The New!

The New!

Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 AMP

The old has been ushered out, and the new is in. We joyfully celebrate the new, but we must always remember that, in the process of time, and according to the laws of nature which are established by God after Noah's flood, that which we call new today will also give way to what is new soon. This present earthly life will continue to revolve until God calls it to an end. What was new a few hours, days, weeks or months ago will become old. Do we also see a parallel in the spiritual? Paul's words in the verse above remind us of the change that occurs in a life that has decided to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. There is a remarkable difference between the  old life, and the new life birthed by God. This change first occurs IN the heart of man before it is manifested OUT of the man. This change has nothing to do with qualifications, entitlement, or influence, but it is all by the grace of God who calls men to Himself. 

The first man was born an original, brand new, no evil, no sin. The seed of righteousness was inputted into him, because he was created in the image and likeness of God. This original plan was a man created to think, act and be like God over all that had been created. There was no provision in the initial plan for sin and its effect, because with God, there is no mistake or Plan B. Man's mistakes and carelessness are the root causes of the back up plan to redeem man from the clutches of his evil choices through Christ. All I need to do is have faith in His power to save and confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour. That is how easy it is to settle the question of eternity. No matter what my earthly status, personal networth, connections or position may be, I must keep right in front of my mind that nothing down here was built to last forever. 

Only in Christ am I assured of a life that never ends, because Christ is the only One known to have conquered death. For all men born of women, there is a need to take advantage of the plan put in place by God to restore man to his original position. All of us must go through the process, if we must enjoy the benefits and blessings promised under the new birth. Nothing else will work; because with God, you cannot come to him on your own terms. We already tried that before, and what we see today is the result of that evil choice. God has provided a new way, an eternal way, through his own Son, for us to get back all that was taken away from us. The old must pass away, and the new must come in. New life is birthed through Christ; no other way will secure that same end. Remember that with God, a thousand years are like a day. Whist there is room, I must make the right choice, and enjoy the fullness of all God has prepared in Christ. 

Appetites will change; friends will change; the focus of comfort will change; the things that used to matter will change, the eternal becomes more important than the earthly and the temporal. These are just a few of the things the new life entails, and I must keep doing an honest audit of my life to see if i am on the right path. Nobody else, except through the help of the Holy Spirit, can do this audit for you. So, for all who have decided to accept Jesus, the change has occurred and the journey has begun. New standards have been set and new priorities and pursuits are birthed. The old loses its appeal, because it was based on the sinful human nature which could never submit to God's rules. I now have a new nature, with new rules. If at anytime I find myself attracted to the old, it does not mean I have already missed it; it just calls for me to focus more on God and less on my own abilities and capacity, so I do not lose what I have already received. Welcome to the new life made available by God. God's time of favour is here. 

All In!

All In!

1 Kings 8:61 AMP

[61] Therefore, your hearts are to be wholly devoted to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as [you are doing] today.

Solomon had learnt from his father what the right way of the temple set up, worship and preparation were. Recall that at a time, there was some bit of carelessness about how the ark of the covenant was to be handled. This was what led to the death of Uzzah, who put out his hand to steady the cart that was carrying the ark of the covenant in those days. Solomon had now built a proper place for the ark of the covenant to stay, with instructions on storage and location in place, in line with the instructions that had been passed on to Moses by God in the wilderness, as Israel journeyed to the land of promise. Years roll by, generations and dispensations come and go, but it is a thing of joy and, at the same time, a warning, that God's standards do not change, and will not be lowered to fit my narrative or my weaknesses. I am the one who must seek to live up to God's expectations and demands.

It is not a wonder, then, that it was recorded that when the priests had come out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the Lord’s house, so the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory and brilliance of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. When I honour God, He takes His place and there is no limit to His manifestation and visitation. Solomon understood what was at stake when he prayed to dedicate the temple he had built. God does not need a physical edifice where His presence can be restricted to, as He is the Lord over all the earth. He is not a God that can be boxed up, or divided into parts in order as much of the world as possible. He is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnificent. Solomon knew that, as lovely as the building was, it was not enough to contain God. It is an awesome privilege for an immortal God to relate with mortal man. It is not a relationship to be treated with levity. 

It is one to be viewed with awe, because the same God we know as the Lamb, is also called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is the God of mercy, but He is also the One who will judge the living and the dead. He is the Living Water, but He is also the all-consuming fire, before whom no impurity can stand. It is not a wonder, then, that Solomon reminded the people of the nature of this God, and warning them not to be distracted from following God wholeheartedly. God does not deal with the hypocrisy, pretence and eye-service that seem to be popular these days. He knows my heart. I must walk daily in His statutes and keep His commandments. It cannot be a yearly, weekly, or monthly affair, but a daily reality. If only Solomon had adhered to his own charge here, maybe his end would not have been as it turned out to be. I have to be all in; this new year must not be the same old story, but a new commitment to walking with God daily. What of you? God's time of favour is here. 

Number!

Number!

Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction.

Psalms 90:12 TPT

So teach us to number our days, That we may cultivate and bring to You a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12 AMP

Consider the words of the verse above,  which were written by Moses, the man of God. He was a man who saw God in action in Egypt, across the Red Sea, the desert, seeing quite amazing miracles, as welll as punishment for rebellion. He was also a man who was given the privilege to see an image of God, whatever form it took. Yet, at the point of taking the people into the promised land, he made a mistake. Whether it was assumption on his part, simple carelessness, or taking God for granted, he was refused entry into the promised land. Moses knew firsthand what God's anger looked like, and what His wrath and mercy also looked like. Do we want to have the same experience as Moses before we learn about the fear and wrath of God? We also seem not to speak about God in this way and manner anymore. We seem to seek a God who is a buddy that we can bend to our will; a God who permits our sins; after all, He knows that we are human. 

However, our understanding of God's grace must never diminish our revulsion of sin, and we must never get to a point where we do not see sin the way God sees it. It is by seeing things the way God sees it that I can accord it the necessary importance. God hates and will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. If I take nothing away from the experiences of Moses as recorded, let this be a word of caution: God is to be loved, feared and worshipped all at the same time. Knowing God means knowing what He loves and hates, and pursuing after the things He cherishes. That is the secret and foundation to the treasures laid out in the extract above. What would God have me know, as I take stock of the year just passing away? First, God is willing to teach and I have to be willing to learn. It is God's prerogative to teach me how to number my days the right way. Man is by nature slow to learn, which is why he repeats the same mistakes over and over again. 

Man does not have the strength or capacity to resist sin by his strength, but only in and through God can man find the grace to live right. I also note that my mortality is both my greatest asset as well as my greatest limitation. I must therefore learn to number my days the right way, and interpret my life correctly. I have to understand my mortality. I was given this one life to make the best use of it, and I only get to live it once. All of the time I am given is a gift, and I get to decide how I will use it. That is the greatest gift God has given man: the gift of choice. But there is also a counterbalance, which is the power of consequences. My mortality is my greatest asset only while I am still alive; once the earthly phase ends, it is either heaven or hell. There is no fence to sit on. The devil also knows how important my life is, and that is why he sets up obstacles, distractions and detours, so I can take my eyes off the One who can help me end well. If I listen to the devil, I expose myself to deceit and the lessons get longer and more confusing.

If I keep my eyes on God, I have access to His help, which is available free of charge. His love is steeped in eternity, so nothing of this world can be more important to Him than my eternal reality. There is an accounting to be done at the end of my earthly mortality. The reason why God must teach me and I must learn is because I must stand before God to defend what I have done with the life He gave me. Think about this: I get to live maybe 120 years on earth; yet, that is nothing compared to what lies at the end of the earthly phase. If I can take God's Word as true, and claim His promises of protection and provision, why would I doubt His Word about heaven and hell and the consequences of rejecting His Son Jesus? The value of my life is defined by its eternal reality. That is why Jesus' eternal words make sense, where He says: "what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul? If eternity has not been birthed and is being sustained in my heart, my life has no eternal value; I am only living for the now. 

There is help available to live right, but I must choose to submit to the One with the help. I have the power of choice; God has the power of consequences. He will not force Himself on me, but I also cannot ignore Him forever. One day soon, all knees, either by choice or compulsion, will bow before the King of Kings, even Jesus Himself. It is better I bow now and get eternal life sealed, than to bow it in compulsion, with no hope of eternal life, lost forever. A new phase, new day, new month, new year starts shortly; whatever it is that is new in my life is good news, but there is just one news that never changes in focus, intensity or eternal value, and it is that: Jesus returns soon. Am I making my life count now? Is eternity being birthed in me? Am I learning all that God wants to teach me? God's time of favour is here. 

See and Sow Right!

See and Sow Right!

2 Corinthians 9:6 AMP

[6] Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed].

In the season we are in, where we celebrate the greatest gift given, and also look ahead to a new beginning, both physical and spiritual, it is important to sort out the sights and sounds that impact the way I act. The verse above speaks to sowing, but there is also a different dimension to the verse above  There is power in the physical senses, and they also indirectly impact my spiritual senses. Just as the eyes define what I see and what I avoid, so do the ears define what and how I hear things, and how I respond. It is not a wonder, then, that the wisest man who ever lived,  Solomon, charged us to guard our hearts with alll diligence, because out of the hearts flow the issues of life. What I see or hear, or how I see and hear wlll definitely impact my life's focus and direction. There is a lot of pieces of information available everywhere I turn, and a lot of decisions to be made with what I receive. 

One of these important decisions is where to commit the resources that have been placed in my hands. The verse above charges me to sow. It lays out two different types of sowing leading to two different kinds of outcomes. Before I go criticising the one who sows sparingly, could it be it is a function of what or how s/he sees? What if the one who sows sparingly only sees a non-fertile ground, and does not want to commit precious resources into a ground that may not yield value? Could it be that this person is not seeing what God wants him/her to see? This is also where my spiritual eyes need help, so I can see the way God wants me to see. I can only function the right way when I know what to do and when to do it. There are lives to bless and impact, but I have to know that I have not been sent to the whole world at the same time. There is a specific ground at a specific place and time that needs that which is in my hand or life. 

There is a life that needs that which has been entrusted into my hands. Would I give it sparingly, or would I give it generously? As laid out in the verse above, there are earthly and eternal consequences to what and how I sow. Sowing implies precious seed, prepared ground and an expected bountiful harvest. Not all seed put in the ground will lead to the right harvest. Not all grounds can provide a conducive atmosphere for the seed to bear good fruit. As I look to the new year ahead, I must keep at the back of my mind that I am not sent to everyone at the same time. I must align my eyes, ears and heart to where God is at work, so that my life can have the impact it was commissioned to have. In this new year, may the Lord help me to see the right way, so that my actions can be directed for maximum impact. There are lives to touch. There are destinies to fulfil. Can God entrust these into my hands? God's time of favour is here. 

Foundation!

Foundation!

Romans 10:9-10 KJV

[9] that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Every passage that has been considered over the past few weeks has led to this. We have made reference to the greatest gift ever given to men, and what this gift was to achieve in the lives of all who receive Him. The gift was not given because God could absolutely guarantee that the whole world would accept His Son; He gave the gift regardless of what my response or reaction would be. As the Omniscient God, He knows all things, but for the sake of that one, maybe two, three or maybe a billion people across many generations that would accept the gift of His Son, God knew the sacrifice was worth it. The writer of this letter, Paul, is also a study on the power, reach and impact of this gift. If anyone was present at the stoning of Stephen to death, and how this young man was zealous for the Jewish customs and traditions, and you later heard him preach about Jesus, you would struggle to connect the dots. 

It was the same gift that was available to Simon Peter that was also available to Judas Iscariot. It was the same gift that available to the two thieves crucified beside Jesus. We know how the story ended for these four people, and the many others in the Bible who had access to the grace of God made flesh in Jesus Christ. The same gift; the same grace, but different outcomes. I do not intend to establish the exact reason why Judas failed and Peter didn't, and I would not say I know exactly why one thief responded to the free gift on offer, whilst the other rejected it to the end, but one thing can be established: God gives everyone of us the power to respond to His gift anyhow we choose. He does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. He also does not give room for being on the fence; in fact, there is no fence. You are either all in or all out. 

That is the thrust of the extract above.  Whether it was the thief on the cross, or Simon Peter at his worst, we all have to come to the point made above. The gift on offer is salvation from sin, and a translation into eternal life, but it will not happen by accident, or by osmosis. There is no room for being passive here, or just assuming that all will end well. I have to make a conscious decision to admit that I need help, and that only Jesus has the help that I need. I must then ask Him to come into my life to help me live above sin, and to make a commitment that I will always seek His help for all of life's decisions. My lips and my heart must work in sync; I cannot say one thing and mean the opposite. I cannot claim to submit to Jesus, whilst my daily routine promotes false independence. He has offered true life; He has given all of Himself. What would I give in return? What would I give up in order to take hold of eternal life? God's time of favour is here. 

God's Work!

God's Work!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 AMPC

[3] Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one].

Paul, Silas and Timothy are credited with the words above, from a letter to the church in Thessalonica. This was a church that had issues with different themes at the time, such as the signs of the end times, the return of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, and false teachings. These men had to take time to teach the members of this church what the truth was about these themes. As it was then, so is it even now. As Jesus has not returned, the men of the earth have embraced many strange teachings about these themes. We now hear heresies such as 'Christ has already long come back' or that 'the dead have no hope'. None of these statements is true, but because it is comfortable and convenient for those who are in sin to hold on to what does not challenge their fallen state, they are fine with these. Where do I stand in all of these themes? 

Am I careful to search for, and diligently follow the truths as laid out in the Word of God? For those who have come to a personal encounter and knowledge of Jesus, they hold on to the truths of His return, the signs that will precede His return, and are also wary of the activities and teachings of false prophets. For me today, what are those truths that I have come to know and hold dear? I must remember that it is what I have stored up that will become available for me on the day that trouble, trials, tribulations or tough times come calling. It is the deposit that will give room for adequate withdrawals. Whatever comes my way must meet me in God. It is a dangerous thing to be careless about my position in God. If I am not IN Him, I am exposed to danger, and the devil does not know what mercy is. His mission, as laid out very clearly, is to streal, kill and destroy. 

However, there is a counter-argument for whatever it is the devil wants to bring. This is what the verse above makes clear: there is a God who rules and reigns in the affairs of men. He is called 'Faithful', which means that He is able to do all that He promises. No matter what comes, He can preserve from all evil, and ensure that my feet do not slip. I must always keep reminding myself that God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. It is love that must draw me near to God, and it is awe and reverence for Him that must keep me close to the source of all power. It is He who gives strength when all else fails; He is the anchor for when all around is sinking sand, and He is the guard and guide when you are not sure what to do. The evil one has no power when God has stepped in. Have you met this God? Do you know this God? Does He know you as His own? God's time of favour is here. 

Eternal King!

Eternal King!

Luke 1:31-33 KJV

[31] And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. [32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: [33] and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

The greatest gift of God came in human form. This must have been the reason why it was very easy to miss. Heaven rejoiced at His birth and tried to spread the good news to as many as would receive it, but there were many others who did not like the news, and they took steps that led to the death of innocent children. How could such good news lead to such bad outcomes? As it was in the days when Jesus was born, so is it today. Men are still debating the value, truth and impact of the gift that was given. Men are still looking for that flash across the sky, the mighty rumblings and trumpet blasts that will herald the birth of the king that will come forcefully lay down His kingdom. Unfortunately, men have, and continue to miss it, because that kingdom has since been established, and it is left to all of us to decide how we will respond to that kingdom. 

The name of the king was laid out before He was born: Jesus means 'Yahweh saves' or 'The Lord is Salvation'. That makes it clear what His purpose and mission are. He has been made manifest to save. Of course, if He is to save, it means that there are captives to be delivered from bondage. The One to save must also be stronger, wiser and bigger than the one who has kept people in bondage; if not, salvation would be difficult. The name is the secret to all that follows: He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. Of course, the source always defines the power and impact. If someone is God, He has the power to go with that identity. If He says He can and will  save, there is no other evidence to prove the contrary. If God could establish an earthly dynasty for David, imagine what He can do with an eternal dynasty. 

Recall the promise of God in Jeremiah 33:17 KJV: For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel. That is a promise by a God who has been proven over and over again to be faithful to His promises. That kingdom that was promised to David was fulfilled in both the physical and the spiritual sense. Jesus is also called the Son of David, and He sits on the throne of David as the crowning reality of all the promises that God had made. What is that thing that you consider impossible, or you have been trusting God for? With this God, time does not run the way we consider it; He is not limited by time, circumstances or laws. He is Eternal, but He also wants me to trust Him for the earthly phase of impact. I can only do this in conjunction with the King who is Eternal. How would I make eternal impact if I do not have the Eternal King as my Lord and Saviour? He has been revealed; the choice of response is all mine. Eternity hangs on my decision. God's time of favour is here. 

Room!

Room!

Luke 2:7 AMPC

[7] And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.

The day eventually came. The day that all the prophets had spoken about had finally come. Many of the prophets, Moses, David, Isaiah and Malachi were not physically alive at the time of the birth of Jesus, but all their words and messages had pointed to this specific time in history when the destinies of men were changed. People had no hope now had access to hope. People who could not see or envision any kind of future now had a tomorrow to look forward to. Interestingly, at the time Jesus was born, not too many people were aware that something fundamental was happening. People went about their regular lives, with no idea that life, hope, joy, peace and favour, among many other things, had now been made flesh, and revealed among men. That is what the birth of Jesus mean, and it is a reality that must be proclaimed to all of mankind today, and for all of the time left on this side of eternity. 

The virgin woman gave birth, and there was no earthly trumpets to proclaim the birth per se. The world did not stop spinning, and men did not stop hating. In fact, as we know, whilst heaven was rejoicing, king Herod was causing extreme sorrow by putting to death several children that were below the age of two. As heaven was filed with joy, man was scheming to perpetuate himself in power, even if it led to the death of others. At the time appointed by God, the virgin woman gave birth to the boy who is the Saviour of the world, and although heaven was glad, earth was grossly and totally unprepared for what was happening at the time. If the earth knew who it was, would it behave any differently? As we know of God today, He does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the free exercise of choice that I have. The gift has been given, and it will not be withdrawn as long as the earth remains in place. 

Like all gifts, there is a time frame for my response. I do not have forever on this side of eternity to make up my mind what I want to do with the gift. As it happened when the boy was born, so is it still happening today. People are busy with their lives, and pressing on with deadlines and time frames, and the clock continues to tick. Time passes on, and the day of reckoning draws near. At that time, men did not know what had been given, so there was no room for the special child. For us today, we cannot claim ignorance of the gift. The commerce around the season had now made it easy to be reminded of the Christ of Christmas. As I celebrate, I must not leave out the One who makes the season worth it. As I celebrate, I must keep reminding myself to pour out from what I have received to bless the lives of other people. Would you make room for Him? Would I? God's time of favour is here. 

Blessed!

Blessed!

Luke 1:45 AMPC

[45] And blessed (happy, to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord.

In the present days we are in now, where it seems that faith does not make sense, we are reminded of the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This is the human vessel by which the greatest story of all life was made manifest. The story of Mary gives us an account of faith where a woman, who had no prior experience to lean on, or anyone's story to inspire her, still believed what she was told would happen to her. She held on to what she was told, even when the physical evidence around her did not make sense. Indeed, if you only move when what you hear makes perfect sense to you, then what you hold on to cannot be defined as faith. As we know, faith is defined as the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. If you already know how the story ends, and how it will also unfold, what do you need faith for? It is in this light that the verse above must be understood

How do you tell a young virgin that what has never happened before would happen to her, and she must take it? I take the view that she had a relationship with God, for her to accept the very incredulous message she was given. This is also a lesson for me: it is the little things that determine the impact of the big things. If I have not learnt how to trust God for His guidance in the little things, how do I hear His voice and get His guidance for the big events of life? Mary must have been close to God for her to not argue with the angel's message. Like her, I must cultivate a healthy relationship with God. Life has many twists and turns, and it will not always pan out the way I want, but the one thing that matters is what I do with God. He wants to be fully involved in my life, but He will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill. This is the power of choice, and the consequences that follow every choice. 

Mary made a choice at the time to believe. I will also make choices all through life. For Mary, she believed what the angel told her, and the verdict of God was that she was blessed. When God blesses you, what curse can stick to you? When God has changed your story, men may still refer to you by the old circumstances, but they are the ones not in tune with the times. As the version above lays out, that person is to be envied. We speak of Mary today, as an example of faith. I am sure she is listed as one of the heroes of faith laid out in Hebrews 11. God stakes His name and reputation when He speaks, and He cannot afford to let His words fall to the ground with no impact or effect. His words are eternal, as they reflect His nature. Whatever He has told you must make you confident that He can do what He has promised. He is capable to do ALL He has promised. God's time of favour is here.

What do you Say?

What do you Say?

Luke 1:46-47 AMPC

[46] And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, [47] And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

In understanding the context in which the verses above is taken, we must consider the life of the vessel God used to usher His Son in to the world. Indeed, there is a lot of value to be placed on holiness and a right standing in God. We also know that God can use anyone or anything to fulfill His will and purpose, but there is a power behind purity that makes a louder message than any megaphone can. Here was a young lady who had made up her mind to stay pure, and she was made some amazing promises that her mind could not fully fathom or understand at the time. She was told that something that had never be done, and would not be repeated again in all of creation, would happen to her. Of course, she had her reservations, but considering what she had just heard, who could blame her? Anyone else in today's creation will also marvel, and may even doubt that things would happen as they had been mentioned. 

As incredible as the news seemed to her, as soon as those her initial reservation had been addressed by the angel, she accepted the plan of God for her life, and by that same expression, became a part of the story of creation that would be spoken about for a long time. Compare her to the prophet Zechariah, who received similar news, but could not respond the same way as Mary. Their physical realities were different, but God had not changed, and you still cannot predict Him with any degree of certainty. Zechariah, as a man, had his doubts too, but it mattered how he expressed them, and he was made dumb until the day the promise made to him was humanly manifested. There is nothing this God cannot do; there is nothing so bad that He cannot change. There is no life so far gone that s/he is beyond the mercy of God. What is that mountain that seems impossible to move? 

What I say is a function of what I see and believe. Of course, many men will see the same thing as others, but will get different results based on each person's faith. Check out the words of Mary in the verses above, and you see, quite clearly, that she had come to believe every word that had been spoken to her by the angel. Her soul was able to rejoice at the amazing things that were ahead of her. She did not have or know the full picture, but what she was told, and the authority and power of the source of that information, were all enough for her to believe and also respond accordingly. Like her, we also have the unique opportunity to see what God is doing in and around us, and to respond accordingly. For Mary, her joy was in the Lord alone, and we know how she ended. For us, it cannot be any different. My words must reflect who I am, whose I am, and who I follow. May God help us all. God's time of favour is here. 

Among Us!

Among Us!

John 1:14 KJV

[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

At the very start, the Word was not man. The Word is God; the One by whom the earth and the heavens were made. In fact, the Bible says that without the Word, nothing was made that was made. The Bible also adds that in Him was Life, which is the Light of all men. Man is not able to comprehend the Word without the right help, as sin had now become man's greatest problem. If sin could not be dealt with, man would have been lost forever, and the penalty for uncovered sin would have been truly fatal, as made quite clear in the Word. However, God, in His infinite mercy,  thought it best to provide a way of escape for man, so he could be reconciled to God. Other options could have been considered, but none was found sufficient for this purpose. What was the value behind daily, weekly or yearly sacrifices, which could only provide temporary cover, but could not forgive sin? This is the reason why the Word of God, which is the person of Jesus, had to come in human form, so He could be the perfect example of a sacrifice that God would accept, as that final and perfect solution for sin. 

So, what did we get? The Word of God, by which the world was made, became the very source by which men of the world are saved. He became like the very ones He came to save; His glory is such that no mortal man can stand, withstand, or limit. If He had come in all His glory, no man could touch Him, not to talk of putting Him to death. However, He left all that glory in heaven, so He could be the perfect sacrifice for sin, and the author of eternal salvation for all men. He came down as man, dwelt amongst us as man, ate and drank with us as man, and also died in that same human form, so we could know that even in that our human form, we have hope. He lived above sin, giving us the same hope that as we depend on Him, we also have the same power to live above sin. He is with and in us, as long as we surrender our lives to Him. He has risen now, and His glory is fully restored. All who belong to Him see His glory. Do not forget: only those who surrender to Him recognise His glory, and can look forward to enjoying the benefits of His presence. 

You do not expect a God who you do not surrender to, to then turn around and release the full blessings of His presence on you. If I will see His glory, it starts with total surrender at the foot of the cross. The cross is the place of final strife with the devil over my soul, and as Jesus has risen, He has won the victory and offers that same victory to us: who are called by His name. The critical question then is: Are you for Him? Am I? Does He know me as His own? Am I paying lip service to the Word, or is He truly at the centre of all I am and do? He is full of grace and truth; He freely bestows these on all who come to Him. Just a warning though: just as He is full of grace and truth, so is He capable of judgement when grace expires. A time is coming when all we see now will be destroyed by fire, and ALL men will stand for judgement. While His grace is in place, take full advantage. At the end of God's grace is eternal life. At the other end of a rejection of this grace is eternal damnation. As always, the choice is mine to make, but the consequences of my choice are eternal. God's time of favour is here.

Empowered!

Empowered!

Luke 1:35 AMP

[35] Then the angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a cloud]; for that reason the holy (pure, sinless) Child shall be called the Son of God.

As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus, we are reminded of the parties and events that surrounded His birth. God the Father was involved every step of the way, but there had to be human lives that would be ready and available for His use. God is the Almighty Father, and He can do whatever He wants to get done by any means whatsoever,  but it is an awesome privilege for us, as mortal human beings, to be found as vessels He can use for His purpose. This is why we do not take the grace of God for granted, or think that we can somehow earn whatever we get from God by good behavior. There was this virgin girl who had kept herself pure; consider the impact the news of her pregnancy would have had on her. In fact, the one she was betrothed to was planning to divorce her quietly, but the Holy Spirit intervened to settle his confusion, convincing him to stay the course, as there was glory ahead. 

Of course, the virgin girl also had her own personal reservations. It was in the days when purity was a big deal, and it is still a big deal to God these days, no matter what the world tries to tell you, or how it seeks to belittle the value of purity and holiness. How would she become pregnant without knowing a man, which was the usual process for such an experience? The Holy Spirit made it clear that all that was ahead was a function of the manifestation of the purpose, plan and power of God. The Lord can chart a new course for anyone, and do what has never been done before, so that His glory can be revealed. Is there anything ypu consider as too hard or impossible for you to achieve? You need to place that thing in the hands of God, and let Him do what He alone can do, so that His glory can be seen, and the hearts of men can be drawn to Him. 

The end result that God wanted to achieve made Him do what had never been done. We will not have a virgin birth again on this side of eternity, but we will definitely see a lot of unique, never-repeated miracles. If there are more than 8 billion people on the face of the earth, each with unique fingerprints, God sure has more than 8 billion ways He can solve a particular problem. He is not limited the way mortal man is, and He cannot be fitted into a mould or box. The Holy child of God, the Son of God, was to be born, and heaven would witness mighty things. God is still doing the amazing and the miraculous today, and any life that will submit to Him will definitely have encounters with the supernatural enablement that only God can give. The gift of Jesus shows that God is committed to my earthly and eternal health. Would you surrender your life to Him today? God's time of favour is here. 

Look Well!

Look Well!

Hebrews 12:2 AMPC

[2] Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 

There is power in the eyes. In fact, the eyes represent one of the gates through which both earthly and eternal impact are defined. There is also a scale of preference and priority for what should hold my eyes, as I am not able to do two eternally opposing things at the same time. That is what the verse above makes clear. It starts by making it clear that must be a looking away from something, and a looking to Jesus. That looking away is very important. Ask Lot's wife; in fact, maybe the third shortest verse in the bible, Luke 17:32 simply asks us to 'Remember Lot's wife'. Why is this important? She was asked, along with members of her family, to run for the hills and not look back, when the Lord was sending judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Whatever it was that was the exact attraction that made her look back, we may never know, but we know the consequences of her looking back. 

I must avoid anything that takes my eyes off Jesus to anything or anyone else. The price for distraction is usually very high. There is an earthly, as well as eternal, benefit to looking on Jesus. As the verse above makes clear, He has walked in our shoes, felt what we now feel and is able to sympathise with our infirmities and weaknesses. There is the birth and sustenance of our faith in Jesus, which is made possible by the life and death of Jesus on the cross. There is also the completing of our faith in the same Jesus, as He is the One who has been where we are now, and is also the One who has been where we want to be. Who else can take me to the place where I need to be, than the One who is seated at the right hand of the throne of God, where all of life starts, and to whom an accounting will be demanded at the end of life itself?

It did not also come to Jesus easily. He had to go the way of shameful death on the cross, in order to secure for us the life we now have. He is called the Leader and Source of our faith, because He has done what no other person or authority could do for us. He is able to keep us grounded and focused, until we lay hold of the maturity and perfection that are at the end of our walk of faith down here. There must have been something that kept Him going, even when faced with the hard and bitter choices ahead. Like Jesus, we also fix our eyes on the joy at the end of our current experiences. We endure the pain of this present earthly phase; we hold God's hand as we pass through difficult terrains. We hold on to hope that the end will definitely be better. I ask God for grace for this race, and help on my life's journey, so that I will end well. God's time of favour is here. 

Identity!

Identity!

Ephesians 4:2 AMPC

[2] Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.

Paul started the chapter from where the verse above is taken by introducing two relevant parties: the writer and the audience. He introduced himself as the prisoner of the Lord and also made reference to the people he was writing to as those who were called into a particular vocation by the Lord Himself. You find different people from different walks of life bound by the same connection to a God who calls men to Himself, and also equips them for whatever assignment He has for them. Reflect on how Paul introduced himself: a prisoner of the Lord. Whatever physical limits were placed on Paul, these would not stop him from being who God wanted him to be. Men may place demands on me, but I must never forget whose I am, and who defines my pursuits and priorities. Do you know who you are, whose you are, and where you are headed?

Those who know who they are live by the standards of the One they claim to know and follow. Their lives will reflect the personality, peculiarites and preferences of the One that they seek to look like. This is the charge in the verse above. The standard is to live in complete lowliness of mind, which is another way of emphasizing humility, as well as being meek, unselfish, gentle and patient. As we know, the fruit of the Spirit has patience and kindness as some of its dimensions. What this tells me is that I cannot have any of these attributes outside of the One who births, sustains and guarantees them. If I ask God to teach me patience and humility, how would I learn the right way, if I do not engage with situations that are likely to encourage pride, strife and conventions? It does not appear that i can learn all that God intends, without some inconvenience.

It is God's way of bringing out His best in me that counts. He can use anyone and anything to bring about His plan for me. It is the same lives He has asked me to impact that He will use to teach me the lessons I need for life and Godliness. The Lord wants me to bear with other people, and make allowances for other people, out of love for others. It is not about seeking what works for only me, but what brings glory and praise to God. It is not about insisting on my right, but ready to let go of what may seem right, so that all of God may be revealed in and through me. Like Paul, the secret is in being assured in whose I am, and also sure that all I do is guided by the One who calls and equips. There is a right way to look like the One I follow, because, like Paul, I am His prisoner. I live and serve at His direct command, and as my commandant, He will define the reward. May we not lose that which God has promised to all who serve Him to the end. God's time of favour is here.

Delivered!

Delivered!

Psalms 34:4 AMP

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

Again, we read about David, a young man who was found faithful by God to lead the people of Israel after king Saul. David was anointed by Samuel, but it would take another 20 years or so for David to ascend to the throne. For the season of manifestation that God is preparing me for, there would be seasons of preparation. In fact, it would appear that the more time passed, the farther away that David seemed to go away from the kingship. God's Word will never be broken, but I have a part to play in bringing to pass all that God has promised me. I must keep my own covenant with God to walk upright before Him. David's life is a study in how God walks with a man who is willing to walk with God. Is there a promise you are sure God gave you? Hold on to that Word; the creator of time knows how to make time work for my good. David's experience, as noted in the verse above, also shows that both the good and the not-so-good form the total package of God's dealings with man. How does God know what is in me if He does not test it? 

How does He know how I will handle comfort and confusion if He does not bring both my way? How would the treasure in me be made manifest, if He does not take me through what will make that treasure shine out? We see David here having to go to the territory of the enemy, the land of the Philistines, because king Saul was looking for him to kill him. The enemy recognised him and would have exposed him to Achish the king of Gath, but David had the presence of mind to pretend to be mad, so he could escape. Whatever the reasons we could give for what David did, he escaped. Be sure that tough situations will arise that will test your faith in and stand with God. Things will happen that will shake the foundation of all you think you know. For a season, it will appear that the enemy is gaining ground on you, but as long as you are connected to God, it will always end in praise. It was this experience that birthed the words of today's extract. David sought the Lord. It means that God needs to be my utmost priority. 

God is always available to all, but He reveals Himself to all who truly seek Him. It is like a gift; it remains unwrapped and unappreciated unless and until someone opens it up. The promise by God, to which David and several other people in the Bible testified to, is that God will be found by ALL who truly seek Him. Why do I seek Him: is it about seeking solutions to my own needs alone, and not really concerned about what He wants to do with my life? Do I seek after God's purpose for my life or am I seeking validation for my own plans alone? Now, this is where knowing God is a daily walk and work. David called to God here, but his problems were not solved overnight or brought to an end immediately. God would still take David through a process to teach him how to depend on God totally. Saul didn't stop chasing David, and David would still learn both pleasant and painful lessons on what God desires for all who seek to walk with and work for Him. However, one thing was sure: David came to know God intimately, so much so that God called him a man after his own heart. 

It was not that David was such a model citizen in behaviour, but he was a man who loved God and would not hide it. Can the same be said of me? It was this personal experience of God that would take David through the years of his kingship and beyond, to the point where the lineage of Jesus is tied to David. When I cry to God and He appears to be 'silent', would I still trust Him? I note that God delivered David from his fears, not his experiences. Those experiences were needed to prepare David for where God was taking Him to, and for the man God chooses to use, He will not shortchange the process. As I look forward to a new phase, I ask that God will keep my eyes fixed on Him, not on the ever-changing landscape. Nothing I see now is permanent; only God is. I ask God to deal with fear in my heart, so that I can look forward to the challenges ahead. The journey will be worth it. The end will justify the means. Eternity with God will make all the pain and pleasure worth it. God's time of favour is here. 

Faith!

Faith!

Romans 10:17 AMPC

[17] So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).

We read of the letter of Paul to the church in Rome, and he was speaking to an audience that was not mainly Jewish. These were people who had come into contact with the gospel of Jesus  Christ through the preaching of Paul, and the other men who were with him on these missionary journeys. Many of the people who heard had responded the right way to the message and had come to place their faith in Jesus, accepting Him as their personal Lord and Saviour. That is the thrust of the gospel, and what it hopes to achieve: that men, no matter where they have been, or what they may have done in their past, have access to the grace of God that has been expressed in Jesus. We are in the season of Christmas, where we lay firm emphasis on the greatest gift given to man, and which has sealed our earthly gain and eternal hope. 

I can strive to challenge men by my words, but it is only God that can prepare a man's heart to receive that which God intends. I can speak with all the eloquence and elocution that education may give; but it is only God that can birth and also sustain that which leads to faith. What is faith? It is confidence in the person and power of God, even though you have not seen Him. It is an assurance that if I can only hand over my soul to Jesus, He can save my soul from eternal damnation. If I have to physically hold it before I believe, it is no longer faith. If it has to appeal to physical senses first, it is not really faith. I take God at His Word, and there is a burning conviction in me that He can save, deliver, and preserve to the end. Am I waiting for it to 'make sense' before I give my life to Jesus? It will not make sense to the natural man, but by the power of the Word, the natural man can give way to the spiritual man. 

This is where the one who gives the message comes in. Faith comes by hearing, but hearing must be about the One who can save from the power of sin. How can a man hear about the One who can save Him, if there is no one to speak to him/her about the Saviour, or there is no access to the Word? Christ may not reveal Himself physically, but He has left copious and clear evidence about Himself on earth, and it is my responsibility, as one who has had an encounter with this Jesus, to make Him known by my conduct, conversation and the company I keep. Faith comes by hearing the right message, and the right message has to be about the right person, so it can birth the right response. Anything else done to promote self, or selfish agendas may seem to succeed for a while, but will eventually crash and burn. Jesus is the focus; He is the reason for the season. Let us make Him known, so the world can respond to Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Patience!

Patience!

James 5:7-8 NIV

[7] 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. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

James, the writer of this letter, was speaking to people addressed as 'the twelve tribes scattered among the nations'. Trials had brought the Jews into places they were not familiar with, and the going was tough. Just at the very start of this letter, James was really encouraging his audience to count it all joy when they faced trails of any kind, as God was working out His project of perseverance in them, so that they could become mature and complete, not lacking in anything. Just for a moment, reflect on what it would take for God to prepare a man, through trials and tough times, for a lifetime of maturity and impact. If I were to ask God to teach me how to be patient, is it a pill or tablet He will give me, or would He bring situations my way that will teach me patience? If I were to ask God for a personal experience of Him, would He not give me one that will stay with me forever.

That is the message in the extract above. The fruit of the Spirit has patience as one of the many manifestations, and this tells me that this attribute can only be possessed, as well as exhibited, by people who are under the control and influence of the One who gives it. How do you expect an unregenerated man to produce that which only the regenerating Spirit of God can birth and sustain in a man's life? That is why the extract above refers to brothers and sisters, members of the family of God, washed by His blood, and on the path to eternal life. As we journey, we will surely meet with challenges that will sometines challenge our understanding of who God is, and what He can do, but these strengthen our faith in God, and help us endure tough times. As I keep an eye on the future, I ask God for mercy to cover the past, and His abundant grace and strength for the present. 

An example of how this works is given in the extract above. A farmer would have taken time to plough the ground and prepare it to receive life-changing seed. He would then invest time and resources to ensure that the seed has the right environment to grow and mature into fruit. There will be a lot of weeding out and watering, as well as protection from pests and adverse weather conditions. The farmer does all these in hope of a bountiful harvest, also praying for the rains to come. There are contributions the farmer has control over, and there are others He has to trust God for. That is what patience does: you play your part by surrendering to the authority and Lordship of Jesus, and He sorts out the impact and fruit your life must have, in order to draw others to the saving knowledge of Jesus. He will play His part; would I walk with Him to bring His purpose to pass? God's time of favour is here.

In God!

In God!

1 John 4:16 NIV

[16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

We read again from a letter written by a man who could testify to a personal relationship with God. It does matter if a man has had this personal encounter. A lot of people have heard or read about God from the accounts of other people. Rather than ask God for their own, they go all out in the strength of these non-personal stories, and build edifices on these. John was not one of such people; he said quite emphatically that what he had heard, seen with his own eyes, and touched with his own hands was what he was now proclaiming to his audience. Can I speak with such clarity and conviction, sure and confident in the God whom I claim to know, follow, and serve? It really does matter if a man has met with this God. This personal touch is what will sustain when the going gets tough; when the rains come down, and the winds blow and beat against that which we have set down.

It is love that has been personally experienced that can keep a man focused on the eternal, whilst still navigating the earthly. I note that God's love does not prevent us from going through tough times; it keeps us focused on the One who lives inside of us and makes the journey worth it. Reflect on some of the things this love has brought us: we were redeemed from the curse of the law, at a time when we did not even know we needed help. We were set apart by God to be the reflection and expression of His power and glory, and by the things we do, we make God known. We declare His power and glory by the way we live our lives. We have tested this God, and we have found and proven Him to be true to His word and promises. As it has been said earlier, God is love. That is an immutable statement that is true in all its ramifications, no matter what the current circumstances look like. 

Sometimes, things will get very 'bad' in our own estimation. For a child of God, everything works for the good of them who love God. We are the ones who define events by our own estimations and conclusions, but God is not moved by the things we can see. If I could only see with the eyes that God sees me, I would not fret when I do not have what I ask for at the time I think I should have it. As long as I am IN God, I am where I am expected to be. Let the winds, storms, and rain meet me IN Him. Let all that is coming, good or bad, meet me IN Him. I can reach out with what I am and have IN Him, because His presence and power IN me cannot be ignored. The one who has God is not ordinary, and cannot live an ordinary life. Make sure you are IN God; make sure God knows you as His own. Eternity is too long a time not to be sure of where you will spend yours. Have you responded and received the love of this God? God's time of favour is here. 

Preserved

Preserved!

John 10:11 AMPC

[11] I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.

This account of the good shepherd are words directly said by Jesus Himself. No other person could have said those words with the same conviction, and the backing of God the Father too. What is the message here? First, Jesus knew who He was, and what His assignment on earth was. There was nothing that powerful or enticing to distract Him from the work He had purposed to do. Picture the image of a shepherd: the life of sacrifice, toil and labour for the good of the sheep. Reflect on the accounts of David, and you get the sense of who a shepherd is. He puts himself in harm's way, in order to protect the sheep from danger. He finds pastures for the sheep so they can eat in peace, and also lie down in safety, for rest and nourishment. He takes the time to know the sheep personally, and as the chapter from where the verse above is taken makes clear, He even calls them out by name. 

That is a personal touch that cannot be faked by just anyone; it is the result of careful and deliberate action: to know the sheep, so that if anything goes wrong at anytime, the shepherd is fully aware, and knows what to do. If this is the work of a shepherd, and the verse above refers to a good one, it means that there are bad ones too. Anyone can claim to lead some sheep, which are naturally docile and can be easily led astray, but God wants me to know the good version, who cares about the sheep, no matter how few or many. He also does not delegate His work to another; He takes it on, and does it well. This is why no other sacrifice can be better than the one this good shepherd has made for the sheep. He did not wait for the sheep to make it worth the sacrifice; He paid the sacrifice first, knowing that even if it is only one sheep that is kept safe, it was worth it. 

In that is also a warning: for all that the good shepherd has done, there would be eternal consequences to rejecting Him forever. Think of all He did to bring us to a place where we could choose, of our freewill, to accept Him as Lord and Saviour of our lives. He did not wait for me to be worthy, but be sure that He will demand an account for the life that He paid such a high price to secure. Even though I may claim that my life is my own, it truly is not. By the law of redemption, whoever paid the price of redemption of that which was condemned, now owns that life. As Jesus has fully paid that price, He actually owns all of us. While I still have the power to choose, I must willingly submit to Him. A day comes soon when grace expires, and judgment is done by the One who risked His life for me. May that sacrifice not be in vain in my life. Amen. God's time of favour is here. 

Forgiven!

Forgiven!

Psalms 85:1-2 NIV

[1] You, Lord, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. [2] You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.

We hsve been covering the acts of God for some time now, and today, we consider one of the songs of the Sons of Korah. We know the popular David, and the many songs he wrote, but it is also instructive to see other people such as these men, being given a platform to also testify of the goodness of God in their own lives. Let us take a step back and consider who Korah their father was. This was a Levite man who rebelled against God, along with Dathan and Abiram, and was severely punished by God when the ground opened up and swallowed up all three men and all they had, together with their families who had joined in the rebellion. Yet, in the same chapter where God's judgement was applied, we read that the sons of Korah did not die on that day. They did not join in the rebellion of their father, and they made sure to stay away from those who had chosen to rebel. 

Who else would have reasons to praise God, if not these sons, who had seen God at work but more importantly, had experienced His mercy and grace that day. They would have gone in the ground, along with their families, but the decision to stay away from rebellion saved their lives. It really does matter what my daily decisions are, as they are the foundation of what I get from God, or what becomes of me in the future. God will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. In fact, the more of Him you know, the more you must avoid sin at all cost. These men could praise God for the mighty things He did in their lives, because from the verse above, they could testify of the favour of God upon the land and the people too. I learn from this too: God wants to prove He is God in my life, if I will let Him. He will not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. It has to be a willing surrender.

How did the sons of Korah know about the forgiveness of God and His covering of the people's sins, if they had not experienced it personally? How can you testify of an encounter with God if you do not have one to share? How can you speak eloquently about a God you have not spent time with, in order to know Him, His ways, and His expectations for and from you? The lives of these sons are loud testaments to who God is, and how He deals with us. He has made clear what the standard is, but He also gives grace to enable me align with His standard. He does not just command; He also empowers and enables. He has given a platform of access into His nature, and I must live my life in appreciation of what I have received from Him. He has done His part; the response is mine to sort out. He has made a way for me to be fully reconciled to Him, and there will be no excuse for sin anymore. How would you respond? God's time of favour is here. 

The Sign!

The Sign!

Isaiah 7:14 AMPC

[14] Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].

As we have always pointed out, God's ways are mysterious, and beyond searching out. If He chooses to reveal something to you, it is His perogative what He reveals, as well as how and when He chooses to reveal it. He is the Creator of the entire universe, and it is to Him that all of the universe answers to. He is the Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent God, who knows all, is everywhere, and can do all things, no matter the level of difficulty that the world has assigned to that thing. His will and purpose also play fundamental roles in what happens around me. As there can be no accidents where God is concerned, whatever comes my way as His child aligns with His will for me. Yes, storms will come; the wind will blow, and the rain will best down, but the Word of God becomes the shield and the anchor, protecting and strengthening my faith as I hold on. 

Ahaz, king of Judah, was not a nice man by God's standards. God's account of him was that he did not do right in His sight. He made his son pass through the fire, and offered him as a sacrifice, in accord with the abominable and idolatrous practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the Israelites. Here were a people called by God to be His own people, but here they were, led by a king who was leading them into idolatry. You would think that God had done enough, and would have a good reason not to get involved with their battles, but there were other important considerations at stake. The mercy of God does not always make human sense, but it must also be taken for granted. Ahaz did evil, yet he was one of the few kings who received the sign of the coming Messiah. As it was in Ahaz's days, so is it today. No matter how much evil exists today, the sign given in the days of Ahaz is still in effect. 

The enemy was planning to come against Judah, and the enemy was stronger in number too, but there is a God who reigns over the affairs and plans of man. Even though there was immediate trouble, God was already looking forward to both physical and spiritual deliverance from the power and effect of sin. He had seen His people really struggling and helpless, and He was preferring a permanent solution to the problem of sin. The woman who not yet known a man would conceive and bear a son, whose name would reflect the eternal nature of God. That which had never happened before and would never happen on this side of eternity is now the proof of God's grace and intervention in human affairs. By the virgin birth, God has put in place a permanent solution to the eternal consequences of sin. God now lives in man, because God the Son came down in our likeness, so He could walk in our shoes. He has done His own part; how would you respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Give 2!

Give 2!

Proverbs 11:25 AMPC

[25] The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered.

2 Corinthians 9:6 AMPC

[6] [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.

In this generation where it appears that it is easier to keep things than to let go, we are reminded of the standards that God demands from all who claim to know and follow Him. The two verses above reflect the standard across different generations and dispensations, with one verse speaking to the old testament era, and the other speaking to the new testament audience. What this tells me is that it does not matter where and when the command is given; those who understand the giver of the instruction know that He is not limited by time. What God wants are the children who are obedient, no matter what the current environment dictates, or what this uh oh current clime tries to sell to us as acceptable. If God forbids it, it does not matter how many people are doing it. If He commands it, it also does not matter if few people are doing it. The majority will never always be right; it all depends on what God has asked us to do. 

In the old testament extract above, we hear from Solomon, the man who was blessed by God with wisdom beyond his age. When a man like that speaks, we will do well to listen. What he says makes it clear that the liberal person shall be enriched. Being liberal in giving would mean being generous, open-handed, and giving freely and abundantly, often more than expected, without hesitation or stinginess. It implies a large quantity in the gift, whether it is of money, time, praise, or resources, and it  focuses on the abundance and warm-heartedness of the giving. I reflect on what has been laid out above, and you have to wonder how someone who gives out like it has been said above be enriched. How do you get more when you are always giving away? This is why it matters who is giving the instruction, and who I am obeying. 

In the hands of God, you find never-ending supply. That is why the second verse above, from the new testament, further buttresses what the old testament verse said. He who is stingy when it comes to what God desires is also keeping himself away from the reach of God's blessings. The secret is in keying into where God is at work, and aligning your resources with His plan and purpose. Such alignment comes with earthly and eternal impact. You cannot be involved in what God is doing, and struggle for resources. If what you have and hold now is available for God to use whenever He wants to, be sure that He will keep giving you what you need for Life and Godliness. Be very sure of who owns your heart and hands. The way you give reflects your priorities. If it is God, you will never lack. If it is not God, it is not too late to get it right. Does God own all of me? God's time of favour is here. 

Encouragement!

Encouragement!

Romans 15:5 AMPC

[5] Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

Paul was writing to the church in Rome, and a lot of the Christian principles we live by are laid out quite clearly in the book of Romans. It is interesting to note from the start of the extract above that God gives many things. We know God as the Provider, Healer, as well as the Almighty, but have we ever noted that these attributes of God are appreciated fully when things do not go according to plan? You do not fully appreciate God as Provider when there is no immediate need. We can praise God when things are rosy, but the true test of the value we attach to our relationship with God will be made evident when things are hard. Paul was not your regular guy; he was learned in the ways of the Jews, and he was going to make impact, at least in his personal estimation, before he had that life-changing encounter with Jesus. That was the turning point in the life of Paul. 

Paul's life did not stop; it just took on a whole different direction and meaning, and today, we all testify to the grace of God that was quite evident upon the life of Paul. Reflect on all the stories you have read about this man, and see if you could endure even some of what he went through, and not give up. Aa he said in his own words, he had received from the Jews 39 lashes at 5 different times, 3 other times, he was beaten with rods. He was also pelted with stones, and was shipwrecked 3 other times. Tell me, who will  go through these things and still speak of encouragement, if the person has not seen something or someone bigger than those experiences. That is where Paul found himself at this time, and that is where we may find ourselves too at some point in time. The Lord does not promise us perpetually clear skies and calm seas; He guarantees His presence with us, no matter what else is going on around us. 

As we also know, when I ask God to teach me patience and endurance, He does not just give these out, but He brings situations that will help teach me these virtues. As I go through life, I must be clear that God is interested in both my earthly and eternal lives. It is by His dealings with me that I can live the right way with those who are around me, and also keep the line of communication with Him clear of any distraction. It is the grace of God that I have received and personally appropriated that will be of great use in my interaction and engagement with people. Like Paul, grace received helps to understand other people. I have become a representative of Jesus here on earth, and by my words and actions, I make Him known to men. Am I representing Jesus the right way? Is Christ glorified in and through me? Supply is still available, if I seek all of Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Pray 4!

Pray 4!

Psalm 34:18 AMPC

[18] The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.

We have seen David at his best, as well as at his worst. We have lived through his highs and lows; seen him confront the lion and the bear when no one was watching, and also seen him confront the giant Goliath when the whole world was watching. We also saw him go into adultery with another man's wife, and though no one at the time saw him do this, his own son Absalom went into all his  father's concubines in the view of all of Israel. It must be noted, however, that in all of these things, the word of God records that God did not withdraw His steadfast love from David and his house. We see the way God laid down the kingship of Judah as a lifetime appointment for the house of David, and we also see how the eternal kingdom of Jesus was established through the lineage of David. All of these experiences make you truly wonder at the dealings of God with mortal man. 

The accounts noted above are just a small reflection of the big picture. The verse above does tell us that David was in the camp of the enemy at the time. He was already annointed king of Israel, but he needed time for proper preparation before his season of public manifestation. Saul was looking for him everywhere to kill him, but David keep moving around. At some point, he found himself in Gath, a stronghold of the Philistines, the land of Goliath that he had killed some time ago. Reflect on this: the next king of Israel was a fugitive, running around and hiding in places where he could have been killed. Anointing will not keep you from annoying situations; it is a reminder that you need to keep connected to the source for nourishment and sustenance. Too many times, we are content with flashes of brilliance, but God does not want one-season impact; He wants yielded vessels that can make both earthly and eternal impact. 

That is the encouragement that the verse above gives us. In the land of the enemy, and in the midst of trouble, David knew that God was with Him. In the midst of the pressure, God took pleasure in the man after His own heart. I must note that even under pressure, the verse above suggests that David knew how to catch God's attention. A broken and contrite heart is one that God cannot turn away. A broken heart knows it is wrong, and also knows where to go and who to turn to for restoration. That heart is raw, and if it is not handled properly, it can lead to depression and even suicide. That is why God is near to ALL who call upon Him, but especially to those whose hearts are contrite and in need of His touch of comfort. No matter where you are right now, you have a Father who cares very deeply about you. He is near at all times; just a prayer away. Go to Him, and watch Him work wonders with a surrendered heart. God's time of favour is here. 

Loved, to Love!

Loved, to Love!

1 John 4:19-20 KJV

[19] We love him, because he first loved us. [20] If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

As it has been emphasised several times, the audience defines the message, as well as the expectations. If you will command anything out of anyone, the solution is to first establish the conditions precedent to that instruction. As we have also said several times, you cannot give what you do not have; a man can only supply to you that which he has taken time to store up. John, who wrote this letter, made it clear he was an eyewitness to the amazing Word of Life, and it was the lessons and impact of that encounter that John wanted to pass on to his audience. Reflect on the confidence John had in the Truth that he had encountered, and you know that it is the same confidence that all who come to the saving knowledge of Jesus also have access to. Let it be clear: salvation is the key to all of the amazing treasures available in and through Jesus. 

It is the Love of God that drew up salvation's plans. An immortal God thought of making such daring plans: to send His own Son in the likeness of those who were helpless and could not pay the price for sin, so that by His Son, the full price of sin could be settled once and for all. Interestingly, at the time this plan was put in motion, I was not even born, yet God made the offer in anticipation of the need and making sure I had the opportunity to respond one way or another. Reflect on this: it was not guaranteed that I would accept His offer, yet God made it all the same. The offer also stands for all of time, until grace is fully withdrawn. Even though God is Omniscient, and knows that some will reject the gift of love to the end of their lives, yet, for those who would accept the gift, and maximise it by bringing others to that same experience, God considered it worthwhile to give His Son in this way. Oh, what love!

In that same expression of appreciation for what we have received lies a warning for that which is ahead. What we have received from God has become a duty that we must now live out on a daily. That which I have now enables me to extend grace to other people. I am able to love others because I have personally experienced the right example. That is why hating a human being is a waste of precious time and too much emotional baggage. How can you receive God's love and it will not have an impact on how you see others? How can those who see me not be able to testify to a change inside of me? If all I have is mouth confession as a Christian, and it not also  accompanied by a matching life profession, it means I still have a lot to learn. I start from that which I can see, and ask God for grace to see what is invisible, so I can attain the eternal. Do you know this God of love? Have you met Him? Has He met you? God's time of favour is here. 

Pray 3!

Pray 3!

Psalm 145:18 AMPC

[18] The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.

This is a song written by David, and it is very important to keep reminding myself that no matter which part of David's life you read or hear about, he was called a man after God's own heart, by God Himself. We also know that some of David's songs were a reflection of his situation or challenge at the time. Sometimes, he was asking God for mercy after his sins of adultery and murder, and sometimes, he was asking God for protection from his enemies who just wanted hin dead. This amazing fact about David made him special to God: he knew what made God happy, and he would do it frequently and wholeheartedly. I must learn this, and also apply it to myself. Interestingly, this psalm from where the verse above is taken is not tied to any specific event in the life of David; it is just titled a song of praise. Can I access grace to praise God even when it does not appear that events around me make sense? 

Though David did not have any specific need at this time, his message in the verse above is instructive for us at this time. It is human for us to think God is near us only when things appear to be fine. We rejoice when our needs are met; we are excited at the acquisition of new things or the achievement of milestones in our lives, but what happens when the above is not our regular reality? How do I respond when it seems that I have come against an irresistible wall or an unbreakable fortress? Would I be able to keep the same attitude and commitments that I had when things seemed to be great? I take comfort from the words of David in the verse above: God is not a tap that switches on and off according to man's needs or wants. He is God all of the time, no matter what my current circumstances look like. God is Omnipresent, and He is always there for anyone who seeks to call on Him for help with absolutely anything. 

A word of caution, though. As the verse above makes clear, note that we are dealing with a God of absolute knowledge, who knows all about me, and cannot be deceived. There are terms and conditions for engagement, when it comes to this God. Like the people of Israel came to know, the same God who secured the land flowing with milk and honey for His people also handed them over to enemies when they rebelled against God. You cannot afford hypocrisy and eye-service here. You cannot get away with deception. I must come to God sincerely, and seek Him in truth. He knows my heart, because He created it. There are no secrets that the created can keep from its Creator. He is both the Lion and the Lamb; He is both our Salvation and the Judge of all the earth, but whatever good He offers is subject to my submission to and acceptance of Him as my Lord and Saviour. Call on Him today. He is near, and wants to bring you into eternal rest. Let Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Pray 2!

Pray 2!

Ephesians 6:18 AMPC

[18] Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

Paul, the writer of the letter to the Ephesian church, must have been under some form of restiction or imprisonment. He made reference to this experience in several letters, but one thing is clear: he did not allow this rather unfortunate circumstance dim his vision and ministry. He pressed on with the work God had committed into His hands, and laboured to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to people the world considered inferior at the time. Like Paul, so are we today. The need for salvation has not been dimmed by the passage of time. The effect and power of sin has not been reduced by the advancement of science and technology. The system of this world continues to find new ways of doing evil, but God continues to provide the grace and strength we need to successfully navigate the system of the world. That is what the entire chapter from where the verse above is taken makes clear. 

Paul would have seen a Roman soldier, and the attire would have inspired this letter, and this chapter lays emphasis on the Armour of God. Every piece was carefully laid out, and the role of every piece was also emphasised. I note that the armour lays out the offensive and defensive protections that a soldier on duty for God has. There is a part of the armour that does not specifically mention a part of the body, but it is as effective as the parts of the armour that cover specific parts of the body. That part is called PRAYER. Take a moment to reflect on the instruction to pray at all times, and on every occasion, in every season, in the Spirit, and with all manner of prayer and entreaty. How does a soldier who is to alert at all times while on duty find time to pray at all times? When does he fight then? What this tells me is that the fight that a child of God is called to is not that will be settled by physical instruments but by the help of the One who supplies the tools that guarantee victory. 

I am mandated to keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance. This means that I must expect resistance and some opposition. There is also a part where I get to open my spiritual eyes and ask God to help me correctly interpret what is going on around me, and then to react the right way to whatever God has enabled me to see. If I do not see well, how can I intercede on behalf of God's people? If I do not know what the right need is, how do I react the right way? This is a call to me to take time to know God on a personal level, and not just to know on the surface, but to develop a relationship with Him. I must not be content with surface devotion, eye-service or lukewarm attitude to the things God considers important. God has supplied the channels of engagement and communication; I have the duty to take full advantage of His provision so I can fully access all of Him. Would you do the same? God's time of favour is here. 

This God 4!

This God 4!

Psalm 121:5 AMPC

[5] The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield]. 

Isaiah 25:4 AMPC

[4] For You have been a stronghold for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the ruthless ones is like a rainstorm against a wall.

The writer of the song in Psalm 121 is not made known at the top of the psalm, but there is no doubt as to the target of the praise. The writer would have been living in Jerusalem at the time, and would have seen the mountains that surrounded the city. For some people, that fact alone gave them an assurance of safety and protection, but as we now know, high mountains do not keep you away from the consequences of sin when God decides to apply them. Jerusalem was surrounded by high mountains but when God decided to punish the sin of the nation, nobody was spared. Even the king of the land at the time, named Jehoiachin, as well as the queen mother, all the princes, the mighty men of valor, 10,000 captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths, were all taken. None remained except the poorest of the land. Who says sin is cheap? 

The writer of the psalm knew all these, and would not be deceived or distracted by the physical specimens of mountains. There is a Presence and Power that is bigger, better and stronger than all the mountains put together, and He is referred to as the Lord in the verse in Psalm. He must have also seen war a few times, because, as the verse in Psalm also lays out, the same Lord is a shade on my right hand, which is the side not carrying a shield. This picture is one of divine guidance and protection, even whilst I play my part. I do not fold my hands in laziness and complacence, but I make sure that there is something for God to bless. I do not put my trust in my own personal efforts, but I trust that Gods breath upon my labour will enjoy divine increase and impact. I work, and at the same time, I trust. I depend on God, and also apply myself to whatever has been committed into my hands. 

Even for Isaiah, who also foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem due to sin, he knew that it was only God that could help those who had no help from man. If there is a safety net, such as a fat bank account, or a circle of influence I can call upon to help in times of trouble, or even intellect that I can apply to solve problems and make money, I may find it difficult to completely trust God. However, if I know that even with all the above, it is only God that can do the work of shelter, shade and stronghold all at once, why would I fret or worry about what comes my way? It must be noted that storms, the heat and the rain will come at different times, but we have the standing assurance from God that all will be well. Even when things fall apart and the worst happens, it does not change who God is or what He can do. I just have to trust that He knows what He is doing, and if He allows it, it is because He can take me through it. That is the Lord: have you surrendered to Him? God's time of favour is here. 

This God 3!

This God 3!

Isaiah 12:2 AMPC

[2] Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and song; yes, He has become my salvation.

The book of Isaiah has accounts of songs and prophecies about the coming salvation of God, as well as His intervention in the affairs of Judah. Here was a prophet of God in the days of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. These were times when the nation of Judah was sliding into apostasy and rebellion against God. God sent many prophets, including Isaiah, to warn His people about their ways, but as we know, it is easy to get comfortable around routine, until the consequences start to apply. For Isaiah, he was given the assignment of receiving messages from God and delivering these to the people, whether they liked the messages or not. The man who will be used of God to change lives must not be bothered by the hostility, or even the applause of men. You do that which God commands, and step back and let Him work. 

The entire chapter from where the verse above is taken is a song of praise and deep appreciation of what God had done: He had been angry, but now, His anger had turned away, and He had sent His comfort. Let it be known that God has no favourites when it comes to sin; He will punish it, no matter in whom it is found. With Judah, these were His own chosen people, on whom He had set His affection, but they consistently rebelled and disobeyed Him. Before we point the finger at Judah, can we honestly consider our lives, and see if we are any different? Do we seek His will at all times, and are quick to obey? Are we interested more in optics than in total obedience? Let it be known that actions have consequences, as we see in the lives of the people of Judah. May we not learn the bitter and hard way; may we surrender our lives to God and allow Him do that which He wants in and through us. 

For Isaiah, God's will was his daily pursuit and priority. As we see from an earlier chapter, he had experienced the holiness of God, and he would not compromise that for anything. He was ready to declare the person and power of God to all who would listen. He knew God as his salvation, and he would tell the world about Him. Can I do the same too, knowing that I have to encounter Him first before I can truly celebrate Him? Even when things go very wrong, as they did for Judah, God's nature of love, and His Omnipresence, give me the confidence to face whatever comes my way with joy. He is my strength and song, enabling me to get to heights I could not attain, or places I could not access, on my own. No matter what lies ahead, I know who this God is, and I hold on to Him for dear life. He has shown His capacity, and I know He will bring me home safely. Do you know this same God? God's time of favour is here.