Love 4!

Love 4!

1 Corinthians 13:4 AMP

[4] Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 

Paul was writing to the church in Corinth on different topics. The chapter before the one from where the verse above is taken was speaking on the use of spiritual gift. The main emphasis was on using these spiritual gifts for the growth of the church, the deepening of the Christian experience, and of course, to the glory of God. If there is one major lesson that this Christian experience has taught me, it is that these gifts of the spirit can sometimes be an avenue for pride and self-importance. How can something you could not invent or manufacture fill you with a sense of your own importance? This is why the message in the verse above is timely and relevant today. 

As I consider who I am and what I have, how do I deliver on my assignments? Am I really conscious of what God demands, and am I careful to point men in His direction as I seek to impact the lives of men? This has to be the daily walk for me: it must not just be about chasing clout, seeking applause or approval from men, self-glory or adulation, but that God is visible in and through me. It means that for me to effectively and efficiently carry out my responsibilities, I need the character of the One who owns the gifts, the platform for the gifts to be exercised, and the lives that are to be impacted by the gifts. If He is not glorified by my use of His gifts, what is the point? 

As I serve in my office, the how is as critical as the why. Men may see the effort, but effort alone does not always equate to impact. As the verses before the one above makes clear, I could speak many languages eloquently, or exercise the gift of prophecy with ease, or as an extreme, even give everything I own, to the point of offering my body to be burnt, yet, if the motive is not aligned with God's nature, which is love, it ends up as a waste of time and effort. Men may love what you do, because all they see is the physical, but the God who sees beyond the physical is the One whose view matters, and who I must please in all I do. Who do I please: God, or man? 

The verse above makes clear what the right standard is. Love, God's version, endures with patience and serenity. It does not give up on anyone easily. Love, God's version, is kind and thoughtful. It puts itself in the shoes of other people, seeking their good. Love, God's version, is not jealous or envious. It does not see itself as better than other people, but it finds joy and fulfilment in pouring into others. Love, God's version, does not brag, and is not proud or arrogant. All the above represent what God desires from all who claim personal knowledge of Him. It is in the fruit of my life that its foundations are known. If He is in, love is the norm. If He is not, this is one you cannot fake. God's time of favour is here. 

Love 3!

Love 3!

John 15:12 AMPC

[12] This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you.

Again, I note that Jesus was alone with His disciples, as He took time to lay out the principles, practices and standards of His kingdom. These teachings were the last set of instructions He gave, just before He went to the cross. It has to be noted that there is always a message for the crowd, and a separate message for the disciple. The standard for the crowd is different from the standard for the disciple. There are some things that the crowd can get away with, but the disciple cannot. This is where it becomes critical for me to define who I am: one of the crowd, or a disciple? My response defines the rest of this devotion. 

The disciple has a master; he has an example to follow. He has been given a sample to work with, a template on which to pattern his own life after. He has not been left on his own, and he has not been told to just do anything. We have someone whose personal life presents us with the confidence we need to know that we can make a success of our own walk of faith, just as He did. The crowd does not have such limits as anything and everything is permissible. It is hard to define standards when there are no examples to look up to. Again, which one am I? My answer can be anything, but when the test comes, would I be able to stand? 

One of the standards the disciple is expected to uphold is that of love. The reason why it is a standard is the nature of the God who commands the standard. He has shown what the standard looks, feels and lives like. As we have always said, God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He says I should do it, it is because He knows I am His, and He has already laid down the perfect example of what He desires from me. As the verse above makes clear, a commandment does not give you wiggle room; you are either disobedient or compliant. There is no middle ground or room for complacency. 

Love is a command. Love is an example. Love is Godly, and is possible. That is what Jesus has shown us. A command means that it is binding on all who are under the authority of the One who gave it. Jesus has also shown us how it is done: He gave up His life so that we  could have life. I may not literally give up my life, but am I willing to lay down and allow other people 'walk over' me? Am I fixated on proving I am right, at the expense of my relationships with people? Do I insist on what I want, to the detriment of the welfare of other people? Remember: love is who God is and does. All who are His are empowered to be and do like God. Am I one? God's time of favour is here.

Love 2!

Love 2!

1 Peter 4:8 AMP

[8] Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].

As always, the audience defines the impact and effect of the message. Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus, had a front-row seat to the amazing things that Jesus did, the messages Hs peached, as well as the exanples He laid down. He introduced himself as an apostle, a special messenger of Jesus Christ, and he was writing to the elect exiles who were now  scattered abroad in different places. It was not their choice to be where they were, but the decision to follow Christ came with its impact and consequences. Let it be clear that God did not promise anywhere that the decision to follow Him would be easy or convenient; what He guarantees is His ever- abiding presence.

This has to be what motivates us to remain true to His call upon our lives. The audiience were people chosen and foreknown by God the Father, consecrated by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ, and to be sprinkled with His blood. That should have made them untouchable, but as we know, walking with God does not prevent life from happening to me. They had a choice to be bitter, angry or resistant to the message of Peter, but they made a choice to open up their hearts to the message. As it was then, so is it today. The world will not accept that which it does not understand and cannot control. I have a choice to make: blend in or stand out. 

My daily choices and responses to what the world offers me will reflect who I am and what I have. The prayer of Peter at the start of his letter is also instructive: that the peace of God in the hearts of these people will free them from fear. Once fear ia dealt with, what else remains? Only hearts that are free to flow with the love of God. That is the message in the verse above: there are a a lot of things that the Christian experience will demand from you, but there is something that sits above them all, and that is love. Yesterday's devotion focused on what love is, and today's focus also reminds us what God's standards are. God will not lower His standards for anyone. 

Remember: God will also not demand from us that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. He wants me to have fervent and unfailing love for other people. It is not love that demands that they first deserve it, but love that reaches out, no matter what the other person does. Love is special, in that it helps me see with God's eyes, not mine. Left to me, it will be hard to love if there was no reciprocal feeling, but we come to a place where love is given freely, without conditions, and with grace that overlooks offence. That is what God has given, and it is what He demands from all who are His. Am I His? Are you? God's time of favour is here.

Love 1!

Love 1!

Psalms 103:13 AMP

[13] Just as a father loves his children, So the Lord loves those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence].

The entire chapter from where the verse above is taken is a tribute to God's love and care for His own. It is a psalm of David, one who God called a man after His own heart. The chapter starts with those immortal words: "Bless the Lord, O my soul". David took account of all that God had done for and to him up to that point, and his only response was to break down in gratitude to God for His dealings with him. Like David, I have to know that God has not changed or moved away from His nature: faithful and consistent. He does not need me to be God, yet my life is the loudest testimony to His faithful dealings. Do i know this God of love? 

The same chapter reminds us of the mercy and grace of our Lord, who is slow to anger, yet abounding in lovingkindness and compassion. He is a God who hates sin yet loves the sinner unconditionally. He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found, yet He will strive to save the soul of the sinner from eternal damnation. Even though we can be stubborn, He does not deal with us after our sins, or reward us with punishment according to our wickedness. That is a love that defies human understanding. This is a love I could not earn, merit or deserve. This is a love that will do all it can to preserve me from evil. That is God's love in application. 

Then the note of caution: God's love is quite amazing, but He does not force it on us. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. This is where my heart must choose to submit and surrender to Christ, of my own freewill. Earthly fathers, no matter how good, cannot force their will on a child that can now decide on things. You may counsel, advice or seek to mentor, but the decision or response is left for that child to take. There are only two possible options, and God has made clear what the end of these two options are: life or death. There is no middle ground; no other safe zone. I am either all in or all out.

The power of my choice is now reflected in the verse above. God the Father made us all for His pleasure, but there is a greater glory when the created acknowledges the power and wisdom of the Creator, and give glory, honour and praise back to Him. The Father loves all His creation, but there is a special care for those who fear and worship Him out of a clear sense of understanding of who He is, what He has done, and what He is able to do. Like any imperfect earthly father, we tend to gravitate towards a child who listens. In the same way, God is close to those who choose to obey and honour Him. You desire this close relationship? Seek to honour and obey Him. God's time of favour is here.

The Right Way!

The Right Way

Matthew 5:10 AMPC

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

The sermon on the mountain continues, and the focus today is on those who face tough times as a result of their decision to follow Christ. It has to be clear that at no time did Jesus promise a life free of trials, tough times or tribulation. Following Jesus means that you are taking a decision not to follow the world and all it represents. This goes against everything the human nature is comfortable with; this is why the decision to follow Christ is not one that the human nature can fully explain. That decision opens you up to all sorts of attacks, even from family and friends. They cannot comprehend how you would take an unpopular position. 

However, the understanding you have of who Christ is will be the anchor that keeps you stable and focused. No matter what comes your way, you know the reason why it happens is because of your faith in Christ. He has also given us ample warning and advance notice of what is coming. Be sure that the devil will not take your new allegiance lightly; he will do all he can to distract, deceive and destabilise; after all, his mission is to steal, to kill and to destroy, and he has been in this business since the account of creation. Hs knows what he has lost forever, and he will do all he can to get as many people as possible to his side. You cannot give the devil that much control.

For all who are born again, there is a new life birthed in us, sustained by the presence of God in us, and a seal of eternal redemption. Whilst we wait for the eternal, we have to live in the present, and prepare for the eternal. God in His wisdom knows how best to prepare us for what is coming. He is the wise pharmacist, who prescribes the experiences and encounters the way He sees best, in the measures that are appropriate, and in the seasons that will work out His glory. He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, and if He allows it, be sure that He has made a way of escape for us. What other way can the love of God be explained or applied? 

It is not a wonder, then, that the verse above calls such people who experience God this way as blessed. They enjoy His favour, as a Father gives liberally to His children, and they find satisfaction in Him. They can endure pain and distress, because the focus is not just on the earthly, but the eternal. They may suffer persecution, but they know it is only for a season, and the blessings that come from the experiences make the experiences worth it. At the end of it all is eternal life, the crowning glory of a life lived in total surrender to God. If you go with God, there will be no regrets. Make sure Christ is in charge; the end will be worth it. God's time of favour is here.

Peace!

Peace!

Matthew 5:9 AMP

[9] “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.

Another category of persons that God calls blessed are the makers and maintainers of peace. Reflect on this: there are people who choose peace over being proven right. They know who they are, they know what is right and fair, but without compromising on their faith in God, or breaking the law, they are able to find a way out of conflict or trouble. It does not mean that they are weak; they have just found a higher calling and a more efficient way to make God known. What makes this even more important is the truth that those who seek to be like God have to show off His nature and characteristics. How else can I show God off than to show off His nature?

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He did not come to lay aside the law that prescribed punishment for sin, but He came to fulfil and discharge its requirements in a different way. He died in the place of those who actually did the wrong, but in His sacrifice, He has opened up a new way of access to God, and by Him, we now have His life in us, His name on us, and His nature in and shining through us. When we speak, we reflect His identity. When we relate, we show off His presence and power in us. This is why it has always been emphasized that this message is for disciples and not the uncommitted majority. Am I one of His disciples, or am I still one of the crowd?

Why is peace the focus? Peace is defined as 'much more than the mere absence of conflict or war. It is a holistic state of completeness, soundness, well-being, and harmony. It is a state of right relationship with God, oneself, and others, ultimately rooted in the character of God'. This is the strength and power of the peace that is spoken about here: it flows from God to us, and it impacts all areas of our lives. It is hard to compartmentalise my life and only allow God's peace to thrive in some areas of my life. If God does not control all, it will be hard for that life to really experience the version of peace that is the focus here. Is God in full control of my life? Does He own all?

The world is looking out for the difference. 8t has seen all versions of conflicts, as well as pretenders. It is those who have God that can show off this right version of peace. If I have Him, I am able to make and maintain peace. It does not mean that everyone will believe or accept the message, but they know where I stand and who I believe in. Jesus also told His disciples then, and He also tells us now that if we let His peace reign in and through us, we express His character, and men will see His imprint in and on us. What grace it is for men to call me a child of God, because they can see His life in me. Can the same be said of you? God's time of favour is here.

Pure!

Pure!

Matthew 5:8 AMP

[8] “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.

Today, we consider yet again another one of the classes of people Jesus refers to as blessed. It is important to consider what God calls blessed, as it is not the same as what the world calls blessed. To be blessed is to 'experience God's divine favor, inner peace, and spiritual well-being, rather than material wealth or perfect circumstances. It is a state of deep, joy-filled contentment that remains untouched by life's hardships'. It is first an inner state that impacts the outward; the world sets it the other way around. This tells me is that it is difficult for the world to defend a definition of being blessed that it can totally explain or fully understand. 

The world will not understand the demands of the verse above. This is also why the charge in the verse above was given to the disciples of Jesus, and not the crowd. Pray, how does the uncommitted majority know the value of purity, when it does not even know or submit to the Holy God? The crowd will only hear and enjoy the words, but it does not have the strength or capability to obey. God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He commands it, be sure that He will supply what is needed to obey, as well as demand an accounting for that which He has commanded. Am I part of the crowd, or am I a true disciple? 

One definition of purity is 'not just about avoiding wrong behaviors, but it is a state of being morally uncompromised and wholly devoted to God. It encompasses both inner integrity and external actions, reflecting God’s own flawless character'. You do not define purity first from what a man does, but who lives in the inside of him. His external actions flow from his internal condition. His public face is a reflection of his private devotion. It has to be made clear that God is the focus of purity, as it is His own nature. God is holy, and that is His standard. The lesson here for me is to ensure that the internal is sorted; the public will take care of itself. 

Of course, when you are like God, you will end up with God. When you walk with God, you become more and more like Him. That is what proximity to God leads to. I cannot spend time with God, and men will not see His imprint on my life. I cannot be a follower of Christ Jesus and my life will not reflect His presence, glory and virtue. It is not a wonder, then, that the verse above says that the pure in heart shall see God. As they walk on earth, they will see God move in their defence. It may not always look good, but it will definitely end well. What is the use of a life that is only good for this earthly phase? I will see God when this earthly phase is over. God's time of favour is here. 

Mercy!

Mercy!

Matthew 5:7 AMP

[7] “Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Again, it is important to emphasize that the audience always defines the impact of the message. Two people can hear the same words at the same time, but both of them can come to different interpretations and applications of the demands of those words. There are times when emotions, feelings or the experience of that person at the time may impact how the person receives the words, but it has to be made clear that though God knows we are human, He does not, and will not excuse sin. He will not lower His standards for anyone, but be sure that if you say you are a follower of Him, be ready to live up to His standards. 

This was at play here: Jesus was speaking to His disciples, but there was a crowd there too, listening to His words. As we now know, God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He refers to those who are merciful as blessed, you need to find out what it means to be merciful, so you can enjoy the blessings as promised. Mercy refers to 'compassionate, forgiving, or lenient treatment given to someone whom you have the power to punish or harm. It means showing kindness or forbearance when fairness or justice might otherwise demand severity'. It is not mercy that the gulity demands, but the one in power offers freely, and without compulsion. 

Reflect on this: a person has truly offended, and it is clear what the punishment should be. I will not be wrong to apply the punishment as required, but the higher calling of God in my life requires me to see the person in the light of the God who also forgave, cleansed and redeemed me, so I could even be in a position where I am able to extend the same grace I have received to other people. Applying the just punishment is not wrong; God only calls us to react and respond to people with the understanding of who we are now, because of the mercy that God Himself extended to us. I am also conscious of the fact that I cannot give what I do not have.

This is why the verse above is for disciples, not the uncommitted majority. I cannot show mercy if I have not first received, personally responded to, and appropriated the mercy of God. That is why I am blessed: I have received it, and I am able to give it. Think of this as a never-ending cycle: God shows mercy; I am able to receive it and give it back to other people, and I receive more of it in return. The God who asks me to show it supplies it in abundant measure too. That is the perfect example I can pattern my life after. As the verse above makes clear, mercy shelters me and God's promises become my daily reality.  God does not owe a man; if I obey, He will deliver. As always, the choice is mine to make. God's time of favour is here. 

The Satisfaction!

The Satisfaction!

Matthew 5:6 AMP

[6] “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. 

We have already established that God seeks men who will give their lives totally to Him. He does not do partial commitments, false religion or half-hearted devotion. He wants my all, or nothing at all. I believe this has been made quite clear since the beginning of this series on the Lord’s sermon on the mountain. These words, as have also been pointed out, are for disciples, not the uncommitted crowd. The demands are tough enough; how do you expect a man who has no allegiance or devotion to Christ to put up with these?  It is a disciple who knows his master, what the master desires, and is careful to follow and obey the master. Does this describe me?

The classes of people referred to in the verse above are those who know their true state: hungry and thirsty after righteousness. These people have their pasts, and they know how far God has brought them. They are not full of themselves, or proud of any achievement, but they know they stand simply by God's grace and mercy. They also know what is lacking in their lives, are never satisfied with comforts or convenience, and are always seeking ways to please God and be in His favour. These desires are presented as hunger and thirst. When a man is truly hungry, he is never at rest until the hunger is fully satisfied. When a man is truly thirsty, there can be no rest until that thirst is appeased. 

Why is this hunger and thirst so important? It is because these are truly never satisfied all at once and are never truly gone for a true disciple. You do not outgrow a need for God. A disciple never becomes his master. Yes, you may have a mastery of an issue, but it is not a ground for pride or self-sufficiency. It is a mastery that makes you humble, and reminds you that whatever it is you have is given to you by God. It is a never-ending quest for more of God; the more of Him you know, the more of Him you desire. The more of Him you know, the more of Him you realise you are yet to know. You cannot be so full of God that there is no room for more of Him. 

This state is one that Jesus refers to as blessed. These people know the need, know the right source for the supply, and they seek after Him with all their hearts. It is no wonder that the promise of Jesus for such people is that they will be completely satisfied. How can you be completely satisfied if the hunger and thirst are never gone? This is where God is not like man; He can give you all of Him, and yet you will always come back for more of Him, because you cannot have all of Him in this lifetime. If I will be truly satisfied, I need God to fill out all areas of my life. Whatever He controls, be sure it will work out well. God's time of favour is here. 

The Inheritance!

The Inheritance!

Matthew 5:5 AMP

[5] “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.

Again, the message in the verse above is for those people who have made a decision to surrender control to another. It needs to be emphasised over and over again that there are messages for the general public, but there are demands and expectations for specific audiences, and in this case, disciples. The verse above is taken from the first Sermon of Jesus on the mountain, as He sat down with the men He had chosen to follow Him. There was a massive crowd at the foot of the mountain, but at this time, the message was not for them. It will be hard to demand accountability from someone who has not opened an account with you.

It is hard to expect allegiance from someone who is not subject to your rules of residence or citizenship. As it is applicable to the world's system, so is it also applicable to the spiritual system. The first step towards getting a hand on the blessings described in the verse above is to have the One who can give them to you living inside of you. How can I be led the right way if I do not have the right content and control? The world is a pressure cooker; it demands instant gratification, and also places unreasonable demands for riches, relevance and reward. It is a never-ending cycle because you do not have a clear view of what success and satisfaction look like. 

The verse above refers to the gentle, whilst another person calls them the meek. What does this mean to be meek? It is 'the quality of being quiet, gentle, and submissive, often reflecting deep inner humility' it is sometimes associated with timidity, but more accurately defined as "strength under control", which is the ability to assert power but choosing to exercise restraint, kindness, and patience. Reflect on this: Moses had power: he could call out water from a rock; his staff was used to perform mighty miracles; God spoke with him face to face, as a man speaks with his friend; God defended him vigorously even against his own brother and sister, yet he never sought an advantage. 

He did not seek to be bigger or better than anyone. That is being meek or gentle. Even when the occasion calls for it, can I trust God to sort things out, whilst I wait on His leading and guidance? Can I speak only as and when He commands, not to push an agenda, but to seek His glory? It is not a wonder, then, that the reward for being meek or gentle is to inherit the earth. It is not so much the tangible space called earth, but the benefits, blessings and balance of the earthly phase. Picture a man who has God inside Him, and peace all around him, even in the face of pressure. There is inward peace and spiritual security. Who else, except God, can give you these? God's time of favour is here. 

The Refreshing!

The Refreshing!

Matthew 5:4 AMP

[4] “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].

As we read yesterday, there is special access given to people who have made up their minds to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and are striving to follow and obey Him on a daily basis. As always, there are instructions for the disciple, and other directives for the crowd. The expectations from the crowd are not the same as those for the disciple; one is not yet committed to the cause, and is free to flow in any direction that the wind may blow. It is not so for the disciple; the decision to surrender is not one to be taken carelessly or without thought. There are no guarantees of a smooth life, but there are ful guarantees of support and help when you need them.

This is why the message in the verse above is critical for us today. Let it not be that a man thinks he is now above the power of sin because of salvation. Yes, that is what you get, but the power over sin does not come from muscles, brainpower, brawn, influence or connections, but from the One who tasted and defeated sin and death on the cross. He is the One who provides all that I need for life and Godliness. By His help, I can face the fiery darts or the schemes of the devil. I am not in any position to beat my own chest, and rely on anything I have to beat the devil at his own game. The victory comes from God, and it is secured by total and daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. 

So that there is no temptation for anyone to think it is impossible to live a life free of sin, remember that the help we need does not come from anything we are, have or know, but from the God who knows, loves and cherishes us. He will not let go of us, and will not leave us to our own devices. Even if it happens that we fall, He does not let go, and He will do all He can, like the Good Shepherd, to restore us to full fellowship with Him. This is why a daily walk with God is critical here: do not let the devil utilize a guilty conscience to drive you farther away from the Help that is present as well as eternal. Even if I fall, I have the sure word of God that He will help me up.

As the verse above makes clear, it becomes important for me to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, so I know when I am wrong, and can take immediate steps to return. If the sensitivity is lost, it becomes harder to be pricked by sin. For all who mourn over their sins and repent, the assurance is that they will be comforted. The bible makes clear that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repent, and I can add that there is also joy when one who has fallen also gets up again. I have all the help I need to live above sin, and I know that no matter what happens, I am not alone. What comfort! What joy! What hope! Do you have these? God's time of favour is here. 

The Possession

The Possession!

Matthew 5:3 AMP

[3] “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

One definition of inheritance that speaks to the verse above is this: 'to come into possession of or receive especially as a right or divine portion'. It is not the usual way by which men receive an inheritance. The owner of the possession has to make his will clear as to who takes over what and how, and whatever it is to be inherited must still be in existence and under the ownership and control of the person giving that thing away. You cannot write into a will that which is not yours at the time of death. I also note that the definition above speaks to divine portion. This is critical: the inheritance here does not look anything like what the natural man handles.

This inheritance is of divine origin and focus, but its reality will indeed be felt, seen, and handled when it is received. As we also know, you have to belong to the family of the man giving out his possession, for you to even dare think of getting anything. In the same way, for this divine portion to accrue to me, I have to belong to the family of the One who owns the eternal reward. I note that the words above were said to His disciples, not the crowd. Yes, the crowd was listening, but as we know, proximity does not always equate possession. Being close to the heir means nothing, unless the testator mentions your name directly. Am I one of the disciples? 

Being part of the family gives me access to the benefits of the family, but the verse above takes a step further to make clear what I need to do to lay hold of the inheritance. As this is a divine portion, it is not about what I deserve, merit or work hard for. I need the right attitude to have access to what is available. The verse above speaks about being poor in spirit; being empty of all spiritual arrogance. It is good to be a disciple or follower as the first step, but it does not end there. I must stay connected to the supply that I need for the journey. I do not have it all figured out by myself; the One who calls men to Himself, is the One who can help me stand. Do you have Him? 

The reward is His to determine, and when the heart is right, I have access to what has been promised. It is interesting to note that the verse above speaks to the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven being for those who are poor in spirit. Heaven is the ultimate goal, yet we have a taste of it whilst on earth. My life of submission and surrender is the platform on which heaven is made manifest. I start to enjoy all that heaven represents, even before I I lay hold of the eternal life that has also been promised. This is where God is not like man: He lets me have a taste of the real thing even before I lay hold of it permanently. This is what I am entitled to by my new birth. What of you? God's time of favour is here  

This God!

This God!

Psalms 42:11 AMP

[11] Why are you in despair, O my soul? Why have you become restless and disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Depending on which version of the bible you use, at the top of the chapter from where the verse above is taken are written the words: 'Thirsting for God in trouble and exile'. This reflects seasons of pain and distress, as seen in some of the words used in the psalm here. The writers were called the sons of Korah, and these were a Levitical guild of temple musicians and gatekeepers. They knew the standards of worship in the temple, and did their best to maintain and uphold those standards, even in the face of apostasy from both the leaders and the people. As one who has had an encounter with Jesus, do men see His imprint in and on me? 

These men must have seen a lot of evil in their own days. With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, they led the people to the house of God, singing and dancing in festival, yet it appeared that their hearts were weighed down with some things. You read words like 'My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?'. Even though these men looked happy, their hearts were heavy. We do not have all the details, but it was clear that their souls were in despair. What are my current circumstances causing my heart to be in pain or distress? Like the sons of Korah here, there is a solution worked for them, and would work for me too, if I apply correctly. 

As the verse above makes clear, we would always have moments of despair, when it seems that the burden is more than we can bear. Life on this side of eternity was set up to be brief, no matter how much you have, or how many people you know. This is why I cannot afford to live life without the help of the God who has conquered sin, death and the grave. As the sons of Korah lay it out, I keep God in remembrance at all times. I keep God right at the centre of my heart, before anything or anyone else seeks to make a claim on my heart. I do not permit anything negative to settle in and on my heart, before it leaves a lasting impression on my heart. 

I seek to subject all things to the litmus test of God's word. I must know what God says about everything that touches me, and this is only possible when I know His word for me for every situation. Hope in God is built on a clear understanding of who He is, what He can do, as well as embracing His wisdom when it seems like He is quiet. I expectantly wait for someone who I am confident will come through for me. He brightens my day and stays in, when everyone else stays out. He never fails, disappears or disappoints; He is my ever-present help. Why would I stay in despair when I have an eternal God? Do you also have Him? God's time of favour is here. 

Grace!

Grace!

2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP

[9] but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 

One definition of grace is 'unearned and undeserved favor; God's unconditional love and generosity, freely given to humanity despite our flaws or failure to earn it. It is often summarized as getting what you don't deserve, such as blessings/salvation, and not getting what you do deserve (punishment). It is in the light of the above that the verse above needs to be understood. Paul was a man who had seen the world.  He was learned in the ways and customs of the Jews, and he was zealous to defend those ways. Thank God for the same grace that is the focus: God did not judge him based on his bad conduct, but He reached out and saved Paul. 

My past is not as important to God as my present and future. There is no useless or wasted experience; God can use anything at all for His glory. Paul went from a serial and serious persecutor on the church, to a serial and serious promoter of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was given some unique and special encounters with Christ, and the church today is blessed because of the lessons of the life of Paul: a man credited with writing about 24% of the books of the new testament. In God's wisdom, there was a bigger message to be preached; with all the special encounters Paul had, he needed a constant reminder that it is all about God's support, not his skills. 

Man is prone to pride and self-sufficiency, and we all need the very consistent reminder that we are nothing outside of God. Paul needed a thorn in his flesh to remind him to constantly depend on God. Three times, Paul asked God to take this thorn away, but rather than take it away, God gave Paul something that would outlast the thorn: His grace and help. As the verse above makes clear, God's grace is more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation. God's power is best seen in man's weakness. If I could do it on my own, why would I need help? The fact that the work is not mine, means that what I need to succeed has to come from the One who owns the work. 

It is not a wonder, then, that Paul came to the conclusion at the end of the verse above: when I have God's backing, there is no room for pride or self-sufficiency. Paul made up his mind to gladly boast more in his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ could completely enfold him, and dwell in him. Reflect on this: as I empty myself of all that is me, I give more room for Christ to be made manifest in and through me. The more of Him I allow, the more of Him I resemble. When men come in contact with me, do I ooze with grace from God, or am I all about personal charm? God wants to dwell, not rent temporary space. If I allow Him, He will display His power. He will not force Himself on anyone. Would I yield? Would you? God's time of favour is here. 

Inspired!

Inspired!

Matthew 10:19-20 AMP

[19] But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you within that [very] hour; [20] for it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

There came a time when it was just Jesus and His disciples. The crowd was not there, so there was no temptation to perform for the audience. Jesus summoned the twelve men He had called to follow Him as disciples, and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. That is amazing. It is not a mistake to read this about those who followed Jesus at the time. It is still the same call today, as well as the demand and supply economics of God. As long as there are willing vessels, there is always a willing God to fill up the vessels, and use for His glory. 

A common mistake to make, even when you are sure that God is leading you and backing you up, is to think that nothing can go wrong. Many people will assume that going where God sent you guarantees you smooth sailing, but as we know, the devil also has an idea of what lies at the end of your obedience, and he will try to sway you from that commitment. He will raise opposition, resistance and obstruction. That is the promise in the verse above: persecution is part and parcel of the call of God into service for Him. I note that the verse above starts with 'When they hand you over', not IF. You cannot pray your way out of it. Prepare for it: get ready the right way for it. 

When it happens, it is also normal to feel helpless and inadequate. Truthfully, that is the right way to feel. You are standing as the human representative of an immortal God, and He has promised to back you up. He has said that I should not worry when the arrears and persecution start;; the right words and the right message will be given to me. I can only say here that it is dangerous to launch out into the world without the safety net of God's presence and power. I cannot face the world with whatever weapons and gulle the world gives. How can you defeat a system with the same tools that the world has invented? I will need all the resources which the One who has totally defeated death can supply.

As the verse above makes clear, there is help available from God at all times. There is no experience so dire that God is not there with me. He asks me not to worry; His presence will guarantee the right words. After all, how else will the world hear the word if it does not create the platforms and channels that will support the message? Let the fear be taken over by the God who promises His power and help at all times. He asks me to be ready and available, and He will do the rest. There will always be a supply that will match the demand of the moment. Can I trust this immortal God and give Him my all? God's time of favour is here.

The Right Fear 2!

The Right Fear 2!

Proverbs 29:25 AMP

[25] The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord will be exalted and safe.

Similar to our reflections yesterday, we are again reminded that there is a good fear with a great ending, and a bad fear with a terrible ending. The foundation of each type of fear is laid on the focus, allegiance and daily reflections of the heart. What do I spend time consuming? What occupies my heart most of the time? What are those thoughts that settle upon my heart and are able to hold attention for a while? These are the things to be careful about. I cannot afford to let just anything or anyone hold my heart captive. Whatever you continually give your heart to will eventually become master of your heart. Who sits at the control centre of your heart? 

The bad fear is the fear of man. This is where man can dictate your pursuits and priorities. It is not a bad thing to respect man; after all, it is God's command that we obey authority, and there are kings and rulers to direct the affairs of man. The problem usually comes from the unhealthy subservient behaviour of man, where we elevate man over and above the God who should be feared and worshipped. I must keep checking my heart, to be sure that it is not being enticed by the false images of power and influence that the world seeks to promote. The problem with the fear of man is that what you feared today will change the next day, either in form or target. 

How do you keep reminding yourself the reason for your fear, if it keeps changing? If it is not the fear of sickness, it could be the fear of earthquakes or storms. The fallen human nature is now prone to the attacks of the devil and he is smart; he has been in the business of fear since man fell. He will magnify the problem to seem bigger than the God who made me, and if I fall into his trap, he will keep me focused on the size of the problem. I need to check my heart; who is bigger: the Creator Himself, or any of His creation? He who made me knows all about me, and nothing catches Him by surprise when it comes to me. Why would the created hold that much power over me? 

To trust in God is to have focused attention on God, to the total exclusion of all other options. You cannot keep God at the center of your heart, as well as any other authority. It will not work. The verse above challenges us to trust in and put our confidence in the Lord. It does not mean that things will always work out the way we want them to, but we have the confidence and assurance that, in the hands of God, it always works out well in the end. The reward of such investment is that you are exalted above all the schemes of the devil, and safe from all alarm. Who can offer you anything better or higher? Can I trust Him with my life? God's time of favour is here. 

Right Fear!

Right Fear!

Proverbs 9:10 AMP

[10] The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.

The life of the man who wrote the words in the verse above must be studied. He was not supposed to be king at all; the circumstances of his birth should have disqualified him, if his brothers had their way. However, the bible was deliberate to mention that the Lord loved him, and even gave him a name. As we know, he became king, and in his personal encounter with God, he was given a blank cheque to ask God for anything he wanted. He chose wisdom above anything else, and it is not a surprise that we speak about his words and actions till today. He had a healthy fear of the Lord, and the Lord blessed him more than all the kings before or after him. 

That is what God does to and with a life that has the right relationship with Him. There is a 

fear that cripples; there is another fear which liberates. It is very important that I know the difference. There is nothing wrong with giving due regard to the rules and laws of men; affer all, we are placed on earth to interact with men, and due to the fallen human nature, we will rub each other off the wrong way atimes. How we deal with those uncomfortable situations will define the kind of fear that we have. Do I hold men in such high regard that I do not mind offending God? Is man's approval and applause more important to me than the applause and backing of heaven? 

There is the right kind of fear called the reverent fear of the Lord. It is that fear that teaches me how to worship and regard Him as truly awesome, and relate with Him on a regular basis as such. It is a fear mixed with reverence, knowing that this is a God that can bless beyond limits, but also destroy without remedy. The right kind of fear keeps me in check, not taking only the side of God that is convenient for me. I cannot take one side of God and reject the other; He is the Lord, and He deserves and demands total allegiance. It cannot be half-measures; God takes all, or do not bother giving Hm anything at all. That is where it has to begin from. 

That good fear is presented as the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom. Without it, ypu really have nothing of value. This is where a life of impact and blessing start from and build upon. To be called truly wise is to know who God is, as well as the right way to deal with that knowledge. The verse above also says that the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight. This tells me that knowing God is not this one-off experience; it is a lifetime of amazing revelations. It is deep spiritual maturity to never get tired of seeking God out, and God always rewards such devotion. Want to go far and end well? Fear God. God's time of favour is here. 

Restored!

Restored 

Jeremiah 33:14 NIV

[14] “ ‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.

When you read the verse above, then consider the context in which the verse is placed, you may struggle to understand how God moves. The first verse of the chapter from where the verse above is taken refers to the prophet Jeremiah, who was confined to the courtyard of the guard, because of his prophecies and messages to both the leaders and the led in Israel and Judah. He stood for truth, but the people preferred to listen to and trust in lies, and of course, God cannot be mocked or ignored. As He has made clear what the standard is, and made help available for His people to comply, He would have been justified to punish any who disobeyed His instructions. 

This was the place Judah found itself. It was a nation helped by God, but now, it had found itself under the judgment of God because of its sin of rebellion. Let it be clear that God has no favourites when it comes to sin, and He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. 

However, just a few verses down the line, we read consecutive verses where God makes it quite clear that He was going to hide His face from the city of Jerusalem because of its sin, and that enemies would come in and destroy the city completely. This was a city protected by mountains, but that did not do any good once sin came into the camp. Avoid sin at all costs. 

However, just immediately after this declaration of punishment, God promises that He will bring health and healing into the city; He will heal His people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. How did we move from certain punishment to certain restoration? These are some of the mysteries of God that we may not fully understand on this side of eternity, but we will do well to know His standards and adhere to them. He can punish, but He can also restore. He can kill, and He can also make alive. He is not a God to be trifled with. This is the background to the verse above. In spite of all that Judah had done, God was still setting a time for their redemption and restoration. 

If you do find a man who has fully understood God's ways and knows His next move, please let me know. God's ways are beyond searching out; His understanding no one can fathom. When He makes a promise, He is staking His name and reputation, and you can be sure that a God who watches over His Word to perform it will not be careless about the words He speaks. Hs does not make empty boasts. It does not matter how long ago He made the promise; what counts is that He made it, and He will move heaven and the earth to guarantee the integrity of His Word. As I go through life, I must not dare confront the world without the sure word of God. Whatever may come, it must find me in God. Where are you too? God's time of favour is here. 

Arise!

Arise!

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.

Isaiah was a prophet whose ministry was in the days of the kings of Judah such as Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Some of these men started well but ended badly. Some of them became proud as a result of success or victory, and thought that they could play God. In some instances, kings allowed idol worship to go unchecked, and the hearts of the people were drawn away from God. Of course, God was going to react. God had given very clear instructions on what was acceptable to Him, and had provided the template, vessels and channels for worship and sacrifices by His people. Unfortunately, like all things comfortable, we get easily distracted. The people did not fight many wars during the times of these kings, and they became complacent. May the grace of God upon my life, which should make me careful, not lead to my carelessness.

May that which God has given me to impact life with not prevent me from enjoying eternal life with Him. The people were given a land flowing with milk and honey, and all God wanted from them was submission and total obedience. As promised, He punished them when they rebelled against Him, but He would not push them out until they had really pushed Him. Isaiah prophesied for roughly 60 years during the reigns of these kings, so it was plenty of warnings. The people would not listen, and of course, the faithful God would not lie. The wages of sin have been death since sin came into the world, and God would not lower the standard for anyone. He has laid out His Word for us to be guided by, and He also supplies grace in abundance, so we have no excuse for rebellion. As I take stock today, what changes do I need to make to my current pursuits, so I do not incur God's wrath?

This is where the verse above comes in. Even in the face of judgment, the mercy of God is revealed. Even when I deserve punishment, God speaks of mercy. The people of Judah were to be punished, yet God was charging them to arise, because the light of God had come, and would be shining upon them. The people definitely did not deserve it, but then, when did man ever deserve God's mercy? In this new season, God is reminding us that His mercy is still available for all who will seek Him. Where darkness had reigned due to sin, God is promising that the light of His glory will shine. In the place where shame and disgrace were the order of the day, a new dawn of God's righteousness had come. It is very important to mention here that God will not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill. My response to that which God wants to do has to come from my heart. God has done His part; the time to arise is here. God's time of favour is here. 

The Example!

The Example!

Philippians 2:5 AMP

[5] Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility]

Paul and Timothy, in writing to the church of God in Philippi, described themselves as bond-servants of Christ Jesus,  and the church, including the overseers and deacons as the saints or God’s people in Christ Jesus. A bond-servant is an individual who is bound by contract or circumstance to serve a master without wages, usually to repay a debt or serve a term of years. While similar to a slave, a bondservant usually enters the arrangement willingly and would be entitled to eventual freedom. Let us apply that to the lives of Paul and Timothy. Both were adults that chose to surrender to and follow Christ of their own freewill. There was no coercion. 

The slight difference between the definition above and the reality of the Christian experience is the reality of eventual freedom. This is one encounter from which you are not expected to recover. You do not get in, and then plan to leave sometime in the middle of the journey. This is a lifelong engagement between the Saviour and His subjects. I might not be working for physical wages, as the world will describe wages, but I am definitely not working for free. Truly, there is a debt to be repaid; the one to whom I am now bound gave up His life for me, so that I do not have to pay anything anymore, other than to live to please the One who saved me. 

Does the above describe my current reality? Have I come to Christ of my own personal choice, or am I there only for what I can get out of it? Are there selfish interests behind my decision to follow Christ? Do I even know the impact behind my current reality, and what is at stake for me? These are not questions that can be answered publicly; these are personal reflections and personal encounters, and all have both earthly and eternal implications. It is not a wonder, then, that the chapter from where the verse above is taken from starts with an encouragement for us to consider who Christ is, what He has done and given, and what this understanding requires of us. 

We have the perfect example of humility to guide our daily engagement, interaction, and conduct with the world around us. Christ did not have to die, but He did. He left His glory in heaven, because in that form, man could not touch Him, not to talk of putting Him to death. He became like me, so He could walk in my shoes and offer acceptable sacrifices to God for sin, effectively ending the power of sin over me. When such a God then calls me His own, and asks me to serve and follow Him, what a privilege it is. He has laid down the perfect example; all I can do is ask for grace and strength to be able to follow in His steps. He will help, if I depend solely on Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Led!

Led!

Psalms 23:3 AMP

[3] He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

The verse above is taken from what we call the shepherd's psalm. It is a personal song, as you will find several references to my, me and I, and not a single we or us. The AMP version has 19 such references in 6 verses. It is not a general call, or something applicable to all and sundry; indeed, God is the Creator of all things and people, and He does give generic and general blessings to everyone He has made, but let it be known that there is special consideration for all who surrender their lives to God for safe-keeping. You do not expect God to fight you for control of your heart; He does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill.

It has to be voluntary surrender for it to fully activate the blessings described in the verse above. Let it also be known that being under God's control does not preclude you from tough times, trials and tribulations; there will be no need for refreshing if there were no instances of pain, trials or tough times. I am not promised a trial-free life; I was guaranteed God's abiding presence at all times. When He is with me, I can face whatever comes my way. When He is with me, it does not really matter who else is not with me. When life has happened to me, and it seems that it is easier to give in or give up, He reminds me that I am His own, and He supplies that which I need for the time and season.

God refreshes and restores my soul when life seeks to weigh me down. His hand rests on me as I navigate life's uncertainties. Yes, life may seem unfair; health may fail; family and friends may die or leave without notice; I may be distracted by life's pressures, and be tempted to seek counsel from elsewhere, but at no time does God ever leave me to my devices. He stays with me when everyone else steps out. He goes with me everywhere I go, as the Omnipresent God. As Omnipotent, He steps into every situation and ensures that all works for my good. He can change any situation, no matter how dire, into something that celebrates His glory and power. 

As Omniscient, He knows just the right mix of pressure and pleasure that will bring out the best in me, and ensure that I do not become discouraged, or self-sufficient. The package on offer from God also includes being led in the paths of righteousness. This means that God is always seeking men He can lead, as an example of what works. There is a right path and a wrong path, and no amount of influence or negotiation can change what God calls wrong to right. He does this for His name’s sake. As His sheep, I bear His name. As His sheep, I represent Him in every way. His mark upon me means I cannot be careless about my life's choices. Is He yours too? Does He own you? God's time of favour is here.

Pray!

Pray!

Acts 4:31 AMP

[31] And when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken [a sign of God’s presence]; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness and courage.

In order to understand the power of the verse above, it helps to lay the context. Here was a man born lame, never walked, who Peter and John had healed, by the power of God and the name of Jesus. Rather than rejoice for the lame man, the priests, Sadducees and leaders of the people raised a ruckus about the timing and motives behind the healing. The leaders came and arrested Peter and John, on the charge that they were teaching the people and proclaiming Jesus as raised from the dead. They could see their influence, power, and sway over the people vanishing before their eyes. Before we point an accusing finger at them, are we sure we do not have the same heart as them? 

Is my sole focus the glorification and edification of the name of Jesus, or the maintenance and sustenance of my selfish interests? Do I seek to push my own agenda on the body of Christ where I have been planted, or am I ready, willing and surrendered enough to let God have His way, and take all the glory that is due Him? I have to always remember that it is His church, His children, His message, His word, His audience, His platform, His enablement, His power. He can raise anything and anyone to proclaim the message of salvation to anyone. After all, He made a donkey speak when it lined up with His will. That is undiluted and unadulterated power. 

The reaction or response of the apostles to the harassment of the Jewish leaders is also instructive. Rather than retreat into their shell and keep quiet, they gathered to pray. The level of opposition against them was huge: Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent were there. These men could order that Peter and John be put to death, but what did the apostles do? They boldly declared that they could not stop speaking about Jesus and what He had done. This level of courage does not come from wine, drugs or muscles, but from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. When mortal men threaten, what do I do? Where do I go? 

For the apostles, the response was to gather and pray, asking God for boldness to declare the message of salvation; not for the death of their accusers, but for power to speak about their faith in Christ. It is not a wonder, then, that the place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and given courage and boldness to speak the word of God. True power does not shout; it simply manifests itself wherever it is given the room to flow unhindered. My own resistance does not deny its existence. I ask God to show His power in and through me. I ask God for boldness and conviction to speak about who I know and believe in. What of you? God's time of favour is here. 

Proven Love!

Proven Love!

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.

It is easy to be deceived by the images and messages of love presented in novels, films and life experiences. People engage in sinful acts sometimes, and label it love. We have been innundated with messages from all sorts of sources, trying to present love only from the perspective of specific actions. Yes, love is seen in action, but the foundation of it is actually a person. This is where the message may be difficult to accept: the One who gave His life for us did so on the basis of the love He has for His creation. We see the action, but this was based on the state of His heart, first and foremost. You cannot consider the action outside of the condition of the heart out of which the action came from.

This is why pretence, eye-service, hypocrisy and deception are easy. People can deceive you by actions only, as you cannot read their motives or intentions for doing whatever it is that they do. You find men and women 'falling in love' quite easily, and then falling out of love also quite easily. Once they do not find what they seek out of the relationship or interaction, they seek divorce or separation. What was supposed to be a life contract becomes a negotiated settlement of what I can get. Thank God that He is not man. Just imagine what it could have meant for Jesus to wait until He could get something from us before He died on the cross. 

As the verse above makes clear, Jesus had love in His heart for His creation, but He did not wait for us to be worthy of it before He gave us His love. He showed and proved His love for us by dying a death of shame. By the customs of the Jews at the time, it was a curse to be hung on a tree. This explains why the thieves were also crucified, but at least, they were suffering the consequences of their actions at the time. Jesus knew no sin, but He was treated like a criminal, standing in my place and paying the price I should have paid. He could have walked away from the pain and inconvenience, but His love for me was stronger than the temporary pain.

As the verse above also makes clear, He did what He did for me, not minding my eventual response to Him. There were no guarantees that I would submit my life to Him. The God who is Omniscient and knows the future knows those who will accept or reject His love but He still went ahead to give His life, even if it was for the sake of one person. It makes His love even more precious, knowing it was not conditional on what I would do or not do. That is love that has been proven true through several generations, and it will continue to be effective as long as this earthly phase is in place. Now that I know what has been given, how would I respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Power!

Power!

Acts 1:8 AMP

[8] But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus had risen from the dead, and appeared to His disciples. He had spent time with them, charging them up not to forget the work that had been committed into their hands, and as the Omnipresent God, also promising them His ever-abiding presence. As always, we are reminded that God does not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He commands it, be sure that He will back it up and support it to success. The assignment was and is simple: go and tell other people about me. Share the personal encounters you have had of me, let your life show off the love you have received from me, and trust me to do the rest.

Generally, power is defined as 'the capacity, ability, or authority to do something, act in a particular way, or influence others. In this context, Jesus is promising those who are His own the ability they need in order to influence other people. I note that this power has nothing to do with muscles, but simply with the inner calm and assurance that only God can give. I note also that the world has its own versions of power too, but the right kind of power comes from the Holy Spirit, who is the third person in the Trinity. He does not seek to draw the wrong attention, but His presence in a man's life cannot be ignored or denied. Do you have the right power? 

As the verse above also makes clear, this power is required before you dare to work for the source of this power. This work is to be done on God's terms, not mine. The work is His, not mine. The targets of the assignment also belong to Him, not me. The message that has been committed into my hands is about Him, not me. All I bring is my surrender and availability. Do not presume that years of experience, or high church titles, count as anything important. I reflect on this: why was it power that is emphasized after the Holy Spirit comes on me? It is because that is what drives me to do what I could not normally do. This is God at work.

When the Holy Spirit has come, the whole world becomes the target. It starts from home, where people who know me personally and directly can be inspired by my life. That is who a witness is: s/he directly speaks about what has been seen, heard, touched, tasted, or personally experienced. This is why courts do not rely on hearsay, no matter how strong it looks like. This is the power of a witness too: you get to speak about what you know, not just what someone else tells you. The world, starting from my Jerusalem, is waiting for my eyewitness testimony. The ends of the earth must hear it. Are you available? Am I? God's time of favour is here.

Right Words!

Right Words!

Proverbs 12:25 AMP

[25] Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.

Isaiah 50:4 AMP

[4] ¶The Lord God has given Me [His Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught], That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].

The state of the world naturally causes stress and anxiety. There is so much uncertainty in the world right now. Sometimes, 'bad' things happen to people we view as good, and it may seem that wicked people are prospering and succeeding in what they do. We may see the world as unfair, where people do not get what they naturally deserve, or do not see the fruit of their labour. It is usually easier to focus on the negative and not so much on the positive. For God to speak about it quite often, it means it is an issue that is dear to His heart. He made us in His own image and likeness, so we could worship and serve Him. How can I do this well when there are competiting interests? 

Why is anxiety such a big deal? One definition of anxiety is 'a natural human emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased heart rate. It is your body's "fight or flight" response to perceived stress or danger, but becomes a mental health concern when it is disproportionate, ongoing, or interferes with daily life. One of the wisest men who ever lived understood the dangers of anxiety, as we see in the first verse above. It weighs the heart down, because it shifts your focus from the size and power of God to the wrong and inflated message about the size of the problem. 

One of the solutions to anxiety, as laid out in the two verses above, is the right word. There is a reason why it must be the right word, as the wrong message, no matter how good the intention, may do more harm than good. There is a need for me to depend on the help of the Omniscient God, to know what to say, when to say it, how to say it, and even when to keep quiet when it 'makes sense' to say what comes to mind. When the right word is let out at the right time, it becomes a source of great encouragement to those who hear it and need it. To understand the power of words, reflect on the story of creation, and you will know why you are not permitted to be careless about your speech or conversations.

The prophet Isaiah would also know a thing or two about the right words. He was sent to declare death to Hezekiah, but a few minutes later, he had to go back and declare 15 more years to the same man. What if he did not hear correctly? This tells me that the source always defines the impact. If I am to be a blessing, I can only take from the right source to have the right impact. The ear must hear right for the tongue to speak right. I have a duty to go to the source for direction and inspiration before I dare stand before people to speak. Words can shape destiny, and in the wrong lips, they can destroy lives. Do my words reflect life? God's time of favour is here. 

Give!

Give!

2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP

[7] Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. 

Context is important. Here was Paul writing to the church in Corinth at the time, and there was an offering to be made to support the saints in Jerusalem. Reflect on this: it was not like the church in Corinth had all it needed, but it found time and grace to look outside itself to see the needs around it. The church also did not just speak or think about it; it made a plan, and also communicated that plan to Paul, and that was why Paul was writing this letter to appreciate the church for its charity and thoughtfulness to those in need. It is a message that needs to be spoken about more frequently: there will always be needs around us; what are we going to do about the needs we can meet? 

The church in Corinth was eager to give, and as Paul made clear, they were enthusiastic about giving, and their attitude had also inspired others too to join in. Let it be clear that people are watching; they may not be able to read my mind or judge my intentions and motives, but they definitely can see the things I do and how I do them. When the demand is made, do I dismiss it out of hand, or do I seek to know what the need is, and in what way I can help, no matter how small? The lesson of the feeding of the 5000 men, beside women and children, has taught us that nothing is too small in the hands of the Omnipotent God. 

If you let Him lead, and He touches that which is in your heart and hand, be sure that He will make it work. Like the boy's lunch of 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes, the reason why my heart is critical in this discussion is because it is the seat of all decisions. If it will be done right, the foundations are laid in the heart. The verse above makes that clear: first, the purpose is laid in the heart, before the hand and the purse align. When I know what is at stake, and the One I am obeying as I give, it becomes easier to do. The verse above asks me to give thought to what I do. Remember that God does not do carelessness; He is very precise: as His creation, I cannot live a life free from purpose and direction. 

All I do must point Him out as my Lord and Saviour. It cannot be done grudgingly or under compulsion. It cannot be done with an aim to get some form of public recognition or human applause. What would human approval do? Man is fickle; the same person who spoke so highly of you now can turn around to slander you the next moment. God is the only One who can be trusted to be faithful to all who are fully committed to Him. He loves one who gives cheerfully, and as the verse above presents it, whose heart is in his gift. This is powerful: your heart being in your gift means that you know why you do whatever you do. God rewards such commitment. Is your heart in what you do? God's time of favour is here. 

This Life!

This Life!

Psalms 23:4 AMP

[4] ¶Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

There are some experiences that will cause men to doubt their sanity, salvation or service to God. There are times when the foundation of all that you think you know and have are tested. There would be seasons where you know that if not for God's grace and mercy, it is likely that you would have fallen apart. This earthly phase of life is quite unpredictable; we do not have a self-designed crystal ball to check and decipher what is ahead; we only have the help of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in life, as we journey to eternity. Why are the reflections noted above important? It is the context in which the verse above is placed. I may not be able to fully comprehend the weight of the verse above without looking at the whole story behind the verse. Recall that this is a psalm of David, the man God Himself referred to as a man after His own heart. 

This reality should have led to a special and exclusive experience of God, and truly it did, but not in the way the world would interpret it. David knew God personally and received favour that no other king of Israel did, yet that did not keep him from some pretty 'horrible' experiences, the way the world defines it. He was special, but that did not keep him from lions and bears. He was favoured, but that did not make his father or brothers like him or his company that much. He spent the early years of his life in solitude and with sheep, and maybe that was the reason why he found time to know and experience God. What are my current realities too? What are the things that are really uncomfortable now, but which are  the stepping stones that God is preparing for my divine visitation and earthly impact?  How do I learn to view my current reality, no matter how painful or complex, in the light of God's purpose and plan for me? 

I must know that being a child of God does not insure me from 'unpleasant' realities. Being a Christian is not an insurance policy against pain. After all, David made it clear at the start of the chapter from where this verse above is taken from that the Lord was his shepherd, and he would not want for anything. How does a man with such supply end up in the valley of the shadow of death? This tells me that following God is a personal decision that will lead me down paths that outsiders will never understand or embrace, but I do not live life for the applause of outsiders, but just to please the One who called me. I am to follow God wherever He may lead, because I am confident in His eternal plan for me. I take comfort in the truth that His love for me will not destroy me, but He will display power and splendor in and through me, so that the world will know that there is an Omnipotent God at work. If God's presence is with me, it will not matter where His hand leads; I have peace that all will end well. Do you have the same assurance? God's time of favour is here. 

Walk Right!

Walk Right!

Galatians 5:16 AMP

[16] But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].

Paul introduced himself to the church in Galatia as an apostle, not commissioned or sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ the Messiah, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead. This introduction makes it clear what is the source and inspiration of the confidence and strength with which Paul operated, and how he was able to confront the dangers he saw in that church. This was a church in which he had spent time teaching about the principles, practices and standards of God's kingdom; the audience had initially accepted and embraced this, but over time, they had shifted allegiance from Christ and were now pursuing distractions. 

It is a warning to all of us who know, follow and serve Christ that we cannot afford to be careless. It is easier to pull down someone from a high position than it is to pull someone up to that high position. It is easier to stay off the commitment, dedication and focus that a surrender to Christ will demand from you. It takes absolutely nothing from you to live a life of compromise, but for a child of God who has seen the light, tasted the gift of the Holy Spirit, and seen God at work, it is a crime to pursue a gospel, message or lifestyle that is different from that which Christ has come to establish. The devil is smart; he offers 'viable' alternatives, but these are traps of trouble and ultimate destruction.

This is why the counsel in today's verse is very apt for our time. Habits only build up over time, and they will not happen overnight. It os what I consistently do that I become good at. It is what I focus on that I eventually master and become exceptional at. I must also be careful of who I walk with; the company I keep and the conversations I have will eventually impact eternity.  These are not decisions to be taken lightly or carelessly. The counsel in the verse above is to make it a habit to walk in the Holy Spirit. This is done by seeking His will and being responsive to His leading and direction given by His voice and Word. He will never contradict Himself, and He is not an author of confusion. 

Of course, making a choice means giving up on another alternative. The thing about the choice to follow God is that it leaves no room for any other alternative. I cannot do both at the same time. The devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy, and he does these well by keeping the focus on sin and man's areas of weaknesses. Sin keeps my eye on myself; surrender keeps my eye on the divine. It really helps that we have superior help from the One who has defeated sin, the devil, and death. That understanding keeps me focused on God and the hope that I am not ever alone. Now that I know what the options are, as well as the consequences of these options, what is the decision? Follow God or perish? God's time of favour is here. 

Grace!

Grace!

Ephesians 2:8 AMP

[8] For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;

Man was made in the image and likeness of God, to bring God praise and pleasure. The plan was that man would not die, but sin came and attempted to distort the plan. God in His mercy laid out a plan for the restoration of man to the original position, and that plan was tied to His Person, His Son Jesus Christ. No matter how hard I tried, I could not fight sin on my own. No matter how hard I tried, sin became the default setting for me, and I just needed help outside of myself to get to where God wanted me to be. This is the impact of grace; it was not what I deserved that I got, and whatever it is I got is a reflection of God's nature,, and should make me humble. 

Grace did not consider my old condition; it simply offered me a way out of sin. It did not demand from me a price that I could not pay; it paid the full price for sin, and simply asked me to trust in that finished work, and live in daily appreciation of all that God had done for me. The verse above refers to it as God's remarkable compassion and favour, which draws us to Christ. If not for grace, how would I know and admit that I need help? If not for grace, how would I submit my whole life to someone I have never met? If not for grace, how would I give up the tangible and the physical for something that is yet unseen and in the future? 

Salvation is that change that God's grace has offered to all men. It makes no distinction between races, tribes or languages. It is just an offer of deliverance from judgment and the taking hold of eternal life. It does not consider the dirt of my past; the weight of my present, or the wiles, schemes or threats of the devil. None of these things can stop or hinder the amazing things God has put in motion for me, except my personal choices. This is where grace becomes careful; it does not force itself on anyone, and it will also not go against the exercise of my freewill. It is a free gift from God, and my response also must be a free gift from my heart. 

I could not do anything to add to, or remove anything from all that God has done and given to me. It has nothing to do with labour or personal striving, but as the verse above makes clear, it is the undeserved, gracious gift of God. This is what makes what God has done both sobering and amazing. It is sobering because there is no human value I can give to buy it, and there is nothing God demands from me, except total surrender of my heart. The rich, the poor, the influential and highly connected, the healthy and the sick all have access to the same grace and the same starting point. Now that you know what God has given, how would you respond? Would you surrender? God's time of favour is here.

God First!!

God First!

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1 Peter 3:15 AMP

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

In a world full of competing interests, the verse above reminds us of what is really important. In a world that tries to sell off greed and selfishness as necessary human attributes, I am reminded again that God deals by different standards. As it has always been pointed out, the messenger could also reflect the weight of the message. Peter was a disciple who didn't start off being strong and focused. There were times he was also caught up in the pressure of the moment, and he made rash decisions, but I am glad that Jesus told him He was praying for him, and that he would be strengthened to make impact. 

Also, the audience of the message also reflects the weight of the assignment. Peter was writing to the elect, spread across the Jews and Gentiles, with a common election in Christ; people chosen by the foreknowledge of God, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and the sprinkled blood, to be God's own possession. They did not have characteristics that would have made them acceptable to the world at the time, but they were chosen by a God who shows no favouritism or partiality toward anyone. What a joy to know that there is a God whose heart of love does not make any distinction based on race, tribe or language. 

If indeed I am chosen by this God to be His own, I must live to glorify Him on a regular basis. The heart is the foundation of all that I am and do. Whoever sits on the throne of the heart defines and dictates the direction of the person's life. I am encouraged to give God control. I must set Christ apart in my life, by totally surrendering to Him. He takes first place or nothing at all. He is Lord of all, or not Lord at all. It is the focus of my heart that will define my words. Even medical science notez that the vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X) is the one that connects the brain to both the heart and the mouth. Whatever I say reflects the content and condition of my heart. 

Whether I like it or not, my heart's condition must be tested and it will be demanded for by people. If I claim to be light, I cannot get away with silence or compromise. People will see the difference in me, and they will definitely ask me what is the hope and confident assurance I have within me. Light cannot be hid; the impact of salt cannot be denied; the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a man cannot be covered. People need help; the world does not have the right answers. Those who know and follow God are the ones that God is counting on to impact the world for Him. Do I know this God? Does He also know me as His own? God's time of favour is here. 

Walk Right!

Walk Right!

Proverbs 13:20 AMP

[20] He who walks [as a companion] with wise men will be wise, But the companions of [conceited, dull-witted] fools [are fools themselves and] will experience harm.

It matters where you walk. It matters how ypu you walk. It matters who you walk with. It also matters who or what directs your steps. We are in an uncertain world; wars, rumours of wars, famine and earthquakes have changed the perspective, making us pause and really consider options before we act. The system of the world gives you options, many of which are unsafe. How do you determine the right way to go, or the right step to take? How can you be sure you are where God wants you to be, and doing what God wants you to do? You need to be sure, particularly when you consider the eternal consequences tied to your decision. 

I note that the verse above makes reference to the 'wise', not the 'smart'. The difference is in origin and purpose. Being smart can come from education or nature, but wisdom comes through life experiences, self-awareness and time. Also, being smart can be determined by knowing what to say at a particular time, but being wise is knowing if, when and how to say whatever it is that needs to be said. Being smart is about the short-term solution to an issue; being wise focuses on the long-term consequences of actions and decisions. It is in this light that the verse above should be considered. Am I focused on immediate reward, or on long-term benefits? 

Am I wise, or am I smart? I also note that walking with the wise as a companion makes me wise. How does this work? Walking with the wise means that I am careful to watch their lives in action. If I am walking with someone else, I keep in step with the person at all times. I do not jump ahead, and also strive not to lag behind. Like the disciples, access to the wise is a privilege not to be taken for granted, or treated with levity. There are life lessons that will not be learnt by words, but by observation. When you see a wise person respond to trials and tough times, you learn the value of patience and perseverance. 

Of course, the opposite too is true. If I choose to walk with the opposite of wisdom, I get the opposite of the benefits of wisdom. If I am a  companion of conceited, dull-witted fools, what else can my life produce, except what looks like what I have spent time with? That is another lesson for me: I look more and more like whatever experience I spend time with. If it is with the wise, it leads to good outcomes. If it is with fools, it leads to harm. Consider the eternal consequences of your actions: it is not something to leave to chance. Be very deliberate about where you walk, and who you walk with. Your eternity will be glad you did. God's time of favour is here. 

Guided!

Guided!

Psalms 32:8 AMP

[8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.

For the versions of the bible with titles over the chapters, you find these words captured at the top of the chapter from where the verse above is taken: 'The blesssedness of forgiveness, and of trust in God - a psalm of David'. It becomes clear what the focus of the entire chapter is. David was a man who could relate with the title of the chapter or song. We do not know the particular event of his life that led to this song, but we know David was a man who experienced mercy almost like no other. There were events that could have taken the lives of other people, but his life was spared for a purpose. Sin must not be excused, but mercy also cannot be explained. 

David was referred to by God Himself as a man after His own heart. There were things David did to get to this point; he praised God continually, finding times and seasons to sing songs of praise and worship to God. Whether in the valley, at the point of despair or death, or even when God had given him victory all around, and there was no war, he found time to praise God. Can the same be said of me? Can God count on me to be faithful to service and sacrifice, even when things do not go my way? This is the advanced level of God's dealings with man: even when I do not fully understand what is going on around me, I still praise. 

Even when I sin, there is mercy and grace to forgive, convict and restore me to fellowship with God. When I know that there is abundant grace in God, it must keep me humble and fully dependent on God. There is no room for pride; there is no room for self-sufficiency. It is the man who trusts in the Lord that can be guided continually by Him. God will not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill, but be sure that He will show Himself strong in the lives of all who are fully committed to Him. The verse may appear as 'counsel', and indeed it is, but the eternal  consequences of rejecting God's guidance make this a directive.

He wants to instruct and teach me. As He is the Omniscient God, He knows the end from the beginning, and knows the path I should take. As the Wisdom and Power of God, He wants to show me the path of life, and the way I should go. If I want to end well, it will do me good to walk in that path. I am limited; I am not strong in and of myself. I cannot see beyond this present second. As the verse above makes clear, for as many as are willing to learn, God is willing to counsel. Note that no one will have an excuse on the day of reckoning: guidance is available to all who seek it. God wants to guide; God wants to help. Would you submit to Him? God's time of favour is here.

Trust!

Trust!

Isaiah 12:2 AMP

[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.”

You do not usually associate Isaiah with songs or words such as the ones in the verse above. He was a prophet known for pronouncing the judgment of God upon the nation of Israel, and he was also privileged to speak about the coming Messiah. God is not the One to be put in a box or fully understood; there is an experience of God that is both personal and exclusive to everyone who seeks to walk with Him. Isaiah also had to have his own personal encounter with this God, and we know the impact this made to the ministry of Isaiah. If I will make impact and affect my generation, it will only happen on the back of this undeniable encounter. 

It was this personal encounter that made it possible for Isaiah to refer to God as his salvation. That was personal. There is a level you get to that you can no longer rely on another person's encounter with God. What do I know about God? When all else fails, and it appears I am on my own, what is the comfort I have that God never leaves me alone? Not only did Isaiah know this God; he was also willing and ready to draw the attention of his audience to this God. Am I proud of who I am, whose I am, and who I work for? Am I proud to be associated with a God whose power is undeniable, and whose wisdom is beyond searching out? 

Isaiah went on to speak about his response to this God. He said he will trust and not be afraid. Again, you do not pull these words from thin air; they come from a place of personal conviction. In a world that is becoming increasingly paranoid, it takes grace to look life in the face and be normal. So many things are going wrong around us, yet we are reminded that it pays to trust God. Trust is not easy; I am asked to trust the conviction in my heart that God can take care of any matter relating to me. Even when I do not understand the WHY behind WHAT I am experiencing, I still trust. Even when things do not make sense, God on my side is the only fact that makes sense. 

It is not a wonder, then, that Isaiah could sing about this God. Even in pain, can I sing? When things do not go according to plan, would I still sing? When tough times come, and it seems like I am beating against a wall, do I remind myself of the past goodness of God that I have experienced? Calling God my salvation means I have seen Him at work, and I am convinced beyond all doubt that He has got my back. He is my strength and song; He holds me up when everything else around me falls apart. He is and offers salvation to all who dare to surrender their lives to Him. How do you respond to this God? God's time of favour is here.