Instructed!

Instructed!

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭32:8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.

The Context and Focus:

Again, the audience is very important. This is a psalm of David, titled the 'blessedness of forgiveness and of trust in God'. It is quite instructive that this is a psalm by a man God Himself referred to as a man after His heart. David had a relationship with God that impacted every area of his life. Of course, being human showed at different stages of the life of David, but he always found his way back to God. There was an incident in the life of this man that led to God punishing him to generations after him, but God also testified of Himself that his steadfast love will never be taken away from David's house, as he took it away from Saul. Out of the many lessons that the life of David may teach, one quite important one is to take careful thought to my actions and reactions today. There are eternal consequences attached to the things I do, as well as the way I do them. God wants to lead, guide and direct, but He does not go against the exercise of my freewill.

The Message:

He gives grace for me to make an approach, and to know His mind over any matter, but once I have known what is right and wrong, I do have the choice on what to do. Look at the verse above: ' I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go' shows that proper guidance by God is not an overnight sensation, but the result of daily listening and obeying. God speaks, but because of the noise around due to competing interests, I have to be deliberate and decisive about hearing what he has to say. God will not compete for attention; He speaks to those who are willing to take the time to listen. Teaching is not a one-off event, but one that takes time and effort. In the same way, if I will be taught properly, I have to devote time and attention to the principles and practices being taught. God has a way He wants me to walk, and it is only by listening to His voice that I can know what today's guidance is. What worked yesterday may not work today, because each day needs its own guidance and instructions. 

The Conclusion:

'I will counsel you, who are willing to learn' shows that for the counsel to be effective and impact, it needs my cooperation and submission. This is the power that I have been given, and one that must be used very carefully. Counselling, even by human standards, is a voluntary thing. The wealth of knowledge and information available cannot be forced down anyone's throat, but if I come to God with a sincere heart, not with preconceived notions, or a hypocritical heart, I will receive his insights for life and Godliness. He promises to be with me, and to put His eye on me. Just picture it: everywhere you go, God is with you. Everywhere you turn, the Lord is watching you. Every time the Bible records that the Lord was with someone, look at how the person ended: Joseph, Daniel, Paul or Deborah, the impact is undeniable. God's eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose walk is blameless. Am I open to God's leading, or am I bent on doing my own thing? Consequences follow actions. I had better be sure God is in control. God's time of favour is here. 

Balance!

Balance!

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; James 1:19 AMP

The Context and Focus:

As is the usual practice, we look at the audience to whom the words are addressed. At the start of the letter, James makes it clear he is speaking to the Jews, who either by persecution or other reasons, had become scattered abroad among the Gentiles and other nations. Out of the many reasons why this would have happened, one is that it was God's will that the gospel of Jesus be preached to the world at the time, and what better way was there than for those who had responded to the gift of God and received salvation through the grace of God to be witnesses to other people. God does not make mistakes; all He allows would be carefully calibrated to bring out his perfect will, if we allow Him work in and through us. Wherever I may be located now, if indeed I am a child of God, is where God wants me to be, and as long as I am yielded to His will, and obeying His commands. Am I making the best use of the opportunities God brings my way? Is my life a living, breathing witness to the power of God? 

The Message:

With the audience defined, the expectations can also be set out. My life's expressions are the product of my heart's impressions. I flow out with the things I have allowed to settle on my heart. Check this out: you spend three terms in school, in order to prepare for an exam that may last three hours. It means that more time is required to prepare, than to express. That is the message of today's verse, and it shows that I have to be focused more on preparation and contents, rather than expression. The world is all about 'making a statement', but for me, it is about impacting lives. Whether I like it or not, every expression of my life is a reflection of what is stored up in my heart. It is not a wonder then that the verse above encourages me to listen more. That is the foundation to what gets stored in my heart. It says 'careful, thoughtful listener, which means it is not everything that passes by my ear that I must allow to settle. If I know that one day, that which I have heard will be revealed by the things I speak, I will be more deliberate about what I listen or react to. 

The Conclusion:

It is also clear from the verse above that I cannot be silent forever. God has given me ears and a mouth for many reasons, but one of them would be so that I can take of the grace I have received, and be a blessing to other people. It could also mean that God wants me to hear twice as much as I speak. The verse says 'a speaker of carefully chosen words', as well as one who is 'slow to anger'. You don't get to this state by being careless about impressions and engagements. There is a divine connection of the heart, ears and mouth, and anyone who will make eternal impact must watch that connection carefully. There are times when words are appropriate, but there are also times when words are completely unnecessary. There are situations that holy and righteous anger would be appropriate, but there are also times when walking away is the right thing to do. You know what is right in all situations when you are rightly connected and dependent on the grace of God. That is the divine supply that is needed for today's verse to make sense to me. Would I depend on God for this journey of impact? God's time of favour is here.

Light 1!

Light 1!

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 AMP

The Context and Focus:

This is also part of the sermon of Jesus on the mountain, and as it has been consistently pointed out, the audience matters. The words of Jesus here are addressed to disciples, not just followers. It is important to also clarify this. There is the crowd, the mass of people who go where there is noise. As long as there is something to be felt, seen or heard, you find the crowd there, but that is not enough. The crowd has no commitment; they are in it for what thrills they can get out of it. Then you have those who have now felt, seen and heard, and know that they need a new direction for their lives. They decide to totally surrender their lives to Jesus, and these are the ones who bear the light of Jesus wherever they go. If you have Jesus in you, you have the Light of God, because Jesus is the Light. It is impossible for a man to be totally surrendered to Jesus, and still be controlled by darkness. This is a decision that all of us must take at some point in our lives. Have you? 

The Message:

It is before men that the witness of my person and identity must be made. If I am indeed a child of God, men must be able to see a difference between my old and new life. The earth is the platform for the manifestation of the presence of God in me. This is why a man is not raptured and sent to heaven as soon as he is saved, because there are examples that have to be placed on earth to serve as witnesses to the power of God. This is the power and quality of light, that no matter how tiny the ray, you cannot deny its presence. No matter how deep the darkness is, even the tiniest sliver of light will make the difference. Can men see anything that points them to the saving knowledge of Jesus in my life? Do my life's choices challenge them to seek God out for themselves too? Or am I content to blend in with the crowd, afraid of standing alone or standing out? Am I the ultimate shape-shifter, able to blend into any and every situation, unable to hold a position long enough for anyone to know what my principles are? 

The Conclusion:

The reason why men must testify to the work of God inside of me, is that these same men will then have reasons to glorify God. God has left me as a witness down here on earth, and as I live for Him, men will be challenged due to their own sinful lifestyles being at variance with my own priorities. If they don't see any difference, there is nothing to look up to. If nothing challenges my current pursuits, there is no motivation to seek others. God is in heaven, but he is also everywhere, and he fills all things in all ways. He deserves all the praise men can give him, and he thrives on showing Himself mighty in the lives of all who are fully committed to Him. Light cannot be hidden, and all who bear it must prepare to be noticed, and mostly battered and persecuted. Men who thrive in darkness will also fight the light, so it is good to consider all that is at stake, so I can take the right decision. If I stay with God, He will definitely back me up. Give it time; whatever is in me will definitely flow out of me. By God's grace, it will be the right thing. God's time of favour is here.

Personal Example!

Personal Example!

The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you. Philippians 4:9 AMP

The Context and Focus:

This is the conclusion of the letter Paul and Timothy had written to the church in Phiippi, charging them on various topical Christian issues. This chapter starts with a charge to specifically named people, asking that they work together to spread the gospel of Jesus, and support all who faithfully do the work of the ministry. It has to be stated that as human beings on this side of eternity, we will not always agree on scope, depth or experience, but can never be in doubt must be the commitment to the assignment to make Jesus known to the world. We may differ on processes and procedures, but we cannot differ on the principles upon which the Word of God is based, and the person we are called to represent. Paul understood this truth, and that is why he could promote the power of personal responsibility and accountability to all who knew him. Timothy was one of such people, and by the power of personal example, Paul was able to show Timothy how to live. Is there anyone in my immediate circle who needs such examples? 

The Message:

Paul must have been quite confident in the Lord that his personal life had God's approval, and he could use the lessons God taught him to encourage others on how to live. He told his audience, as laid out in the verse above, that 'the things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these'. That is confidence, not necessarily in his own ability, but in the work of God done in him. When God is working on and in a man, that man's pursuits and priorities will be different from those of a man who is not surrendered to God. People may have thought that Paul was mad, but he knew his mission as laid out by God, and he made it a daily priority to work towards fulfilling that mission. The same thing applies to us in this present generation: we cannot afford to keep making excuses for not working for God. We seem to be slowly raising people who seem not too concerned about positive impact and influence, but would rather take in whatever is popular and generally accepted.

The Conclusion:

Of course, the things that are wrong and sinful are popular to this generation, but where are the examples that are worthy of emulation? Where are the people who know and do the Truth?  Paul could lay out his words, actions, and reactions as examples that his audience could practice, because he was sure that they had been vetted and approved by God as right. Can I dare say such a thing to anyone? Paul was mortal like all of us here on earth now, and if God's grace made it possible for a man to say such words, the same God of grace then, is still the same God today, and He is able to supply all that I need for life and Godliness. I just need to make a daily commitment to living right. Grace makes this possible, and there is a peace that only God can supply as I daily depend on Him for that supply. Remember, daily practice rests on daily dependence on grace, and then leads to daily peace. I must not rely on my own power or wisdom. The world lacks direction, and is looking for the right examples to copy. Is my life one of such examples that can be put forward as evidence of God's enablement? God counts on us. God's time of favour is here.

Time!

Time!

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may endure for a night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning.

Psalms 30:5 AMP

The Context and Focus:

This is another psalm by David, the man after God's heart. It bears repeating that this was a man who knew how to hold God's attention, because he was quick to repent and return, and he would praise God with the whole of his being. He had no pride or pretensions when it came to praising God. This psalm has as its title 'Thanksgiving for deliverance from death'. This was just one out of the many instances that David found a reason to praise God. I have to learn a few lessons from the life of this man too, and the first is this: there must be nothing in my life that should keep me from living a life of gratitude. Things will happen to me that I may not like or enjoy, but there is this assurance that I have a God who cares so much for me that he will not allow just anything happen to me, unless it will surely promote his purpose and plan for my life. That is the God who calls me his own, and the One David again introduces to us today. The balance to this understanding is to also know that the same God of love is also the God of judgment. He loves us so much that He gave the life of his Son Jesus for our sin.

The Message:

 His son, who knew no sin, became sin, so that we can become the righteousness of God. With such a high price paid for sin, you can be sure that the price for rejecting such a gift will also be huge. No matter how much God is angry with sin, he is even more joyful when those in sin turn to him in repentance and surrender their lives to Him. He hates sin, but loves the sinner. He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found, but his love is eternal. No earthly man was born a Christian, which means that at a time, before salvation, we were all subject to God's anger. By this grace, we have crossed from death to life. No man can stand God's anger, but I cannot also continue in sin and expect that grace will also continue to abound. In God, there is a supply of all I need for life and Godliness, but I have to be and do right in order to have access to this supply. For all who have come to know God, they have passed on from the anger of God, into the eternal favour of God. What else can a man get that can beat that? What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? Is there any value to this life if this is where it all ends, with no hope of eternal life? 

The Conclusion:

One key component to the verse above is TIME. We see the scope of time as it relates to God's anger, but we also see it as it relates to God's favour. We see the same component in the phase of weeping, but we also see it in the phase of shouting for joy. The night is a season in time, and so is the morning. It is very important to know how time relates to what you seek from God. Indeed, for all of us on earth, these phases will happen. No amount of prayer can wish them away, but it is more important that we end up with the eternal phases that end where God is. Life will also happen to all of us; nobody has been promised to live forever down here on earth without dying. 'Bad' things will happen to the best of us, and they may cause us to weep, but the season of the nights of weeping will come to an end one day, and the morning light of eternity will dawn. Those who had silently wept will sing and shout for joy. I just must note again that it is only those who had been contrite for sin, weeping and crying for God's help that can look forward to the joy that is promised for the morning. Am I qualified to look forward to it? It is not too late, but time is of the essence. Repent, before it is too late. God's time of favour is here.

Salt and Light!

Salt and Light!

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:13‭-‬14 NIV

The Context and Focus:

We come to the end of the first part of the sermon of Jesus on the mountain. Jesus had spoken about some attributes that God blesses, and I will do well to consider all that Jesis says here, and ensure that my life lines up with these requirements. What does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? What has he really gained, if all he holds are the perishable things of this world? It has to also be emphasized again who Jesus was speaking to here: disciples first of all, before the crowd. The crowd is always about numbers; Jesus only looks for the few who will be committed to whatever it takes. The crowd is always about visibility and noise; Jesus looks for the people who are content to work silently, not pointing attention to themselves, but letting Jesus be known and celebrated. It is the little that makes the difference; not the crowd. This is why the images of the light and salt used in the verse above is so relevant today. 

The Message:

It does not matter how dark the night is; the tiniest sliver of light will make all the difference. You do not match the quantity of food you want to cook with the quantity of salt, otherwise, that food cannot be eaten. Light is quite unique in the sense that you cannot really hold it, yet you know if it is there or not. Salt is almost also the same; you cannot fail to know if it is absent in food. It is also interesting to note that though both salt and light are mentioned after each other, you cannot use one in place of another. No matter how much light you get, it will not make food edible. No matter how much salt you set fire to, it will not give you light. This tells me that God expects me to occupy a particular place at a particular point in time in my life. It does not matter how attractive the other option is; I only get blessed if I am where God wants me to be, and doing what he wants me to do. 

The Conclusion:

As amazing as both light and salt are, it is also sobering to know that salt can become worthless, and sometimes, light can also stay hidden. One of the biggest threats to the value of salt and light is sin. It does not matter how much of God you know; sin will mess you up. The light in a Christian's life will be extinguished by sin, and the saltiness of such a life will also be tainted by sin. I cannot be called the light of the world if the Light Himself does not live in me. How can I give what I do not have? How can my life express that which I have never spent any time cultivating or nurturing? Am I also in any way adding to the challenges of salt or light? Am I afraid to speak out, worried about what men will do or say to or about me? There are also both earthly and eternal consequences for not living as light or salt. Once salt has lost its purpose, what else can it be used for? If light had become darkness, how can it do the work it was formed to do? I must check my life today, so that I can become all that God has formed, planted and purposed me to be. Nothing else matters. God's time of favour is here.

Persecuted!

Persecuted!

“Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

Matthew 5:10 AMP

The Context and Focus:

For the interactions we have already considered, you will observe that they are mainly personal. The former lessons are attributes you have some measure of control over. You can decide to pursue holiness, or you can ask God for grace to hunger and thirst after Him, and you can also depend on Him to show mercy to other people. However, the one area you cannot really control is other people's reactions to the decisions you have made. I can make a decison to live holy, but I do not have power over how other people respond to or receive my decision. I note however, that as long as I do what is right in the sight of God, there will always be opposition and resistance. It is no use praying against such experiences, because Truth, no matter how minute, will always have enemies. It must be emphasized that the focus is on doing what is right in the sight of God, not what men consider right. The impact of sin has made that distinction very important, because that which may be acceptable to God is an abomination in the sight of God. 

The Message:

When I have sorted out that which aligns with the will of God, and I know it is His will and timing for it to be done, I must make up my mind to pursue it, no matter what it will cost me. God has left his own children on earth as witnesses to what is possible when God is in charge of a life. I consider the life of men and women like Job, Daniel, the three Hebrew men, Paul, John the Beloved, Mary the mother of Jesus, Deborah and others, whose personal lives had plenty of pressure, but who stood on the side of God, holding on to the truths of His Word. They were persecuted, and some were even killed because of their stand, but we read of them today, learning about the foundations of their faith, the expressions of their firm commitment to the things of God, and their eternal reward. Jesus, our perfect example, also submitted to the cross, as painful as he knew it would be. Because of his sacrifice, I have hope of earthly impact and eternal life with God. Is the reward of eternal life with God not worth the pressure that the world may give, which is always for a season?

The Conclusion:

The verse above makes it clear what I stand to gain, both down here, and with God in eternity. There is an inner peace that the world can never understand, limit or explain, because it does not have it, and it cannot give it. The work of the Holy Spirit as Comforter is the only way to get it. Whilst men are giving up or giving in, the one with the Holy Spirit is able to keep going, enduring whatever comes, because there is a confidence in the ability of God to keep his promises. The kingdom of heaven becomes a reality both down here on earth, as well as forever. If I am able to endure whatever comes my way, as a result of my faith in Christ, I also take hold of that which has been promised to all who endure to the end. Nothing down here can be adequate compensation for missing eternity with God. This present earth has been promised to unquenchable fire, and a new earth has been promised. Make every effort to make heaven; it would be worth all the pain and discomfort endured on earth. God is faithful and dependable, and can be trusted to keep his word. God's time of favour is here.

Peace Makers!

Peace Makers!

“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God. Matthew 5:9 AMP

The Context and Focus:

The sermon of Jesus on the mountain continues. The verse above refers to another class of people, who are the makers and maintainers of peace. It is instructive to note that both making and maintaining peace are mentioned in the verse above. What would peace mean? Two definitions stand out, and these are: 'freedom from disturbance; tranquillity' and 'a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended'. In both instances, there would have been some war, conflict or disturbance, but someone would have made every effort to promote an end to it. How can anyone know the value of peace, if you have never known the danger or reality of war? It is usually the generation that has never fought in a war, or seen the devastation and destruction war brings, that does all in its power to start one. For all who have had to resolve conflicts, it is clear that most times, you do not even know what started the conflict, yet generations after are still trying to resolve the issues. 

The Message:

How does a man make and maintain peace, especially when you do not even know what the root cause of the issue is? This is where the audience and reception matter. Jesus was speaking to men who had made the decison to follow and submit to Him. The commands of God may be known by everyone, but He does not force Himself on anyone. If I decide to come to Him, I am saying I recognize and submit to His authority. His commands then become my mandate. Whatever He commands become my daily guide. I also know that if i submit to Him, I have access to the grace that can help me align with His commands. If God asks me to follow peace with all men, He may allow conflicts to arise around me that will test my resolve. If I can depend on His grace, I will be able to hold on and follow peace. Jesus is also called the Prince of peace, so it means that if He lives in my heart, my life must manifest and reflect peace. It is not that there won't be issues, but it is just that a submitted heart will always have the support and supply it needs from the One in control.

The Conclusion:

Both making and maintaining peace are mentioned in the verse above, and I believe both are important. When there is conflict, my presence as a child of God must make a difference. When things go bad, my life must be able to make a positive impact. The verse above refers to those who make and maintain peace as people who express God's character. Indeed, God is a God of peace, and by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, he has made a way for man to be reconciled to Him. Anyone still running away from God needs to know and understand what has been offered, and take advantage of the grace that is free. God is a God of peace, so all who claim to know and follow Him must also walk in peace. This is one of the loudest ways we can reflect that we are children of God. I cannot give what I don't have, and you cannot fake it too it is a lifelong call to peace; not the occasional pursuit when it suits me, but a consistent lifestyle that shows off the One who lives in me. Does that describe me at this time? God's time of favour is here.

Pure in Heart!

Pure in Heart!

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 AMP 

The Context and Focus:

We read again one of the attributes of the people that Jesus defines as blessed. From the verse above, we read of the meaning of the blessing that is ascribed to the class of people considered in the verse above. People who anticipate God's presence do not live careless lives, but are deliberate about their choices, pursuits and priorities. People who look forward to God's presence are careful about the friends they keep, the contents they consume, the words they speak and the lives they live. God is presented on every page of Scripture as a holy God. That is the nature of him that runs through the Bible. Anyone who seeks to see him must come to Him on his own terms and conditions. I cannot seek to do my own thing, and expect God to just rubber stamp it. I cannot pursue my own agenda, and expect that there will be no repercussions. Holiness is the attribute that is non-negotiable for anyone seeking to align with today's verse. Do my current life choices reflect this understanding? 

The Message:

Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. Those are the exact words in the bible. Now, I can choose to debate those clear words, or I can decide to take God at his words, and just simply align. I also note that the heart lies at the centre of all that I do. The verse above lays emphasis on being pure in heart, as that is the place from where all actions proceed. The wisest man who lived in the bible times was Solomon, and one of his wise sayings enjoins us to guard our hearts with all diligence, because out of the heart proceeds both life and death. The prophet Jeremiah also laid it out so clearly when he defined the state of man's heart, stating that the heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Those words are quite sharp and cutting, but they reflect the state of the heart of the natural man. As long as man is under the control and influence of the old man, he stands no chance before the Holy God. The standard has been made clear, and God will not bend his will for any man. He has made known what he wants, and eternity lies at the end of whatever decison I make.

The Conclusion:

However, grace has given access to the blood of Jesus, by which man is saved from the power of sin, and given the power to live a life of holiness and righteousness. The verse above goes further to provide more details of what being pure in heart means, and this includes those with integrity, moral courage and godly character. This shows the mix between the internal and the external. Men must testify to the change in you, which is manifested by the life that flows out of you. The reward for purity must of necessity be that which looks like God, because you cannot live like God in this world, and not end up with Him where He is. The reward for those with pure hearts is that they will see God. This covers both the earthly and the eternal. A man whose life points men to God will definitely see God show up for him down here, and also preserve him until He sees God in glory. Don't settle for that which dies down here; make sure that you lay hold of that which lasts forever. God's time of favour is here.

The Merciful!

The Merciful!

“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 AMP

The Context and Focus:

The messages from the sermon of Jesus on the mountain continues. This is the fifth category of people considered by Jesus as blessed, and this category are the ones Jesus refers to as the merciful. What is mercy? It is defined as 'compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm'. Think about this definition for a moment. Offence would have been committed, and a lawful punishment would have been defined. There would be nothing wrong with applying the punishment, because it is what the offence required, but mercy comes in to show compassion or forgiveness to the offender. If we are to apply this principle to our lives today, we know quite clearly that the punishment for sin is death, and if God applied it, He would have been right, because He had told us quite clearly that the wages of sin is death. Thank God for mercy.

The Message:

It is because of mercy that I am not dead yet. It is because of mercy that I can lay hold of the gift of eternal life, made available through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is because of mercy that I can also now flow out with the same grace to other people. How can I give that which I do not have, or how can I flow out with that which I have not received? In order to be merciful, I must first have obtained and responded to the mercy of God. I cannot respond to God's mercy outside of the person, influence and direction of Jesus, who is the personification of mercy. As the verse above demands, I come to know that mercy becomes a cycle. As I receive it, and respond to it, it becomes a personal thing, and then I can extend it to other people. No matter how hard you press, or how much you try, if it is not in there, you cannot fake it. There is a limit to human endurance and patience; only by God's grace can a man's life reflect the virtues of today's verse. 

The Conclusion:

As usual, there is a reward for everything that Jesus demands. If he demands anything from me, He will supply the grace I need to meet the demand. If I have received mercy, I can give it, and as I give it, God's grace is such that I will get a refill. God does not owe a man anything, and if I am faithful to the call of God upon my life, He will continue to supply all that I need for life and Godliness. The details of God's blessings in the verse above are also instructive, because they make it clear that the one who is merciful will be content, sheltered by God’s promises. When you have God's backing and supply, what can you lack? Men measure life by physical acquisitions; God measures life by how much of it is under His control and influence. If I want my life to count for anything valuable, it has to be given over completely to God. Does God own my life? Can He dictate terms? Can His life really flow in and through me, to impact my generation? God's time of favour is here.

Hungry and Thirsty!

Hungry and Thirsty!

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. Matthew 5:6 AMP

The Context and Focus:

The sermon of Jesus on the mountain continues in the verse above, and the fourth category of people are those who are 'hungry and thirsty for righteousness. There is a need to also break down what these emotions or desires are, so we can understand how they relate to the kingdom of God. It has to be again emphasized that the desire of God is for all of us to make it to heaven. We will all have different experiences, and we will walk on different paths, but all of them must lead to eternal life with God. If my current pursuits and priorities do not align with God's will, it is not likely that they will get me God's promises. One definition for hungry is 'having a strong desire or craving'. One definition for thirsty is 'having or showing a strong desire for something'. At least one common thread links both, and it is 'a strong desire'. This means that the person being addressed here is not someone who us content with the status quo, or who just takes life as it comes, but goes after that which is required for the life that God has called him/her to. Does this describe me in any way? Does it describe you? 

The Message:

Of course, the verse above also defines what must be the pursuit. It will amount to foolishness if you find a man who is just running, but cannot articulate where he is going, or what he is running after. Whether we admit it or not, all of us in this earthly phase are running after something. By our current actions or reactions, we are actually headed in only one of two eternal destinations, which are eternal life with God, or eternal separation away from God. There is no middle ground, or a place in between both. Nowhere in the bible does God mention such a place. If God has made quite clear what he wants, as well as what he offers us, we owe it to our eternity to consider very carefully what God says, and take him seriously. Righteousness is defined as 'the quality of being right in the eyes of God, including character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct (action), and command (word). Do we see that there is no way to achieve that which God commands without His help? I cannot attain righteousness by labour or striving, but if I can only rely on the God who makes a man right with Him, then I can achieve all that has been commanded in the verse above. 

The Conclusion:

As always, God does not force Himself on anyone, but if I come to Him, he will not cast me away. The verse refers to those who have this hunger and thirst as people who are blessed by God. They are nourished by God's goodness, because they seek after that which pleases God. I cannot pursue after God and not get a taste of Him. The more of Him I get, the more of Him I wil crave. The more of Him I crave, the more of Him I know. This is why following God is a never-ending journey of discovery and awe. You don't get all of God; God has to own and hold of you, if you want to even begin to scratch the surface of who this God is. I have all of eternity to learn more about God, but while I am down here on earth, I will seek after him like the deer pants for water. If I seek Him the right way, the promise is that I will be completely satisfied. That is the extra God gives. As I cannot take only one meal or drink for the whole of my life, so must I not be content with weekly, monthly or yearly appointments with God. It has to be daily and regular, and as I do so, the faithful God will play his part. What are you waiting for? God's time of favour is here.

The Gentle and the Earth!

The Gentle and the Earth!

“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5 AMP

The Context and Focus:

The sermon on the mountain continues. This time, the focus is on those who are referred to as gentle. It is important to consider how the word is defined, both here in the verse above, as well as the Internet, which defines the word as 'having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament' and being 'moderate in action, effect, or degree; not strong or violent'. The verse above then adds the words: 'kind-hearted, sweet-spirited and self-controlled'. These are words that show that what matters is first the contents of the heart, before the manifestations that are seen on the outside. You can only define a person as gentle when you have observed the person for some time, and can vouch for his/her general disposition over a period of time. That tells me that it is far more important to consider my inner contents than to worry about what other people think of me. What am I storing up now, which will definitely be made manifest over time? 

The Message:

There is a key word that is also common to all the people who have been described over the past 2 devotions, and it is the word 'blessed'. Only God can bless a man and it will count. Man can bless you, but he can only give you out of that which he has. Even if he is a billionaire, he can only give you out of that which he can control. When God declares a man blessed, think of the God who owns the heaven and the earth, and all that is in them, and then consider what is truly available to you when this God declares you blessed. You have to know the conditions that are necessary for access to these blessings. I can pray, and yes I should, but it will be a fruitless exercise if I do not intend to align with the conditions laid down to access the blessings promised by God. I can be known as a kind person, but for God, the flow must be based on a heart that has been fully surrendered to God. 

The Conclusion:

It has to be further emphasized that gentleness is part of the fruit of the Spirit, which means that being gentle is the outflow of the inner presence of God. It is also interesting to consider the reward that has been promised by God to those who are gentle, and it is that they will inherit the earth. How would this work if this present earth has already been promised to unquenchable fire? I believe that there is an acknowledgement that the earth will never forget those who made a positive impact on it by the way they handled matters. There are men and women who have passed through the earth and have died, but their positive impact remains celebrated till today. And of course, for those who die in Christ, there is a promise of a new heaven and a new heart, reserved for those who have the deposit of the Spirit, sealed for the day of redemption. In essence, being gentle has both earthly and eternal consequences. God has made known what lies at the end of my actions today. The choice, as always, is mine to make, but the consequences have been made clear. I must choose right, so i can end right. God's time of favour is here. 

Those Who Mourn!

Those who Mourn!

“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. Matthew 5:4 AMP

The Context and Focus:

Following on from yesterday's devotion, we again read from the first sermon that Jesus preached on the mountain, as he sat down with his disciples, and a large crowd also listening to Him at the foot of the mountain. As was pointed out, the immediate audience was his disciples first of all, as you cannot command loyal and faithful service and devotion from people who do not recognize or accept your authority. You cannot command allegiance from people who are not your subjects or citizens. That has to be settled firmly in my heart, as I read the words above. The focus in today's verse are 'those who mourn', and the verse above has helped to clarify who these people are. These are people who have come to the unambiguous and clear understanding of who they are, what they have done, and what they really need. It has to be again mentioned that you cannot be of much help to someone who does not need help, or does not know s/he needs help.

The Message:

That has to be the start point. Until a man knows and admits that he is a sinner, and that no one else except Jesus can save him, that man cannot be helped. Until a man is able to totally surrender his life to the control, influence and direction of Jesus as Lord and Saviour, that man still needs help. The best of men are all sinners, because, by the very nature of conception, we inherit the sinful nature of Adam. All who are born of women are born into sin, and this is why God had to break the law of natural conception so that the One who would offer the perfect sacrifice for sin would not have the sinful nature. The blood of Jesus has become the perfect platform for the forgiveness of sin for the whole world, and all who come to Him receive cleansing, forgiveness and redemption, as well as the assurance of eternal life with God at the end of this present earthly phase. If I will receive the blessing that is promised at the end of the verse, I have to be sure that my life aligns with the conditions at the start of the verse.

The Conclusion:

The promise for those who mourn for their sin and repent and turn to Jesus, is comfort. This comfort is not like the one the world gives, and can take away at will. This is the comfort that the presence of God in a man's life can birth and sustain all through that man's life. It does not matter what the weight of the past is or what the pressures of the present are; when God comes in, He changes the story and the perspective, as well as the future. Sin comes with a burden, because it is of and from the devil, who has no free gift. The mission of the devil is to steal, kill and destroy and that is all he can offer, because that is all he has. God has mercy that forgives sin, and then supplies grace and comfort that provide all that a man needs for life and Godliness. He lifts the burden of sin away, and then gives a burden for other souls who are still under the burden of sin. Have I been forgiven? Have I received comfort from God? It is time to extend the same grace to other people. God is counting on me. God's time of favour is here.

Poor in spirit!

Poor in spirit!

“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

Matthew 5:3 AMP

The Context and Focus:

Today's verse is taken from the first sermon preached by Jesus, according to the account of Matthew. As it was always the case, there was a large crowd following Jesus by this time. Heaven had testified to his Sonship, the Holy Spirit had descended on him, he had been led by the power of the Holy Spirit to the wilderness to be tempted and had overcome, so He had been prepared for ministry. It was not a wonder then that he had a large crowd following Him everywhere He went. But like all things that Jesus does, the size of the crowd is not the determinant of God's backing. Men will seek out God in you, but do not be fooled or deceived by the size of the applause. As can be seen from the verse above, what really matters to Jesus is that heart that seeks after him. There was a crowd at the foot of the mountain, and his disciples were seated with him at the top of the mountain, yet He directly addressed that one person who would come, as they are, and seek his help. Are you that one person? 

The Message:

Who is that one person? The verse refers to him who is 'poor in spirit'. The verse above also explains who this person is, describing such a person as one who has no spiritual arrogance, who regard himself as insignificant. How does a man come to this point, if he is not totally surrendered to a superior authority? How does a man lose all spiritual arrogance, if he has not been totally broken? Pride is just a silent killer, because most times, the person with it does not always know s/he has it, and when it is pointed out sometimes, there is anger and resistance. It is always ideal for a person to be spiritually aware of who s/he is, what you have been called into, and the expectations of God for you. When I know who I am, who I am called to follow and serve, what He has deposited in me, and the fact that an account will be demanded of me, I believe that all of the above will keep a man from feeling entitled or superior to anyone else. 

The Conclusion:

The understanding of what grace is will help a man come to this conclusion. What can a man lay hold of, if it is not given to him by God and if indeed it is God who gives it, where is the place or point of pride in our acquisitions or achievements? For the person who is completely sold over to God, who knows that there can never be enough of God, God will be pleased to be associated with that person, and there is no limit to the impact that person will have on the earth where s/he has been planted. It is also instructive that the matter of humility and surrender is the first mention in this sermon. It is critical to all that God can achieve in anyone's life. It is not a wonder that the promise for those who walk this path is the kingdom of heaven, both now and forever. It is the poor in spirit who are truly rich, because they own the promise of life. Of what use is to gain the whole world and be celebrated on earth, if heaven has no record of your service, and no reward waits? I have to get it right. God's time of favour is here.

Seek the Lord!

Seek the Lord!

I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4‭ AMP

The Context and Focus:

This is another opportunity to review the life of David, the man testified of by God as a man after His heart. As you read the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, as well as part of the accounts of the kings, and in particular, the book of Psalms, you see some of the reasons why David more or less had a standing covenant with God. It was not that David always did right, but he always knew how to retrace his steps back to God. He put God at the forefront of all he did, and even when he made significant errors, he would rather throw himself on God's mercy, than trust man's promises. Even when God punished David, saying that the sword will never depart from his house, God still let him know that his mercies will not be taken away from him, as he took it away from Saul, the king before him. It is important to note and be aware of the effects and consequences of my actions and reactions today. They are seeds into my future. 

The Message:

For David, seeking God had become a daily and regular approach. He was particular about everything, from when to attack, how to attack, if he would succeed in an endeavour,  and even when his family and those of his men were taken captive, and men were speaking of stoning him, he turned to God, seeking His encouragement and support. Before he faced Goliath, he had experience in fighting and defeating the lion and the bear, sure and confident that if God could give him victory over the lion and the bear, God would do the same for Goliath. That is the model to emulate for all whose lives would please God today. Do not dare face the world until you have the sure word from God. It was on the authority of God's word that David acted mostly, and in all such situations, he had victory. God cannot be a liar, as it is has been declared by the sure word of God that it is impossible for God to lie. That is the sure foundation for the assurance that God is still very much in the business of doing great things in the lives of all whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

The Conclusion:

The assurance is that God answers. That is the comfort for such times like these. I have a father who listens to me, and is quick to give answers to all my petitions. His love for me also dictates that his plans for me are the best for me, even if I don't hear what I think I want to hear at the time. Even when he tells me NO, it is for my good. If he tells me YES, no man can stand in the way, and even if they are able to delay, if you call it that, it will only be for a season. Whatever is the fear that I bring before the Lord, i have his promise of deliverance. He can choose to deliver me in the midst of the trouble, like the three Hebrew men, or he can show up just before the trouble manifests, like he did for David several times. The channel, the mode of operation and the timing are all in His hands, and all I have to do is trust Him, and call upon His name as often as I can. That is all He asks me to do. He will show up and settle the rest. God's time of favour is here.

Helped!

Helped!

In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words.

Romans 8:26 AMP

The Context and Focus:

Paul's letter to the church in Rome speaks to different parts of the Christian life, and the verse above is a reflection of this position. For all who have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Saviour, there is a special relationship that has been birthed, and is being sustained by God Himself. When a man comes to the reality that sin leads to eternal separation from God in hell, and believes that only Jesus can save from the power of sin, he surrenders control to Jesus, asking him to come into his heart and live in it, supplying all the strength and grace required to live above the power and influence of sin. The dependence on God has to be daily and regular, and cannot be seasonal or occasional. The devil will never relent, until his end comes, and God will not also relent in supplying all that I need for life and Godliness. I must also take a cue from that, knowing that the devil only wants to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus has come to give life in abundance. 

The Message:

It is this understanding that underpins the clarity of the verse above. In my walk in life, there are parts I will never fully understand, as long as I am clothed in tnis mortal body. There are things that have not been given for me to comprehend or explain. I need the help of the One who created heaven and the earth to help me navigate this odd world. This is why the Holy Spirit has been given, and he is the promise of the Father, who is sent in the name of Jesus. It means that if you don't have Jesus, you cannot have him. It means that if He does not own your life, He cannot live in or direct it. Physical strength has no impact on the work of the Holy Spirit, because you don't get him by physical labour, and you cannot fight to keep him in your life outside of the will of God. As the Holy Spirit is also God, that which is sin will be a hindrance to His move in my life. His help is available for all seasons, but I cannot continue in sin and expect the grace of God to abound.

The Conclusion:

The bible lays out so many areas where the Holy Spirit helps us, and today's verse speaks about the value of prayer. There are times when the heart is heavy and there appears to be a lot to say, yet the words will not come. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in, confirming the mind of God and helping me pray in line with the will of God. There are times when the Holy Spirit will lay the burden upon my heart, and I will still need His help to carry and properly discharge that burden. Even when strength has completely failed and we are weak and helpless, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us before God, bringing us before the throne of mercy, so we can receive that which we need for the journey ahead. How do I survive that which is coming, if the Holy Spirit does not help? How do I know the mind of God per time if I do not have a portion of His Spirit? How do I change my world if God has not first changed my heart and life? The Holy Spirit wants to help, but I have to surrender to Him, and ask for His help. He will perfect all that concerns me. God's time of favour is here. 

Humility!

Humility!

The reward of humility [that is, having a realistic view of one’s importance] and the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the Lord Is riches, honor, and life. Proverbs 22:4 AMP

The Context and Focus:

The book of Proverbs is the book of one-line messages, and today's verse is one of these. In tnis age where we measure success by physical resources, it is hard to know the true value of anything. In an age where men regard people as important based on monetary value, it is difficult to truly determine what real worth is. Men are filled with a sense of their own importance, based on earnings, position, power, privilege or knowledge. Pride is one of the manifestations of man's fall into sin in the Garden of Eden, and since the fall, man continues to find new ways to commit atrocities. Until a man totally surrenders to the God who made him, he will never experience the peace that a surrendered life can get from God. If God is not Lord of a life, that life cannot have all that God offers. For every command of God, there is also the devil's alternative. If God demands humility, the devil offers pride. Who am I totally surrendered to? Who rules my heart?

The Message:

I cannot command humility from a heart that God does not rule. If God also commands it, He will reward it, if done in line with His will. The reward God gives is also that which man cannot deny or revoke, because it is not given to man to block God's move. If I obey God, I have access to all He is and gives. Pride and humility are both from the heart of man, but their effects and manifestations are seen in my actions and reactions. You may not see pride or humility with the naked eyes, but when they are in full form, they are obvious. Pride is one of the fruits of the flesh, while humility is also one of the manifestations of the presence of the Holy Spirit. The reward does not always come immediately you get it, and there are times when it appears that God is testing me to see if indeed what I have is humility or something else. When God commands humility, He will bring tests my way to prove that what I hold is the genuine article. 

The Conclusion:

The question then will be: "Have I met God"? Does he know me as His own? Can He command and direct my actions and reactions in line with His will? The reward is what man cannot ignore, and they are listed as riches, honour and life. Solomon is the classic example of what it means to worship and fear God, and to be rewarded by Him. As long as Solomon submitted to God, he was blessed abundantly by God. As soon as his heart was distracted from God, and he began to lust after other women, there was a disconnect. May that which God gives me not deny me that which God wants me to have for all of eternity. May that which is of this earth, and is temporary, not deny me that which is eternal. The end of all things is eternal life, and that is what God gives, along with that which I need for life and Godliness. Humility is the key that gives access to all the above. The fear of God is the foundation on which all the above are based. You will not get far without these. God's time of favour is here.

Be Strong!

Be Strong!

Be strong and let your hearts take courage, All you who wait for and confidently expect the Lord. Psalms 31:24 AMP

The Context and Focus:

It is interesting to note that the title of this psalm by David is 'A psalm of complaint and of praise'. You find a song by David that contains both words of complaints as well as words of praise to God, and you have to wonder just how possible this is. David was a man like all of us, with his great moments as well as seasons of doubt and despair, and times when he committed great atrocities. However, as we know, David was not called a man after God's heart for nothing, but he was a man who knew the mind of God, and fed him with praise all life long. Even when he sinned, God punished him, even to the generation after him, but the mercies of God never departed from David's house. This is both a warning, as well as a word of faith and encouragement to all of us: God will punish sin, but he will also forgive and cleanse us from all sin, if we confess and return to Him, and he will also save to the end all who have come to put their trust in Him. Does this describe you right now? 

The Message:

David knew he could come to God with his baggage, and God would not turn him away. It is still the same God today, and he waits for all of us to come to Him. He is so powerful that if all of us in the world would ask for the same thing at the same time, God could give it to us. No demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. God owns and holds all things in His hands, and He gives them as He pleases to whoever He pleases, and when He pleases. No one can question his motives or his actions, because He is God. Yet, as God, he wants me to make an approach to Him, just as I am. No pretence, deceit, eye-service or hypocrisy; just simple submission to the God who can do the most amazing with the most unqualified. When you deal with God, you deal with someone who is never in a hurry, yet He is always on time. It would seem that he is taking his time, but when he shows up, you get the best he has on offer. Complain and tell God how you feel, but please make sure you also praise God. 

The Conclusion:

This is why today's verse is critical to the times and season we are in now. David knew the power of remaining strong in the face of challenges and tough times. He had met, fought with and killed a bear and a lion, and had also fought Goliath as well as other men who appeared physically stronger than he was. There was a presence in him that supplied the strength for him to face the challenges on the outside of him. The heart is the place where it must first be settled, if I am to impact the world I have been placed in. No one sees my heart, but there will be no doubt as to the quality of my convictions as revealed in the things that I do. Waiting on the Lord is acknowledging that He has the answer to all the concerns I have. I trust Him enough to wait, and expect him to act. He has never disappointed, and he will not disappoint. God's time of favour is here. 

Eternal Life!

Eternal Life!

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the person who hears My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me, has (possesses now) eternal life [that is, eternal life actually begins—the believer is transformed], and does not come into judgment and condemnation, but has passed [over] from death into life.

John 5:24 AMP

The Context and Focus:

This verse comes from the story of the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda, who had been at that location for thirty eight years. In an earlier verse, Jesus met this man after he had been healed, and warned him to stop sinning, or something worse would happen to him. Just picture the impact of sin in a man's life: sin was able to keep this man in bondage for 38 years, and could have been longer, if not for the grace of God that found him where he was, and he was healed. Just as it was then, so is it now. Sin still has the same effect it has always had: it oppresses, suppresses and depresses. It is a slave master that will not let go without a fight, because its consequences are eternal. The devil who is the promoter of sin knows that his eternal damnation is sealed, but he would want others to join him in his judgment. This is why Jesus was revealed: to destroy the works of the devil. The big question then is: Is Jesus the Lord and Saviour of my life now?

The Message:

Just as the man at the pool heard the word and command of Jesus and he was healed, so does the word of the Lord come again to all of us today. The word that came to that man that day, bringing deliverance from sin and permanent healing if he stayed away from sin, is still the same word God sends to us today. The verse above refers to the one 'who hears My word [the one who heeds My message], and believes and trusts in Him who sent Me'. It is not just enough to hear, as there are many who hear, but the difference is in the believing and trusting in God'. I go from just hearing to doing. I apply all that I have heard from the Word and seek to apply it to daily living. It is not enough to form a habit of reading the word daily, which is quite good, and is the foundation of knowledge about God and his will, but I must also ask God for grace to help me apply all that I read and know about Him. 

The Conclusion:

Why seek knowledge, if it does no good in giving me hope of eternal life? What is the end of all the pain and trouble the world brings, if there is hope of a better life than this present one? The verse above makes clear that hearing, believing and trusting in God down here on earth already secures eternal life for me with God in heaven, which means that eternal life is not just what i get at the end, but what i enjoy from now. I have eternal life already; I am only waiting for its actual  manifestation and possession. The life of God in me is the seal of confidence that I am headed in the right direction. The life of God in me is what keeps me from the judgment for sin that is coming to the whole world. Having Jesus as my Lord and Saviour means death no longer has power over me. It cannot just be about head knowledge, but also direct life application. Do you have Him? Does He own you? God's time of favour is here.

Renewed!

Renewed!

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 KJV

The Context and Focus:

The message in today's verse speaks to the pressure and pleasure of this world. Imagine how many centuries have passed since the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write these words. If he charged his audience then with the words of today's verse, imagine the direct impact and effect of these words in our own world today. Nothing has changed in terms of sin, as well as the pressure to align with the rules, principles and priorities of this sinful age. Paul charges his audience then, as well as all of us who are reading this not to conform to this world. The word 'conform' is simply defined as to 'comply with rules, standards or laws'. It is that simple, yet so complex. We live in the world, yet we are charged not to comply with its rules. Actually, the world referred to here is the system and regime governed by the devil. It is the system the old man, thar unbroken and unsurrendered man is subject to. It is the default position for all men born of women, because we were all born into sin, inheriting the nature of sin from the earthly Adam, who first sinned. All are under the control of sin, whether they agree or acknowledge it or not. 

The Message:

The world's system is not a regime you save yourself from by your own power, intellect or labour, but by total surrender and submission to the Lordship and authority of Jesus the Saviour. This is the only way to break the power, impact and influence of sin in a person's life. Men have tried several other options, but nothing else saves from sin, because everything and everyone else is subject to the power of sin. The renewing of my mind comes from the work of the Holy Spirit, done in the heart of all who have submitted their lives to Jesus. How does God influence, direct or control a life that has not been given to Him? He does not force Himself on anyone, but waits for us to come to Him. He takes us and cleans us up, then releases us into the world to influence it on his behalf. Those who come to Him take of what He has supplied, and then touch and change the world with it. It is only a transformed heart that can transform other people's lives. You cannot give what you do not have, and you cannot squeeze out something you have not put in. 

The Conclusion:

By surrender, I am able to know what is God's will for me, and I can focus on it, to the exclusion of all other things. My mind is stayed on God, and I am able to impact my world. God is looking for people into whose lives He can deposit the riches of His grace, and the endowments that can change lives. It is only a changed life that can appreciate the work done in him/her, and can then lead the same change in the world. When my mind is transformed by God, I am constantly lining up my life with the will of God. It will be a daily exercise in knowing, accepting, surrendering and doing God's will. I do not become a robot, simply obeying orders, but I choose to love and submit to and obey God of my own free will. When I know the will of God, there will be no need to conform to the world. If God can trust me with the riches of His grace, my life cannot fail to make impact. It starts with total surrender. God will play his part, but I must also do my bit. God's time of favour is here.

Giving Back!

Giving Back!

We love, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 AMP

The Context and Focus:

This is a very short verse, but one loaded with messages for the times and seasons we have found ourselves today. It is thought that John, the writer, the one called 'the Beloved', or 'the one who Jesus loved', wrote these letters. As Jesus taught the people, as well as healed and ministered to the crowd, tnis John was there every step of the way. He even called himself a witness to the Word of Truth, and as an account of the bible would also indicate, as Jesus hung on the cross, John was there, and Jesus handed over his mother to be taken care of by this disciple, who stayed faithful to the end. In these days and times when friends are only fair- weather, can you find people who will stick to you through thick and thin, even when things get so bad? Can I say that I am such a friend who will be totally committed to helping someone through a challenge or problem? 

The Message:

For John, he would have seen something in Jesus that was worth fully committing to. If there was no hope or prospect of some gain, would John have stayed for as long as he did? He would have known that with this man, he could not go wrong. The decision to follow Jesus would have been taken with a measure of consideration of who Jesus is, what he had seen him do, and how he had impacted lives. For a man like John, loving Jesus was easy. When a man decides, of his own freewill, to love the Lord, it is such a big deal. God does not force Himself on anyone; he has given all of us the power to choose, of our own accord, to love or reject Him. You live or die by the consequences of your decision. If God wanted faithful and loyal subjects, who were not capable of rebellion, He could have made robots without minds of their own, but He chose to make man in His own image, and after his likeness. 

The Conclusion:

That is love, accountability and responsibility all rolled up into one package. It is because of who this Jesus is, and what he has done and given, that I am able to give back. A man can only take from what he has in his hands, owns or controls, to give to other people. God has love to give, because He is the definition of love, and He has given that to us in abundance. We then respond to that love and make it ours; we embrace it and then it becomes a part of us. As we go into the world, relating with people, if there is pressure or a squeeze on us, we flow out with what we have stored up in us, which is the love of God. This is one of those responses and life realities that you cannot force, or pay forward on credit. If you have it, it shows. If you don't have it, you cannot force or fake it. Have I received this love? It is still on offer. Take it, and bless the world with it. God's time of favour is here.

No Fear!

No Fear!

For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord], Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13 AMP

The Context and Focus:

In order to fully appreciate the value of the words of the Lord in the verse above, let us consider the lot of Israel and Judah at this time. The nation of Israel was chosen by God as His treasured possession, and he had given then rules of engagement. He had shown them what He wanted, and also provided guidance every step of the way, but Israel would not listen or heed. Like a very stubborn heifer, as God described his people sometimes, they would go into sin, they will get punished, they will cry to God for help and deliverance, and when he had saved them from their enemies, they would go back into sin, and this cycle was repeated over and over again. It is clear that God has no favourites when it comes to sin. He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. However, as we also know God, even when he punishes according to His laid down rules, His love also seeks to shine through, so that man can repent and return to Him. 

The Message:

This is the focus of the verse above. God's love is such that even when he knows I will do wrong, He will not relent in showing love. His door is always open to me to walk though and receive His gift of grace for the journey he has called me to. I must also note that just as the door remains open for me to walk in and take hold of his promises, so does the door remain open for me to walk out, if i so desire. His offer, as laid out in today's verse, is that He wants to hold me by my right hand, which means he wants to direct, lead, guide and help me, but I have to willingly put my life in His hands. God, as undoubtedly mighty as He is, will not go against the exercise of my freewill. It is a decision I am solely responsible for, because God will supply all I need to know the right decision, but taking it becomes the key to life or death. He holds my right hand, because he knows that I can make mistakes or miss my step, but if He is holding me by the hand, I will not fall beyond help. 

The Conclusion:

He is strong, and nothing can be snatched out of His hand, unless I choose to walk away of my own accord. He will not only take me by the hand, but He will also speak into my life, dealing with fear. Man is prone to fear, because he cannot control the present or affect the future beyond that which he knows. However, God is the One who owns and holds the future, and he speaks to me ahead of all the trials and tough times that will come. He tells me that He has got my back, and I have no need to fear. He is my God, that is, if I have truly surrendered to Him. He is Lord of all, but he can only extend the grace and demands of Lordship over all who have come to trust in and depend on Him. I cannot fear, because He is in me. As He is in me, nothing else can come in except that which He allows. His help is available, because He is also the Help of Israel. Whatever the need of the generation, or the peculiar problems I may face, God is the answer, and He is sufficient for every situation. God's time of favour is here.

Tell God!

Tell God!

Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. Philippians 4:6 AMP

The Context and Focus:

In a world that is constantly in turmoil and trouble, today's verse is for us. Unfortunately, the message is for those who have know and have totally submitted to God as the final authority over their lives. Of what use is the head knowledge of who God is, if I cannot trust him to do all He has promised? Of what use is reading about God, seeing and learning about the mighty things he had done and still doing, if I will not trust and depend on Him to also sort me out? Of what use is it to have a God and not go to Him often and regularly, seeking His face for everything that concerns me? God is not like man who is limited by ability, capacity and capability, and cannot do anything for you beyond his own present reality. Man can make promises, but you have to be aware that he can fail, because he cannot control the impact of time. Man can make promises, but it is still God alone who can give power to that man to be able to fulfil that promise.

The Message:

This is the God that Paul and Timothy would have us know and follow today. For both men, they had been through a lot. Just before this chapter, Paul had taken time to lay down the things that would have made him special in the eyes of mortal men. He had physical achievements, but he had come to know that there was a greater achievement, and this was to know God and to be thoroughly acquainted with Him. There is no higher call or a greater experience than to know God. God also wants to draw near to me, and He is always there, just waiting for me to make the approach. It is a waste of time to worry or fret about anything, if you would not go to God with them. Of what use is having a Father you would not speak to or relate with, unless there is an emergency? Should you wait until there is a problem before you approach your Father and Lord? Paul knew this God, and he made a daily and regular approach to God a lifestyle. What decision do I also need to make right now? 

The Conclusion:

Be anxious about nothing, and pray about everything. We have a God who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or imagine. Anxiety does not leave room for anything or anyone else, because it completey fills up any space it is allowed in. You worry about things you cannot control and influence, forgetting that you have a father who owns and holds all things in His hands, and He wants to give you all that you ask for. It is by prayer that I come to the total surrender and submission to the will of God. I come to know that I have his backing, and even if he tells me NO as an answer, or WAIT for a season, it will not matter because I have known God as a Father who cares for me, and like a pharmacist, he will apply the medicine I need for perfect health in the dosage and frequency that will lead to perfection. Just pray, and thank God for his love. He will sort out all that concerns me. Would I also love Him in return? God's time of favour is here. 

Focus!

Focus!

So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.

2 Corinthians 4:18 AMP

The Context and Focus:

This generation is used to being led by what it can see, hear, touch, taste, smell and feel by its senses. We have built a business around catering to and pleasing the human nature. People defend the decisions they make by using the sinful human nature as an excuse, claiming that they cannot help who they are or what they do, because that is what they are. Nothing is said of the abundant supply of grace that God makes available to ensure that mortal man can walk with the immortal God. Nothing is said of the awesome mercy that God shows in picking man up from the miry clay and setting his feet on the solid ground. God will always play his part, but man also needs to learn to play his part, as there are things that God demands I do, which He will not do for me. This is the background to the verse above: I have to play my part, sure and certain that God will do his bit, and He will bring me to the place of fulfillment of His purpose for me. 

The Message:

The verse above makes clear that this man of flesh is not going anywhere. It is of the earth, and it is temporal. No matter how long or how well he lives, and no matter how much he earns or learns, everything the earth gives you will be demanded by the earth before we leave or when Jesus returns. This is why I cannot afford to focus on the things this earth obtained for me. As long as I have used earth's resources to obtain them, the earth will demand an accounting. I must enjoy all that God gives me on the earth; after all, the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of it. He wants me to use the earth's resources to improve the lives of all I meet, but I must not be distracted or deceived by them. There is a false hope that wealth gives, yet till today, man has not been able to find a drug or device that can stop death permanently. Man may live to be more than 100 years on earth, yet one day, that man will take his leave from the earth, and then eternity starts. This focus has to be clear, concise and consistent. 

The Conclusion:

It is no surprise that it is Paul who wrote this letter to the church in Corinth. He knew what his past looked like, but he would not be limited by it. He knew that he had done some terrible things in the past, which were visible, but there was the blood of Jesus, invisible but impacting. He testified in another letter, this time to the church in Phiippi, that he would forget all that was in his past or present, and just focus on that which, at the time, was not visible. This is a walk of faith, where the human senses have limited parts to play. You cannot reduce God to the level of your reason and logic, because most of what he does will never follow the pattern we think we have figured out. As long as it is visible, it is very temporary. Labour not for the things that perishes, but seek after the things that are eternal. The person who sits at the control centre of your life will define where you end. If it is God, eternity is settled. God's time of favour is here. 

Our God!

Our God!

“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 NIV

The Context and Focus:

Hannah had a rough time early in her marriage. She was one of two wives, but she had no child. Her rival mocked her ceaselessly, reminding her of her state. There was, however, a practice she kept, even when things were not happening at the time she needed them to happen, and this was her faithful commitment to going to the temple of the Lord at Shiloh. She was hurting, but she would travel all the way there, cry and refuse to eat, but she would go. As I also wait for the manifestation of all that God has promised, and which I believe God is able to do, what are the habits and practices I have maintained? Do I seek opportunities for fellowship with other believers, or am I just looking out for myself, throwing self-pity parties all around? I learn from the life of Hannah that it is only in God's presence that I can appreciate who He is, what He has done and given, and the amazing things He can do. How would I know more about God if I do not draw near to where he says he can be found? 

The Message:

Even though Hannah was coming year after year to Shiloh, she didn't immediately get what she wanted. It took time, but eventually, when she made the prayer that touched the heart of God, she got all she asked for, and even more. God was already looking for someone to take over after the prophet Eli, because God could not commit the work of priests into the hands of Eli's sons. They were called children of Belial, terrible boys who treated the offerings the people brought to God's house as offerings. In fact, as the priest's sons, they were abusing their position and privilege to commit terrible sins. Why do I come to the house of God? Do I take time to ask God to lead me to where he would have me serve, or who he would want me to minister to? I must always remember that whenever I come before the Lord, I am coming before a great God and an awesome father, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is not one to be toyed with, because He is both the Lion and the Lamb. He can rend to pieces but he can also heal and deliver. 

The Conclusion:

This is the God Hannah knew, and the same one she introduces to us today. This is the one who introduces Himself as holy to all who would come to Him. Holiness is the key to access this kingdom, and without it, God makes it clear that no man shall see Him. He stands alone in that regard, and no one else can measure up to Him. He cannot be compared with any earthly lord or any spiritual power, because He reigns and rules as the Supreme Being over all that my eyes can or cannot see. He is also called the Rock of Ages because, long before the earth stood, he has been God. He is dependable, reliable and trustworthy. Being called the Rock also means that there are no worthy variants. There can only be one original. These are the attributes of God that Hannah experienced, and she could talk about it. What of me? Do I have any personal encounters to share with people? Is God this real to me, or is all I know about Him what other people say about Him?  Nothing beats personal experience. Seek God today; he wants to be known in all the earth. God's time of favour is here.

Encouraged!

Encouraged!

Now may the God who gives endurance and who supplies encouragement grant that you be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, Romans 15:5 AMP

The Context and Focus:

As always, the audience and the context for the verse above are important. Paul is noted as the writer of the letter to the church in Rome, and he is careful to note the person he was writing to. These are 'all who are beloved of God...called to be saints (God’s people) and set apart for a sanctified life...' That is precise and exact. It leaves no room for doubt, as the precise description of the audience will  determine the experiences of, as well as the expectations from that same audience. All who are called to be saints, yet are left on earth, should know that there will be many opportunities to prove that they belong to Christ, are called by Him and are placed and planted by Him to impact the world. At no time does God promise that things will always be smooth sailing; in fact, in several places in the bible, he charges all who will come to Him to really count the cost, be aware of what is ahead, so they know the price, and can take up the cross on a daily basis, and follow Him.

The Message:

The same God who calls is the same God who supplies all I need for the walk with, and work for Him. Rather than promise me safery from trials, he promises me His endurance and encouragement. Why would I need endurance and encouragement if there wee no tough times ahead? Why would God promise to give endurance and also supply encouragement if there were no new grounds to conquer, souls to win, chains to break, and lives to impact? This journey of faith has many twists and turns, because God does not always show us the full picture all at once. He takes us through several routes and experiences, as He arms us with all we need for life and Godliness. He is the One with total knowledge of the plan for me, and it is only as I totally trust in and depend on Him that I get the full value of consolation needed for the journey he has planned for me. It is therefore important to define my identity, so I know what is ahead. 

The Conclusion:

It is when the inner state is settled, that the outer state will be at peace. How do you demand true peace from a man who does not know or submit to the Prince of peace? How do you expect a person to walk in unity with other people, if there is no common ground to do so? If our interests and pursuits are not aligned, based on the same foundation and built on the same principles, there cannot be one mind. Indeed, as Christians, we will not always see eye to eye on everything, but that common allegiance to Jesus ensures we view the bond of peace as more important than we being seen as right. All of us who bear true allegiance to Christ will have his mind too, because His Spirit lives in us. I cannot produce anything contrary to my command centre. If Jesus lives in me, His life will be made manifest in and through me. The same will be true for all who share this common ownership. I have to take stock again today, and check if the fruit of my life aligns with my claim of ownership. Jesus has done, and will continue to do all He can for me to show forth his glory. How I respond is up to me. God's time of favour is here.

Walk Right!

Walk Right!

but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 1 John 1:7 AMP

The Context and Focus:

John, the Beloved, was one of the disciples of Jesus, so he knew and experienced firsthand what it meant to follow Jesus. He saw the miracles he did, and he was also at the cross as Jesus died for the sin of the world, including his. Nothing beats personal experience, because it is the strongest message with the biggest impact. Men can speak of what they read from a book, but there is a depth to what I have seen with my own eyes, touched with my own hands, heard with my own ears, and tasted with my own mouth. When it is time to testify about it, I don't have to rely on another person's story; I have my own. Have you personally experienced the power of Jesus to save, heal and deliver? Is He your Saviour, Master and Lord, or do you have other competing interests and allegiance? It has to be noted here and now that walking with Jesus has to involve total dedication to Jesus, with the total exclusion of anything and anyone else.

The Message:

That is why the verse above lays emphasis on walking in the light. It matters where you walk, and who you walk with. In fact, in this context, the One you walk with defines your entire life and its impact. There is a choice to be made, and as it has been emphasized several times, God does not go against the exercise of my freewill. There are many things God can do; in fact, the bible says so clearly that with God, nothing is impossible, yet, God allows me to decide if I want to walk with Him. He tells me what I stand to gain if I walk with Him, and he also tells me what I stand to lose if I don't. He is that honest and true, because he does not want to compel my allegiance out of a sense of duty, but from a heart of love. If I choose to love him of my own freewill, I will be quick to serve, to work for Him, to make impact in the world I have been planted, and to take directions from Him every step of the way. Walking in the light is walking with Jesus, because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Walking in the light means fellowship with the Light and with all who also walk in the light.

The Conclusion:

All over the world, Jesus has followers, and we are all bound by common ownership. The blood of Jesus has done its work in us, and we are free from the nature and consequence of sin. The power of blood is that it makes those who are connected by it to be related, and members of the same family. No matter the location or the situation, our common faith and the blood make us related. This walking is not a one-off, or an occasional engagement, but a lifestyle. This walk will reflect in all I do, say, or think, and even how I relate with other people. See the vertical and the horizontal impact: God is glorified as I walk with Him, and His presence in me is also seen by the world around me. The fellowship is unbroken, because the blood does not go on leave, and it is never out of fashion. It is valid for all time, so it is never too late for all who are alive today and who want to come in. However, it has to be noted that there is a time frame for this experience. You can only access these benefits when you are alive. Physical death or the return of Jesus is the end of that grace. Make the best of the gift that has been given for free. The price for rejection is too high to contemplate. God's time of favour is here.