by God. We know how the story ended for Mary and the son Jesus. There is also the bit where God will show his power, regardless of my surrender. As long as God has spoken a word, whether I believe Him or not does not change God's power and ability to perform what He has promised. God does not need man's help or input to be God; He is the Creator of all things, including man, and creation must answer to the will and pleasure of its creator if it will make sense.

The Conclusion:

I also note that from the verse above, my view or opinion is not sought. The statement above is not subject to negotiation or compromise, and it is not subject to other things being true. Actually, every other thing in life rises or falls based on the truth of the verse above. We speak about a God who made the heaven and the earth, and continues to sustain both by the power of His Word. It is not in God's nature to waste words, so you can be sure that whatever He says carries with it the power of fulfillment. With God, not without God. I will not survive outside of God. I must not make assumptions about my connection with God. I have got to make sure, and to watch that connection on a regular basis. The devil was in God's presence, yet he fell away due to pride. I have a God who cannot lie; in fact, the bible refers to two immutable things by which it is IMPOSSIBLE for God to lie: His Name and His Word. If you have Him, you have all you need for this present life. If you don't have Him, you have nothing, no matter what else you have. Do I have Him? The response to that question has eternal consequences. God's time of favour is here.

Doers 2!

Doers 2!

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:25 NIV

The Context and Focus:

From yesterday's devotion, it was made clear that the Word of God is a mirror. The mirror is not under my influence or control. It does not show me what I want to see; it shows me exactly who/what I am, and how I look. I then have a choice to ignore particular features or attributes I do not like, or accentuate the ones that make me comfortable, but whatever I do does not in any way change what/who has been revealed by the mirror. If I come back to the mirror a million times, it will continue to show me the things I have not addressed. I can decide to buy a newer or more expensive mirror, but as long as it is a proper mirror, without smudges or stains, it will continue to show me who/what I am. Would it not then be a blessing to just focus on what has been revealed, and trust the One who is Truth to help me address whatever is wrong with my current look, so I can be all that God has created, fitted and purposed me to be? We had looked at the danger of ignoring what has been revealed, and today's verse gives the other view, which is the man who is careful to address whatever has been revealed. 

The Message:

What do I stand to gain? The verses above point to about three things that form the right response to the mirror: looks INTENTLY, CONTINUES in it, and DOING it. All three are important. Just as was laid out yesterday, reading/hearing is the foundation to all the good things the mirror wants to achieve. I must not just desire to read or hear, but I must do so with a heart that is hungry for more of God on a daily basis. It cannot be occasional, or haphazard, but a daily and regular commitment to seeking God. The word INTENTLY, which is defined as doing something 'with earnest and eager attention' shows the investment of time and the whole heart into the assignment. It leaves no room for distractions. After reading/hearing, and paying attention to the requirements, it is not a one-off exercise, but a dedication to the demands of God by CONTINUING to obey. I do not do it only when it is convenient, but as long as it aligns with God's command and his timing as instructed,  I am quick to DO whatever it is that I have been instructed.

The Conclusion:

The connection of the three elements above must not be broken by inordinate pursuits, selfish desires, or any other personal preferences. I cannot take one element and ignore the rest. If I want the end of the verse above to ring true in my life, I must ensure that my life aligns with the elements discussed above. The Word of God is the mirror that shows me the mind of God; it tells us what God's will is, as well as the impact of man's sin on the world, the application of due punishment for sin, as well as the reward of God for right living. Would it be right to take one part and ignore the other? Would I have a balanced view of God if I only take Him as a God of love, and not also as one who hates and punishes sin? I note also that the blessing pronised by God above seems to be tied to the DOING. it is quite great to read/hear but the blessing is in being able to put into practice the things you read/hear. This makes the difference between someone who just claims the name, and someone else who lives out the name. Which one am I? God's time of favour is here.

Doers 1!

Doers 1!

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.

James 1:22‭-‬24 ESV

The Context and Focus:

This present generation is high on visibility and performance, and quite low on integrity and perseverance. This present generation has mastered the art of deception, and has been able to sustain eye-service and hypocrisy. It keeps finding ways to obtain and sustain human applause, yet at the same time, caring nothing about God's approval. It lives for the praise and approval of men, and does not really bother to find out what God's will or mind is on any matter. There's so much noise going on that it is difficut to hear God's voice over the cacophony of alternative voices the devil is promoting. Yet, in the face of all these things, there is a standard that holds true, no matter the generation or dispensation in question, and it is the veracity and immutability of God's Word. I can choose to believe it, or I can choose to reject it; my decision really does not affect the truths of the Word of God. His Word is indeed Yes and Amen, and the machinations of men do nothing to change that fact. The Word of God is the standard against which everything else in this world will be judged, so I had better be sure that my life aligns with its expectations.

The Message:

The Word does not give room for hypocrisy. I have to make up my mind about what to do with what I hear and read. The first step is to make the approach. I cannot really obey instructions I do not know. This is why access is one of God's greatest blessings. On mobile phones, social media platforms and on the electronic and print media, the Word of God has become accessible and available. What do I do with what I hear and read? If I just hear, and do nothing with what I have heard, how does God bless what I have heard? Hearing/Reading is just the first step; even the devil had access to God, yet He messed up the privilege. I have to move into the doing bit. The doing bit is proof that I believe in God as well as the efficacy and truth of His Word, as I allow it to change my life from within, so it can then impact the life I live on the outside. Doing means I believe in the power of the Word to impact the world I live in, and I trust that God will be glorified through my actions. Doing is the evidence of my faith in God. It has to be sincere and heartfelt, because there could be a thin line between sincere devotion and hypocrisy. 

The Conclusion:

This is why doing is critical: the picture posed by the verses above portray someone who needs to address an issue. He comes up to the mirror; of course, the mirror is unable to lie or show you what you want. It shows you exactly how things look. I have the choice to accept what I have been shown, and then take immediate steps to address whatever is wrong. There could be a complete change of clothes, or the removal of a smudge, or maybe a complete overhaul. Whatever the decision is, it is spurred by the revelation of the mirror. I do not conform the image of the mirror to suit my desires; I conform my desires to suit the mind of God as revealed by the mirror. Imagine the terrible effect of then turning away from the mirror, after seeing all that needs to be addressed, and then immediately forgetting what you saw. How do you make a change? How do you follow God's plan for your life, if you cannot even keep up with His daily dealings? How does He help deal with issues in life, if you will not ask Him for help for your daily walk? Grace is freely available, but I have to ask for it, and when it is given, trust God on a daily basis to help me walk worthy of His calling upon my life. God's time of favour is here. 

Hope!

Hope!

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV

The Context and Focus:

Paul, writing to the church in Rome, reminds the audience about the importance of living to please God by striving to impact the lives of people. As the earthly representative of the eternal God, I have a duty to represent God the right way, by being an example of selfless service, humility, and patience. It is also equally important to note that the fruit of the Holy Spirit contains peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. It is by my dealings with men that my relationship with God is made manifest. It is by my dealings with men that my life's pursuits and priorities are revealed. If all I care about is what I can get out, and not so much what I can put it also, then it is obvious that this relationship will not last, or it will continue with the wrong focus. The end will also not be good. God has also been very gracious by providing us with perfect examples of what his dealings with man look like, so we can read, study and apply them, so that the same grace they had, and the impact they made, could also be replicated in our own generation too.

The Message:

Today's verse is that perfect connection of the past, present and future. God was very intentional to inspire men like us to write the accounts we read today. These are stories of imperfect men used by the perfect God to do mighty things. In some instances, some men rejected God to the end, and we see how they ended up. Some didn't have a great start, but their end was glorious. Some had the rare distinction of being spoken about by God to their parents, who then made sure the children knew God from a young age. Whatever the past was, there was a decision to be made, a purpose to discover and a race to run. Whatever understanding each person had affected the way s/he went about serving God. Of course, for each person, at the end, there was a reckoning and an accounting to be made. At the time, it didn't matter how loud the earthly applause had been; now, it was all about the judgment and reward of the One who actually called and commissioned the assignment all of us have. For me today, I need to determine what is important, and what is expected of me going forward. Is my current trajectory sure to take me to the place God has prepared for me?

The Conclusion:

This is why the records of the Bible are very important to us today. The men and women of the Bible were not presented as perfect on their own, but by submission and surrender to God, they have become examples to emulate. By extension, as the verse above says, their own past, present and future give us a window into how we must deal with God, if we also want a great end. Everything in the bible, from the accounts of man's sin, to the destruction of the earth through water, to the various men and women used by God under different circumstances and different times, we see God making clear his purpose, showing us His ways and asking us to obey Him, so we can enjoy the fullness of His blessings. The past is the foundation for the present, because it tells us the things God loves and hates, and the past also helps us walk and work right in the present. As we walk right today, we are showing the present generation how to please God, as well as raising them to fear God. That is hope: that the future is secure because God is given the honour and recognition He deserves. May the Word of God be my constant companion, so my life can please God in every way. God's time of favour is here.

Guided!

Guided!

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Psalm 119:105 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

The verse above is taken from the longest chapter in the bible, which has 176 verses. For those with a Bible version that splits the chapter into parts, the entire chapter is divided into 22 sections of 8 verses each, and each section has a reference to the Word of God, or the power and ability of God to change lives by His Word and nature. Today's verse is actually the first verse of its own section, and it highlights the nature of the Word, its power, its impact as well as the right response expected by God from all who come in contact with the Word. First, we see quite clearly that it refers to 'Your Word', not any man's. Actually, we are made in the likeness of God, and we carry the same creative power God has. By our words, we can build up, and by the nature of sin that has now come in, our words can also destroy lives. However, we take this power from the One who made us, not of our own creation or making. We will not amount to much outside the influence and direction of the One who formed us, so we must find our way to God, if we will find our way through life.

The Message:

Then, the Word, which we have identified as being of God is then presented as both a lamp and a light. An interesting definition for a lamp is 'a device for giving light, especially one that has a covering or is contained within something'. In that definition, we find both the device that gives light, and the light itself that is also defined as 'the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible'. The Word of God is both the device and the agent that helps me see, and makes things visible. It is a different thing to be helped to see, and it is even a different thing for a thing that is usually hidden from sight to be made visible to my eyes. I could look intently for a thing and not find it, yet by simple guidance or revelation, I could find a thing that had been hidden away for years. I could even be the only one to see a thing, yet another person could be given grace to see the same thing from another perspective. This is what the Word of God is: it helps me see, and also makes hidden things visible. 

The Conclusion:

It is first a personal encounter, as well as an impact statement, whereby even things around me point to the power and ability of God to change people, situations and circumstances, as well as destinies. It has to be emphasised again that it is first personal: you read 'my feet' and 'my path' in the verse above. A life that will make public impact must first have private impact and direction. Like the writer of the psalm, anything I do or fail to do will not change the ability of the Word of God. It would only mean that its impact will be limited in my own life, whilst it will continue to change lives that allow Him work in and through them. The Word of God is the instrument of change, the beacon of hope, and the bearer of light, and by it, I am led down the path of purpose. I am helped to focus on what God wants me to be and do: other people's stories would encourage and not distract me. My personal dealings with God become the instruments by which God can change the world He has placed me in. Would you also allow work in you a work that will then bless the world around you? God's time of favour is here.

The Word!

The Word!

IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. John 1:1 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

Today's verse is a timeless piece. It is the vert first verse of the book of John, the one most likely referred to as 'The Beloved'. Today's verse is an inspired piece also, because it makes at least three statements, which have become the point of controversies and contentions all over the world, yet nobody has been able to propound or sustain better or improved positions. Let it be clear from the outset that it is the Holy Spirit who can inspire such words. A man who has not encountered the person and power of the Holy Spirit cannot really put into words who He is and how He operates. As a man walks with the Holy Spirit, there are new revelations about who God is and what He wants. As I know and follow these things, of course, God reveals more and more of Himself to me. Like John here, so does God want me to really know Him. A healthy knowledge of God keeps me from sin, and helps me walk worthy of the call of God upon my life. 

The Message:

There is a statement which refers to the beginning of time as we know it. Scientists have tried to date the earth, but I wonder how you can accurately date a thing using materials and information that came after the earth was already in place. How does the created correctly predict anything about the Creator? Whatever he has revealed is sufficient for us to praise, worship and revere Him, and the discoveries we keep unearthing remind us of the eternal nature of God. He has no beginning or end; therefore the limits of human knowledge and ability do not apply to Him. He existed long before anything or anyone else came into existence, and even the earth and its complexities point to the wisdom and creativity of an amazing God. This leads to another statement, which underscores the identity of the person who is responsible for all we see or hear today. No man could have thought up the amazing discoveries we have today, without the input of the amazing Creator. 

The Conclusion:

Of course, we have a statement that further underscores the Trinity: the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit,  present at the beginning of time, as we know it. The person of Christ is called the Word of God, because by and for Him, all things were made. The Word of God is the power behind the world. The Word of God is the irrevocable and irreversible power at work in the world, and the world must recognise and submit to Him, if it will ever fulfil its potential. At the first pronouncement of God, when he declared: "Let there be light", the word has remained efficient and effective, and has continued to sustain the times and seasons as we know it today. Today's verse calls him the Word, God, Creator, ageless, timeless, all at once. He has been introduced to the earth, and now, the earth has to make up its mind how it will respond. The statements above are absolutes, and I can choose to debate them, or I can simply take the Creator at his Word and submit to Him. As He is Eternal, so does He want me to live in that reality. Would I take him at His Word? God's time of favour is here. 

Delivered!

Delivered!

who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:13‭-‬14 KJV

The Context and Focus:

Paul and Timothy are credited with writing the words of today's verse, and is part of the letter written to the church in Colosse. Paul started this letter, like all others, with gratitude to God for his call upon his life, and the power of the Word of God being made manifest all over the world. The Word of God is actually the person of Christ Himself. The bible makes it clear in the book of John, that 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God'. By the power of the Word, all that we see today were created, and placed where they are. By the power of the Word, creation is still being kept and sustained and everything keeps working as they should. The person of Christ is the Word of God, and the message of Christ is the key to all that we have received. Without Him, there is really nothing to look forward to. Outside of Him, nothing makes sense. You can't speak of the Christian faith without a reference to Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith. It is therefore imperative to consider if I have truly met this Christ. Is He my Lord and Saviour, or is he still just one of my many fall-back options?

The Message:

Today's verses speak to the person and mission of Christ. A few verses may not be able to fully encapsulate all that Christ came to do, but as we focus on today's extract, we see a few lessons. First, he came to deliver us from the power of darkness. It is clear that sin has power, otherwise, it would have been easy to deliver men from its grip. However, the devil knows his end is sealed, and he will want to take as many as he can with him. In order to defeat this plan, God had to send His own son, in the image of the people He wanted to save, so he could deliver them from the power of sin. Sin brings darkness, because it leads to eternal separation from God. Only a more powerful force could save men from the power of sin, and that is what Christ represents. No one goes into the house of a strong man and loots his goods, without first overpowering and subduing the strong man. Secondly, there is a translation into the kingdom of Jesus. Both deliverance from sin, and translation into God's kingdom are the complete package that Christ came to deliver to us. He wouldn't have done one without the other. 

The Conclusion:

Sin no longer has any power over me, if i am truly translated into the kingdom of Jesus. I cannot play both sides, with one foot in sin and the other foot in the kingdom of Christ. It will not work. Such deceit will only end in eternal death. By the cross and the blood that was shed, redemption is sealed. By the cross and the blood that was shed, sin is totally forgiven, and the past taken care of. No other person could secure these blessings for me, and this is why I must live as one who truly appreciates all that Christ has delivered to me. This package is the reason why I am who I am, where I am and what I am today. It is by the cross that my hope has been sealed, and I can look forward to all that God has for me in the present and the future. It starts at the cross. All of the blessings of eternal life are found in Christ. The world's treasures are just for a little while; the world cannot secure eternal life for you because it does not have it. The One who does has laid down his life to secure it; I have to come to Him on his own terms. Make up your mind before it is too late. God's time of favour is here. 

Trust!

Trust!

Trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], For the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. Isaiah 26:4 AMP

The Context and Focus:

Just as we read yesterday, the best example to teach other people is your personal encounter. It is also fine to learn from other people's encounters, but I believe the strongest impact and impression are made from those you go through yourself. For as many as would run into God, they find him a refuge that can be trusted in all seasons to provide all that they need. Today's verse goes on in the same vein too: there is a need to take steps in the right direction to get the full benefits of all that God is.  I can read as much as I want, or learn as much as I want about God; the benefits are only made evident when I apply all I have read and learnt. Men like the seven sons of Sceva knew about the God that Paul knew and served, but they knew nothing of this God. It is not a wonder that one man, full of demons, was able to overpower and beat up these seven men. The other extreme too is to also know Him, be close to Him, but not to totally surrender to Him. Judas Iscariot followed Jesus for three and a half years, even saw the miracles and mighty things Jesus did whilst on earth, yet for the love of money, he betrayed Jesus and was lost forever. 

The Message:

Accounts like the above underscore the importance of knowing God for myself. Trust is defined as the 'firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something'. It means that trust is not something that is earned lightly or carelessly, and there is an investment of time and resources in proving that this person or thing can be relied on. It is also vital to mention that whatever you trust a person or thing to do will be dependent on the nature and characteristics of the person or thing. No matter how long you cook a car on fire, you cannot eat it, and no matter how much fuel you pump into a tuber of yam, you cannot drive it. When I am charged to trust in the Lord, it is a charge that is based on avaliable information and how much of it I have personally appropriated and applied to myself. I also note that the charge is to trust God forever; again, the characteristics and nature of God make it easy to trust Him forever, as one part of His nature is His immutability and eternal nature. Long before the trials and tough times were even named, or before any of them would even come my way, God has existed, and He remains the same through all generations. 

The Conclusion:

God is called my fortress, shield, and banner. None of these attributes are known by accident, but by experience. God is also called the everlasting Rock - the Rock of Ages. He is ageless, timeless, limitless and eternal. Men like Isaiah, who lived more than 2,000 years ago found him to be trustworthy. Even before him, Abraham found God to be trustworthy. In our own age today, we also have testimonies of men who have proven and found God to be trustworthy. Isn't it amazing that the changing of the seasons and the expiration of different regimes and dynasties have done nothing to reduce or negatively impact God's dependable nature? My own experience has to be a source of encouragement and help to other people. I have to share my experience with the world, in the hope that others too will hear, see and know this God, and then also experience him for themselves. I trust God with my life; what other options are there? Even when things go wrong, I trust Him. Who else can make them right? No matter what comes, my mind and heart are fixed on the eternal God. He is all I need. God's time of favour is here. 

Healing!

Healing!

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV

The Context and Focus:

James, writing to the Jews who had been scattered among the nations due to persecution and harassment, was reminding his audience about the power of prayer. Prayer must not be confused with grumbling and complaining; prayer is a personal acknowledgement of the power, authority and ability of the person you are praying to, and also asking for His help and intervention on particular matters. Definitions of prayer available online include 'a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity'. Or another: 'an act of communication by humans with the sacred or holy—God, the gods, the transcendent realm, or supernatural powers'. For our own purpose, we will focus on the God who is the One true God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who has made man in His own image, and seeks communion and fellowship with man. You can't seek help from someone who is equally in need of help as you are, unless God, who is the Help, sends you to the person. This is why the community of believers is the best place for a man to be. This is where the divine is available to the mortal. 

The Message:

How else can we explain the power behind confession of sin to other like-minded believers, which will then lead to healing? How does this work? I believe that God's grace and mercy flow unhindered when there is no sin in the camp. I recall how the actions of Achan at Jericho led to loss for Israel, and the destruction of the entire family of Achan. That is the destructive power of sin, but from the verse above, we see the restorative power of confession, forgiveness and mercy, and then prayers made in faith. All of them go together, and you cannot ask God to move or intervene in a matter where there is strife, conflict, bitterness, hatred and malice. As we confess to one another, we run the risk of being vulnerable, but we also enjoy the blessings that come from a heart free from the burden of sin. That is how and when God can move. Confession is our trust in the ability and capacity of God to cleanse and give a fresh, new start, and prayer is the key that gives us access to the limitless riches of God's grace. 

The Conclusion:

It is important to pray. There is really nothing else that moves God's hand to do mighty things than the earnest prayers of his own children. Just after this verse, we read of a man like Elijah, who, by prayer, shut up the heavens and rain did not fall for three and a half years. He prayed again, and the rain fell. Joshua commanded the sun to stand still, and the sun delayed going down by a full day, until Israel overcame its enemies. God has not changed, because he is still the same through all generations. The same God who heard Joshua and Elijah, also heard Daniel. He also heard his son as he prepared for the cross, and we now have access to the same throne of grace. The resources have been made available, for free. I note the word 'righteous man' in the verse above. That is the qualification required to gain access. It has nothing to do with human ability, influence or networth, but simply by the finished work of Christ on the cross, which imputes righteousness. That is all I need. Would I then take advantage of what God has provided? God's time of favour is here. 

Praise!

Praise!

From the rising of the sun to the going down of it and from east to west, the name of the Lord is to be praised! Psalm 113:3 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

It is not indicated who wrote the words of this psalm, but the message in the psalm couldn't be clearer. As you read the entire chapter from which the verse above is taken, the key word that runs through the 9 verses is PRAISE. In fact, the same expression: 'Praise ye the Lord' starts and ends the chapter, underscoring the importance of the word 'praise'. What would this word mean? Interestingly, the word is defined as both a noun and a verb. Open sources define praise as to 'express warm approval or admiration of...'  or to 'express one's respect and gratitude towards (a deity), especially in song'. As you can see from the definitions above, it appears it is impossible to truly praise in silence and inaction. There must be an outward or visible or audible expression that will be defined as praise. It is also defined as 'the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something' or the 'expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship'. It is clear from the above that true praise can only flow from a source that fully understands what it is doing, and to whom it is being offered. 

The Message:

That is quite important: know the One you seek to offer praise to. Men may seek the glory but the nature of man is such that he is temporal and earthly. There is very little store you can place next to a man's promise, because you can only demand from him based on what he has at the moment, or whether he is even alive to give it. Man may seek praise for himself, but it is obvious that no man can by himself guarantee he will see the next minute, unless God makes it so. If I will offer true praise, I have to first settle in my heart what I have been called to give, and to whom the quality offering is to be made. A lack of knowledge or information about this God can lead to doing things the wrong way, and there is usually a huge price to pay for that. When I have come to know the God who calls me to himself, then I can offer him quality praise. True praise flows from a totally surrendered heart. True praise comes from a heart that does not need to be cajoled or begged; it knows who God is, what He has done in the past, and the amazing things He can still do in the future. Have you met this God?

The Conclusion:

Out of the many reasons why I need to praise God, one is given on today's verse. It is because of the consistency, faithfulness and dependability of God. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West; at least, that is what science has taught us. Till today, there has not been anything to disprove this. From the days of Noah, just as God said then, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night have not ceased. The cycle of life continues to operate as God planned it, and no one is powerful enough to change whatever God has established by His power. As one part of the world wakes up the rising sun, another part is preparing to go to sleep. Only once from bible records did the sun fail to go down when it should, but the earth remains in place, just as God wants it to be right now. This is the consistency that gives me hope. This is the nature of God that makes him trustworthy, and helps me commit my life to God totally. I can praise Him with my whole heart, because I have seen Him at work. Do I need any reason to praise God, apart from the above? I sit down and consider all I am, have received and become, and where I know God is taking me to, and all I can do is PRAISE GOD. That is all that matters. God's time of favour is here.

Chosen!

Chosen!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9‭-‬10 NIV

The Context and Focus:

Identity is very important in any conversation about expectations. The man who wrote the words of today's verse is an example of this point. He didn't start out confident; in fact, actual name was Simon son of Jona, with Simon meaning a reed, easily shaken by the wind. Jesus called him Peter, because He saw what Simon would and could become. In the same way, no matter what I look like now, it does not in any way look like who God wants to make me. It does not appear that many people even remember his name as Simon anymore. The key to accessing all that God is and can make me is total surrender. God does not force Himself on anyone, but for all who come, His promise is that he will not cast away. If I will have access to the amazing treasure of today's verses, I have to come to Jesus, and take him up on the offer of life. The verses above speak to people who have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. The same chapter asks me to crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it, I may grow up in my salvation. Have I come to this saving knowledge? 

The Message:

The power and consequences of the choices we make cannot be overemphasized. We can blame the economy, our family background, the available options we had growing up, but at the end of the day, we still have to make choices, and these choices define our earthly impact as well as our eternal reality. Now, it is very important to note that God does not leave us alone to fend for ourselves; he offers help. He has and holds the master plan for our lives, and as we surrender to Him, he is able to fit us into his perfect plan. He is building a spiritual house, a place for the manifestation of His power, glory and grace. In that house, like the temple of old, perfect and acceptable sacrifices are to be made to God. As we know, God rejected the blind, lame or diseased animals as sacrifices; they had to be of a specific type, age and appearance. As it was then, so is it now. I come to God as I am, but he does not leave me the same way I came. He cleans me up, and then sends me back into the world as the perfect example of what He can do with yielded vessels. That is what today's verses make clear: my past or present look like nothing like my future. God is working in me that which is His perfect will. 

The Conclusion:

Check out all the words used to describe those who have come to know Christ: chosen people, royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. Out of many, He chose me. Just as He called me does he call each and everyone of us. God will not form and birth anyone for whom He does not have an eternal plan. He called me, not because of what I could give Him (in monetary terms),

but for what He could make of me. He takes me as I am, but when I have come to know Him, there is a demand for holiness. He makes me His special possession, calling me not just into royalty, but also into priesthood. Of course, the child of a king is a heir to the throne, and the family of the Great High Priest is called into priesthood. The call of God on a man's life is not to be taken lightly; it is a call into a life of dedication and focus, and a daily appreciation of what I have received from God. Mercy has brought me in, and  has made and equipped me as a person that God can count on and use in these end times. What is your own decision? Remember, God is eternal, but for those of us on earth, all his promises are dated. Make up your mind while the offer lasts. God's time of favour is here. 

Sacrifices!

Sacrifices!

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 ESV

The Context and Focus:

Paul writes to the church in Rome, and his letter covers several aspects of the Christian experience. The focus for today's verse is also part of this experience, and as you read the chapters before this one, you see the interesting yet definitive dynamic of the power of sin, and the even greater power of mercy. There is a law that governs sin, and there is also a law that defines and defines mercy and grace. Both laws are in operation on this side of eternity, and both laws have faithful adherents. God has also made quite clear what the end of both laws are. By the operation of the law of sin, eternal death is its end. By the same divine arrangement, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin which brings death. It is critical to again note that you cannot sit on the fence on this one, as you are under the control, influence and direction of one law at any point in time. If you are a child of God, totally surrendered to Him and willing to walk with and work for God, the law of the Spirit of life is at work. If you still listen to the flesh, and allow its lusts to dictate your pursuits and priorities, then you are under the control, influence and direction of the law that lead to death. 

The Message:

Both laws have power to dictate behaviour. This is why no man delivers himself from the power of sin and death. You need a superior power to deliver you; and it is by repentance, remorse and return to God that you can have access to that power. This is the focus of the verse above: there is a power available in Christ for all who are tired of the oppression, repression and depression that the law of sin offers. It is God's mercy that makes the benefits of this law available to all men. It is by mercy that a man realises he needs help, and comes to the right source for this help. It is by mercy that a man's past is completely wiped clean, and he is given a fresh start. It is by mercy that a man who is now saved is kept and sustained on the path of life till the Lord returns or calls him home. As he leaves on earth, there are standards he has to live up to, which are the rules of the new kingdom he has submitted to. If a sacrifice is to be offered, the animal does not have an opinion. It is offered despite any protests. For us, it is a willing sacrifice, made in appreciation of what we have received. We give up what we think is best for us, to take up what is actually best for us. 

The Conclusion:

The sacrifice has to be offered in line with the dictates and instructions of one requesting it, not the way I think it should be made. The terms used in the verse above are HOLY and ACCEPTABLE to God. These words are critical, because the standard of holiness is what God will not lower for anyone. He loves all of his creation, but he will not compromise on the standard simply because he needs a crowd. It appears to me that God is more interested in the inward, long before the outward will even matter. Man judges based on what he can see, and that is why man can be easily distracted and deceived. God is not moved by what men do; rather, he is interested in why man does what he does. My spiritual worship must be my focus. I need to stop worrying about the office or title, and start to focus on knowing God and his ways. It may be that he will send me out on assignment, or he could hide me away from the public until his work is formed in me, but however he decides to work in and through me, all I can be is totally surrendered and yielded to Him. That is all I must do. What would you do or give to God, for all He has done and given? God's time of favour is here. 

Run!

Run!

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 KJV

The Context and Focus:

Again, we consider the words of King Solomon, who the bible records as the wisest man of his time. This won't be a surprise, because it was what he asked God for, and God, as is his custom, gives to his own in line with our requests as they line up with His will. God is not like man, who gives only when it is convenient, or when there is a personal advantage to be gained. With God, who owns all things, and can do all things, there is really nothing new you can give him that he does not already own. The book of Proverbs are full of one-line messages, and today's verse is one of them. We are introduced to the name of the Lord here, and it is instructive to note that 'name' here is singular, not plural. As we know, the bible is full of different names of God, as he chose to reveal Himself to men at different times and in different generations, yet He remains the same at all times. He came to Abraham as the Lord God Almighty, and then introduced himself to Moses and Israel as the I AM. Same God, same name, different manifestations, different revelations. Have I truly met this God? Do I have my own personal encounter with this God? 

The Message:

The name of the Lord is presented here as a strong tower. This is just one of the many ways the name of the Lord is presented to us, as it meets a particular need at a particular point in time in our lives. In this generation where safety is presented as high fences, guard dogs, military might and power, intercontinental missiles and currency might and influence, today's verse makes it clear that all these will be rendered useless on the day of God's visitation. We have seen mighty men rise and fall, and be replaced by even mightier men who still also rose and fell. History has shown us the Egyptian civilisation, as well as the domination of the Greek, Assyrian, Babylonian and Turkish empires, amongst others, yet none stands today in the same might. The weapons and strategies of wars keep changing, yet none can provide lasting peace or security, because none can provide the safety and security available in the name of the Lord. This is the name men and women of old called on, and their lives have become the stories we read today of God's gracious dealings. Do I really know that name?

The Conclusion:

How do I enjoy the benefits of that name? Two things are critical here: the qualifying attitude and the response to the name. The righteous are the ones who are able to run into the grace available in that name. These are people who have come to completely trust in and depend on the Lord for all things. It is not the selective thing that is popular these days, where we commit part of our lives to God and then hold on to other parts. It has to be a total surrender. When you have total trust in God, He takes care of any and every situation you may face. The verse asks me to run. It is not a leisurely stroll, but a running. There are dangers all around, and you just don't know from where and when they come. Don't wait until they threaten or they are almost upon you before you find a place of rest in God. Towers are always higher than any surrounding buildings, because it provides advance notice of whatever is coming. Nothing catches God by surprise, so if I am in Him, whatever I need for whatever is coming will be provided IN and BY Him. I am safe if I am in Him. Where are you? Can the hand of God reach you where you are right now? He waits for us. God's time of favour is here.

DO!

DO!

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

The Context and Focus:

As we read this very popular verse again, it is good to remind ourselves of how Solomon and Israel got here. Solomon had been made king, and as directed and provided during the reign of David his father, Solomon had been able to build a lovely temple, as well as an imposing palace. We read of the prayer of Solomon, asking God to open his eyes upon the temple he had built, and that as often as Israel will come and pray toward the temple, that God would hear, forgive and heal. It is very interesting that Solomon did not mention all the 22,000 oxen or the 120, 000 sheep he had offered to God as sacrifices. As good as this was, it was not the stuff to move God's hand here. If God leads me to make sacrifices, at least not with blood nowadays, I must make them as led, but they flow from a heart that is open and receptive to guidance and leadership of God. I don't use sacrifices and activities as bribes to catch God's attention; I first seek to know, follow and obey Him, then every other thing falls into place. I must get the order right: obedience before sacrifice. Saul didn't understand this, and it cost him the kingship, as well as any dynasty or legacy of any kind in Israel.

The Message:

God came to Solomon, and indeed confirmed he had heard the king's prayer. God said he had chosen the place for Himself as a hosue of sacrifice, not of blood this time, but of a different kind, as we see in each part of the verse above. In God's house, God's prescription for access and success must be followed, if I want to have the end result as promised. First, we see the word HUMBLE. The man who will make acceptable sacrifices and be heard by God must be humble. There is no place for pride for the one who wants to approach God. Pride makes one think you are bigger than what you really are; God opposes such people, and God help you if God is the One fighting you. To whom would you appeal? Then we see the words PRAY and SEEK my face. This means I actually open my heart/mouth and actually talk to God. It is one thing to complain and moan about what is going on around me, and if that is all I do, it will make no difference. In the face of the realities that I face, God will expect me to make an approach to His throne of grace and just pray to Him. He is a Father, and he loves to hear the heart-cry of His children. Praying and seeking God's face take time and effort, and is not something to be rushed.

The Conclusion:

Of course, there is also TURN which demands a change of direction and focus.i cannot keep doing the same wrong thing over and over again, and expect that the consequences will change. God has no favourites when it comes to sin, and His promise is to punish it no matter in whom it is found. When all the above are in place, the promise by God is that He will hear, he will forgive and he will heal the land. We demand God to hear and heal, yet we are not willing to make the sacrifices required for that to happen. We want to hold on to familiar tokens and practices because they make us comfortable. We want to continue down the familiar path of sin, but the Word of God already makes it clear that we cannot continue in sin and expect grace to abound. God forbid. It is time to make the sacrifices required for God to move in our lives, society and nations. He will not come if we don't invite Him, and he cannot dwell where sin thrives. What sacrifices am I willing and ready to make to see God move today? God's time of favour is here. 

The Mediator!

The Mediator!

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

1 Timothy 2:5‭-‬6 NLT

The Context and Focus:

Through the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul is credited with the words of today's verses, and these words are addressed to one of his proteges,  Timothy. Here was a young man whose mother was a Jew, but his father was a Greek. In those days, that was an 'unspeakable' offence, and Paul had to circumcise him, in order to make his message acceptable to the Jews at the time. Paul was careful to note that circumcision was not the same as salvation, but was a necessary tool at the time, in order to help the spread of the gospel. For us today, what sacrifices are we willing to make in order to advance the kingdom of God? Would I insist on rghts and privileges, or would I be willing to take a hit if it advances the message of Christ? I note again that the focus is on Christ and his finished work on the cross. Every other thing is secondary to this work. I cannot preach or teach salvation by labour or by works; it is first and last by faith in Jesus, then the works that align with salvation must follow. If good works could guarantee salvation, we won't need the blood. The blood is that cover that gives access to the mercy and grace God had made available to all men, without any favouritism.

The Message:

By the blood, the chasm that sin caused, where God was separated from man, and man lost his place in the Garden of Eden, has now been bridged. The blood of bulls and goats was good only for a season, because that blood could not provide atonement, or pay the price that sin demanded from its adherents. You cannot take the imperfect, and seek to achieve a perfect work with it, without the input of the perfect God. Jesus, the perfect and sinless One, is the only One who could offer a perfect sacrifice for sin, and by His blood, He paid the full and final price for sin, by dying on the cross, and a shameful one at that. There is no other God who could lawfully demand this price; there is also no other person who could pay the price that was demanded. We have this One God, and we have this One Mediator; both working to reconcile men back to God. I cannot pick and choose one truth, and then reject the other truth. If I know and accept that God is real, I will also know and accept His Son Jesus as the only way to the Father; the One God has made the Saviour of the world. Whether I accept or not becomes my sole decision, but my decision does nothing to change the process God has laid down for the salvation of mankind. 

The Conclusion:

For all that God does, He does not miss the mark. Man calculates delays based on his expectations, and when these expectations are not met at his own time, he calls that a delay. God is not man. That is a truth that must run through our hearts and minds as we seek to see God's hands in our lives. He does not always work with our human timetables, and it is easy to think that there is a delay if things don't work according to our plans. God does as He pleases, but it is also noted that God does what will glorify Him on the earth. He seeks to bring glory to His Name, and how else can you do this other than to do an eternal work in the lives of mortal men? He has sent him Son down to earth, in the likeness of the people He was sent to save, so he could walk in their shoes and feel what they felt. He knows our pain and struggles with sin, and is able to provide the right kind of help to enable us stand. The One God, has sent his One Son, Jesus, to reconcile fallen man back to Him. This includes all of us, no matter how bad our past may be. The blood is powerful enough to forgive, cleanse and restore. Would I take God up on His offer? Remember, eternity lies at the end of my decision. God's time of favour is here. 

Give!

Give!

In everything I showed you [by example] that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35 AMP

The Context and Focus:

Paul, writing to the elders of the church in Ephesus, took out time to remind the elders of the importance of the work God had placed in their care. Too many times, we are tempted to think that this is just another job which can be done only when it is convenient, or when it suits our timetable. Where lives are involved, God seems to take things a lot more serious than most men do. Paul reminded the elders of some of God's most important positions  and considerations and these are serving God with humility, teaching the truth at all times, laying emphasis on the importance of salvation as key to access all of God's grace, and of course, finishing well, among many other things. There is none of the above points that a true child of God may make any compromise on; all are important, and all testify to the quality of my personal encounter with God. If men cannot point to a difference between my lifestyle before and after any encounter with Jesus, I need to go back and confirm whatever it is I claim to have received. God has placed me as His eyes, ears, feet, hands and heart, and men must meet and be attracted to God through me.

The Message:

Paul's message in the verse above buttresses this point. His own life had become a personal example of what God's grace could accomplish in a life totally surrendered to Him. Paul could lay down his own life as an example that men could emulate; his personal walk with God had become a public testimony to the world around him. He could say, like he said above, and without any fear of doubt or contradiction, that he had shown, by personal example of working hard, how to help the weak. He had walked the path of weakness and lack before; in fact, in another letter of Paul to the church in Phillippi, he had made it clear that he had learnt how to be content in all situations, whether well-fed or hungry. Because he had walked the path before, he could relate in mercy and kindness with those who were on that path at the time. Maybe God is keeping where I am because he wants me to feel what men feel, so that when he blesses me, I can apply the blessings in a way that glorifies Him. As God seeks to deal with my heart, would I let him work in me that which glorifies Him?

The Conclusion:

I note that the verse says it is more blessed to give than to receive, but I also believe that the secret to a life of giving lies in the ability and grace to receive. It is from the abundance of a heart that appreciates what it has been given that the outflow can come. What can a man give if he has not first been given that thing initially? As a man receives, he nurtures what has been given, causes it to abound and increase, and then he can give back. There is joy in receiving, just as the verse above says, and I must never resist any effort by someone to also be a blessing to me. However, it is important that I do not let it stay at the level of receiving, but I must ask God for the grace to experience the greater joy that comes from giving. In a world steeped in selfishness and greed, this message is timely. In a world that thrives on how much it can amass to itself, today's verse challenges the trend, and charges me to dare to be different. After all, the example of Christ who gave his life for me, which was his all, is there for me to emulate. I have all I need, because I have been given all that matters. The response is mine to make. God's time of favour is here.

This God!

Thus God!

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalms 100:5 NIV

The Context and Focus:

The entire chapter from where today's verse is taken is a celebration and declaration of God. The entire chapter invites the whole earth to come before the Lord in total reverence, and to praise and worship Him for who He is, what He is, what He has done, and the mighty things he has done in the earth and even beyond the realm of our senses and reasoning. There is a need to know this God, because in that knowledge lies the grace and help required to praise Him the right way. Who is this God, and why does He deserve to be praised and celebrated this way? If we focus on the chapter from where today's verse is taken, we read words like: 'it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture'. That is an acknowledgement of our source or origin, which then defines our focus and impact. If I know who and whose I am, I will not be fooled or distracted by another man's opinions. After all, created things answer to the defined purpose of the creator, and a Television can never serve as an oven, no matter how hard the owner tries to apply it. 

The Message:

This is the God who created the heavens and the earth, and till today, man is still discovering new things about the earth in which he has been planted. Interestingly, man is made the chief of all that God has made; the same man who finds new ways to annoy God and destroy his creation. Yet, in all of these, God continues to shower his love and affection on man, because His heart just will not let man go. It was only about man that it was recorded that God created in his own image, and after his likeness, and then gave him dominion. The authority that God had when he spoke the earth into existence is also given to man. The same creative word-power is ours to use, being conscious of who and whose we are. Even with sin, he has not changed his mind about us. Sin may have brought distance between us and God, but his love is still there, waiting for us to repent and return to Him. The Lord is presented to us as good, and it is in His goodness that he tells us that the wages of sin is death, but His free gift is eternal life. His love defines what I get, and it is NOT His will that I should perish. 

The Conclusion:

In that understanding, I make the approach to the throne of God's grace. I know that God's love is such that endures; not like man that wants something first, before showing conditional love. God showed his love first, in the hope that we will see, know, appreciate and then come to Him. No matter the present circumstances, or the generation or dispensation you want to consider, the love of God is manifest. The fact that we have not been destroyed is a testament to the love of God. The fact that we have opportunities to repent and return to God, even after we fall several times, is testament to the amazing love of God. He is dependable and reliable, because the same standards he applied to men like Abraham, and women like Elizabeth, is the same standard he demands from me in this generation. The truths of His kingdom have remained the same through all the ages of men, and they remain the same until the new heaven and earth are in place. This level of predictability is a bit scary, because it means that no amount of education, earnings, enlightenment, energy or exposure can change God's mind on the principles of His kingdom. I owe it to my eternal security to know and follow this God. He deserves all my praise. God's time of favour is here. 

Today!

Today!

Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 NIV

The Context and Focus:

Again, we read from the teachings of Jesus as he sat on the Mountain. His disciples were with him on the Mountain, and as was always the custom, there was a huge crowd at the foot of the mountain. It appears to me that the messages on the Mountain were addressed to those who were his disciples. Indeed, the crowd will hear, but there can not be an expectations from someone who has not submitted to authority and instruction. You can only command obedience and total allegiance from someone who has taken up citizenship, and is committed to lawful residence and adherence to the rules and regulations of that territory. As it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual. Jesus will not command obedience from me unless and until I have submitted to His Lordship and authority. It is on this basis that the entire sermon of Jesus will apply to me. Pray, how does a man love his enemies if He has not experienced the love of Jesus? How do you command perfection from someone who has not submitted his life, and takes daily help and instruction from the only Perfect One? 

The Message:

One of the instructions for disciples is to PRAY. Jesus does not leave us in any doubt as to when, how and to whom we should pray. He tells us to avoid the public show that hypocrites are accustomed to. He also tells us to avoid vain repetitions like pagans do, which tells me that public prayer cannot be the only measure of the presence of God, and neither can a lot of words automatically mean that the prayer is accepted. You can have both public prayer, as well as long prayers, as long as the foundation to acceptable prayer is laid. The foundation that matters is a living, breathing relationship with God. No matter how long or short the prayer is, or the place where it happens, make sure that God is in it with you. That is why the LORD's prayer, from where today's verse is taken, starts with the amazing expression: 'Our Father'. It is first a father-child relationship more than anything else, and it unlocks all the benefits and blessings that flow therefrom. This relationship thrives on the personal touch; I make sure it is nurtured and preserved by regular attention. Whatever you plant and do not water consistently eventually dies, just like whatever relationship you do not pay the right attention to also eventually dies. 

The Conclusion:

In that prayer lies the words of today's verse, and it simply asks God to provide us with enough provision for the day. It would be really amazing to have saved enough to last you for years, but it also appears that God does not always do that. He may give grace to have investments and resources that can secure a good future, but these must never take my eyes off God. I must not trust the provisions more than the Provider. One of the major reasons why God would give me just enough for the day could be that He wants me to speak with him regularly. The nature of the natural man is such that he only goes to God when there is a need, or there is a mess to sort out. God wants to be involved in my daily life, its pursuits and priorities. As I trust Him for the future, I have to live for the day, trusting Him to supply all that I need for today. There is no value to worrying about a day in the future; I just trust God on a daily basis for the provision that is required for today. He gives enough bread for today; I eat enough and do not waste, because I know that if He allows me see tomorrow, He will also supply enough for that day. God's time of favour is here. 

Standpoint of Faith!

Standpoint of Faith!

For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! Romans 8:18 AMP

The Context and Focus:

The chapter from which today's verse is taken makes a very precise statement: 'there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus'. Your location is the determinant of your allocation. What you get flows from who and where you are. It has to be emphasised however that being in Christ is critical, but it does not prevent life from happening to me. In fact, I reckon that the reason why God leaves me on earth, after being saved, is to display his power, splendour, endurance, glory and perseverance in and through me. How would the world know who God is, if there is no life to make him known? How would the world be attracted to the Father, if his children don't point him out, through their conversation and conduct? The same chapter is the one which states that the whole earth is eagerly awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. If I am one, it is a taboo to hide the light of God in me. If I am one, it wouldn't take time for men to know that I an different. Please just note that the category of people referred to is defined by the first verse: 'those who are in Christ Jesus'. 

The Message:

For those who are in Christ, just like the earthly experiences of Christ, we must also be ready for pressure. Our convictions and confidence will make other men uncertain and uncomfortable. Our principles will challenge the status quo around us, and of course, men will push back. As you read the verses of the Bible, you see quite clearly the pressure and resistance the men of faith had to withstand, as they stood for God in their places of work, business or society. As long as God remains the same, and His standards have not been lowered, we who claim to be His children must expect the same. We know God has power to save and deliver, yet most times, he will wait until we are in it before he delivers us. Daniel could have been kept away from the lions' den, but God decided to take glory from delivering him inside the den. Stephen was stoned to death, and it would seem that God was silent, but who says it has to happen the way we want it, for it to glorify God? If I can always explain it rationally, it may not leave much room for faith. Will God be God if my human mind could comprehend him fully? 

The Conclusion:

This is where faith comes in. Faith is the power to see things in the Spirit, even before they ever come to the physical realm, and even if they never manifest on this side of eternity. Faith, as defined by God, is the assurance of things we hope for, and the evidence of things not yet seen. By faith, we trust in the finished work of Christ on the cross, and we depend on His grace for our daily walk with and work for Him. This is why we are not fazed by whatever God allows, because we know he is working in and through us that which will glorify Him. These earthly sufferings are but a step toward the fulfilment of God's purpose for us. No matter how hard or long they last, they are not to be compared to the glory that is coming. God will use my life as the platform for the manifestation of His glory. Sufferings are temporary; God's glory is eternal. This earth has an expiry date; a new heaven and a new earth are coming, whose glory far outshine anything we can see now. It is something to look forward to, and to plan towards. Would you trust Him with your life? God's time of favour is here. 

The Same!

The Same!

Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 AMP

The Context and Focus:

It is not always clear who wrote the book of Hebrews, but it is generally credited to Paul. The messages in the book range from the authority and Lordship of Jesus, to the events around his priesthood and passion, and what the expectations for those who have made up their minds to follow Jesus are. It is very important for me to sit down, review and determine the cost of the decision to follow Jesus, so that I can make an informed decision. I cannot afford to get on the path and then decide to get out sometime in the middle of the journey. This is a call that all of us must respond to at a point in time in our lives. It is a call that remains in place for as long as we have this earthly life. This then means that it is a call that is timed, and will expire at the time set by God's divine purpose. We don't have forever to make up our minds; we have forever to live with the consequences of our decisions. How do I know what the will or mind of God for me is? How do I know if i am making the right decision? 

The Message:

One very fundamental way to know what the right step is will be to know and understand the person you are invited to follow. The Word of God gives us clear and adequate information about the name, identity and nature of the God who seeks to call us to Himself. The same book also speaks quite extensively about the mission and purpose of Jesus. He came to the earth as human, and he submitted to the cross as part of God's divine purpose for him. His death on the cross and his resurrection give us insight into his plam for us to also be reconciled back to God. This is very important, because it is the only thing that guarantees we get the full benefits of the life of Jesus. We get other things, such as protection, provision, guidance and help, but the most important is salvation. Without it, all the other benefits are good for just a short while. I do not want to enjoy all the benefits promised, and then have no eternal life secured for me. Of what use is a life that men celebrate, but there is no use for that life when the earthly phase has ended? 

The Conclusion:

This is why today's verse is critical. The same message Jesus came to preach is still valid today. The benefits and blessings he referred to back in the days when he walked the earth are still valid today. The same things he called sin back in those days are still sins today. No amount of education, enlightenment, expense or earnings can change what God called sin into anything else. I must come to God on these terms, because he will not change or lower the standards for anyone. Whatever it is you learn about Him, from a personal encounter, becomes the lessons that will sustain you through all the experiences that are ahead. He does not change, which is why he is reliable and dependable. He takes my past, molds it into something he can use in the present, whilst also making sure that my future is secure. He is not like shifting shadows, and even though you might call him unpredictable, because you cannot put him in a box or determine how he may act, you can be sure that his standards will not fail. This gives me joy, because I know whom I have come to believe, and I am persuaded that he will keep me to the end. That is confidence. Do you have the same mind? God's time of favour is here. 

God's Kind of Love!

God's Kind of Love!

But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked. Luke 6:35 AMP

The Context and Focus:

This passage is a variation of the sermon of Jesus on the Mountain, where his disciples were gathered around him, and the crowd was at the foot of the mount. As is always the case, Jesus would have us know the practices, principles and priorities of the kingdom he had come to establish. It has to be noted that the kingdom referred to here is not like the earthly kingdoms, with an earthly king whose reign is determined by death, and with no guarantee that the kingdom will remain for another 100 years. History has shown that the Greeks, Romans, the Turks, the Chaldeans and the Egyptians all ruled the world as it was at some point in time, but as we know now, all those kingdoms have given way to others. This proves the point that it is only a kingdom without an end that can set rules of engagement. The one who rules over this kingdom is called the King of kings and the Lord of lords. His authority cannot be questioned, and his reign knows no end, because He is the beginning and the end of all things. All who will be subject to this kingdom must align with the rules. You do have options, but actually, you don't, if you want to be a part of this kingdom. 

The Message:

One of the rules of engagement for this kingdom is how its subjects love. If it were an earthly kingdom, it is likely that you would only be told what to do, and no personal example will be given. That is the way of men: plenty of rules, but no grace or help provided to aid conpliance. This is exactly why the law could not make men righteous. Men have mastered the art of hypocrisy and eye-service, telling men what they want to see, but without any personal encounter to share. This is why the world is full of pretenders, who know the words, but lack the power to comply. This is where the kingdom of Jesus is different; he will not demand from his subjects something he has not first done. In fact, for Jesus, the full price for sin was paid long before its beneficiaries would even be born. His heart of love was so rich that, even without a standing guarantee that we would come to Him, he showed us love all the same. This is why he can demand the same standard from all who claim to know and follow Him. His personal example has become the template for all who are his own to follow and show off to the world, and it is the example that gets noticed.

The Conclusion:

If I only love people who had paid it forward, what good does that do? If i only love those who are my immediate family members and close friends, how does God's kind of love become known to the world? How does my light so shine before men that they may see my good works, if nothing unusual happens? If the world cannot see anything to challenge its practices, principles, procedures and processes, how does it sit up and take note of any difference? If I am able to blend in and compromise, there is no message for the world to take note of. The example that the verse above lays out is so relevant today: God is kind to all men, because it is His nature to be so. All of us will receive the rain and the sun, which is proof of His love for all men. However, I must take that extra step of laying down my life for Jesus to take it over, and shine out through me. The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, and it will not happen by accident, but by deliberate choice. I choose to love the same way I have been loved. I know I cannot give what I don't have, and if I want it, I have to go to the right source. God waits for us all; how do you respond? God's time of favour is here.