The Task!

The Task!

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 NIV

The Context and Focus:

The apostle Paul was coming to the end of his earthly ministry. He had seen quite a lot, enduring trials and tough times, as well as being used mightily by God to reach and teach both Jews and Gentiles alike about the gospel of Jesus. He did not start this way; we read about his youthful zeal, where he gave comfort and aid to those who murdered one of the first Deacons Stephen. He supported those who were persecuting the early church and even went as far as seeking permission to travel to Jerusalem to arrest and possibly kill those who belonged to the Way. It would have been difficult to predict, with any fair amount of certainty, that Paul would turn out this way, but then, nobody can determine with any fair amount of certainty, what God can do with a life that is totally surrendered to Him. As it was then, so is it now. God does not promise anyone a life free of pressure; what He promises is His presence, and that takes care of any pressure. 

The Message:

That total surrender by Paul is the foundation of the confession and position taken by Paul, as stated in the verse above. You don't come to this point by accident, but by careful consideration of your options, knowledge of what may come, but certainty about what lies ahead in terms of reward. It is reward that makes a man ensure years of pain, in order to win an earthly reward. Men train for years, just to win a race of 100 metres. That is a short distance when you compare it to the time invested in preparation, but the recognition and reward you get for winning stays with you for a long time. Paul knew the assignment he had been given; he knew what it entailed, and he would give his all to ensure it was done well and done right. If I know who has called me, and who I have been called to serve, as well as the eternal reward that lies at the end of my assignment, I will not take it for granted. The assignment will place demands on me, but the One who calls knows what I need, and he will supply abundantly.

The Conclusion:

It may be a painful message to hear, but walking with and working for God will take you through some tough places. Paul had been beaten, imprisoned and treated badly several times, yet, nothing discouraged him from pressing on. His life meant nothing to him if he was not at work for the One who saved him from sin. His life would only have meaning if he was at work for the One who saved and called him to a relationship with Him, and then service for Him. Do I know what I have been called to be and do? Do I even know the God who calls all men to Himself, so that I can seek his help and supply for the work that is ahead? I aak God for grace to know what my calling is, as well as strength and direction to stay focused on the assignment to the end. I note that the reward is tied to finishing well. Of what use is the applause of men for a job well done, but which does not please the One who actually commissioned the assignment? May my life not be a waste of time and resources. God's time of favour is here.

Near!

Near!

The Lord is near to the heartbroken And He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin).

Psalms 34:18 AMP

The Context and Focus:

We read the words of David, a man God Himself called 'a man after His heart'. David had his issues, just like all mortal men do, but he also did his best to know and follow God with all his heart. Yes, he didn't always get his actions and decisions right, but God, who sees the heart of man, and understands all the secret things of the heart, knew the heart of David, and dealt with him accordingly. As it was in the days of David, so is it in our own days too. It is still the same God, who works in the lives of all who submit to Him. It is still the same God, who seeks to show Himself strong in the behalf of all who are humble in heart. Just as He dealt with the mortal man David, so does He deal with us today. He knows we are weak of ourselves, so He supplies grace in abundant measure, so we can walk with and work for Him in line with His will and purpose. 

The Message:

There came a time when David's activities led him into the camp of the enemy. He was being pursued by one enemy, but he got into trouble with another enemy. He could have been killed, but God gave him wisdom to take a funny decision: he pretended to be mad, so the enemy would leave him alone. Of course, it worked, because God was involved. Too many times, our human schemes get in the way of what God wants to do. We think we have it all figured out, and then we take steps that dig us deeper into the pit of despair and destruction. If we would only look to the One who made and formed us, and also planted us right where we are now, we should be confident that nothing can happen to us without his permission. When God leads, it will not matter what the world's view is, or whether the directive makes sense. Obedience to God's directive opens the way to even greater blessings. It is a heart that is totally surrendered and submissive to God's will that can embrace God's instructions, even when they hurt. What is the state of your heart?

The Conclusion:

God is near to those whose heats are drawn to Him. It is a sign of humility and surrender. When the pressure of life comes, and there is a temptation to give in or give up, I remember the past and present: all of God's gracious dealings with me, and my heart rejoices. There are times when the uncertain future threatens to cause my heart to fret, but then I recall God's faithfulness of the past, and my heart is strengthened. No matter how hard the road is, God is just a word of prayer away.  In fact, we read the instruction in the bible that we should 'pray without ceasing'. Of course, how would you continously pray if you are not sure that the One you are praying to heart clearly, and will deal accordingly. Even if it is obvious sin that has come into the camp, what God seeks is a heart that is truly sorry and repentant. His gift of salvation is for such people, and He will never turn them away. No matter what my present reality is, God waits for me. He is more than sufficient to address whatever is wrong, and He can set me on the right path, so I can end right.God's time of favour is here.

Love 2!

Love 2!

“This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. John 15:12 AMP

The Context and Focus:

Again, we see the best description of love, from the perspective of the One called Love Himself. Yesterday's focus was from the perspective of John, one of Jesus' disciples, who had seen and experienced firsthand what this love looked like, and that is why he could write so much about it because he knew it. John saw and heard and felt what love was, because he was there from the beginning of the earthly ministry of Jesus to the end. He was there at the wedding at Cana, was there when the lepers and blind Bartimaeus were healed, and he was also there when Jesus fed thousands with just bread and fish. The crowning experience must have been at the cross, where the full expression of love was seen, as Jesus, who knew no sin, hung on a cross and died for the sins of world. At the time, not too many people cared why he died, as they mocked and celebrated his death. He knew many people would reject him, as even one of His disciples betrayed him and then, out of sorrow, went to hang himself. He knew that many people in the world didn't know the reason or the purpose behind his sacrifice on the cross, and that even in the future, so many people would still reject him, but even if it was just for one person to have the opportunity to repent and return to God, the sacrifice would be worth it. That is how you define love. 

The Message:

If this was the personal experience of someone who felt and experienced love, would it not even bear more weight to consider the view of the One who is love himself, and whose example has become the standard for love for all who claim to know and follow Him? As I read the verse above, the first two things that registers in my heart are the audience and the directive. Jesus was with his disciples, just before he went to the cross, and he gave a 'command', not a set of negotiated compromises or something that the disciples could pick and choose to do at will. It was a command given by a master to his followers. If indeed I qualify as a follower of Jesus, and I submit to his authority and Lordship, I would not have an issue with obeying this command. I do admit that all men have been given the power to choose who they will follow, and God does not go against the exercise of that freewill, but if I am a child of God, a follower of Jesus and one who wants to represent Him the right way, this has become a command. As soldiers know, disobedience to instructions is death. You are not compelled to join the Army, but once you do, you are subject to the rules and regulations of the service, because obeying directives may make the difference between life and death. 

The Conclusion:

The example has been laid out for all to see and examine, and determine if it is genuine. If I have experienced it, it will be difficult to keep to myself. If my life has received the love of God, and I know that I stand where I am simply because of what He did and gave, I have no excuse not to extend the same grace to other people. In fact, as the verse above makes clear, I now have an obligation to seek the best for other people. It is by my personal example that the message of Christ will be attractive to the world. If nothing about me stands out, or is different from the standards of the world, how do I preach Christ or make Him known? If people who see me every day cannot attest to the change in me, how can my life express love the world can see? The command has been given, the right example has been laid down, and the grace and enablement required have all been supplied in abundant measure. I need to take of that grace, and just simply impact my world for Him. That is all he demands. He can take care of the rest. God's time of favour is here.

Saved!

Saved!

because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9‭ AMP

The Context and Focus:

In a world that increasingly seeks other alternatives to God's Word, it is important to consider what God's divine path to salvation looks like, and as He promised. It will serve no useful purpose for me to seek to set up my own path to salvation, because the plan of salvation was never mine to set up, and I am unable to sustain it by my own power. God is the One who has had this plan in place before the foundation of the world, and He is also the only One who is able to bring it to pass. He is the One who can sustain all that He ordains, and He keeps his Word. These are just a few of the attributes of God that make Him unique and trustworthy, and He has been in this business of trust for even longer than the earth has been in place. Therefore, his view on salvation matters. How has he offered it, and what do I need to do to get it, and also to sustain it? This information is critical, so that I know whether what I hold is the real deal, or if have to drop the alternatives, no matter how attractive, and seek God’s version. There are two parts of the body mentioned in the verse above, and these are the mouth and the heart. There is a part that is visible to the world, and there is a part that is not visible.

The Message:

God makes a connection between the two parts, because from God's perspective, they are linked. The visible is the physical manifestation of the focus of the invisible. Whatever the visible produces is a function of what the invisible has stored up. Before the mouth will say something, the heart would have thought it through. It is almost as if the mouth has no mind of its own, but it reveals the focus and contents of the heart. This is why the bible says 'out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks'. Until a man opens his mouth, it is difficult to determine the wisdom or folly stored up in his heart. This is why the heart is important to God, because it is the first place the work of salvation by God is first planted, before it is made manifest in the life of the person. It is the mouth that acknowledges and confesses that Jesus is Lord. By a man's words, he is either justified or condemned. The mouth shows off the heart's condition. The basis of a good confession is faith in the truth of whatever it is you want to confess. This is also why the world treats lying under oath as a crime, because you are coming to testify to what you have seen, heard, tasted, felt or smelt.

The Conclusion:

If there is no connection between the convictions of your heart and the confessions of your lips, the truth will eventually catch up with the deceit. This is also why a Christian cannot be hidden, because the confession of your lips must match the profession of your life. I cannot say one thing and do the opposite. That is hypocrisy and eye-service which God hates. The heart is like the battleground for control of my life, and it matters who is in charge, because the control centre defines its eternal reality. The key focus of salvation is the conviction that Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose again, to offer his own immortal life for my own mortal version, so that death, the natural consequence of sin, would no longer operate over my life. That is salvation. If that is not the focus of my heart, and the foundation of my confession, then whatever I hold is not the real deal. I have to take stock today, and ensure that I hold on to that which is real. The end draws near, when salvation from sin will be the basis of entry into the eternal life promised by God. Do you have it? God's time of favour is here. 

Rooted, for Impact!

Rooted, for Impact!

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:16‭-‬17a NIV

The Context and Focus:

As at the time Paul was writing this letter to the church in Ephesus, the Gentiles were seen as inferior, and also outside the scope of the plan of salvation at the time. In fact, the Jews saw the plan as being primarily for them first and even Jesus, at the start of his earthly ministry, ministered first to the lost house of Israel. Thank God that was not where the story stopped. The Jews were ministered to, but the plan of salvation was for the whole world, and at the right time, as was appointed by God Himself, he raised up people who became the channels for the whole world, including the Gentiles, to hear the message of salvation. One of such channels was the man Paul, who wrote this letter. Reading through the chapter from which today's verses are taken shows the mind of God, and his amazing love for all people. No matter how bad the past could have been, or how tough the present is, there is no way to accurately predict the future God has in plan for us, except to know that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or imagine. There is no way my mortal mind can fully comprehend all that God has in store. I can only strive to live from day to day, in the confidence that God has the best in store for me, and nothing can happen to me by accident. 

The Message:

This was the insight Paul had, that made him write the words of today's verses. Check out all that Paul referred to: God's glorious riches, strengthen with power, His Spirit, and Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith. Time and space will not permit a full discussion of all the above, but a few highlights will suffice. No demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. No man can outgive God, because all we own and hold in the first place were all given to us by God. If all roughly 8 billion people in the world all ask God for the same thing, God can grant us. That is how powerful God is. He is the All-Sufficient One, who owns the heaven and the earth, and all that are in them. This is also proof of power, where God is able to control and distribute resources as He pleases. He sets up one, and brings down another. The same God who elevated Joseph from the prison in one night and made him second in command in Egypt the next night is the same God who sent Nebuchadnezzar from the palace to the prison of insanity in an instant. When the time was right by God, the same king was restored. As mighty as this God is, imagine that He wants to live inside me. He wants to give me the fullness of His Spirit, so I can live like Him, and end up with Him in glory. 

The Conclusion:

This is probably the greatest work of God in the lives of men: a mighty and immortal God, coming down to live in the hearts of mortal men, so He can lead them to immortality. With the gift of salvation comes everything else. Salvation opens the door to all other benefits and blessings that are described in the verses above. When the Holy Spirit lives in a man, there is no limit to what that man can achieve. When the Holy Spirit comes into the life of a man, there is empowerment for great exploits. When Christ dwells in a man's heart, you cannot ignore his power, presence and peace. The inner presence of God leads to outer impact. The bible refers to creation eagerly awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God. It is not a wonder that Paul prayed the way He did. He had experienced this personally, and the world knew his impact. It is still the same God at work in these times and seasons, where the world is hungry for change and direction. Only those who know Jesus, who is the WAY,  know the way to the purpose of God for the world. How can I lead men to God, if I do not even know the Lord? May my life be the living, breathing expression of God's grace and power, so that men can be drawn to God, and his power will be known in all the earth. God's time of favour is here.

Choices!

Choices!

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,

1 Peter 5:6 AMP

The Context and Focus:

In order to fully appreciate the weight and depth of the verse above, it is important to read and understand the verses that come before. The writer of this letter, Peter, was one of the disciples who followed Jesus as He preached, taught and healed people, and he was also there when Jesus suffered and died on the cross, and was later raised from the dead. Peter was also there when Jesus went back into heaven, after having left all his followers the charge to be witnesses and heralds of all they had seen and heard from him to all the world. Peter was also there when the Holy Spirit came upon all of them as they waited in Jerusalem for the promise, and it was this same man who preached the first sermon in the book of Act, where 3,000 people were saved. It was not always this nice for Peter, as he also had his moments of doubt and despair, but one thing that he learnt from Jesus was his heart and lifestyle of humility and patience. With all the baggage that Peter represented, many a leader would have been exasperated and would have turned Peter away, but not Jesus. His life and pattern serves up the perfect example of what a servant's and a leader's heart should look like.

The Message:

The message by Peter is for both the young people, as well as the elders of the church. There is a general assumption that with age comes a bit of experience and depth, and while that is quite true, there is a depth to the fact that the better experience comes from a total surrender and submission to the will of God. It does not matter how old a man is, or how long s/he has 'walked with' or 'worked for' God; it is only by total and continuous submission and surrender that a person remains connected to the Source that makes him/her relevant to the work of God. The elders are given a mandate, and the young people are also given a mandate, but the common wisdom for both parties is humility. Just to be a bit clear, humility is defined as 'the quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance.' I note that it does not say one is not important, but it is not viewed as the most important quality of a person. I do not see myself as indispensable, or the most knowledgeable, simply because I seem to have a good grasp of the topic under review. As long as the earth remains, there will never be an end to discovery and advancement in knowledge, and it will be a sign of humility if a man can constantly submit to instruction and discipline, so he can learn and know more.

The Conclusion:

The other reason why humility is important is because of God's view about it. Just the verse before the one above makes it clear that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. If a man fights you, you can plead your case before God, but if God is the One fighting you, to whom shall you appeal? The responsibility for humility is mine; asking God to humble me does not seem to align with the verse above. It is my responsibility to see myself in the same way God sees me: His child first and foremost, and a representative. I do not live for myself, or seek to promote my own agenda, but to simply live to please and honour God. That is the whole essence of a life that pleases God, and which God will be pleased to celebrate publicly. Imagine the effect and impact of God being the One to make you known to the whole world. I also note that the verse above makes reference to the 'appropriate time', which means that with God, it always pays to wait for Him to act. When He does, my life cannot fail to make impact. Self-promotion will not lead me anywhere, but may even end up in disgrace. I have a choice to make: promote myself, or let God do with me as He pleases. Both have an end, but one is permanent and glorious. Humility is the pathway to honour. Make the right decision today. God's time of favour is here.

Give Thanks!

Give Thanks!

O give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the people.

Psalms 105:1 AMP

The Context and Focus:

The writer of today's psalm is not known, but there is no doubt as to the strength and depth of the message in the verse above. In a world that is constantly looking for what it can gain and not what it can give first, this message is an important one. In a world that is becoming increasingly paranoid, looking more inward than upwards, there is a need to consider the message in the verse above, review what the lessons and demands are, and then take critical action to align with God's demands. The first thing to consider is that what God asks from me is to give thanks to Him. There is no price I can pay for the manifold blessings He has sent my way. There is nothing I can give him that can adequately cover all that God has done for me. In fact, the greatest gift, which is the life of His son Jesus, was given long before I was born. This is the biggest reason why I am who I am, what I am and where I am. 

The Message:

The reason why this is even more amazing is because He did it even without any assurance or guarantee that I would love him in return. Jesus did what he did, not minding my reaction, content to give his life, even if only one person in the world would accept his free gift of life. This is what makes his gift quite amazing. The one thing that God then requires from me is to give Him thanks, in sincere appreciation of all that God has done. Thanksgiving is the outflow of appreciation of all that God has done. It cannot be silent or implied; it has to be expressed. I cannot be grateful and God will not know about it. I cannot be grateful to God and my life will not reflect the benefits and blessings of gratitude. The verse above also advises me to call upon the name of the Lord. You cannot call upon the Lord and also have time to call upon any other person. I cannot call upon the name of the Lord, and have an allegiance to any other authority. 

The Conclusion:

The verse above also enjoins me to make known God's deeds among the people. When my heart is right, it will produce the right thing. When the heart is grateful, it will lead to a life that makes impact. When my heart is right, my mouth cannot keep quiet. My lips will be quick to tell other people about the wonderful things God has done in my life. How else would other people be drawn to the glory of God, if my life is not the obvious reflection of that glory? As God deals with me in mercy and grace, I learn to give thanks, and as I give God thanks, it helps me watch my life, so that God can be pleased to do even more for me. This is the power of testimonies and publix acclamations: people get to hear about God's mighty works, and they can also in turn get their own miracles, and they can also start the chain of thanksgiving. What a world it will be if everyone knows God. It starts with me. God's time of favour is here.

All Things!

All Things!

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

Romans 8:28 AMP

The Context and Focus:

As always, the audience always defines the attitude and the entitlements. Who you are will always impact what you get. You may not be able to rise above the limits of your identity, and this is why it matters who you are and who you are associated with. The very first verse in the chapter from which today's verse is taken makes it clear who the audience is: 'there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are IN Christ Jesus. That is as clear as an identity could ever be. It is not about those who know about Him, or who just read a lot about him, or who can even quote all his words back at Him. As nice as all these are, they cannot replace a total surrender to the Lordship and authority of Jesus. It is those who are IN Christ who have no reason to fear or to fret. That position ensures that nothing touches me without first touching God. Nothing happens to me outside of God's purpose for my life. If He allows it, it is because He has carefully calibrated it to ensure it brings out His glory in me, and my life is blessed for the experience. 

The Message:

This is the foundation of today's verse. The same audience in the first verse of the chapter is the same audience in verse 28 above. God does not change or lower his standards for anyone; all who will come to Him must come on His terns, not theirs. Those who come to God on His terms know Him for who He is, and what he demands from them. They have no issue with total surrender, because they know the power and capacity of God to handle any situation. That is confidence: in God and God alone. I note that no one or anything else is mentioned in the verse. If God is in charge, who else can speak over my life? If God has already spoken, would it matter what anyone else has to say? This is the basis of the confidence of Paul here, knowing that with God, ALL things had to work for good, as long as his heart was fully committed to God. This is a good place to warn again about hypocrisy or eye-service, which will lead to danger and destruction. How can I ever think that the God who made the heart can be deceived by the schemes and machinations of the heart? 

The Conclusion:

He is God, and that is power on its own. It is also important to note that with God, He works from the end to where I am now. His purpose for my life was determined long before my parents even came together in marriage. If God permitted me to be born, the circumstances around my birth do not matter as much as what God can accomplish with a life that is totally surrendered to Him. He calls all men to Him, but he gives all men the power to choose to love and follow Him. He will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill, but I have to know that there are eternal consequences to earthy decisions. He calls all men, but I have to heed the call, and walk with God, as he takes me on a journey of faith. That walk will be hard in some seasons, and it will have some pleasant moments too, but in all, my walk will be under his guidance and leadership. This is the only way a good end is guaranteed. God's plan is always the best, because He is the Creator, and he will always want the best for me. God's time of favour is here.

Imitate!

Imitate!

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

The Context and Focus:

Today's verse is taken from the letter of Paul to the church in Ephesus. This is a letter that encompasses the entire Christian experience, from before salvation to after the salvation encounter, as well as eternity. The man who wrote the letter, Paul, had his own past, which, by human standards, was not exceptional. He could have been called a murderer by association, because he was giving active support and encouragement to those who stoned Stephen to death, and he was on a mission to arrest and imprison, and maybe kill those who belonged to the Way of Jesus when he had an encounter with the same Jesus Himself, and his life was turned around. As it was in the days of Paul, so is it in our own time today. The same God is still in the business of reaching out and touching the lives of men. The past is not as important as the present and the future. In fact, there is nothing in my past that can give a fair idea or assessment of what God can do with my life if I surrender to God. This is why the best use of a life is the total surrender to the Lordship and authority of Jesus. It is the foundation of all else that God can do with a life.

The Message:

It is surrender that leads to knowledge and experience of who God is. When the verse above encourages me to imitate God, how would I know what to do and how to do it, if I do not spend time to know and follow God closely. People who make a career out of imitating others would spend plenty of time walking with the person they want to imitate, learning their mannerisms, watching their actions, waiting on their words, talking to other people who also know them well, so they can build up a profile of information, knowledge, experience and expertise about the person they want to imitate. It will be a good testimonial to the student when men can say that the student now looks like the master. It is not an experience that can be perfected in a night, one week, or one month, but it is the product of investment of time, resources and most times, silence. If the student is the one always talking, or always trying to get his/her point of view across, how does the student ever get to know the master or teacher? If I only come to God to ask him for something, how do i know him well enough to be able to imitate Him? 

The Conclusion:

It makes it even more important when you consider that mortal man cannot see God face to face, but God has followers all over the world. How can I make God known if there is nothing about my actions, decisions and reactions show that I know or follow God? How do men get attracted to God if there is the stench of evil in me? The Bible talks about the light of God shining before men, so they can see my good works, and glorify my father in heaven. That is the proof that God lives in me, and defines my pursuits and priorities. It also means it is proof of sonship. Sons are the images of their fathers. Men look and can see some of the mannerisms of the father in the child. It has to be the same for me in the spiritual. It was noted by the crowd around the apostles that these men had been with Jesus. It is also a sign of love, that a son wants to look like his father. It means the son is proud to be associated or identified with the father. Do I make God attractive or repulsive to the world around me? God's time of favour is here. 

Stand!

Stand!

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV

The Context and Focus:

This is a letter written by one of the disciples of Jesus, who had walked with and worked for God, and had experienced both the pains and the pleasures of that encounter with Jesus. In the introduction to this letter, James writes to his audience, presented as 'God's people scattered over the whole world. Whether the scattering was solely due to growth, or some other external factors, the verse above gives us an insight into the realities of the times when this letter was written. Walking closely with or working hard for God does not protect you from trials or tough times, but the one thing that is guaranteed is the presence of God. It was the fact of the presence of God that kept the men of old in the faith, even when everything else was falling to pieces around them. It is still the same God. The audience may have changed, the exposure may be different, but the need remains the same: this life will present challenges which will demand a response from me. How I respond will be a function of the understanding I have of God, His will for me, and my total surrender to, and embrace of His will. 

The Message:

How can God help me if I do not submit to Him? How can He help me if I don't love Him enough to let Him work in and through me that which is His perfect will? At no time does God promise that life will be free of pressure, but He promises blessings for those who stand up under pressure. It is not a matter of if but when. It would appear that there are some benefits God cannot release if He has not tested my capacity to endure and remain faithful. This is why the verse above will declare that the man who endures under trials is blessed. There are lessons that will remain in and with you when you have passed through the fire. The stories in the bible are clear on how God took men and women through the fire, and we have learnt a lot from their lives and decisions. Imagine the strength and depth of the faith and confidence a man like Daniel would have, after passing through the lions' den. Imagine the unshakeable confidence of the three Hebrew men who were cast into the furnace of fire and were rescued? What else could shake their faith in the future, considering what they had gone through? God will supply the strength, but I have to take the plunge.

The Conclusion:

The condition attached to the blessings promised by God is 'to stand the test', whatever it will take. For every test, there is an expected response God demands from me. No two people's experiences can be the same, even if the tests are similar. God is also quite interested in my eternal reality, as well as my earthly relevance. My experiences on earth are God's building blocks for where he is taking me to here on earth, as well as where I will end up in eternity. The verse above promises a crown of life to all who love the Lord. What this tells me is that God has a reward for faithful and committed followership. God is not a man who can be fooled by hypocrisy and eye-service; he made the heart, so all its machinations and schemes are laid bare before Him. Can God trust my heart to hold on to Him, no matter what He brings my way? No matter what life throws at me, it is temporary, and will come to an end with this earthly phase. I must not destroy the eternal by messing up the earthly. Tough times will not last forever, but the one who knows the One who knows tomorrow will be kept safe to the end, and will receive all that God has promised. Would I hold on, no matter what comes? God's time of favour is here.

Love!

Love!

Beloved, if God loved us so [very much], we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

Most of the best-selling novels and movies are themed on love. We see its different dimensions, interpretations and expressions in different ways across the entire human race. We also try to explain it in different ways based on our limited experience and exposure but there is no doubt that the reason why the subject of love is so powerful is due to its source, connection with the human race and the potential it has to be manipulated or faked. This is why it is very important to know what the true version is, so it is very easy to recognize and identity the false version. People do not try to imitate anything that is not powerful or impactful. People will not spend a fortune making movies or writing novels on topics that will not strike a chord in the hearts of people. This is why it is quite difficult for most people not to be emotionally invested in a movie that speaks on love between two people, particularly if there is opposition to the love from various quarters, and the 'love' seems to win at the end of the day. No matter how much the world speaks on the topic, it can never carry the same weight as what the Word has to say on the topic. 

The Message:

The Word is the true source of inspiration and information on what love truly means. Men can love you to the point where they can give their lives for you, but that only happens in limited editions, and the person laying his/her life down will be doing so for someone with an emotional connection, and who would have given reasons why the sacrifice would be worth it. It has a similar connection to what the original definition of love has done for us, but there are substantial differences. At the top is the fact that God's love had been in place long before I was born. God gave this love full and free, even with the knowledge of what my decision would be. He knows those who would reject or accept him to the end, yet He gave his life so that as many as would come to Him would take up his offer of life. I did not do anything at the time the love was freely given; in fact, there was nothing I could have done to earn or deserve it, yet He did it all the same.  Man's love would usually respond to reciprocation, and would not normally be given without conditions. God's love is different, in the sense that He gives his own without conditions, but then demands reciprocation from all who have come to experience this love. 

The Conclusion:

This is where the challenge is. God's love is given to me free, but when I receive and respond to this love, it births in me a desire to reciprocate and show it to other people. In fact, it is impossible for a person who has experienced the love of God to keep it to himself. There is no human equivalent to the love of God, because flesh and blood cannot replicate that which only God's Spirit can sustain. How can a man under the control and influence of the flesh love someone who treats him with disdain? How can a man without God's version of love pray for those who hate him? How can I respond to hate with love, if the seed of love has not been planted in me, to the point where it takes over my entire life? When life comes with its pressure and squeeze, my life will flow out with whatever has been stored up in me, whatever it is. If indeed His Spirit lives in me, my life must produce fruit that aligns with His presence in me. It becomes impossible not to bear fruit after your kind, where my life will look like the One in control of it. He has shown me the perfect example of what love is and I have the duty to show it to other people. God's version has been made known to all of us; how do we plead? God's time of favour is here. 

To Will and to Do!

To Will and to Do!

For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 AMP

The Context and Focus:

In a world that is increasingly seeking to claim independence and strength away from God, the words of today's verse are fundamental to the understanding of what true strength is. When an assignment is carried out well, and people can testify to the quality of work done, how much of it can be directly attributed to the personal profile of the person doing the work? How do I define the scope of the spiritual, the physical, and the emotional or psychological? In order to determine who is the audience for today's verse, it is important to consider the verses before the one above, and you read about people who have received encouragement and comfort in Christ,  consolation of His love, as well as fellowship in the Spirit. Note that Christ is the focus of the whole conversation. He is the One who holds all the pieces together. The world seeks to celebrate human endeavours, but while that is not a problem on its own, the discussion is not complete without the influence and input of God, who makes all things possible. Is there anyone who could create a human being who will have all the natural parts a person has, with its own will, emotions and decision process? 

The Message:

As long as man cannot create himself, he is limited in scope, impact or influence outside of the One who formed him. You cannot take a thing out of its natural habitat and expect it to thrive and survive. You cannot place a demand on a man without God's grace or help and expect such a man to have eternal value. Yes, the world may know, celebrate and even applaud him, but at the end, there is no eternal gain outside of the One who gives eternal life. Whatever it is a man may acquire or achieve, the correct foundation is one with an understanding and appreciation of the work of God in that man's life. God is at work, first IN me, before the impact of his work IN me can then be made manifest in my work FOR him. God has to first impact my heart, before he can impact my hands. Of what use is working hard, if God is not the one directing the work? What reward can God give to a work that He is not involved with at any point? Do I really want to work hard only, and have no backing or support from God, or would I simply rely on the One who commissions and sends one on assignment? Who is the One defining my current assignment: myself or God Himself?

The Conclusion:

As I seek to work for God, would I solely depend on Him to tell me what to do, where to do it, and how to do it, or would I seek personal glory for a work whose origin and purpose I do not yet know? God knows what the work entails for this current generation, and he knows what gifts and endowments will help the work. The work did not start with me, and as long as the return of Jesus tarries, the work will not end with me. Through total surrender to Jesus, the desire and the will to work for God is birthed in me. The longing to please God is only possible when God is in control of my heart, and he will then provide all I need to fulfil the purpose He has defined for me, which will give him great pleasure. Nothing excites God more than a surrendered vessel, because He knows that there is no limit to what He can achieve with such a vessel. He is able to provide both the desire and the capacity to do His work, because all the glory has to be returned to Him. If I seek glory for myself, it will only end up in shame. I seek to glorify God in all I do, so that my life can be the platform for the display of His splendour. What of you? God's time of favour is here.

This God!

This God!

Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God Who is our salvation! Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 68:19 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

There is something powerful and undeniable about personal experience. A man can read up something about God, and the head knowledge stays there. Another person can take that same knowledge, seek even more by study and meditation, and then come to an even deeper knowledge and experience of the same God. Two people, with the same level of exposure to information about God, can come to two different conclusions about this same God. This is why walking with God is first and foremost a personal encounter, long before it can ever be seen as a public testimony. This is what the writer of this psalm knew so much about, because he is the one the bible refers to as 'a man after God's heart'. There were a lot of things the bible reveals about the person and identity of David, and a few are again highlighted in today's verse. He was a man who knew the power and impact of praise, and he would do so daily, as well as frequently. He found a way to praise God in every situation, no matter how dangerous or dicey. Even in quiet times, while he was keeping his father's sheep, he would sing. How would God ignore such a fervent and devoted worshipper? 

The Message:

God has not changed one bit, and he has also not moved an inch. He is called the One with the 'Everlasting Arms' for so many reasons, and one of them could be about his name and nature, which is Eternal and unchangeable. He is the I AM, who is all I need, who has all I could ever need, and who will still be God, long after this present heaven and earth cease to exist. This is just a tiny bit about the God that David seeks to introduce us to, and he would lay the example by praising and blessing God for who He is. Too many times, we are distracted by what we want, that we forget to even praise God for who He is. We focus on the need, forgetting that in God, all that we need for life and Godliness have been made available. All we have to do is to ask, and to keep asking, until our joy is full. As the verse above says, He bears our burdens and carries us day by day. He never forgets his duties to us on a daily basis, and he is never on leave or out-of-station. He is not like man who can forget his duties, or even if he does not, may not have capacity or ability to do as he promised. You are dealing with a God of awesome power, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or imagine, according to his power at work in us. 

The Conclusion:

The above is just one of the many ways to describe the God who is on our side, the same One David knew and followed centuries ago, and is still very much the same God today. However, as I read the latter part of the verse above, it could be that this is the foundation for the whole verse: "the God Who is our salvation". With all that God can do, this is the greatest gift given, where a mortal man, who had fallen into sin and deserved death as the punishment, could be saved from the power of sin, and guaranteed eternal life with God. It is amazing that an immortal God could care for the life and destiny of mortal men, but when you consider the heart of love that God has, you know this is not a fluke. The very place where the first sin was committed is the same place where the plan of salvation was put in place. The verse asks us to pause, and calmly think of all the above. If I could just take time out, and reflect on all the blessings I have received, there will be no need to compel me to praise God. What are you waiting for? God's time of favour is here.

Reality!

Reality!

Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; Romans 8:6 AMP

The Context and Focus:

There is power in control. If you are able to determine the choices of another person, you have power over that person. If you are able to influence the direction of another person's life, you can actually determine the eternal impact of that person. This is the message of today's verse, and it is a lesson that all of us must understand, and also apply to our lives, so we can end up the right way. At all times, in all dispensations and generations, there are two control centres. You are either under the control of the flesh or the Spirit. There is no middle ground; no demilitarized zone, no fence to sit on here. You cannot be under the control of both at the same time. This is where the decision of submission matters; I have the power to decide which one I will submit to. Up to the time I decide who to submit to, I have the power. The moment I then decide who to submit to, the effects and consequences of my choice then begins to control my life. This is why I have to be careful and deliberate about my choice.

The Message:

This is the thrust of today's verse. This verse tells me what the choices are, as well as the physical fruits of the choices and the eternal consequences of those choices. The flesh is one of those choices. It is as old as man, because all men, after Adam, were born with the seed of sin in them. All men inherit that sinful nature, and nothing can save you from its hold, except the Spirit, which is the other nature and choice. One comes with the human nature; the other comes with the spiritual nature, born of God and sustained by God Himself. The mind of the flesh has no other end except death, because it is the natural end of sin. God has made it clear that the wages of sin is death, and no amount of education, enlightenment, energy, elocution or earnings can change that. As the verse above also says, the consequences of the power of the flesh, as well as the power of the Spirit, is both now and forever. That tells me I have to be sure of who is in charge of my life, if I am to end right. 

The Conclusion:

I have to be sure of where I am headed. It is not a decision to be left to other people to define for me, because all men will have to face the judgment seat of God. Why would I allow other people like myself define what is right and wrong for me, when I have access to the truths of God's Word, as well as access to the power of the Spirit? If I can ask God for His help, I really do not need the approval of men to live up to God's standards. The end of sin is ALWAYS sin, no matter how nice the world tries to dress it. As long as God has said it is sin, it is sin. The Spirit will not permit sin, and sin will not allow the Spirit thrive. I have to make up my mind where I want to end up. I have to consider my eternal reality. Life is more than the earthly benefits; a man's life does not consist of the abundance of the things he possesses. At the end of the day, I take nothing away from the earth, except that which I have done with Jesus. That is all that really matters on the long run. In light of the information above, what decision do I have to make? What of you? God's time of favour is here.

Wise Walk!

Wise Walk!

He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.

Proverbs 13:20 AMP

The Context and Focus:

Again, we come to the book of one-line messages, where each sentence is loaded with messages and instructions for those who desire to be wise. As always, there is the power of choice given to every one of us, and we can choose how we will walk, where we will walk, as well as with whom we will walk. It has to be emphasised that there is power in association, as well as power in positioning. A man will go only as far as the strength and depth of his associatiin will permit. We speak about the value of networking, and this can only be fully understood in the context of the value or disdain you get from the power of the people you move with or are comfortable with. It is very difficult to argue that you are not like the people you are always found with, whether good or bad. As long as you have common interests or pursuits with a group of people, you will be known by the focus of that group. This is why I have to be cautious about who or what I am associated with. 

The Message:

There are a lot of verses of the Bible, as well as wise sayings that are popular with the world, which support the fact that I must be careful and deliberate about who I associate with. One reason why this becomes even more poignant is because the strength of my association will always impact my earthly reality as well as my eternal relevance. A few of these wise sayings will suffice here: the bible says: Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV. The world will also say: 'Show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are'. Another wise saying of the world indicates that if a sheep spends enough time with a dog, it will end up eating faeces. Yet another wise saying of the world is that if a leaf stays long enough in contact with soap, the leaf will end up becoming soap. It is quite difficult to separate a man from the people he walks or moves with. That is the power of the verse above. 

The Conclusion:

It is also important to note that walking as a companion to the wise is not a one-off exercise, but a lifestyle. You don't do it once and then stop when it gets inconvenient or uncomfortable. Those who seek to be wise know that seasons of hurt will come, but they press on regardless. They keep their eyes on the prize, which is to be like the person they seek to emulate or imitate. I also note that there is no sitting on the fence on this one. You are either moving in the direction of the wise, or in the direction of the fool. You can't do both at the same time. As I take careful stock of my life, carefully considering my current pursuits and priorities, I can actually determine where I am headed. I may be able to deceive many people with hypocrisy or eye-service for some time, but it will not last. My words and actions will soon merge, and people will know me for who I am. The unfortunate thing will be to lose eternal life with God because of my present choices. It is not worth it. May the Lord help me walk right, so I can end right. God's time of favour is here.

The Shepherd!

The Shepherd!

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psalm 23:3 KJV

The Context and Focus:

God's wisdom is always beyond searching out. There are experiences and encounters He will bring us through, not just because He wants to, but to prepare us for greater assignments that will come in the future. Here was David, at a time a young man, who was entrusted with his father's sheep. Some of his older brothers were in the army of the King Saul, but no place was found for David in the army. However, with God, distance from the throne is never a barrier to God bringing a man to the throne. Joseph slept one night as a prisoner, yet the next night, he slept in a palace as the second in command to Pharaoh. With God, every experience counts. Right in the desert, where men, including his brothers would have thought David was forgotten, God was forming and equipping David with all he would need for the kingship of Israel. A bear or a lion would meet David in the desert with the sheep, and God would give David power and grace to defeat both. I cannot run away from God's dealings; if I can only stay true, my life will become a testimony to the power and grace of God. Can this be said of me today?

The Message:

This is the background to today's verse. The shepherd's love for the sheep will not permit him to watch the sheep get into danger or be killed. He knows that the sheep need his help, but he also knows that the sheep do not always want to listen. There are times when the sheep will stray and get lost, and there are times the sheep will get bruised. Whatever happens to the sheep, the shepherd is there to tend to the needs of the sheep and to nurse them back to full health. You do not restore what has not been tampered with or moved. Only in God can I find the touch that can return to the place God has prepared for me. Earnings, education, elocution, exposure or enlightenment do not matter as much as what God can do with a life that is completely and totally surrendered to Him. If as his sheep, I listen for his voice and obey Him, there is no end to the amazing things God can do in and through me. The opposite is also equally true: if I do not surrender to Him, how can I lay claim to the promises that are for those who are His sheep? Can I lay claim to the benefits and blessings of a country whose citizenship I do not hold? 

The Conclusion:

Because of His Name that I bear, God is very interested in my case. Because of people's views, God wants to make me a channel of salvation to those around me. He will guide me aright, because He wants men to be drawn to the light of God shining in and out of me. I also note that the dealings is first personal, before it becomes public impact. I cannot have it any other way. Men would prefer to impress the public, not caring so much what God thinks. Some would want to play both sides, seeking to please both the world and the Word; unfortunately, it is quite impossible to do so. I cannot be part of the sheepfold of God, and still be desiring the pleasures of this world. God is jealous for his Name to be revered in the earth, and he will do all He can to promote and protect it. He will lead and guide me where His name will be revered. If He brings me to it, He will lead me through it, so that His Name can be glorified. As his sheep, nothing happens to me without his permission. I am in the safest place possible: in His arms, and under his watchful care. What of you? God's time of favour is here.

Comforted!

Comforted!

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 KJV

The Context and Focus:

Paul, who wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, would know what he was talking about. Here was a man who himself had received God's mercy, and responded the right way. He had become an instrument in the hands of God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and through him, God did mighty miracles in the land. In this same letter, Paul referred to 'a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan, sent to torment him'. How did a man who was mightily used by God become prone to the messenger of Satan? This is one of the amazing things about God, who can use any experience to promote his purpose. When you read about the life of Paul, you know quite clearly that his life is a classical example of what grace and mercy can accomplish in any life that is surrendered to God. With the thorn in his life came total dependence on God for strength, guidance and help. You just have to wonder what could have happened if there were no thorns, no stress or no issues in the life of Paul. Would he still be so dependent on the grace of God? Would there be pride in his achievements? Whatever it was, God, in his wisdom, had so planned it that what He supplied would be all that Paul would need to do the work that God had ordained. 

The Message:

As I also seek to walk with and work for God, what are the things that have become so important to me that I cannot do without?  What would I go with as I walk with God? Are His provisions sufficient for the work, or are there things that have become distractions on my walk with God? At least two of the things God has provided for my walk with Him are listed in the verses above, and they are His mercies and comfort. I note the mercies are in plural form, to show that there are no limits to what God is able to provide. I also note that when I have received them, they bless my life so much so that I cannot keep them to myself alone. I am yet to find a single person whose life enjoyed God's mercies and comfort and was not equally a blessing to his generation. It may have been to one person at a time, but God's mercies are such that cannot be kept hidden for too long. The impact will such that will change my life, and also influence my pursuits and priorities. It is also interesting to note that the best platform for the evidence of God's mercies and comfort are tribulations and tough times. There has to be something divine about God's grace at work, that turns a mess into a message, or broken property into an amazing work of art. 

The Conclusion:

In my hands, a tennis racquet is ordinary; in the hands of a pro like Rafael Nadal or Serena Williams, it is a piece of art. It matters in whose hands that situation is being used. There is no situation so dire that God cannot use to his own end. Everything he allows has been carefully calibrated to ensure that it will lead to the fulfilment of God's purpose and plan. God is like the pharmacist who knows the right medication, dosage and frequency to be applied in any situation he brings me to, as he knows what I have capacity to bear. When I have received from God, my life becomes a processing and application centre, where the lessons of God's grace and mercies are first personal, before they become public. They are of not much use to the public until my life has been tested and approved by God. There is a time-honoured principle of life that says that 'you cannot give what you don't have'. If you do not know what it is, or how it looks like, how can I testify about its impact upon my life? How would it then be a point of impact to other people? Because God has given me grace to walk this path before, I am now the channel of blessing to the world before me. The critical thing is to determine who I am, and what I have access to. If God is for me, nothing can stand in my way. God's time of favour is here. 

Rest!

Reat!

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Matthew 11:28 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

As you read the entire chapter from where the verse for today is taken, you read of Jesus teaching his disciples, and when he had finished, he also went ahead to teach in the cities of Galilee. Everyone had the opportunity to hear and listen to the words of Jesus, as he taught about his father and his kingdom. As it was in those days, so is it still now. God has given grace for His Word to be available to all men on earth, and it is also his promise that the gospel will be preached among all nations of the world, before the end will come. It shows the heart of love of the Father, who would not want anyone to perish in eternal damnation without an opportunity to hear about the One who gives and secures life. Jesus had some words of condemnation for those who heard and saw His mighty works then, yet refused to repent and turn to God. In the same way, so would there be judgment for all who will hear and see today, and also refuse or neglect to take the right step. What would the right step(s) be? 

The Message:

There is a standing invitation to all men to COME. There are no limits, conditions or restrictions. The verse simply says 'Come'. It means that the One who calls me to come has the capacity, capability and ability to do all He has promised. As it is impossible for God to lie, since he is not man, he means what he says, and says what he means. He also tells me who to approach. Men would usually pass on the help to other people, and they would sometimes not be bothered to lift a finger to help. It could just be that they just cannot help, or they would not help, but whatever it may be, a man like myself, who cannot even guarantee the next minute, is the worst place to go to for help in an emergency. Man cannot help you beyond his capacity and emotional state at the time. There is a God who makes Himself available to me at all times and in all situations, telling me that his hand is mighty to save, his ears clear enough to hear me, and his heart large enough to love me with all my baggage and excesses. 

The Conclusion:

No matter the worries or concerns, Jesus asks me to come. Whether I am weary or just tired of the world, He asks me to come. It is quite interesting that what he promises is rest. The answer to my problems may not be complete relief from them, but divine help that makes it easier for me to bear and continue. What Jesus gives is the relief that is perfectly matched to the problem I bring. At the heart of my help is my admission that I need help, I know Jesus can help, and I come to Him in total surrender. How can I demand or expect help from someone I have not submitted to, or whose authority I have either refused or failed to recognize? There are times when He may not take away the problem, like he did with Paul, but his rest will help you achieve even more than you could ever imagine. That is what God's rest looks like: able, capable and sufficient for whatever it is life throws at you. He is the comfort in the face of loss, and help in the midst of pain. He is all I need. Would I take him up on his offer? Would you? God's time of favour is here.

God's Workmanship!

God's Workmanship!

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Ephesians 2:10 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

Today's verse is taken from the letter written by Paul to the church in Ephesus. As always, the audience is the target, and it has to be the consideration for us, if we are to determine the scope and extent of our involvement. Just before today's verse, Paul writes about the grace of salvation, and how we have come to the knowledge of God, not by works first, but by faith. If men were to earn salvation by net worth or bank account balance, a lot of us would be dead today. If we were to deserve grace by how much we did, it would be a means to pride that ' I worked for what I got'. Thank God it is first and foremost about faith in Jesus. No man alive today was there when Christ died on the cross, yet that sacrifice made centuries ago continue to work wonders in the lives of all who surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. That is the foundation to the verse above, and the benefits and realities stated above only work for those who are under its influence, direction and control.

The Message:

It is these surrendered people who have access to the benefits of the information above. We are God's own workmanship, the visible display of His invisible power and grace. These words 'workmanship' and 'handiwork' portray the picture of skill and technique in making me. I am not the product of an accident, but of careful and deliberate eternal planning. I am not a one-season wonder, but the product of divine wisdom, purposed and planted for impact in the dispensation or generation I have been placed. My being born is not just an event, but the discovery and continuous fulfilment of the purpose of God for my life. It will not be sorted out by accident, but it will be the result of discovery and pursuit. All of these things are only possible when the man is IN Christ Jesus. How else can I fulfil God's purpose if I am not submitted to the One who has the plan and program for my life? That is what being born again means; after physical birth comes the spiritual birth, which opens the door for me to walk into and perform the purpose for which Christ took hold of me.

The Conclusion:

The right order is important. You don't talk about the good works, unless and until the part of being born again is sorted. This present generation is all about effects; we want to impress and oppress others, but because God is not in it, it usually ends up in depression. With God, it is first about the internal. The part about the good works comes later. God had predestined us to do these good works, but these works have a peculiar context. I must not forget that these good works are a function of my creation and submission to Christ, not what I want them to be. These good works are not about pointing attention to or promoting myself, but about drawing men's attention to the One who calls me to serve and work for Him. After all, a good employee is one who promotes the interests of the employer, and brings profit to the employer. God is awesome, and His power is beyond limits, yet he seeks to work in and through me to impact his world. It is an awesome privilege, and my daily life must reflect that understanding and appreciation. Do I know who this God is? Have I submitted to His plan? God's time of favour is here.

A Father's Love!

A Father's Love!

As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].

Psalm 103:13 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

This is another psalm by David, the man after God's heart. It has to always be emphasised how David walked with God on a regular basis. Of course, he didn't always get it right, and there were times he did some pretty terrible things, but one thing about God that he makes clear in the records of his dealings with man is his infinite capacity to love. This attribute is the reason why we are alive today, and it is the reason why I have to be grateful that God is not like man. Today's verse makes it clear what an earthly father's love looks like. Jesus also took time to explain this love when he taught about his father giving the Holy Spirit to all who ask him. There is no earthly father, properly so called, who will give his child stone, instead of bread. There is also no earthly father, unless there is something foundationally wrong with the person, who will give his child a snake, instead of fish. An earthly father is naturally built to take care of, protect and nurture his child, even though sin has tampered with the template. Even with the influence of sin, there are fathers who will go above and beyond the norm to be the best version of fatherhood they know. 

The Message:

Think of the above for a moment: even with sin, a father still knows how to take care of and provide for his family. Now picture the equivalent of a father who is not affected, touched or impacted by sin. Long before sin ever became an issue, God has always had an infinite and limitless capacity to love, because it is His name and nature. Of course, only a man who is made by God is even capable of knowing and showing the love that is of God. We were made in God's likeness, and created to reflect his glory. We were created with the capacity and capability to look and love like God. God then gave man the ability to be fruitful and to multiply after his kind, and as he reproduces after his nature, he is able to extend the nature of God in me through all generations. This is why God, in His wisdom, has placed both the father and mother in the context of family. As always, man's fall from grace has led to several issues with God's plan, but not even sin can lower God's divine standards. His love remains true to all generations, and as many as would surrender their lives to God, they will personally know and experience that love.

The Conclusion:

From personal experience, a father's love is like no other. In homes where the father is silent or absent, the impact is felt, even if it is for a little while. We have God as the perfect example of a father; someone who has been at the job since creation, and continues to provide means and opportunity for us to learn from me what the acceptable practices are. I note the expression: 'those who fear Him (with reverence, worship and awe). This expression or classification really matters. As God's creation, we are all recipients of grace, but there is a special supply for those who have surrendered their lives to the control and influence of Jesus. My fear of God is that I take his instructions as my daily guide. My worship of Him is constant, because I am in awe of His might, power, strength and wisdom. God knows we are human and weak, but then, that is why His grace is abundantly given and available to all who will ask for it, with humility and reverence. How would a father not love someone who holds him in high regard, and is quick to obey? Does that describe me? Does it describe you? God's time of favour is here. 

Light 2!

Light 2!

And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it]. John 1:5 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

We read yesterday about the place of light in our present world, and how important it is for this light to be made manifest. We were made aware that as children of God, we are that light, but today's verse goes back to the very origin and foundation of that light. What/who is this light, and how will that knowledge help me going forward? First of all, that which existed before I came will be greater than me. If the bible refers to a time, calling it the beginning, there is no scientific evidence that can disprove that without valid proof. If God calls a particular time the beginning, it is because He Himself determined it to be so. The same expression: 'In the beginning' starts the entire bible in Genesis 1:1, referring to why, how and when the earth, as we know it now, was created. That is power, ability, and authority. I do not know what theory or concept of creation you hold on to, but it is important to know and follow the truth. If God has revealed his mind to us, it will be criminal to ignore his advice and counsel. Do you know and follow the Truth?

The Message:

The person referred to as the Word of God, by and in and for whom all things were made, is also referred to as the light in the verse above. I note that in the version above, the light is stated in upper case, which means it has to be a name or linked to an actual person. Jesus calls Himself the light of the world, and as we know, He does not lie. If he is indeed the Light, I have to see evidence of his impact. As I take stock from the revealed truth of God, as documented in the Bible, just about 120 people, filled with the Holy Spirit, changed the world at the time, preaching and teaching about this light. Their lives did not matter to them as much as bringing the knowledge of the Light to the world around them. Many of them suffered great loss, even to the point of laying down their lives, yet they did it joyfully, because they knew there was greater good coming out of their experiences. That is what an understanding of who this light is can give you. It changes the perspective about many things, and helps focus on the things that really matter. Do I know this light? 

The Conclusion:

This personal knowledge is the key to identifying and defeating the darkness of this world. There is a world system that has been given over to darkness, and becusse it is under the control of the devil, the world system is irredeemable. It is only those who come to the personal knowledge of the Truth and the Light that are delivered from the power or sin and darkness which holds the world in captivity. Please note that for all the people God has made, there is a plan for salvation. If I can come to Jesus, it will not matter what the depth or scope of my sin is; the blood of Jesus is able to cleanse, save and deliver from the power of darkness. It does not matter how long I have lived in sin; the light of God is older, and can save. This is why darkness can never comprehend the power of the Light. It does not understand grace, mercy or forgiveness. These are only available in and through the Light. The Light wants to come into our hearts and change our eternal destiny. Would you let Him? God's time of favour is here.

Do Good!

Do Good!

Do not neglect to do good, to contribute [to the needy of the church as an expression of fellowship], for such sacrifices are always pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 AMP

The Context and Focus:

No one is directly credited with writing the book of Hebrews, but its message is quite relevant to our times today, just like all the other books of the bible. In all the words of the bible, you find the imprint and handiwork of God working through men that which is His perfect will. No matter the dispensation or the generation, you see God at work, in different manifestations as the Father, or the son, or the Holy Spirit. The critical message is always about God's work in the lives of the people of every generation. As God works in me, His life and touch will always manifest through me. As I live and relate with people on a daily basis, the hand of God upon me cannot and must not be hidden. I believe this is why man is God's instrument of impact on the earth, because I am the visible expression of the grace and power in the lives of the people God has surrounded me with. I an the visible expression of the invisible God. Do I properly reflect Him?

The Message:

This is the thrust of the verse above. It is easy to speak the language of the church, look or dress the part and generally just blend into the form and structure of the church, but the big question will always be about impact. Do men know who I am, and does my being a disciple reflect in the choices I make and how I relate with people? Light is great, but it is of no use if it is not shining out so people can be blessed or guided by it. It is in my daily life's choices and decisions that the quality and depth of my light will be revealed. Every man will flow out with that which you have; if what I have stored up is good, then when the squeeze comes, only good will come out. What I do not have cannot be forced out of me. I am asked not to forget to do good, which means that the pressure of daily living can sometimes make you forget to do what God expects you to do, but the Holy Spirit is always there to guide and guard. Am I depending on the Holy Spirit on a daily basis?

The Conclusion:

The fellowship of believers is the place of primary impact. It is good to have online fellowship, but it can never be the same as physical interaction. People put their best faces online, but nothing bears having a face-to-face conversation with someone, and being able to pour out yourself to that person, with the hope that God can use that person to meet your needs. It could also be the other way around, where you become the vessel in the hand of God to bless another. The early church in Act is the model, where no one had too much or too little, but everyone was quick to share. The needy will always be around us, because this is a generation that thrives on grabbing everything. Changing a life is more important to God than your net worth or your bank account balance. Making God known to people has far more important eternal value than knowing the latest trends. I ask the Holy Spirit for help, so my life and its activities, pursuits and priorities will please God. God's time of favour is here.

Think!

Think!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 KJV 

The Context and Focus:

It is of course the Bible's position that 'as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he'. That truth has been established over the centuries, and as the years have come and gone, this truth continues to hold its ground. At the heart of all that a man can achieve, is the power of his thoughts. If a man already is defeated in his mind, unable to encourage himself to face the challenges and overcome them, he is already defeated. However, if the same man is able to overcome the limits set up in his mind, he is able to face the obstacles placed in his path and then achieve the success he had planned all along. This is why the heart and mind are so critical to what a man is or becomes. It is not a wonder, then, that the wisest man who ever lived said: 'Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life'. The heart is the battleground for all the thoughts that fill a man, daring him to process all and come to the right decision and action. To make matters even more complex, these decisions and actions have eternal consequences and cannot be taken lightly or without consideration of the eventual outcome. 

The Message:

It is wise to consider that this earth is just for a season; I cannot afford to focus only what I can get from this earth, and ignore the other bits that are critical to eternity. This is where today's verse is so important. As always, it defines the audience to whom the verse is addressed: brethren. These are people who have made the decison to surrender their lives to Jesus, and are on the path to eternal life. It is God's plan that once I am saved, I remain on the path until he returns for me, or calls me home. Unfortunately, as it has been seen several times, a man does not always remain committed to the path. Distractions come, and they sometimes succeed in taking the eyes off Jesus unto other things. If I am a child of God, I must depend on Him on a daily basis to remain true to my Lord, Saviour and Master. Surrender to Him means taking hold of and depending on the grace He has supplied in abundant measure to remain true. His grace supplies the right information at all times, as well as the strength required to take the right step, but as always, God does not compel anyone to follow Him. 

The Conclusion:

It has to be a decision taken of my own freewill, so that my love for Him is borne out of a heart that has considered all options, and found Jesus to be the best. Reflect on what the verse above says: true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report. If there is any virtue, or anything worthy of praise, because they point to God's nature or attributes, these are the things to think about. Consider that some of the things mentioned above are God's nature and attributes. He is pure, and He is true. This would mean that I must spend time reflecting and pondering on how I can be more like God, and when, by His Spirit, I know how to, I must take the steps to so do. The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. How else would they know this God if those who claim to know Him do not show Him off? How else would He be known if his nature is not revealed by those who claim to be His own? My thought life will eventually be made manifest by my actions. I can pretend if i want, but eventually, the contents of my heart will be revealed. I ask God for grace to invest time in the things that matter, so that I can be all He wants me to be. God's time of favour is here. 

Unity!

Unity!

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard: That went down to the skirts of his garments;

Psalm 133:1‭-‬2 KJV

The Context and Focus:

Today, we focus on another psalm by David, the man after God's heart. He knew the things that made God's heart glad, and the bible is full of stories of his encounters with God. His songs and hymns provide a window into the kind of man he was, and today, we look at another important part of his life which has relevance for us today. There is yet another chapter of Psalms where David said quite clearly in Psalm 122:1: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD". Here was a man who thrived on making a daily approach to God. No matter how great or bad the day would be, David would always start it in God's presence, singing or making music to God. This present generation could also learn something critical from the life of David here: start the day with God. That start will impact every other part of the day, including your relationships, interactions and engagements.

The Message:

It is my personal encounter with God that will impact my public engagements with men. I take from the blessings of my personal walk with God, and use them to engage men in my public life. When I come before the Lord in public fellowship with other people, what good would I do if I don't have any relationship with God to share? What good would I do if God has no imprint or impact on my life? What would I be bringing into the corporate fellowship of other believers, if I am not a believer myself? The verse above makes it clear that it is good and pleasant when brethren dwell together in unity. There has to be common grounds on which we agree, if we are to be called brethren. As we are from different backgrounds and cultures, there will never be any agreement, unless there is a unique quality that unites us all, and that has to be our relationship with Jesus. Can I say, of a truth, that I have met with this Jesus? 

The Conclusion:

I take from my encounter with Jesus, and I am able to bless my community. It does not mean that there would not be the occasional disagreements, but the One who unites us is far more important than all the qualities that separate us. The verse above says it is good and pleasant, because, as you see in the early church in the book of Act, this was the basic foundation of the growth and increase of the church at the time. It was said of them that it was a daily increase in number, as God kept adding to the church. We can try consultants and experts on church growth, but nothing else can guarantee you success the way God has ordained it, like walking in unity, the type that only God's Spirit can birth and sustain. It is not a flash in the pan, or the occasional comfort we seek when it is convenient. It has to be our default setting, where we allow God move and work in us His perfect work, so we can then impact the world for Him. The world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. Am I one? Are you? God's time of favour is here.

Raised!

Raised!

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11 KJV

The Context and Focus:

The summary of the entire chapter 8 of the book of Romans is about the old man and the new life, their features and characteristics, as well as their eternal realities. It is important to consider both, so I know who I am and where i stand, so I can make the right decision which will impact my eternity. The very first step is to know who I am. The first verse of this chapter gives an insight, when it states quite categorically that: 'There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.' I note that it is not first about the walk but the location. It is about those who are IN Christ Jesus. It is my location that will define the allocation, the focus, the pursuits and the priorities. That first verse refers to the location of the believer and also specifies how and where the believer walks. I can make any claim I want in public, but my life's walk will always reflect my command centre. Men have placed a lot of emphasis on looking or talking the part, but not walking the part. We have been able to keep up the pretence, because man is easily deceived and distracted. 

The Message:

There is a language of people who attend church, or the 'looks' of people who come in to church; however, God is not man, and because He made the heart, He knows all its machinations. He cannot be deceived, so the best use of my life will be to discover the purpose of its Creator, and walk with Him to fulfil it. I need to know and surrender to the One who can help me walk right. God made a promise to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, because it is only by the Spirit that a man can receive empowerment and enabling for the walk that this life of impact requires. The Holy Spirit is God; His Spirit cannot promote a life that goes contrary to God's Word, or support a lie. It is this same God who exerted his power to reverse the irreversible, raising Jesus from the dead, so He could be the perfect offering for sin. Just reflect on the power that it would take to reverse death, render it powerless, and then extend the same grace to all who come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. That same power has not lost efficacy or impact. He is still very much active, seeking to show Himself strong in the lives of all who come to Him in total surrender. 

The Conclusion:

The verse above goes further to explain the impact of this power. My mortal body is kept back by sin, but the power that raised Jesus from the day is able to empower me to live above sin. I note that the verse refers to quickening my mortal body, not the old man of the flesh. The old man needs to die, because it cannot be born again. The old man is under the control and influence of the devil, but when I surrender my life to God, he is able to work in and through me, quickening me to walk with and work for Him. This is why a man can consider his past, as well as current reality, and come to the definite realisation that it is only through God he could have done all he has achieved. Allowing God to live in me is the best use of my life. Allowing the Holy Spirit full and unrestricted access to my life is the only way to get God's best for me. My mortal body is just for a season, but God can work the eternal using the earthly. That is why God's great treasures are in earthen vessels, so He can show forth His power. He wants to do the mighty and the miraculous, but He needs the yielded. Am I one? Would I yield? God's time of favour is here.

Done Right!

Done Right!

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Philippians 2:3 KJV

The Context and Focus:

As always, it is important to set out the purpose and focus of the verse, so we can determine the scope and depth of its impact on us. The verses just before today's extract lay it out: "if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion...". As I take stock of my life today, can I say, of a truth, that these verses truly define me? Am I truly at one with Christ, comforted by His love, with an affinity or relationship with the Holy Spirit, and His fruit being made manifest in and through me? It is easy to speak the language of church, particularly when you have been in there for some time, but there comes a time when the fruit has to show. As men come in contact with me, can it be said of me that I am God's child, His earthly representative and ambassador, and one who can be trusted with the treasures of His grace? This is critical, and has to be established before I can even think of the verse above. 

The Message:

If indeed I am God's child, my life will be a daily reflection of that truth. The encouragement for me is that God will supply the grace required for me to look like Him. As I trust him, and you trust Him to work in us that which is perfect and in line with His will, imagine the power at work in us individually, and the resultant impact on our corporate fellowship, the flow of grace in our community and the unity of spirit and mind, which will make the work of God expand and increase all around us. It is hard for God to move in a place where there is no surrender to His will. It is hard to see God at work in me if I am not first under his total influence, control and direction. In fact, it will be safe to say that even though God is limitless and powerful beyond measure, He has given me power to either accept or reject His rule over my life. I have to accept the demands of God's kingdom if I am to enjoy its benefits. Citizenship confers responsibilities and benefits on all who are subject to a particular kingdom; as it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual. 

The Conclusion:

When the above is settled without a doubt in my life, then can the demands of today's verse ring true, when nothing is done to promote self or to seek glory for myself. If self is dead, how can it be exalted in me? If God is in total control, where is the room for pride? At the heart of strife and conflict in the church could be misunderstandings, hurt feelings, open conflicts or just pure pride. It is human nature to feel you are better than most people, and to resent those who appear to be better off than you. The fact that it is church does not mean the devil will not try to exploit our humanity, but as we surrender to the Lord of the church, and ask Him to change us from within, his work in us will definitely manifest on the outside of us. When I do not seek glory for myself, but I am quick to lift others up, God will definitely be able to move and do great things in our lives. With humility comes honour, and as I seek to help other people, seeing them as God does, God's grace is made manifest in and through me, and men are moved to know and follow Christ. Would you let Him work in and through you? God's time of favour is here. 

Preference!

Preference!

Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Amos 5:23‭-‬24 KJV

The Context and Focus:

God has constantly warned us about the danger of sin, and told us quite clearly what the consequences of sin are. He leaves no one in any doubt as to what follows unconfessed sin. It does not matter who you are, or how much God has used you, or how many lives you have touched. Sin in the camp will destroy a man, and that is what happened to Israel. Israel was the favoured of God, chosen out of many nations to be His treasured possession, but when they sinned, God punished them. This has to be a warning to all of us today; God has no favourites when it comes to sin. He will punish it, no matter in whom it is found. This was the warning God sent through his prophet Amos in the verses above. It is still the same God; dispensations or generations may have changed, but the standards have not. I must keep my heart focused on these standards, so that I do not slip away. May sin not become such a part of me that I become hardened by its deceit. I have to keep myself under constant check, so that I can avoid sin. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure where you will spend it. 

The Message:

I must also be careful about keeping up appearances, without a corresponding commitment to the things that make God's heart glad. There is the danger of keeping up 'good works', at the expense of a good walk with God. These verses were addressed to people who knew how to look the part, but not what God really wanted. They would come to the house of God and sing beautifully; they could make lovely music and melody with the instruments, but God was not impressed. The service would be appreciated by mortal men, because it would move them, but God was far away from them. That is the danger of a life devoted to works only, with no corresponding inner conviction to match it. I have to be very careful about my life's pursuits and priorities, so that I do not just have the applause of men, and no approval from God. At the end of the day, it won't matter what men said or did; the only thing that would matter would be what God has said. As it was then, so is it now. Men will continue to be men, and God remains God. Should a mortal man like myself, who is also subject to judgment like me, be strong enough to deny me eternal life with God? 

The Conclusion:

This is why today's verses are critical. God has made it clear what his standards are. He is a God of judgment, and with Him, there is no partiality. He does not like hypocrisy or eye-service, but where a man does what pleases God, God is pleased and he will bless such endeavours. His desire is to have justice flow like waters. The picture here is that God wants to walk and work unhindered or unfettered in our lives, if only we will allow Him. His nature is justice, because he is a fair God, and the One who will judge the whole world. How can he demand from me what is not in his nature to give? How can he command from me that which He has not supplied abundant grace for? This is what makes God unique: he will never put on me more than what I can bear. Righteousness is also His nature, and all who claim to know and follow Him must look, talk, walk, see and live like Him. May I not offer unto God a sacrifice that He will not accept, but may my life and its offerings be acceptable in His sight. He wants to take glory in and through me. Would you let Him? God's time of favour is here.