Imitate!

Imitate!

Ephesians 5:1 AMPC

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

What does it mean to imitate? Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as ' to copy, mimic, or follow the behavior, speech, actions, or style of someone or something else, often serving as a model. It involves reproducing or acting like another to learn, play, or mock'. I do not know if you noticed the end of the definition above, but please note that for all the good that imitation may present, there is also the evil that it can lead to. Imitation means that someone considers the behaviour, speech, actions, or style of one person as  something to be copied, whether good or bad. This is where the eternal becomes important. Whatever is being imitated grows beyond just the person who is being imitated, or even the person doing the imitation. Take all of that in, as we consider the life of the man who was inspired to write the words of the verse above.

 First, this was a man who the world would say had a terrible past. Indeed, he also owned up to this truth. He was popular with the Jewish leaders of his time, because he was attacking those who had found faith in Jesus. Thank God he had an amazing encounter with God on his way to Damascus. His life turned around, and he began to defend the things he used to oppose. He is credited with writing more than half of the letters of the new testament. That is impact. It was not always about how you start, but how you arrive. There may have been nothing obvious to imitate about Paul's early life, at least, for those who were followers of Jesus, but we know what the latter part of the life of Paul looked like. He became a mentor to quite ait of people, young and old. As I consider my own life today, are there people who are glad that I am in their lives? 

Consider the many letters he wrote, and I am not sure many of us have come to realise that many of these letters were co-written with others. Some were with Silas, some with Timothy, and, in an instance, with Sosthenes. At a time, Timothy was not even known, and many of the Jews did not like him, but by the mentorship and guidance of Paul, Timothy became a name to be reckoned with. Like a true father, Paul provided examples that other people could emulate. Can the same be said of me? Paul was confident to speak the way he did here, because he had also been helped. He had now become the public image of a private walk with God. As it is not possible for man to see God physically, what other better way is there to know who God is, does, or likes, than to see how His children represent Him? Is there any eternal good to be had from anyone imitating my life? God's time of favour is here. 

Granted!

Granted!

Psalm 37:4 AMPC

[4] Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.

David is the man credited with the words of the verse above. We do not know the full context behind the words above, but we know a few things about the man David himself. He was referred to by God as a man after His own heart. This must have been quite a high bar, because David did not ask for this major reference, or ask God to favour him in a special way, but God, who is Omniscient and knows what would happen, already referred to this man in this way. The world definitely did not see or consider David as perfect in any way, as we know a few of the things he did: a man who took another man's wife, slept with her, and then conspired with his army chief to murder the husband. Interestingly, the husband was listed as one of David's mighty men; men who would give their lives for the king, yet it was the same king who did not consider the value of this man's life. It was not pretty by man's standards, but as we know now, God does not look on the outside. He considers the heart. 

It was clear that David was a man who took great delight in God. He was not a man who paid only lip-service to devotion to God; he made sure that his private life of devotion also matched his public life of service and dedication to God. He was not a man who showed off in public, but had no personal encounter with God. It is important to note that it is not when problems come that a man's heart is revealed; it is usually in the times of comfort and convenience, when no one is looking. As David stayed in the desert and open places with his father's sheep; as he had quiet moments with no distractions, he was building up capacity and endurance for the days of public exploits. The days of quiet resistance to the lion and the bear were preparing him for the days of public and open confrontation with Goliath and Israel's enemies. How do I prepare the right way for the days of trouble that will definitely come my way, as long as I am clothed in this mortal body? 

The answer is in the verse above, which counsels me to 'delight' myself in the Lord. How do I do this? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Delight as 'a high degree of gratification, joy, or extreme pleasure, often accompanied by surprise'. This tells me that it is in the Lord that I can truly have the full expression of joy possible. The world will lay emphasis on possession, position, power or privilege; God lays emphasis on a personal encounter with Him. When you have Him, you have everything that really matters. Physical things do not always last; in fact, they were built to be temporary so that you will never be satisfied with them. The right counsel is to make sure that I have God. With Him, all other things find purpose and value. Without Him, it is easy to be distracted by what the world claims is important. With Him in charge of my heart, my desires and petitions will always line up with His will. I must make sure that He is in full control. Is He? God's time of favour is here. 

The Conclusion!

The Conclusion!

Ecclesiastes 12:13 AMP

[13] When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person.

Solomon started life so good. By natural calculation and genetics, he was not in line to the throne. His father's lust for women was what led to the murder of Uriah, and the later marriage of David to Bathsheba. Solomon was also not the first son, which was the usual practice of determining lineage to the throne. On all fronts, Solomon did not stand a chance, but then, if you have never met the God who can fetch water with a basket in order to disgrace a bucket, you may never understand how God works. This is a God who used a stick to make an iron axe head float in water, and make a donkey speak in a human voice, in order to caution Balaam the prophet. God has principles, but He also cannot be boxed into a corner. He determines the who, the when, the how and the why. He sets one up, and brings down another. He rules over the affairs of men, and it is in the best interest of man to cooperate with God. 

In the case of Solomon, there may have been better alternatives. Absalom was on record as being a handsome man, but we know how his life ended. Others would try and scheme to take the kingship, but God already had a plan, and the choice had been made, and no one was going to thwart God's plan. However, it has to be noted that God will always play His part, but He will not play my own part for me. In the case of Solomon, God came to him and asked him to request for anything. Solomon asked for wisdom, and God gave him that and much more. Kings and queens came from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon speak, but as we also know, with popularity came the burden of distraction. The man who was called wise failed to grasp the danger of lust, greed and idolatry. Solomon in his own words said that whatsoever his eyes desired, he did not keep them from himself, yet he was not fully satisfied with the abundance of provision or possession, because, as Jesus had made clear, a man's life does not consist of the abundance of the things that he possesses. 

The verse above helps put all these concerns in the right perspective. No matter what else you take hold of, make sure it is with the fear of God. No matter what else you have, if the fear of God is absent, you are headed for disaster and disappointment. As it was in the days of Solomon, so it is today too: the only thing that truly counts is what I do with and for God. If the wisest man who ever lived, and who enjoyed all that life had to offer, could come to the conclusion that the end of all matters on earth was to fear God and keep His commandments, we will do well to listen and heed. To fear God is to know Him, know what He loves and hates, and act accordingly. It is to avoid sin at all cost. To fear God is to offer my life as a daily worship to Him, and there are no exceptions for anyone. No one will be able to claim ignorance; God has made Himself and His expectations known to all mankind. The choice, as always, is mine to make. God's time of favour is here. 

Always!

Always!

1 Chronicles 16:11 AMP

[11] Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually [longing to be in His presence].

It is good to check up on how David came to this point in his life. Here was a man that had been anointed as king, even whilst a king was sitting on the throne of Israel. David did not belong to the tribe or the family of Saul, yet, by the choice of God, he became king. There was massive opposition, both within and without Israel, but because he was backed up by God, no one was able to defeat him. His son Absalom tried; the Philistines tried, but none succeeded. It is important to check who is behind and in front of you before you venture into projects or assignments. If God is not involved, do not assume superior knowledge to press on. Trouble is the only result that will come out of such action. It is not a wonder, then, that David was called by God Himself as a man after God's own heart. Does God know me so well that He can predict my heart's focus and attention? Does He command my heart's purpose, pursuits, and priorities? 

One of the many reasons why I cannot make assumptions about God is the event that led us here. David knew the law, and the rules that governed the carrying of the ark of the covenant. I am not sure how it happened; was it that the ark had been away from a proper temple so long that the leaders and people had forgotten the rules? Did the leaders and people think that showing genuine concern for the ark was going to save them from the wrath of God if they disobeyed His rules? We read of how Uzzah put out his hand to steady the cart that was carrying the ark, and he was struck dead by God. The bible records that David was angry, and I wonder why? Thank God David learnt. The next time the ark would be transported, David had learnt his lessons. Do not let assumptions rob you of a walk with God that is rewarding. What worked yesterday is not likely to work today, because God is not bound by the rules of yesterday. His laws and principles do not change, but it is critical that you know and follow whatever principles He is directing you to. 

That is where the words of the verse above come in. From experience, David knew that God does not joke with His standards. He had seen God punish, but He had also seen God bless. The secret was in knowing this God on a personal level, and nurturing that special relationship on a daily basis. David counsels us to seek the Lord and His strength. Seeking God means that He will not be found  by accident, and even if you do find Him by accident, He  will not be sustained by accident. You do not do it once a week or in a month; it has to be a regular occurrence. There is strength in God's presence. There is fullness of joy in His presence. There are daily mercies available to all who seek Him. I take the lessons from the lives of those who had tasted of the Lord’s goodness, and I make up my mind to seek Him continually. I ask God to fill my heart with a sincere longing to be in His presence at all times. Things look quite different when viewed from God's perspective. May nothing take me away from His presence. May the blessings of His presence by my daily reality. God's time of favour is here. 

The One and Only!

The One and Only!

John 14:6 AMP

[6] Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

At this time, the crowd was locked out. There was no distraction or external noise. It was the disciples alone with Jesus, who was coming to the end of His earthly ministry. Aa we know, there were messages that were for the crowd, and at other times, for His followers, but this time, the focus was on the men who had left all to follow Him. He took time to encourage His disciples, showing them the principles and practices of His kingdom and how they could get into it. As it was then, so is it now. The principles and practices of the kingdom of God have not changed or been lowered. What was required of the disciples then, is still required of the disciples today. The changing of generations or dispensations has not done anything to lower the standards God has set for those who may come into His kingdom. Am I still part of the crowd outside, or am I a true disciple of Jesus? The answer will define how I respond to the verse above. 

Jesus spoke about His kingdom, and how to get in. In His Father's house were many mansions being prepared, and there was one way to get in. Thomas, one of the twelve, was not sure about this one way, and he asked to be shown this way. Jesus uttered these immortal words that have guided our focus and discourse over the centuries: as long as God's kingdom is the destination, Jesus is the way into that kingdom. Many others may sell other kingdoms, or offer alternatives to the kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of here, but as long as Jesus is not the way into it, be sure that it is not the same as the kingdom that Jesus speaks of here. I am not sure why Thomas asked the question, but it is normal to make enquiries about what you do not fully understand. It is also important that all doubts are cleared up, so you know what is expected of you, and how to achieve that which you seek. However, once the guidance is provided, the response is now mine to sort out. 

The words of Jesus here are quite instructive: He is not one of many options; He is the only option. Many have laid claim to knowing the way to God, but the death and resurrection of Jesus makes Him uniquely qualified to state this claim. No other authority has died and come back to life. There are many statements that have been made in the past, but have not stood the test of time. Through generations, the Truth that Jesus is the Son of God has come to stay. Yes, men dispute this, but it is only by the Spirit of God that a man can accept the authority and Lordship of Jesus. As He is the only One who has tasted death and also being brought back to life by the power of God, never to die again, He is Life, and the only One who can offer who He is and what He has to all who come to Him. That is the exclusive package on offer to all who seek Him. You cannot give what you do not have, but in this case, Jesus is all that I need, and He has all that I need. His offer is still available, and I must lay hold of the offer before death comes. After that, it is too late. What is your response? God's time of favour is here. 

Discipline!

Discipline!

Hebrews 12:11 AMP

[11] For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose]

How do you define discipline? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary presents it as 'the practice of training oneself or others to obey rules, maintain order, and follow specific standards of behavior to achieve goals or foster self-control. It involves consistency, focusing on long-term benefits over short-term gratification, and, in some contexts, acts as a form of correction or punishment'. The Cambridge Dictionary sees it from the perspective of 'punishment, castigation, penalty, correction'. In all of these definitions, there is a thread that applies to discipline in the context of the verse above, and it is the fact that rules of engagement have been clearly defined, explained, clearly understood. The rules were established to guide human behaviour, but now, the rules have been breached, and the rules give room for consequences to be applied. 

The person who has breached the rules knows clearly why the discipline is being applied, and as a sign of maturity, does not go about grumbling about the enforcement of the rules against him. That is why no discipline is pleasant at the time it is applied. Even for the world system, discipline is very important in molding behaviour, and to ensure a positive outcome for those who are subject to that process. If the people who are subject to the world's system understand the value and importance of discipline, just reflect on what this means in the spiritual. Of course, no natural person likes to be disciplined, but the long-term effect of discipline makes the process worthwhile. The word 'training' is also used in relation to discipline, and the picture it paints for me is that discipline is not a one-off event, but an experience that leaves a mark in and on me. 

When you see someone who has 'trained' for a sport or event, there are evidently physical signs on that person. In the same way, for a Christian who is training to be a vessel of honour in the hands of God, there are signs that will be apparent in and on that person. The verse above makes reference to the benefit that comes from that process, amd it is the peaceful fruit of righteousness. It means that the seed of discipline, guidance, and submission was sown, and as I continue to let the seed take root in me, it produces the fruit of righteousness. Like natural seeds, you do not wake up one morning to find the fruit, and it will not grow overnight. It takes time, it takes effort, and it takes commitment, but the end in this case justifies the means. I place myself in a position where God's will becomes my sole focus and pursuit. Does this describe me at the moment? Does God hold my sole attention, and can He take me on the journey of preparation so I can be preserved and presented for His service? God's time of favour is here. 

Speak!

Speak!

Philippians 4:6 AMP

[6] Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

Paul, speaking to the church in Philippi, had an understanding of what he was addressing here. Here were new believers who had just come to the saving knowledge of Jesus, and who would have tried to understand the times they were in, and how best to show their faith in the midst of the decadence of their times. Do recall that, at the time Paul was writing this letter, Christianity was not as widely regarded as it is today. The Bible only gave us the perspective from the early disciples and their ministries. Those who knew Jesus then were persecuted, but Paul took time to keep encouraging these believers to hold on to God at all times. As Christians today, we also have an obligation to provide encouragement and support to those who may be struggling with the demands of this new call. Like Paul, we speak, not from a place of fear, but a place of conviction. 

Like Paul, we know whom we have come to believe, and we are not ashamed of our new identity in Christ, persuaded that He is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against the day of His return and reward. As we wait for that day, we know that many things will happen, both uncomfortable and pleasant. We are in a world system that has been irretrievably given over to sin, and it cannot be saved or redeemed. In that light, we must be prepared for resistance, as well as opposition to all that Jesus represents. This is why the verse above is central to our position and response to what is going on around us. We have been given the greatest resource in the world, which is access to the King of kings, and the ruler of the universe, who is able to bend anyone and anything to His will. He cannot be defeated, because He is the Creator of all things, seen and unseen. 

This is the God that Paul asks us to approach at anytime, to discuss anything. There is no issue so minute or so gargantuan, that God cannot solve. There is no minor matter, or major problem that is beyond His capacity to deal with. This is why prayer is important: we acknowledge our weakness and limitations, and seek the help of the One called the Help of Israel. Reflect on what the verse above says: in every circumstance and situation, continue to make your requests known to God. It means that God wants to hear me speak to Him often, not because He always gives me what I want, when I want it, but because He is a Father and Friend who seeks fellowship much more than transactions. No matter how bad things get, I will approach. This is access and privilege that money cannot secure. May nothing keep me from my Help. May no guilty conscience keep me from the One who died to deal with sin. Make the approach, and speak to God today. He waits for you. God's time of favour is here. 

Right Mode 2!

Right Mode 2!

1 John 4:15 AMP

[15] Whoever confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

Let us lay a quick foundation to the verse above. John, the writer of this book, made it clear that he was writing from the position of personal experience. He said: 'what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life, is what he was proclaiming to his audience. He said he had seen the Word of Life in action as an eyewitnes, and was able to testify about this Word of Life to his audience. By extension, my personal conviction helps drive my public declaration. Whatever it is I am convinced and sure about becomes a message that I am proud to present to other people at anytime. John had tasted of the riches of the Word of Life, and was now inviting others to come and experience the same. Do I have the same mind and heart as John here? Am I focused only on what I can get, and not much on the lives that God seeks to bless through my own knowledge and experience of Him? 

John in his day had the opportunity to fellowship with the Word of Life, along with other believers of his time, and so do we in our own time today also have the opportunity to fellowship with the Word of Life, as well as other believers of our own time too. However, it has to be noted that this access is not a right you get automatically by natural birth; it is a privilege you get by the second birth. The natural birth has given rise to sin, and anyone who dies following the natural birth only has no access to the eternal life promised by God. That is the standard, and I can choose to live or die by that standard. It will not be lowered or changed for anyone, no matter how gifted or connected. It is the second birth, or what we call 'being born again' that gives a man that access into the reality of the latter part of the verse above. It is a non-negotiable and irreplaceable experience for anyone who wants to access all that God is and has. 

How do we arrive at this amazing destination? The verse above clarifies. It is for anyone who confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God. It may sound simple, but this is the position that has caused problems for many people. It does not follow rationality or human critical thinking. It does not make that much sense humanly speaking. This is where God provides the grace that brings salvation and has appeared to ALL men. It is this grace that enables me to say No to sin and Yes to God. Both confession and acknowledgement work together to achieve that which God seeks. It is my mouth that confesses, and my life's pursuits and priorities provide the public acknowledgement that I now live by different standards and have a different master now. The reward of that inner change is that God abides in you, and you in God too. Picture the amazing fellowship that is possible when the presence of God manifests in all of us. Do I truly have Him? God's time of favour is here. 

Life's Worth!

Life's Worth!

Acts 20:24 AMP

[24] But I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious, undeserved] grace [which makes us free of the guilt of sin and grants us eternal life].

Yesterday,  we considered the end of Paul's earthly ministry, and the declaration he made about his race, his fight and his reward. He did not get to that conclusion overnight; there were actions and decisions that he made that led to that conclusion. Paul had been saved, and then commissioned to minister among the Gentiles, and we know he was backed up by God. Miracles, signs and wonders were all parts of the manifestations of God's power in and through the life of Paul. It would have been easy for Paul to get comfortable with such a high level of impact, but for a man who spoke this way, just being applauded by man was not the focus. God had to be glorified in and through him to the end. That is the crown of a life that God uses: that this life is a vessel of honour, and God is able to shine in and out of it. Does this describe me in any way? Can I say, of a truth, that my life is one that God is pleased with? 

Even in the face of certain persecution and opposition, Paul would not choose the easy way out of anything. At the time of the verse above, he was compelled by the Spirit and his convictions to go to Jerusalem. He knew that trouble was waiting for him there, yet he would press on. A life that is not submitted and surrendered fully will struggle. Even Jesus, the son of God, came to a point where He prayed to His Father that the coming cup of suffering will pass over Him, but He also knew the eternal value of obedience to the will of His Father. We stand where we are today because Jesus surrendered. As a child of God, I learn that there are no regrets if God is pleased with my life of sacrifice, surrender and service. Is there anything so mighty and powerful that it can take my eyes off the prize of heaven? Is there any price too high for me to pay, in order to secure eternal life with God and the reward of faithful service to the end? 

Like Paul, I must know that the value of my life is determined by what I do for God, not really for myself. It is in service to God that I truly thrive. Let nothing/no one keep me away from the ministry God has committed into my care. Jesus births and sustains vision, and His provision will always be sufficient for the vision. Paul knew clearly who His audience was, and what the message was about. I must know who I have been sent to, and take counsel from God on what to say, and when to say it. After all, it is God's mission first and foremost. I am called to join Him at work, not to define the terms and conditions by myself. I keep my eye on the prize, and make sure that I am in line for the reward. I only get the reward if I run, walk, fight and work in line with the mandate of the One who sent me. The end indeed justifies the means. I ask God for grace for the race that has been set before me. God's time of favour is here.

Well Done!

Welll Done!

2 Timothy 4:7 AMP

[7] I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error].

The wisest man who ever lived on earth, at least according to bible records, once said that for everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under heaven. The very first activity mentioned is 'a time to be born and a time to die'. This is central to the theme of the verse above. Between being born and dying, there are a lot of things that will happen and a lot of things to be accounted for. There is no one who is able to control when to be born or when death comes, but once birth has taken place, a clean slate is provided on which we all have the power to choose what we write on that slate and how that life is lived. We do not have control over when and how we die, but we do have information on what to do before death comes. The bible is full of stories of both men and women who lived on the earth at different times across different generations and dispensations. 

We have several lessons we can either adopt or discard, as we journey towards that inevitable end of life, and the judgement and reward that must follow. Paul was one of the men in the bible who did have a violent start, at least by human measurement, as we see him as part of a conspiracy to commit murder of Stephen. He then went on a rampage against Christians at the time, but he was arrested, and had an encounter with Jesus. The rest, as they say, is history. From bible records, Paul was involved in more than half of the letters of the new testament, and his work among the Gentiles of his day remains the foundation of the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth, as mandated by Jesus when He was leaving the earth. The reflection for me here must be: what am I doing on earth right now that will set me up for a glorious end? Do my current pursuits and priorities guarantee me a good end, and a reward for faithful service by God? 

Check out the confidence in the words of Paul in the verse above. The confidence did not come from a false sense of importance, but a place of conviction and backing. He had seen God move, but he had also been faithful to his calling. There was no room for pride or selfish ambition; and this ministry did not give room to pursue personal agendas. There was a focus on bringing glory to the name of the Lord and drawing men to the kingdom. That is what God rewards. I note that I do not have forever on this side of eternity to settle down and work. There is no permanent residence down here; at some point, the fight will be over, the race will be finished, and the reward of faith will have to be sorted. Am I sure my current course and direction will land me safely in heaven with God when this earthly phase is done? As long as I have life, I can take steps to be sure. Know and follow God wholeheartedly; the end is eternal life. The alternative is NOT worth considering. God's time of favour is here.

Covered!

Habakkuk 2:14 AMP

[14] “But [the time is coming when] the earth shall be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, As the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 11:9 AMP

[9] They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea.

The verses above make references to times and seasons. There is a past or present time, as well as a time that is coming. Both times have different characteristics and events that define them. The past or present time is one that is filled with sin, due to the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. It was not like that in the beginning. God made the heaven and the earth to reflect His glory, and He made and placed man in the Garden to tend it, and to also maintain a relationship with Him. The devil came with deceit and led man astray, causing man to lose his privilege, position and power. Since the fall of man, it has been disaster after disaster for mankind. The earth has not gotten better at anything Godly, but the world system keeps finding ways to rebel against God. Man had unhindered access to God at the beginning, with God coming down in the cool of the day to speak with man. All of these were lost due to sin. 

Do we think that sin is not such a big deal? Do we think that the power of sin is exaggerated beyond what it is? Reflect on the price that was paid by God to deal with sin, as well as the prize that God lays down for all who come to put their trust in Jesus, and you will realise that God does not joke with sin. He is seeking lives that will reflect what He established in the beginning. He is seeking lives who will show off His redemptive power, and the grace that brings salvation to ALL men, no matter how stained their past could be. God wants to show Himself strong in the lives of men whose hearts are fully committed to Him. This is very important, as we consider the message of the verses above. A time is coming when what I get will be defined by what I do with Jesus. A time is coming when the old order will give way to the new, and all that we thought was immovable will give way to that which is truly unshakeable. 

A time is coming when the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God. I note that it is the earth that is referenced here, and not the world's system under the control and influence of the devil. The system of the world is beyond redemption, and this present earth is destined to give way to a new earth, wherein righteousness will reign. This tells me that if I want to be a part of this new earth, my present preparations must match the expectations of God for entrance into that new earth. The things that God rejects as sin in this current earth will not be accepted in the new earth. God informs and warns ahead of the manifestation of that time how I can prepare the right way. His Word has clear rules of engagement for that time. His Word has clear guidance for all who seek admission into His Holy mountain. Of course. If His mountain is described as holy, be sure that all who enter into it must be holy. I have been duly notified; the required response is mine to sort out. God's time of favour is here.

Love!

Love!

2 John 1:6 AMP

[6] And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should [always] walk in love.

John, called the apostle of love, was writing to the 'chosen lady and her children'. Whether this was an actual person or a symbol of a church, it is not clear but the message in the letter is clear and unmistakable. John was writing about the topic of love. To the natural man, love is that feeling that makes your heart beat faster when you see the subject or object of your affection. To others under the same human influence, love is proven by the things you do to or for other people. As dealing with the natural man is not an exact science, you find sins like fornication and adultery labelled as 'making love'. It shows that the natural man can only understand love from the perspective of what it can see, feel or receive. That is why the natural man cannot be the source of anything Godly. The natural man is unable to grasp the scope, height, or depth of the love of God, because it cannot receive, respond, or submit to it. 

The spiritual man is the one that is able to receive and respond to the love of God, which is the focus of the verse above. The verse lays the right foundation of love as a relationship with the One called Love Himself. The verse above makes a categorical statement: love id proven by walking in accordance with His commandments. How do ypu align with the commandments of a God you do not know, recognise or submit to? How can you be guided by the instructions of an authority you do not recognise, or claim the benefits of an authority that you do not submit to? These are fundamental questions that require honest review, so you know where you stand, or what you can look forward to receiving from God. God is merciful, and sends His rain on both the good and the bad, but like all natural men, no matter how nice they are, when it comes to writing a will, their natural children who have stayed faithful are the first priority, before any outsider is considered. 

The verse above also makes it clear that love is a command. This tells me that this is not one of those negotiable options; it is a command that demands allegiance and total obedience. How can you even partially obey God? It is as good as disobedience. God commands His own to love, and of course, the proof of love will be seen in the outflow of my life. Can men come in contact with the Love of God in my life? Does Jesus shine in and through my life too? Is His light evident in my life in a way that men can see the results of His presence in me, which are good works that bring glory to His name? Do I let the world define my view of what love is, or is God sitting in full control of the strings of ny heart, defining its pursuits and priorities? I must also note that there are permanent and eternal ramifications to my response to the love God offers. May it not be that it is at the throne of judgment that reality dawns that the wrong version of love had been pursued. May God help me find Him, and find life. God's time of favour is here. 

Generational!

Generational!

Proverbs 23:24 AMP

[24] ¶The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who sires a wise child will have joy in him.

These are the proverbs of the wisest man who ever lived, according to cyber God's own view of the life of Solomon. His life would be a reflection of the verse above. As we know, David was a man after God's own heart, but that did not mean that God permitted or approved all the actions that David took. The Bible records the many achievements of the man David, as well as many of his faults too, but one thing the bible accounts make clear is that God's standards are generational. He does not hold one generation to one standard and then hold a different generation to a lower or higher standard. He is called the same yesterday, today and forever for a reason, and it is because He does not change like shifting shadows. What he called sin in the days of Adam and Abraham are still so called in the days of Peter and Paul. That is consistency and predictability: attributes of God that emphasize His nature. 

As we consider the life and impact of David the father, it is not a wonder that Solomon the son made some good choices. He personally knew the God of his father David, and sought Him early to ask for wisdom for the work he had been given. Even the bible says that God loved the boy, and even sent His prophet to give him a name to reflect that love. We also know that the father laid some bad examples that the son also picked up, one of which was the love or lust for many women. I am not sure why power, position or privilege fill men with inordinate desires, but we see this play out across all generations of human activity. It is a word of caution to all who seek to make impact: actions have eternal ramifications. I do not get to claim that I live for myself alone. Life is about generational connection. David's actions got him an eternal kingship. Abraham too received eternal blessings due to his faith in God. 

We see the men of the bible pass on the fruits of their actions to their children, whether good or bad. If I am righteous by God's standards, I am leaving a good example for my children to emulate. My father's example is a seed that I may eat from, but I also get to lay down a good example for my own children too. My father may not have known God, but God expects me to lay a good example for my children to follow. This is one of the ways by which God perpetuates a Godly generation. His light in me becomes necessary inspiration and guidance to those who watch me. Can I truly say that God is evident in my life? There is joy to the man who is able to pass on the personal knowledge and experience of God to others. There is joy for the man who has invested time and resources in mentoring another person to walk in line with the will and mind of God. Does this describe me at the moment? God's time of favour is here. 

Do Right!

Do Right!

Romans 12:10 AMP

[10] Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;

In order to fully grasp the weight of the counsel given in the verse above, it is important to consider the audience of the letter. Paul was writing to brothers and sisters who were connected by the blood of Jesus, to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as true and proper worship. This counsel is for people who have made up their minds to follow Jesus as their Lord Saviour and Master. The counsel becomes quite critical considering the times we are in, and the demand of this present generation. We are in a careless world, where standards are being compromised. The fear of God no longer seems to be fashionable; we now define love from a selfish, narrow-minded perspective, seeking only what I can get out of the relationship. It is not a wonder, then, that Paul goes on to charge his audience not to be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

The counsel above is important. God calls His own to live by different standards. The way of the world is good for those who are under its control and influence. The way of the world is strange to those who are under the control and influence of the Holy Spirit. It is by total surrender to Jesus that I am able to test and approve what God’s good, pleasing and perfect will is. How would I know what God's will is if I do not place myself where I can be exposed to His Word? How would I know His mind, and what He loves and hates, if I do not spend time with like-minded people, who are seeking the same thing as me? It has to be clear that the expectation of God for His children are different from those who are yet to submit to Him. If I claim to know and follow God, I will not struggle with the instructions in the verse above. If I am still fighting for my own selfish interests, I may need to check and confirm who is sitting on the throne of my heart. 

What does it mean to be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection? It means that blood is the main factor that determines identity and relevance. We all come from different backgrounds and have different start points, but the blood of Jesus gives us all a level playing field. Nobody is better than any other person. The blood of Jesus makes me see the other person the same way Jesus does;: a life that is precious. The blood of Jesus makes us all members of one family; one Saviour, one Lord, a common salvation; one hope of eternal life, and one destination. This understanding helps me in giving honour to other people. It does not in any way make me inferior to anyone,but helps me reflect the identity of Jesus. I do not have a problem with giving preference to another person, because someone else is doing the same to me. That is what we have been called to do. Can God trust me to align my life with His will? God's time of favour is here.

Basis!

Basis!

1 Peter 4:16 AMP

[16] but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name.

As it has always been pointed out, it is the audience that defines the impact of the message. Peter presented himself as an apostle, a special messenger, and a chosen representative of Jesus Christ. His letter was to the elect—both Jewish and Gentile believers, who were living as exiles, scattered all through Asia at the time. Just in the event that you are not sure if your being elected in Christ Jesus means anything special, consider how Peter presented it in the letter he wrote: chosen, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, and by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with His blood. It will take personal experience to fully understand what these mean, but let it be known that being called a child of God is no mean feat. It is a reflection of grace that gives special access to those who have personified and personalised it. 

Let it also be known that you cannot lay hold of it by influence, connections, networth, or any other earthly metrics by which the people of the world measure success. The reason why nothing of this world can help is because of the tough times in store for those who choose to follow Christ. That decision is not popular with the world and the devil that is in charge of its systems and structure. You are saying in effect that you are choosing a path that goes against everything the world represents. Do not be worried if the world and its commander then fights you. You are going up against a system that has been in place long before you were born, but there is One who has no beginning or ending, and is able to provide the help, support, guidance and resources required to overcome. What this means is trials and tough times are a part of this walk of faith, and I have to be prepared the right way for whatever may come my way. 

There may be times when one suffers the natural consequences of wrongdoing, but in this instance, the world can label and treat you like a criminal, because you go against everything that is accepted by it. The world wants to make the idea of human applause popular, and will try and shame you into thinking that standing alone is not healthy. It must be made clear that human applause without God's approval, is a waste of time. Do not pursue public acceptance at the expense of God's backing. Unless one is good at compromise, know that standing with God means standing against the world. Best be prepared for whatever the world will throw at you, but note that God backs you up. How does one rejoice in trouble, unless there is a backing that makes the pain worthwhile? It is faith in God that is the basis of hope. May nothing keep me away from total dependence on God. God's time of favour is here.

Comforted!

Comforted!

Psalms 94:19 AMP

[19] When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.

Life happens to the best of us. Life will throw all sorts of experiences and incidents at you, trying to break you into pieces. The impact of sin on man cannot be fully dimensioned on this side of eternity, but we are seeing the signs of what man's fallen human nature can produce. We have found new and novel ways of committing evil and excusing it. We seem to have seared our conscience so it does not speak as loudly or as forcefully as it once did. We now excuse behaviour that we know quite well to be sin, in the name of being aware, being educated, being enlightened or being influential. We have given modern names to things God called abominations, yet, no matter how hard you try, or how far you want to stretch sin, it will never become anything other than sin in God's eyes. Can I dare call sin anything else other than what God calls it?

In the light of all the above, today's verse is a message for all who seek God's will in all things. 

The writer of this psalm is not known, but the message is clear, as always. What is going on in the world today should make men pause and wonder. Even for those who are saved, and believe in the word of God which has laid out the signs of the end of the world, we may still be shocked at the depth of the depravity and disaster that the world has become today. Today, man is really fulfilling the words of God in line with these present times. It is okay to have anxiety at the thought of all that is going on, but it is equally, if not more important, to hand over all that anxiety to the One who is able to keep, preserve and uphold my heart in trust, rest and quietness. He has asked us to cast all our cares on Him.

That is His Capacity and Capability on display for us to tap into. I also note that the verse above uses WHEN, not IF. This tells me that I may not be able to resist the thoughts from coming, but I can decide what to do with them when they come. The devil is smart; he knows how to keep a heart weighed down with so many 'legitimate concerns'.

God wants me to hand over all these concerns, because He cares for me. His comfort is the medicine my heart needs for such a time like this. What do God's comforts mean? This is where the might, power, wisdom and strength of God make a lot of sense. Whatever the need may be at the time, He is more than able to meet it. No matter how hard things get, the hands of God is the place to be. His comfort stays in when other people walk out. His comfort steadies my heart in the face of the storm. His comfort is the anchor when the winds blow. Do you know and have Him? Remember: God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill, but if I dare trust Him with my heart, that is a lifetime supply and guarantee of comfort that will lead me to eternal life with Him. What other comfort could be better than eternal security? Do you  have Him? God's time of favour is here. 

Empowered!

Empowered!

Philippians 4:13 AMP

[13] I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

Paul was writing to the church in Philippi, and as is the custom, it is pertinent to note the audience he was speaking to. In this instance, Paul and Timothy were addressing the saints, including the overseers and deacons. The message in the verse above is part of a larger message intended for those who had made a decision to follow Jesus. It needs constant emphasis to note that demands are placed on those who claim to know and follow Jesus. The decision is always first and foremost personal, and the devotion to that decision always remains personal, but the fruits of the decision cannot remain personal. At some point, the benefits of my relationship with God must flow out to impact the lives of other people. The personal decisions I make, and the commitment to devotion and service will speak of my life's priorities. This was part of the message of Paul to this church in this letter: 

Paul could say he had come to the point where nothing moved him anymore, because he knew the One backing him up. We now know the story of Paul and his many trials and tough times, and when you read verses like the one above, you have to wonder if it is the same man with these 'bitter' experiences that could speak with such clarity and confidence about God. This is what happens when mortal man gets it right with an immortal God. There is a supply that cannot be mentally explained. There is a supply that man cannot turn off or limit. There is a supply that cannot be fully explained by logic, reasoning, elocution, or diction. It is a supply and support system that makes a man go higher, further, farther and longer than he could have done under other circumstances. God is the only One who can guarantee such support and supply for as long as life exists. Would you trust Him for all of life? God's time of favour is here. 

Response!

Response!

Romans 5:3-4 KJV

[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] and patience, experience; and experience, hope:

As we saw in our reflection of a few days ago, the season we are in calls for something that this world cannot give you. You have to see with the eye of faith if you will rejoice in the face of trials and tribulations. The verse above also has the same theme, and it seems to me that God would prepare us for all that is ahead. He does not want me to be unprepared for all that this race calls for; ahead of the seasons that may come, God wants to know if I am on His side. The verse above speaks to specific people who are justified by faith, and have come into peace with God through Jesus Christ. These are people who have access into unprecedented grace, and can rejoice in hope of the manifestation of the glory of God. Does the above describe me in any way? Is there anything at all in me that looks anything like what has been described here? 

Pause and reflect: have I been justified by faith? Have I come into the new life that Jesus was made manifest to give to whoever will accept Him as Lord and Saviour? Do I have this hope that no matter what today holds, there is a tomorrow that is greater and better than anything I have ever seen. Pause and reflect: what could make a man rejoice in the face of trials and tribulations? There has to be something the man sees or knows that is not visible to others. The part that always makes me wonder at the mighty works of God is joy in the face of tough times. It is hard, but you rejoice because you know it is for a short while. You cry sometimes, but at all times, there is a presence that assures you that all is well. It is clear that we are not speaking of anything that this world produces but something only an eternal God can initiate and sustain. 

That is why I can rejoice in the face of trials and tribulations. I can laugh at the storm because Jesus is my boat. I can rejoice in tribulations because, as the verse above makes clear, there is a working of patience that God knows I need for whatever it is He will bring my way. If I ask God to teach me patience, how else would He do this if I do not learn from tough times? As I go through these experiences, no matter how unpleasant, I am stretched. The things that I did not know I could do become easier. The things I used to struggle with become easier. The pain and discomfort that sometimes accompany life's pursuits become bearable, because God is in and with me. The end really justifies the means. Because He lives, I have all I need for life and Godliness. At the end, I reign with Him. This hope keeps me sane and focused. What about you? Do you know this God, or better still, does this God know you as His own? God's time of favour is here.

Grace!

Grace!

2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV

[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

In all situations, it is important to keep in mind the reason why you do whatever it is that you do. Motives are important; God does not first look at the action; he judges motives and intentions. It is man that makes a case out of what he sees or thinks he knows. At a time in the lives of this church in Corinth, the people had made a commitment to sacrifice some of their income to support the ministry of the gospel at the time. Paul was careful to note that this was not an extortion, or an attempt to guilt trip the people into giving up their hard-earned money, but it was a gift that came from their hearts, and had been previously committed to. Reflect on this: is there anything I consider too big to give up for the sake of the gospel? This is not so much about money, but about priorities. Of all the things that God has blessed me with, what do I consider to be the most precious that I cannot easily give up? 

The answer to that question would define my heart. The human nature always wants more and will not be satisfied even with plenty. We keep asking God for more and more, because our needs are never fully satisfied all at once.  We hold on to what we have, will not give up anything without a struggle, yet we want God to add more to what we have. The nature of God is one full of grace, as the verse above makes clear. It must be noted that God does not need my money, because He owns the whole earth, but He needs to be sure that there is nothing of the earth that can take His place in my heart. It is His grace that keeps my heart free from competition with anyone for relevance or impact. I know I am not defined by what men calls me, but who God says that I am. He is the One who can direct resources to the place where they are needed for the work He needs to get done. God seeks lives He can inhabit, and then empower to achieve great things for Him. Can He trust me with the riches of His grace? Can He trust that possessions will not possess and distract me? 

If there is nothing that can take God's place in my heart, I am in the place where God's grace can do exploits in and through me. The verse above refers to grace that can make a mortal man to be sufficient in all things. It sounds a bit outlandish, but as you read the accounts of men and women who trusted in God completely, you find that God's grace is such that does not need me to be perfect before I can access it. I cannot do anything to earn or deserve it; otherwise, it would be strictly by merit. Thank God men could not pay for it, or else many of us would have been excluded. It is grace that gives me all that I need, yet it is enough to share with other people. I can reach out to others with what I have received because it is enough for the whole world. If I have received such grace from God, what else should be too big for me to give up for God, if He asks? Anything at all? God's time of favour is here. 

Patience!!

Patience!

James 1:2-3 KJV

[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [3] knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James introduced himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. This introduction is central to the message of this letter that was addressed to the twelve tribes who were now scattered abroad. These must have been tough times for these people, as they did not expect that there would be any upheavals due to their newfound faith. As we now know, being a follower of Jesus opens you up to a whole world of experiences. There is really no way to prepare you the right way for whatever is coming, except to know that Jesus foretold these experiences and also promised us His presence as we live through these experiences. At the time Jesus was leaving the earth, He made it clear that His followers would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the world. It would start with the familiar and then move on to the unfamiliar. This was the stage where the audience for this letter now found themselves. 

It must be laid out that if there were no scatterings abroad, maybe some people would not have heard of the love of Jesus at the time they did. It is in the scattering abroad that the world gets to hear of a love that is amazing and eternal. However, it must be noted that this love will not keep us from tough times. As mentioned above, it is love that draws us to Jesus, and it is His love that will uphold and sustain us through whatever may come, but this love will definitely be tested in various ways. If everything went well at all times and there were no rough patches to sort out, how would you know if what you held is the genuine thing? That is the message of the verses above: as long as I am in Christ, whatever comes must lead to joy. I have joy because I know how it ends. I have joy because no matter what comes my way down here on earth, it is timed and limited, and must expire when its purpose is done. What I must have left is that which is eternal, and no man can kill or take away by force. 

The message about joy in the midst of trials is not for everyone, but for those who totally surrender their lives to Jesus. He is the Source and Spring of Joy; there is no other way to have joy, which is one of the manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit, and can only be accessed by those who allow Him in. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. Reflect on the purpose of these trials: that I can learn patience, which is another manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit. There is no wastage in God; there is nothing He cannot use to teach me how to be like Him, and there is no experience He cannot design and implement that will bring Him glory in and through my life. I will not get there overnight, but if I allow Him work, there is no end to the amazing blessings that are ahead. As it was in the days of James, so is it in our days now. Can I look ahead to tough times, sure and certain that they will work out God's perfect will for me? God's time of favour is here. 

True Strength!

True Strength!

2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP

[10] So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].

Context will help us understand the relevance and importance of Paul's attitude to tough and unpleasant situations. At the start of the chapter, he speaks of himself in the third person, identifying a man who was caught up to the third heaven, or as he also mentioned, the place called Paradise. While he was there, he heard things that were too sacred to tell. Of course, were it to be any other person, the amazing experience could lead to pride, or to a sense of spiritual superiority. It is the way of the natural man to ascribe special attention to unique experiences that are not common to other people. Could it be this is the reason why some people never get to see into the realm of the supernatural? God is Omniscient and knows us more than we could ever know ourselves, and because He is invested in our eternity, He will bring our way only that which will do us good. Can God trust me with deep revelations of what is ahead? 

As Paul also said, the God who knew him had to also help him by keeping him from pride and eternal destruction. As we know, pride of any kind will deprive a man from entering into eternity with God. To help Paul, it was recorded that a thorn in his flesh was given to him, in order to keep him from thinking of himself as important. What insight! What a God!. What love for man is this? Man may not even be able to see what is right in front of him; how much more would he be able to see what has eternal implications for him. God had to help Paul by keeping him in check. It is still the same God who is watching out for me today. He wants to show Himself strong in my life, but I have to surrender total control to Him. I cannot insist on my own way, and still insist that God deals with me in His own way. It must have been quite inconvenient, maybe painful, for Paul, because he asked God three times to take away that thorn in his flesh. 

God's response drives the focus of the verse above. Instead of taking away the thorn, God gave grace that was very sufficient for every inconvenience that the thorn would bring. The grace of God gives enablement that nothing and no one else can secure. As we consider the life and impact of Paul, we know more of the workings of grace in his life, than the limits that the thorn could have brought. Paul could say he was pleased with weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions and difficulties, all for the sake of Christ. This position does not come from a place of human strength; it is the product of a life that God has worked on, and is in total control of. A man does not speak like this unless he has tasted of the grace of God that enables a man run faster than a chariot, and do exploits that clearly could not have been done by virtue of only money, influence, connections or position. When I am weak by human standard, I lean on the grace of God that gives strength. He wants to help, but He will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill. Would I let Him work in me that which will secure eternal life for me? God's time of favour is here.

Critical!

Critical!

1 Timothy 4:8 AMP

[8] For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.

Paul was speaking to Timothy, his son in the faith, and a young man he was mentoring. Are there lives that God can commit into my hands for nurturing and safeguarding? In the last days that we are in and where many are turning away from the faith and paying great attention to false, deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, I am always reminded that I cannot afford to be careless about the foundation and pillars of the faith that I profess. The devil knows the value, having lost his place due to pride, and he will seek to drag as many people as he can into eternal damnation with him. The good thing here is that long before things go wrong, the Omniscient God tells us what is ahead and how to prepare the right way. The verse above is one of such ways that God wants us to be ready for whatever is ahead. 

As an athlete or anyone preparing for a race, a fight or any competition, you know there is an end in view. You know what lies at the end of the cycle, and what exactly you need to put in in order to win the reward. You do not prepare like a boxer in order to run a 400m race. You cannot afford to spend all your time on speed only, if you are engaged in a marathon. The nature of the encounter is what will define the terms of engagement. The people of the world understand this perfectly, and they will invest time and resources to prepare the right way. Imagine the time, effort and preparation that go into winning a 100m race that lasts maybe all of 10 seconds, but the global and economic realities that surround success make the investments worthwhile. If this can be true of the human experience, reflect on the implications in the spiritual. 

If men can sometimes cheat in order to win an advantage in races or fights, imagine what the eternal implications of getting it right will be. If physical exercise is of value, as seen in the lives of people who have attained global acclaim by success in their chosen field, it is also important to consider how I can apply the same principles to my spiritual walk. The spiritual training of Godliness is fundamental to my earthly and eternal realities. Phyiscal exercise profits for a season; Godliness profits for eternity. Both physical and spiritual exercises must be maintained to keep the relevant body in tune, but physical exercise is only for a season. A day comes when it is no longer sustainable in intensity. However, for spiritual exercise, you never outgrow the need for it. I am encouraged to focus on that which is of eternal value. My eternity will be glad I did. God's time of favour is here. 

Run Well!

Run Well!

Hebrews 12:1 KJV

[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

The verse above starts with a direct message to specific people. It follows on from the list of heroes of faith who walked with God. They didn't see the fullness of the plan of God made manifest in their time, but we have been given the grace to experience Jesus in His power as Saviour and Lord. We have tasted of the gift of the Holy Spirit, and been given a foretaste of what joys are ahead of us if we hold on to the end. The verse above is solely addressed to those people who identify with Christ, have taken Him up on His offer of life eternal, and are focused on pleasing God in every way. It is important to define who I am in the light of the description above. Anyone can make claims to anything, as talk is cheap. However, you can only access that which you are entitled to by new birth. Do I qualify to be one of the WE referred to in the verse above? Does my life reflect a connection to the One who is Life?

WE are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, both alive on earth and witnesses from heaven. We cannot afford to live as we please, because the new life we have does not permit carelessness. WE have lives to impact; WE have souls in need of direction and care. Men are on the lookout for those who know God and can point Him out by their actions. It is not this seasonal catch up, where I get to act as a Christian when it is easy or convenient, but a lifetime of focus and dedication to the things that please God and make Him known. This is what is called a race that is set before us. Why a race? WE are on a journey to a definite destination. We do not know when we will get there, but we are sure of the place. We have been made aware of what we need to have to get into the place, and we will do well to avoid any distraction that may take our eyes off the goal. 

That is why we must lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. The world has its worries and cares, and some are legitimate. We must take care of our families and play our part in the society. There are people who look up to us for some of life's decisions. In all, we must not forget that God calls us to represent Him wherever we go, and in all we do. WE cannot afford to toy with sin; WE cannot use life's challenges as excuses for sin. Challenges will come to all of us at different stages of our lives, but we have the support, encouragement, and examples of all those who had gone ahead of us, whose lives teach us that total dependence on God pays. A race has been set before us; it is not one race for everyone on earth, but a personal race that will lead to personal reward at the end. I must run my own race, dependent on the One who sets out the rules. I must run in line with the rules, so that I may take hold of the rewards. May my life not be a waste. God's time of favour is here.

This Heart!

This Heart!

Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

The world has promoted this false idea that we can do evil and get away with it. The world has pushed out the idea that we personally own our lives, and we can choose how we want to live. One of the cardinal results of Adam's sin was that he chose human wisdom and intellect over and above that which God had already offered. Recall what God himself said about man in Genesis 3:22: And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” if God could talk about man's rejection of true wisdom as far back as Adam, I wonder what His view will be about this present generation. Just reflecting on the verses above make it clear that time has not changed the tendency of the natural man. Man's heart was evil after the fall in the Garden of Eden, and it has not changed since then. 

Man has found new and novel ways of doing and perpetuating evil: we have found a silly substitute for Godly marriages; we call them trial marriages, cohabitation or friends with benefits. We call adultery mutual attraction or intercourse with 2 consenting adults. We refer to fraud and corruption as 'cooking the books' or being sharp, smart and savvy. We seem to have lost all fear of sin and its consequences. Homosexuality, inordinate desires and other vices that God clearly called wrong, have now been made to look better than they really are; the world is teaching us that these things are acceptable, with the claim that, after all, we are humans and perfection is not possible.

Unfortunately, the ultimate decision on what is right and wrong lies with God alone, and not man. We do not own the standard; God is the standard. We do not dictate life's terms and conditions; God does. 

We cannot cleanse our hearts by ourselves; only God can. He is the One who knows our hearts and can make us pure without and within. He is the creator of our hearts, and He alone has what it takes to give us what we really need, so we can be all that God intends for us to be, and at the end of our lives, be where God ordained for us to be. As Galatians 6:7 clearly states, do not be deceived, because God cannot be mocked. A man always reaps what he sows. There is yet no scientific breakthrough that can change the output of a seed into a different fruit. Let us take stock today and ask God for His help so you can live life according to His terms. All the people we seek to impress today will be gone tomorrow. The people we want to copy or emulate will also receive their own judgement. The things we thought were okay by the world's standards will face the judgment fire of God- the true and only Judge.

God knows our deepest motives and intentions, and whilst we can deceive the entire world, we cannot deceive the One who made us. He owns, holds and knows the manual for our lives. It will do me good if I found out what this God wants and pursue that with my whole heart. At the end of our lives, a reckoning will be done and a reward or punishment will be given. Which will I get? What I have done in the past can remain in the past if I choose a new start with God. Whatever it is I am doing presently will define how I end up. I must make sure it is what God approves. What will be found with me when Jesus returns? The prayer is that God will help me live in the light of His commands and instructions. May my life seek after His pleasure, so that I may enter into eternal life with Him at the end of my life. God's time of favour is here.

Where am I?

Where am I?

Psalm 1:1-2 KJV

[1] Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

The book of Psalms starts with the counsel and admonitions in the verses highlighted above. It is clear that where you walk defines what you get. Where I am at this moment in time is also a strong determinant of what I stand to gain or lose. In my walk on earth, there is nothing that is said in vain or done in futility; my life right now is a function of the aggregate of my daily walk and the choices I make. I have also been placed in the midst of people, which means that I cannot live in isolation. I will interact with people, and they will also impact my life one way or the other. I must be deliberate about what I allow to pass through the gates of my ears, eyes, feet and heart. I must know that the system of the world will be promoted by those under its influence and control. There is counsel that the ungodly have and give, because that is all they are exposed to. If all I am used to are the ungodly and the unholy, would it be a surprise if my life then produces in line with that exposure? 

It is the ungodly that will tell you that "It does not matter; 'you can do whatever you like, after all, God is a God of love who cannot destroy his creation in hell'. It is the ungodly who will tell you that 'it does not pay to serve God alone'; and that you must add something else to the faith you have received. There is a way a sinner walks that speaks to his inspiration and backing. The devil makes the way of the sinner appear smooth and without hassles. Everything a sinner touches seems to turn to gold. There is a place scoffers sit to mock God and his ways. As a result of their ways, they are close-minded and cannot perceive anywhere that God is at work. Do you belong to any of the groups already discussed? For those who have identified with Christ, do we still struggle for clarity in our walk with and work for God? It has to be noted that I cannot play both sides; I cannot serve God and also pay obeisance to the devil at the same time. There is no middle ground, no de-militarized zone. 

There is no fence of indecision to sit on. I do not associate with the ungodly, and if I keep away from sinners and avoid the scoffers, then it means that I am busy at the other option- delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating day and night on it. You cannot avoid both or get engaged with both at the same time. God does not make room for hypocrites. In my walking, standing or sitting, God expects my life to speak of him to other people. I can only make impact when I am filled with the right stuff, and I am busy seeking to know more about God. I am careful to avoid being caught up with activities that hold no value, no matter how inspired. God leads my life, guides my thoughts and directs my actions. So the questions still remain: where and with whom do I stand at the moment? Where am I walking and who am I walking with at the moment? Where and who are my companions where I am sitting at the moment? What I am engaged in at the moment? The fruits of my life will be determined by the answers to those questions. God's time of favour is here.

Guard!

Guard!

Proverbs 4:23 AMPC

[23] Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

(Pro) 4:23 CJB Complete Jewish Bible

[23] Above everything else, guard your heart;for it is the source of life’s consequences.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

[23] Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Let us consider two main words in the verse above: HEART: The heart works as a powerful, four-chambered pump, controlled by its own electrical system, that circulates blood through two loops: sending oxygen-poor blood to the lungs to get oxygen, and then pumping that fresh, oxygen-rich blood out to the entire body, repeating this cycle continuously. This happens with coordinated contractions (systole) and relaxations (diastole) of the atria and ventricles, directed by one-way valves, ensuring blood flows in the right direction. All of the medical grammar noted above underscores the importance of the heart and the work it does all through a man's life. Just imagine how much a heart has worked to keep a man alive for 90 years. This is the amazing thing about God: it is the little things that drive big impact. It is the hidden parts of life that does the work no one sees, yet would lead to death if they do not work well. 

The other word is GUARD, which is to 'watch over in order to protect or control'. This simply means to be aware of what is going on around you; intentional about what you allow in, and deliberate about what you keep out. I cannot do one without the other. I cannot claim to be only focused on what my life produces on the outside; it is that which goes in that will eventually determine what comes in. Why do I need to guard anything at all? Why is the heart very important in this lfe conversation? Why am I required to guard that which sustains life? It is because of the consequences of carelessness. There is nothing like a lack of accountability; God does not do anything without a reason. If He creates a heart that can receive, process and apply information, then it is equally important to ensure that I lay the right foundation with that which I allow to make an impression on my heart. 

Let us apply both definitions to our lives. We have been given a processing centre; one that is able to absorb anything. The capacity of the human mind is beyond understanding; it keeps working until it does not. We may call the work it does boring, but in that 'boring routine' is safety. In that almost unnoticed cycle is human life sustained. However, in that routine also lies the danger of assumption. Is it because we do not physically see the work the heart does, that we put pressure on other parts of our bodies? Am I careless with what I allow in? Be sure that no matter how minute the inflow is, it will definely leave a mark. If I get careless with what comes in, it may lead to studen or untimely death. That is what happens when blood becomes contaminated; it affects the entire body. My guard must kick in at the point of inception, not firefight when the damage is already done. Just as my human heart needs diet and exercise, so does my spiritual heart need nurturing, through faith, prayer, or meditation, in order to stay "healthy" and be receptive to divine leading. God does not force Himself on anyone, but be sure He will display His power in me if I let Him. Would you? God's time of favour is here..

Right Response!

Right Response!

Luke 1:46-47 KJV

[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, [47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Context matters here. How do you handle news that you are not prepared for? How do you handle opportunities as well as threats that may come your way in this journey of life? Here was a young lady, minding her own business, doing the right things by Jewish customs and traditions. She kept away from fornication, keeping herself for the man she was betrothed to. I am sure both were looking ahead to the day they would start their own family. One day, everything she thought she had locked down was turned on its head. An angel came to her to give her unusual news. She would be pregnant, but not by the one she was betrothed to. Even the name of the child, as well as its mission on earth, was given to her. Tell me, how would you have handled this complete upheaval of all that you have known all your life? Is God permitted to change the course of my life if it aligns with His will and purpose for me? 

It is hard to define how this lady really took the news. At least, we read of the proposed response of Joseph, who was planning to divorce her quietly, to keep her from public disgrace. When God deals with me as He pleases and as I permit, there is no guarantee that men will understand or applaud my experiences. In fact, it is likely that men who do not know anything about God's dealings will mock and talk negatively about me. That is the way of the world, and that is why it is not sensible to stake your life on the basis of what men say. Once God has spoken, I have all that I need. Once God has spoken, it does not matter the number of the people who say anything contrary. We know how this story ends but what if it was what the world calls 'bad' news that was delivered? Would you still speak as Mary did in the verse above? Can God trust my response, even when the events around me do not make sense? 

Mary's reaction here speaks of a heart of total surrender to the will of God, no matter where it may lead. Hearing the news was going to change her life and the lives of those around her, but she knew that God's plans always lead to blessings beyond her wildest dreams. She broke out in worship, saying her soul magnifies the Lord. No matter what was there now or coming, my soul worships the Lord. No matter how hard things get, I have made up my mind to hold on to God. Where else is safe? Who else can guarantee a good end like this God, who calls Himself the author and finisher of our faith? Her spirit also rejoices in God her Saviour. Her entire life was focused on God. That has to be my default setting too. It cannot be this occasional or weekly catch up with God, where I touch base with Him when I need something, or when things have really gone wrong. Does this speak about me? Would I also surrender to God and allow Him work that which is His perfect will? God's time of favour is here.