Keep at it!

Keep at it!

James 5:7-8 NIV

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

There's a disease going on around now, and it is called the NOW syndrome. We want to be very successful NOW; we all want to be prosperous NOW; we want everything NOW. We now find suddenly successful people who have not matured enough to handle the obvious pressures that money, success, fame, position or power bring. We find people who are distracted by these things, seeking to get a part of the wealth and success and doing anything imaginable, sometimes abominable, such as offering bodies that do not belong to them in the first place. No wonder our world is currently directionless, and in the grip of a grab-it-now culture; a culture that celebrates acquiring things without really asking how these things are obtained. Today's extract seeks to get our minds in the right direction. 

The seed is one of the most mysterious of God's creation. It is small, and some are almost insignificant and minute, yet it is the start of a process, a procedure and the beginning of a miracle. No one can trace the origin of the seed, but all plants and trees can all be traced to a seed. The farmer takes this small seed and after carefully ploughing the ground and making it fit to receive, puts the seed in the ground. He nurtures the seed and the environment around the seed, ensuring that the seed has everything it needs to grow well. It is not a short process, but it is a lesson in preparation, patience and consistency. You never lose attention; the weeds do not sleep and the farmer cannot sleep either. That is the lesson we can adapt to our walk as Christians. We are like seed that the Lord has planted in our world. He has given us everything we need to grow and to nurture the world we have been put in. 

The process is not short; it takes time and as we cooperate with God, He takes us to the place He has prepared for us. We must trust His nurturing, preparation and planning because ultimately, it is His seed, not ours. As we run this race therefore, let us remember our origins and our purpose. We do not own ourselves, we are God's. The purpose is not ours to determine, it is God's. We were not put here to pursue our own good, but to pursue God's purpose, and only as we do this do we manifest the glory of God and bring the joy of harvest to His heart. He is coming soon, and his reward is not for wealthy or connected people, it is for as many as have found His purpose for their lives and are actively pursuing it, no matter the standard the world judges them by: rich or poor. Find your purpose and pursue it. God's time of favour is here.

Real Strength!

Real 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 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 purpose. 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 is anything this life has taught me, 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 that is 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 H1e 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.

Helped!

Helped!

Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV

[8] And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

It may be convenient to point out all the faults of Moses, now that we know how the story ended. This was a man who has nationalistic zeal, and had the best interest of his nation and people at heart. He first tried to do things his own way, and then had to go on exile when his efforts backfired spectacularly. He then had a period of 'silence and preparation', having to learn patience and endurance, but the God who forgives and restores never forgot about him. When the time was right, He came looking for Moses again, and restored him to service. The past may be powerful, but it is nothing compared with what lies in the future. The past may be very messy, but in the hand of the Most High God, that big mess can become a bright message that will speak into eternity. As at the time Moses was speaking the words in the verse above, God had used him mightily for some spectacular miracles.

It matters in whose hands you are. It matters who is backing you up. It is important to keep taking stock of where I am, so I know if I am on the right path, and if I need adjustments in any area. God is faithful to His Word, and if He promises to be with me to the end, His nature makes it impossible for Him to lie. His Word has never be found to be false, because the premise on which His Word stands is also His person. How can God be found to be true if His Word cannot be trusted? He does not send out without the necessary backing and provisions that are appropriate for the vision that He has birthed. When you want to set out on a project, be sure of the inspiration behind that project. Make sure that the project is such that God can bless, so that you do not get to the middle of the ocean and find out you have no life jacket in the face of the storm. 

I also note that for Moses, even though he made a mistake that cost him entry into the land of promise, God did not suspend His plan for Israel. He had been preparing another man and when the time was right, Joshua stepped in. Of course, the people had seen both the wonders of God, as well as His punishments, but the word for today reminds us to never forget who God is, as well as what His expectations are from us. He is faithful; He will play His part, and because He cannot fail, His purpose cannot be thwarted. My role here is to trust Him completely; not the halfhearted devotion that we seem to have mastered these days, but total commitment to God. As we know, being lukewarm has no reward from God. He has gone ahead of us, He is with us, and He will not fail us. What else can go wrong when the past, present and future are all working together for my good? God's time of favour is here. 

Do Right!

Do Right!

Leviticus 19:18 KJV

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

Let us break these words down: 'Thou shalt Not avenge'. There is really no other way to make this clearer or lay out its impact more pronounced than to establish the identity of the one making the statement. For every instruction God gives, there are blessings for obedience and punishment for disobedience. God never wastes words so you can rest assured that every word spoken by Him has the backing of His name,  and He will make sure that His words all come to pass. So, what is the warning here?: Do Not Avenge. If we search our hearts sincerely, have we not been a bit happy and 'justified" when people who did something bad to us met with a bad incident sometime later? 

We did not pray that they should go through such terrible experiences, but we also did not pray that they shouldn't either. We need to keep God's searchlight over our hearts constantly so he can keep cleansing us of evil thoughts. God judges our intentions and motives and he cannot be deceived by the external. You may say you do not avenge evil done towards you by others but what about bearing grudges? Do you know that there is a silent poison that seeks to pollute the church today and it is this silent malice or the superiority complex.  Someone does something to us, and rather than call the person in order to understand the motives or intentions behind their actions, we presume we know why and we react accordingly. 

We seek to play God in their lives, nterpreting other people's intentions and motives, forgetting that this is God's prerogative. God goes a step further to underline the importance of NOT bearing grudges in Matthew 5:23-24 KJV, where He says: 'Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift'. 

When next you think that God appreciates your fat tithes, you will do well to remember that God accepted Abel first, before accepting his offering. He rejected Cain first, before rejecting his offering. Your life and eternity are much more important than what you own or hold now. Get your priorities right. God's time of favour is here.

Wait!

Wait!

Isaiah 40:31 AMP

[31] But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.

In a world that teaches haste, without the very important lesson on direction, today's verse is really relevant to this present generation. We have been taught to just keep moving, and so people just have plenty of motion and not much impact. We are raising a restless and stressed generation; people who just cannot sit still, and we usually defer to the general excuse of 'attention span'. Whilst this may be true, it does not diminish the importance of waiting on God. Why is waiting so important? A definition of waiting is to 'stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or event'. It is not as if you are clueless about what to do, or are lazy and lackadaisical; it is that you need to get definite guidance on what to do, when to do and how to do it. That definition makes it clear that there is an action or a decision to be taken or made, but there is a delay to that action or decision, as there is a higher power to consult. 

This is where God comes into the picture. The idea of waiting for the Lord is not popular. It may appear that God cannot be rushed, and you cannot push Him to act in a certain way or at a certain time. That is actually very true, but His idea of time is nothing like our own idea. We are the ones who count time by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years, but God is not bound by those human schemes. When it is His time to act, it does not matter what else is happening in or  around me; He will do whatever He wants to do, and whatever pleases Him. It does appear that I have not been given a choice in this matter; but it is the waiting that is my own contribution to that which God wants to do. Waiting on God when others are in a hurry will require faith and trust in God's ability to lead and direct. Waiting on God means being in His presence and being patient to hear clearly before you start to run.

So, when I begin to move, I have a clear idea of who is behind my commission, who is supplying the inspiration and guidance, and who is providing all the necessary things required for the vision He has birthed. It does not matter the speed with which I start; God wants me to surrender to Him so He can take me to the place He has prepared for me. If it is walking, I walk daily in line with His will. If it is running, I run the race that has been set before me, looking unto Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith. If it is soaring, I rely on the winds of the Spirit to keep me where I should be. At whatever stage I am, I know that God is able to keep me centred in His purpose and busy under His command. Of course, if He leads and I follow carefully, impact is not negotiable. The one who God helps will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Do you know this God? Does He also know you as His own? God's time of favour is here.

Priorities!

Priorities!

Matthew 6:33 KJV

[33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Jesus was teaching His disciples about the principles and practices of His kingdom. He had touched on different life issues, and had laid down the new ways of doing things. From the regime of the old covenant, a new way of working was now in force. Of course, the old covenant only had rules and regulations; it could not provide the help needed to align with the rules. In addition, it has to be noted that the messages in the Sermon that Jesus preached here are for disciples, not the crowd that is usually attracted to whatever is current or popular at the time. In this new covenant, the focus is on the help and guidance now made abundantly available in and through the presence of Christ in the life of the man who allows Him in. As it was in the days when Jesus preached this message, so is it now in our days when we need to respond to the demands of Christ laid out in the verse above.

There is always the issue of oppourtunity cost when it comes to following Jesus. You willl have to give up something in order to take hold of that which Jesus promises here. What do I need to give up? It is whatever takes the priority in my life apart from God. This may even be legitimate concerns, such as making a living or being present for family, but think about this: is there anything too big to give up for God if He asks for it? If I were given the option to choose between the eternal and the earthly, which one would I take? Clearly, the world system has its own priorities, and it will place a demand on all who are its subjects. The same principle applies to the spiritual and all who are subject to its authority too. There is no middle ground here; you do not get to play both sides here, and you also do not get to stay neutral or indifferent. You have to pick a side, and live with the consequences. 

The counsel in the verse above is to be taken as critical. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will never go against the  exercise of my freewill. The kingdom of God has to be my first priority. This means that I recognise, respect and submit to the authority of that kingdom. I take time to study the demands of that kingdom, and I am careful to align with the demands. The righteousness of God is the demand; the righteousness of God is the standard. God will not compromise or lower His standard for anyone, no matter how special the person may be. When I align with God's standard, He promises to take care of my needs too. When I take care of God's business, He will also take care of my own business. There is no point pursuing my own agenda; God knows what I need and when I need it, so I am in good hands. Whatever the need, do God's own first, and watch God do wonders. God's time of favour is here. 

As He Said!

As He Said!

Genesis 21:1-2 NIV

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.

Let us consider the history behind the words of the verse above. God had opened his mouth many years before this story and had made promises to Abraham and Sarah about children. Years rolled by, and it appeared to both of them as if the person who promised had forgotten, or had lost the power to fulfil his words. Just as we do today, we hear from God but because of delays, pressures, issues and people's views, we begin to doubt the full authenticity of what we heard. We begin to subject the awesome God to rational and logical processes, thinking that God can be fitted into our narrow, myopic and limited views. We want to define Him based on our present experiences. The story of this couple keeps telling us that God cannot be boxed into a corner, and He does not really care to satisfy our curiosity. He has bigger plans than our human minds can ever fathom. 

The beautiful words we focus on today are: 'as he had said'; 'as he had promised'; and 'at the time God promised him'. These refer to power, ability, capacity and capability. If there is anything we must trust as human beings, it is the words spoken by the Word himself. As He speaks, He is speaking himself and placing his reputation, name, life and nature on the line, and because He is a jealous God, He will guard his name against all scandals. He has no nature of deceit or double-speak, and he always watches over his words to bring them to fulfilment. There is something amazing about God's timing. When you have waited patiently, you realize that He stepped in at just the right time you needed him most, not when your own calculation demanded it. We are the ones who have a biological clock for things to happen; we are the ones who want to define and determine a 'shelf-life' for events and milestones in our lives.  

We are the ones who seek to elevate budgetting and forecasting over God's timely and adequate provision. We may trust in hard evidence that is tangible, but whilst it is very important to plan, we must never forget that nothing beats God's timing and nothing can be better than having God step into your situation at the 'right' time. The word of  encouragement for this season we are in is this:  Wait for God's appointed time. It is critical to get a Word from God's mouth today and stake your life on it. God already stakes his life and reputation on his Word and you can rest assured that he knows what He is doing. At his own 'set time', He will turn things around for good. After all, it is to His glory that He is found to be faithful and also very dependable. Wait for Him, wait on Him, wait with patience as God declares His nature and power through you. God’s time of favour is here.

Words!

Words!

Proverbs 18:21 KJV

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

The verse above, as well as the messages it promotes, bear repeating again and again because of their importance in our lives and our walk with God. God, who is our Father and Creator, laid a foundation for this thought by creating the entire universe with words. The heavens and the earth were made by words. God simply spoke the entire earth and all it has into existence, and He keeps sustaining all He has made through the power of His Word. All we see and hear today are also  offsprings of the foundations already laid by God. To make matters even better, God made man in his own image, and sealed it by imparting his breath into man. This makes man the most impactful of all that God has made. God's creative power, amazing words and higher life were all imparted into man with that breath. 

Man now has the power to dominate, create, and subdue. What sin did was to corrupt the power and ability God had given; sin could never take away from us what it never gave in the first place, it could only seek to corrupt that which God had given. There is nothing man can do to change that which God has done. The worst thing I can do is to refuse or neglect to live in the reality of the power that God has made available, but that will not be God's fault; that would be mine to sort out. I therefore have a great  opportunity to walk once again in the full realisation of our power, grace and ability in God. God's original plan is still there, and only as I tap into the free stream that comes from God can I fully live out my potential. 

My words are important because of who I am. It does not matter initially who I know; all of us were given the power of words. Most just don't know how to use it right, and they spend the oppourtunity cursing others. But for as many as have God's life in them, there is a deep understanding of the power of words and why we need to watch what we say and how it is said. God does not waste words, neither does he talk  carelessly; everything He says is purpose-driven and eternity- based. If only we could learn from him, how less complicated our lives would be and the great impact our words would have. The power of our words are clearly spelt out today. It is a choice to be made between two clear alternatives. There is no middle ground; you just must commit to one direction. May God grant us the grace to watch our words before they end up as destiny-destroyers. Speak life, spread life and get life. God's time of favour is here. 

Guided!

Guided!

Psalms 119:105 AMP

[105] Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Proverbs 6:23 AMP

[23] For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching [of the law] is light, And reproofs (rebukes) for discipline are the way of life.

As was pointed out in our previous devotions, we live in a fallen world. Sin has become the norm and not the exception; the world will  condone that which God does not permit, and it will hate that which God loves. It is not a wonder, then, that God makes it clear that any one who is under the control of the fallen human nature cannot inherit the kingdom of God. It is because both natures have different masters, different pursuits, priorities and purposes, and of course, different eternal destinations. No matter how hard you pull, you can never pull the human nature into the path of eternal life with God. That nature has to be changed into that which God produces if it is to take hold of that which God provides. This is where the verses above make sense: there is a provision by God for such times as we are in. There is a provision by God that is adequate and sufficient for whatever issues the world may bring, and that is His Word.

It may sound so simple, but anyone who has had an encounter with the Word will know the power behind the Word. Let it be clear: the Word of God is multidimensional: there is the written word that we read, which, when read with the help of the One who inspired it, will be a blessing to the reader. There is also the spoken word, by which God made the earth and the heavens, and which all who are made in His image are able to exercise, whether the right way or not. Of course, there is also the person of the Word Himself, the One who fully encapsulates all the other dimensions of the Word. Jesus is called the Word of God. He is the One who can bring to life and reality that which God has inspired men to write about Himself, and He gives life and expression to all who come to Him by the Word and lay hold of the promises and covenants that are birthed in the Word. 

That is why verses like the ones above are possible. The Word of God is the mind of God and no one misses it if he is guided by the Word. Human feet need guidance, because we would not naturally choose that which is right. We make decisions on a regular basis, and we will only be able to do what is right when we have the right kind of help. Let it also be clear that though God does not force Himself on anyone, his instructions are not negotiations. They are commandments made by a commanding officer and which must be obeyed by all who bear true allegiance to the commanding officer. Yes, there may be times when I go wrong, but because God knows I am His, He can correct and restore me, and I will submit to His discipline and guidance. Does this describe me at the moment? This is a note of caution to all who want to follow the Word. It will not always be convenient, because the Word will challenge the human nature, but the eternal benefits make it worth the sacrifice. Would you submit to the authority of the Word? God's time of favour is here.

Set!

Set!

Psalms 84:5 AMP

[5] Blessed and greatly favored is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion.

This psalm is noted to be written by the sons of Korah. You will also find a few other songs and psalms written by these men. They were not as popular as David the king, but they find a path into the records of the book of life. The story of their lives is steeped in rebellion against God, as we remember the story of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, men who plotted against Moses and led a rebellion against the authority of God bestowed upon Moses. It is interesting to note that in those days, the instruction was that Israel should depart from the tents of these men so that they would not be destroyed with the rebellious, but the one account that matters to us today is placed somewhere in Numbers 26:11, which says: 'But Korah’s sons did not die [because they did not participate in the rebellion']. Reflect on this: what could have led these young men to set themselves apart from their fathers, and not participate in what must have been a popular movement at the time? The bible records that more than 250 people, including the families of Dathan and Abiram perished in the rebellion, but not these few sons of Korah. 

Who said that the majority is always right? Who says that if you have the numbers, you have the might? Who says that it is safe to go with the flow? Not so with God. God has never moved by numbers, but in every generation or dispensation, He always has a remnant that He keeps for Himself, in whom He can display His power. It has never been about impact by numbers, but impact by a personal encounter with God. These sons saw what God could do, and I am sure His fear and reverence were set in their hearts. In this evil generation, we need to be constantly reminded of who this God is, and what He can do. We need to remind ourselves often what the standards are so we do not ever forget. This is the message of the verse above: God does not set out looking for a multitude. He starts with that one man who places his strength in Him. It is that one man who will then impact the multitude and draw the hearts of men to God. No one dares to put His trust in God and is put to shame or disappointed.

It is clear that human strength is limited. It is clear that true power isn't in muscular strength or street credibility. Jesus is the Wisdom and the Power of God, and all who have Him have all that they need for life and Godliness. The verse above also gives a description of the man that God is looking for: his heart is set on pilgrimage, and is on the highways to Zion. Zion was called the city of David after he won it in a battle, which also means that those who will set on the path to Zion must be ready for opposition and resistance. However, having an understanding of what is at stake will keep me focused. As there is a physical Zion, so is there a spiritual Zion. There is a destination in view: a place of eternal rest. Do my daily pursuits and priorities show that I am bound for that eternal destination? Is my heart truly set on the journey, no matter the distractions? God is still looking for men and women whose hearts are totally committed to Him. He will not cast them away, but will bring them to the place of fulfilment. God's time of favour is here. 

Run!

Run!

Hebrews 12:1 AMP

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us,

Just before the verse above, we read of so many people in a hall of faith, men and women who walked by faith at a time Jesus was not yet physically manifested. These men and women were not perfect by the standard of the world; you find names like Rahab the prostitute, Samson the flirt, David the murderer and adulterer, and many others this world would have tuned out and turned down for any recognition. Many of them walked with this God out of personal conviction, and not for any desire to be popular. They did not seek God because it was the usual thing to do, but they came to a point of a personal encounter with this God, and they knew that no matter what happened, they were better off with God, than away from Him. Even the threat or the reality of death did not sway them from the course, and men like Daniel or Stephen could face lions or stones with courage and confidence, sure that their physical experience could not limit or change their eternal reality. 

It is interesting to note what was said about these men and women: 'all of these, though they gained [divine] approval through their faith, did not receive [the fulfillment of] what was promised'. Reflect on this: they were not humanly sure where their faith was headed; they knew something valuable lay at the end of their walk with God, but they did not receive it in their lifetime. God, in His wisdom, kept the best part for this present generation, and He had something better for us, so that these men and women would only be made perfect and completed in Him together with us, who now walk by faith, and have a relationship with Jesus. Think of a man like Abraham, watching from heaven, and seeing us take God at His Word, even when things do not even look like what we are expecting. Picture Samuel, seeing men and women bring God joy as they serve in the place of their calling, bringing the eternal Word of God to mortal men, and changing their lives for the better. 

These are the great cloud of witnesses whose lives should provide encouragement to us to also walk with God by faith. These men and women have finished their own course, and only at the end were they inducted into the hall of faith. The start does not matter as much as the end; you could miss the mark like Samson did at the start, but he found his way back to God at the end. Some could also have a consistent life of service like Daniel, and be brought before kings and mighty men, but it matters that you keep holding on to the end; no compromise, no blending in. That is the message in the verse above: do not let the views oe expectations of men derail you from the course. We have each been given a race to run, and we have the support of the Man of War on our side. He will supply what we need, but we must put in the work and walk the walk. Remember: nothing of earth will go with you into eternity, so let nothing of earth prevent you from running and winning the prize. His help is always available. God's time of favour is here.

All!

All!

2 Peter 1:3 AMP

[3] For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Peter would know what he was talking about here. Here was a simple fisherman a few years before this verse here, just minding his net after a fruitless night, and a simple-looking man came up to use his boat to preach. Of course, as Jesus is no thief, he made sure to bless this man for giving up his boat as a pulpit. Simon, as Peter was known at the time, was a timid man, and did not go looking for popularity, but the moment he left the boat with his father, and followed Jesus,  together with his brother, that was the day his life changed. Simon, which meant Reed, or as we would say it these days, was a weakling, but his encounter and experience of Jesus changed his life completely. It does not really matter what the past looks like; in the hands of God, that past is part of the story that would define the present and inspire the future. 

At a time, Simon denied ever knowing Jesus, but a time came, after the Holy Spirit had come upon him, that this same man stood up and preached a simple sermon about Jesus, and about 3,000 souls were saved. At another time, with the power of God, he and John healed a man born lame. I note that the end of the verse above actually defines the start of the same verse. No matter what your story has been, all who have a true and personal knowledge of Him who calls men to Himself by His own glory and excellence, are in a very peculiar position: they have access to riches and grace that cannot be defined or explained by man. I also note that no one comes to the place described above by virtue of personal connection, influence or networth; as the Bible says clearly, it is first to last all about the grace of God that brings salvation and has appeared to all men. 

It is by this grace that a timid man like Simon could be made bold and confident like a Peter. It is by this grace that a man who fled in order to avoid arrest alongside Jesus was the same man who stood up in front of many to defend the same Jesus. That is what the power of God can do. There is no need on this earth that the grace of God cannot meet. There is no demand on earth that can fully exhaust the resources of heaven. We have a God with no limits, because He is not bound by human and physical laws such as gravity or opportunity cost. No matter how complex the need, or unique the issue, God, who is eternal and timeless, can solve that problem. All that I need for both physical, as well as spiritual impact, are found in Christ. It is the connection with Christ that makes all that possible. I will not attain it outside of Him. He wants to display His splendor in and through me. Would you let Him? God's time of favour is here. 

This God!

This God!

Luke 1:49-50 KJV

[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name. [50] And his mercy is on them that fear him From generation to generation.

The words above were pronounced by Mary, the mother of Jesus, just before His birth. She had received news that shook her entire life, because what was ahead for her was unusual and miraculous. How do you tell a virgin, who has been engaged to be married, that she would be pregnant with child, with no help from the man she was betrothed to? How do you convince that man to stay committed and quiet in the face of these conflicting issues? In the event that Mary even thought that it was too good to be true, she was told, and she came and confirmed that her aunt Elizabeth, who had been barren for years, was now pregnant. All of these events made it clear to Mary that something amazing was just around the corner, and she was privileged to be a part of what God was about to do. Are there challenges in front of you right now? Be sure you are on God's side; the end looks nothing like the present. 

We know how the story developed. Mary had that child, born in human likeness, walked the earth like us, felt what we felt and then, He  offered up the perfect sacrifice for sin for all of mankind, so we could be reconciled to God. He paid such a huge price for us, and the best we can do in appreciation of this sacrifice is to give our lives to Him in return. Reflect on the depth and scope of a love that did not wait for me to earn or deserve what He was offering. The sacrifice was made at a time that none of us alive today was born, and there were no guarantees that we would submit to or accept His love. That is what makes what Jesus did both thoughtful and at the same time, sobering. This calls for me to reflect, like Mary here, on what I have received and how I can fully maximise the benefits and blessings that come from this sacrifice of love by Jesus. 

That is the message of the verses above. God has done mighty things for us. The Holy God took on sin and fully paid the legal price for its full discharge. The One who knew no sin became sin for us, so that we could become the righteousness of God. What is the right response to this? That is the message in the second verse above: Fear God. He has done His bit and now waits for me to respond. Fear of God will lead to taking the right steps to embrace His love. Fear of God will help me to pursue good and shun evil. Fear of God will help me run away from all that God hates and embrace all that God loves. Please do not take the grace and gift of God for granted. Do not wait for the 'best time' to surrender your life to Christ. Today is a present; tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. As it was in the days of Mary, so is it now. The Holy God is still waiting for as many as would come. Yes, generations and dispensations will come and go, but His arms are wide open. Come in, before it is too late. God's time of favour is here. 

Blessed!

Blessed!

Acts 20:35 KJV

[35] I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Paul had worked hard before and after his conversion. He was known for diligence in study and application, and these attributes became tools in God's hands to advance the gospel of Christ to the Gentile world at the time. As a start point, what is that in your hand at the moment? What are the talents, gifts and endowments that you have that the world needs now? What is keeping you from using them for the glory of God and to further His work in the lives of men? I have to keep reminding myself that whatever I have been given is for a reason and a season, and when the time is right, an accounting will be demanded of what I have done with all I was given. You do not want to stand before the Lord with a waste of His investment in you. An additional reflection from the verse above was the exemplary life of Paul. He would not just say it, but he would also match his walk with his talk.

That is the confidence of the first part of the verse above. He not also said it; he showed it by personal example. Do not be quick to make promises, but let your life's pursuits and priorities show where your allegiances lay. I also note that one of the purposes behind the labour of Paul was to be a blessing to other people. Too many times, our pursuits are more about self-promotion and not the exaltation of Jesus. We want to be wealthy and influential, and, whilst there is nothing wrong with this, what is the end purpose of the acquisitions? Is it just for the sake of calculating personal networth, or to build a network where lives are touched and impacted by that which you hold? Why do you labour: to just be seen to have made it, or to find a way to be a blessing to other people? Do I just want to be defined only by what I have, with no regard of lives that my being has been beneficial to?

It is only in Christ that a life can be blessed for what s/he gives, and not what is received. The world teaches the opposite, and men who are subject to the dictates of the world keep running, not even sure where they are going, but running all the same. Think of this: being blessed by God is such a wonderful thing. You never lack what the world needs; you always have what someone around you needs: may be a word in season; a shoulder to cry on; strength to rely on when the world around seems to be falling to pieces. At some point in time, value will be defined by touch, not by currency. A time will come when money alone will not solve the problem. I must focus on that which is in the mind of Christ, so that I can enjoy all that He promises. I cannot make a demand on that which I am not entitled to based on my current position or attitude. If I have to make a change, so be it. May the Lord help me to be relevant in this generation. God's time of favour is here. 

Preserved!

Preserved!

Nahum 1:7 AMP

[7] The Lord is good, A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.

Not much is known of Nahum of Elkosh, who received this message about Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria. It is interesting to note that this same city was the one that Jonah the prophet was sent to warn about God's impending judgement. It is even more poignant to note that this was a nation that had oppressed God's chosen people for some time, and you might wonder why God would be interested in their repentance. That is a side to God that we will do well to note: His love is not race or gender-based; His love is available to any and all who will come to Him. If a nation that had rebelled against Him was spared judgement because it repented, then  imagine the blessings that would accrue to a nation that stays faithful to God. If after all the warnings, anyone chooses not to return, then you cannot complain about the severity of the punishment meted out by God. 

Unfortunately for Nineveh, even though it was warned by Jonah, and it repented and was spared destruction, it later went back into sin and the vision of the prophet Nahum was about the coming destruction of the land of Nineveh, which happened not long after. With God, there is an air of predictability about His hatred of sin. He hates sin, and will punish it, no matter in whom it is found. If the people of Israel, chosen by God and set apart for His glory, could be punished for their rebellion and rejection of God, then let nobody ever think that s/he is immune from punishment due to a special status with God. In fact, the closer you are to God, the more careful and deliberate you have to be about your daily choices and habits. Sometimes, a man can become careless because the punishment for sin is delayed, as it was in the case of the land of Nineveh, but let there be no doubt that sin leads to punishment. 

His 'delay' is always about love. He does not delight in the death of a sinner. That is the message of the verse above. The Lord is good and there is no doubt about that. For all who have come to place their trust in Him, they will not be disappointed. That is the condition for access into the resources that God makes available. How can I lay claim to resources that do not belong to me? How can I pay allegiance to one master and then seek the benefits of yet a different master? God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill, but if I can take refuge and trust in Him, there is no end or limits to what I can achieve in and through Him. If you have tried other options and have found them to be disappointing, why not try this God? He is a refuge and trust for all who come to Him. He waits for us all. God's time of favour is here. 

Light!

Light!

Matthew 5:16 AMP

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

Light is good, but its value is best seen in a place where there is darkness. Light is good, and if there is no darkness at all, it is great, but as we know, being on earth and being part of a world that has succumbed to darkness make it easy for darkness to operate. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden has made it possible for sin and darkness to operate in the world with no resistance. Light then has  become a critical difference in a world that has been given over to darkness. It has to first be clear that Light proceeds from God. At the time of creation, that was the first difference introduced to an earth that was without form, and was void, with darkness upon the face of the deep. God spoke, and the Bible records that there was Light. In God is all that was made then made manifest, and he who will truly reflect Light can only do so in union with God.

That is the message in the verse above. All who claim to know and follow Christ must know that they have Light in them. Such people are careful and deliberate about their daily choices and habits. Light is good, but what would be its value if no one sees, feels or knows its presence? If Light is able to blend into the culture of its environment, or can be bent into alignment with the dictates of the wealthy or powerful, then it has lost its power, impact and appeal. However, we know that the nature of Light is that it reveals all secret or hidden things. It does not embrace darkness or hidden sins. Whenever there is darkness, you will not light a candle and then place it under a cover; you place the light in a  strategic place, so that it can give light to the whole space. I have been placed in such a position, by virtue of who I know and follow. What of you? Do you know who or whose you are? 

The impact and power of light is best seen in a world that has embraced darkness. It has to be before men that my life's light must shine, so that men of the world can see a difference, and be attracted to the light in me. My life has to challenge their own pursuits and priorities; my life has to offer a clear alternative to the bitterness and rage that the world knows. My life has to speak of peace that the world cannot limit or define, but cannot deny. I am not permitted to fold my arms and just blend in. By my good deeds, I sow seeds that will bear fruits. By my good deeds, I lay a good foundation for all who watch me. I poimt men to God who lives in me, so that men too can come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. May God be praised in and through me. May my life reflect the touch of God. May my life be a window through which the love of God shines through, so that men can see the difference and come to God. God is Light; there is no depth of darkness that He cannot dispel. Come to Him today. God's time of favour is here. 

Shine!

Shine!

Isaiah 60:1 AMP

[1] “Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, And the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.

In order to understand the expectations and demands of the present, it is good to clarify what worked well or went wrong in the past. This understanding will guide present and future conduct, so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. In this case, the chapter before this one laid out what went wrong. The chosen people of God had now become complacent and comfortable, and no longer upheld God's demands. They still held on to the practices and procedures of the past, such as the fasts and the sacrifices, but their hearts were far away from God. A simple sample of their state is laid out here: hands defiled with blood; fingers defiled with wickedness; lips speak lies; tongue mutters wickedness; no one pleads his case in truth; they conceive trouble and bring forth injustice. How would anyone think that God will be pleased to make Himself manifest in such situations? 

God sent a warning to His people, requesting repentance and return to Him. God will not lower His standards for anyone, and He will not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of our freewill. He promises a new covenant for all who will turn away from transgression and return to Him. For all who return, grace and help required to enable them walk in line with His demands will be supplied by God. He promises to put His Spirit upon all who return, writing the law of God upon their hearts, and putting His words in their mouths. Of course, that which God does becomes  spring that never runs dry, as long as those who receive it remain connected to the right Source. I cannot start in God and then expect to finish strong on my own. I cannot depend on God only when it is convenient, and then seek my own path at other times. The life I have been given is not mine to use as I please but as the giver and owner pleases. 

It is this understanding that drives the direct application of the verse above. Whatever has gone wrong in the past is now forgiven and forgotten by God, if I have truly surrendered it to Him. God wants to be glorified in and through me, and He will do whatever He needs to do to achieve this. I am made in His image and likeness, and I am in the best position to show off His power, enablement and giftings. If His new life is birthed in me, if I have surrendered my life to Him, if He is truly in control of my life, His light cannot be hidden or ignored. His mark of ownership will be obvious. For every product made, there is the manufacturer's label. The same applies to me: if I am truly His, His mark will be on me. His light must not be hidden. His glory must not be hidden. My words, actions, interests and interactions must all reflect His ownership of me. Am I truly shining for Him? Does He know me as His own? God's time of favour is here. 

Ready!

Ready!

Luke 12:40 AMP

[40] You too, be continually ready; because the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.”

The message in the verse above is clearly for a particular set of people. The verse proceeds from the position that its hearers have made a decision to submit to and follow Jesus, and they know what is ahead. The verse does not promote or permit ignorance; as it has been made clear from some of the previous devotions, the disciple is not one who is careless or ignorant about the expectations or demands of his master and leader. The disciple is someone who has weighed the cost of the decision to leave all and followed Jesus, and he stays ready for His return and reward. As a disciple, I cannot pick and choose the parts of the instructions that suit me or make me comfortable; I am under His complete authority, and I am subject to ALL His instructions. I cannot lay claim to His benefits and then seek to reject His directives. 

The verse above is one of His instructions. It tells me what is ahead, and what is expected of me. Jesus does not leave me ignorant or unaware of what is ahead, but He makes clear what I need to do to align with His instructions and expectations. He wants to be ready at all times, which means that my daily life must be directed in the consciousness that it can end at any time. Jesus has always made it clear that He will return to take home all who have waited for Him. There are some who have already died physically, and who have already met with Jesus, and there are so many others still alive, reading this, and getting ready for their own appointment with Jesus. No one knows the day or the hour when Jesus will return; in fact, Jesus Himself said that only His Father knows the day. No human permutations can decipher that day. No earthly scheme can help push that day closer. 

As you read the verses just before the one above, you see this earthly reference: "if the head of the house had known at what time the thief was coming, he [would have been awake and alert, and] would not have allowed his house to be broken into". In normal circumstances, no thief tells you when he is coming, so he has the element of surprise as his advantage. When you know the value of what you hold and have, you do all you can to preserve and protect it. You ensure that at all times, you know where your treasure is. In the same way, when you know the eternal value of what you have and hold, you will not allow anything of this world take it from you. It is not the occasional check up; it is constant vigilance. It is not a weekly appointment; it is a continuous evaluation of where you are, and what you need to put in place in order to end well. There is nothing this earth can give you that will be adequate compensation for missing out on eternity. Make sure you are ready. God's time of favour is here. 

Everything!

Everything!

Psalm 18:1-2 NIV:
I love you, Lord , my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

You would wonder from the verses quoted above just who and what exactly God is. There are many attributes; many descriptive superlatives; many appreciative words. We read these words and we quote them back to God, claiming the promises contained in them. While that is the ideal way to go, have you ever wondered at the experiences, circumstances and inspiration that birthed the words in the passage above? Do we pause to read between the lines, seeking to understand where the writer is coming from, so we can learn from his life? David was called 'a man after God's heart'. You would probably think he had it all swell and good throughout his entire life. Here was a young lad of 17 years, already familiar with death, fighting off lions and bears from his father's sheep, while his brothers were busy, albeit ineffectively, in the king's court. 

Nothing births inspiration like solitude. Here was a young man, thrust into the limelight at a young age, yet constantly reminding us through his words that God is the ultimate and the most important factor in a man's life. Here he was, being pursued by the state as a wanted man by the king himself, yet he was humble enough to respect God's anointing in a man's life by refusing to kill the king in his sleep when he had both motive and oppourtunity; afterall, he was fighting for his life. Add to this a life of polygamy and its consequences, and you would wonder just how much of God this man really had time for. Here was a man who became king on the strength of God's backing, yet had to kill one of his soldiers because he wanted to keep his adultery with his wife secret. Innocent blood was shed as a consequence of this action, and among many other reasons, God could not bear to have him build a temple for him.

 God called David a man after his own heart. He enjoyed so much favour from God that even Saul didn't enjoy. He was punished severely for his wrongdoings, but David never lost his fear and reverence for God and he never stopped praising, worshipping, glorifying and extolling the virtues of God. How many virtues and attributes of God did David mention here? These were his personal dealings from God and they were things he could point to as God's ways of showing him his might, power and love. David could call God these names because he had a personal encounter on various levels with God on these attributes. What can you call God? What can you point to as milestones in your life that point to God's gracious dealings with you? Remember, it is not so much about what you can do to deserve God's mercy; it is about how much of God's grace you realise is available for you. 

David was not the best of men, but that didn't matter to God. He wasn't looking for perfect men to love, he was looking for men who he could love into perfection. He wasn't looking for self-righteous, pompous men, who probably think they deserve the mercy of God, but for repentant sinners he could impart his righteousness into. Don't ever think you could stake a claim to God's grace and goodies on your own terms. You aren't good enough by your own standards, but you are just perfect for God's grace and mercy. He seeks to show himself strong in your life. He seeks to bring all his words to pass in your life. Let him have his way, let him prove himself mighty as we walk with him, allowing him to use our lives as a spectacle for the world to see. God's time of favour is here.

The Price!

The Price!

Matthew 16:24 AMP

[24] Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple],he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].

As always, there is a different message for the crowd, and a different focus for the disciple. The same words may be said to both groups of people, but the expectation or response would be different for both groups. However, there would always be a time when even though Jesus is addressing a particular set of people, His message is actually for the whole world. Today's extract is one of such instances. The verse above makes a clear invitation to everyone who will listen to the counsel given by Christ, and it is for ANYONE. Jesus makes no discrimination against anyone based on their past history of sin. It does not matter how bad the past is, how murky my history has been, or how complicated the present is. Jesus keeps an eye on the future, because that is the most important consideration here. No matter what my today looks like, tomorrow must be kept in view. 

It is this tomorrow that Jesus is addressing here. If I will follow Jesus, there are some foundational things that must be in place to make the following worth it. The first thing that Jesus requires is that I deny myself. It means a change of mentality, a change in pursuits and priorities and a change of direction. Whatever it was that made me tick in the past must give way to that which makes God known in and through me. Whatever it was that I used to love must give way to that which Jesus loves. I cannot insist on my own way and still expect to follow Jesus the way He wants me to. The next thing that Jesus mentions is a cross. This is where many of us may struggle. How and where did a cross show up? At no time did Jesus promise that I would not bear a cross, but He makes it clear that I will not carry it alone. The cross is fundamental to following Jesus. 

How can anyone claim to follow Jesus and then reject the cross? Jesus could not take hold of the glory that awaited Him without going to the cross. In the same way, I cannot take hold of all that Jesus promises if I do not go His way too. Following Jesus makes sense when I go with the right heart, the right burden and the right attitude. Following Jesus will  involve believing in Him, conforming to His example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Him. This is why the decision to follow Jesus cannot be taken carelessly or lightly. It could lead to some unpredictable occurrences, but when you consider the end of all things, you know the end will always make the experience worth it. The expectation has not changed, and the standard will not be lowered. Jesus still waits for as many as will come. Would you? God's time of favour is here. 

Loved

Loved!

Romans 5:8 AMP

[8] But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

There was a time when it was lawful for God to apply the due punishment for our sin. He had laid down the law on appropriate conduct and given us rules and regulations, but of course, we flouted these with impunity. It was an endless cycle of irresponsibility and rebellion against God, and which, in line with the principles of God's Word, deserved eternal damnation from God. One thing is clear also from the dispensation of the law: it provided clear guidelines on conduct, but it could not provide the help needed to align with the guidelines. It is not a wonder that the same chapter from where the verse above is taken from says: "While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly." That is the definition of love that should grab our attention.

It is convenient to love those who are lovable, or who have placed themselves in the position where affection comes easy. However, God's definition of love has to give us pause for thought: in what way were we lovable, or deserving of affection? Reflect on God's view of man at the time of Noah, when God looked on the earth and saw how debased and degenerate it was, for all humanity had corrupted their way on the earth and lost their true direction. It was on this basis that the flood happened, and all mankind was destroyed, except Noah and his family. In that same story is the account of God's hatred of sin, and how his love can preserve. The same God who destroyed the earth at the time, also preserved a man who found favour with God. In the face of justified punishment, there was still a silver lining: man could find help to live above sin and escape punishment. 

It is this help that is the focus of the verse above. This love did not wait for me to be well deserving of help, but it was given to me all the same. At a time when I did not even know that I needed help, it was given to me long before I was born. Reflect on this: an amazing inheritance was made available for me, even before I was born, with no guarantee that I would accept it. That is what makes this love even more amazing: it was given without conditions. However, it must be noted that if I reject this love to the end of my natural life, I will have no one to blame but myself. Jesus has done His part to offer me a pathway back to God, and it is in my best interest to take hold of this and apply it to my life. Love like this is eternal, but I only have this earthly life to take hold of it. Love like this is freely given, even though it cost God the life of His one and only Son. Do not let that sacrifice be in vain, otherwise, there would only be eternal regret. God's time of favour is here. 

Like Christ!

Like Christ!

Philippians 2:3-4 GNB:
Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble towards one another, always considering others better than yourselves. And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.

The verses above are not for the fainthearted or for those who are unsure of their stand in Christ. The call we have received is one that calls for a honest self-evaluation and a honest feedback mechanism which will tell us if we really are ready for the sacrifices, trials, pain and pleasure that our walk with Christ will bring. The world runs on a different standard. The people of the world need to be seen as the movers, the doers, the shakers and the go-getters. People here scheme each other out, even eliminate opposition by all means necessary just to get ahead, seeking to be seen as benefactors so they can enjoy the 'glory' that comes with human recognition. Men now attach a price to the good they are asked to do, seeking temporary, human applause at the expense of the recompense of Him who is the true reward of all who diligently seek him.

The world needs to be seen, so it has to be busy. It does not matter the spirit or intention with which that thing is done; all that matters is the recognition and the feel-good factor that the world gives when it seeks to appreciate its own. However, God runs by a different standard. His greatest works have been done by men that most of us cannot remember but who heaven celebrates. Paul was particular about this when he said in 1 Corinthians 3:6 GNB: I sowed the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. Neither Paul nor Apollos could boast about the achievement; both were only vessels used to start what God has already purposed. A clear and honest understanding of our limitation and humanity will help us know our place and appreciate the workings of God's power in our lives.

God seeks to do great things in our lives and through our lives but the issue of our humanity must be addressed. Can God trust me that I will not seek to appropriate the glory due him to myself? Can I put other peoples' interests ahead of mine? Can i deny myself my 'rights' so that the rights of the other man can be upheld? Can God trust me with his kingdom's resources? These are questions that we must answer before seeking out these resources. The dangers of mismanaging heaven's resources are fatal and eternal. May I be found trustworthy to be entrusted with what God is doing in my generation. May my heart be free from pride and greed, so that God may have his way in me and use me for his glory. God's time of favour is here. 

Called!

Called!

1 Peter 2:21, 24 NIV:
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.... “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Have you ever sat down at any time to just consider the full weight, expectation and demand of the call of Christ? Have you ever once asked yourself if you fully comprehend just why He called us and if you are indeed walking in line with His expectations for your life? These are very pertinent questions, and these require honest answers. First of all, we must strike a balance between those who believe that as Christians, God does not want us to suffer and those that preach that the God who calls us is a God of prosperity. Both are not wrong but both are also not fully correct either, as long as they hold on to one thought without having regard to the flip side. Today's extract supports the position of each side, while highlighting the possibility and the practicability of the other. Suffering is an integral part of the Christian walk. This is what most of us do not want to hear. 

What Christ has done is to take away the just punishment for our sins; he has taken our place and borne our punishment. What He now expects is that we live as redeemed and forgiven children, who appreciate a father's sacrifice and can extend that same love to other people. When God demands silence when we are abused, when he demands love in the midst of hatred, when he commands that we pray for those who despitefully use us, I wonder how else you can define suffering. When God makes a demand on life itself for the sake of the gospel, what greater suffering for Christ can be more than that? We have closed our ears to these truths and told ourselves that as Christians, suffering is not our portion, but contrast this with the apostles of Acts 5:41 NIV: 'The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name'. 

These are the people whose inspired words we conveniently quote when they favour us, but we also convenienty forget that it was God's dealings with them that made them the finished product we read about today. Suffering for Christ needs to be separated from the sufferings of a sinful, sin-sick world. The world is in the grip of the devil and he has no good to share, only evil, so for as long as we remain on earth, some experiences are inevitable. People, God cannot trust an untested vessel. Do you use anything or anybody for a big project without first testing the quality and staying power of that thing or person? Do you entrust finances into the hands of a man who is yet to be found faithful in daily petty cash responsibilities? Can God entrust eternal, kingdom affairs into the hands of a man he cannot trust, a man he is not sure will stand up to truth when the demands of this world come calling? 

Those are the questions you should ask when next someone preaches a message of prosperity without responsibity or success without a price. On the other side also, there is evidence to show that God wants his children to be responsibly successful. What greater message can be preached when the people of God are physically, financially and spiritually sound, dictating the pace of the economy and making God's will and purpose prosper in the earth? The question is: why aren't there many of these people? I think this has been answered. Wealth and prosperity do not mix well with an untested, immature Christian. God wants to have eternally-minded children and whatever he gives us that will distract us from that eternal goal will be kept from us for our own good. 

We keep asking God for prosperity and success, while we run away from the qualifying tests and experiences that will reveal the quality of our convictions and our staying-power. Can God trust us now with eternal riches or do we still need to go back to his school and learn endurance? Are we ready for the responsibilities and dangers of prosperity? Have we been tested enough to be trusted with true, Godly wealth? The responses are ours to truthfully consider. As you evaluate your present circumstances, you can honestly know if you are ready for God's next class. He is faithful, ready and willing to bless me, but am I ready, tested and trusted enough for the responsibilty of Godly treasures? There are no blessings without conditions and no wealth without testing-time and responsibilities. Can God trust me with all these? God's time of favour is here.

He Comes!

He Comes!

James 5:7-8 NIV

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

There's a disease going on around now, and it is the NOW syndrome. We want to be very successful NOW; we want to be prosperous NOW; we want everything NOW. We now find suddenly successful people who have not matured enough to handle the pressures that money, success, fame, position or power bring. We find women who are distracted by these things seeking to get a part of the wealth and success, doing anything imaginable, even selling the bodies that do not belong to them in the first place, just to get a bit of the action. No wonder our world is directionless, and in the grip of a grab-it-now culture; a culture that celebrates acquiring things without really asking how these things are obtained. Today's extract seeks to get our minds in the right direction. 

The seed is one of the most mysterious of God's creation. It is small, and some are almost insignificant and minute, yet it is the start of a process, a procedure and the beginning of a miracle. No one can trace the origin of the seed, but all plants and trees can all be traced to a seed. The farmer takes this small seed and after carefully ploughing the ground and making it fit, puts the seed in the ground. He nurtures the seed and the environment around the seed, ensuring that the seed has everything it needs to grow well. It is not a short process, but it is a lesson in preparation, patience and consistency. You never lose attention; the weeds don't sleep and the farmer can't sleep either. That is the lesson we can adapt to our walk as Christians. We are like seed that the Lord has planted in our world. He has given us everything we need to grow and to nurture the world we have been put in. 

The process is not short; it takes time and as we co-operate with God, he takes us to the place he has prepared for us. We must trust his nurturing, preparation and planning because ultimately, it is His seed, not ours. As we run this race therefore, let us remember our origins and our purpose. We do not own ourselves, we are God's. The purpose is not ours to determine, it is God's. We were not put here to pursue our own good, but to pursue God's purpose, and only as we do that do we manifest the glory of God and bring the joy of harvest to his heart. He is coming soon, and his reward is not for wealthy or connected people, it is for as many as have found his purpose for their lives and are actively pursuing it, no matter the standard the world judges them by: rich or poor. Find your purpose and pursue it. God's time of favour is here.

Do Well!

Do Well!

I Peter 2:15-16 NKJV:
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

If the verses before these ones quoted above are read, a dilemma comes up: do I obey every authority, Godly or otherwise? Can I make a choice as to which kind of authority to obey? If I know that my rulers are not Godly, can I, out of conscience's sake, refuse to submit to them, claiming that I submit to a higher authority? These are questions that have agitated the minds of many of us, especially in a community where authority is godless, directionless and immoral. Still God speaks on this matter and says: Submit to all authority. God's Word makes an assertion in the verses before these ones above, and it is that all authorites are instituted by Him. What this means is that nobody rises to authority or kingship without God's knowledge and permission. Our role here is is to submit to their authority.

Submission, however is not docility or complicity in permitting evil to thrive and go on unchallenged. Evil is to be resisted in any guise or form or in any personality in which it is seen. God expects that as his earthly representatives and ambassadors, we promote his grace, power, love and mercy to everyone. We do not fold our hands and watch evil thrive; the bit we can do, we do, trusting God that He will take care of us.
God has called us to be free; not free from authority, but free from the bondage of the devil; not free from obeying other authorities, but free to obey all within the bounds of God's law, trusting God that as we do this, our lives will reflect God's power and will speak to others.

It is amazing how much of the standards of God's Word people know. They cannot and will not obey God, but they surely will hold any 'Christian' accountable to his confession. If I claim to know Christ, then my conversation, company and conduct must show that I am of a different stock. Reflect on this: Slaves do not have a choice in the instructions they obey. They do not analyse the boss' instructions and choose the ones to obey. If we are slaves or bondservants of God, then, according to these verses, we do not choose what to do; we do as we have been told. Only then can the Master be glad with our service and our lives' light can shine for the entire world to see. May God find us worthy of being his light and life in this dark, dying world. May our lives be examples of obedience and grace; lives that know when to speak and act and when not to say or do anything. May God be continually glorified in us, as we submit to authorities instituted by Him. God's time of favour is here.

Strength!

Strength!

Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV:
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

It has been said several times that the best time to serve God is when you are young. The Bible also testifies to this in part when it says that the glory of the youth is their strength. If you seek both great virtues as well as terrible vices in abundant supply, look no further than the youths. The youths constitute the bulk of the employable workforce; they are mostly the matchsticks you need to start a mass movement, and they are also the raw materials for an active revolution and rebellion. The age of the youth is a delicate one: most believe that at this age, there is practically nothing you wish to do that you cannot accomplish..

Let me introduce you to a verse that nullifies that thought: there are circumstances that strength cannot unravel; there are knotty issues that human wisdom and guile cannot resolve; there are situations that will test the foundation of your faith and principles which have nothing to do with the number of your days or with the amount of white hair that you have. It is in these types of situations that the verses above make sense. These verses encourage us to look beyond our physical, emotional and physiological attributes and strengths and look to the One who can dispense with all our strengths just to prove a point. He is the One who can use simple, weak things to silence the strong, or use foolish things to shame the wise. 

He is the One who paid his tax and that of His disciples with money found in the mouth of a fish; He is the one who once made an iron axe-head float on water. There is no law of science that would make man walk on water but there is also no earthly law that can explain or prevent the operation of heavenly laws. There is no merit or qualification when it comes to having access or being entitled to God's endowments. He gives it as he pleases and as I walk with him, my own weaknesses become evident and my need for His help becomes obvious. I must never think that I can help myself in any way. There is nothing in me that can take me where God intends. It is only God who can bring me to the place he' has prepared for me with the resources he alone has. As I wait on him, His strength becomes mine, and I am empowered to do great things for him. Outside of him, I am nothing, no matter what the world thinks I have. Looking for strength, wisdom, favour or guidance? Find God, find all you need. God's  time of favour is here.

Success!

Success!

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.

Oxford Language dictionary defines success as 'the accomplishment of an aim or purpose'. I note that this definition does not make any distinction between good or evil aims or purposes. It simply defines it from the perspective of the end, not the means. This is why the world has been unable to provide any clarity on what success really looks like. How do you know if what you hold is the real deal or not? How do you even determine if you are on the right path towards that which is the real deal? These questions, I believe, are the focus of the verse above, which also provides the answers we are looking for. At the top of the list of priorities is the need to define the aim or purpose, so you can determine how to achieve it. Joshua here had an assignment, which was to lead the people of Israel into the land of promise. How do you take a stubborn, rebellious people into a strange land, if you do not have the right kind of help and guidance? 

God knew what Joshua needed, and He came to provide these. Again, it is noted that in order to access all that God was providing, there was a role for Joshua to play. The thing about success from God's perspective is that it will demand something precious from you. The natural man's greatest attribute is his sense of 'independence', where he thinks he can make it on his own without help. For all who will access all that God offers, that sense of 'independence' wil be one of the many things that would have to be given up. What God gives in replacement is that which has been effective for all of time, which is His Word. Reflect on this: right from creation, the Word of God has been at work. The Word continues to work wonders in the lives of all who are fully submitted to His authority. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of our freewill, but be sure that He will display His splendor in the lives of anyone who dares trust Him with his/her all. 

The Word of God is His recipe for success. In the Word are solutions to all of life's problems and there has not been any human issue from any generation or dispensation that the Word of God has not been able to solve. By daily and constant meditation on the Word, you get insights and information that others do not have. Your pursuits and priorities are guided by the One who knows the end from the beginning. You are quick to obey whatever instruction you are given, because you know the power of the One who gives it. Of course, when you obey God, He moves on your behalf. When you do what pleases God, He is pleased to bless you on His terms. This is where true success is defined, the type that the world cannot understand. It is not defined by physical possessions but by a life that is possessed with pleasing God. It is even called good success; that extra that God gives makes it worth pursuing. If you have tried and are tired of the world's pressure, come to the One who gives without reproach, and your eternity will be glad you did. God's time of favour is here.