This Jesus 2!

This Jesus 2

Matthew 20:28 AMP

[28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin].

All through the lifetime of Jesus on earth, men came to know different things about Him. Yesterday's focus was on the early days of Jesus' ministry, just before God made that public declaration of Jesus being His beloved Son. Today's focus is on the disciples who had followed him for a few years now. They had seen Him perform miracles, and had also heard Him teach with authority. They had seen Him oppose the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and the teachers of the law of His time. The disciples had also heard Him speak about the coming suffering on the cross, and this must have been hard to take. How could a man who was this powerful, raising people from the dead, be put to death in such a shameful manner? The image they had of Jesus did not match what He was telling them. What version of this Jesus do you have and know? 

Interestingly, in the midst of all these news, the mother of two of the disciples saw a great opportunity to get something for her sons. She must have seen a glimpse of the glory that awaited those who followed this man to the end, and she wanted something eternal. She wanted preferential treatment for her sons, though there were 10 other disciples. I am not sure why she thought this was a good idea, but before we point a finger at her or the sons, can we also take a look at ourselves? What is the motive for my service? Is it earthly applause or recognition? Why do I serve as I do? If my assignment was in an obscure corner, where no one noticed, would I still give my best? Is the title men call me more important to me than how God sees me? James and John could also have pushed their mum to approach Jesus to make that request. I deal with a God of totally absolute knowledge, before whom all secrets are laid bare. He cannot be deceived by external show which is devoid of personal devotion. 

It is this same Jesus that makes it clear what His mission on earth is, and what He expects from those who claim to follow Him. Jesus refers to Himself as the Son of Man, which is a source of comfort to us that Jesus has walked in our shoes, and is able to provide the help we need. His life is also an example we can emulate: He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. He is God, but He left all that glory in heaven, and came in the image of those who needed help. In His glory, death could not touch Him, but in His humanity, He has laid the path for us to be reconciled to God, and to have access to all that we need for life and Godliness. We could not pay the price for our sin, but He did, fully satisfying God's righteous requirements, and now, we are set free from the penalty of sin, and assigned eternal life with God. This is where I am now. This is who I am now, all thanks to this Jesus. Do you know this same Jesus? God's time of favour is here  

This Jesus!

This Jesus!

John 1:29 AMP

[29] The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 

It is Easter week. We remember and also celebrate the greatest gift God gave to the world, but it is also good to take a look at the events that went with the gift that was given. From the account of John, we know that a man named John was sent to herald the coming of the Messiah. This man was known as John the Baptist. He was actually related to the vessel by which Jesus came into the world, so we can also say it was appropriate for an insider to be the one to make Him known. John starts off his epistle highlighting the many pointers to the authority and lordship of Jesus. He is called the Creator, the One by and for whom all things were made. He is also called the Light which shines in the darkness, and the darkness unable to reduce, hinder or comprehend the Light. This same Jesus is also called the Word of God that became flesh and dwelt amongst us, full of grace and truth. Same person; different manifestations.

John the Baptist spent his entire earthy ministry away from the comfort and convenience of an easy life. He made sure to point the attention of his audience away from him and the One who was coming to offer full and free salvation from sin to all men. The men and leaders of his time tried to distract him, asking him to clarify who he was and what was the motivation for his words and actions. It could have been easy to point men to himself, claiming to be what he was not, but he knew his assignment, and focused on that. He called himself a voice, pointing men to the One who was coming to save men from sin. Am I content with the place, position, privilege and provision that God has made for me where I am now? Am I seeking relevance from men, or am I fixed on bringing glory and honour to the God I claim to know and follow?

Am I decreasing, so that He can increase in and through me? 

At some point, Jesus showed up, and John the Baptist must have known his time was up. As soon as the bridegroom comes, all other pretenders or aspirants exit the stage. The One the whole world was waiting for had now shown up, and who else could have been the perfect person to make Him known, other than the same person who had been filling in for Him, pointing men to the principles and practices of the kingdom of God that was about to be made manifest?  As soon as Jesus showed up, John was quick to point Him out as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is the assignment that matters. If Jesus had come to the earth without going through the cross, we would not be where we are now, and we would have had no hope of eternal life. As John said it then, so does God say it now: Jesus is here. How do you respond to this truth? God's time of favour is here. 

This God 2!

This God 2!

Psalms 3:3 AMP

[3] But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head.

This is one of the psalms of David, the man after God's own heart. It is interesting to note the circumstances that led to this song, as we see the background to several songs by the man David. I note that being called a man after God's own heart did not keep David from trials and tough times; in fact, God's hand upon him invited enemies against him. Let it be known that being backed up by God does not keep you from being tried by the devil. Jesus is the Son of God, but when he walked  the earth as mortal man, the devil came after Him. How can we then expect that we will get a better deal? I must always keep reminding myaelf that the hand of God upon my life will keep me focused on Him, even whilst the drama goes on. This is where David found himself too: surrounded by enemies, and not the external type that could be easily conquered, but one from his own house, who was Absalom his son.

Read the words of David before the ones above: Lord, how my enemies have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of me, “There is no help [no salvation] for him in God.' Reflect on this: men had seen David in trouble, and rather than help him, they were gloating at his trouble. The enemy was even gloating to the extent of saying God had abandoned David. This means that they knew he was a child of, and a man loved by God. Can men see the hand or imprint of God upon my life? When the squeeze comes, what comes out of me? When things go wrong, as they must do at some point in time, no one stays with you like God would do. It is not always the fault of the people who leave: a man cannot give what he does not have. How can anyone give you eternal support when he cannot guarantee the next minute? 

This is where this God comes in. When things fall apart, as they would usually do, do I know this God who steps in as a shield? Have I put my trust in Him as the only One who can help, or is He one of many options? One thing the verse above makes clear is that you do not say something so direct without a personal encounter with the God referred to here. How could David speak so boldly, if he had no current experience of God to speak of? As a shield, He is the One who steps up and stays in when others have stepped out. He is the One who has glory, and if He supports you, it does not matter what the quality and quantity of the opposition against you. He is more than enough for whatever it is that is coming my way. Even when depression or despair  threatens, I take comfort from the God who lifts me up, and sustains His grace in my life. He is for me, and He is all I need. What of you? God's time of favour is here. 

This God!

This God!

Romans 15:5 AMPC

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

There are two references to be made from the verse above. The first one is the audience to which the entire letter was addressed. These are people who are 'called of Jesus Christ and invited to belong to Him.' The letter goes on to refer to these people as "God's beloved ones in Rome, called to be saints and designated for a consecrated life'. What a special way to introduce people who are bound for exploits; who are connected to a supply of grace; loved of God; chosen by mercy; set apart by God's choice and not by qualifications, influence or connections. There are many benefits and blessings that accrue to me by virtue of my decision to follow and submit to Christ. There are both phyiscal and spiritual benefits to be enjoyed, and I note that nobody can take on this benefit on account of anything other than the mercy of Christ. He is the One who makes the choice, and has the power to back it up to the end. 

May I not be filled with pride, or a sense of superiority, over something that I had no power or influence over. This understanding helps me to relate with other people with a clear sense of humility and simplicity. The start of the chapter from where the verse above is taken takes note of people who are  strong in their convictions and of robust faith, as well as those who arw weak in their own convictions and need help. Those who are strong are encouraged to bear with the failings and the frailties of the weak. This tells me that there will always be both the 'strong' and the 'weak' in any assembly of believers. Some have grown in their understanding of God's Word, whilst others are still learning to understand the basic principles of Jesus and His instructions. Christ died for all, no matter the level we are on. His help is available for ny and all who come to Him by faith.

Of course, when the strong is able to help the weak, without seeking any personal gain or profit from it, the church becomes a place of harmony. The weak finds a place of support and encouragement, and the strong find a place where knowledge and experience can be used as tools of encouragement and support. It is noted that God is the One who gives the power of patient endurance, and also supplies encouragement. He knows our frame, and the right kind of help we need at different times in our lives. His supply helps me live in harmony with other people. I am not in competition with anyone; I am able to sympathise with the weakness of other people, using my personal encounters with Christ as testimonies to encourage others who may be going through challenges. With God, no experience is wasted. May my life be an encouragement to others. God's time of favour is here.

The Flow!

The Flow!

John 7:38 AMPC

[38] He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.

As it has always been mentioned, Jesus almost always had a crowd following Him everywhere He went. He was a beacon of Truth, who would not bend to fit anyone's expectation. The events that led to the verse above was the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Reflect on this: the feast was a reminder of the experiences of Israel as it journeyed through the wilderness on the way to the promised land. This was an opportunity to remind themselves of the mighty acts of God, but sadly, it had become a religious assembly of various competing interests. The initial purpose behind the festival had been forgotten, and the One who was the fulfilment of the Law was being ignored and harassed. The prayer is that I do not get stuck on outward performance at the expense of inner witness of the presence of God in me. May I not sacrifice the eternal for human applause. 

This was the background to the verse above. It was time for the feast, and the usual crowd was there. As you read the verses before the one above, you find references to the brothers of Jesus, the mass of the people, the leaders of the Jews, the Pharisees, a lot of the Jews themselves, and even Nicodemus. Different people who would play different roles in the life of Jesus whilst He was on earth. As always, whatever it is that Jesus offers is for all who would come to Him on His terms. My current title does not matter; what is critical is that I am where God can reach, touch, mold and launch me out as His own to the world. His brothers mocked Him, wanting Him to show Himself to the world for applause and approval. The Pharisees and Jewish leaders were looking for opportunities to arrest Him. The crowd was mixed: some believed Him, and others were just looking for the next big thing. The question still applies to all of us today: 'why are you looking for Jesus'? 

This was what Jesus addressed in the verse above. He was speaking to all the parties referred to above, and the same offer still stands today. Anyone who believes in Him is open to the inflow that makes the difference. It is not just about hearing or reading about Him: it is about believing in Him. To believe is to have faith in the existence, truth, or value of someone or something. It implies confidence. It also means the complete exclusion of all others options. The offer by Jesus is a work in my inner man, the evidence of which cannot be silenced or ignored. To have springs and rivers of living water flowing from my innermost being means a  never-failing supply. It means that there is nothing outside of me that can stop or hinder the flow from inside me. It is the presence of Jesus in me that can guarantee this. It is my most important possession. Do you have Him? Do I? God's time of favour is here.

Seek God 2!

Seek God 2!

Deuteronomy 4:29-30 AMPC

[29] But if from there you will seek (inquire for and require as necessity) the Lord your God, you will find Him if you [truly] seek Him with all your heart [and mind] and soul and life. [30] When you are in tribulation and all these things come upon you, in the latter days you will turn to the Lord your God and be obedient to His voice.

Jeremiah 29:13 AMPC

[13] Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Two different verses above; the same warning in both. Two different verses, but there are about 800 -900 years between the events in Deuteronomy, as Israel journeyed to the land of promise, and the ministry of Jeremiah. It is very clear that we deal with a God of absolute knowledge and infinite wisdom. He is called the Omnipotent God for a fact, and as truth, which is not subject to debate; in fact, as the Bible says, all the days that were appointed for me were written down in His book, even before the first day of conception came to be. This tells me that He knows everything about my past, present and future. As the verses in Deuteronomy make clear, God knew that the events in Jeremiah would come to pass. This was as a result of the rebellion of Israel against the instructions of God. 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.

In these verses, there are a few certainties and a few variables. The first two certainties are what we have dealt with above, which are God's supreme knowledge and His hatred for sin. Another one is the fact that He will punish sin. Another one is that nothing can catch Him by surprise, or meet Him unprepared. Another one is His nature of mercy and forgiveness when a sinner returns to Him in true repentance. When you consider all the above, you have to wonder why mortal man struggles with sin, and does not take full advantage of the opportunities that God has provided. He is a God who supplies the help and grace man needs to live in line with the instructions of God. It will not happen by accident, or by deliberate action only, but by a total dependence on God's supply. See how God, even with the certainty of the rebellion of His people, still made provision for repentance, return and restoration. 

The people of Israel knew God's command, but still disobeyed. They knew what God loved and hated, but they still pressed on with what was wrong. The lessons are many, but a few will suffice here: God is Omniscient but this does not take away responsibility for my actions. To blame God for my mistakes, claiming that, after all, God knew I would make the mistake, is self- deception. He knows the future, but He also supplies grace for the present and the future. Another lesson is that there is an eternity at stake. At the end, I will not be able to blame people, situations, or  circumstances for my eternal reality. When God gives instructions and guidance for life, He wants me to enjoy all of Him within the boundaries He has set. To claim that God is old-fashioned, or old-school because of His standards, only leads to pain and regrets. He wants to bless, heal, and strengthen, but He will not force Himself on anyone, or go against the exercise of my freewill. If I let Him, He can save to the uttermost. Would you let Him work? God's time of favour is here. 

The Right Way!

The Right Way!

Matthew 7:8 AMPC

[8] For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.

We read from the first recorded sermon of Jesus on the mountain, where He sat down with His disciples, and the crowd was also there to listen to Him. It must be noted here that the messages preached, as well as the challenges that Jesus posed were directed to His disciples, and not to the crowd. As we know, you can never get coordinated response from a crowd. It is a group of people who are yet to make up their minds on what is important. They do not yet know what they want to do with their lives, and are open to all sorts of suggestions. That is why there was always a crowd of people around Jesus everywhere He went, but very few people who took anything of value away from that contact with Him. With a crowd pressing against Him, a woman with the issue of blood for twelve years pressed against the same crowd, touched Him, and was healed and made whole. 

As it was then, so is it today. A lot of people have heard about, and/or have also seen the impact of the person and name of Jesus, but are yet to have or experience a unique and personal encounter with Jesus, which makes a big difference. The disciples in this case were the direct recipients of these instructions, and Jesus would have us know that it is a special thing to be known by and associated with the person and name of Jesus. The instructions, benefits and blessings that are noted in the verse above are for people who have left the crowd, and are committed to following Jesus, no matter what their physical realites are. Reflect on the verse above: what would make a person to keep on asking for something, if there was no clear conviction that the person who was being addressed has the power, ability, capacity and capability to do what was being requested for? 

How do I keep knocking on a closed or locked door, if there was no clear conviction that the door could be opened, and access given to the riches that lie behind the door? Why should I keep seeking for anything, if there was no assurance that the need could be met by the One to whom the request has been made? The key areas of focus are the person, the request and the response. Am I one of the many people in the crowd, or one who has made a conscious decision to follow Jesus? Am I focused on nurturing that relationship, making demands on the resources that this new relationship has given me access to? Am I willing to wait for the timing that will help me become all that God intends? Am I willing to submit myself to the process that God needs me to be subjected to, so that His light and glory can be evident upon my life? He has done His bit, and provided a means for nourishment and sustenance. The response is left to me. God's time of favour is here. 

Seek God!

Seek God!

Psalms 42:1 AMP

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

This psalm is credited to the sons of Korah, who are also credited with about 11 of the psalms in the bible. As the bible records, these were a group of Levites assigned by God to be gatekeepers in His Tabernacle, and to lead the chorus in worshiping God through song. This means that God wanted praise and worship from His people and He empowered and  gifted some of the chosen tribe of Levi to be the leaders of this great assignment. What this tells me is that God has always desired praise from His people. There is nothing else He does not have, as all things belong to Him, and He can raise stones to praise Him, as He has made clear in the Bible. However, it is a privilege that mortal man is called, set apart and empowered to praise, worship and rever an immortal God. Do I know who I am, whose I am, and do I have an understanding of this amazing assignment? 

There is no Levite arrangement in our time today, as all who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour are set apart to offer quality praise to God, in line with the standards laid down by this God. What makes these men distinct was the identity of their father Korah. This was the same man who was caught in a conspiracy to oppose Moses, and who was punished along with Dathan and Abiram. The ground opened up and swallowed these men and all they had, including wives and children. What a terrible way to be punished. However, these sons of Korah were not part of that rebellion, and it is instructive to note that God dealt graciously with them. God is still looking for people whose lives His grace can shine in and through. Whatever is in my past will not be a limiting factor to what God can do in and with my life. Am I a vessel that is willing and obedient and available? 

The psalm makes reference to the deer. This is an animal that is constantly chased by other predators who will have it for food. It has to constantly be alert and be aware of its surroundings at all times. It spends a lot of time running, and needs time to be refreshed and replenished. This is where its panting for water comes in. For all who are running today, there is a place of rest, restoration and renewal that God provides for those who seek Him. This panting is an intense, desperate longing for God, coming from a heart that knows that if God does not help, no other help will be available. It portrays deep spiritual hunger, as well as a turning to God alone in times of despair or loneliness. I note that the sons of Korah acknowledge the personal nature of this desire. As much as corporate worship helps, it is critical to note that it is my personal walk with God that will guide me through whatever is coming. Deer may move in herds for protection, but a race for survival is always personal. Can I say that God is my sole focus? God's time of favour is here. 

Right Sorrow!

Right Sorrow!

2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT

[10] For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

Paul was writing to the church in Corinth. One quick point to note about this church was that it had all spiritual gifts possible. Paul made reference to the abundance of gifts present in the church, which were needed for growth, impact and application in the assembly of believers in Corinth. However, it was also noted by Paul that the church had many issues, some of which were pride, immortality and greed. The church had a member having immoral relationship with his stepmother, and there were others not paying due regard to the ordinances of the Lord’s supper. This tells me that having spiritual gifts is not the end goal in itself, but it is about living a life that points men to the presence of God in me. It must not first and foremost be a show-off; but a humble assessment of who I am, whose I am, and what the owner of my life and all I have desires of me. 

This is the message of the verse above. Paul was trying to draw the attention of his audience to what God desires from all who seek to follow and serve Him. I may make mistakes, or get something wrong, but I must not allow the devil use a guilty conscience to keep me away from God. I may do something wrong, but I have to keep reminding myself that I have a Father whose love for me is greater, higher and deeper than anything else in all of creation. I am the only part of His creation that is made in His image and after His likeness. I am the only part of His creation that the Bible records that He breathed into and became a living being, with an outer body, an inner man, and a spirit that is able to receive from and connect to God. This is an awesome privilege, and it has to remind me to always depend on God to help me live right. O, what love this is. What awesome care. 

As much as this is a generally applicable truth for all human beings, it is deeper for those who seek to follow Jesus. If I do wrong, I have a Father whose arms are wide open to receive me. His love is not conditional upon me being good; He loves me anyway. He seeks a heart that also seeks after Him. He loves a heart that is receptive to correction. As His Word says clearly, He will not despise a broken and a contrite heart. Just as He hates sin, I must also hate sin. If I do wrong, I must be quick to repent and return to Him. There is Godly sorrow that leads to true repentance, and there is a worldly sorrow that leads to death. The lives of Peter and Judas Iscariot are classic examples of both kinds of sorrow. One led to restoration and eternal impact; the other led to despair and eternal damnation. Is my heart rightly tuned? Do I react to sin the right way, and can God catch and hold my attention when required? God's time of favour is here.

Trust!

Trust!

Psalm 56:3 AMPC

[3] What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You.

Another psalm of David; another account of God's dealings with a man after His own heart. It is easy to think that a man who was favoured by God should have no issues, trials or tough times, but as we know, God does not deal with His own that way. David was already anointed as king at the time this psalm was written, yet he was a fugitive in his own land, forced to hide from the king of the land, and hiding among the enemies of his land. Just reflect on this: a man anointed by God for great things, yet nothing in his present made it clear that he would do any good. This is why it matters in whose hands we are in. If it is the world, be sure that there are no guarantees that the world can take care of you and supply all that you need. The world can only supply that which it has in abundance: instability, wars, trouble and iniquity. If you want a different outcome, change the supply route. 

This is where the verse above comes in. David had a choice to make: keep trusting in man and his schemes, or trust in God and watch Him work. We read about David today because he made the right choice. He did not claim that he was above fear; he simply put his trust in the One who could deal with fear. He did not claim self-sufficiency in any way, shape or form; he simply trusted in the One who is Omnipotent and all- sufficient. He did not use 'IF'; it was 'WHEN'. To pray that you will not have trials is to miss the point that God wants me to learn. It is clear that for all who will fully trust in the Lord, it is just a matter of time. There will be uncertain times in the lives of believers, because it is a walk,a fight, and a race of faith. If all was clear from start to finish, what is the use of faith and trust? Who hopes for what he has already obtained and possessed? 

It is also instructive to note that you can only call up that which you have spent time storing up. If you do not know who God is, what He can do, and what He offers, how can you trust Him with your life? If He is not your daily and regular contact, how do you how to call on Him when the storms and winds suddenly arise and threaten your heart, life and family? The life of David teaches us that life will happen to the best of us, but the best use of my life is to commit it into the hands of the Master of the storm, and let Him work. Like David, I can find myself in the midst of enemies, or like his son Solomon, I can find seasons of peace and quiet, but whatever the present reality is, I must learn to put my trust and reliance in God. I sense that IN is higher than ON. Putting ny trust IN God means I am in Him and He is IN me. It is total and absolute commitment, with no alternative options. Does that describe me at the moment? Does God hold and own all of me? God's time of favour is here..

Benefits

Benefits!

Psalm 23:6 AMPC

[6] Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

I love the way this popular verse starts off. It is the popular psalm of the Shepherd, with David the writer relying on his personal and firsthand experience to highlight the benefits and blessings received from God as his Shepherd. The whole chapter celebrates God, and we see His protection, provision and support laid out clearly in the  chapter. The verse above is part of the narrative. When all has been said and done about the shepherd and what He offers me, there is also a dimension that is eternal. It is easy to focus on the eternal, and ignore the realities of the earthly. It is easy to console yourself with eternal rewards, while trying to bear up under the weight of earthly burdens. Actually, it does matter that I enjoy the blessings and benefits of the earth, as I also prepare for eternity. How can God be glorified, and His reputation enhanced, if there is no human life willing and available for God to display His glory and splendour in? 

There is a certainty about who God is and what He promises. It is not a supposition or an accident. If God promises it, be sure He has the power, authority and ability to bring it to pass. I have to note that those who have access to the promise at the end of the chapter must align with the conditions at the start of the chapter. Recall that we are talking about shepherd and sheep. How can anyone lay claim to the benefits of a relationship you do not believe in? How can I lay claim to a gift by someone whose authority I choose not to recognise or submit to? The benefits of the verse above are for the sheep that are under the control, guidance and direction of the shepherd, not independent contractors who think that they can take care of themselves. If I can, why would I need God? If I can, why do I need anything from God? For those who know that they are weak by themselves, and know that only God can help them, this verse is for you. 

Whilst on earth, God's goodness, mercy, and unfailing love follow me all the days of my life. Even when things 'look' wrong, I remind myself of who is with me every step of the way. Whilst still on earth, I constantly remind myself that I am preparing for eternity, a place and position where I will be with God forever. Whilst on earth, I am reminded that this is not where the story will end; there is a lot to do on earth as I prepare for my eternal residence. I must be conscious that the Omnipresent God is everywhere, and there is nowhere to hide from His presence. He is Omniscient, and nothing escapes His attention. He is the Omnipotent God, who fills all things in all ways, and with whom nothing is impossible. It is this clear understanding that keeps me very focused, even when things threaten to fall apart all around me. Because He is with me, I do not fret. I stay connected; i stay refreshed and I stay renewed. Is this God also your own God? God's time of favour is here. 

Identity!

Identity!

1 John 4:4 AMPC

[4] Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

As I read about the reference to 'you' in the verse above, I take a look at the introduction to this letter. Who was the 'you' that John was writing to? John himself was a witness to the Word of Life. He had seen with his eyes, and touched with his own hands, and he was sure of what he was testifying about, and declaring to his audience. The joy of fellowship, as well as the blessing of partaking in the amazing fellowship with the Word were too precious to be kept to himself alone. He wanted to share it with the whole world. It was this confidence that made him speak the way he did. Can I say, like John, that I know who the Word is, what He can do, and can I share my personal convictions about His power, personality, and pre-eminence? Does He also know me as His own? It is usually easier to claim to know Him by speaking the language of the Bible, but it has to go beyond and deeper than just words. 

Those who had come to a personal encounter with this God were the audience of this letter by John. In the event that they had forgotten, or life's issues were pressing, John had to remind them of who they were, whose they were, who was backing them up, and where they were headed eternally. These points are important. My identity defines my enthusiasm as well as my entitlement and inheritance. No matter how many years a servant stays in a house, s/he will never share in the inheritance of a rich man, unless the rich man decides to give. The son is the natural heir to all that the father owns. That is why I must sort out my identity. It cannot be what people say I am, but what I have settled with God. There has to be a strong witness in my heart that I belong to Him, and He knows me as His own. The verse above says I am 'of' God, which means that my value and impact are defined by my ownership of God. Take God out, and I am just dust. 

I have access to all that God is, only if I am of God. Permanent victory over the devil and all his agents is guaranteed only if I am of the One who secured that victory. This is not one of those things that I can afford to sit on the fence on, or I toy with by playing with sin. It cannot be a weekly reminder; it has to be a daily walk. The devil will not give up as long as the earth remains in place. He knows his time is short, and he will try all he can to draw me into sin, as well as ignorance of what God has secured for me. The devil is the prince of this world, but he has no power or influence over all who come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. That is the message of the latter part of the verse above: the One who lives in me is greater than he who is in the world. The world and all who are under its control is due for eternal destruction; the one who is in God inherits eternal life. As always, the choice of eternal destination is mine to make. What would it be? God's time of favour is here. 

Trust!

Trust!

Proverbs 3:5-6 AMPC

[5] Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. [6] In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Life today is complex. The more years we spend on earth, the more things change. A lot of technological advances have changed the landscape of the world; man's inhumanity to man continues to find new expressions; we continue to find new ways and means to hurt each other. Men have also found schemes to make money and be comfortable, sometimes at the expense of other people's health and safety. It appears that the God-factor is not really considered important these days. We seem to relegate God to an afterthought; an idea we only stumble upon when we have tried other options and failed spectacularly. What the verses above make clear is that we cannot continue to ignore God and get away with it. No matter how bad things get, or how good you have it now, at some point in time, you will have to deal with God's view on life and what really matters. 

The writer of the words in the verses above was known as the wisest man who ever lived at the time, and you may argue, even till today. He had seen the power of wealth, as well as the dangers of wealth. He had seen the value of wisdom, as well as the limits of human intelligence and schemes. He had seen all extremes, and for such a man to tell us to lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord, he was speaking from personal experience. It may be that until you have tried other options and failed, you may not know the value of total trust in God. Until you have been totally disappointed in man, you may not know what it means to completely depend on God alone. Man's wisdom looks good, particularly when it seems it is succeeding and making you wealthy, but note that the world is able to take away from you that which it gives you. The world cannot sustain that which it did not originate. 

The counsel here is critical: go for the Lord who is wisdom personified: the Omniscient God who holds and knows tomorrow. Who else can guide me into the future, other than the One who formed the future? Who knows the dangers and perils ahead, other than the One who wrote down all the days appointed for me, even before one of them came to pass? This is not something I do once a week, or for some parts of my life, but for ALL my ways. It is a daily walk, and a full commitment to surrender. It is a call to recognize and acknowledge Him in all areas of life. Nothing must be too big or too small to take to Him. Nothing must be too inconvenient to leave at His feet and trust Him to sort out. The promise is that He will direct and make my paths straight and plain. If I want the result laid out in the verses above, I must align with the conditions laid out. The choice, as always, is mine to make. God's time of favour is here. 

Nourished!

Nourished!

John 15:5 KJV

[5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Following on the focus from a few days ago, I am again reminded of what is critical and important for my growth and impact. The picture that is presented in the verse above is one of a vine and its branches. The picture portrays a dependence that is unique and non-negotiable. The vine does not need the branches the same way the branches need the vine. One of the reasons why this is so is because the branches can be cut off, and the vine will remain viable and fruitful. Even if all the branches attached to the vine are cut off, the vine is able to reproduce all the branches. That is why the branches most remain dependent on the vine for sustainance and long-term impact.. The important question then is: "Do I know which one I am? Do I see myself as the indispensable vine in this relationship? Do I know who I am, what I am, where I am, and where I am headed? 

Jesus was speaking to His disciples here. He laid out His person and identity clearly in the verse above as an indisputable fact. He also made sure to let the disciples know who they were, what was expected of them, and where they would end up. You cannot change the process, and you cannot disrupt the order. I cannot become the vine overnight, because I do not have what it takes to sustain and hold branches in place. That is not my job. Jesus is the vine, and He is more than capable to help anyone who depends on Him. I must know my role, and submit to the One who is and has all that I need for life and Godliness. There is a critical word in the verse above, and it is 'abide'. This word means 'to remain, stay, dwell, or continue'. This is not a temporary arrangement where I get to do it for a while and then stop; it is a continuous, unbroken pattern of staying the course, even when it gets uncomfortable. 

I do not get to pick and choose when to stay in or run out. There is no sitting on the fence of indecision; you have to make up your mind on what is important to you, and what will hold your eternal attention. It is by abiding that i am able to produce fruit that looks like the source that is supplying that which I need for growth. Let it be clear that there is no other provision that can lead to the outcome noted above, outside that which is by God. Fruit is directly related to source. There is no way my fruit will look different from the One who supplies what my life needs. I must take care to ensure that I do not forget who is able to make me all He wants me to be. As the verse above makes clear, Jesus says quite clearly that without Him, I can do nothing. That is deep. Take away the source, and there is no value or substance left. Take away the source, and everything is dead. May I never lose my need for God. May He never leave me to my own devices. God's time of favour is here. 

Thanks!

Thanks!

Psalm 105:1 AMPC

[1] O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples!

In a world where it seems easier to complain about what is going on around you, the verse above reminds us that there are bigger things at stake than what we can see with our eyes. In a world that is increasingly becoming more attuned to evil, with man finding new and novel ways to hurt other people or cause harm, we are reminded to take our eyes and hearts away from the problems we can see, and focus on the One person who really matters. There is no information on who wrote the words of this psalm, but there is no doubt about the message and direction of the words. When a verse starts with O, it must be trying to pass on a fundamental message: no matter what the problem is now, consider a different approach. You may have tried other options which did not work as planned, but consider trying this new response or reaction as laid out in the verse above. 

It must be noted that the recommendation to give thanks unto the Lord does not mean that whatever situation you were going through now automatically comes to an end, but it is a tried and tested way to get me to focus less on the WHAT around me, and focus more on the one WHO makes things beautiful in His time. At no time did Jesus promise His own that the skies will be perpetually clear and blue, but He did promise us His presence and power. He did not say we will not have trials and tough times, but He promised us his ever abiding presence. He did not say that we will not have opposition, but He has guaranteed us His backing at all times. No matter what the physical reality is, I am reminded that there is a greater power, a bigger presence, and a better outcome at stake than whatever it is that is in front of me now. I cannot afford to sacrifice the eternal for the earthly and the temporal. 

The verse encourages me to call upon the Lord, and not on any man. It is God that will raise men, even those who do not know or care about me, to help me. The verse also encourages me to call upon the name of the Lord, as His name brings deliverance, healing and salvation. His Name is His person, His identity and a window into His nature. When I call Him, I am asking Him to defend His name and show forth His character. Whatever the problem may be, there is a Name that is the solution to that problem. Of course, when there is impact, I cannot keep quiet. When there is divine intervention, I cannot afford not to speak about it. When I have asked God to step into a situation, I must let Him work, and  I must also be quick to speak about His hand at work in my life. He wants to be known, and I must make Him known. Can God count on me to testify of His goodness in my life? God's time of favour is here.

Response!

Response!

James 5:13 AMPC

[13] Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God]

At times like these, we remind ourselves of who God is, what God has said about who we are, what He expects from us, and where we are headed. James was writing to the twelve tribes who found themselves scattered abroad among the Gentiles in the dispersion. Trials and persecutions had brought many of the Jews to where they were now, and things were really tough. However, the message of James was not in line with their phyiscal reality. He started off his letter to this group by asking them to count it all joy that they were found worthy to be persecuted for the sake of Christ. The trials were to bring out the best in them, so that they would learn the lessons required to be the best vessels that God wanted them to be. This message is not in keeping with what is popular in the world we live in today. We want convenience and comfort, but that is not what the verse above starts from. 

That is the message of life that can be sometimes difficult to preach. How do you tell anyone to expect trials and tough times? How do you prepare the right way for these experiences? What do you do when you do not fully understand the WHY behind the WHAT that is happening to you? James makes an unusual recommendation: do not let the physical reality around you keep you away from the amazing experiences that are possible and available in God. If I want to focus on what is wrong, or what I do not have, there will be many things to consider. The verse above encourages me to see beyond what is 'real' according to what I see, to what is 'real' according to what God would have me see. The real thing I see may be affliction, or ill-treatment and abuse, but the real thing God would have me see is an opportunity to pray. Really? You may ask. 

How does prayer help when I am being treated bad? One thing prayer does is that it takes my focus away from what is wrong to who is able to hold, help and sustain me through whatever it is that is wrong. Of course, when I know and acknowledge that God is in charge, it frees my heart to focus on pleasing God. When God has dealt with the physical pressures that I face, my heart is able to rejoice. Even in that condition, James makes makes another recommendation: sing praise to God. Again, I am reminded that I cannot afford to sit on the fence of indifference. I do not have the luxury of being lukewarm about what is important, or what God would have me do. Praising God works from an understanding of the Omnipotence of God. I praise Him because I know He is in charge, and nothing happens to His children without His permission. I rejoice in this special relationship, and I ask God to continually help me see Him in all that I go through. God's time of favour is here.

Times like these!

Times Like These!

Esther 4:14 AMPC

[14] For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

Who would have thought that an unknown slave girl would become queen? Who would have thought that a stranger, not a citizen of the land, would rise to become queen? Who would have thought that a young maiden, who was also an orphan, would be instrumental in delivering a whole nation from its enemies? The story of Esther is one that always brings to remembrance the workings of God in the lives of men. It is God who orchestrates the events of this life to line up with His will. He is the only One who can use acts of rebellion and disobedience to bring out His will. This was where Israel and Judah were. They were in exile in the land of Persia, where they had been taken captive due to their disobedience. As always, it is important to note that God does not delight in punishing just for fun, but He is faithful to His Word. If He says I must not do something, it is only fitting that I do not do it. 

God's faithfulness also requires Him to apply the just punishment for sin, which He has consistently warned us about. This was the place and position Esther and her uncle Mordecai, found themselves. One thing must be noted: like Daniel, a change of scenery did not make them forget who they were or where they were coming from. Yes, sin had led to exile but like Daniel, they would not compromise on God's standards. Before we focus on the times we are in, and what the times may demand from us, are we people that God can trust with His secrets, sure that we will not blend in with the times we are in at the first sign of pressure? Esther and her uncle held on the traditions they had been taught, and this could be the reason why God found them as useful vessels at the time to save the people of Israel from total destruction. Can God count on me for such times as these? 

What makes this account critical to our days now is the fact that silence at a time was very important. Mordecai told her niece not to say anything about where they were from, and it must have saved them from trouble. However, the time for silence was now gone, and it was time to speak up. God had placed Esther in a position where her voice could now count for something. As queen, her voice carried the weight it did not have as a slave girl. Do I know when to be quiet and when to speak? Do I know when to let things play out, and when the right words spoken in season will be of help to other people? Silence cannot usually be quoted, but there are times when silence would mean agreement with whatever is happening. Like Mordecai said to Esther in the verse above, who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this, when the occasion demands that the right people speak? God does not make mistakes; I am where God wants me to be, if I am His child and obedient to His command. I ask God for grace to hear clearly, so I can speak timely words, and be a blessing to the earth I have been placed in. God's time of favour is here. 

Power!

Power!

Genesis 1:1 AMPC

[1] IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.

Hebrews 11:3 AMPC

[3] By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.

The story of creation has been dissected and discussed across different generations. All sorts of theories and postulations have been laid out as how creation came to be. Some believe there was a big bang, and everything came together. Some say it was a process of cell regeneration that has matured and grown to be all that we see today. It is good to again consider all we have heard or been taught, to determine what is true, what is plausible, and what is impossible. As we take a look at the earth and all its features, you just have to admit that there is a power that must have put all these things together. As you consider how the earth and all its parts work together, you have to admit that a divine force must be holding everything together so that they do not fall apart. As we consider how long this earth has been in place, you have to admit that there is nothing of this earth that can sustain the earth of itself. 

How can the created sustain and maintain that which was also created? How can anything we see today be able to determine exactly what year the earth was formed? Who was there when the earth began? Who can produce incontrovertible evidence of the earth's history, unless you were party to its origin and purpose? This is why it is necessary to consider what the verses above say. They ascribe the accounts of creation to God. You may also say no one was there when God was making the earth, but this is why walking with God is not always about what your physical senses accept. Reflect on all that we see today: the seas, the stars, the sun and moon, and the mighty mountains, and you will know that a mighty arm, hand or heart of awesome wisdom made all that we can see. That is why God remains a mystery, as well as an amazing revelation, all at the same time.

The fact that all that we see today have all stayed in place for as long as we know, with nothing in all of creation able to stop the sun from shining when it is time, or the moon from coming out when it is time, all point to the truth that only a God of absolute power could hold all of these things in place. The verse above leaves no one in doubt as to the power of the One making the claim. Centuries later, the writer of Hebrews still makes the same claim, noting that God's word, which does not change like shifting shadows, is the Life behind the life that we see. Now, all of the above leaves a fundamental question for all of us to answer: 'What would you do with this information?'. Considering all the many things we have heard, sincerely take time to reflect, ask God to show you the truth, and then take the right step to follow the Truth. Remember: God does not force Himself on anyone. It is a step of faith; it is the product of my freewill. He has done His part; He has laid out all that I need for Life and Godliness. The response is now mine to sort out. How do you plead? God's time of favour is here. 

Benefits!

Benefits!

Romans 5:1 AMPC

[1] THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

The verse above starts with a baseline. It is addressed to specific people: those who have been justified by faith. It needs clarity and exactness, so I can determine whose I am, who I am, where I am, what I can access, as well as where I am headed. These are not people who are able to stand on just personal recognition alone, but who know very clearly that whatever they are or have is a function of God's grace. They do not plead anything personal, like ability, capacity, connections, influence or value, but they have come into a special recognition of who Jesus is, what He has done, what He offers them, and they have taken full advantage of this knowledge. These are the specific people that the verse above seeks to address. Justification recognises that I could not help myself; it makes it clear that whatever I hold now is not on personal merit, but is given to me by One who could bring me into that special position. 

Faith makes it clear that it is not by labour or striving; if it was, not many will be justified. This is what makes what Jesus did so great and yet so dangerous at the same time. Men are still trying to 'earn' justification, because they cannot imagine getting anything of value for free. It ia great because all of us have been given access to this benefit, but it is also dangerous because no one can claim it by labour, or make an excuse for not getting it at the end of this earthly phase. We are made right with God, and restored to the original position we were in before the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Sin changed landscape and destination for man, but Jesus came and changed the story yet again. At no time could man present anything that could make him 'earn' all that Jesus did for man, but now, man is in a unique position where he can claim all that Jesus is and has. 

What a wonderful opportunity, as well as a sobering experience. Sin took my peace, but the work of Jesus fully restored my peace. Sin took away my joy, but the life of Jesus in me has fully restored my joy. A lot of things may be going on now, but I rest assured in the work of Jesus on the cross, and how He took my place in all ways, paying the price I could not pay, so that I can be all that Jesus has promised to all who put their total trust in God. The end of the verse above is instructive: ignorance is a disservice to the work of Christ in and for me. The devil will try to keep me from accessing these benefits, and he has many schemes and devices, but this verse is a reminder of who I am now, based on who Jesus is and what He has done. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and the only One who can guarantee peace. He is all I need, and He has all I need. Would you accept and submit to Him? God's time of favour is here.

Kept!

Kept!

John 10:11 AMPC

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

Jesus was speaking to the crowd, which also included the Pharisees at the time. As we know, the crowd cannot be predicted. You do not know how they think at any specific point in time. You cannot predict their allegiance to anything, as the crowd is free to flow however and wherever it pleases. In the audience too were His disciples, who had followed Him for some time, seen the mighty miracles He did, and heard Him challenge the structure of His day with kingdom principles and standards. As it was then, so is it now. Jesus still speaks to all who are willing to listen and heed. The verse above is one of these challenging messages, which we all need to hear, heed and take necessary action on. Jesus made time out to publicly introduce Himself as the Good Shepherd. Why was this important? The people could identify with the work of a shepherd. This must have been a common feature in Jesus' days. 

What does a shepherd represent? This is someone who has spent time cultivating a relationship with sheep, not goats or any other animal. One online definition lays it out as a 'person who herds, tends, protects, and pastures sheep. As a verb, it means to guide, watch over, or manage a group, often in a protective manner'. The distinction made between sheep and other animals also has to do with the nature of sheep. These are animals which are docile and can be easily led. Sheep are also known to be intelligent animals capable of recognizing faces of both other sheep and humans, and remembering them for up to two years. Once they form a bond with the shepherd, he has control over the sheep. He is able to lead them out; he identifies each one, and the sheep also responds to him. I am not sure that there is any other animal that can be this docile. 

This distinction also relates to me: am I a sheep that can be easily guided, or do I love to insist on my own way? Have I invested time in this relationship with God, so that He knows me as His own, and can guide me at all times? This relationship of shepherd and sheep is not seasonal, where you get to access resources only when it is convenient. It has to be a consistent walk; a constant dependence on the influence, connections and ability of the Shepherd. The verse above makes it clear that the Shepherd is that kind enough that He lays down His life for the sheep. Which Shepherd is able to do that if He does not have a heart for the sheep? He has laid down an example that cannot be matched: He has offered all men a way to be reconciled to God. He has made a wsy for mortal man to access immortality at the end of this corrupted earthly phase. This offer is valid only for this earthly phase, and it expires upon death or rapture. He has done His part; how would you respond? God's time of favour is here. 

Remain!

Remain!

John 15:4 AMP

[4] Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me.

Jesus was speaking to His disciples at this time, which was close to His appointment with destiny. He had spent more than three years with these men; they had gone out with Him on different occasions, and seen Him perform mighty miracles. They had heard Him challenge the leaders of His day, laying out the truths of His kingdom to all who would listen. But here He was now, away from the crowd and with the men who had walked with, listened to, and seen Him at work. This was the time for private reflection. It is instructive to note that as soon as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He sat down and spoke with them over almost 4 chapters of the book of John. No other person is on record as being in those meetings, just the disciples. What this tells me is that the messages in these chapters are not for the umcommitted crowd, but for followers of Jesus. 

The demand in these verses are not for people who do not know who or whose they are, but for people who are clear about their identity, purpose and direction. Does this in any way describe me? The verse above lays out one of the conditions that a follower of Jesus must adhere to, and that is to 'remain' IN Jesus. An online dictionary defines 'remain' as "to stay in the same place, continue in a particular state, or be left over when others have gone". Reflect on that: to stay in the same place. You are not undecided; you are firm about your choices. You know what God demands, and you are willing and ready to stay in place for God to use you however and whenever He may please. You are not the type to go out and come in when you please, or whenever it catches your fancy; you are fully committed to the purpose of God for your life, and it is your daily pursuit. 

That is a life that fully understands what it means to remain. Other people may do a thing and seemingly 'get away' with it; you know you answer to a different master, and cannot do what others are doing. Why this is important is the second part of the verse above: the issue of continuing fruitfulness. I was made in the image of God, and it will be to His glory if my life reflects His nature. I cannot take anything outside of God to improve on that which is God's; only that which God supplies can bring glory to God. How can that which belongs to the flesh bring glory to the name of the Lord? How can a man live to please the flesh, and also glorify God at the same time? I can only take of that which is God's, to impact the world for Him, and to bring Him glory. If He is not God of ALL in your life, it means He is actually not the Lord of your life. Am I abiding IN Him, or am I seeking alternative comfort zones outside of Him? If my life will mean something, it must be totally surrendered to God. Is mine? Is yours? God's time of favour is here. 

ALL!

ALL!

1 Peter 5:7 AMPC

[7] Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

Psalm 55:22 KJV

[22] Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Different verses; different dispensations, but the same message. One from the old testament and the other from the new testament, but the words are repeated verbatim. Both verses come from the place of personal experience. The same God who inspired David to write the psalm also inspired Peter to write the letter to those he called the elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. What this tells me is that it does not matter where I am coming from, the weight of the pain of the past, the pressure of the present, or the uncertainty of the future; it matters who is backing me up. Life will not always be fair as we think it should be; the problem of sin ensures that we would have to make choices on priorities, but we do have the sure word of God that if we choose Him, He will show up for us in amazing ways. 

That is a promise we can definitely hold on to, no matter is going on right now, or what may still come our way. For both David and Peter, they had a relationship with God that gave them comfort in the midst of pain. This is why the message in each verse above is personal: I cannot use someone else's life to measure my own. I can take the lessons from that life, and trust God to help me apply them the right way. David was a complicated man, and Peter was as well, but there is no doubt that both men were helped by God when they learnt to hand over their lives to Him for safe-keeping. Let it be established today that the created can never be wiser than the Creator. The created will always be limited in scope, vision, resources and ability, and it is the limitless Creator that is and has all that the created needs for impact. Am I the one in charge, or is God the One pulling the strings of my pursuits and priorities?

As both verses make clear, the conditions for accessing the help that God provides is to be His own. David refers to 'the righteous'. Peter refers to those that God 'cares for'. We were all made in the likeness of God, and we all have a measure of grace, but God's help is readily available for those who have made a total surrender of their lives to Him. He will not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. My role is to cast ALL my cares, with the emphasis on ALL. There is nothing too big or too small to take to Him. If He made the mustard seed and the highest mountains, He sure pays attention to detail, and nothing escapes His attention. God cares for all He has made, but He has a special place for those who have given Him control. He takes care of His own, and He will preserve them to the end. Do not make any assumptions about who you are and whose you are. Make sure today that God is in charge. Your cares and worries will be taken care of. God's time of favour is here. 

Kept!

Kept!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 AMPC

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

This second letter written to the church in Thessalonica was a joint effort by all three of Paul, Silas and Timothy. These where men with different experiences in their walk of faith. We read about Paul and his many troubles in the hands of the Jews, and we read about Silas in at least one instance too, whipped and placed in prison together with Paul. We also read of the boy/man Timothy, whose birth circumstances placed in a big disadvantage, at least, in the view of the Jews of his day, but by the tutelage and mentorship of Paul, he became a force in the hands of God for the gospel. All of the above point to the truth that there is no life that God cannot use to promote His plan and purpose. There is no one so far gone that s/he is beyond the mercy and grace of God. My past or present will be part of the story of God's grace upon my life, so that it is apparent that if not for God, I would have been lost. 

That was the foundation of the verse above. These men were writing to people who had seen tough times. The audience was brothers and sisters called the congregation of believers in God. There is nothing on earth that can adequately describe all that God has in store for those who put their trust in Him. There is no experience on earth that can be adequately preparation for all that God will bring the way of those who are committed to Him. How can you fully explain this level of opposition and resistance to God's Word in the days of Paul? How do you comprehend why men resist the Word of God with so much violence these days, as it was in the days of Paul? Indeed, the heart of man is corrupt and desperately wicked, and it is hard to fully understand what it can produce. This is why it is very important that I give God full control of my heart. It is only in His hands, and by His lesding and direction, that my heart can and will produce the right fruit. 

Can I say, of a truth, that God is fully in charge of my heart? God is capable to play His part, but He will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill. He will supply all that I need for the journey ahead, but He waits for me to plug myself into His supply. How can He provide strength if I already claim to be strong and independent? How can He set ms up on a firm foundation if I claim to be strong on my own? How does He guard me if I have already made alternative arrangements for my own protection, or raised an altar to my own promotion? God is indeed faithful, but He will not honour my own rebellion against His ordained process for me. He will bring me through the valley if the journey of impact requires it. He will bring me through the storms if the story of change He wants to tell in and through me requires it. He is all I need for Life and Godliness. Do you have all of Him? Does He have all of me? God's time of favour is here. 

Seeing Well!

Seeing Well!

2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV

[18] while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

This is a letter from Paul and Timothy to the church in Corinth, as well as the saints in Achaia. The chapter from where this verse is taken lays emphasis on the work of God in mortal men. It reminds us that all of God's mighty works in man cannot afford to lead to pride, or a sense of self-sufficiency. In all cases, mortal man would think more highly of himself than he ought to. He thinks he has all of life figured out. There is no greater cure to this false sense of importance than salvation. There is nothing that reminds a man of his place and purpose in life than being reminded that I do not own anything down here, and whatever it is I am able to receive is given to me by God. That is the start point of our devotion today. Do I know who I am? Do I know where I am heased or what I am supposed to be doing with my life? Until that is sorted, I may continue to wallow in dangerous ventures, or be distracted by what the world thinks is important. 

How do I focus on that which is important? How do I even know what is important? One sure way is to first sort out the control centre of my heart. Whoever sits at the control will define the direction of my life. If it is self, be sure that self will lead you down the path of eternal death. If it is the Spirit of God, you can be sure that He will lead you into pursuits and priorities that line up with the will of God. One thing that must be established is that I cannot afford to be fooled by what mortal men count as important or celebrate. It is not possible to find a single thing that the human nature and the spiritual nature will agree on. Both are under different ownership structures, and both have opposing priorities. No matter how far you try and draw them, or how hard you try to explain it, these two lines will never agree. This is why I need to sort out the foundation of control first and foremost. It is the key to the verse above.

When I have sorted out control, then I am able to see the way God wants me to. Let it be clear that it is the internal control that helps in seeing well. The WE in the verse above does not have general application; it is for those who are under God's management. They keep their hearts on the eternal, whilst sorting out the earthly. They are not fooled by the drama going on around them, but use the provision and resources of the earth to advance the plans and principles of the kingdom of God. They have their hearts set on pilgrimage, sure that this earth is just a temporary phase that will end at some point, and then, the real life that has no end starts. Please note that as it is only your physical eyes that can see it, it will not last. Only that which God is lasts forever. In Him is Life, and in Him is eternal life. Do you have Him? Do I? God's time of favour is here.

Done Right!

Done Right!

Matthew 6:3-4 TPT

[3] But when you demonstrate generosity, do it with pure motives and without drawing attention to yourself. [4] Give secretly and your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly.”

This is part of the first recorded sermon of Jesus on the mountain, as He sat with His disciples. Of course, there were a lot of people listening to Him as He taught: a crowd was there, the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the teachers of the law must have been there too. One conclusion that the people who listened to Him came to was that He taught them as One having authority, not like the scribes. The people were astonished at His teaching, but one has to go back to the start of the sermon to establish who the intended audience was. Jesus called His disciples to Himself and took them up the mountain. Yes, there was a crowd, but it was when the disciples had sat down that He began to teach them. The clear directives given in that sermon are not for the weak or faint hearted. The messages in this sermon are not for people who are unsure of who they are, or what God's expectations for them are. 

The sermon is indeed for those who have made up their minds to follow Jesus; who have counted the cost and know what it would take from them. Do you know who you are? Do you have the clear view of God's expectations from you? Am I willing to pay the price for discipleship? One of the prices for such a call is what the verse above lays out. It calls for an emphasis on life without a desire for the limelight. It is human nature to crave recognition. It is human nature to want to be seen, and to matter. There is ordinarily not much wrong with seeking validation, but why do you seek it? Why do you need to be seen? The answers to these questions reflect who you are, what your priorities are, and where you will end up. One way to gauge the state of your heart is in what you are willing to let go. Is there anything at all that I consider too important to give up, if God asks me to? Is there any price I consider too high to pay, if it leads to God's glory? 

One of the issues that weigh on the heart of man is the fact that you cannot determine the times and seasons of the reward God has promised. God asks me to do whatever it is I want to do with pure motives, and without drawing any attention to myself. It is only a broken and submitted heart that can do this. In a world that is ruled by likes and shares, and driven by what is attractive and pleasing to the eye, it takes discipline not to be fooled by what looks good on the outside. It is the Father's prerogative on how and when He rewards my generosity. Never let applause define application. Do not let what people will say keep you from obeying God or aligning with His instructions. I have to note that there is nothing the world can give you that will last forever. It is God who blesses and adds no sorrow. That which is done right, in secret, will be rewarded by God. He is worth waiting for. Would you? God's time of favour is here. 

God's Help!

God's Help!

Psalm 143:8 KJV

[8] Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee.

Nothing is said about the events that led to the words of this psalm, but there is no doubt that there was some trouble around David at this time. Just in the few verses before the one above, you find David saying things like: "For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; He hath smitten my life down to the ground; He hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is desolate". These are words that show some despair, some despondency, and some trouble around the man David. As we know, he was a man who didn't go looking for trouble, but because of the grace upon his life, he attracted a lot of opposition. He spent a lot of time in privacy, with sheep, as well as lions and bears. These ones he could control, but he had no knowledge about how to deal with human beings. 

Reflect on the fact that a king was using the might of government to hunt him down to kill him. Reflect on the fact that he had to gather together about four hundred men who were in distress, in debt, or were discontented, and he became a captain over them. That was what David, anointed as king over Israel, was reduced to. However, there was a truth about the man David that is of eternal benefit to us: he knew God. May sound simple, but this was the secret to the life of impact he had. Here is a man that God Himself called a man after His own heart. He was by no means perfect, based on the things we read about him, but he had this relationship with God that went far beyond mere words, but backed up with the right actions. This man would spend time with God, praising and worshipping God. He knew how to hold God's attention, and his life offers us a template on what works. This is not a license to make the same mistakes that David made.

It is a guide on what works and with God's help, make sure to get the same benefits that David got. David placed himself where he would hear God's lovingkindness in the morning. This tells me that David made it a habit to start the day right with God. How does God reach me if I do not make out time for Him to speak to me? David put his whole trust in this God, and we know how he ended. Same God; same principles. David would also not do most things without seeking guidance from God. Even though already anointed as king, he would seek God's face before going up to Hebron to be anointed, and he would encourage himself in the Lord when everything else was falling to pieces around him. Like David, the secret to a life of impact lies away from the public. It is private strength that drives public impact. Nobody may see the silent years, but they definitely cannot ignore a life of purpose. Like David, can I also lift up my soul to God, sure and certain that He will bring me to the place of fulfilment and peace? God's time of favour is here. 

God with Us!

God with Us!

Joshua 1:9 AMPC

[9] Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Just picture the man Moses, and how Israel must have viewed him as he led them from Egypt to the land of promise. The people of Israel had seen how God used him in parting the Red Sea for them to walk over on dry ground, while the army of Pharaoh all perished in the sea. They had seen Moses do mighty works in the wilderness, from amazing supply of manna and water for the whole of their sojourn in the desert, to the glory of God being made manifest at different times. There was this incident on Mount Sinai where the glory of God was so obvious that the people of Israel were trembling with fear. In all of these encounters, we read, like a footnote, of the man called Joshua. First time this young man was mentioned was when Israel had to fight Amalek, and Joshua had to choose men to fight. Joshua did as commanded, and God gave victory. Do not despise the days of small beginnings. 

A few years later, the same Joshua was at the foot of Mount Sinai, at the tent of meeting, and as one of the emissaries sent to spy out the land of Canaan. In all of these encounters, we see the young man being trusted to represent Moses well. I am not sure this man was in any way interested in replacing Moses, and I can imagine how he felt when the mantle of leadership was being placed on him. He had seen Israel rebel, and even though he had not joined in the rebellion, he had also wandered with the whole of Israel for 40 years. He had seen what disobedience did to Aaron and his sons, as well as to Miriam the sister of Moses. He had witnessed the punishment of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. How could anyone lead such a stubborn and rebellious people like these? This is where God always steps in. The One who commissions always knows what is ahead, and He is the One who supplies what is quite appropriate for the vision that He has birthed.

This is what the verse above is all about. God knew that the shoes that Moses was about to take off was big, but then, it is not about the capacity or ability of the one who would fill the shoes, but the capacity and ability of the One who gave the shoes in the first place. God knew what was ahead, and before the pressure would build, and discouragement would come, He came to reassure Joshua. No man can do God's work without the help of the One who commissions the work. No man can survive on His own. I need the presence and power of God to achieve whatever is His will. He knows the scope of the assignment, and He knows the lives that need that which He has given me. When God commands, all that I need for life is supplied. His name is at stake, and be sure that God can back up His name. He will not leave me alone to fend for myself, whilst I am at work for Him. I must not let the world dictate relevance. With God on my side, and as I obey His leading, I am where He wants me to be. That is impact. Am I where He wants me to be? Are you? God's time of favour is here. 

Choices!

Choices!

Romans 12:21 AMPC

[21] Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.

Paul was writing this eternal to God's beloved people in Rome, who were called to be saints and designated for a consecrated life. This foundation is important, as we consider the message in the verse above. Interestingly, the start of the chapter from where this verse is taken further buttresses the audience, as the first two verses of this chapter admonishes the audience to present their bodes as living sacrifices that are holy and acceptable to God. Paul further counsels the audience not to be conformed to the pattern of the world they were living in, but be transformed by the renewing of their minds, in order to prove for themselves what God's good, pleasing and perfect will for their Iives were. This is the foundation upon which the verse above is laid. Paul was not speaking to people who were totally ignorant of God's desire for holiness and righteousness, but to people who had tasted of the gift and benefits of salvation. 

Do I belong to this group? Am I relying on head knowledge, or what I have heard over the years, but with no personal experience to speak about? Do I know God, and does He know me as His own? Have I accessed the grace that is available to all men, so that my actions and decisions reflect a life of total dedication to God? It is a submitted life that can reflect the glory and virtues of its owner. This is a reality that cannot be faked for a long time, because it is a demand that will cost me a normal, boring life. Reflect on the verse above, where Paul is counselling his audience not to let themselves be overcome by evil. This means that it is possible for a mortal man to be insured against evil, but it is about inner constitution, not outer muscle mass. I do not have the capacity to fight and defeat evil, because the human nature is prone to sin, and cannot choose to do good without some help. Anything sin is evil. 

Sin is the natural state of the fallen human nature, so doing evil will be the norm, rather than the exception. This is where a man needs the help of the One who has defeated evil. The verse above makes it clear that it is possible to choose not to let evil overcome you. This is only available to those who have fulfilled the first part of the chapter from where this last verse above is taken. Who have I truly submitted to? Who sits in charge of my heart's contents and focus? Who is pulling its strings, and determining its pursuits and priorities? An encounter with God is what gives a man the power to choose good over evil. There is no value in education, enlightenment or earnings that will give a man victory over the fallen human nature. Only Jesus can, and His help is always available to all who seek Him. Do not take this verse in isolation of the conditions to be met in order to qualify for help to defeat evil. Have I truly submitted? God's time of favour is here. 

This God!

This God!

2 Peter 3:9 AMPC

[9] The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.

Reflect on the audience for this letter of Simon Peter: he referred to those 'who have received like precious faith' with the apostles through the righteousness of God and Savior Jesus Christ. Precious faith: this is something that has value, is not picked up cheap from the street, and is not something that this world can give you. Of course, if the world cannot give it to you, it cannot take it away unless you let it go. This is the audience that Peter was speaking to. Why is this important? It is the impact of the message in the verse above. As the verses before the one above make clear, just as they are now, there were scoffers and mockers in those days who were walking after their own fleshy desires, saying that Jesus was not coming back, as He had promised. How could mortal man make the immortal God out to be a liar, who could not keep a promise? 

Who would blame them, when it appeared that several generations of prophets had said the same thing, but Jesus still had not returned. One needs the help of the God who promised, to keep hope alive and to remain focused on what is important. Men have come and gone, and it appears that the earth is immovable and unshakeable. Nothing seems to change, and it does appear that evil is not immediately punished. This has given men the courage to keep doing evil. This can make the faith of even the strongest man to shake sometimes, but we have and hold on to the sure word of God that His promises can never fail. The Word of God makes reference to two immutable things by which it is quite impossible for God to lie, which are His Name and His Word. It may appear that promises He made are taking time before they are fulfilled, but He stakes His name when He speaks, and He wants to be trusted. 

Men view delay as being slow. We are the ones who use times and seasons to measure impact and relevance. God is not moved by the things that easily distract men. Men also measure time in years, and we grow old and die, but between life and death is one very important decision that we all need to make, and that is what to do with Jesus. God gives us the power of freewill, so we can make up our mind to submit our lives to Him of our own accord. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of our freewill. He will be patient with us, so we can come to Him. However, I must note that I have not been given forever on this side of eternity to make up my mind. God is not interested in the death of a sinner, but no sinner will enter into the kingdom of heaven. If God is patient, it is because He seeks the heart of man to turn to Him. I must not ignore this gift. Eternity will be glad that I made the right choice. God's time of favour is here. 

Praise!

Praise!

Isaiah 25:1 AMPC

[1] O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth.

Isaiah is known for some amazing prophetic pronouncements, as well as the inspiring revelations he was given at different times in his earthly ministry. We easily remember the account of his vision of the glory of God as He came down in the temple, and how he was cleansed from his sin and commissioned for the assignment God wanted him to achieve. He was also given the prophecy about the coming Messiah, as well as messages of hope for Israel and Judah, and woe to the enemies of God's people. It is not often a very common or frequent theme to see Isaiah use words like these, but it is important to consider the words of the verse above, and how they relate to us today. Consider how long ago these words were spoken, and you still find God as the same today. He has been God long before Isaiah said so here, and long after this present earth ceases to exist, God will still remain God. 

We also note that Isaiah referred to this God as 'my God'. Why is this important? There is power in personal experience. There is power in personal relationship with this God. Many people know about Him, or have heard many things about Him, but there is no way you can replace a personal knowledge of God. People can speak of what they have heard, but it does not carry the same weight as what they have come to personally experience. This is why personal eyewitness testimony is the most powerful evidence you can present. This is why David's testimony about God being His shepherd carried more weight than all of king Saul's life story. What is the right way to handle this personal information? Isaiah challenges us, using his own life as the perfect example, to exalt and praise the name of the Lord. What personal encounters of God can I speak about? 

Isaiah goes on to speak of many reasons why praising this God is the right thing to do. It has to be made clear that whilst it is good to find reasons to praise God, I do not do it, first because of what I get from Him, but because of who I know Him to be. This is an eternal God who is the same yesterday, today and forever. He does not change like shifting shadows, and there are no Impossibilities with Him. From Isaiah's perspective, this is a God who has done wonderful things. His name is WONDERFUL, so it cannot be any surprise that He does things in line with His nature. As an eternal God, He is not limited by time, space or circumstances. His purposes are planned and put in place long before the implementors even know what they are, and because He is True, His plans and purposes are fulfilled in faithfulness and truth. Do you have reasons to praise this God? Has He done anything to deserve your worship? Reflect; then let your heart and lips break out in total praise of the One before whom all knees must bow, either by freewill now, or by compulsion at judgment. God's time of favour is here. 

Identity!

Identity!

Proverbs 18:24 AMPC

[24] The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

We come to the book of one-liners, where each verse is a message on its own. It is also important to note that most of the words of this book are credited to the man called the wisest man on earth at the time. It is also key to note that the wisdom displayed in the book of Proverbs is yet to be rivalled or matched by any other source today. It can even be further argued that many of the human laws that guide relationships today are derived from the words of this book. Is it not obvious that the wisdom of God is critical to human existence? Where would we be without the hand of God to guide and direct our ideas engagements, and interactions? What has become critical is the fact that human interactions are critical to our mental and emotional wellbeing. In His wisdom, God has made it so that we do not survive on our own. We need to interact with other people. 

We have been placed in the midst of other people so that their lives could rub off on us, and we also can influence other people with what we know and have. The human body is also a study in the importance of interaction and coordination with other parts. No part can play the role of other parts well; the eye cannot hear in behalf of the ear. However, it is important to be careful about how much information is allowed to linger on my heart. Not everything that passes in front of me is allowed to come into my life. Not everything that looks good is actually good for me. As much as God wants me to be a blessing to the world around me, I have not been made the saviour of the world. That is the work of Jesus, and He is quite capable to do this work by Himself. I am not Omnipotent; I will not be able to help every single life I come in contact with all at the same time.

There are some who I can help today, and there are some who I may need to signpost to where they can get help. Value is not in how many friends I have, but in how many lives I am able to impact. A man of many friends may think he is quite nice, but the issue is that compromise will happen, when you cannot please all of them at the same time. Do not pursue many friends at the expense of a life of purpose and direction. The few people who can help you on the journey to eternity with God must be the focus. Eventually, many friends will pull you in directions you do not want to go. There is that one person who will be glad for all of eternity that you passed his or her way. Be that one friend that will lead others to the path of eternal life. At the end of this life, what matters are the lives that came to know God through you, and whose lives were secured because you spoke, acted as a child of God, or simpy showed the kind of love that pointed them in the direction of God. Am I that kind of friend? Am I showing people the way to God? God's time of favour is here.