As He Said!

As He Said!

‭Matthew 28:6 AMP‬

[6] He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said [He would]. Come! See the place where He was lying.

The events of the first Easter never cease to amaze. As we have already established, our hope was sealed when Jesus died and also rose again. If He did not rise, we would not have any hope of also rising with Him. Because He lives, we also know we will live. The question may also arise as to the veracity of the claim that He rose from the dead. How can anyone be sure? Today's verse tries to answer that question and even more. As we know, eyewitness testimony is still the best version of evidence to be presented in a law court. The people of the city, as well as the disciples and the women who followed Jesus saw his crucifixion, as well as His burial. It was also important that they be witnesses to His resurrection.

The burial site was prepared, a stone was set up to seal the tomb, and guards were placed to secure the site. It was good that all these were done, because it makes the fact of resurrection even more difficult to deny. When it was time for the manifestation of the power of God, an angel of the Lord came, rolled the stone away and sat on it. The women had spent the night preparing the perfume to anoint the body of Jesus, but they met the stone rolled away. The angel asked them to come in and see for themselves the place where a body once lay, but the body was no longer there. Whatever was once alive, but is now dead and buried, must receive the life of God today. 

The women could have forgotten, but Jesus always mentioned the facts that He would die, and that He would also rise again. Like all mortal men, we focus and magnify the bad news, and forget the good news. Yes, it was bad that Jesus had to die a shameful death, but it is that death that has sealed life for me. His death on the cross was His past, and the life He has secured is now my present and future. He does not leave me without hope for the present and the future. His Word can be trusted, because they come from a place of absolute power. He can back up whatever it is He has said. 

Whatever it is that has died must receive the life of God today. All the hard things that seem to bother me must have an encounter with the God who reverses the irreversible and changes the unchangeable. As the angel invited the women to come in and see the evidence of the exercise of the power of God, so does God invite us all to come and see the display of His power and splendour. Jesus is alive, and His life is now my own reality. He has also promised me a home with Him when this present earthly phase is over. If He is true about resurrection, I am assured He is also true about my eternal reward. I hold on to Him as I trust Him for the fulfilment of His promises. God's time of favour is here. 

Raised!

Raised!

Colossians 3 : 1 AMPC

IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

It is quite instructive to note the first two words of the verse above are in uppercase; it appears to be the driver of the rest of the verse. It is both a conditional as well as a definitive phrase, because it starts with an IF and ends with a THEN. Easter demands that I understand the condition as well as the definitions that surround this season. Christ has sealed life for me through his death on the cross. He has obtained full redemption and sanctification. He invites me to come and take of these benefits and blessings, but His love does not compel me. It is the exercise of my freewill that will bring me to the cross, to take of that which has been provided for me, and it is the result of that freewill that will enable me live the life that has been sealed and secured for me.

It is this free will that will be the key to life, or the bane of some people's existence. If I take hold of the offer, I share in His resurrection. I cannot lay hold of life without first tasting of His death. It is by dying to sin and self that I can be raised to a life of righteousness. Some may lay claim to the benefits of resurrection, but the key is not by just claiming "I receive", but by allowing the Life of God, who is Jesus Himself, live in me. How can I claim to be a child of God, and there would be no mark or feature of Him evident in my life? How will the world be attracted to a message that is not different from what it has always heard or seen? Am I an ambassador for Christ, reflecting His glory and splendour, or am I still doing my own thing? 

Of course, my new reality demands new pursuits and priorities. If Christ is seated at the right hand of God in heaven, and I am in Him, then I am not to be involved in the things that Christ died to save me from. How can I be in Christ, and still be comfortable around sin? Can the Holy Spirit dwell in a man's heart and share control, at the same time as the devil? There are treasures that have been made available for me, both here on earth and in eternity, but I cannot access these without the right key. Location drives access. If I am not in the right place, subject to the right authority, and obeying the right rules, I will not have the right results. Those who have been raised from death are no longer subject to the law of sin and death. May His death and resurrection not be wasted over my life. I ask God for grace to be a living, breathing testament to the power of resurrection. God's time of favour is here. 

Do as I Do!

Do as I Do!

‭John 13:13-14 NIV‬

[13] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

One of the gravest dangers of this present generation is to have men and women who aspire to lead men, but have no personal principles or standards they live by. They are open to any suggestion or idea, and can be convinced to abandon a course of action, not because they have considered it carefully and are guided to do so, but because it is the popular thing to do. We now have people who live for the likes on social media, and who would do anything to generate traffic to what they do. That is the way of the world, and the earlier we know what the dangers of this position are, the better we can guard our lives, so that we will always align with God's will. This is the lesson of today's verse. 

The disciples had been with Jesus for some time, and they had seen him live, work, and teach. His life was the example that was worth emulating, because He lived what he preached. The disciples called him Teacher and Lord, and as the verse above says, they were right to call Him that. If His life was not right, the disciples would have been the first to contest the names. Am I a child of God, properly called? Does my life reflect my ownership and allegiance? Can men say, of a truth, that I am a proper representative and reflection of the person I claim to know, serve and follow? The danger of a false claim is that I may lead other people astray. 

There was harmony between the lip confession and the heart profession. Jesus would not just command a thing; he lived it first and foremost. He would not command a thing that was contrary to His Word, and He would not command a thing that He has not given grace for. He was Teacher and Lord, and by the world's standards, there were some assignments that were meant for the disciples and followers, not the teacher. Jesus was not bothered with the world's expectations; He just needed to impact lives through service. Let that be the motivation behind everything I do. Let nothing flow out from pride and self-sufficiency. 

Let it not be that I think that some assignments are beneath me, because there is no fame or recognition attached. As Jesus made clear above, if He could humble himself to the point where he did the work of servants, then you know that I must be willing to do the same, if I am to truly represent Him. Just as He washed the feet of his disciples, so I am expected to readily submit myself to service. I note that there was no expectation or condition that would have led to reward here. If I know who I work for, and the fact that His blessings indeed make rich and add no sorrow, I will make sure I work in line with His will, so I can lay hold of all He has promised. He does not lie. God's time of favour is here.

Come!

Come!

‭Hebrews 4:16 KJV‬

[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The cross was a necessary part of the journey of Christ into being the source of life, peace and salvation for all men. It was the place of shame, pain and loss. For the first and only time, the Father turned his eyes away from his Son, as his blood flowed as the appropriate and sufficient offering for our sin. Here also was the Son of God, crucified along with two confirmed thieves, made to look like one of them, even when He had done no wrong, and no accusation or charge was made and proved against Him. Yet, it was the will of the Father that he would be bruised and beaten because of me, so that I would not have to pay the same price for sin. 

By his death on the cross, the price of sin has been fully settled. The price death demanded was the life of the sinner, and because it was a justified kill, there was no coming back from that death. The life of the One who stood in for me was given, but it is with joy that I also add that the story did not end there. If Jesus died in my place, it meant that I also did not have to die anymore due to sin. Would that have been the end, as good and great as that would have been?  He paid the price, and then did even one better: He was raised from the dead by the power of God. Now, that is the cream of the experience: God exerting His power to do what had never been done. 

It is that display of power that has led us to where we are today, considering the verse above. It is by the resurrection of Jesus that I can look forward to the benefits and blessings of the new life that has now been sealed. Before this experience, there had never been a death and then a resurrection that death could no longer deny or reverse. God had now done something that would be of eternal benefit to all who would come to Him by faith, and through the One whose sacrifice sealed this benefit. The part of faith is critical to the approach I am asked to make, because without faith, it is impossible to please God. 

If I am to rely on the physical and the rational, nothing about this benefit makes sense, but it has never been about it making sense, but about me knowing what has been done for me, and talkng the step to believe in the finished work, so that I can enjoy the sealed blessing. I am asked to come boldly before the throne of grace, and it is indeed the place of grace. I get all that Christ sealed when He died. I obtain mercy, and I can access help when I need it. I then consider what the hope is for those who reject this gift to the end of their lives. If the death and resurrection of Jesus does not lead you to approach, who else can secure eternity for you? He waits for all of us to make the approach. No demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. God's time of favour is here.

God's Plan; My Part!

God's Plan; My Part!

‭Matthew 26:24 NIV‬

[24] The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

The events of the week of passion continue. We read about Jesus asking his disciples to go and prepare for the feast of passover. This was one of the festivals that God instituted for his people when they came out of Egypt. At least 2 major features of the festival was that blood was shed, and the angel of death passed over all who had the blood sprinkled on their door posts and houses. These 2 features are relevant to our season today. Just as blood was shed at the first passover, so was blood about to be shed again. The blood at the time was that of a lamb without defect. The blood here is also of a lamb without defect, called the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. The lamb had to offered on the anniversary of the passover, in commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from captivity. The lamb now been offered would be a one-time but valid-for-all-time offering, made to seal the redemption and sanctification of all who come to put their trust in Jesus. 

The above fits into the plan and purpose of God for the salvation of all mankind. The death of Jesus on the cross is the key to access to all that is God's. It does not matter what my past looks like; in the hands of this God, and by the blood that has been shed, I have a new beginning. Unfortunately, like the verse above also makes clear, it is possible that there would be someone who does not believe or accept the sacrifice that has been made. It is God's plan that all men be saved, but He gives me the power to choose Him of my own freewill. If I reject Him to the end, I cannot turn around and blame Him for the consequences of my own decisions. Judas Iscariot was one of the 12 disciples, and had seen the mighty miracles that Jesus wrought in the land, yet his heart was fixed on profit and money. He would steal from the purse, yet Jesus did not reject or throw him out.  

Unfortunately, Judas would not learn until it was too late. By the time he realised his mistake, there was no room for repentance.  As it was then, so is it now. It i1s God's will that all men be saved, and His provision is adequate and sufficient to meet this will. It has been written that the lamb of God would be offered for the sin of the world, but it is also written that some will reject Him to the end. God's Word cannot be broken, and all His promises will be fulfilled. Let it not be that I will only enjoy this earthly phase, and have no eternity with God to look ahead to. Let it not be that the provisions of this world will distract me from the provision of eternal life in God. Nothing of this earth can adequately compensate a man for the loss of eternity with God. Make sure you have Him. God's time of favour is here.

Ask, Believing!

‭Mark 11:24 TPT‬

[24] This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—be convinced that you have received it and it will be yours.  

The events of the week of passion continue. Jesus came into the temple, and as it is the custom with men who have become accustomed to particular practices, the temple had become a commercial venue. Men had turned it into a place of buying and selling rather than the house of prayer that it was intended to be. He had also encountered a fig tree that he was expecting to find fruit on, but did not, and Jesus cursed the tree. By the next day, the tree had dried up by the roots. The disciples were naturally amazed, but Jesus used this experience to teach the disciples, as well as those of us making the decision to follow Him today, earthly and eternal lessons that will be of benefit to us. Men consider some things as impossible, because we are limited by our circumstances, background, knowledge or experience, but God is not. He is the One who is called the Almighy, and He says nothing is impossible with Him. 

If He tells me to ask for anything in prayer, He is telling me the channel and process for me to receive all I ask for. Prayer is an admission that there is a power and presence greater than anything the world around me can offer, and He has prescribed the mode of access to that power. I am asked to pray in faith, as that is the only currency that moves God to release to me that which I ask. Faith sees the impossible as possible, because the One who is the specialist in impossibilities has promised to make it possible. My utmost confidence is in the One who can do all things and can command any part of His creation to align with His will and for my good. Do not ask God for help to commit sin or to disobey Him, but ask Him for anything that brings glory to His name or points men to the glory and power of God, and you can be sure that God will do it. What is that burden or issue that defies solution? Take it to God in prayer and let Him deal. God's time of favour is here. 

Timely Response!

Timely Response!

‭John 12:7-8 MSG‬

[7-8] Jesus said, “Let her alone. She’s anticipating and honoring the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you. You don’t always have me.”

The account in the verses above speak to the week of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and his death and resurrection. The Jews had witnessed him riding on a donkey into the city and everyone was jubilant, celebrating Him. He came into the house of Lazarus, the same one who had been dead for 4 days and was raised from the dead. Again, Martha served, whilst Mary chose that which was needful at the time. Like the first account of Martha and Mary, the season calls for many activities to celebrate and commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus, but there will always be that one thing that will be needful at the time. The first time, Martha wanted Jesus to instruct Mary to come and help her serve, but Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to Him. At that time, that was more important than anything else. 

There would be plenty of time to eat and drink, but there is a season to seek for and hear the Word of God. It is very important that I know God's mind for me at this time, so I can pursue His will with his enablememt and the best of my ability. Many will call for feasting and celebration, and that is very good, but it is also important to consider the words of Jesus here, so we can align our lives with His expectations. That is what Mary did here again as Jesus came visiting. This was the week of his death, and as if Mary was preparing him for burial, she brought very expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet. She then wiped his feet with her hair, which is the symbol of a woman's glory. Think of the submission it would take for a woman to do this. She took her best, and poured it all out at the feet of Jesus. The perfume was irrecoverable, but the sacrifice was undeniable and the reward for her is a mention of her sacrifice for all of eternity. 

In the midst of this amazing service sat one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, who had walked with Jesus up to this point, but the only benefit he had was access to the disciples' funds, which he helped himself to. While Mary was thinking of the eternal, Judas was distracted by the earthly and the temporal. He sacrificed the eternal for money, whilst pretending to care about the poor. The perfume was worth about 300 shekels of silver, which was about a year's wages. That sacrifice was appropriate for the time, but there is a need to understand the other part of Jesus' words. The poor will always be with us. The poor could refer to anyone, but for our purposes today, let us consider these to be those who do not yet have the currency of eternity, which is salvation. Jesus returns soon, and whilst we are here, the poor around us need the right provision. Money and riches will come to an end some day, but the riches of God's grace, expressed in the death and resurrection of Jesus, can never lose its power. It is still effective and available for all who will take up the offer. God's time of favour is here. 

Times Like These!

Times Like These!

‭‭Esther 4:14 AMP‬‬

[14] For if you remain silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish [since you did not help when you had the chance]. And who knows whether you have attained royalty for such a time as this [and for this very purpose]?”

There comes a time in our lives that decisions with earthly and eternal consequences have to be taken. Events in life will require decisive actions, some of which cannot be reversed. Esther the queen found herself in this position at a point in time in her life. She was a slave girl and orphaned, who by careful nurture and guidance by her uncle, had now become queen. She had not told anyone her tribe, but the king found her to be of such beauty and character that she was chosen as the replacement for the deposed Vashti. There is the right information for the right time, and there is a wrong time to say the right thing. I wonder what could have happened to Esther and the Jews if Haman had advance knowledge about the identity of Esther. Be careful about the use of the tongue; there is wisdom in few words, and lives can be saved when the lips are used wisely.  

Then came the trouble; because of one man's actions, Haman would seek to destroy an entire race. Because one man would not bow to him, Haman wanted to commit genocide against the Jews at that time. Esther knew the solution: there is a God who reigns and rules over the affairs of men, and He alone could save. There was just this one problem: no one could approach the king without being invited. Vashti was invited, but she refused to go, and she was deposed. If Esther showed up uninvited, what would be her portion? She knew what she had to do: seek the face of God in fasting and prayer, along with her entire court. She came to the point where her life became the price she was willing to pay to secure the lives of her people. Even though this had to do with saving her people, can I say, with confidence, that doing God's will is my ultimate goal, even if it costs me a lot? 

The words of the verse above are quite instructive for all of us: there is the right time for every action. I must ask God for grace and wisdom to know what is required of me per time. Imagine if Esther had kept quiet because she was the queen, safe and secure in the palace, and her people had been wiped out. Every position I occupy today, no matter the rung or level, is part of God's design, to place me where I can be a blessing to my generation. I can spend precious time envying another man's possessions or position, or I can focus on my current possessions and position, and use them to the glory of God. God does not make mistakes; every step of my life has been carefully constructed to bring Him praise, and this will happen only when I surrender my life to Him, and allow Him work in and through me. See God in every situation you find yourself; His purpose will be fulfilled, because He is the Omnipotent God. God's time of favour is here. 

Entitled!

Entitled!

‭‭John 1:12 AMP‬‬

[12] But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—

To every man is given the power to choose; before each man is placed both life and death and God is careful to lay out what is the end of either choice. He does not leave us in the darkness about what He has made available for us, and the death and resurrection of Jesus is key to all that God has promised. I note from the verse above that what gives me access to the gift of life available in Jesus is not just about hearing about Him, or listening to people speak about Him. These are quite important, but nothing is more important than the right response to all that I hear, which is to receive and welcome Him into my heart. Do not be content with just hearing; make sure you also receive Him into your heart. There is no suitable replacement for that experience. I have to make sure that Jesus is in charge of my heart. My eternity depends on the person who reigns and rules in my heart. 

What I get is to be called a child of God. By natural birth, all of us are made in the image of God but I still have to lay down my life as a freewill offering to God. I am made in the image and likeness of God, but He does not force me to submit to Him. I come to Him because I know and appreciate what He has done for me. I move from natural birth to spiritual birth, where Jesus comes into my heart and changes me from the inside. Those desires I used to crave have now lost their hold on me; the things that I now love are strange to the world, because I now live to please my new Lord and Master. I do not get it by birthright, earnings or entitlement; it is by believing in Him. It sounds simple, but when you have laboured all your life to earn someone else's approval, it is a breath of fresh air to just believe, and receive eternal life. I cannot earn; it is by faith alone. Would you believe? God's time of favour is here.

Faith's Foundation!

Faith's Foundation!

‭‭Romans 10:17 NIV‬‬

[17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

In a world where its inhabitants are in a race for recognition and attention, today's verse seeks to take us back to the foundations of what is really important to life. There are many things that will happen to me as I seek to live life to the fullest, but I have to know what the right order of preference is, so I do not expend energy on that which has no long-term value. With God, I have to know His mind so I can align my pursuits and priorities with His will. Today's verse lays that out quite clearly: there is a need to know the Truth about God as revealed in His Word. The Bible contains words written by mortal men but inspired by an immortal God. The words speak to man's humanity and weaknesses backed up and helped by a Mighty God. The bible highlights man's inadequacies in the light of a God who is more than enough and who can do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or imagine. Have you met this God? 

The one way we can know more of God is to seek him out from the pages of His Word. The Word contains stories of people who met God in weakness, but were strengthened to do great exploits for God. This gives me the wisdom and strength to know that if I can also depend on God the same way these people did, I will also manifest the power of God, the same way they did. That is the foundation of faith, which is the start point of a walk with God that has impact. You cannot speak about faith without identifying the anchor to which it is fixed. Faith is the assurance of things that you do not yet see, but are convinced beyond all doubt that you have them. That faith is anchored on the knowledge and experience of God. It means you take time out to read about God, and walk with Him on a regular basis. It cannot be a weekly, monthly or annual appointment; it has to be a daily walk, a daily listening and searching for God. Would you take the time to seek God out this way? God's time of favour is here. 

Defend the Faith!

Defend the Faith!

‭‭1 Peter 3:15 AMP‬‬

[15] But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.

Today's verse has a lot of lessons for us who are children of God. That is the audience first of all: those who have been called to inherit a blessing. You cannot live up to God's standards if He does not own and control your heart. That is the foundation to the rest of this verse. It is when the heart is under God's control that it can set Christ apart as holy. The heart knows its master and Lord, and is able to allow the Lord work in and out of that heart. It is a question that all of us must answer before the end of our lives come: who is in charge? Who defines your purpose, pursuits and priorities? It is also critical to note the key word 'holy' in the verse above. That is the minimum expectation of God from me. God does not compromise on His holiness, and all who may approach Him must know what is expected. The prayer of a sinner is an abomination in his ears, yet when such a sinner repents and returns to Him, there is grace for cleansing and restoration. 

When God is in charge, then the output of my life will also line up with God's expectations. When God is first in my heart, every other person or thing finds its position. If God is first, nothing else is more important. He is everything I need, but the emphasis on Christ being Lord is also worthy of consideration. It means that I now serve a different master; a Lord who desires and demands ALL of my heart, not just a small part of it. One of the promises linked to His presence is the right word at the right time. As I am now on a path that is different from the world's, the world will ask me to account for the confidence and hope that I now have. I have to be able to speak about the peraon who has saved me and set me on the path to eternal life. Oh, men will definitely ask. You now answer to different standards and live differently from the world. Your new lifestyle challenges the sinful lifestyles around you. Men will surely ask you about the reason for your faith, and there is an assurance that because my heart is God's, He will provide the right words that will meet the moment. 

This help by God also underlines the need for people to be attracted to the God I know and serve. They may not initially accept, and some may even reject the message to the end of their lives, but what is critical is that I present the message about Christ the right way, and give men the opportunity to examine my life, and respond appropriately. The end of the verse above defines the right approach. I know my God, but I also want men to know Him, so how I present Him also matters. I do it with gentleness and respect. I do it in the consciousness that if not for the grace of God, I would be lost too. I do it in humility, grateful for His call upon my life, and praying that others too will see the light. I defend the faith by promoting and advancing it in the lives of other people. I make sure my life is a visible, audible and accurate representation of God. Does this describe you? Does it really describe me? God's time of favour is here.

Praise 2!

Praise 2!

‭‭Luke 1:49 AMP‬‬

For He who is mighty has done great things for me; And holy is His name [to be worshiped in His purity, majesty, and glory].

The verse above is taken from the song of Mary, the vessel by which the Saviour of the world was born. Mary was living her life, and then her world changed forever. She was told that she would be with child, and the child would be called the Son of God. Even the name of the child was also given. All these messages were for a young virgin who had not yet known any man. That is one of the many miracles that God can do; he broke the protocol around conception, simply because He wanted to break the power of sin. If Jesus had come the usual way of women with child, He would have inherited the sinful nature and would not be the perfect sacrifice for sin. As no mortal man was involved in conception, so has He become the author of salvation and redemption for all mortal men. The gift is God's assurance that my past is forgiven and cleansed, my present is sorted and my future is secured. 

It is not a wonder that Mary burst into song. She went to her aunt Elizabeth, who was also pregnant with child in her old age. Elizabeth also confirmed the message that Mary had received. When God is involved, He deals with fear and doubt. He knows that we are weak, but He supplies the grace we need to trust and depend on Him. God does as He pleases in all the earth, and no one can question or limit His power and influence. He is the Mighty God, awesome in power and majesty, and able and capable to perform His promise. He is not like man, who needs other things to fall in line in order to fulfil his promises. Man could promise heaven and earth by mere words, but because he does not own them, he cannot deliver. There is the God of heaven and earth, the owner of all things seen and unseen, whose reputation for miracles, signs and wonders continue to rise. All around us, we see His hand at work, and there is no doubt that creation recognizes and answers to the authority of its Creator.  Do you? God's time of favour is here. 

Praise God!

Praise God!

‭‭Isaiah 25:1 AMP‬‬

[1] O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise and give thanks to Your name; For You have done miraculous things, Plans formed long, long ago, [fulfilled] with perfect faithfulness.

You do not usually associate Isaiah with songs of praise, like David. The prophet Isaiah was known for pronouncements of God's judgment as well as mercy in equal measure, and he delivered his assignments as he had been commissioned to do. Just before the verse above, we read of God's coming judgment on the earth and all its inhabitants, and no one will escape. If you have had any personal encounter with God, you know that you cannot take some of his words as truth when it is so convenient, and then reject the others when they do not support a narrative that suits you. His Word is Truth, irrespective of generation or dispensation. He cannot lie, because, by His nature, it is impossible for the Truth to become a lie. He stakes His name and reputation on being true and dependable

Long after this present heaven and earth have ceased to exist, and a new heaven and earth are in place as promised, God will continue to be God. Is there anything in my past that makes it hard for me to trust God? Check out His own past, and receive the grace to know that He is able and capable to change the story and give a fresh start. It is not a wonder, then, that Isaiah finds the words to praise God for who He is, what He is doing, and the amazing plans He has ahead. He starts by acknowledging who God is. It is this personal touch that gladdens the heart of God, and it has to be the foundation of my own relationship with God. How do I praise a God who I do not even acknowledge as God in my life? How do I know how to worship a God that I have not submitted to, or whose authority my life continues to deny by my daily choices and activities? 

Isaiah had seen the glory of God in the temple; he had been purified with coals taken from the altar, and he had been commissioned for service. He had seen God move in amazing ways, so he had no issue praising this God he had seen and experienced. I ask God also for a very personal encounter with Him, as this is the only way to ensure that my life's output matches my inner conviction. I consider my past, and I know that whatever is working in my present is as a result of the mercy and grace of God. I also know that the future is secure, simply because it is shaped by the One with the power to define and detrmine eternity. It has nothing to do with possession, power or position. I just praise you Lord, because you are worthy. God's time of favour is here. 

Believe!

Believe!

‭‭‭‭Acts 10:43 TPT‬‬

[43] And not only us, but all of the prophets agree in their writings that everyone who believes in him receives complete forgiveness of sins through the power of his name.”

There is strength in eyewitness testimony. The courts of law would assign importance to the testimony of the person who sees, hears or tastes the substance of the evidence being presented in court. No matter how hard the opposing counsel tries to change the narrative or ask the question in a different way or format, the truth of what you have seen, heard or tasted remains with you. Even the bible says a man can only be lawfully accused of a wrongdoing by the testimony of two or three witnesses. As Peter preached in the house of Cornelius the centurion, the same message also becomes clear: the power of a witness is undeniable. What have you come to know personally about the person and power of Jesus? If the pressure comes today, what would you have to say? Do I even know who this God is, the things He has done, His expectations from me, and the amazing plans He has for me? 

Peter was there from the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry; he saw the times of hunger, thirst and tiredness; he also witnessed the mighty miracles which He performed, including the healing of Peter's mother-in-law. He made some very concrete comments about Jesus that could only have come out of a personal encounter with Him. He knew about the Sonship of Jesus, as well as His assignment of salvation and redemption for all mankind. Peter made that timeless assertion that "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." These personal encounters add up to leave you with concrete evidence of the person and power of Jesus. Whether it is the old or the new testament, all prophecies agree that Jesus is the Saviour of the world, and only by surrender to and acceptance of Him as Lord and Saviour can anyone have access to the life that has been promised. 

God does not lie, and He does not make promises He cannot keep. He is Lord of all, and is therefore able and capable to save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith.  Like Cornelius in the days when the verse above was spoken by Peter, to our own days today, the power of God to save from sin has not diminished or come to an end. That power is still as potent and effective now, as it was then. The blood of Jesus continues to offer men a way out of sin into the amazing life of freedom, peace and joy that only Jesus can secure and sustain. That is power; the type that cannot be questioned or resisted. There is no exception; ALL who believes in Him receive ALL He offers. I do not have to pay anything; all He asks for is my heart. This is where the power of personal choice comes in. God has done His part; how do you respond? God's time of favour is here.

Perfected!

Perfected!

‭‭Hebrews 5:7-9 NIV‬‬

[7] During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. [8] Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered [9] and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

The son of God was sent in human form to walk in our shoes, feel our pain, experience our humanity and also pay the price for sin that we could not pay, so that we could not experience His kind of life. He is the Son of God yet whilst he was on earth, the verses above make it clear that he offered prayers and petitions with cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death. If the son of God could be subject to such experiences, how would I experience the life He offers if I do not also walk in His steps? It was His total submission and embrace of the purpose and plan of God for Him that has opened the door for salvation and redemption for all who come to put their faith and trust in Him. He is the Son, yet it pleased God His Father to allow Him suffer the pain and curse of dying on a tree, so that by His sacrifice, He could offer life, full and free to all who will take up the life that has now been secured. 

The experience of the Son of God is a shadow or foretaste of what is in store for me too. To enjoy the benefits of the inheritance the death and resurrection of Jesus has secured for me, I have to walk in His shoes. A life of obedience must be my daily routine, even in the face of opposition, resistance and pressure to compromise. Do you imagine what life would have been if Jesus had not died on the cross? Based on the knowledge of God revealed in the old testament, His hatred of sin, and the examples we read of how He punished sin, how many of us would be alive today, if not for the grace and mercy that have now been made available to us, because the right price for sin was paid? This calls for sober reflection, and a commitment to living right. Jesus was made perfect through obedience and surrender, and we will also have the same experience if allow the blessings of His death and resurrection be real in us. He has done his part; how would you respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Fruit of Faith!

Fruit of Faith!

Matthew 15:28 NIV

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Many would have read the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman who came to Jesus for the healing of her daughter. I'm sure many would have also wondered why the woman stayed through the insults, the avoidance and the attempts to send her away. She stayed through and got what she wanted, even though there had been great obstacles on her way. Let's relate to a few of the lessons that this story teaches us: first, by virrue of the acceptable convention at that time, she did not deserve what she got. She wasn't an Israelite then and there was no covenant of healing with her, yet she got what she wasn't entitled to. Why? Because she persisted. It must be noted that nothing good comes easy, neither does it just come by claiming it in words. My life must show that I sincerely and earnestly desire it.

Even though Jesus gave a parable that seemed like an insult, stating that it is not proper to take the bread meant for the children and give it to dogs, consider the response of the woman. Pause for a moment and ask yourself what your response would have been if you had been told the same words. I'm sure there would have been an 'appropriate and worthy' reply. For this woman, what she wanted was too important to let mere words bother her. There is the second lesson: it must be the same with me. Words of men must not keep me from what the Word of God has promised me. If men say whatever it is they want to say, I have to hold on to what God says. It was what Jesus said that mattered at the end, not what the disciples said or even what Jesus said initially. It therefore means that as long as God has not closed the chapter and verse of my life, the book is still open and more good things can be added. I must keep asking God what I desire until I get it or he tells me it is not time for it yet. What man has got to say is not important; it is what God says that counts. My faith must take root in what God has promised and watch him do the incredible and the miraculous. God's time of favour is here.

Guided!

Guided!

‭‭Psalms 143:8 NIV‬‬

[8] Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Like David then, so do I also need God's help today. The world keeps getting more complex, complicated and confusing by the day, and the best of intentions does not always mean that you will succeed. David was a man after God's heart, but he also made some terrible mistakes, some for which he paid dearly. He was also a man who knew God's mind on praise, worship and thanksgiving, and he would do that often. His psalms have become the themes of several contemporary pieces today, and they show as evidence from a heart that is totally given to God. In pain, He is God. Under pressure, He is God. In pleasure, He is still God. No matter the experience that God permits to come my way, He ensures that I have the support, encouragement and help I need to endure. He will never leave or forsake me to my own devices; His presence is the sure word I can count on.

It is a daily dependence, not a weekly or monthly appointment. If I cannot take some time in the morning to get a Word from God for the day, how would I see God at work in and around my life for the rest of the day? If the morning will also bring me word, it will be because I am listening for it. I have placed myself in the position where the Word can reach me, and be a blessing to me. I have to take stock again: am I where God can reach me? Before the hustle and bustle of the day starts, it is important to get guidance from the One who made the day, and can provide all the resources needed for that day.  Trust in God should not be seasonal or occasional, but one which stays true to God no matter the experience. I need God on my side on a daily basis; I need His guidance and direction for all facets of my life. 

Indeed, there will be times when I may question my experiences, searching my heart to see if there is any ground for the enemy to seek to oppose me, maybe due to unconfessed sin, but if by the grace of God, there is none, I simply hold on to God until He comes through for me. I need the help of the Compass; the One who knows the end from the beginning to show me the right path. Sometimes, conventional wisdom may dictate a particular course of action, but the greater wisdom is in waiting for direction from the One who is the WAY, and knows the way to the discovery and fulfilment of His purpose for me. I will not survive without Him. I have confidence, based on His pedigree, that He is able to keep safe all that is committed to Him, so I hand over my life to Him. Would you do the same? God's time of favour is here. 

Done Right!

Done Right!

‭‭Matthew 6:3-4 AMP‬‬

[3] But when you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing [give in complete secrecy], [4] so that your charitable acts will be done in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.

Life can get pretty hard sometimes. God Himself told the people of Israel as they settled in the land He had promised them that the poor would always be with them. There are times when needs will arise, not because one is lazy, but by God's divine arrangement, that need has to be met by someone else. It could also be that God wants to teach all psrties how to depend on Him alone for everything. There would be needs that I am given the resources and responsibility to meet, and there will be needs of mine that God would raise other people around me to meet. Whatever is the reason for the need or the basis for it, God is teaching me here how to meet the need He has given me grace to meet. The heart with which I give that which I have been blessed with is critical; do I give out of a heart filled with pride in possessions, position, power or privilege, conveniently forgetting that no man ever has anything that has not been given to Him by God.

I give because I understand quite clearly that all I have or hold is given in trust to me, so I can glorify God with it. He owns them all, and He dispenses them as He sees fit. He sets a man up, and He can also bring down another. He gives to one, and He can decide to withhold from another, just for a season. When He commands me to give what He has already given me, He is teaching all parties to depend on Him alone. There is no room to seek self-recognition or self-praise for something that you cannot manufacture or control. It is a privilege to own or hold it for a season, and if I use it in line with God's will, He will give me even more to own or hold. All I do, in secret or in the open, is laid bare before God. He sees what is done right, and His promise is that He will reward. From personal experience, it will be of utmost importance to do exactly as God commands, so you can get the blessing that has been promised. God does not lie. God's time of favour is here. 

The Only One!

The Only One!

‭‭John 14:6 AMP‬‬

[6] Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

In all the versions available, it is difficult to find a worthy replacement for the description of Jesus as the 'Way', the 'Truth' and the 'Life'. Jesus was speaking of his coming death and resurrection, and the new homes He was going to prepare for all who put their trust in Him. As we have read over the past few days, this current earthly phase is not built to last forever. At some point soon, the mortal will give way to immortality, and this earthly body will have to be surrendered so that the eternal can take its place in its eternal home. As I get to fully understand this truth, there has to also be an understanding of what is expected of me if I am to enjoy what has been provided. As Jesus said to His disciples, so does He say to us today: "Only in and by me can you lay hold of true life". The devil knows his time is short, so he keeps trying all sorts of false notions and deceptions, to distract people from the truth. Only in Jesus is there hope for today, as well as the future that lies ahead. 

The descriptions above are apt for our season today. 

In a world where many claim to know the way, yet have no idea where the destination is, Jesus says He is the WAY. In a world full of lies and deception, Jesus says He is the TRUTH. In a world where death and destruction now seems to be commonplace, Jesus offers the hope of real LIFE, the kind that does not end in physical death. He does not also give room for alternatives, where you could try different options to get to the right destination. You have to come through Him. No other option will work, and nothing else will make sense. The Father has laid down the rule, and access to the Father can only be in and through the Son. As you see above, there can only be ONE version of truth, and if you are looking for consistency, you find out that this statement of Jesus has been true since it was first said, even till today. Men have tried it and found out that Jesus truly saves. Would you also put your total trust in Jesus? He waits to give you all that you need for life and Godliness. Surrender to Him and enjoy the full package of Life that has been offered free of charge. God's time of favour is here.

The Gospel!

The Gospel!

‭‭Romans 1:16 NIV‬‬

[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

How do you define the 'gospel? There is a consensus on the internet that it is "the teaching or revelation of Christ". This means that you cannot speak of the gospel without the mention of Christ, and the message about Him cannot be complete without the mention of His person, mission, teachings and instructions. Part of the mystery of Christ that has been revealed is the fact that as God, He came to earth in human form, lived among us, paid the debt of sin that we should have paid but could not pay, by dying a shameful death on the cross. If the story ended there, so would every expectations of our redemption and salvation also have ended. Christ died as the only acceptable and permanent sacrifice for sin, and He was raised from the dead as proof that just as we die to sin, we are also raised to life to live the life that we have now been empowered to live. We could not do so by our own labour or efforts, but we now have divine power and enablement, so we can thrive in the life of God that has now become ours. 

As great and amazing as the above looks, the key to access is also laid out in the verse above, and that is total surrender of my life to Jesus, and accepting Him as Lord and Saviour. Paul could speak of His confidence in the power of the gospel of Christ, because he had personally experienced it. Here was a man who was complicit in the murder of Stephen, and was on his way to commit even more sins, but the power of God arrested him on that journey, and he had a change of heart. He became a fervent evangelist for the cause and he would not be silenced. What else could have given Paul such confidence, if he was not sure of the power at his disposal? For all who will also surrender their lives to Jesus and accept His gift of salvation, the same power is still available. There is no life so far gone that it is beyond the grace of God that brings salvation to ALL men. That is the power available for all who believe. Do you? God's time of favour is here.

Go!

Go!

‭‭Mark 16:15 AMP‬‬

[15] And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

The verse above was specifically directed at disciples: men who had walked with Jesus while he was on earth, seen his miracles, heard his sermons and had witnessed the mighty deliverance that was sealed by his death and resurrection. The disciples were witnesses whose word could be trusted, as it is only witnesses who can give irrefutable testimony about the truth of any matter. This is why we call witnesses to any incident, and lives can be made or marred by false testimony. In this instance, the 11 disciples had seen, heard, touched and tasted the mighty acts of God, so that when they spoke about these things, they did so with utmost conviction and confidence. The verse above is one of the last commands Jesus gave his disciples before he left, and it is a call to be a witness for Him. If I have indeed touched and seen Him, I must testify about Him to other people. 

The instruction is to GO. I am to step out and let my words, actions and reactions speak to my personal encounter with Jesus. How would I speak so confidently about the gospel I know nothing about, or which I have not even personally experienced? The One who secured life is the One who is giving the assignment. The target is the entire world, because His life was given as a gift to secure life for everyone. Everywhere I find myself becomes a platform for the message of Jesus to be laid out, and the message is clear: Jesus gave his life so that He could secure eternal life for everyone. It is by total surrender, submission and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour that one can have access to this eternal life. It is not at a financial cost, as there is nothing I could pay to secure this life. All I can do is trust this finished work, and enjoy all that He has done for me. GO. God's time of favour is here.

God's Workmanship!

God's Workmanship!

‭‭Ephesians 2:10 KJV‬‬

[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

From the verse above, there is a truth that is laid out quite clearly and a decision that is to be taken at the right time, if it is to be of earthly and eternal value. The context of the verse above is the work of salvation, redemption and sanctification that has been fully concluded through the death and resurrection of Jesus. By His work on the cross, He has secured eternal life for all who will come to believe in Him, and the past is done away with completely. Interestingly, Jesus did not wait for me to earn or deserve the life He is offering now; the work was done and completed long before even before I was born. You would not accuse God of trying to bribe me into loving and surrendering to Him. He simply gave His life willingly, in the hope and expectation that I will choose to love Him and surrender my life to Him. How do I respond the right way to what He has done? This is where the personal must align with the divine. The work is done; the offer is made. 

Life is given, so that life can be secured. God through Christ Jesus offers me new direction; He has made me for His glory, and I am to show off His grace, mercy and power. As His workmanship, I am never done. I am always a work in progress, the proof of His grace, mercy and power. Long before I came in the flesh, God had a plan for my life. I am owned by Him, because His life has paid the ransom for me. I should have died for my sin, but by faith in that finished work on the cross, I live to righteousness now. Everything I do now is done in the consciousness of eternity; my past is sorted out; my present is aligned with God's purpose; my future is eternally secure. There are no accidents with God; my life will only make real sense when it has found God's purpose for its creation, gifting and placement. I owe it to God and to the generation I am to serve to find out why God has called me. That is the best use of my life, and the only way my life will be one well spent. God's time of favour is here. 

Call!

Call!

‭‭Psalms 145:18 AMP‬‬

[18] The Lord is near to all who call on Him, To all who call on Him in truth (without guile).

Experience counts for something. You cannot speak so confidently about a matter you have not personally experienced. There is a lot of power in personal conviction. You have seen, touched, tasted, heard and felt it, so that when you speak about it, it comes from a place of undeniable certainty. This is where David was at the time this psalm was penned. As you know, David was called a man after God's heart and as you read his songs, you see very clearly that he took his relationship with God very dear. He was not perfect by many people's standards, but then, the One who calls men to Himself accepted him and called him a man after His heart. What were some of the things David that did well that we can also emulate? At the top should be His daily search for God. He would call on God evening, morning and at noon. Even when he did what was really wrong, as soon as the prophet of God confronted him, he was quick to repent. How would God turn His back on such a child?

That is the lesson in the verse above. It is still the same God, even with the passing of many generations and dispensations. God has not changed; He is still near to all who will seek Him sincerely. This is key; many call on Him, but very few sincerely seek Him as Lord and Saviour. We want many things, and we know He can do them, so we cry to Him. Most times, when we have received what we want, we move on, until the next big need arises. The verse above makes it clear that God is near to all who call on Him in truth, without guile. You are dealing with a God of total and absolute knowledge, who cannot be deceived by outward pretence or hypocrisy. He knows the motives of everyone's hearts, and he judges based on His truth, not on man's convenient and often-changing 'truths'. Do not deceive yourself; lay your heart before God and let Him do His work in you, so that His power can flow in and out of you. The world awaits the manifestation of the sons of God. God's time of favour is here. 

The Presence and the Present!

The Presence and the Present!

‭‭Joshua 1:9 NIV‬‬

[9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The Authortiy who goes with you and backs you up on your endeavours defines the gifts that you will get. Whether I admit it or not, the journey is set for all of us. There is a project; an assignment to be accomplished by all of us. No two people's assignments will be exactly the same, but the destination will always he the same: the glory of God. No matter the path God has placed me on, He wants me to know that He will not abandon me to my own devices. After all, the work is defined by Him, the enablement required can only be provided by Him, and He alone knows the end from the beginning. He is therefore in the best position to make pronouncements such as the one in the verse above. He gives a command and even the devil obeys. Job would have been destroyed completely, but for the limits God placed on the devil's actions. 

This is the God who calls me to His side, and who wants to show Himself strong in my behalf. For all who will succeed in the labour that has been assigned, you need a sure word from God like the one above. Do not dare face the world with just your wits or your brawn; there comes a time when the wisdom and strength of man will fail miserably and lead to sorrow, pain and regret. There comes a time when depending on man will be seen as fruitless and pointless venture. This is the point sought to be made by God in the verse above. Fear will definitely come, because if I can achieve all of God's instructions by my own power and wisdom, I would not really ask for His help. Ahead of the challenges that will definitely come his way, God provides Joshua with the most important possession he would need on this assignment: His Presence. Let it be clear: You will not succeed without Him.

Joshua was tasked with leading the children of Israel into the promised land, after the death of a man of Moses' stature. He had witnessed the rebellion of Israel as they journeyed: he saw the punishment of Korah and his gang, Marian and Aaron, as well as the other 10 people who went with him to spy the land of Canaan. He saw the death of all who were 20 years old and more who left Egypt, except for Caleb. Even Moses his boss did not see the promised land. That would have been enough to scare anyone. As it was then, so is it now. The dispensation or generation may have changed, but God has not changed. He is still looking for lives in which He can display His splendor and power. What I need is to trust Him completely, sure that if He ordained it, He will sustain it. His Presence will guarantee that ALL I need is made available at the time I need it. Do not leave home without Him. He is all you need. God's time of favour is here. 

Worthy!

Worthy!

‭‭Revelation 4:11 KJV‬‬

[11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

The verse above is taken from a scene in heaven, to which John is given the privilege to be a part of, and to speak of to all who aspire to be part of the heavenly choir eventually. The Lord sits on the throne, high and exalted, with undeniable glory and power. Those who are in heaven have no doubt about who is in charge, and they do not stop speaking about the glory and power of the One who sits on the throne. Heaven has no competition for authority, and even those with thrones have a higher throne before which they all bow. There is recognition, acceptance and submission to that Authority, and regular adoration and worship are offered to the One who sits on the throne. It is interesting to note that even the devil, called Lucifer, was once one of the host of heaven,, but pride would not let him stay. He was banished from heaven, and now has limited time before he is also cast into the lake of burning sulphur. 

It is an awesome privilege to be given a glimpse into how heaven operates and what it permits, so we on earth can also prepare the right way. There is only one God who is worthy to receive glory, honour and power. One of the many reasons why God is worthy is given in the verse above, and it is because He is the Creator of all things. As Creator, you have a purpose for your creation, and there is feedback you would want to receive in terms of optimum performance. When that which you have made functions the right way, it gives you pleasure. From God's perspective, when my life points to His power and might, it means that other people will seek to know more about my God, leading to praise and glory. Is my life's current application leading to praise and glory to God? Am I preparing the right way for the eternal life that has been guaranteed by God to all who submit to Him? God's time of favour is here.

The Source!

The Source!

‭‭James 1:17 NIV‬‬

[17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

As always, the audience always drives the quality and depth of the message. James was writing to the twelve tribes that were now scattered among the nations due to trials, tough times and persecution. These people were experiencing difficulties, but the word of the Lord through James was that they had reason to rejoice, because God would only work that which is good for all who come to trust Him. The preesent may look bleak but there is the hope that in the hands of God,  every mess becomes a message. Only in God's hands can pain lead to promotion, taking a man like Joseph from the prison to the palace. The physical change may have happened in one day, but the process took about twenty years, from dreams to destiny. What is the current situation that may be causing me pain today? I must surrender my life to God so He can make the best use of broken pottery to make the finest product.

‭‭

There is a God who reigns and rules in the affairs of men. He is the possessor and owner of all things that have been made, and His love is higher, deeper, wider and greater than any other relationship or engagement known to man. He made all things for His own pleasure, and He gives life and breath to all things. He introduces Himself in many ways to different people at different times, showing His might and mercy in different ways, so that men may fear and honour Him. It is in this light that today's verse is presented. If you have not yet known it, know today that there is a God in charge of the affairs of this world. If you have never seen Him at work, surrender your life to Him and allow Him work in you that which is His perfect will. If you do need anything from Him, know that His resources are mainly for citizens first of all. Those who He owns and controls have first call on that which He provides. 

Foreigners and aliens may also enjoy what His kingdom provides, but if you want to enjoy it the right way, you must keep an eye on eternity. Rain falls on all, giving harvest to both the rich and the poor, as well as the saint and the sinner. Wealth does not recognize race or culture, but there is a deeper dynamic for true blessing, which can only be from God. It is the blessing of the Lord that truly makes rich, and adds no sorrow. He is the Father of the heavenly lights, so darkness has no place in Him. He sees and can operate in darkness, but His nature is light. He cannot cast shadows like man would, because He is consistent and predictable in His faithfulness. He may choose the channel and the vessel, but His nature cannot be changed. He will not lie because He is looking for favour; that which He said to Abraham centuries ago still rings true today. That is consistency; that is trust. Seek Him today; your eternity will be glad you did. God's time of favour is here.

Fixed!

Fixed!

‭‭Hebrews 12:2 AMP‬‬

[2] [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

This is a fairly long version of the verse under consideration today, but the message is clear and unmistakable. There are distractions everywhere you turn; there is always a matter that will present itself as pressing or urgent, but it is critical to my earthly impact and eternal reality that I know what really matters, so I can focus my strength and labour on that which can guarantee eternal rest. There is no use being known as a man of many parts, but with no record in heaven of the things God considers to be key to reigning with Him at the end of my life. The example of Jesus is the perfect sacrifice laid before us, and I will do well to consider his life's lessons and apply myself accordingly. First, there is the big picture. Jesus knew what lay ahead and He was determined to see it to the end. I must keep the end in view, so that my labour can be properly interpreted. I am not labouring in vain or fighting aimlessly; there is an end that has been determined by God, and it is by focus that I will achieve that end. 

Secondly, His life's choices give me an idea of how I can please God. Jesus got to a point where the cross looked too heavy to bear, and He prayed, asking that if it were possible, the cross should pass over Him, but he left it all in God's mighty hands. As long as it was the perfect will of God,  He would submit to it. That must be my default setting too; life will happen to all of us, but it is important to prepare for life with the help of the One who owns life and has experienced all that life may throw at me. I cannot afford to take my eyes off the One who can help me, because the devil knows how to provide an alternative to the right option. There can be no vacuum, so if God is not filling up my heart, be sure that the devil is on-site, and he will do anything to keep my focus off Jesus and on the size and depth of my present experiences. Like Jesus, I must remember that it is not a permanent situation, but one that leads to eternal glory. The pain of the present is God's way of sorting out the glorious future that is ahead. How's your focus? What you see defines what you get. God's time of favour is here. 

Declare!

Declare!

‭‭1 Chronicles 16:23-24 NIV‬‬

[23] Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. [24] Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

The ark of God had been taken by the Philistines during the battle that took the lives of Saul and his three sons. The ark was returned to Kiriath Jearim by the Philistines after the ark had wrought some terror in the land of the Philistines. However, there appeared to be no use for the ark, because it was abandoned in Kiriath Jearim for 20 years before David came for it. Just think of this: the symbol of God's presence with His people had been forgotten. In fact, in the verses before today's extract, David said there was no inquiry of the ark throughout the reign of Saul. How did a king who was anointed by God to be king wander so far away from God that he was consulting mediums? This is what happens when a man develops a sense of self-sufficiency. At no time is a man able and capable of pleasing God all by himself; we do this by a daily dependence on God. David understood the importance of the presence of God, and that is why he did all he could to build a place for the ark of the covenant to be kept. What steps am I taking to ensure that the Presence of God can find a home in me? 

As David laid the right foundation for the return of the ark, the song in the verses above is the focus. When my relationship with God is right, everything else falls into place. When my heart and life are right with God, it would appear that even the earth and all its attachments will respond. Actually, the earth and its attachments do not have a problem acknowledging the power, might and strength of God, because the earth recognizes and knows its Creator. It is man who struggles with his identity, seeking validation and acceptance from the wrong sources. David's song here is a call to all who know God to make Him known on the earth. Let the people of the earth be reminded again of the power of God. Let his mighty acts be known all over the world. If I do not speak about these, how would the earth know? I must not keep God's mighty acts to myself, so nations can know Him and give Him praise. Like David, can God count on me to be an effective witness of His power, presence and perfection? God's time of favour is here. 

Justified!

‭‭Romans 5:1 TPT‬‬

[1] Our faith in Jesus transfers God’s righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us.

‭‭Romans 5:1 AMP‬‬

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

The dictionary defines 'justification' as 'the action of declaring or making righteous in the sight of God.' Actually, God did both: He not only declared it, He also did it. He not only pronounced us faultless before His Father; He also did the work required to ensure that we would remain so justified. How did He do it? By walking in our shoes, feeling our human pain and dying the death of a sinner on the cross of sin and shame, so we could receive the power we need to also live above sin. It is not something to be earned by labour, wages or intellect; it is given by the death and resurrection of Jesus, and when I come by faith to trust in that finished work. It may sound simple for those of us who have come to believe in Jesus,  but for those who have always known how to fight for everything, it is hard to imagine a benefit you do not have to work for. There is no other way; it is only by faith in Jesus that I can access the benefits of earthly impact and eternal life with God. 

Jesus has played His part; He has paid the full price for sin, and He gives me the grace to enjoy true and lasting peace with God. It was the price I should have paid. Someone had to do it, because it was God's judgment as the price for sin. I could not have offered a perfect sacrifice for sin, because I was already blemished. A lamb without defect was the solution, and this is what Christ became for my sake. It is very important to note that peace with God does not mean that there will be no storms, or that the wind will not blow and threaten to cause damage. It is the confidence the peace of God gives that makes me able to face whatever comes, sure that the Presence of God can keep me through any problem I may face. That which Christ has done has ssved me from my past, sorted out the present and secured my future. What else is there to cause fear? God's time of favour is here.

Being Kind!

Being Kind!

‭‭Ephesians 4:32 NIV‬‬

[32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

In a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to the truth of God's Word, today's verse is the right message for the right time. As you read the entire chapter, you discover that the message is for a specific audience, and that is 'those who have been sealed with the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption'. This classification is important,  because it is my identity and ownership that will define my pursuits and priorities. It is a different message for those who belong to the world, as they are known, identified and directed by someone else. At all times, we are under the control and influence of a spiritual authority, and it will do me well to know what the options are, so I can pattern my life and its focus accordingly. Do I know who I am, as well as whose I am? Can God dictate terms and conditions for my life, or do I have to get into a fix before I realise thst God is trying to catch my attention? 

If I have sorted out my identity, then the message in the verse above applies to me. I am charged by the verse above to be kind and compassionate, which is only possible for those who know and understand the source of the help needed to align with the instruction. Let it be known today that mere strength will not take you to the desired destination; no amount of inner core stability will drive me to the place God wants me to be without His presence helping me. God will not demand from me what He has not given me grace for. The additional beauty of the verse above is that God has placed other people's lives in my path, so I could show them what a life that is surrendered to God looks like. And I have the perfect example to emulate. He would not demand from me without first showing me what it looks like. His own life is the perfect example of forgiveness and mercy and I now have no excuse. He has shown me what He wants; would I follow in His steps? God's time of favour is here. 

Searched!

Searched!

‭‭Psalms 139:23-24 AMP‬‬

[23] Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts; [24] And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.

The prayer above is critical to my growth in faith and the continuing experience of who God is. The entire chapter from where this verse is taken celebrates the power of God as made manifest in the creation of man. Man sits at the head of all of God's creation; the only part where it was recorded that God called a conference in heaven, and breathed into man the breath of life, and man became a living soul. The chapter goes on to lay out a number of dimensions in which man is very special. A few will suffice here: long before I was physically born, God already had plans for my life, and because I am His child and creation, nothing happens to me by accident. All the days that have been written for me had already been written down in His book even before any of them came to pass. Do I even know who I am, whose I am, and do I have the faintest idea of the amazing things that God has laid out for me?

The above reflect the many dimensions of impact, power and purpose. God is too great a God to make something or someone for whom He has no plan or usage. Therefore, I will never be able to scratch the surface of all the amazing things God has in store for me without the help of the One who laid out all the plans in the first place. That is why I must give Him access to my heart at all times. My heart can sometimes be distracted or deceived by the things it sees or perceives, and it is only when God owns and controls it that it will produce in line with the will of God. Sin leads to death and eternal separation from God and it is something to be avoided at all costs. Let nothing down here stop me from reigning with Christ up there. I give God the control over my heart; only by total surrender can I be helped. Only by a focus on the eternal can my earthly labour make sense. God, I depend on you; help me. God's time of favour is here.