Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!.

Psalm 113:3 AMPC

[3] From the rising of the sun to the going down of it and from east to west, the name of the Lord is to be praised!

We are not told precisely who wrote this psalm, but the lessons in it cut across different generations and dispensations. It is a song that draws our attention to the person, power and personality of God Himself, asking us to consider who He is, what He has done that we can see with our eyes, and all the amazing possibilities that also lie ahead. Firstly, we are told about the size and scope of the earth that we currently occupy. Just picture the earth where one region is preparing to go to bed at the dark night, while another region is under the blazing sun in the bright afternoon. Same  earth, different time realities, yet the same God rules over all. As big or massive as the earth is, recall that the Lord declared to Isaiah: 'The Heaven is my home, and the earth is my footstool'. David also had the inspiration to write that 'The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein'. 

Think of a God this big, awesome in scope and reach, as well as depth and vision, and then define just what you think is the appropriate reaction or response to Him. Let anyone lay claim to anything on this earth, and the question would be: 'How can you claim ownership of something you did not create or cannot totally control?'. Creation always answers to the will and purpose of the Creator, but we have this unique experience and choice that we have in our response to God. Inanimate objects cannot really choose to praise God, yet the bible is full of stories of trees and rivers clapping their hands or expressing praise to God. If things without the breath of God in them can praise God in this way, can we expect less from those of us who are formed in the image of God and who have been given a heart that longs after God. What else should occupy my heart, if not that which points men to the God who is in charge of my life. 

The call in the verse above is therefore timely, as it reminds me of my responsibility to draw the attention of men to the One I claim to know and serve. God cannot be dethroned, and His reach and power cannot be limited by my stubbornness or refusal to praise Him. He is able and capable to raise stones to praise Him; after all, He is the God who enabled a donkey to speak like a human being, and also brought a dead man back to life, even after 4 days. From those who rise up with the sun in the east, and those who lay down to sleep at night as the sun sets in the west, and all in between, the call is to praise God. He has laid out His credentials for all of us to see, and He reminds us that we do have a choice of response, not a choice to determine His authority. His authority is not contestable. His power is beyond searching out. He is God; plain and simple. How do you respond? In praise, or in indifference? Praise ye the Lord. God's time of favour is here.

God's Help!

God's Help!

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

There is an assurance from God that there is no earthly experience that can be greater than the supply of grace and help from Him. No matter the burdens the earth seeks to supply in great numbers, there is a grace from heaven that is bigger and better. This is an assurance that has been in place since man fell into sin in the Garden of Eden. Sin has led to helplessness, disappointment and hopelessness, because the end of sin is death and no amount of education, enlightenment, experience or exposure can change that fact. Man may seek help from many sources, but as long as the source of that help is tainted with the power and impact of sin, that help is limited. This is why we all need the help that only God can give. As a result of the breath of God in us, there is a deep longing by man for someone or something greater than himself, and until he finds it, man will continue to run and fight aimlessly. 

There is no temptation that will come upon a man that is unique and uncommon to man. I may not like the experience at the time, but God will place someone on my path who may have walked the path in the past, or who is currently walking that path now, and whose life story will be an encouragement and a blessing to me. I am also being given the unique opportunity of going through that experience now, so that I can then be a blessing to another person who may have to go through that experience some day. Why do we share testimonials? We do so to provide encouragement to other people. My story becomes another person's motivation to hold or press on, without giving up. God has made a promise that He will not let me be tempted beyond that which I can bear. That should be a comfort to everyone that nothing touches me without first touching the God who watches out for my best interests.

In the midst of the most terrible experiences, God is there. He is the Way, and this means it is only IN and BY Him that anyone can truly overcome the challenges of this life. It is not by strength, connections, influence, wealth or human intervention that one will succeed in this life, but by the empowerment and enablement of the Holy Spirit. God will permit the test, in the right proportion and degree, and also provide the appropriate prescription that will lead to victory. That is one of God's many miracles: He knows what I need for life and Godliness, and like the Great Physician that He is, He will ensure I turn out well, standing firm and true for Him at the end of the journey. After all, it is God's desire that I represent Him well. He will help me stand, so that when I speak, men know that I have been helped by God, and they would seek to know God. God's time of favour is here.

Return!

Return!

Joel 2:12-13 AMPC

[12] Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored]. [13] Rend your hearts and not your garments and return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness; and He revokes His sentence of evil [when His conditions are met].

Two definitions of 'return' may be relevant to our reflection today, and these are: 'an act of coming or going back to a place or activity' and 'to come or go back to a place or person.' God is the One speaking here, and asking us to return to Him. One thing that would make God speak this way would be that there is a change in the lives of people who had been with Him before. He was speaking to his people in Israel, who had abandoned the terms of the covenant and were doing their own thing. Now, judgment was coming, in line with the warnings God had consistently laid out for his children. However, even in the midst of the certainty of judgment, the love of God is still evident. Let it be known again, that the wages of sin is death, and no amount of education, enlightenment, experience, exposure or earnings can change those wages into anything else. The heart has to be right for the action itself to be right. As I read the verses above, it is very clear to me that God is not moved by the things that naturally excite man. 

He is looking for the right heart, which will then make the life and all it offers acceptable to God. Do not get the order wrong; otherwise, one may end up with an eternity of regret because you may not know you are wrong until it is too late. God calls all who will come to Him to make the approach the right way, so that they can be accepted. No amount of arguments or smooth talking will make God change or lower His standards. The invitation to come is also made to everyone; it does not matter how dirty or messed up the past is; there is no stain so deep or sin so great that the blood of Jesus cannot deal with. There is no past so dire that the new life of God cannot deal with, but it matters in whose hands you place your life. The God who calls me is described above as being gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness. These are not attributes you can ascribe to any human being, because God cannot be equated with anyone else. His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, and His love knows no bounds or limits. 

God did not just get this way recently, but this has been His nature even before the world, as we know it now, was formed. In striking the right balance too, we must also acknowledge Him as a God of judgment, who punishes sin. It is this mix of judgment and mercy that makes God to be reverenced and feared at the same time. He will punish unconfessed sin, no matter in whom it is found, but He will also show mercy to unborn generations of people who submit to and love Him with all their hearts. Even when He says He will punish, if there is genuine repentance, He will show mercy. Who would have thought that a man like king Ahab will ever enjoy the mercy of God, but he did. No one is ever so far gone that s/he is beyond the grace of God. He will not let go unless I reject Him to the end of my earthly life. Then, it is too late.  Before then, please return to God. He waits for all of us to come to Him and will not turn anyone away. What are you waiting for? God's time of favour is here. 

Open The Door!

Open the Door!

Revelation 3:20 AMPC

[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.

It is interesting to note that the verse above was written to a church in the then Aisa Minor and by the Apostle John through inspiration of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing that is beyond the knowledge of God, who owns the whole universe and holds all in His palm. No single thing happens without His permission, and no motive is hidden from Him. Men may applaud the action, but God judges the intent of the heart. Men may judge the output, but God is more interested in the origins. This was to a church that maybe the members were comfortable in their current state, and saw nothing wrong with where they were. The services must have been exciting, and numbers must have been added on a weekly or monthly basis. However, one thing is clear from the verse above: the owner of the church found Himself outside the church, and was trying to catch the attention of the people inside. 

God had been shut out of the house and was knocking, seeking to come in and take His rightful place. Think about this for a moment, and consider what this means to you. Do you know who God is? If you claim you are His child, is He really Lord and Master over all that you are and have? Does He have limitless access and control over you, or are there areas that you have shut Him out of, because those are the areas that are under your own control? Remember, God does not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill. That is why the Lord of all the earth, the Righteous Judge, will stand outside and knock, waiting to come in. He is the Door, yet He will wait for you to open up your own door to Him. He is the Way, yet He will wait for you to make way for Him to show Himself strong in your life. This is a decision nobody can take on your behalf; it is personal. 

He knocks on the door of your heart and wants to come in. Do not make assumptions that He is in there; be very sure. The benefits of allowing Him come into your heart are both earthly and eternal. He will come in and share with you whatever you have, and He will give you all that He has. Think of this: you have access to the riches of heaven, the amazing abundance of grace, sustenance on earth and the hope of eternal life with God. What can beat these? What can a man have that can be better than these? Do not listen to the lies of the devil, offering you things that he does not own and cannot guarantee. As always, it is a personal decision. Anyone who hears the knock and opens the door gets all of God. Do not be too busy to listen for his knock and voice. Do not be distracted by service that you forget the benefits and grace of relationship. Get it right; life will be alright. God's time of favour is here.

Fulfil the Law!

Fulfil the Law!

Galatians 5:14 KJV

[14] For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

If we take a look back at the history of the 'law', we see that it was a summary of rules and regulations that God gave to his people Israel, when he called them out of the land of slavery into the land He had promised them. He wanted a code of conduct; rules they would live by so He could be with them and keep blessing them. You could then ask: 'What, then, was the expectation of God for those who were not part of Israel at the time'? This is where you also realise that God is fair to all He has created. Even right from the first family of Adam and Eve, God demanded for an account for the blood of Abel, who Cain killed due to malice. The standard of God for all of man is that we love one another, but due to the power and effect of sin, the demand of love has become a hard task. How do we get back to the ideal that is laid out in the verse above? 

One key thing is relationship with God is critical to this conversation. Recall that the law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai for the people of Israel. For all who will please God, there has to be an adherence to His laid out standards. You cannot decide what God accepts, but you have to seek Him and His perfect will with all your heart. The reason why I need God's help is because by my own strength and wisdom, I cannot please God. It is not by labour or striving, but by depending on the provision of abundant grace. Whatever God commands, He will also make available the grace I need to align. And indeed, from an extract of the law, which are the 10 commandments, we see a piece of God's mind when it comes to relating with Him as well as with other people. I cannot claim to love God and at the same time, claim to hate another person made in the same way like me, and in the image of God. 

It is therefore not a surprise that love is the glue that has been presented here as key to complying with the law. God wanted to lay down the rules for his people to walk with Him but He did not want to force Himself on anyone. It had to come from their hearts, and of their own freewill. If it is forced, it is not love. However, like all things that God does, I have to know that disobedience or rebellion against his commands has both earthly and eternal consequences. He will not compel me, but He will also not contend with me for ever. There are quite a number of laws given to Israel through Moses, but the summary of all of them is for me to see other people the way God sees them, and deal with them the way I would want God to deal with me. Every person who comes my way is the template on which God wants me to display His splendour and power. Would you let Him work in and through you that which is perfect? God's time of favour is here.

Imitate Right!

Imitate Right!

Ephesians 5:1 AMPC

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

One definition of 'imitate' is to 'take or follow as a model'. There has to be a template or an example that becomes the model or the test case, which all others must follow exactly after, for them to align with the model. You cannot do something a little similar to the model, or something a bit like what you are trying to copy. The perfect God calls us to a life of perfection, and as we have established over a long period, God does not demand from us that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He commands it, there will be no excuse accepted for not living up to His standards. Something else that becomes important is to know that He does not call us to live by our own power or strength, or seek to please Him by physical labour and striving alone; He does not leave us to our devices or just allow us make mistakes. 

He is there for us every step of the way and for all the demands that may become due. What is the right model? The only way to know the right model is to seek the right knowledge. The only place that you can go for the right information is to read the word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit who inspired its contents. You cannot know God without seeking His help or relying on His provision. In order to copy someone the right way, there has to be access to the private life of that person. There are things that are for public consumption and processing, but there are things that only a personal and private walk with the person will become clear to you. You do recall the several parables that Jesus gave; there was a public delivery to the crowd but a personal encounter with His disciples. That is the demand on those who would seek to initiate the right way; you just cannot do it the right way from afar. You have to walk closely with the person. Is this a price I can pay? 

Am I willing and ready to forsake all distractions and focus on that which will help me know this God? It is also important to note that access will determine availability of resources. You cannot truly serve someone you do not know, or have truly submitted to. You will not truly submit to God unless you have come to an understanding of who He is, what He wants and what lies at the end of your walk with Him. Why a model is critical here is because when there is a problem, you have something to go back to. If there is no right model, there is confusion. Do not focus solely on what you can get from Him; focus on knowing Him. Who He is defines what you get. Earthly fathers love their children, and would do anything legal to give them the right start in life. In the same way, we have our heavenly Father who loves and wants the best for us. He has shown us what is possible and available. How would you respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Blessed for Pressure 2!

Blessed for Pressure 2!

1 Peter 4:14-16 MSG

[14-16] If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!

Yesterday's devotion featured the words of Jesus, as He taught His disciples the truths about their new status. It is clear from the words of yesterday's devotion as well as the focus for today, that the walk of faith is not an easy one by the world's standards. Nowhere does Christ promise that following Him will guarantee you earthly comfort without any pressure. Yesterday's devotion were the words of Jesus Himself; today's devotion are the words of one of His disciples, who also followed Jesus to the end. It is quite interesting that out of the 12 apostles of Acts, the only apostle whose death was clearly laid out in the Bible was James, who was beheaded by Herod. Who says following Jesus the right way is a walk in the park? It will definitely cost you something precious, and it may cost you your life. Before you take it on, do you know what you are getting into? 

It is not a wonder then, that Jesus advises us to count the cost of following Him before we do. There is no value to putting your hand on the plough and then looking back at the things you have left behind. The consequence of that is you are not fit for service in the kingdom of God. However, for those who have made up their minds to follow Christ to the end, know that the road is full of twists and turns, and will involve pressure due to the name you bear. The name of Jesus has always made outsiders uncomfortable, and the devil knows the power of the name, so he would do all he can to put pressure on all who bear that name. Peter, the apostle who wrote these words, would know what he is talking about. He was almost killed by Herod too, and he would also go through several issues with the leaders of the time. However, from experience too, we know that it is a blessed thing to go through these things because of the faith that we profess. 

As Christ was persecuted, so would all who follow Him be persecuted. He also calls us to suffer with Him, so we can also reign with Him. That is the complete message for such a time like this. Do not let your suffering be as a lawbreaker or one who disturbs the peace, but as one whose life is a testament to the power, grace and enablement that only God can provide. In fact, I am asked to be proud of the status I have, and the person I have become. The One who lives in me is greater than anyone else, and He is able to preserve all that is handed over to Him for safe-keeping. I do not have the strength to do so by myself. He has been in the business of preservation, protection and provision long before the earth and the heavens were made, and long after these current versions cease to exist, He will continue to be God. You are better off with Him on your side. Nothing can snatch you out of His hand. Are you in there? God's time of favour is here.

Blessed for Pressure!

Blessed for Pressure!

Matthew 5:10 AMPC

[10] Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

The words above were spoken by Jesus at the first Sermon on the Mount, as he sat down with the disciples who had been chosen to be with Him. This distinction is always important, as it lays out the expectations of God for those who choose to follow Christ. It is not a forced service, or a compulsion to follow; it has to come from a place of willing surrender and total submission to the authority and instructions of Christ. This distinction is also mentioned in the verse above, and is addressed to those who are born again. It is not for those who have been around church all their lives, but for those who have given Christ the permission and authority to take over their lives. They do not struggle with His commands, and have learnt over time to trust His wisdom, power and grace. Does this in any way describe you? Does it highlight my present identity or are there things I need to sort out first? 

For those who have surrendered, they are fully aware and assured that whatever God allows to happen to them is aligned to His perfect will and purpose for their lives. He is the Great Physician, with full knowledge of the right dosage and timing for anything that will do me good. It is only from God's perspective that a man can rejoice in the face of tough times and persecution. It is only when God is involved that the present circumstances of a man looks nothing like what is ahead, or what God has planned for that man. In Christ  the physical does not dictate the spiritual, but it is the spiritual that defines the physical. I can look ahead in hope to whatever is ahead, as I know whom I have believed and I am persuaded that He is able to keep safe all that is committed into His hand. If I know this God this well, why would physical circumstances occupy my heart so much that they become a burden on my heart?

I have to see the same way God sees, so I can handle tough times the way God wanrs me to. He says that I am blessed if I am subject to trials and persecution, because it is a sign that the devil recognises the change that has happened inside of me. The devil knows I am now under new management, and he will do his best to destabilise and discourage me, so that if possible, he can disconnect me from my new supply. It is also only in God that true prosperity is possible, because no system can guarantee or give you that which it does not own. A man cannot give what he does not already own. I have to make sure that the pressure is based on the prospects that God promotes, not what man proposes. The reward is always eternal, which also makes it clear that the pressure is never built to last forever. Only God is eternal, and all who trust  Him to the end will receive eternal life. God is waiting for you? What are you waiting for? God's time of favour is here..

Repent and Return!

Repent and Return!

Acts 3:19 AMP

[19] So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day];

The audience is as important as the message in the verse above. Peter and John had just healed a lame man who had been in this state since birth. Someone who had never walked was now walking and leaping and praising God. The man would not let go of Peter and John, and there was a crowd gathering to see what was going on. Peter used the opportunity to speak about Jesus to the crowd that was gathered, reminding them of who Christ is, his mission and assignment to the world, and the benefits that have now become the entitlements of those who will align with the conditions, also laid out in the verse above. God is still in the business of doing the impossible. Man is limited in idea, scope, vision, and long-term thinking. He is the One who sees the end from the beginning and knows how to bring challenges and difficulties to fulfil His purpose in our lives. 

However, the reason why it would appear that God is limited is because of sin. It does not matter how powerful God's move in a place has been; unconfessed sin would always disrupt the move of God in any place. It is not a wonder that the message of Peter to the crowd here was first about repentance. God cannot use a vessel that is not under his control and influence; He cannot instruct a heart that is not yielded to Him. He cannot use anything that has not been subjected to His processing.The old man, with its baggage, can never become a tool in the hands of God for anything useful. It just has to be done away with.  Repentance simply means a change of thinking. It is the opposite of what you have been exposed or used to in the past. That is the start point for any life that will enjoy God's refreshing that has been promised. 

Then you add the bit about returning to God. It is not enough to be sorry about your sin; it has to lead you to a pursuit of the personal knowledge and experience of God. If your past just leads you to sorrow and nothing more, it may end up in depression, mental illness and death. That was the issue with Judas Iscariot. However, when the sorrow about your sin leads you to seek the help of the only One who can help you, then you get the mercy, forgiveness and refreshing that has been promised, which is what this same Peter, speaking here, received. Both Judas and Peter betrayed Jesus in one form or the other, but their ends were different, because one returned. God wants to restore, but He will not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of our freewill. Surrender has to come from the heart; anything else is hypocrisy and eye-service, for which there is no eternal reward in heaven. Let your life's focus be defined by the expectations you have from God. God's time of favour is here.

Take Heed 2!

Take Heed 2!

Matthew 6:31-32 KJV

[31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

The world has enough troubles of its own. No amount of money can completely eliminate worry and anxiety; otherwise, the extremely wealthy will mostly be content. The desire to make more money or have more is not bad in itself; it is the motive and the mode of pursuit that generally lead one into trouble. Of course, there are important needs that make life worthwhile, and these revolve mainly around food, clothing and shelter. This has been the biggest worries since the foundation of the world, and men have killed, maimed and fought endless wars over these things. It is however unfortunate that these things are not sustained by labour, striving or malice, but by the divine arrangement of the One who owns all things and gives them in abundance to whoever He pleases and at the time He pleases. I am yet to find a man who, simply by wishing and desiring, had all he needed without God providing it, or making it possible for him to have it for a time. 

Do not be deceived by those making false claims of being self-made men; there is nothing a man has that has not been given to him by God, or permitted to have it by the design of God's grace. You can also say that having food, clothing and shelter are important needs, and one must make good plans to get them, but what the verses above make clear is that worry and anxiety do not help. Worry and anxiety are the personal experiences for those who do not have someone to provide these things for them, so they have to scheme their way into having them. If you do have anyone to give you something, what other choice do you have than to fight for it? That is the language the world understands and lives by, and it will do all it can, even lie, cheat and kill, in order to lay hold of these things. That is why the world cannot know peace, because it does not have the Prince of Peace as its supplier. 

For those who have the heavenly Father as the provider, you have a supply of all you need at any point in time. The people of the world must fight to take hold of what they want; they have to run after whatever they want, as no one will get it for them. Those who have the heavenly Father have someone who does the fighting for them and gets them what they want. We have a Father who has total and absolute power over all of creation, and all of  creation answers to Him. When He gives a command, even the devil obeys. It does not matter what the size of the problem is, and it also does not matter how long the issue has been in place. Once God steps in, He brings Himself into the situation and changes the end. How can anyone think he would survive this complex world without God? I am glad I have God, who is all I need. Do you? God's time of favour is here.

Take Heed!

Take Heed!

1 Corinthians 10:12 AMPC

[12] Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].

There is place for personal experience, and there is also a place of learning from the mistakes of other people. As you read the letter of Paul to the church in Corinth as laid out in the chapter from which today's extract is taken, you find Paul taking a look at Israel's past, highlighting the mistakes they made, and the price Israel paid for its errors. This was a nation that experienced some of the most amazing miracles the world has ever seen: the parting of the Red Sea for Israel to pass through, the daily provision of manna for 40 years, the provision of water from a Rock twice, and victory in warfare over enemies more skilled and experienced in the art and practice of war. This was a nation that was promised and given a nation that did not initially belong to them, but by the mercy and provision of God, they were given a land flowing with milk and honey, and blessed by God as His chosen possession. 

For a nation that had been blessed this way by God, you would expect it to be faithful to the One who set it apart. However, the bible records that with many of them, God was not pleased, and many died in the wilderness on their way to the land of promise. In fact, of the over 600,000 men above 20 years old who left Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb got into the land of promise; Moses, who had received the mandate to lead Israel into Egypt, did not get into the land of promise. That is the power and effect of sin. It is not something to toy with, or play around with. When you consider the price Jesus paid in order to deal with the power and consequences of sin, you know it is not something to joke with. At every stage of my life, I must keep checking to see if I am rightly connected and standing properly. It would be a great disservice to God if I waste the grace He has supplied to enable me live the life He has called me to live.

This is where the warning in the verse above become important. What gives me confidence in my ability to stand, if I am not founded on God in the first place? How else can I face the world, with all its confusion and drama, without the help of the One who knows the end from the beginning? He is the One who has been helping men of old stand, and his grace is not seasonal or occasional. I have to submit my life totally to Him; I cannot lay claim to any part, or assume I can make it on my own. The devil has been in the business of deceit and deception since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, so let no man think he can outsmart the devil. We need God's help, and He will gladly supply all we need, if only we will trust and depend on Him. Don't br confident in human measures; they won't sustain you in the day of trouble. Only God can. Would you give your life to Him? God's time of favour is here. 

Wallk and Live!

Walk and Live!

Galatians 5:16 AMPC

[16] But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

Here was a church that Paul had to rebuke with some pretty harsh words. They had received the Holy Spirit at some point, and were living out the principles and practices of the Spirit. At some point, the tendency to rely on self came up, and the efforts of the law became more important than the help of the Holy Spirit. Like it was in those days, so is it now. We attain a level of popularity or public acceptance, and we think we had something to do with our new-found reputation. We start so well with total dependence on God, but as we get 'skilled' in what we do, we rely more on our perspiration rather than on the inspiration that comes from the Spirit of God. It is not a wonder that in an earlier chapter of this same letter to the church in Galatia, Paul had to rebuke the members who had begun their new spiritual lives with the Holy Spirit, but were now seeking to reach perfection by a dependence on the flesh. 

I cannot start the journey with God and then seek to end it on my own terms. It does not work. The journey of life is too complex for mortal, natural man to navigate it without help from the One who knows the end from the beginning. It is also not a weekly, monthly or annual affair, where you show up once in a while when there are problems, take what you need to solve that problem, and then move on to your own thing, until the next problem shows up. I note the word HABIT appears on the verse above, and it is defined as 'a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up'. My walking with God has to become a habit; one that is a regular practice, and becomes hard to give up. No matter the pressure, you keep at it, because you know the value of the practice. Habits also impact eternity, because it is what you do that you are judged on. What are the habits I need to either drop or take on? 

This walk in the Spirit is critical to accessing all that God is. You cannot lay claim to benefits or blessings that are not yours by birth or citizenship. This walk in the Spirit cannot also co-exist with a walk in the flesh at the same time. Both walks are parallel lines that can never meet, no matter how far you draw them, or how hard you try to merge them. Both have different inspirations as well as different eternal destinations. You cannot effectively satisfy both, because both are masters who require loyal subjects. We may claim that we are free by virtue of surrender to Christ, but indeed, we are bound by loyalty and dedication to whoever we have submitted our lives to. Remember, the end of the control by the flesh is eternal separation from God, and a life controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. As always, the choice is mine to sort out. God does not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill, but if I submit, He will do exploits with my life, and also guarantee me eternal life. What more could I ask for? God's time of favour is here.

No longer I

No longer I

‭‭Galatians 2:20 AMP‬‬

[20] I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

As you read the whole of Galatians 2, you note the limits of the old life and the endless possibilities that have now become possible in the new life provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The old life laid so much emphasis on works and labour, and men rose and fell on the basis of what they did and the sacrifices they offered. However, that process had its flaws, and God had to lay down another path, which did not lay enohasis on what I could do, but on what Hs had first done. The focus shifted from me having to earn salvation and approval from God to God offering me salvation and approval by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. Yes, there was still an action, but this time, it came from God. I only had to walk into that finished work and take advantage of all that is on offer. Am I still stuck on trying to 'earn" good grades with God? 

This will not happen by accident, or by osmosis or diffusion. It will be the result of a conscious and deliberate decision to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. What this means is that I accept the death of Jesus on the cross as God offering me the chance to die to sin. The cross is the place where sin was dealt a deadly and final blow. A life was taken to pay for the sin of the whole world, in linc with the will of God. Sin was paid for with the life of the son of God. If that was the final story, we would be in trouble because we would have just died, with no hope of life thereafter. Jesus did not just pay the price for sin by dying; He also offered us life, full and free, by being raised from the dead. It is by resurrection that eternal life with God us signed, sealed and delivered to all who come to put their trust in this finished work of Jesus. This is a critical decision that has to be sorted out by all of us today. 

The death and resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of eternal life with God, and maybe the expectation is that as soon as I have surrendered my life to Jesus, I should simply be taken to heaven to be with Jesus. However, God keeps me on earth as the testament to His power and grace. I had an old life going nowhere, but now, I have a new life making impact for God. Paul understood this, and that is why he referred to this new life as one that is lived in daily appreciation of what Jesus did. The old life was not going to win God's approval; only the life made available in Jesus is the only one that could. I do not need to win God's approval by labour; I simply live by faith in the finished work on the cross, and enjoy all that this new life has sealed for me. It is no longer my life; but Jesus living in and through me. Please be sure your life is now in Jesus. That is the only path to eternal life with God. God's time of favour is here.

Focus!

Focus!

Joshua 1:8 KJV

[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

There is a model for success that the world cannot understand, but has been proven to be real time and again. The model is based on focus; attention.to the things that really matter. It has to be noted that this is not just about seeing with the physical eyes, but seeing the way God wants me to. The world is all about images, symbols, as well as physical and material things; God's idea of success is about who you know. This is why the world will struggle to live up to the expectations of God if it does not know or submit to this God. How can a man lay claim to resources he is not entitled to, or demand the rights of citizenship from a country of which he is not a citizen or resident? If I will lay hold of the benefits and blessings that God promises, I must be in the right place, doing the right thing and seeking the right thing, so I can access the right thing. 

The focus is critical; the verse above says that there is a source that defines what I get, and it has to be God. His Word is the guide, guard and compass for life. Long before the world and all its problems came to be, the Word has been in place, and it is by Him that all we see today were made. Nothing exists outside of His will and word, and once He has said it, be sure it will come to pass.That is also why it is called the book of the law. God cannot lay down the standard, and then fail to uphold or enforce the standard. He has made clear what His will is, and as many as would take him at His Word will enjoy what is on offer. The verse makes it clear that the focus has to be consistent; it is not a weekly, monthly or annual affair only, but a daily lifestyle. It is not something you switch off and on when it is convenient; it has to be a daily focus. I am to meditate on it day and night, so I can get as much information as I need for life and Godliness. 

It is by reading and meditating that I get the information I need about God's will and purpose for my life. I then note that after reading and meditating, there is the next step of observing to do. What is the point of seeking to know God's will if you will not align your life with Him? Don't just enjoy the words; allow the Word work in you to lead you to the place where God's grace can sustain you. God will not take you to a place where His Word will be rendered ineffective and ineffectual. His Word works wonders if He is allowed to work as He desires. Of course, if you let Him work in and through you, you have sealed success on His terms. Let the world define success however it wants; the man who goes with God will never lack, or miss his way. The ultimate success is God's backing down here on earth, and eternal life with Him. Do not miss any. God's time of favour is here. 

Plan, with God!

Plan, with God!

Proverbs 16:9 AMPC

[9] A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. 

Man was created in the image of God, after His likeness. When God breathed into man and man became a living soul, the nature and creative power of God was put in man. That is why the world has witnessed amazing and exciting breakthroughs in various fields of human endeavour, including medicine, sports, science, technology and travel, among many others. As man initiates an idea or a concept in his mind, he is able to define what is required to actualize that idea. This is one of man's greatest blessings, and if not handled the right way and placed in the hands of the Maker and Potter, it can become a veritable tool in the hands of the devil to wreak havoc. We have seen the impact and effect of weapons of mass destruction used in wars, and the devastating effects of the mind of a man who is not surrendered to God. A man who is disconnected is a dangerous man. 

It is fine for a man to plan his way, because that is the default setting of every man made in the image and likeness of God. However, the greatest use of a man's mind is to submit it to God, so that God can guide its focus, planning and delivery. Life has become both complex and simple by the things man has conceptualised and created, but God still needs to control that mind to bring it into his perfect will and under his perfect direction. How does God direct a thing that has not been placed in His care? How does He help a man who does not submit to His leadership and instruction? Remember, God does not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill, but you can be sure that whatever has been given to Him will be kept safe by Him. Only in the hands of God can 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes feed over 5,000 people. It matters in whose hands it is placed. 

I must go with God every step of the way. I am limited in scope, understanding and reality. I only see as far as my human mind can fathom but there is a God who is not limited by time, space or circumstances. He says I should submit, and if I obey, I have access to both earthly and eternal blessings. As I read the bible, I come across clear words such as in Psalm 37:23 KJV, which says 'The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way, Or Proverbs 20:24 KJV, which says: 'Man's steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?', and even Jeremiah 10:23 AMP, which says 'O Lord, I know that the path of [life of] a man is not in himself;It is not within [the limited ability of] man [even one at his best] to choose and direct his steps [in life]'. No matter how long I live or how hard I work, I will never have all the answers. My best step is to hand it all to the One who has it all, and can bring to pass all that is in line with His will. God's time of favour is here.

Faith 2!

Faith 2!

John 20:29 AMPC

[29] Jesus said to him, Because you have seen Me, Thomas, do you now believe (trust, have faith)? Blessed and happy and to be envied are those who have never seen Me and yet have believed and adhered to and trusted and relied on Me.

It is very easy to trust your five human senses. God also gave them to us so that we could make rational and logical decisions based on what we could see, hear, taste or feel. However, like all things that are human, there are incomplete expressions or limitations in the things that the human senses can receive, express or understand. We have been given the physical senses in order to process the physical plane of life, but it is clear that there is a spiritual plane of life that the physical senses cannot deal with or understand. In this spiritual plane, the physical senses are limited and not of much use. This was the point that Jesus was trying to make to Thomas in the verse above. It is easy to depend on what is comfortable and convenient, but this will not work for where God wants to take us to. 

It is even more poignant that Thomas was a disciple of Jesus, not a stranger or part of the crowd. He had walked with and worked for Jesus for more than three years, yet, when the pressure came, he went back to familiar territory. Thomas relied on what he had always known, because the unusual had happened. For all of us too, we can be exposed to pressure to the point where we give in, give up or go back to our old ways. The old ways are familiar; they do not need us to do anything that will take us out of our comfort zone. Faith can be really hard, as there is nothing to convince anyone of the basis of your conviction and confidence. Faith requires me to hold on to something that I do not yet see, hold or have, yet, my confidence cannot be shaken. Faith sees that which is not visible as tangible and realistic. 

From the perspective of Jesus, faith is the path to blessedness. We may not have seen Jesus physically, but we know that He exists and he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. There are a lot of things that I do not have now, and in fact, I may not even have on this side of eternity, yet, my confidence in the ability of God to sort me out is immovable and unshakeable. Things may be happening around me, and even the unpalatable too may come, but being blessed by God means that these things cannot move me away from God, or take my eyes off Him. What is the situation that is so drastic that it is threatening my peace? What is that thing that is so hard that you think God cannot solve? Jesus is asking me to trust Him, His power and His grace. There is nothing impossible for Him to do, and no demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. Faith is the currency of heaven. Can you dare hold on to God for all that is ahead? God's time of favour is here. 

Faith!

Faith!

Hebrews 11:1 AMPC

[1] NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

We read of the definition of faith here, and it is clear it is not in line with what our rational, human minds can fathom. We have always been taught that evidence is critical to reality. You do not call a witness to speak on an issue that s/he has not personally encountered. You do not call someone to come and testify about an incident that was related to him or her by someone who also only heard it from another person. That is why we say hearsay evidence is not admissible in court. We also know that the spiritual controls the physical. Before the physical is manifested, someone would have visualised it and then would take steps to bring it into reality. We also speak about the importance of vision, because it is what drives pursuits and priorities. How do you see? What do you see? Am I sticking to what is familiar and tangible, because of its familiarity, or am I able to see with the eye of the Spirit into all that God intends? 

Title deed is a 'legal deed or document constituting evidence of a right, especially to ownership of property.' How can you refer to title deeds for something you do not yet have in your hands physically, unless you live by faith? How can you convince the world you are not mad if you lay claim to something the world cannot physically see or touch? How can you convince the world you are sure of who you are and what you have, unless your life is a living, breathing evidence of the validity and authenticity of that which you see? The world will define the physical property, and then give you a title deed to cover that particular property. In the same way, God defines all that I need for life and Godliness, and he provides the title deeds to all these. As it is a lifelong learning process, I do not lay hold of all I need at the same time, but the need is met as soon as the time for its usage is due. 

It is hard to argue conviction with a person who does not share the same foundation as you. You speak from a place of personal conviction, because you know the God who has promised, and you know He is good for his Word. The physical senses can deceive you, because what you think is tangible and reliable may not be what you think it is. Abraham was promised seed as many as the sand on the seashore, yet he only had one son according to the promise. However, Abraham saw beyond what his physical eyes and ears  could perceive, and today, billions all over the world can attach to the faith of Abraham and lay hold of all that God promises. Do not let your physical senses tell you what to hold on to; let the Word of God inspire your faith to hold on to that which men call impossible. If God says it, it does not matter how many people come together to oppose it. If God has not said it, it also does not matter how many people gather together to support it. What are you holding on to? Make sure it is that which God backs up. You will not be disappointed. God's time of favour is here.

Trust!

Trust!

Jeremiah 17:7-8 AMPC

[7] [Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. 

[8] For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.

Jeremiah could trust the source of the message laid out in the verses above. Here was a young man who was told by God from a very young age that he had been sanctified and ordained as a prophet to the nations. God would not only tell him this, but he would also go ahead to equip him with all he needed for the assignment he had been given. That is just a very small bit of who God is: He does not commission an assignment without providing the resources required for the full discharge of that assignment. Jeremiah had seen God at work; he had seen God's promises of both blessings for obedience and punishment for disobedience all come to pass in the lives of the children of Israel. Again, with God, He does not leave us in any doubt as to what His standards are. His love and His judgment are both parts of His person, and I will do well to respect that. Like Jeremiah, do you know this God?

The secret to accessing all that God is rests on trusting completely in the Lord. It is not partial reliance, where you leave room for the possibility that God can change His mind and not do what He has promised. It is not sitting on the fence of non-committment, waiting to see where the land lies before you make a decision. You are either all in or all out. For all who, like the church in Laodicea, who thought sitting on the fence of indifference was a great idea, remember Jesus said he had no use for such lukewarm people, and he would soon spew them out of His mouth, as he had no use for people He cannot trust. For God to trust me, I have to first trust Him. His offer of life is given full and free, but I have to come to Him as I am, with no pretence or hypocrisy. This is a God who cannot be deceived by the volume of support or deterred by the number in opposition. 

How does the verse above describe the person who believes, trusts in and relies on the Lord? This person is called blessed. This lifetime is not enough to process the full dimensions of God's blessings, but as you read the Word of God, it is clear that God does not have a problem blessing men with great abundance, but it is about the state of the heart of the person. Do you acknowledge at all times who the source of all you have or hold is? Is your hope in the false images of success that surround us, but cannot take us to the place God has prepared for us? Is my confidence in God, or in the tokens of men? No matter what my responses are, I must know that God cannot be mocked. I come to this God and lay down all my burdens, as well as my crowns, if any. I ask that He helps me to trust Him completely, so He can use my life as a display of His power, grace and mercy. Nothing else counts. God's time of favour is here.

Fight!

Fight!

1 Timothy 6:12 AMPC

[12] Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses.

Two things are asked from the man to whom Paul was writing this letter to, which was Timothy. Here was a young man rhat was mentored by Paul, and became a useful tool in the hands of God. He was born to a Jewish mum and a Greek father, which was a problem in those days. However, as we now know, my past has no bearing on my future. All of God's plans for me are not tied to my circle of influence, bank account balance, ability or capability. God will achieve all He sets out to achieve, no matter what my response or reaction to His leading may be. Let the whole world be lairs; God remains faithful to His Word. He is the One who can take a man from the prison in one night and make him the prime minister of a nation by the next night. He is the One who can turn acute famine in one night into a season of abundance by the next night. That is the God Paul knew, and sought to introduce to the young man Timothy. 

The charge to Timothy is both sobering and inspiring. You will have to fight the good fight of the faith, because this faith is worth fighting for. It is a faith that several people died trying to sow into the hearts and lives of other people. This is the faith that Jesus gave his life to establish, and for which He has given His Holy Spirit to continue to inspire and encourage us to hold on and persevere, no matter what comes our way. I believe that is why Paul could say, with confidence, "for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain'. This comes from an unshakeable confidence in the ability of God to be faithful to His promise, and to provide all  I need for life and Godliness. It is very important that I clarify if what I hold is the real deal. Would you fight for something whose value you cannot define or whose value you do not know? Would you lay down your life for what cannot guarantee you eternal life? 

I wonder why FIGHT is used to describe what this exercise entails, and one definition of FIGHT is 'struggle to overcome, eliminate, or prevent'. This gives me an idea of what God is demanding of me. He is not asking me to fight like one beating the air or one who fights aimlessly or without reason, but He has given me something to look forward to. There is a purpose behind the fight, an enemy to oppose and defeat and a victory to maintain and uphold. The end is eternal life, which, as the verse above makes clear, is what God calls us to in the first place. It is the pursuit of eternal life with God that has made me confess His name before many people, and why I hold on to Him, no matter what comes my way. My confession of faith is a testimony that I know who I have believed, and I am holding on to Him to the end. Let this be your encouragement too; God has not changed, and He will not leave us alone. God's time of favour is here. 

Humble Yourself!

Humble Yourself!

1 Peter 5:6 AMPC

[6] Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,

The work of humbling myself is first mine to do, and not that of God. If God were to do it, it may end up in shame or eternal death. There is another reason why the work of humbling myself is also first mine to do, and it has to do with the fact that I have been given a part of God when he breathed into me the breath of life, and I became a living soul. I have been given a mind that can choose actions as well as reactions, and I an not a robot, simply having to respond to commands, with no mind of my own, or power and responsibility over my actions. God is too awesome a God to create anything He cannot control or command, yet His power is tempered by my own personal decisions. He wants me to love Him with ALL my heart, not a part of it. He wants me to give Him ALL of me, not the parts that are convenient or comfortable for me to let go. 

The message above is clearly directed to people who understand who God is, what His expectations are, and have submitted to the authority of God over their lives. The verses before today's extract makes reference to the 'elders (pastors and spiritual guides of the church)', as well as those who are 'younger and of lesser rank' in the church. The body of Christ will have structures for coordination, organization and accountability, but let it not be that position becomes the determinant of importance and relevance. The church will be organised along reporting lines so that we all can be ultimately accountable to the Chief Shepherd of the church. When He returns, He is not coming back for titles, position or status, but for people who have surrendered their lives to Him. May it not be that we focus on the things that are quite minor, whilst missing out on the things with eternal value.

God is the One who determines times and seasons for everyone of us. He sets up one person and brings down another. He has established the winter and summer seasons, yet He suspended the sun from going down for a whole day, allowed a donkey to speak to a man, and even took at least 2 men away to heaven without allowing them experience physical death first, all because they walked in total submission to Him. He took a man like Joseph from the pit, Potiphar's house and prison, all the way to the palace of Egypt. The process took time but the vessel was totally surrendered to God. That is the deep lesson for all who want to see God work that which is His perfect will in their lives. Trust His timing and His dealings; when it is time for Him to exalt you, no force on earth can stop Him. If He chooses to demote you, all the forces of the world cannot help you. You are better off in God's hands. God's time of favour is here 

God at Work!

God at Work!

Philippians 2:13 AMPC

[13] [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

Paul, who wrote this letter to the church in Philippi, would know the value of the strength that is only available in and through God. He was a man who had zeal for his land and for the customs and traditions of Judaism. He would defend this position with all his might, even giving comfort, help and support to those who would stone Stephen to death. On the way to commit even further atrocities, he met with Christ, and his life turned around. The man who could not stand anything to do with Christ now took a public stand for Christ. He would do all He could do to promote the cause and the message of Christ. That is what a personal encounter and experience with Christ can do to you. It does not matter the level of atrocities committed in the past, or how dirty your past is; there is no stain or blemish of sin that the blood of Jesus cannot clean up.

When a man comes to Christ and surrenders his life, it is not so much about what you have done, but the grace of God that has been made available. It is grace that makes it very possible for a mortal, sinful man to approach an immortal, holy God. It is grace that allows a sinner come before the throne of God's mercy and access grace that would not have otherwise been available due to sin. In all of these things, where is the place of strength or personal labour? Where is the place of self, achievements or qualifications? Where is the place of promotion of all that the natural man celebrates? When a man surrenders to God, what he is saying is that he acknowledges he is helpless without God. It is an admission that whatever God does not do will not get done any other way. All that I get done is not so much of my labour but God working in and through me to get things done. 

He will birth the desire to do His will, and He will also supply the enablement and guidance I need to achieve His will. He will not leave me to fend for myself, or grope in the dark without adequate guidance. As God Himself said in Isaiah, He will not bring to the birth and then not cause to bring forth? He will not start a project that He is unable or unwilling to complete. That is why He is called the Author and Finisher of our faith. It is critical to note here that God's will is the focus here, not my own desires or devices. Let it not be that I want to elevate my own desires to the level of God's will. He will guide, but He will not force Himself on me. He will direct, but He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. He will not leave or forsake me, but I have to focus on Him alone.There is no room for alternative realities. It has to be God or nothing else. Can this be said of me? God's time of favour is here.

Give Thanks!

Give Thanks!

Psalm 105:1 KJV

[1] O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: Make known his deeds among the people.

How do we define 'thanksgiving? One version online says it is 'a fundamental aspect of God's people and is a way to express praise and gratitude to God for his many blessings'. I note the part where it says it is from God's people. Why is this distinction relevant? Who else can best know the value of who God is and what he does, other than people with a personal and experiential knowledge of this God? How can you expect someone with no knowledge of God to express thanksgiving the right way to God? You just cannot take God out of the equation. Do you know this God, or is there any other false version of a god that you are holding on to? Remember, if it is not the real deal, no amount of talking, shouting or arguing will change it. You either find and hold on to the true God, or you settle for the lies of the devil, which will lead to eternal doom. As always, the choice is mine to make, but the consequences are eternal. 

The verse above is a call by someone with personal experience on the value of giving thanks to the Lord. Why is this call important? It comes from a place of appreciation of who God is, what He can do, what He has done in the past. It also holds the hope of greater things that are yet to happen, but you know, with confidence, that the One who promises has the ability, capacity and capability to do all He has promised. One thing that is also implied from the verse above is that our souls will always seek out the spiritual. We were made by God, and his breath was placed in us, which means that there will always be in us a hunger for something deep. Many will fill the vacuum with devotion to false gods, vain glory and pointless labour. All of us will, at some point in our lives, submit to a spiritual authority. That authority will define what we do and what we get, as well as where we end up. 

For those who know God, they call on Him for help and He answers. For those who know this God, they have access to help that no other authority can provide or sustain. For those who call upon God, they provoke Him to act on their behalf, and when God has done His bit, they are also quick to testify of His mighty power. How can anyone who has had a personal experience of God's mighty works then keep quiet? It is by testifying to God's mighty works that other people are encouraged to seek and submit to God. It is by my light that other people are drawn to God. How is your light? Does it shine so bright that people cannot ignore me? It is important that my life is the template for the display of the splendour of God. By my personal actions, I must make God known. Can this be said of me today? God's time of favour is here. 

Possibilities!

Possibilities!

Matthew 19:26 AMPC

[26] But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.

Job 42:2 AMPC

[2] I know that You can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted.

The two verses above speak to the same theme, which is the power of God, and the amazing possibilities that arise from that truth. The first verse is a direct quote from the mouth of the One who is able to make all things possible, while the other is a quote from the personal experience of someone who had seen the power of God at work. Jesus had just challenged a rich young ruler to let go of riches so he could follow Jesus more closely. Unfortunately for that young man, wealth was more important than following Jesus, who made it clear that it would be very hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. That was a hard saying, making the disciples ask who, then, could be saved, if the condition for entry was this strict. The response of Jesus is the first verse we are considering today. Is there anything in my life right now that I consider too important to let go, in order to lay hold of eternal life? 

The issues that led to the quotes above are quite different, but the message is clear: it does not matter what has gone before, or the things that are happening right now, or even the amazing plans we have drawn up for the future; what is critical is to know who God is, trust Him to do what He has promised to do, and then remember to get out of the way so you can allow Him do what He has promised to do. Job lost all he had, including children, and even his wife thought it was foolish to keep holding on to God. Job went on a tirade, even cursing the day he was born, but when God had dealt with both Job and his friends, Job's response is the second verse above. When you allow God work, you struggle less about fitting in or living up to other people's expectations. When you give in to God, you allow God do it His own way, which will lead to praise and thanksgiving to God. 

When God is praised, how else does he react than to even do more? When I submit to Him totally and allow Him work, He proves to me that I have not made a mistake. The natural man has been deceived into thinking that by labour, effort or concerted effort with other people, things can get done. Well, from the story of the Tower of Babel, this is true up to an extent, but the One who said nothing is impossible with Him came down and confused their language, and the project was abandoned. The same God took a young man, Joseph, from the deepest pit in Dothan where his brothers had thrown him, to the second highest throne in Egypt, where he was not even a citizen, and his brothers could not touch him. Like Job, my experiences must lead me to the clear understanding that God's plan cannot be thwarted. There are no impossibilities with God. Try Him; Trust Him. He has never be found to fail. God's time of favour is here.

See the Lord!

See the Lord!

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. 

There is a call upon every life that lays claim to knowing God. It is one thing to know about God and be able to speak about Him; it is a completely different thing to be known and backed up by Him. The Bible is full of stories of men and women at different stages of their lives who handled God one way or the other and got the consequences their actions deserved. We read of these men today and we are made aware of what God's expectations are for us. He leaves us in no doubt as to His demands, and we will not have any excuse for not living up to His standards. He will also not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for, but be sure that if He gives you, He will demand an account. As I live my life daily, I have to be conscious of this fact. I am not living to please anyone else, but the only One whose opinion counts. 

His minimum standard is holiness, because that is His nature. He demands that from all who claim to know and seek Him. How can I call on someone whose demands I do not respect or heed, and expect Him to do for me all I ask Him for?  How can I choose my own life's pursuits and priorities, and then somehow expect God to rubberstamp my ideas? Submission means a complete break from the old life, and taking on and living by the instructions of a new master. It cannot be half of both, or a little here and a little there. That is being lukewarm, which, as the letter to the church in Laodicea lays out clearly, God would have no use for that kind of person. You cannot sit on the fence of indifference, as there is none. Claiming to be indifferent is in itself a choice. Knowing who I am defines for me what I am required to do. Do you know who you are?

Following peace means knowing who peace is. Peace is first a person, before it can become a lifelong commitment. It is also not surprising that there is a combination of peace with holiness, because you cannot separate the two. I cannot pick up one attribute of God and reject the other. I cannot break God into parts and try and fit Him into convenient parts of my life. I can either let Him into every area of my life or just lock Him out of every area. When God says no man shall see him without being holy, please take it very seriously. Have you ever proven God to be a liar in any way? Is there any word from Him that you have proven to be false? If there is none, then be sure that this one too will not fail, fall or falter. God is true to His Word, and as He made clear to Jeremiah, He is watching over His Word and will perform it. If I will see Him, I have to live like Him. Again, grace is available for all His demands. God's time of favour is here. 

Stand the Test!

Stand the Test!

James 1:12 AMPC

[12] Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.

The world's standards are quite different from those of God. The natural man will resist  anything that makes him uncomfortable or inconveniences him. The natural man will choose the path of least resistance, because that is how it is built. If given a life of utmost convenience and tough times, who would willingly choose pain? It is not a wonder, then, that the natural man cannot inherit eternal life because it is not possible for that which leads to eternal death also inherit eternal life. It is also in line with God's purpose that the natural man gives way to the spiritual man. It is the spiritual man that sees trials and tough times the right way, which is God's tool to bring about His divine purpose and plan to pass in the lives of all who submit willingly to Him. It is not given for everyone to see it this way, but if you get it, the verse above calls you blessed. That is definitely not the way the world will sell it. 

The man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation has come to understand something important: in the hands of God, any trial is a learning opportunity, as well as a chance to grow in my knowledge and experience of God. Think of this: how would I know my capacity to withstand pressure, if I never face pressure? How do I resist the temptation to compromise, if I have not first seen the value of standing with God, and seeing Him come through for me in quite amazing ways? In fact, the verse says that such a man is to be envied. You have to wonder why? Such a person is on a journey of discovery; he is not concerned about men's motives and intentions, but focused on God's purpose behind the pressure. The man who sees God in every situation and season of his life has understood that life is not a race with anyone else, or a comparison with anyone else, but a race to accomplish God's divine and personal purpose for him.

It is also not an error that the word STAND is used here. It shows readiness to do whatever God leads me to do in every situation. Like Joseph, the right stand, when confronted with Potiphar's wife, was to flee. The right stand for Jesus was to give his life willingly, so you and I could have and hold on to the hope of eternal life. Whatever the demand, God leads His own to make the right stand, which is either to flee all appearances of evil, or to take a stand and confront evil in whatever form it presents itself at the time. The reward at the end also makes it worth it. The crown of life is promised to all who love God, and who stand for and with Him. I note that there are no joint efforts recognised here; everyone gets his or her reward based on his or her personal walk with God. This crown is worth looking ahead for, and as God has never be found to be a liar, He will do exactly as He has promised. May He keep us in His will, keep us standing in and for Him, and give us the victor's crown at the end of our stand. God's time of favour is here.

Run 2!

Run 2!

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 AMPC

[24]  Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours. [25]  Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.

Like all human races, there is an end goal in view, which is to win the ultimate prize. Men and women put in years of effort for a race that may not even last up to half a minute. You also find people who are put under pressure to deliver the prize and they go into fraud and performance- enhancing drugs, just to give them an edge over other people. You do not show up for a race that you have not prepared for, and you do not also show up on the athletics field if you have practiced and prepared for basketball. You come to run the race that you have been registered for. As it is in the physical, so is it in the spiritual. For all of us on earth, we have been called into a race. You may not admit it now, but being born into this world means being given a role and an assignment to impact the world you have been placed in. I cannot really start the journey the right way until I know what that role is. Do you know why you were born?

We all get onto the racetrack of life, and we are required to run our own race. Unlike the world's standards, this is not a race where you reward only the top 3, because it is not a race of who is fastest. It is a personal race to the finish line, whenever that may be for the one running. Some will run it as a dash or sprint, while for others, it is a mini or full marathon. This is not a race in which you compare your speed to the person standing next to you, because both of you do not have the same terms and conditions, and you do not have the same/exact assignment. Indeed, you may find yourself in the same environment or mission field, but God will be using the different skills and gifts He has given everyone to achieve His purpose. I have to be content to focus on what I have been asked to do, and do it to the best of my abilty, in line with the supply of grace that God has made available. 

The race has rules. God expects me to run right so I can end right. I run as someone who has met the One who commissioned my race and has laid down the rules of engagement. The prize has also been laid out, so I know what I am denying myself for, and what I am looking forward to. There will be self-denial and sacrifices made; people will come into my life for a season or for a reason. I must know which one applies and not hold on to the props of men. Men can only offer me what they have, which is, at best, a crown that will soon fade away, or a record that is only good until another person breaks it. God promises me a crown of eternal blessedness that can never wither, because its source is not limited by time, space or circumstances. You know you cannot share one crown; you have to run the right way so you can receive your own crown. There is enough for everyone, because no demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. Run right; win the crown. Help is available from the One who has called me to run. God's time of favour is here.

Run!

Run!

Hebrews 12:1 AMPC

[1] THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,

Again, the audience defines the expectations. God wants us to be His representatives; to be His eyes, ears, hands, feet and heart to the world around us, but He cannot place the same expectations on all of us at the same time. He knows those who belong to Him, and those who are yet to make up their minds about making a full surrender to Him. For those who are truly surrendered, the expectation is that they live in a particular way that shows that they belong to God. All who come in contact with them must also know who they are, and where their allegiance lie. Does this describe me in any way? Do men know who I am, and who I belong to? Now, it is possible to deceive men down here on earth, but would I think it is possible to also deceive God, who can see into the hearts of men and knows their deepest desires and motives? 

How would I ever think that I can play both sides: do God's bit when it is convenient, and also blend in with the culture of the world around me, when convenient? It is dangerous to live like this, especially when you consider the lives of the people that the Bible clearly lays out for us. The verse above refers to a great cloud of witnesses who have borne testimony to the Truth. These are people we read about in the Bible; men and women across different walks of life who met, walked with and worked for God with all that they had, and whose lives have now become examples that we can learn from, or in some instances, avoid the mistakes they made. One of the many reasons why the stories of these people are written down the way they are is so that we do not think they are superhuman. They are like us in every respect, but they met this God who changed their lives, and they walked with him until they crossed over into eternity with Him. 

As it was for them, so is it for us today. As they ran their own race, so do we have our own race to run. We have examples to learn from and be inspired by: men and women with weaknesses, but who trusted in the God of all grace to strengthen and help them, and He did. He is still the same God; grace is available for all who will seek Him out. Let us throw aside every weight that seeks to hold us down, and the sin that so easily entangles us, so we can run the race before us the right way. Again, God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied grace for. It is also an individual race; nobody can run on your behalf. You will meet others on the race, but you have to stay on your course. Do not let anyone or anything distract you;. The cloud of witnesses is cheering you up. As they did succeed, so shall we all, even as depend on God every step of the way. Are you running your race? God's time of favour is here. 

Shine!

Shine!

Matthew 5:16 KJV

[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The words above were spoken by Jesus at the first Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus sat with his disciples, and there was a crowd at the foot of the mountain. Throughout the life of Jesus, this was a constant phenomenon. Everywhere Jesus went, people followed him. Whether it was out of curiosity, or a desire for a miracle, or a sincere search for meaning, he always had a crowd of people following Him everywhere He went. For all of us today, there is a need to define who we are, what we are and where we are headed. That clarity of identity will define my pursuits and priorities. At all times, there will be disciples, and there will be the crowd. There really can be no middle ground, where a man is neither a follower of Jesus or a follower of the world's system. You will always have to choose between both extremes. Which one are you: a disciple or part of the crowd? 

Jesus was speaking to disciples here, and making reference to the Light. The light has been personified for us, which means that it is first an individual walk, before it becomes a public testimony. It is YOUR light, taken from your personal interaction with the Light, that men will see. If I do not know the Light, how can I have or share Him? If He is not in me, how can my life reflect Him? If He does not know me as His own, how can I represent Him the right way? This is a relationship that is first and foremost personal and intimate; you really cannot touch light as a tangible object, yet when it is not there, you will definitely feel its absence. Its availability is taken for granted most times, until it is no longer there. The value of light is seen in its public impact, and this is why the light has to shine before men. How would the world know the value of Jesus if my life does not show Him off? 

How would people in the world know that living right and holy is possible, if I am not the living and breathing proof that it is? All sorts of people will come my way, and life will also place a demand on me to provide proof of my identity, focus, connections and commitment. If I do not have the right content, what value can I give to the world around me? God is seeking to show Himself strong in the lives of all men and women who are fully submitted to Him. He does not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill. I have to let the light in me shine out before men, by my words, actions, relationships and attitude. I have to smell right, so that men can be attracted to the fragrance of God's Presence in me. Men will glorify God when they see His representative. Men will glorify God when they are touched by the influence of His power through my own life. That is the call of God upon all who claim to know Him. Do you know Him? God's time of favour is here.

Motivated!

Motivated!

Acts 20:24 AMPC

[24] But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy).

Paul had gathered the elders of the church in Ephesus, and was reminding them about the important things to focus on. Here was a nan with a rich history of both the good and the bad; he had persecuted those who belonged to the kingdom of Jesus, and now he was promoting the principles of the same kingdom he had been persecuting. The church in Ephesus had seen firsthand the impact of the ministry of this man, and here he was, addressing the elders for the final time before heading to Jerusalem where he knew trouble and tough times awaited him. As God calls, equips and places men in our lives, we have to know that there is a time and a season for these interactions. One day comes when either we or these people will have to move on to other assignments, and when that time comes, can it be said of us that we focused on our assignment, and did our best with the grace that was supplied? 

The package of life for Christians involve a lot of rough and tough times. Nowhere does God promise that life will be smooth at all times; what He promises is His presence and power to enable me focus on what He has asked me to do. For Paul, that understanding was very clear. He had been told by the Holy Spirit that troubles awaited him, but he also knew that as long as God was with him, he could look ahead with joy to all that was ahead of him. This attitude cannot be birthed and sustained by anything outside the hope and faith brought on by the presence of God. Nobody can give you these; a man can only give you what he already has or holds. How can a man consider his life nothing except he has found the true life that God offers? How can a man remain unmoved by trials, unless he has had an encounter with the immovable, immortal and Omnipotent God, who can make an eternal message from broken messes?

What lies at the end of the journey must be sufficient motivation for all of us. I must do the work in line with the will of the One who calls me to walk with and work for Him. The work is massive; the fields are ripe for harvest and God is looking for people who have an understanding of what is ahead, and who are available as labourers in His vineyard. Again, it has to be noted that God does not call a man and then leave him to fend for himself. All that I need for life and Godliness will be made available by the One who needs to get things done. I have to deal with distractions on my path to the fulfilment of God's divine mandate. With His supply, I can finish my course with joy; with His supply, I can finish the work of the ministry entrusted into my hands. The reward is for faithful service as required by God, not that celebrated by men. What is your motivation? God's time of favour is here.

Seek God!

Seek God!

Psalms 42:1 AMP

[1] As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God.

The sons of Korah are credited with writing the words of this psalm. It is a song of deep reflection, showing the depths and scope of man's need for God. It does not matter how hard the world tries to convince itself of its self-sufficiency or independence; the truth is the world is in turmoil and it is only by a search for, and total surrender to God that the world will know and have peace. The world is in a constant pursuit of a false image of success that has not been defined, and can't really be defined. It is an endless search for meaning and purpose in life, where the goal keeps changing, because those who set it are not even sure of what they are looking for. And men then run themselves to the ground and into the grave, never surrendering to the God who promises and provides peace in the midst of the greatest storms. This is the God the psalmist seeks to introduce to us. 

Life will happen to the best of us. There will be situations and challenges that will stretch us and threaten to derail us. There will be times when it seems that God is far away from us, or that He does not seem to fully understand what we are going through. For the deer in this story, it did not matter what had happened, or the devourers who were pursuing it; it knew it had a place to go back to for refreshment and nourishment. It had a clear idea of its need, and where to go to for help. There are two interesting definitions for the word 'pant': long for or to do something', and 'breathe with short, quick breaths, typically from exertion or excitement'. This is quite a powerful picture: the deer would seek the waters with excitement and longing, knowing full well the benefits and blessings it would derive from the waters. Is there anything in my life so powerful that is keeping me away from seeking God today? 

Like the deer in the verse above, do I know the true source of all that I need for life and Godliness? Am I seeking for God the right way, or am I open to alternative suggestions on how to make things work? Is God alone sufficient for all facets and phases of my life or have I learnt to compartmentalise my life, giving God access only to the areas that are convenient? Or do I only look for Him when there is trouble looming? Let God not become a side-attraction; let Him be the one and only attraction. God does not force Himself on anyone or go against the exercise of a man's freewill, but wherever He is allowed to rule and reign, the difference is always clear. As the word of God says, God is seeking to show Himself strong in the lives of all who are fully submitted to Him. Like the psalmist, my soul is focused on God alone. I thirst for Him; I may have tried other options and they have failed. God has never been known to fail, as it is not in His nature to. Seek Him today; eternal benefits lie at the end of that search. God's time of favour is here.