Able and Capable!

Able and Capable!

Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV

[20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

[21] unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus, and as we have always laid out, personal experience is the best way to highlight God's dealings. It is good to learn from other people and their stories of God's dealings with them, but you have to make your own. Paul had walked in the shoes of the persecutor and prosecutor of those who belonged to the way of Christ, and then, after a personal encounter with the Light, he now became the promoter of the kingdom of Christ. This is the inner change that the Presence of Christ can inspire in a man's life. This is a change that all of us must seek and crave, because it is by the inner workings of God in me that I can have access to all the blessings and benefits that He has promised. God can do mighty things, but He can be limited by my own effort to get things done my own way. If you have tried in the past to force it, and it has not worked, maybe it is time to let God address it His own way.

Paul was speaking from personal information and experience here. He had seem God at work: miracles had happened through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in his life; souls had been saved from the kingdom of hell into the knogdom of Jesus; men and women had been healed of diseases and sicknesses that had defied medical interventions. None of these things could have been done by human labour or my physical prowess; the things of God do not demand human wisdom, ability, capacity or strength to achieve them. If men could play God, the world would have been quite different from what it is today, but thank God that He continues to prove Himself as God over all situations and circumstances. It is from Paul's personal experience that the words of today's verses are laid down. Whatever it is that my human mind can ask for or think about, God is able to surpass it by far. 

Think of any human endeavour and see how God, by His imprint and inspiration, has changed the landscape of possibilities and achievements. In both the physical and the spiritual planes, God continues to prove that all things were made by Him and they must answer to Him. He places a demand on them and they must deliver in line with His command. That is power; unadulterated power. It is a power that is made available in those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus. We are the ones who are to be the carriers and expressions of this power. How else will the world be attracted to the Light and Power of God if we do not make these known? How else will the world know of the Power to save, heal and deliver if we do not shine the Light everywhere we go? We are His church, and it is time for us to live it out on a daily basis. No demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. Surrender to God and ask Him for anything; His power can do much more than all the combined forces of the world can achieve. God's time of favour is here. 

Wait!

Wait!

Psalm 40:1-2 KJV

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

David, the man after God's heart, is credited with writing the words of the verses above. I am sure that there was an incident that led to some danger, and would have been the basis of this song of David. Being a child of God will not insulate you from trouble or tough times; being a child of God assures you of His power, presence and grace available in abundant measure in and through Christ. It also means that the timing for whatever it is that God would do lies with Him. All I can do is wait for Him to act. If I go ahead of Him and help myself, what good have I done? If I go ahead and make things happen of my own accord and arrangement, how do I go back and give God praise for His help? As I take stock of where I am right now, can I truly say that God is the One who has brought me this far, and not by my own scheming or plotting?

From his own personal experience of God, David had come to know the blessing in waiting for God to act. Waiting takes time, because it is not on your own schedule, but on the One you are waiting for. I do not dictate if and when God will change the situation; I can only wait patiently, taking care to ensure that He will find me where His grace can be of help to me. There is no point in waiting for God if I will not be found doing what He can bless.There are about 6 things that the verses above say God did for him, simply because he waited for the Lord patiently. The first thing is that God inclined unto David and heard his cry. He is always attentive to what we say, and He is quick to act. Whenever He shows up is the right time for Him to act, and the best time for me. He is able to change my story, making a message out of the mess my life once was.

Life may throw me into the pit, or into the miry clay, but God never leaves me alone. Joseph was in the pit, but from there, God's presence took him to Potiphar's house, even to prison, and then to the palace as prime minister. God is the One who can change the direction of a man's life. He is able to establish my feet on the rock, giving me stability and focus. Whatever it is that you set on a rock is kept in place by the rock. The confidence is not in that which is set, but on the rock on which the thing is set. Am I set upon the rock, or do I have my own little scheme of self-help going on? Before I dare step out into the world, can I be certain that my steps are ordered and guided by the Lord? As life happens to me, I need to sort out my priorities. What do I seek: is it His help, or the validation of my own schemes? Remember, God does not sustain that which He did not ordain. If it is of Him, a good end is guaranteed. God's time of favour is here.

Just One!

Just One!

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:15‭-‬16‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

[15] But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. 

[16] For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.

As always, the audience is critical to the expectations that are demanded. You cannot place the demand for holiness from people who do not know what is means to be set apart for holy use. Under the old testament, the lamb to be used for sacrifices had to be of a specific age, as well as specific physical characteristics such as without blemish or spot. If that was the requirement for sheep, imagine God's expectations for those of us who are called by His name. Peter's letter was to people called the 'elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ'. These are very specific people, not people who can get lost in a crowd, or who can bleind into any situation. It is very important that I know who I am, what I am, and whose I am, because that understanding is what will drive my pursuits and priorities. 

The verses above lay out quite clearly what is expected of the elect. It will be self-deception to place a demand on the blessings and benefits laid out here, when I have done nothing about the conditions to enjoy the blessings and benefits. There is a call upon every life created by God, and my life's impact will be determined by my answer to God's call. God will also not demand of me that which He has not first supplied grace for. If His demand is holiness, be sure that He will supply sufficient grace to enable me live a life of holiness and righteousness. A life of holiness will demand separation from the world and its attractions, and will demand a different lifestyle from that which the world celebrates. Am I willing to make that sacrifice today, seeking God and His will for my life, and living up to His standard? God does not promise that it would be easy, which is why we speak about His grace being sufficient. 

That grace is able to support me in every way to become all that God intends, but He will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill. This is where personal surrender is critical. Nobody can do it on my behalf; this is why salvation is first and foremost a personal decision. I have to sort out my pursuits and priorities now. The same time I used to devote to the pursuit of the things of the flesh is the same time I now have to pursue the things of God. I now have to devote time and attention to the things that please God. It is quite impossible to combine both, or to successfully juggle or move between both. Both will take time, effort and attention, because they both have earthly and eternal consequences. Before it is too late, I must sort my life out. God awaits my decision. Remember: His grace is sufficient. God's time of favour is here. 

Inspired!

inspired!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

[17] that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The whole of God's word is presented to us as inspired by God. I do not pick and choose the parts that excite me, and then reject the rest. I do not get familiar with the parts that sound good and then turn my back on the parts that prick my conscience. The parts that speak of God's love remind me of His mercies, but also remind me that God is also a God of judgment who will punish unconfessed sin, no matter in whom it is found. Men look at the principles of the old covenant, and may say that God has moved on, but they ignore the fact that  even the law of Moses did not come before the covenant of blessing God made with Abraham, the father of faith. The law was the schoolmaster to keep us in check and bring us to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith, and lay claim to the blessings of Abraham. All of God's revealed word shows His mind, and we will do well to take heed to what we read and hear. 

Check out the value of God's word and the dimensions it comes. The same word by God can do different things in the lives of those who seek it. In some instances, it is teaching the truth that is the need at the time, and at other times, it is for reproof and correction. There are times when there is a need to correct me or set me on the right path. There are also other times when I need to get fresh instruction for specific issues or situations that I am going through. No matter the need, or the complexity of the situation, there is a provision of the Word of God to meet that specific predicament. God does not leave us without guide or help; He knows our frame, that we are weak and helpless without Him, and He will do all He can to make sure we end up with Him in eternity. He does not waste resources, so He would not make all of these benefits available and then keep them away from me. They are of no use to Him alone, but when I partner with Him, the Word becomes a living tool in His hands to change the direction and destination of my life. 

It is not a wonder, then, that the verses above go on to lay out the benefits of a surrendered life. The person who has been subject to and under the ministry of the word of God cannot remain ordinary. We usually say that perfection is not possible, but you have the word of the God who demands that we be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. He will suppy the grace I need to live the way He pleases. Perfection comes from total submission and surrender to the will of God. You listen to Him; you read about Him, and you are ready and willing to obey Him. What I need for all that is ahead is IN Him, and not of me. All that I do must be done on the basis of this connection with God. Where else would you get good from, if not from the One who is the good God? God will not do part; if He starts it, be sure He will finish the work. Would you let His Word work in you? God's time of favour is here.

Stand Firm!

Stand Firm!

1 Corinthians 16:13 AMPC

[13] Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!

Psalm 31:24 AMPC

[24] Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!

The two verses above are linked by a few themes, but the focus today is on the command to stand firm and strong, as we wait for the Lord to show up for us. In the letter of Paul to the church in Corinth, he was speaking to fellow brethren, who shared the same faith as he, and were going through tough times, as he was too. In the verse taken from the song of David in Psalm, we also see a man who had made it a habit to trust in God at all times for everything. It is not a surprise therefore that God had great use for both men in their own generation. David was called a man after God's own heart by God Himself, while Paul was inspired to write or co-write quite a lot of the letters that make up the new testament. What these points tell me is that the benefits and blessings that God promises have conditions, as listed in the verses above. 

God is seeking men in whose lives He can display His power, might, grace and mercy. The paths He will take all of us will differ from person to person, but that is why it is first and foremost a personal walk, not a public call. We do not need to solely seek the validation of men to confirm God's call upon our lives, even if He may inspire men to speak into our lives, but the final confirmation must come from Him. This bit is critical because of the days of storms that will definitely come. As you read both verses above, it is clear that the benefits God promises are for people who will stand to the end. Paul's letter encourages us to be alert and be on our guard, as well as standing firm in our faith. He charges us to be courageous and grow in strength. You do not speak like this to people who are at ease and have nothing to look forward to. You do not speak like these to people who have nothing to hope for or whose vision do not go beyond the earthly and the immediate. 

David's song also speaks to people who have come to know and understand the value of waiting on, hoping for and expecting the Lord. You do not sit and fold your arms, waiting for things to just work out automatically; you work at it. People who wait on the Lord are not in a hurry, or seeking to do things on their own time. You are waiting for directives and instructions from the person you are waiting on; you know He is good for whatever it is He has promised you, and you know He will show up for maximum impact, at the time that best suits His purpose for you. One thing that is clear from the 2 verses above is that God moves across different generations and dispensations. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He seeks to show Himself strong in the lives of all who come to Him, but He will not force Himself on anyone. Will you trust Him with your life? God's time of favour is here. 

Power of Two Part 4!

Power of Two Part 4!

Matthew 18:20 AMPC

[20] For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]

Again, we continue with the theme of the power available when people come together for any purpose. As we saw in the story of the Tower of Babel, even if it is for a wrong reason, there is still power in conspiracy to do wrong. As we will also see in the verse that is before us today, there is also power available when people come together for the right reason. We have seen that God, in His wisdom, has placed us in the midst of other people, whether on the family unit, or in a community or society, and in the nation where we live. Of course, the need for interaction and engagement with other people has led us to the need for fellowship with people, where we gather to praise and worship God, to hear Him speak to us and to then go into the world to impact it with the message of Christ that we have received and responded to the right way. It is therefore very important to consider the reason why we gather together in fellowship. What is the motivation? Why the investment of time, resources and even privacy in this process? 

How do we expose ourselves to potential hurt and loss, especially when these are people you cannot control or dictate to, and who have their own views about things? This is the amazing thing about fellowship: all of us come with our baggage, and because of our understanding of who we have come to see, we are able to submit our prejudices and preferences at the altar of the common faith we all share, so that God can be glorified. I also note that the number gathering together in fellowship is fundamental. God is not first looking for numbers; men are the ones who are impressed by size and length, or by the outward display of zeal. God is looking for men and women who understand the reason why fellowship is important, and who will pay the right price to get the right prize. Am I one of such people? God is focused on substance, not fashion. That is why the verse above lays emphasis on 'IN MY NAME'. 

The understanding of this requirement will impact the mode, style and substance of worship and service. Could it be that the reason why we do not take fellowship seriously is because we have not known the blessing and value it gives? Could it be that the reason why we treat it with levity is because we have not really experienced God on a personal level? There is no one who meets with God and remains the same. There is no one who truly seeks God who does not find Him. It does not matter what the numbers are; two or three people are enough to meet with God, and then meet the needs of the world around them. The Lord was with Joseph, and we see what impact his life made in Egypt. The three Hebrew boys were in the physical minority, but with God on their side, they became the change that God wanted to make in a foreign land. Revival will change millions, but it is always as a result of God's move in the lives of the two, three or four people who come together IN HIS NAME. How do we gather? Why do we gather? Can we say, of a truth, that Jesus is the focus? Remember, God cannot be deceived. He sees the motives, and will reward accordingly. God's time of favour is here. 

Power of Two Part 3!

Power of Two Part 3!

1 John 4:19 KJV

[19] We love him, because he first loved us.

We continue our consideration of the power of two, and in the verse above, we see how the perfect example of Jesus lays down the groundwork for how our lives should be. One great thing that God has done is that He has taken away the excuse that men may have, to say that there were no good examples to emulate, or great templates to follow. There is an abundance of evidence to show how the love of God has become the reason why we can also express the same love. I note that at no time has it been said that we will be left alone to fend for ourselves, or to strive to meet the standard by our own labour, I am able to face all that is ahead simply because I have the right kind of help. I am able to ensure whatever pain or pressure that my stand in and with God may bring, simply because I have His presence in and with me. 

Please note the use of the word IN. Do not be content just being around the things and places that identify or recognize God; make sure He lives IN you. Do not settle for the words and the symbols that speak about God; make sure the Word is given room as well as freedom in your life. The empowerment that is required for this process cannot be sustained outside of the vessel. The enablement that the Holy Spirit gives only has impact when He is allowed unfettered and unrestricted access in a man's heart. Interestingly, love is also an expression of the fruit of the Spirit, which means that the original version cannot be produced outside of the presence,  power and person of the Source. I can love the right way because the personification of love lives in me. I can love the right way because the source of eternal life lives inside me. 

This is both an awesome privilege as well as the placement of responsibility on my life. I cannot afford to live carelessly; I am not permitted to live as I please anymore. I am not under bondage, but the freedom I have is applied to live to please the One who set me free and then bound me to Himself in love. He died on the cross because of love, and now He lives and offers me the same life. By responding to His offer of love, I have all I need for life and Godliness, and to change the world for Him. Love is that language of expression that the world will respond to. With God in me, and His love flowing out of me, the union becomes an unstoppable force. The world at the time of Acts was turned upside down because men allowed God work in and through them to impact their world at the time. It is still the same God, seeking to show Himself strong in the lives of all who will come to Him. His love will be made manifest if we walk with and work for Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Power of Two Part 2!

Power of Two Part 2!

Proverbs 27:17 AMPC

[17] Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].

As we read yesterday, there is power in the associations and companies that we keep. It is not first and foremost about the type of company we keep, but the fact that God, in His wisdom, has seen it fit to place us in the midst of human company. Human life itself begins with the agreement and contribution of two different substances, and that life is then placed in the midst of other people. From the family life, to school, to work, to the fellowship in church, to the communal life of neighbours and friends, we were made to thrive in the company of other people like ourselves. It is critical to note that this does not mean that we must see eye to eye on all things, but it is in the diversity of opinions and motives that the human experience is enriched. If this is true of the physical reality around us, you can be sure the spiritual implications are the same. 

I alo note that the word 'iron' is used to describe the impact of one life on another. Why iron? A few properties of iron will be of help here, and these are: it is highly malleable and ductile, it is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and it can be magnetised. You can beat iron into any shape and it will not break, and you can stretch it into thin wires and still not break. It is a good product to have handy when you need a good carrier of heat and electricity, while it also attracts magnets. If I am indeed iron, it means that I must attract the right crowd, and make the right impact in and on them. Wherever I am, in whatever situation I am applied, or in whatever company I have been placed, I must conduct heat and electricity that will charge my environment and make it conducive for living, breathing and thriving. It is iron that is best suited to sharpen iron. 

That is the reason why I must take care to know who I am, what I am, and where I am headed. I can pretend about who I am for a while, but because I am placed in the midst of people, who I am will definitely be revealed. A man cannot give what he does not have, and as I relate with you, it is either I sharpen your countenance of rage, or that of a worthy purpose. Whatever is in you will be revealed and made known, and this is why it is always advised that one watch the company that you keep. If I am comfortable around the wrong people, it means that there is a tendency that my actions will flow in that direction. If I will make the right impact, I must spend time on the right substance, the right people and the right information. One day, there will be a call and demand on whatever I have stored up. Would I be proud if what I am storing up right now is revealed to the whole world? If I do not like what I see now, I must change the source. God's time of favour is here. 

The Power of Two Part 1!

The Power of Two Part 1!

Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV

[9] Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

We read about the wise words of the som of David, who calls himself the Preacher. There are quite a number of deep and wise sayings in the book of Ecclesiastes, and the above is one of them. It has to be noted that God also recognzes the power of unity. There are several verses in the bible that lay emphasis on the power behind 2 or more. Right at the Gardem of Eden where God placed mam, He blessed and commanded him to be fruitful and to multiply. Just a few years after the account of creation, we also see men gathering together to build a tower reaching up to heaven. If God had not come down to confuse their language, God conceded that the project would have succeeded simply because of the unity of the people. God said that as the people is one, and they have all one language; nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. This is the power behind joint effort or concerted applied pressure.

I am yet to see a project initiated and successfully completed by one person from start to finish, without any form of help or contribution by anyone else. God, who is awesome in power, does not also do everything He seeks to do by Himself, but He brings us into His will, so we can search and discover His purpose for our lives, and we can focus on and pursue His purpose, with His help, leading and guidance. This has both physical and spiritual implications. Think of any great project impacting lives, and you will find investments by people from all walks of life. No man can physically be in 2 places at once, and that is why there is power in agreement. Even for the natural order of life and how it begins, no human life can be formed without an agreement of two separate contributors. 

God has also been quite wise to then place that human life in the midst of a family, community, society and nation, which then becomes the right context in which man's contributions can best be made. As we work together to achieve something, there is a joy that comes from knowing that you are a part of the success story. Think about God saying it was not good for man to be alone. Two would always be better than one, when the motive and the pursuit are God-focused. There is also power in evil agreements and conspiracies, but as children of God, we know that God is looking for people He can entrust divine assignments to. I need to take stock of my life today, and determine whether God can bless whatever my joint efforts and pursuits are. Can I say, with every confidence, that a good reward lies at the end of my current labour? Remember, God will only bless and sustain that which He ordains. Make sure you are linked with the right people, and pursuing that which is the right result. God's time of favour is here. 

The Mind of Christ!

The Mind of Christ!

Philippians 2:5-8 KJV

[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Paul writes to the church in Philippi, charging them to let God do a work in them that will bring them in line with the nature of Christ. This is God's plan and purpose for my life: that Christ will be formed in me, so that His life can flow out of me. Too many times, we get the order wrong. We want to be known and celebrated by the world, but forget that it is first the inner work of God in me that will change lives, and not the outward gimmicks and public schemes that men may teach. It is the power of the inner man that drives the change that the outer man needs. This is the why the mind of Christ is critical to this process. Paul makes it clear that it is possible to have the mind of Christ, because God would not demand of me that which He has not first supplied grace for. If He commands it, He knows it is possible. If He commands it, I will thrive only when I pursue after it. 

For the purpose of the verses above, the mind of Christ signifies humility, submission and surrender to the perfect will of God. It did not mean that it was convenient and comfortable for Jesus to do. Here was the Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, also called God the Son, who gave up his nature in order to take on the nature of the people He came to save. He is God the Son, yet became the son of man so he could help the sons of men take up their rightful place as the sons of God. The verses above say that he made himself of no reputation, emptying Himself of all that made Him indestructible, and submitted to the shameful death on a cross. He knew no sin, and did not commit a sin, yet He took up the sin of the whole world, paying the price that the whole world could not pay. Who else do you know that would pay such a high price for people you were not sure would even appreciate the sacrifice?

That was the price He paid, and the example He has laid down for all of us to emulate. He was not going to force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of our freewill, but He did it because that was the perfect will of God He was totally submitted to. For all who claim to be His children today, what kind of mind are we nurturing? Do we even know what God's perfect will for our lives is, and are we taking steps to ensure that our lives align with His will? Do we know the value of what we have received, and are we taking the right steps to extend the same grace we have been given to other people? Obedience is also the mind of Christ. Just imagine if Christ had not obeyed the will of His Father. Where would any of us be today? We have been given the perfect example of the life that pleases God, and we have been promised the supply that will make it work. As I depend on God on a daily basis, I get access to all that I need for life and Godliness. Grace is available; would you also take hold of it? God's time of favour is here. 

Power and Impact!

Power and Impact!

Luke 1 : 37

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

The revelation of God is one of the most amazing experiences a man can have. This is because no two people's experiences can be the same. Abraham and Isaac were father and son, yet God revealed Himself to them in different ways. They had similar experiences in delay in childbirth, but the way God solved that issue was different in each case. That is the power of God at work, and one of the many reasons why we do not take God for granted, or think we have Him figured out, based on past experiences. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, but His ways are beyond searching out. He brings one down, and lifts up another, and He raises one up and humbles another. Whatever the experience may be, there is no doubt that God rules and reigns over the affairs of men. It is this clear understanding that explains the verse above. 

Think of a virgin girl given a strange message, that she would be pregnant with a child, and without the natural process of pregnancy. Of course, even the betrothed husband had his doubts, and was planning to put her away privately, without causing her any shame. Who wouldn't? An angel went to him and also convinced him that this child was special. So, we have 2 people with clear messages that whatever it was they thought was not possible was going to come to pass, and they would be the vessels and channels by which that miracle was going to happen. Who says that there is anything impossible for God to do? In the event that Mary was still not sure, she was told that her aunt Elizabeth, who was well advanced in years, was also pregnant with child. This must have been the news that Mary had to go confirm: a woman who was well past childbearing age was now pregnant.

Indeed, nothing is impossible for the God who promises to make things happen, and then backs up His Word with his name, which makes these two immutable things by which it is impossible for God to lie. He stakes His name and reputation when He says anything, because He knows that men will seek to confirm that He can be trusted. We deal with a God who is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient. He can do all things, and He can change any situation to align with His will. He can create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, such as a prime minister role for Joseph, simply because He wanted to preserve the world at the time. He will not speak carelessly or thoughtlessly; He does not waste words. His words are His name, His nature and His person. He cannot deny Himself, so please make sure you get a Word from Him for all that is ahead. That word is your sustaining power. He will keep you focused, if you would only trust Him. God's time of favour is here.

Call!

Call!

Romans 10:13 KJV

[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

The context in which this letter is written is based on the belief that striving and activity could help man achieve the righteousness of God. We find Jews claiming righteousness that comes from Jewish laws and customs, and we also find Gentiles who would also strive to do what is right, even though they did not have the law. For both, there was this deceit that led them to placing the cart of activity before the horse of faith. The cart of activity will always prevent the horse from doing its best work, because it is by faith that a man can please God in the first instance. The bible says quite clearly that without faith, it is impossible to please God. My faith in God should drive everything else that I do. My faith in God is the foundation of my daily pursuits and priorities. Whatever else I do outside of faith is not acceptable to God. That is the clear message that today's verse strives to underscore.

Wherever you are in life, or at whatever stage of life you are at, there is an invitation that has been sent out by God to all men, and it is that in God, you have all that you need for life and Godliness. In Jesus is found the fullness of God, and all who come to Jesus also lay hold of all that is in God. Today's verse asks me to CALL. I cannot afford to keep quiet or make assumptions about anything; if I do not open my mouth to call, I cannot turn around and blame God for not coming to my aid. If I also open my mouth and complain to the wrong crowd, I cannot also turn around and blame God when things do not work out the way I want. The verse is clear on who I should call on, and that is the name of the Lord. No one else is given the power or mandate to save like Jesus. If I know I need help, and I choose to keep quiet, then I do not get what I need. Man cannot really help, because he also needs help. You cannot give what you do not have. 

I note that the offer is for Jew and Gentile alike, with no favouritism. All have sinned, and all are in need of salvation. It does not matter what the past looks like; the blood can wash away the deepest stain and bring you into the presence of God to obtain mercy and grace for a life that pleases God. WHOSOEVER means anyone, anywhere and at anytime, but it has to be noted that time too is of essence. I do not have forever on this side of eternity to make up my mind to call; the promise of salvation for all who call on Jesus remains in place as long as this earth is in place. Once Jesus returns, mercy expires. You do not want to be left behind under those conditions. While there is time, please call. He is waiting for your call; He will not turn His back on anyone who sincerely seeks Him. As you know, He keeps his promises. God's time of favour is here. 

Fear God!

Fear God!

Proverbs 31:30 AMPC

[30] Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

The verse above is taken from the words of king Lemuel, and is part of the prophecy that his mother taught him. Not much is said of him in the bible, or even about his mother who taught him this prophecy, but the words have been preserved for generations, and they have now become inspiration and guidance for as many as seek to know God's mind on the order of priorities. Who says a person has to be popular and known by the world in order to make a mark on the world? All that matters is that the person places him/herself in the hands of the potter, and allow Him work that which is His perfect will. There will always be no regrets when there is total submission to the will of God. It is not a wonder that the boy Lemuel became King Lemuel. As seen in the verses before today's extract, he had been given the right information that would help him rule well. 

For all who are current or aspiring parents, or guardians who have been given the awesome responsibility of nurturing young minds and hearts, how are you preparing the right way for the challenges that are ahead? It is also important to consider that the name Lemuel means 'belonging to God', which is another lesson for us as we consider the words of today's verse. The parents who gave the boy Lemuel his name had an understanding of the spiritual implications of a name, and were careful to give him back to the Lord, the source of all good things. I have to be clear that everything that I have or hold isn't actually mine to use as I please, but as God, the real owner, pleases. This understanding will help me put things in the right place, and treat them the right way. Once God occupies the throne, nothing else can take pride of place in my heart. 

Could it be that the reason why we are so focused on the external is because the internal is not secured? Charm and beauty, or grace, as referred to above, are all good, but they have their limits. There are benefits and blessings that you cannot get by charm alone, and, as we know, beauty is such a relative term that one person's view of what beauty is will differ from another person's view. Why would something so ephemeral define my eternity? Why would something so fleeting and vague define my eternal reality? Please remember that these words were taught by the mother of Lemuel, and if a woman can say that beauty is vain, while fearing God is the ideal, you have to pay attention. The woman who reverently and worshipfully fears God is to be praised, because she has a clear identity and understanding of what is dear to the heart of God. Like David, God seeks men whose hearts are fully committed to Him, not the ones distracted by possession, position, power, presentation or personality clashes. Would you be that person? God's time of favour is here. 

Love is....5!

Love is....5!

1 Corinthians 13:13 AMPC

[13] And so faith, hope, love abide [faith–conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope–joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love–true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.

We consider the concluding part of the focus on God's version of love, as laid out in 1 Corinthians 13. We have seen what love is not as well as what it does and does not do. The verse above lays out three critical themes that are central to the Christian faith, and these are faith, hope and love. There is no way you can explain the demands and dictates of the Christian experience without highlighting the features of these three themes. The version of the verse above has helped define these themes. First, we have faith, which is the conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things. The bible also makes it clear that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Not everything about the Christian experience will make sense at the start, but as you walk with God, you get to know more of Him and His demands on you, and your life can please God the more. However, once I see God face to face, faith had met reality. 

The second theme is hope, which us the joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. This is closely linked to faith in the sense that it is tied to the earnest expectation of eternal salvation and eternity with God. Faith and hope are linked, as they keep mea focused on that which the Holy Spirit keeps reminding me of on a daily basis. As I walk with God, even when the physical around me does not look like what God has promised, the confidence and assurance in the nature of God to keep His promises help keep me grounded. There are several promises He has made, and which have come to pass, so I am sure that the hope of eternal life with God will also be secured. Again, hope is focused on that which is to come, and when that which is expected has come, what else is hope for? 

We come to the third theme, which is love, and the verse above says it is true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us. This is the bit that connects God with man. Faith and hope underpin my hope in God, whilst love connects God and man. Faith and hope will also impact my relationship with man, but not like love. Why is love the greatest of all three? Love is the fruit of the Spirit that men will see and know that I am a child of God. It is the nature of God, as well as the evidence of my walk with God. Faith and hope are linked to the things I do not yet see, but love is linked to that which I can see, feel, and experience. Faith is a personal walk, and hope is also a personal decision arising from my personal knowledge and experience of God, but love is deeper. It is also the outward manifestation of my faith and hope. Men may not know what I stand for, or the quality and depth of my focus, but my words and actions will definitely leave a mark. All three are great, but love reveals the nature of God in me. God's time of favour is here. 

Love is....4!

Love is....4!

1 Corinthians 13:7 AMPC

[7] Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

We continue to look at love from God's own perspective, not the world's. This distinction is critical, because the world only looks at what it can gain or get, without giving anything of value in return. The world only labours after its own benefits, not what it can give out. The verse above confirms that love can bear up under anything. There is no pressure that love cannot endure, because it has no breaking point. Again, it is important to emphasize that we are speaking of God's version of love. If God were to mark and punish iniquity as soon as it is committed, I doubt if anyone would still be alive today. It is love that makes God wait for me to come to Him, even after He had paid a high price to secure my salvation. It is love that does not give up easily, and like the lost sheep, will do all He can to ensure the safety and security of every sheep under His care. He does not stop loving because we stop following Him.

God's version of love is always ready to believe the best of everyone. It does not proceed from the point of suspicion and mistrust, where every action is interpreted in the light of my own prejudice and envy. God's love is able to see things from the other person's point of view, appreciating the person's experiences, whilst seeking to establish God's truth. Even when it is clear that the person is wrong, the approach is to get the person who see and understand God's truth clearly, so that the right action can be taken. You cannot force truth down the throat of anyone; it is always easier and quicker when the person knows the truth, and is set free from the bondage of falsehood. God's love never loses hope that anyone can change for the better, because its foundation is not built on the ever-changing principles of the world but on the unchanging nature of God. As it is God's nature we are speaking about here, be sure that God's love does not expire until it truly expires. 

Hope is such that it does not tie itself to time. As long as the earth is in place, God's love will not give up on anyone. This is why the worst of sinners have hope of a new life in and through Christ. That is why the worst of sinners can become the best of saints. That is why a Saul, who persecuted the followers of Christ, could become the same who was inspired to write about most of the new testament letters. God's love has endured through the passing of time and man's reckless rejection of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. If that is the example that we have, and the reason why we now have hope, can we afford to do less? Can we then refuse to extend the same grace we enjoy to other people? Should we be quick to judge others, or think they are beyond saving, when we could have been the ones without hope and destined for destruction? I am grateful to God for all I have received, and I trust He will help me extend this same grace to other people. His love helps me love the right way. Would you also allow Him work in you, so He can flow out of you? God's time of favour is here. 

Love is....3!

Love is....3!

1 Corinthians 13:6 AMPC

[6] It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

We have been considering what love is and what it is not. Today, we again look at the internal and external manifestations of what God's version of love looks like. As we know, joy is also a manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, and it cannot be produced alongside with the opposite of joy, which is bitterness or sorrow. If I do not have any reason to rejoice, or I consider that there is no basis for hope that there is an eternal future for me, how can I claim to have the Spirit of God living inside of me? How can I claim to know and have God if my life does not exhibit and inhabit the presence of God as well as His presents He gives to all who surrender to Him? I have to audit my life in the light of His revealed truth, and make sure He has total control of it. He will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill. Have I totally yielded to God, or am I still laying claim to territory as my own? 

The person who has totally surrendered to God will not struggle with the Truth. The person of Jesus is revealed to us as the Way, the Truth and the Life. I cannot claim to know and support the Truth if I do not know the Truth. If I do not know the Truth, anything is permissible. If I am able to switch between competing interests, able to blend into any situation, then I need to check the quality and depth of my convictions. If my convictions shift on the basis of what is popular or generally acceptable to the majority of the world, then I need to again confirm that what I have and know is God's version of truth. If there is anything in me that remotely rejoices in iniquity, injustice, or unrighteousness, I need to audit my life and be sure that the foundation of my faith is still intact. The world system is under the control of the devil and whatever it produces must line up with its control point, but if I am not of the world, my focus and output must be different. 

Truth and unrighteousness cannot flow from the same source. God and the devil cannot be fighting at the same time for control of your life; you have to make a decision on whom you will give it to. Grace has been given to all men to make the right choice, but I have to take hold of and apply it to my life. There is also no fence of indifference to sit on, where I can claim to be in the middle. You cannot get away with making no choice at all; in fact, not deciding to stand for truth is itself a choice. Love, by its nature, cannot be separated from truth. Both have the same origin, which is Jesus. If I have Him, I embrace both. I am able to rejoice when both are in full flow and I am also able to stand up and promote both when the occasion demands it. What this means is that I must be sure of who I have submitted my life to. I cannot flow out with anything different from the spring that is in me. If I do not like the current outflow, I must change the spring and source. What do you need to do? God's time of favour is here.

Love is... 2!

Love is....2!

1 Corinthians 13:5 AMPC

[5] It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

Yesterday, we looked at love from the private and public perspectives. It was made clear that you cannot really understand or explain love outside of the person of love Himself, who is God. Again, it has to be emphasized that love and its opposite cannot be found in the same vessel at the same time, because both are not produced at the same source or sustained by the same supply. Imagine how silly it is to expect to find oranges growing on a maize stalk, without any scientific or human intervention. In the same way, it is not expected that a life that has found God's version of love will also find conceit and pride as a way of life. It is either that life is yet to truly encounter the God of love, or it does not yet fully understand what it now has. God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied grace for. If He asks for it, He is it, He gives it, and He will sustain it. 

You cannot give what you do not have, and you cannot fake it until you make it. This is one reality that cannot be faked, because the fruit of my life will always be revealed by my words, actions, interactions and engagements. I cannot hide who I am, what I am and who I belong to for a long time; that which is in me must flow out of me at some point in time. It is therefore important that I sort out my person, identity and contents, so that I can reflect who God is. If I claim to be His child or His representative, I cannot be anything less than who God has called me. If people see me as rude, I must evaluate my life in light of the revealed truth of God's Word and take necessary steps based on the revealed truth. If I am always insisting on my way being the only way, it means I am still under the influence and control of the old man, whose end is eternal death, as revealed by the truth of God's Word. 

Check out the other characteristics that love is NOT or does not do. Always remember that we are speaking of God's version of love, not the other bits we see in movies. God's love in me will not insist on its own rights or its own way, because it is not self-seeking. It is willing to put others over and above itself. Its feelings are not easly hurt, and you do not find it short-tempered and easily irritable or very touchy, fretful or resentful. it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not keep a record of the number of times it is offended, because, just like Jesus taught, even if my brother sins against me seventy times seven times, and comes to me for forgiveness, I must give him. There are no old or new scores to settle, because God's love had settled all accounts when the blood was shed. What more csn I ask for? What can I not let go? God has done all these for me; should there be anything too big for me to let go? God's time of favour is here. 

Love is....

Love is....

1 Corinthians 13:4 AMPC

[4] Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

The verse above looks at love from 2 perspectives, which are the internal process and the external manifestation. The way the verse presents love appears to be personal and human, which then means that the ideal way to explain love will be to find its best expression. You do not need to look any further than God Himself as the person who is best suited to explain love from the perspectives indicated above. He calls Himself love, and by His person and actions, He lays out the standard, and then supplies the grace we need to be able to align with the standard. God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied grace for, and I will have no excuse for not living up to the standard because I failed to take hold of it, or I simply ignored His hand of fellowship. Have I met and come to know this God of love? 

Check out the internal process for love. It is first and foremost about the person living inside of me, who is able to help with the outward manifestations. Love is said to be patient and kind; it is quite interesting that the fruit of the Spirit also contains love, patience and kindness. I can't be one and not the other; I cannot pick and choose the parts that make me comfortable and then reject the ones that will test the quality, depth and staying power of my convictions. This already makes it clear that I need the presence of the Holy Spirit in order to birth and sustain the fruit of love in my life. Check out the other parts mentioned in the verse above: love is not envious or boils over with jealousy. It does not wish evil for any one and does not seek vain glory for itself because it is not in its nature to do so. Both love and concepts such as envy or jealousy cannot be nurtured in the same vessel at the same time, because they are not from the same source. 

Love is also presented in the verse above as not boastful or vainglorious, and does not display itself haughtily. These are some heavy words. How can anyone who knows the value of what s/he has received then become proud about what s/he could not have produced by intellect, strength, influence or earnings? If indeed I know I could not earn it, it will keep me grounded and humble, and totally dependent on the source. Of course, actions will always follow contents. The mouth will always speak that which is in the heart. If all I have in me is pride, that is what my life will manifest. If God's version of love is what I have in my heart, men will testify to the change in me, and the impact out of me. It cannot be imposed on anyone; it is a matter of freewill. Its display is one that is attractive, you may not like it, and it may annoy you if you do not share the same source, but if you would surrender your life to Him, you will see the eternal message God is able to make out of the mess that was once your life. Allow Him work. God's time of favour is here.

Secured!

Secured!

‭‭2 Corinthians 5:21 TPT‬‬

For God made the only one who did not know sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God through our union with him.

The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was a unique and once-in-a-lifetime event. Right from the days of Israel in the wilderness, God has instituted a process of atonement for sin, which was by the shedding of blood. An offering from the herd or flock was made to pay for the sin of the people, and though it was not perfect, it was accepted by God until the time when the perfect sacrifice for sin could be offered. The goat or lamb that was offered also had not sinned, and it had to be of a specific age, and without any defect or blemish. As you read about all the measures and steps instituted by God for sin offerings and sacrifices, you get a sense of the hatred and dislike God has for sin. The offering at the time was subject to irreversible death, as what was already dead and burned with fire could not be restored. That is the price God demanded as atonement for sin. 

In the same way, the offering and sacrifice that has now been made by Jesus is irreversible, and has become the new path to the life that God offers. Just as those who were under the covenant of Israel needed to offer these sacrifices, so also do those who seek the benefits and blessings of the covenant of life that is available in Jesus also need to take advantage of the benefits the new sacrifice has laid out. In the old dispensation, the sinner had to come with his own bull; under the new dispensation, God brought the sacrifice himself. He did not offer just any lamb; He offered His own Son as the perfect sacrifice. The verse above says God 'made', which means it was God's plan, not a mistake, to allow His one and only Son become the perfect sacrifice for my sin. The old dispensation would have kept asking for more blood; the new only demanded one sacrifice, and which is now valid for as long as this earthly phase exists. 

The offering had to be made just once, because the sacrifice was accepted by God as perfect, as it was practically Him offering Himself. The One who knew no sin became sin for me, so that, in union with Him, I can become what He is, which is without sin. I can take advantage of the benefits and blessings His death and resurrection have secured for all who will come to believe in and submit to Him. The offer still stands, as long as the breath of God in you remains. Remember, all sacrifices too have an end. That which has been offered is good for all of time, while this earth remains. Grace is great, but physical death or rapture will bring it to an end, and it will expire. Please surrender to Jesus today, before it is too late. God's time of favour is here.

Strengthened 2!

Strengthened 2!

Psalm 31:24 AMPC

[24] Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!

This is a psalm by David, the one who God referred to as a mam after His heart. That is a very important consideration, and it would come from a place of a personal encounter with God. Too many times, we focus on the outward, the part when men can applaud or approve, and we can get caught up in the bug of performance. We claim to serve God, but the motive could be to seek, obtain and sustain the approval of men. Long before David became the king of Israel, long before men sang his praises because of his defeat of Goliath, long before he would even become known, he had a relationship with God, away from the public eye. Any life that would make impact must start from this premise too; do not be concerned about what men say first of all; let your heart find and rest in the confidence that comes from a personal knowledge of, and encounter with the God who seeks to show Himself strong in the lives of all who come to Him  

When David charges us to be strong and let our hearts take courage, he knows what he is talking about. Long before he stood before Goliath, he had knelt before God in praise and worship. Long before he confronted the lion and the bear, he had received enablement and grace from God for the fight that was coming. All that David experienced prepared him for all that was ahead. God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied grace for. His Word is the source of all information required to take the right decision. His Word contains both good and bad examples of either complete trust in God, or the dangers of self-sufficiency and pride. God will also not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill. He wants a living and breathing relationship with me, and His heart of love seeks what is best for me, but I still have to step out and make the approach. 

Of course, the verse above makes it clear who the target audience is, and it is those who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. There is a right way to wait, as well as a wrong way to wait. A man can wait patiently or impatiently for a promise to be fulfilled, but what you get will be defined by how you wait. There is also the element of faith, because you do not see the full picture of all that God has promised. Some of them will only be fully manifested at the end of this earthly phase, yet we hope for the fulfillment of God's promises, and we wait the right way for them to be fulfilled. Waiting the right way does not mean not doing anything, but it means waiting in the consciousness of who you work for, sure of the reward that awaits, and confident that He will return as He has promised. If I know who I am, whose I am, and who I am working for, I will not be bothered by people's opinions. Do you know who you are, and what is ahead? Ask for and receive strength for all that is ahead. God's time of favour is here. 

Strengthened!

Strengthened!

2 Chronicles 15:7 AMPC

[7] Be strong, therefore, and let not your hands be weak and slack, for your work shall be rewarded.

Two men are presented in the context of the verse above, and these are Azariah, son of Oded the prophet, and Asa, son of Abijah, the king of Judah. One was quite popular, because he belonged to the lineage of the kings of Judah, who were descendants of David, the man after God's heart. The other was a prophet, of which not much was known or recorded in the bible, except the facts about his father, and his calling. We are all called by God into different offices as well as assignments at different times in our lives, but the one thing that must underpin what we do and how we do it, is our total dependence and surrender to the One who calls and equips a man the right way for the right kind of service. Both prophet and king met at some point, and both had to tap into the resources that only God could have made available. Have you met this God?

Asa became king, and having watched his father Abijah depend on God for victory in war, he had examples to emulate. He had also seen the same father marry fourteen wives and have several sons and daughters, so he also knew the dangers of distraction and a loss of focus. Here he was, sure that the worship of God had to be entrenched in the land of Judah, but not sure how he would set about doing it. It was said about the land of Judah at the time that there was much idolatry in the land, with men following idols and other strange gods. Of course, God punished them for their rebellion and gave them over to their enemies. It must be noted that God has no favourites when it comes to sin, but He will surely punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. Let no man toy with sin, as it was in the case of the people of Israel. We know how God dealt with them, and scattered them throughout the nations. 

It was in this context that Azariah the prophet was inspired by the Spirit of God to encourage the king. The message was simple: "The Lord is with you as long as you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. If you forsake Him, He will also forsake you." It is not a message that men want to hear, but it is the right message for such a time as this. Men are constantly seeking validation from the wrong sources; seeking help from sources that cannot help. However, God does not leave any man in doubt as to his standards, and He would have us seek His will and pursue it wholeheartedly. Whatever I do for God will be rewarded, just as whatever I do against God's revealed desire will also be duly punished. Know God's mind and focus on doing His will, no matter how unpopular the pursuit is. His reward is for those who do His will, not those who just get busy. Are you sure that your current pursuit lines up with the will of God? Be sure. God's time of favour is here.

The Ambition!

The Ambition!

1 Thessalonians 4:11 AMPC

[11] To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you.

Ambition is defined as follows: 'a strong desire to do or achieve something' and 'desire and determination to achieve success'. It is clear that there is an end goal in view, and the desire to put in the work required to achieve that goal is also available. When desire meets opportunity and determination, as well as required resources, then whatever the plan is will be achieved. Even when the motive is wrong, like the project of the Tower of Babel, as long as the desire and determination were there, coupled with available resources and unity of purpose, the project would have been a success if God had not confused their language. It is still the same God, who calls men to Himself, seeking lives in which He can shine in and through. Is my life such a medium for His move? Remember, Paul was speaking to people who were in union with Christ. The expectation must line up with my identity. 

One thing that has been consistently laid out under this dispensation of grace is that God would not demand from you that which He has not first supplied grace for. He will also not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill. If He says He wants it from me, He would first give the grace and enablement, and also His own life will be the perfect template to copy. The most important question then would be whether I am truly His child, with access to the resources that God  has made available for this demand. The demand is that I live quietly and peacefully. This would mean many things but one thing that is key is that people around me will know that I live by different standards. I react differently to situations around me, as I am not under the control or influence of the world's systems. I am not subject to the inordinate desire to be just be rich by the world's standards, and nothing else, but I strive to represent God the right way before men, so that they can be attracted to the grace that is manifest in my life. 

Part of the package is that I also mind my own business and work with my hands. I must be busy at something that adds value to the lives of people around me. It is hard to teach contentment in a world that constantly pursues after a mirage of success, but for those who know God, and who understand His demands and expectations, there has to be a different motivation for what we do and how we do it. Paul, who co-authored this letter, with Silas and Timothy, was someone who worked as a tentmaker, even whilst he was on his missionary journeys. He did not want to be a burden to anyone. If I can focus on that which God calls me to do, there will not be time for worldly pursuits or inordinate desires. If I know what pleases God, I would not be distracted by the expectations or desires of men for compromise, eye-service or hypocrisy. Can we truly say that is our ambition to do that which pleases God? He wants to show Himself strong; would my life be a willing and available vessel? God's time of favour is here. 

True Strength!

True Strength

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

This is not one of the most popular of messages in the Bible, but for the sake of balanced teaching, it will be good to learn a few lessons from the life of Paul, which will aid our walk with God and our understanding of his purposes. Paul was never a man to settle for the mediocre or the ordinary; whatever he was asked to do, he did it fervently, either initially out of misdirected zeal or ignorance, and later out of directed focus and spiritual energy. He was hardworking, he was diligent, he was a tentmaker. Even while preaching the gospel in faraway lands, he kept on working, supplying his needs through the skills of his hands. You would then wonder why he could talk about going hungry, or being in want. It just did not gel with the picture we have of a fervent, hardworking man.

If there's anything I have learnt in my life, it is that all the circumstances that would come my way must have one end-purpose in view: the glory of God. All that I seek, pursue or labour for must bring glory to God. All that he allows or permits is for his glory, not my own lifting. It therefore means that even in lack or in need or in abundance, God is always at work, seeking to show off his glory in any life totally surrendered to him. He determines the course of the journey and the events along the way, and any lessons learnt is a message to the world that God is at work. Atimes, God speaks loudest in lack, and atimes, you hear him clearly in the midst of plenty. Ultimately, what is important is what God says about what he has allowed, so that the lessons he desires to teach are learnt, and the lives that require to be impacted are impacted. If I understand that my life is not my own, then all that God brings my way is acceptable to me, and I work with him to bring his message of hope, life and live to a sick and dying world. 

It is hard to hear this in the midst of all the 'prosperity' that we hear about in the church these days. God is a God of riches and wealth but he is also a God of accountability. He does not give his resources to people who will waste them, because he has a world he needs to reach. There are times he will take you through lack so you can understand the world he is sending you to, and there are times he will take you through a season of harvest so you can touch the world with his blessings. After all, it is his world, his assignment, his mission field, his missionaries, his resources, his message, and his direction. We are just vessels that will give account of all that has been entrusted into our hands. 

As we go out today, let us remember that God always has a message for someone out there in the world. How he seeks to preach that message is his prerogative, all we can do is to be available. God is looking for lives surrendered to his leading and direction. Can he count on you? God's time of favour is here.

Tongue- Power!

Tongue-Power!

‭Proverbs 18:21 AMPC‬

[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

‭Matthew 12:37 AMPC‬

[37] For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

There is power in the tongue. There is also the perfect example of this power, as laid out in the story of creation. God spoke, and all that He commanded came to be. The Bible would say: "And it was so". The power of the Word of God cannot be resisted by anyone, not even the devil, and all of us who are created by God are also made in His image and given His nature too. The Bible also says quite clearly that: "God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him". That is the nature we have been given, the power we have access to, and the destiny that has been fashioned out for us. God does not create something which has no use, and for me, this reality is made even clearer when He gives me of His Spirit to live in me, and give me hope of eternal life with Him. That is the huge responsibility that has been brought to life in me, and which I have to live up to. Can you also say the same, that you know quite clearly that you are God's child, and His Spirit lives in you? 

This understanding is the reason why I have to be careful and deliberate in how I live. A window into my person and identity is revealed by the words I speak. My words will reveal if I know who I am, whose I an, who I serve and where I am headed. Words are never ordinary, and cannot be used carelessly or without thought of their impact and eternal value. When you consider the first words recorded in the bible, which are: "Let there be light", you know that a standard has been laid for the use of the tongue. Words have to be used to build up, create good and improve what is available. Words cannot be used to tear down, destroy or put down someone.  In fact, when Paul was speaking to Timothy, he also enjoined the proper use of the tongue by saying it would be wrong for both blessings and curses to proceed from the same mouth. This would mean that the person using the tongue this way does not know the power that is available, and the earthly and eternal dangers to the wrong use. 

Let it not be that I will be responsible for the eternal damnation of someone else, simply because I was careless about what I said. The warnings in the verses above show that there is judgment, as well as justification for the use of the tongue. There are actually no useless words; they all have an impact in the lives of those who hear them. If I indulge in careless words, the verses above warn that I will eat the fruits from them. It means that words are like trees with fruits, and if I want to enjoy the fruits, I had better watch out for the seeds I sow today. For all of us, the fruit of our words will be given to us at some point in time in our lives, and judgment or justification wait at the end of our lives, based on the use of the tongue. Whatever has gone before can be forgiven, if handed over to Jesus to deal with. He wants to birth a new life in us, if we will only surrender to Him. Remember, He does not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of our freewill. Would you surrender, so He can live in and through you? God's time of favour is here.

The Choice!

The Choice!

‭Luke 9:23 KJV‬

[23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 

Just before the verse above, we read of 2 very interesting accounts. The first had to do with the testimony of feeding over 5,000 people with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes, and having 12 baskets of fragments left. This was a public event that were experienced by many people at the time. The second account had to do with the testimony of the disciples of Jesus about who He is. The disciples had been with Him for some time, and it was getting to the time when He would go the way of the cross. Peter, one of the 12, made that immortal statement, declaring that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of the Living God. This was a private event, where only the disciples were. So, we have 2 events, one public and one private, both testifying to the person, ministry and testimony of Jesus. No matter where I am now or what is happening to me right now, I have my public and private testimonies to sort out.

Indeed, with Jesus, there is no fence to sit on. The verse above makes that clear. There is a private testimony that will lead to a public declaration. Whether Jesus was addressing the disciples only, or there was a crowd present at the time, the message is clear: we all would have to decide who we will follow. This is a question that impacts eternity, and cannot be taken lightly. It is a personal decision, one that cannot be taken by proxy or on behalf of another person. You cannot sign away your decision by power of attorney. The verse above makes it clear that the offer is for ANYONE WHO WILL COME. The past is not as important as the future. The door is open to all to come in. It does not matter what the depth or spread of the stain is; nothing can withstand the power of the blood of Jesus, if the life is totally surrendered to Him. However, when the decision is made to come, you have to know what is demanded. You cannot afford to get halfway into the journey, and then turn back. 

It would be better not to have started, than to start and then look back. It is a daily walk that must be backed up by actions that align with the demands of that walk. I must deny myself, take up the cross, and follow Jesus. Self will always struggle for relevance, and it is only by total submission that self can be truly broken. It cannot be done by willpower alone; the power of the sinful nature has been in place long before I was born. Jesus is the only One who has conquered the power of sin, death and the grave, and that power is made free and available to ANYONE WHO WILL COME. There is a cross mentioned, which is a daily reminder of the disciplne and dedication required to follow Jesus. It is also noted that none of these steps is optional; if I will truly come after Jesus, I have to do all. God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied grace for. If He says it is possible, it is by His grace. What is your decision? God's time of favour is here.

Treasure!

Treasure!

‭Matthew 6:19-21 NIV‬

[19] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The world has treasures, and it offers them to those who belong to it. The world also offers options on how to keep these treasures safe, because the same world offers options to those who would seek to take these treasures by force or by false pretences. That is the irony about the world: ready to offer you its precious possessions, but also ready to offer others around you the opportunity to deprive you of what it had given you. The people of the world would pursue after these things, sometimes at the expense of their lives, yet you cannot secure any of your possessions for all of eternity. They are only good for a time or season, and then, you either give them up to another whilst you are still alive, or you are eternally separated from them when death comes. It is this reality and understanding that must drive my attitude and response to the things that are around me. 

The verses above make clear what the right attitude must be. There is acknowledgement that we need provisions for the journey of life, and there are things that are required for every stage in life. However, the stage must first be set in my heart, because my life's pursuits and priorities will then flow from the foundations laid in my heart. If I consider the things of this world as precious, it will then lead me to pursue them with all my heart. If I know that they are necessary, but not to the point where I have to cheat, steal or kill to get them, that will also drive my dedication and focus as I run my race. My heart is therefore the battleground, where the focus must first be set, and then the pursuit can be properly defined. If the heart does not first sort out the priorities, I will keep running, pursuing an image of success that has not been clearly defined, yet unable to stop because I have not defined the limit.

I cannot divorce my heart from the things it holds dear. Unless the foundations of the focus changes, there is not much good that can be done about the heart. The heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, and it is no use trying to get this version of heart to focus on eternity unless you first change its makeup. That is why God says He has to give us a new heart, on which He can write and impress His will and purpose uopn. The old one won't allow Him work on it. The old heart will lay up treasure in line with its nature, and the heart that God has worked on will also lay up treasure in line with its nature. No matter how I try and argue the point, my present pursuits and priorities are a window into my eternal reality. I must surrender my heart to God so He can align it with His eternal purpose. That is the heart that is relevant both here on earth as well as prepared for eternity. Is yours ready? God's time of favour is here.

Free!

Free!

‭John 8:31-32 KJV‬

[31] Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; [32] and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

As always, Jesus had a message for the crowd as well as His disciples. There were demands placed on the crowd, and there were also expectations from disciples. It is quite critical that I know where I stand and who I am. Am I one of the numbers in the crowd, or have I surrendered my life to Jesus? What makes this classification critical is how one can miss it, while being caught up in doing 'important' work. I can get quite hung up on being a blessing to others that I forget to ask if I have the right contents in the first place. Men can applaud anything that excites them or which they do not understand, but at the end of it all, the One who is the Truth will judge. This is one God you cannot deceive with hypocrisy or eye-service; He sees the hidden motives of the heart, and His dealings are according to His Truth, not popular opinion or by human applause.

You find that in the verses above, some of the Jews crossed over from the crowd and are recorded as believing ON Him. They did not just stay at the level of hearing from or reading about Him; they came to believe on Him. That is the bridge that anyone who would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus must cross. That is a decision anyone who would enjoy the riches of God's grace must make. It cannot be done by proxy, or on behalf of anyone else. There will be many opportunities to hear or read about God. The Internet has made it easy to access resources and the Bible is now an app with different versions and languages. With the depth of information available, the Holy Spirit is a prayer away, who can explain the deep mysteries of the Word of God and bring us to the place where God intends. Do not stay with the crowd; do not get lost in the number. 

God wants to make a change in you, but He can only do so when you surrender to Him of your own volition. He does not and will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill. Worldly information is nice, and will be of use in navigating this phase of earth, but there is a limit to what worldly information can help you achieve. For the journey of eternity, you need information and materials that are also eternal, and that is where the Truth of Jesus can help. All men are born as slaves to sin, and no amount of influence, connections, wealth or grammar can save, except by the blood of Jesus. When a man comes in contact with, and surrenders to Jesus, the yoke of sin is broken, and the man is set free to worship and serve God. Do not settle for the false versions the world sells as freedom; no man can give you what He does not own. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. In Him, you have all you need. God's time of favour is here.

Balanced!

Balanced!

‭James 1:27 AMP‬

[27] Pure and unblemished religion [as it is expressed in outward acts] in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit and look after the fatherless and the widows in their distress, and to keep oneself uncontaminated by the [secular] world.

As always, it is important to determine the audience that the words of the verse above is addressed to. In the very first verse of the book of James, we read this: "James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" and "To the twelve [Hebrew] tribes [scattered abroad among the Gentiles] in the dispersion". The very first lesson to learn here is that the Christian faith calls for sacrifice, and will expose you to tough times. If what you are looking for is earthly comfort only, and not heavenly preparation, then, maybe this message is not yet ripe for you. We do not know if this James, the writer, was one of the twelve disciples, but we know that he was one who was willing to suffer for the sake of Christ and the gospel. A reference to James in the book of Acts reveals one who was one of the leaders of the apostles, who inspired the letter to the Gentiles to encourage them in the faith. It was yet James that Herod took and then beheaded. Who says serving God comes with no pressure?

As much as we would want to enjoy the blessing and benefits of the faith, there are burdens placed on us. The people who James was writing to were Jews who had found themselves in different nations due to severe persecution and oppression. If you also recall, it was the death of Stephen that led to the first dispersion of the believers from Jerusalem, leading many into Gentile towns and the gospel being preached to people such as the Ethiopian eunuch, and even Saul the leader of the riot became one of the leaders of the church, because he had an encounter with the Lord. Can I get so comfortable in my own space that I forget that lives are perishing on a daily basis? Can I get so focused on doing my own thing that I forget that there is not much time left? Like James the writer, and like the Jews in the dispersion, I must note that the call of God upon my life will lead me to the purpose of God for my life. There are no guarantees that there would not be hard times, or occasions when I have to undergo persecution, but I have the assurance that as long as I am connected to God, I can never run out of supply. 

That understanding then drives the verse above. I know who I am, and I know what I am expected to do. I do not compare myself with anyone else, and I just focus on the assignment I have been given. The verse above makes clear the connection between my public and my private lives, and both have to align. Men will see the outward, and may applaud the impact of the outward, but I must not let that distract me from the demands on my inward. In these days of hypocrisy and eye-service, one has to be careful of acts of service that are not backed up by a heart that is totally yielded to God. I must not focus just on what men can see, but I must give careful thought to that which God demands of me. It is inner confession that drives outward profession. Let it not be that all I have is the applause of men, nice as it may sound, and nothing about the applause or approval of heaven. Without God, all I do is a show for the audience of men. Men may reward, and of course, men will thank God for my acts of service, but if heaven has no record of your submission, or your commitment to holiness and righteousness, there can be no eternal reward. The balance is key. God's time of favour is here.

Liberty!

Liberty!

‭2 Corinthians 3:17 AMPC‬

[17] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). [Isa. 61:1, 2.]

Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, and there may have been some people who were insisting on righteousness by the law of Moses, and not so much on the righteousness that came by the blood of Jesus. It has to be again reiterated that no man can please God the right way simply by living according to the law of Moses. The law was given until such a time when Christ would be fully manifested, and the law came with such a glory that would have been quite captivating, if not that we have now seen a far greater glory. When Moses went up the Mount Sinai to receive the stone tablets, he was in the presence of God for a long time, and when he came down, his face was reflecting the fact that he had been with God. That was for a law that didn't really bring the kind of life Christ intended. If the old law had this much glory, imagine the greater glory at work in those who are subject to the law of Christ. 

Moses did his best to preserve the glory. He would put a veil over his face when he came to speak to the people, because they could not bear to look at his face. They were content sending Moses in to hear from God, and then come and tell them what God wanted. God actually wanted to speak to them directly, but the demand of holiness and purity, which is a requirement for approaching God's throne, was a bit too much for the people of Israel. As it was then, so is it now. Men are still looking for others who will approach God on their behalf and then come and tell them what they should do. It is not a wonder, then, that men have been deceived by other me with ulterior motives and evil agendas, who will twist God's truth in order to make quick profit. As we now know, the experience of Moses on the mountain did not spare him from punishment when he disobeyed God due to anger. 

God is still looking for men and women who would approach His throne the right way, and take hold of the resources and blessings that are available in Christ. The glory of the law of Moses cannot be compared in any way with the glory that has been revealed in and through Christ. A veil will always be in place when the focus is on the law of Moses, because it is not the complete reflection of the life that has been made available in and through Christ. Only when a man turns to the Lord can the veil be truly taken away. In Christ, the fullness of God's will is made known. Man receives the enablement to align with all of God's laws, because you are no longer fighting by your power to get it right. You now have the Holy Spirit, God's presence and power, living inside of you. There is no more bondage to sin, but a freedom that runs through the earthly into the eternal. Do you have Him? God's time of favour is here.

Seeing Right!

Seeing Right!

‭2 Corinthians 4:18 AMPC‬

[18] Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.

What you see determines what you get. A man is either limited or set free by what he sees. There is actually a hidden power behind what you see, and that is how you choose to interpret or apply what you see. Different people will look at the same situation and come to different conclusions. Different people will come into a place of worship and service, and leave with distinct and diverse experiences. It means that there is a hidden, private process that is linked to what I see, and which will impact my earthly and eternal phases of life. It is not a good defence to say that 'I do not have a choice on what I see or what I hear.' The consequences that are tied to what I allow into my life are too great to be left without some careful consideration and deliberate application. 

I have to live on the earthly plane, so there are things I have to process with my physical senses. However, because I am also a spiritual being, with an eternal destination in view, I must prepare the right way for my eternal destination. Even when things around me look confusing, I am not focused so much on the physical reality, than on what God would have me know by the things I can see. I am not ignoring the physical, but I am trusting God to help me see what He is actually doing in and on me. Men may see and interpret the physical as they please, but because I am a child of God, and subject to His leading, guidance and control, I know that there is a work that is going on inside me, which will manifest in the process of time. It is not always easy, because the physical can atimes be overwhelming, but I keep my gaze on the One who says that He is always with me. 

That is what the focus has to be. If I fix my gaze on the storms or the wind, at some point, they will look so big. I have to keep my gaze on the One who can hold me through the fierce storms, and still land me safe on the other side. The things I am seeing now, in terms of physical experiences, are all for a season. The best this life has to offer may be 130 years on earth, but there is an end to all we see down here. In fact, God promises a new heaven and a new earth, so what is there on this earth that can be an effective substitute for that which is eternal? What can I hold now that is sufficient consolation if I miss eternity? That is why I focus on the eternal, even whilst living out the physical. I must remember that this earthly phase is at best temporary, along with all it offers. I must make sure I have secured the life that has no end, because that is what really matters. Have you secured the eternal? God's time of favour is here. 

The Right Model!

The Right Model!

‭‭Matthew 20:26-28 TPT‬‬

[26] But this is not your calling. You will lead by a completely different model. The greatest one among you will live as the one who is called to serve others, [27] because the greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one with the heart of a servant. [28] For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served but to serve and give his life in exchange for the salvation of many.”

All who have given their lives to Jesus for safe keeping have been called to a different standard. The expectations of God for a life under His control are different from those who are still in charge of their own lives. The world only understands the language of superiority and domination, and that is why it is will be difficult for those who are under the control and influence of the world to submit to the authority and direction of Jesus. The standards are different; the expectations and demands are different. The context from which the verses above is taken makes it even harder to clarify, because it was the mother of two of the disciples of Jesus who came seeking the best for her sons. She assumed that the kingdom Jesus had come to establish was one that men could strive for by connections, influence or compulsion. Mum wanted to get the best of the kingdom for her sons, even though she did not know what the principles of that kingdom was. 

As it was then, so is it now. Men are seeking for clarity for their lives, but they are listening to the wrong source for information and guidance on what to do. The world tells men that the way to the top is to lie, cheat, steal and kill, and there are a lot of examples of men who had gone down that route and have succeeded in creating the image of success. Unfortunately, when these men speak, people listen, and think that this is the right path because of the visible signs of prosperity that they can see. God works by different standards, and the path to His own version of greatness and impact lies in humility and service out of a heart that is fully submitted to Him. The world does not know how to serve without the promise of a reward or a benefit to acquire. God calls me to serve, first out a heart that appreciates what God has done for it, and is grateful to spend the life in daily appreciation of all that God has done. 

The standard of God is that the greatest will be the one who lives to serve others. It does not look like what the world can do, but the standard is not set by the world, but by the Word of God. It is only by God's standard that humility comes before the greatest honor. It is also only by God's standard that true authority is reserved for the one with the heart of a servant. It is difficult to explain to a man whose heart is distracted by the world's offerings to serve others with a humble heart. Jesus laid down the perfect example, and He calls all who will follow Him to the same standards. He has given His life as a ransom for all men, and there will be no excuse for not taking up the offer. He is not asking for money; He is asking me to give Him my life, so He can flow in and through it to touch the lives of men around me. Is my heart fully submitted? God's time of favour is here.