Speech Power!

Speech Power!

Proverbs 18:21 AMPC

[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

Matthew 12:37 AMPC

[37] For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.

When the wisest man on earth at the time,  and you can say, the wisest man on record, speaks on a matter, we will do well to listen. Solomon speaks about the features, benefits, blessings and curses that may arise from the use of the tongue. This was a man whose very first assignment as king was to settle a dispute that involved life and death. If not for wisdom from God, how could he have known which of the two mothers owned the living child? As the life of Solomon has shown, man is limited in exposure, experience, knowledge and power. There are limits set around mortal man; only the Omniscient and Omnipotent God is beyond limit. 

When He counsels us to take heed on any issue, we will do well to listen. Thr focus here is on the tongue, a small part of the body, but one that has been found to be at fault for many destroyed lives and destinies. Wars have been fought, lives have been taken, and many homes irretrievably broken up simply because one person said the wrong thing. The bible also warns us about the power of the tongue, calling it a fire that is able to contaminate the whole body, a restless evil,  and full of deadly poison. What a way to describe a part of the body that is not even visible; if I do not open my mouth at all, you may never see it. 

That is why the counsel in the verses above become critical. We have a part of the body that is able to impact eternity, not just for us, but even for those around us. When the wise men came to Jerusalem, their enquiries about the king that was born led to the king Herod slaughtering many children at the time. It was not done with evil intentions, yet it led to great sorrow and death. There are times when a gentle answer will turn away wrath, but the same word, spoken harshly, can stir up even more anger. Abigail used words to calm David down, who was on his way to destroy the house of Nabal. Words are not ordinary; they can shape or shred lives and destinies. 

It is the use of it that defines whether life or death flows therefrom. We all have the power to choose HOW we use it, but we have no power over the consequences that follow. As Solomon and Jesus say in the verses above, if I love to use my tongue, I must also be ready for the output that is tied to its use. There is no fence to sit on; I am either promoting life, or pursuing death. It must be noted that the best use of the tongue is to subject it to the control and influence of the One who made it. He is the One who knows the right word for the right season, so that life becomes the norm. Remember: surrender is a choice I have to make. Would you? God's time of favour is here. 

Well Presented!

Well Presented!

Romans 12:1 KJV

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

As we know, Paul was writing to the saints in Rome, and the message was for tbose who had come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. It has been consistently established that there is a message for the crowd, and a different message for the disciple. The demands from both classes are different, and destinations for both classes are also different. It is also important that I know which class I belong to. The danger of indecision is in the permanent nature of the consequences. You do not get a second chance to make up your mind, or to make any other impression, once eternity has been settled. Do I know who I am, whose I am, and where I am headed for eternity?

In the chapter before the one from where the verse above is taken, Paul talks about the engrafted wild olive branch, which now enjoyed the supply of the vine. The vine will always support and supply what is required for any branch connected to it to grow. This was how Paul viewed the Gentiles, even though we know that God's plan of salvation was for the whole world, and not just the Jews. For those who are not Jews, we have tbe encouragement that the same opportunity given to the Jews has also been given to us. God has not lowered His standards for anyone; He included us in His plan, but things happened according to His timing. 

If we know now that we are privileged to be part of God's plan for salvation for the whole world, how do we show gratitude? If I know that I could not earn or deserve all that God did for me, how best can I show and live a life of gratitude? The verse above lays it all out: it is first an inner consciousness of who I am and what I have received, before it then becomes an outward presentation of a life that is marked by God's mercy. We are saved by grace, not by entitlement. God's mercy reached out to us, even when we did not know that we needed help, and He made a way for us to be reconciled to God. In Christ, the brokenness introduced by Adam is redeemed.

Those who know the value of what they have received know that there is nothing else is too much to give up. This is the message in the verse above. If I know what Jesus gave up to redeem me, I know I must present what He has redeemed back to Him. It means my life is no longer mine to deal with as I please, but to please the One who now owns it. A living sacrifice is strange: dead, yet alive: dead to sin but alive to righteousness. It does not respond to the devil the way it did before, as it is now under new management. It is this new life that drives my pursuits and priorities. This is the only service that God reckons with. Am I truly His? Are you? God's time of favour is here.

The New!

The New!

Revelation 21:4 AMPC

[4] God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. 

As we read yesterday, the host of heaven do not have any doubt as to who is in charge. The host of heaven spend all time, however it is measured, in worshiping the One who sits on the throne. If heaven knows who is in charge, and we pray that God's will be done on earth as it is done in heaven, then be sure that God is able to bring this to pass in His own way and at His own time, as determined by Him. When we refer to Him as Omnipotent and Omniscient, it means that He can do all things, He knows all things, and He will work out all things as He pleases. That is power and authority that cannot be contested or limited.

This is what makes the God who makes the promise in the verse above quite special. He not only takes care of the present, but He also seals the future. None of us can predict the future as accurately as God can. We can try, using what He has created to make a fair guess, but if you are seeking certainty, God is your sure confidence. The first promise in the verse above is that He WILL wipe away every tear from our eyes. This tells me that the old order that brought tears will be completely done away with. Whether it is pain, loss or death, all of these ends once the old gives way to the new. The verse above says that death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish, sorrow, mourning or grief. 

The fallen human nature has made these part of our existence, but a day comes when all of these will no longer apply to us. What a life it is to look forward to. What a state to look ahead to, and hasten its coming. Let us not forget that, as was mentioned yesterday, this is a vision that was given to John as he was on the island of Patmos. If all of the things written in Revelation are still coming to pass, be sure that this too shall happen. We have this assurance about the immutability of the Word of God. It does not matter what the generation or dispensation is; as long as He has said it, be sure it will come to pass. God has staked His Name and Nature on His Word and He cannot lie.

What is expected of me? One thing that has been clear is that God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of our freewill. He lays it all down on the table, and asks me to choose my eternal destination very carefully. I also do not have forever on this side of eternity to make up my mind. The changing times and seasons, as well as the verse above, make it clear that the old order of things will definitely pass away, and give way to the new. There is no force on earth that can stop what is coming; the only thing I can do is to surrender to the God who can secure eternal life with Him. Have you surrendered? God's time of favour is here. 

Worthy!

Worthy!

Revelation 4:11 KJV

[11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

One thing is clear: we have a God who is in full control of all that He has made. The story of creation, as laid out in Genesis, lays great emphasis on the immense ability, capacity and capability of God to do the amazing. Hw made everything for His glory, and creation continues to find ways to draw man's attention to this God. Even with the faĺl of man in the Garden of Eden, it has not changed or lessened the power of this God. In fact, it is man's sin that has even made God's grace the more appreciated. It has to also be noted that the story of creation further makes it clear that an accounting will be demanded from all of God's creation for how we have used what He has made and given us. 

John was the one who received these amazing revelations of who this God is. He was banished to the Island of Patmos because of his faith in Christ. He could have folded up, cried and become bitter, or he could look up to God for help to face all that was coming his way. He chose the latter, and we now read of the amazing things he was shown by God. God has not changed; He still seeks men who would seek Him with all their hearts, even when nothing works, or it seems that they are in the minority. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill, but be sure He will not turn His back on a heart that is fully surrendered. 

After the letters to the seven churches came the visions. John recalled getting access to heaven and seeing things, some of which he was not permitted to speak about. It has to be noted that we are dealing with a God of absolute knowledge and power, and it is His desire to provide all that will help us walk with and work for Him with joy. If a man has seen the coming glory, or has experienced the joy that comes from a personal walk with God, what is that earthly experience that can distract such a person? Could it be that the reason why we are so distracted is because we have not yet experienced that change that only God can birth and sustain in the hearts of men? 

Like the host of heaven, including the four living creatures and the 24 elders did in John's vision here, we also want to join them to worship this God. As the host said, this is a God who is holy, and demands that all who seek Him must pursue the same standard. This is a God who cannot be unseated, and whose dominion cannot be limited. How can a mortal man understand the scope, power and reach of an immortal God? This is the God who is worthy to receive glory, honour and power. He has them, and nothing I do can reduce Him, but it is to my eternal advantage that I offer Him the glory due Him. Like the host of heaven, I had better bow now in humble adoration as a matter of personal conviction. Have you met this God? God's time of favour is here. 

Live Right!

Live Right!

James 1:19 AMPC

[19] Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.

James was one of the servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he was writing to the Jews who, because of their faith, were scattered abroad among the Gentiles. Ordinarily, it must have been a horrible experience for a Jew to find himself aligned with a Gentile, or even requiring anything from such a person, but the death and resurrection of Jesus had opened up some amazing opportunities for both the Jew and the Gentile to find common ground. The trials and afflictions that come from being associated with Christ would apply to both the Jew and the Gentile. The need to depend on the strength available in Christ would apply to both the Jew and the Gentile. 

No wonder James began his letter by charging his audience to consider it all joy as they faced different types of trials and tough times. It is only a person who has seen past the current challenges of life, and has seen the future, that can look ahead to tough times with joy. It is clear it is not the usual human reaction to trials, but there is a Presence,  Power, and Purpose inside a surrendered heart that make it possible to view tough times as reasons for joy. This is not a message that applies to the general crowd; it is for true disciples. The things that cause fear for the crowd provides encouragement for the disciple. Am I truly one? 

For the disciple who has the presence of God in him, there is a standard of behaviour also expected, when it comes to relating with fellow human beings. If I know that God lives in me, I will be intentional about how I live, what I do, and how I do it. The inner presence must drive outer impact. This is where the lessons in the verse above makes sense: this is for the attention of brethren, not the uncommitted crowd. Be quick to hear as a ready listener. I must also remember that it costs less to listen than it is to speak. A listening ear has become scarce these days, because everyone has an opnion, but nobody wants to take the time to offer empathy by listening. 

There is a reason why God gave us two ears and one mouth, and it is so we can listen at least twice as much as we speak. If I take my time to process all I hear, and take time to reflect before I respond, there will be less offence and more grace extended to those who I relate with. A child of God is not expected to react negatively to everything that happens, because the devil too is crafty, and he can magnify a simple issue into a life-threat. Do not give the devil that much power over you; he just needs a foothold into a life in order to destroy it. As a child of God, I must know who I represent. Do my current choices make that clear? God's time of favour is here. 

Be Right!

Be Right!

Proverbs 17:17 MSG

[17] Friends love through all kinds of weather,and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Relationships are one of humanity's greatest currencies. In the story of creation, man was the most thought out, and reflected the most creative part of God's power when He made man in His own image, and after His likeness. God did not stop there; He then placed mam in the midst of other people: made him a member of a family, placed him in the midst of a community of other people, gifted him to impact his society, gave him work or business to be able to meet and bless other people with his gifts, talents and endowments. From the life of Adam and Eve has now come the lives of over 8 billion people. What a testament to God's power. 

However, as we now know, the fact that we can all trace our origins to Adam and Eve does not stop conflicts or disagreements. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden now ensures that man can go to extreme lengths to hold and defend his position, even if wrong. It is hard for the fallen man to accept he is wrong, and wars have been fought and lives wasted, simply because one man would not accept the fact that maybe, he did not know all he thought he knew about a matter. We have seen where murder and mayhem are initiated by one member of a family against another, leading to the breakup of that family. This was not God's intention at creation. 

As you read the words of the verse above, you see clearly the mind of God for making and placing man the way He did. He did not create an Omnipotent man; there is no one like that. What He made is an independent creature in identity and purpose, but co-dependent in implementation and relationship. He knew the danger and power of pride, so He made sure that only in cooperation with other people  could all of our full potential be identified and realised. Relationships are built between people, and these sometimes transcend generations, tribes and cultures. When friendships are genuine, the bonds are deeper than skin colour or facial appearance. 

This is the message in the verse above. Why look for help from across continents, when you can have someone close by who could step in to help when needed? True friends are the ones who love you through any kind of weather. They may offer criticism sometimes, but it is from a place of love, not hatred. They may not always like your choices, but they are able to make that clear distinction between the person and the practices. God has placed us in positions where crucial help and support are available, whether it is un physical, or in spiritual families. Before making a demand on someone else, am I that kind of dependable person? Can God trust me to a friend to someone who needs it? God's time of favour is here. 

This God!

This God!

Psalm 59:16 AMPC

[16] But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress.

I believe that we know now that God will never promise any of His children a life free of trials and tough times. As long as the ownership and allegiance is to Him, He has the power to define the preparation and processing that this life needs in order to place it in the direction it needs for the purpose it was formed and planted for. The way God deals with all who belong to Him differs from person to person, but one thing is clear: He will not abandon that life that has been kept with or handed over to Him for safe-keeping. As life happens to me, I must keep checking if I am still connected to the vine. As long as He is my sole supply and support, I have nothing to worry about. 

This was where David was. Just picture a man who knew he was the next king of Israel, yet here he was, being pursued and hounded like a common criminal in his own country. He had done nothing wrong, yet nothing seemed to work in His favour. The introduction to this chapter says that the words of this psalm were written at a time when king Saul sent men to the house of David to watch him so they could kill him. This was the same young man who had rescued the nation of Israel from their aggressors the Philistines. David had won many battles for Israel but the moment envy set in, Saul forgot the past and tried to secure his own legacy by killing David.

Who says that anointing will keep you away from the effect of a submitted and surrendered life? If I have given God total control of my life, the only control I retain is my response to whatever God brings my way. If it is all 'good' by my estimation, I still praise Him. Even if it is 'bad' by my estimation, I still have the same response. How I interpret what comes my way does not change who God is, but it will surely impact the way I see God's hand in all that comes. For David, praise was his way of appreciating God for all He had done and was still doing for him. David was not a man known for keeping quiet; he did what he did publicly and loudly. 

Like David, God is still in the business of doing great things in the lives of all who leave all and follow Him, but as we have always said, He will not  force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. He wants me to come to Hiin in deep and sincere appreciation of what He has done for me. David sang of God's mighty strength and power. He experienced mercy in ways that merit could not understand. He saw God come to his defence in mighty ways, and the fact that he saw God move, even in distress, is proof that God never leaves His own alone.  He is all we need for all of life. What would you do with this God? God's time of favour is here. 

God's Prescription!

God's Prescription!

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The chapter from where the verse above is taken lays out the history of Israel. Here was a people that God chose out of the many nations of the world to be His treasured possession. He had a relationship with father Abraham, gave him a promise of inheritance, and ensured that his descendants inherited the land, after years of slavery in a strange land. You would think that Israel would be very grateful for all that God brought them through, but as we now know, Israel became a bit too comfortable, forgot who had helped it to this point, and became comfortable, careless and complacent. This is the danger of entitlement. 

Israel was warned several times, as she made her way to the promised land, but she would not listen. Of course, God does not condone sin, and He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. This was what happened to the nation of Israel. Reflect on some of the things Israel did: they lusted after evil things, they became idolaters and forgot God who had brought them this far, they murmured, they committed fornication, and also tempted Christ. As the chapter makes clear, the nation was punished quite severely for the things she did. One thing is clear: the standards have not been lowered, and the expectations have also not changed. Same God; same demands.

The same God who demanded total and absolute allegiance from Israel is still the same God who seeks total commitment from us today. In fact, in our own time now, we have the added help of the Holy Spirit, who now lives permanently in the hearts of those who belong to, and follow Christ. It is not an escuse for Israel to have gone down the path it did, but it must have been hard to see beyond the immediate problems of lack of food, water and safety. Israel only saw and reacted to what was in front of her, and did not remember the mighty works that had brought them to the edge of the promised land. Lke Israel, do problems make us forget God's promises? 

It is a good time to remind myself that nothing happens to me without God's knowledge. I am not a product of accidents, but the manifestation of an intentional and productive God. Even in the face of tough times, God reminds me that He is on the throne and in charge. He will not allow me to be tempted above what I am able to cope with, and if He permits it, it is because He knows it will not destroy me. He also makes a way of escape, so I can bear it. Like a pharmacist, everything is calibrated to help, not hinder me. What amazing support. What help. What grace. Like all things that God does, I have to take a step towards Him. He will not force Himself on anyone. Would you ler Him work? God's time of favour is here. 

Right Response!

Right Response!

Ephesians 4:32 AMPC

[32] And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.

Paul was wrting this letter to the church in Ephesus. This church had come a long way from the time Paul asked Timothy to stay back there and counter the wave of false teaching that had gripped the church at the time. By the grace of God, there were saints who had held on to the truth of God's word,  remaining faithful to biblical standards. These were the people Paul referred to as set apart and consecrated. Who says it is over when God has just started with you? As long as God has not given up on me, no other person's opinion matters. The encouragement of this letter is that in the hands of God, no life is worthless. 

He is able to keep that which is entrusted into His hand. However, like all lives that God touches, there is a need for constant and regular reminders of the standards we are required to attain and maintain. At the start of the chapter from where the verse above is taken, we read of Paul's reminder to the saints to lead a life worthy of the divine calling to which they had been called. Reflect on this: all of us who made the decision to leave all and follow Christ were not compelled to do so. We thought about our past, and realising we needed a change of direction and destination, we totally surrendered our lives to Him. That is proof that the new has come. 

If that is our new position, it means we now live by and have different pursuits, priorities and purposes. There is a behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service. I am not permitted to keep doing what I used to do before my encounter with Jesus. I am not permitted to keep giving carelessly. I have been summoned to service, and as required under new management, I have to abide by the rules of engagement under that new management. I must keep reminding myself that God does not force Himself on anyone; my decision to follow Him was of my own freewill, and as a result, I am bound to obey His directives. 

As the verse above makes clear, I do not get to choose what is quite convenient, but I am bound to do that which Christ commands. This is not a negotiation. There is a reason why I am placed in the midst of people, so that my new life can be a blessing to others. I am reminded to be useful and helpful and kind to other people, as well as tenderhearted, loving-hearted, and ready to forgive others freely. It is in my daily interactions with people that the quality of my convictions will be made quite manifest. When I remember what I have also received of God, it becomes easier to obey. If I have Him, I cannot hide Him. God's time of favour is here. 

Live Right!

Live Right!

Psalm 34:14 AMPC

[14] Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!

As we know, our individual preferences and actions do not in any way restrict or limit what God can do. God is God, regardless of what goes on in or around us. He may decide to act in a particular way, and he may decide not to do something obvious and plain, all in line with His will. There will be times that cry for a particular solution, yet, God may decide to lead in a different direction. This is why God is called the Omnipotent God; He is not limited to certain outcomes or by human effort. He can do all things and He can change people. At least, this was quite obvious in the life of the man who wrote the words of the verse above. 

Ar this time, David was already anointed as king, yet he was wandering around because the current king had placed a kill order on his life. There were even days, like the one above, where the safest place was in the camp of the enemy. Who says the path to glory will not involve some days of gore? How do I look forward to anything of value if there were no days of tests, trials and tough times? The life of David is a reminder that the path to divine appointments may pass through some rough seas. No matter what God allows, I must not take my eyes off the God who calls, equips, plants and purposes a man for the place and the people He wants to bless and impact. 

As a child of God, my life must look like my owner. I may be going through tough times, but these experiences should not be the ones to define me. As the verse above makes clear, God does not lower His standards for anyone, no matter how painful or inconvenient the experience may be. If He says I must avoid evil, I have no excuse if I allow evil define my earthly pursuits and priorities. It is also not about avoiding evil alone, but by actively pursuing good. Being comfortable in the middle, without being committed to anything, is also not acceptable. That is being lukewarm, and as we know, God hates such non-commitment. Make your stand known.

I cannot claim to do good and then also be silent and non-conmmittal on evil at the same time, simply because I do not want to offend someone. Furthermore, as a representative of God, I must look, live, talk and relate like Him when it comes to the pursuit and entrenching of peace.Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and all who follow and serve Him must have the same priorities. As the verse above also makes clear, I have to pursue after peace. It does not just give me any room on the fence; it has to be a conscious and deliberate effort. The question would then be: 'Do I look in any way like the One I claim to follow and serve? God's time of favour is here.. 

God's Peace!

God's Peace!

Philippians 4:7 KJV

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul and Timothy are credited with writing this letter to the church in Philippi. They described themselves as 'bondservants' which is an interesting way of saying they were bound to serve Jesus. The audience was all the saints, God's consecrated people in Christ, as well as their spiritual leaders. As always, the audience will define the message. There are messages for the general crowd, who are not committed to anything, and there are also messages for the people who have made up their minds to submit to and follow Christ. For the writer and the audience, there was an unmistakable identity with Jesus. Can the same be said about me? 

For both the writers and the readers of this letter, the message is about the benefits that accrue to those who identify with Christ. Let it be repeated here again that Jesus does not promise perpetually blue skies or a life free of pressure or trials. What He promises quite clearly are His presence and power, among many other favours. What this tells me is that it is a waste of time to ask God for a trial-free life. How does He teach valuable lessons on patience and perseverance if there were no opportunities to pass through life's lessons? How do I acquire and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in all its dimensions, if the Spirit is not able to take me to school? 

It is also instructive to note that peace is a dimension of this fruit of the Spirit. It does not matter how strong the storm outside is, or how heavy the wind; what matters is the anchor of the soul. Who holds my heart in place when everything else is falling apart? Who provides support and succour when it appears that life is not fair? As already laid out, life will happen to the best of us, but who I go with on this journey will determine how well I travel and in what condition I end up. God promises me His own version of peace, which will always be different from the version that the world offers. The world may offer high fences and human security, but these cannot guarantee safety. 

God's peace is that tranquil state of a soul, where nothing outside can pollute or disrupt the calm inside. The salvation that Christ offers makes the heart calm, fearing nothing and being content with whatever it is that God brings. It is not a peace that the world can explain or fully understand, because it is not tied to the world's provision, but to heaven's confirmation. That peace is able to guard my heart and keep away any distraction. It is able to keep me sane, even when everything around me is falling to pieces. As always, like all gifts, God will not force Himself on anyone. It has to be a personal decision to surrender your heart to Him. Would you? God's time of favour is here. 

Plan Right!

Plan Right!

Proverbs 19:21 AMPC

[21] Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand.

The words of the wisest man who ever lived are indicated in the verse above. Solomon was not wise by human effort; he did not go to a school to learn wisdom, or to acquire formal degrees in wisdom and instruction. He went to the source of all good things such as wisdom, and God gave him in abundance, as well as wealth beyond measure. This is what happens when a man recognises his limits, and stays focused on the one who can help. If you read the story of how Solomon got this blessing, you learn the peace and power that come from admission of your weakness and trust in God's ability to give you all that you need for life and Godliness. 

Why is wisdom quite relevant in this matter? 

Wisdom is defined as 'the ability to use your knowledge and life experience to make sound, insightful judgments'. It is a step beyond just knowing a thing; it is knowing how that thing can be used to further God's purpose and plan for your life. What this tells me is that what I do not know can sometimes hurt me. If I will access all that God has for me, I must take time out to know more of Him. This is where making plans and setting targets become useful. I am not allowed to sit back and fold my arms and just watch life happen. I owe it to the One who formed and planted me to discover the reason behind who, what and where I am. 

I must have a plan for the life God has given me. There are many dimensions to life: work, school, family life, friends, investments, and associations, amongst many others. All of these threads impact life, and if any of them goes wrong or mistakes are made, then other areas can be affected. This is where earthly planning must meet divine preparation. This is where my own schemes must meet God's approval. God wants me to succeed, but it is clear that I cannot see beyond the present moment; in fact, I cannot understand the meaning of the times and seasons I am in without His help. This is why God has to be involved.

There is nothing wrong with planning; just keep them fluid long enough for God to be able to disrupt them as and when He so pleases. There will also be times when the unexpected happens, and you need the right reaponse. No matter the amount of pressure that comes, or the temptation to compromise or simply give in, always remember that you were not the product of an accident, but the creation of a methodical and intentional God. He does not do mistakes, and He is also not careless. He wants me to succeed, and become His reflection. His purpose for me must be my utmost desire. Would you submit to Him and let Him run your life? Nothing dies in His hands. God's time of favour is here.

Right Motives!

Right Motives!

Matthew 18:20 AMP

[20] For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.

In the chapter from where the verse above is taken from, Jesus lays down several primary principles and practices of His kingdom. Some of these include the power of prayer and the disciplne required to maintain it, the proper ranking in His kingdom, the joy heaven has when souls are saved from death and bought with precious blood into the saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Saviour. In all of the words in the whole chapter, it must be noted that Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and not the crowd. These words are for those who have made up their minds to follow and serve Jesus, and not for the many who are content to live 'convenient' lives.

The standards for the Christian are always higher and deeper than those for the unsure and uncommitted crowd. When you see a big crowd of people united in the pursuit of a thing or a purpose, do not always assume that they may be right. Being many does not always mean being right. Being many is not the same as being aligned with God's will and timing. The God who speaks here is a God of total and absolute knowledge; He cannot be deceived by platitudes, eye-service or sheer hypocrisy. The One who formed and made the heart sure knows its many dimensions and deceits. When I set my heart to do anything, I must always remember that God sees all. 

I also believe that it was always part of God's plan that man work with other men to achieve anything. He has not made any human being absolutely self-sufficient. Even as God has commanded man, at creation, to be fruitful, to multply, and to fill and subdue the earth, man needs to work together with others to achieve these instructions. Recall the events of the tower of Babel, and you will realise the power that man has when he is aligned with others to pursue and achieve a goal. In this instance, the motive was wrong, and God had to disrupt the plans. Just imagine what could have been achieved if the motives were right, and the pursuit of God's glory was the focus. 

That is what the verse above encourages and celebrates. With God, the number is not as important as the motive and the backup. If the glory and praise of God are the reasons why men are gathering, and not for the promotion of self, God is pleased to dwell amongst such people and to make Himself known. It does not have to be many; it just has to be focused on God. When the gathering is in His name, it means that He is glorified and exalted. Why would He not seek to show Himself strong and mighty amongst such people? Do not pursue numbers; pursue God's purpose. When He is there, mighty works follow. God's time of favour is here.

Let Him In!

Let Him In!

Revelation 3:20 AMPC

[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.

John the Beloved found himself at the 'wrong' end of the government at this time. He had made a decision to follow Christ, and he would not be dissuaded, no matter what came his way. In his own words, he was on the island of Patmos, where he was banished on account of his witnessing to the Word of God and his testimony for Jesus. It is clear that all who would walk the same path must be ready for similar experiences. Nowhere in the bible does God promise us a trial-free life; even those who do not follow or submit to Christ will face tough times. The major difference is that those who have Christ have support, help and encouragement on life's journey. 

Even in the worst of places, God found John. It was on this island where he had been left alone that Jesus met and gave him amazing revelations into what was hidden at the time, as well as what was ahead for the world and the church. Indeed, for all followers of Christ, we are never left alone. The devil will make his threats as he always does, but be sure that God does not leave us alone. He is able to find us where we are, and use us for His glory, no matter what is going on in or around us. Part of the messages given to John included lessons and instructions for the church. The verse above is taken from the letter to the church in Laodicea. 

It is interesting to note that the words in the verse above are written to a church: a place where Christ is expected to be in charge and in total control of. How could a church be notified that its Lord and Master was at the door and knocking, waiting to be let in? How was it possible that the church needed to be reminded of its ownership and allegiance? Was it that the church had forgotten its basis and foundation? Before we point the finger, we must examine our own lives too. Can the same be said of me? Have I become caught up in the name and culture, and have forgotten the person and presence who makes the church what it is? 

The good news is that God does not abandon His own. He will not stay away, until it is too late. As He told the church then, so does He tell anyone who is listening: He wants to come in and change that life from the inside out. He does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill, but be sure that He will change the life of anyone who submits to His control. The verse above speaks of a special relationship that comes out of this access: what could be deeper than 2 friends sharing a meal together? That is something based on trust and love. Would you let Him in? Remember: we do not have forever to sort out our allegiance. Do it now, before it is too late. God's time of favour is here.

Look Right!

Look Right!

Colossians 3:12 AMPC

[12] Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, anx,>;×s3nd has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper].

As is the custom, we consider the audience of this letter, in order to understand the weight of the message in the verse above. Paul and his son in the faith, Timothy, are credited with writing this letter to the church in Colosse, and this letter is addressed to the saints: the people consecrated by God, and who are faithfully following and serving Him. The first point to note here is that God sees and knows all about me. There is nothing like 'secrets' when it comes to God. He made the heart, so He fully understands all its dimensions. It will be a pointless venture to seek to keep the heart's focus away from the attention of the One who made it. It is best to surrender it to Him.

It is the foundation above that drives the words of the verse above. Anyone who has surrendered his heart to God for safe-keeping and guidance cannot at the same time, insist on his own way. There is a particular way that a surrendered heart appears, speaks, and relates with other people. It cannot be the same way the people under the influence and control of the world's system would appear or speak. That internal condition is key to all external expressions. As God's own chosen representative, I have to appear in a certain way that looks like my ownership; after all, the One I represent is the One whose view and opinion count. 

If He is happy with my service. It really does not matter what anyone else thinks. If He is also not happy, it still does not matter how much applause I get. This desire to be liked by everyone will lead to compromise and hypocrisy. Like Paul, there may be times when you need to identify with the challenges and realities of the people you seek to preach salvation to, but it must never be at the expense of the truth of God's word, and His standards. We also know that in those days, the appearance of a man would usially reveal who he was or where he was from. If we apply this to the spiritual, can men deduce who I am and whose I am, simply by the way I appear, speak or relate with other people? 

Let us check out what the verse above requires of all who seek to look like God: a tender heart, pity for and mercy on others; kindness, patience, long-suffering, endurance and a good temper. Do we notice how many dimensions of the fruit of the Spirit is in the verse above? This tells me that I cannot exhibit anything that looks like the above without the imprint and impression of the Holy Spirit in and on me. These are not things you get by labour or by inheritance; these are born and sustained by the presence of God in me. His life in me will definitely flow out to touch others. Do I look like my ownership? Is God evident in and through me? God's time of favour is here. 

Fight Right!

Fight Right!

1 Timothy 6:12 AMP

[12] Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses. 

It is important to consider the author as well as the recipient of this letter. Paul was writing to the young man, Timothy, who he had met on one of his missionary journeys, and had groomed to preside over the church in Ephesus. That was no mean responsibility, considering that Ephesus was a town known for idolatry. It is important to note that depth will always be tested. Timothy had learnt a lot under Paul, but now was the time to apply those lessons to daily reality. Like Timothy, I must take every opportunity to learn about God very seriously; the times we live in call for some serious commitment to Godly pursuits and priorities. 

As the verse above makes clear, we have been drafted into a fight. Like all fights, this is one you have to go into with clarity on what the target is, with the right motivation, and focused on the right end. The choice of words here, such as 'fight', makes it clear that even though we serve a God of peace, with Jesus called the Prince of Peace, yet, in the same Scripture, He is also called the man of War. This tells me that there will be times and seasons where I have to take a stand, make a choice or simply focus on one thing. We also have an advantage, which is that the One who described this as a fight is skilled in it, and has never been defeated. 

God speaks from a position of strength. He does not lose; and for those who follow and obey Him, they also do not lose, no matter how the fight may appear to end for them. It must be clearly understood that we are called to a fight against a known enemy: evil in any form, which is propagated by the devil and his cohorts. The child of God is expected to take a stand against all that the devil represents. It cannot be this comfortable hypocrisy, where we do not want to offend other people. It must not be this middle-of-the-road thing, where we stay on the fence without being known or committed to any side. Being lukewarm comes at a cost: rejection by God.

My confession of Jesus as my Lord and Saviour has made it clear to people where I stand and who I stand with. I could not have called myself, because I did not even know that I needed help. This also means that with my new relationship, I have now taken hold of eternal life with God, which is His promise to all who hold on to the end. I must also know that the devil will continue to try to distract, deceive, deflate and defeat me, but as long as I am focused on the One who calls me, I have nothing to fear. This is the encouragement that should gird my heart: in His hands, I am safe. In His hands, nothing can touch me without His permission. What can anyone offer me that could beat that? God's time of favour is here.

Focused!

Focused!

Romans 8:18 AMP

[18] For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! 

I believe one of the central themes of Paul's letter to the Romans is faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. That is what brought men like Paul to the saving knowledge of Jesus, and that is also what has brought me to the same experience of God more than 2,000 years ago. It is the starting point of any discussion one wants to have about the undeserved grace of God, expressed in the gift of Jesus to the world, and the ultimate price He paid on the cross of Calvary to offer full and free salvation to all men. If I paid nothing for it, and I have been invited to take hold of the free gift, where is the place for pride or self-glory?

That is what Paul referred to in the first chapter of his letter, where he stated, quite clearly, that 'For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith'. It is a journey of faith, which means that a lot of the things that would happen to me on this journey will not be planned and may not be fully understood on this side of eternity. For example, God has made several promises of safety and security, but then, how do I determine if I am truly safe and secure if nothing, at any time, threatens those senses of safety and security? How do you determine that God keeps His promises? 

If I ask God to teach me perseverance and patience, how does He do this without some uncomfortable pressure that will teach me how to respond the right way? It is clear that this present world is not able to grasp the various dimensions that God can use to teach His children the lessons He wants us to learn, but we have our entire lifetime on earth to apply the lessons our interactions and engagements with God bring us. It is clear that nowhere in the Bible does God promise us a life free from pressure, trials, or tough times. In fact, it appears to me that God needs to take us through these experiences, so we can be better prepared for the glorious experiences ahead. 

Jesus' life on earth was a good example of this: He was rejected by His fellow countrymen, a disciple betrayed Him for money, even though he had followed Him for more than three years, the cross came with its pain and shame, and all the disciples forsook Him and ran away. If He is the perfect example, how can we expect anything less? If we are set up for greater works, why would we think we can get away with just coasting along: no pain, no trial, and no preparation? Let it be clear: God may not be able to extensively use a vessel that He has not tested and found to be dependable, faithful, and committed to Him. Am I one? God's time of favour is here. 

In Him!

In Him!

Ephesians 1:7 AMPC

[7] In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,

As is always the case, context is important here. Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, introduced himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the divine will of God, and sent to those who had been consecrated and set apart as God's chosen ones in that church. One of the reasons why this context is important is because of the history of both parties mentioned. Paul had an interesting past; he did not always serve God this way, but initially, in ignorance, he persecuted those who believed in Jesus. He had an encounter with this same Jesus, and his life never remained the same since then. Like Paul, we need that personal encounter too. 

Paul's conversion took him to the Gentiles, and one of such places was Ephesus. This was a town steeped in idolatry; there were gods of all sorts, and there was even a temple of Artemis. There was also strong opposition to the gospel of Jesus, and plenty of false teaching to address. At some point in time, Paul had to leave the young man Timothy in Ephesus, so he could teach the truth and also challenge all the false teachings gaining ground in the city. That was the context in which the verse above is placed. Here was a town that did not know Jesus, but by the ministry of Palu, people like Timothy came to know and serve Christ. 

The standard and expectation of God have not changed. He is still looking for people who would come to the right place, and for the right help to live right and please God. The start point for a life that will impact for God nust start from the foot of the cross. There is no argument that can beat the need for the salvation of the soul. I can decide to pull religion and be full of just activities, but it will not take me anywhere. The good news is that even Jesus us invested in my eternity, and that is why the cross has been given to me free of charge. At the time He died, I did not even know I needed help, but He paid it ahead so I could walk into it.

It is IN Him that we have all these, not outside of Him. If He does not give it, I cannot force it out of Him. I must remind myself not to believe the lies of the devil, who seeks to kill, to steal, and to destroy. The One who calls me His own has secured eternal life for me. He does not do part-time salvation; it is full and free as soon as I confess to Him, forsake my sin, and depend on Him for help. By virtue of this remission of sin, and by the reach of the riches and generous grace and favour available to me because of my faith in Jesus.  I cannot fake it; I cannot pretend to have Him.  My life will show the quality of the depth in me. Do you have Him? Do I? God's time of favour is here.

Give Thanks!

Gove Thanks!

1 Chronicles 16:34 AMPC

[34] O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

Context is always important. When you read the words of the verse above, you may think that everything was great all the way to this point. Let us refresh our memory: not too long ago, the ark of the covenant had been carried carelessly, and Uzzah was killed by God. Out of fear, David diverted the ark to the house of another man, but this time, the man knew how to treat the ark the right way, and God blessed the house of this man. This time, David had learnt the lesson, and knew what was required before the ark of God could be moved. As it wad then, so is it now: God has not changed, and His standards have not been lowered. He is not called the Unchanging God for nothing. 

What God commanded the people of Israel to do, in terms of worship and reverence, is still applicable to us today. Remember what David said to the people: "For because you bore it not as God directed at the first, the Lord our God broke forth upon us–because we did not seek Him in the way He ordained". It is a huge risk to forget, neglect or disregard God's instructions and rules for service in His vineyard. We must not get to the point where we lose the awe that God's name must invoke in us. We must not get so used to the tokens of service that we forget that this same God is also a consuming fire. He is merciful, but He is also jealous for His glory. 

David always knew how to get God's attention so it is a bit of a surprise how he missed the important signs of what God demanded of men who approached Him for worship. The verse above enjoins us to give thanks to the Lord. This is solid counsel, and we will do well to heed and obey, but even more important is the heart and attitude with which we seek to give thanks. Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to the Lord; we do not read that it was God who demanded the offerings, but these men, of their own volition, brought an offering. Yet, God, who sees the hearts of men, accepted one man's offering, and rejected the other. This is what makes this interesting. 

There is nothing I can do to change or improve on who God is. I should consider it a privilege to be called to give thanks to the Lord of all the earth. The verse above gives a few reasons why God deserves my thanks: He is good, no matter what the reality around me looks like. There may be evil in the world as a result of the fall of man, yet God's nature of goodness and mercy never changes. His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever. He is not just good for today: He is also good for tomorrow and forever. These are just a few of the many things that God has guaranteed for me, and for which He deserves thanksgiving. It is a choice for now; make it a habt and a lifestyle. God's time of favour is here. 

Rest!

Rest!

Genesis 2:3 KJV

[3] And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The context of the verse above is important. God, the Almighty, had just finished the work of creation. He had clear ideas of what each part of His creation would look like. He made land and sea animals, as well as the birds of the air, of various shapes, sizes and strength. He made the starry hosts; different lights to rule the day and others to rule the night, and he also made trees and vegetation. There was the amazing separation of land and sea, as well as the the creation of man in His own image and after His likeness. Reflect on the wisdom and tact needed to put each part in its rightful place, and to hold all together in place for as long as they have been. 

When you consider what the heavens and the earth look like now, you have to marvel at the wonders of God's wisdom in what He has done, how He has done it, and how He continues to hold everything together. He does not get tired or weary, and does not give up on His creation. He does not switch off or go to sleep, so it is amazing to read such a verse as the one above, where we are told that God rested from all the work He had done. Did God need rest, or is there a direct message in this for us? How would a God, who is nothing like man, who holds the whole world in His hands, and with the earth His footstool, ever need to rest? 

What does it mean to rest? It means 'to stop all physical or mental activity to regain strength, recover from tiredness, or heal. It can involve sleeping, sitting down, or simply taking a break from a demanding task'. Pause and reflect on the above: it is to stop for a moment, in order to recover and be restored. I am not sure the rule was directly relating to God alone, but it is a standard that has been laid down by Him for man's benefit. If the Almighty God, who does not grow weary, laid down a rule of rest, where He sanctified a day by resting from all the work of creation He had been doing, what would be my excuse for not taking time off to rest?

If the Lord God Almighty thought it fit to set aside one day for rest, we have been given a mandate to make sure we do the same, if we are truly His children. I just also note that it will be hypocrisy to take out a day of rest when no work has been done. It is not a religious matter; it is first and foremost a relationship matter. We follow the model of our Father; we work hard and also rest well. We do not work like people without hope; we know that it is not mere labour that blesses, but it is God who gives increase. Take time to work, but also devote the right time to rest. God is glorified by obedience and my body is also grareful for the break. Use all He has given wisely; God's time of favour is here.

Safe!

Safe!

Psalms 4:8 AMP

[8] In peace [and with a tranquil heart] I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety and confident trust.

When you read the first verse of the chapter from where the verse above is taken, it is not a surprise that David comes to the amazing conclusion laid out in the verse above. You do not come to a place of quiet confidence in God by accident; it is the product of several and varied dealings by God, through which He brings His children to a place of absolute and total trust in Him. As we have always asked and said, how would my understanding of God as refuge and protector make sense, if there was never any danger or reason for fear? How can I trust that my heart will remain focused on God if there were no distractions to test the quality and depth of my convictions?

The chapter opens with the confident words of David: 'You have freed me when I was hemmed in and relieved me when I was in distress'. He had seen God at work in various times and in many ways. He has faced very difficult circumstances, and he had seen God respond in ways that left no doubt that only God could have done it. These past incidents and experiences became the foundation of his confidence that God would be gracious to him and hear and respond to his prayer. Like David, God is ready to fill my bank of personal experiences of His power, so that when the days of trouble come, I know He has got my back. 

I can look ahead to whatever is ahead, since I now know that God has already gone ahead of me to ensure that all ends well. I am careful not to be carried away by what the world calls success, as the world's view will never align with what God has in store. He is a God who does not sleep, slumber or get tired so He can be trusted to take care of all that relate to me. Like Paul said in his letter to Timothy, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day". That statement comes from a place of absolute confidence in God’s presence, power and authority. What more can be added? 

Like David here too, we know him as the boy who kept sheep, but became king over all Israel. David did not earn it; he could not deserve it in any way, but God, in His mercy, found him and raised him up. It did not matter if there was a storm around David; as long as he had God inside of him, he was fine. This is the only way a man can lie down in peace and tranquility, even when things are not going according to plan. It is also one thing to be able to lie down, and it is a different thing to be able to sleep. God guarantees both; He is the One who can preserve and protect to the end. Am I actually in His hands? Are you? God's time of favour is here. 

Right Focus!

Right Focus!

Proverbs 19:17 AMP

[17] He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the Lord, And the Lord will repay him for his good deed.

Proverbs 28:27 AMP

[27] He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes [from their need] will have many curses.

Take a look at the Mosaic laws and you will find this entry in Deuteronomy 15:11: "For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land". This is not an excuse for laziness, but the fall of man has guaranteed that there will always be lack and insufficiency in the land. The greed and selfishness of man will cause a skewed spread of resources, with some having more than what they need at a particular time, and some not having anything at all. That is the state of human affairs now, and God is calling our attention to this law again. 

Reflect on the fact that the man who wrote down the words of the verses above was the richest man that ever lived. You could even say that there may never be anyone who could amass as much wealth as Solomon did. He also had the blessing of divine wisdom, given to him by God because he asked for it. If the wisest and richest man could lay out such a standard for us to emulate, what would be the excuse not to do so? If a man who could command resources as much as he had could spare a thought for the poor, I do not believe that anyone can have any reason not to be kind to those who are in need around them. 

Just to be clear, a definition of poor can refer to 'a state of lacking material wealth, or it can describe something of low, inadequate, or subpar quality'. It is important to note this: a person may be rich in an area, yet in need of something else. At that point, he can be said to be poor. It could also mean that even after labour, there is still a lack that needs to be met. The message for us is that God has placed resources in our hands and lives that would be blessings to other people. We may not have everything all at once, but the great thing about God is that He has placed the world's resources at our disposal, and life will be good if we can only utilise His provision to bless the lives of people in need. 

The reason why this is important is in the verses above. You invoke God's attention when you do something close to His heart. Giving to the poor means lending to the Lord, and be sure that God owes no man. Just picture God repaying a man for His good deeds. Be sure that you will get geometric increments of what you have given. That is the law by which God operates. It is even more poignant to remember that nothing you hold now was yours in the first place. It was given to you, and the best use of anything is to make it a channel of blessing to other people, and a means of praise to God. You want God in your business? Help others. God's time of favour is here. 

This God!

This God!

Matthew 19:26 KJV

[26] But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

The context of the verse above holds lessons for all of us who seek impact, relevance and eternal life. There are decisions made that will lead to all these things. They could be habits, daily choices, intentional decisions, but all must be taken with an eye on what is truly important and eternal. There came a time, as Jesus drew closer to the cross, that He had to deal with different people with different and ulterior motives. Some sincerely came, seeking to know more about Him, whilst others only sought to trap Him with His words so they could arrest Him. As it was then, so is it still now. Why do you seek Him: for personal gain, or impact that will last? 

This rich young ruler came to Jesus, just as others like the Pharisees had come, seeking knowledge of eternal life. This is a question that all of us must consider and answer, if we would make it to the right destination. At least the young man knew what was important and critical; whether he sought validation from Jesus or was sincerely seeking eternal life, he came to the right source. There is a vacuum in every life, and the breath of God in us is His deposit in us. Nothing and no one else can fill that vacuum, no matter how much of it we acquire, or how sincere these people are. The breath of God is us does not mean automatic control; I have to give it to Him of my freewill.

This was the point where the young man was. He had everything going for him, at least by the world's standard, but he knew something was not complete. He asked, and Jesus hit the nail on the head, telling him what he was lacking. Unfortunately, the young man was focused on what he had, rather than what he was giving up. Many times, we are like that. We consider position, possession, power and privilege as important, and whilst they are in their own ways, they only make sense when they are in conjunction with the presence of God. The young man had earthly riches, but he was not rich toward God. What good would cash do in a place where it is not legal tender?

Jesus could sense the sincerity in the young man, but he could not let go of what he had. It is not a wonder that Jesus said that a rich man would hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. The disciples thought it was not possible, but in the hands of Jesus, nothing is impossible. There is no life so far gone that it is beyond the saving grace of God. Like the rich young ruler, we all have a choice to make: would I let go of all else and take hold of the life that Jesus offers, or would I focus on the temporal and the ephemeral? Both choices have both earthly and eternal consequences. You can have the best of both worlds, but the eternal takes priority. God's time of favour is here.

True Gain!

True Gain!

Luke 9:24 AMP

[24] For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake, he is the one who will save it [from the consequences of sin and separation from God]. 

Jesus had spent time with His disciples, making time out to teach them about the principles and practices of His kingdom. The rules of that kingdom are not precisely in line with the standards of the world, and that is why it is not given to everyone to understand and submit to that kingdom. The audience of the verse above is the first place to start:: Jesus would sometimes address the crowd directly, and leave it to figure out a response, but there were times, like the one above, where Jesus spoke plainly to His own disciples. If you really want to follow me, you have a fundamental decision to make, which has both earthly and eternal consequences. 

Why is the crowd not the focus? When it comes to the eternal, the crowd is not able to define the right response. How do you submit to an authority you do not recognise, or a government whose scope and coverage do not extend to you? For those who know what is at stake, they know that to live to Christ is to die to self. It is very important that I know where I belong: part of the crowd, or one of His disciples. You cannot combine both extremes into the same life; both are opposite sides that can never align, no matter how hard you try to pull them together. Both have different masters as well as different eternal destinations

This is why it is not a simple decision to make or a destination you arrive at without careful planning. Yes, I may make plans, but I must keep them fluid enough for God to be able to change them at anytime to align with His will and plan for that particular moment. I must seek to please God in every way, which means that He must be able to catch and hold my attention so He can direct me in the way He wants me to go. The world has its schemes and devices to keep itself relevant, but it cannot sustain life on its own. This is where God comes in; He is the only One who can sustain life the right way. I must submit to Him if I want the kind of life He promises. 

The warning in the verse above is clear: I can do nothing to preserve a life that is not mine in the first place. The One who formed and planned its coverage and impact is the One whose view counts. If I labour to save my own life by my own schemes, I will fail. However, if I hand it over to the original Creator, that is the safest place for it to be. Wherever He may lead, and whatever the experiences may be, I must remember that this life has an eternal destination. What I do now is preparation for that eternity. Surrender it now, so you do not have to suffer eternal damnation. It is all about choices; true gain lies in total and absolute surrender. God's time of favour is here. 

The Right Response!

The Right Response!

Luke 6:28 TPT

[28] When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When others mistreat and harass you, accept it as your mission to pray for them. 

The standard for a follower of Christ is always higher than that of all others. The decision to submit to and follow Christ is one that the world has been set up to fight and oppose. You are taking a position that the world will not accept or understand, because you are in effect telling the world that it no longer has any hold or attraction for you. For the devil who has been in the business of stealing, killing and destroying, as well as distracting, for as long as the earth has been in place, this is his area of experience and expertise, and I cannot defeat him on his own turf. Ask Adam and Eve; they heard God speak, yet the devil made them doubt what they had heard. 

In order to win and defeat the devil, the fight has to be a different kind from the one he is used to winning, and under an authority that he is not able to defeat. This is where the question of salvation must be asked and answered. No matter how long you live on earth, you are atill subject to the nature and power of sin. The moment you give your life to Christ, there is new management in place, and new pursuits and priorities are now the norm. For those who are content to follow the crowd, or live under the standards of the world, the words of Jesus in the chapter from where the verse above is taken are clear: there is only woe and trouble ahead. 

Check out the verses before the one above: those who are rich in this life only, as well as those who are content with themselves and have no room for God are mentioned. There are also those who laugh now, not caring about who hurts around them, and not willing to lend a helping hand to bless others; Jesus says that having received all their happiness in this life only, grief and wailing will come to them. The sorrow and pain awaiting those who are always seeking the praise, applause and honour of men is also mentioned. It then means that the opposite of all the above is true: if I am subject to different laws, there will be different consequences. 

This is why the audience of the verse above is important to consider. Jesus was speaking to men who had left all and followed Him. These instructions are not for the uncommitted crowd of people, but for those willing to make the sacrifices of surrender and followership. 

When the foundation is right, what comes out of me resembles my ownership. If someone curses me, I am unable to respond the same way, except to bless the person in return. If anyone mistreats or wants to harass me, I accept it as my mission to pray for them. I live by higher rules, because I am subject to higher authorities now. My response is a reflection of my relationship. What is yours? God's time of favour is here. 

Forgiven!

Forgiven

1 John 1:9 AMP

[9] If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

Again, we read from the letter of John, one of the disciples/early apostles, who took the gospel of Jesus as far as grace would let them. It is always important to consider the story or background of these people, so we would understand why they wrote the way they did, or speak the way they did. John was there at the crucifixion of Jesus, and he saw firsthand what love made Jesus sacrifice for us. He is called John the Beloved for a reason which becomes obvious as we consider the introduction to his letter. He wrote from the perspective of someone who had a front row seat to all that Jesus was and did while He was on earth. 

That is the power of a witness who has a firsthand experience of what he is talking about. John made it clear that he was writing about the One who existed from the beginning, and all that he had heard, seen with his eyes, as well as looked at and touched with his hands. What could be greater than this experience? Do I have this personal touch? Does God reckon that I know Him? This is where Jesus wants all of us to be. He wants to reveal Himself to us on an individual basis, but we have to cooperate with Him. He does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. 

This is what gives me great power, but also with awesome responsibilities that must keep me in constant awareness of the coming seasons of judgment and accountability. As He does not force Himself on anyone, this is a step I have to take in full consciousness of its impact and consequences. To freely admit that I have sinned is to embrace my humanity and weakness, knowing that I cannot save myself from the power of sin. I must also take the step of confession of sin, which is a sign that I know what I have done wrong, and I know that He alone can save me. I can be open and honest with God; after all, what can  I hide from Him in the first place? 

I go to the One who can help me overcome sin permanently; not just for a season. He is a faithful God, and He does not go back on His word. If He says I am forgiven, indeed, I am. If He says all my past guilt is washed away, then I am. If He says He is faithful, just and true to His own nature and promises, and He  will forgive and cleanse me from all wrongdoing and unrighteousness. He is the only One who can make and keep such a promise. It also has a deeper impact: what He promises has eternal consequences too. He will sort out the earthly, and also guarantee the eternal. That is what His work in me leads to. I need Him. He wants to work in and on us. Would you let Him? God's time of favour is here. 

Stand!

Stand!

James 4:7 AMP

[7] So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 

The background to the verse above is a warning by James to his audience: be careful about what you set your desires and affections are. There is a power behind focus: whatever it is that is able to catch and hold your attention has the power to run your life and to either ruin it or redeem it. This is why the warning of James in the earlier verses before the one above is instructive for us today: I cannot be a friend of the world and be a friend of God at the same time. It is impossible to seek to please both at the same time, as both have diametrically opposite views, directions, pursuits, purposes, authorities, and destinations. 

No matter how long I travel in the wrong direction, it does not bring me any closer to my intended destination. This is why a personal experience of, and encounter with Jesus, is fundamental to the counsel in the verse above. How can anyone submit to the authority and governance of a God who he has no knowledge of? How can you submit to a God you do not even know He exists? In this age of information and technology, where knowledge of the workings of the world's systems and processes seems to be man's most important asset, it is hard to make a case for the importance of the knowledge of God. 

To submit is to 'accept or yield to a superior force, or to the authority or will of another person'. In the context of the verse above, it is not something you can force down the throat of anyone. Actually, it is just a matter of time, as God is the Authority that all men on earth will one day submit to, either by free will or by compulsion. Whilst I am on earth, I get to choose to submit to Him of my own free will. I get to show that I love Him, and seek His will over my life's choices and decisions. It is important to note, too, that the order is very important: you do not get power to resist the devil until your allegiance to God is settled and sorted. 

The devil has been in the business of stealing, killing, and destroying since the earth was created, but God is before all things and is therefore wiser and stronger than all. The devil can threaten, but he is also subject to the power and authority of God. Remember: though he does not like it, even the devil is forced to submit to God. When I stand in the power of God, then the devil cannot overcome me. It matters in and by whose authority I am standing and speaking. The devil must flee when God backs up the man who is under His command. Be sure where you stand. Be sure who is backing you up. God's time of favour is here. 

Helped!

Helped!

Psalms 34:18 AMP

[18] The Lord is near to the heartbroken And He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin).

It may be tempting to think that a child of God must not go through tough times, but that would be an error of judgment, and a position that is not in line with God's word. It may also be tempting to take the opposite direction in thinking that trials are proof of sin or rebellion toward God. Truly, one could be punished for sin, but it must not be the default option when things seem not to go according to plan. God has the prerogative to decide how best to train or prepare His children for whatever is ahead. He defines the HOW and WHEN; I do not, and I can only decide if I want to submit to or embrace His dealings. This is the power I have. 

For David, a man God Himself referred to as a man after His own heart, it was not going to be any different. You would have thought that a man with this special relationship with God would breeze through life without any hassle. As we have always said, God cannot use a vessel extensively, which He has not first tested and found to be reliable. The testing will take different forms, and may go through several seasons; iit may seem that there is no break from pressure, but the verse above gives us a word of encouragement, as we pass through all that may lie ahead: God is always there. He does not show up only when it is convenient. 

It may sound simple, or maybe it is just a repetition of what you have always heard, but the truth is God is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, and Omniscient. This is His nature; there really is not much anyone can do to change that. As the God who knows what is ahead and how best to prepare, He is that expert pharmacist who knows what medication, and in what dosage, is best for my situation. He does not seek to destroy or harm me; He wants me to grow in my personal knowledge and experience of Him. Things may go wrong; I may make wrong decisions and find myself in uncomfortable positions, like David did  here, but that undeniable truth of God's presence makes it alright. 

The Lord is near to the heartbroken. When I know I have done wrong, it is the lie of the devil to think that God has abandoned me. God does not do convenient companionship, where He is only there when things are fine. He does not wait for me to get it right; He gets right beside me, and helps me through the bad experiences, so that I can remain on my feet. He saves those who are crushed in spirit, whp are truly contrite in heart, and sorry for their sin. David would know a lot about this: I am loved by God, forgiven by Him, preserved for His glory, gifted for His service and bound for eternal life with Him. That is confidence not based on the physical. Do you have this? God's time of favour is here. 

Sustained!

Sustained!

John 15:2 AMP

[2] Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He [repeatedly] prunes, so that it will bear more fruit [even richer and finer fruit].

Jesus, as always, had a message for the ones who had followed Him as disciples. There was a time to speak to the crowd in parables, but there was a time, away from the pressure and distraction of the crowd, where Jesus had to speak directly and in clear language to His followers. The standards for followers are very different to those of the crowd. The crowd can come in and go out as they please; they can choose which instructions to obey and which ones to ignore. Not so for those who made up their minds to follow Jesus. It was not initially a compulsory conscription, but if you do make up your mind to follow, you have got to go all the way. 

One thing that a follower of Christ must settle in his/her heart is that you are no longer an independent contractor. You are no longer free to live, go where, or do as you please. It is now new management and control, and the new management does not give room for confusion and uncertainty. As a follower of Christ, I am presented in the verse above as a branch of a vine. As we know, a branch does not get nourishment or sustenance outside of the supply from the vine. If at any time it thinks it can make it on its own, the branch runs the risk of becoming detached from the right supply, and therefore at risk of death. There is no better way to lay this out.

Staying connected means being conscious of your never-ending need of divine supply. It is a clear understanding that I can never outgrow a need for that which only the vine can supply. What can make a branch stop bearing fruit? For a child of God, it starts from the heart: the things that mattered no longer carries the same urgency; sin no longer has the shock value it used to have in the past; there is no more hunger for the voice, direction and leading of the Holy Spirit. It will not happen overnight; the danger is in the silent, subtle ways this happens. Let it be clear; the vine will never run out of supply and support. It is the branch that must never lose its connection to its host. Am I connected?

The branch that remains fruitful does not have room to become careless; the vine dresser will continue to work on that branch to make it even more fruitful. This is the part that may be difficult to understand: why fix something that is not broken? This is why God is not man; He does not permit carelessness or inactivity. He knows that it is in such moments that mistakes are made. He will prune, take away the dross and extra weight, so I can be all that He has created me to be. The blessing of His work in and on e is that I will continue to bear more fruit. What a joy it is to know that God's hand on me is for my good, never for my destruction. He wants to help me, but only if I let Him. Would you? God's time of favour is here. 

Let it Roll!

Let it Roll!

Amos 5:24 AMP

[24] “But let justice run down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream [flowing abundantly].

We read the words of a man you would not really call a prophet. In fact, in the words of tje man Amos himself, he said he was not a prophet by profession, nor was he a prophet’s son, but he was a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. That was his job and means of livelihood, but that did not stop God from using him to pass a message to the people of Israel at the time. As always, men think they know the qualifications needed to be used by God for mighty things, but as God has proved over the years, availability is more important to Him than eloquence or wealth. He does not need the influential or the connected; He just needs available vessels He can deploy as He pleases. 

Sometimes, God uses the simple to pass on His mind to people. God knows how to find those who the world does not know, to publicly declare His word and will to the world. He is the One who uses the lowly and despised things to nullify the things that think they are special, so that no one can boast before Him. How do I see myself? Do I even imagine that God can find me useful in any way? Never look down on yourself; there is yet no one made in the image and likeness of God that is useless or of no value. If He made and spared me till today, there is a place for me to function. If I can only be available and yielded, there is no end to the amazing ways God can make use of me. 

The messsge given to Amos contains relevant information for us today. A nation may get complacent and relaxed, forgetting the ideals and standards that brought it peace, calm and prosperity. This was where Israel was at the time. The land had relative peace in the days of Jeroboam and Uzziah, kings of Israel and Judah respectively. Maybe quiet made them forget where God had brought them from. Maybe comfort and convenience made them forget the mighty acts of God in their lives. The land was now known for idolatry. Baal and strange gods were now the norm. I must be careful of the choices I make when things seem to be going well. 

One thing is clear from the verse above: God will not lower His standards for anyone. No matter how far Israel had fallen, God was not going to go down to their level to placate them. He would provide the help they needed,  but they had to attain the standard. God is a God of justice, and righteousness is His nature. He cannot lie, and He will not deny Himself. He does not deal in haphazard ways, but He is methodical. He will also not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. It is His will that I promote His nature. I must know and have Him, if I am to promote Him the right way. Do you know Him? Does He also know you? God's time of favour is here.