Able and Capable!

Able and Capable!

Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV

[20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

[21] unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus, and as we have always laid out, personal experience is the best way to highlight God's dealings. It is good to learn from other people and their stories of God's dealings with them, but you have to make your own. Paul had walked in the shoes of the persecutor and prosecutor of those who belonged to the way of Christ, and then, after a personal encounter with the Light, he now became the promoter of the kingdom of Christ. This is the inner change that the Presence of Christ can inspire in a man's life. This is a change that all of us must seek and crave, because it is by the inner workings of God in me that I can have access to all the blessings and benefits that He has promised. God can do mighty things, but He can be limited by my own effort to get things done my own way. If you have tried in the past to force it, and it has not worked, maybe it is time to let God address it His own way.

Paul was speaking from personal information and experience here. He had seem God at work: miracles had happened through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in his life; souls had been saved from the kingdom of hell into the knogdom of Jesus; men and women had been healed of diseases and sicknesses that had defied medical interventions. None of these things could have been done by human labour or my physical prowess; the things of God do not demand human wisdom, ability, capacity or strength to achieve them. If men could play God, the world would have been quite different from what it is today, but thank God that He continues to prove Himself as God over all situations and circumstances. It is from Paul's personal experience that the words of today's verses are laid down. Whatever it is that my human mind can ask for or think about, God is able to surpass it by far. 

Think of any human endeavour and see how God, by His imprint and inspiration, has changed the landscape of possibilities and achievements. In both the physical and the spiritual planes, God continues to prove that all things were made by Him and they must answer to Him. He places a demand on them and they must deliver in line with His command. That is power; unadulterated power. It is a power that is made available in those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus. We are the ones who are to be the carriers and expressions of this power. How else will the world be attracted to the Light and Power of God if we do not make these known? How else will the world know of the Power to save, heal and deliver if we do not shine the Light everywhere we go? We are His church, and it is time for us to live it out on a daily basis. No demand on earth can exhaust the resources of heaven. Surrender to God and ask Him for anything; His power can do much more than all the combined forces of the world can achieve. God's time of favour is here. 

Wait!

Wait!

Psalm 40:1-2 KJV

[1] I waited patiently for the LORD; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. [2] He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

David, the man after God's heart, is credited with writing the words of the verses above. I am sure that there was an incident that led to some danger, and would have been the basis of this song of David. Being a child of God will not insulate you from trouble or tough times; being a child of God assures you of His power, presence and grace available in abundant measure in and through Christ. It also means that the timing for whatever it is that God would do lies with Him. All I can do is wait for Him to act. If I go ahead of Him and help myself, what good have I done? If I go ahead and make things happen of my own accord and arrangement, how do I go back and give God praise for His help? As I take stock of where I am right now, can I truly say that God is the One who has brought me this far, and not by my own scheming or plotting?

From his own personal experience of God, David had come to know the blessing in waiting for God to act. Waiting takes time, because it is not on your own schedule, but on the One you are waiting for. I do not dictate if and when God will change the situation; I can only wait patiently, taking care to ensure that He will find me where His grace can be of help to me. There is no point in waiting for God if I will not be found doing what He can bless.There are about 6 things that the verses above say God did for him, simply because he waited for the Lord patiently. The first thing is that God inclined unto David and heard his cry. He is always attentive to what we say, and He is quick to act. Whenever He shows up is the right time for Him to act, and the best time for me. He is able to change my story, making a message out of the mess my life once was.

Life may throw me into the pit, or into the miry clay, but God never leaves me alone. Joseph was in the pit, but from there, God's presence took him to Potiphar's house, even to prison, and then to the palace as prime minister. God is the One who can change the direction of a man's life. He is able to establish my feet on the rock, giving me stability and focus. Whatever it is that you set on a rock is kept in place by the rock. The confidence is not in that which is set, but on the rock on which the thing is set. Am I set upon the rock, or do I have my own little scheme of self-help going on? Before I dare step out into the world, can I be certain that my steps are ordered and guided by the Lord? As life happens to me, I need to sort out my priorities. What do I seek: is it His help, or the validation of my own schemes? Remember, God does not sustain that which He did not ordain. If it is of Him, a good end is guaranteed. God's time of favour is here.

Just One!

Just One!

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:15‭-‬16‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

[15] But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. 

[16] For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.

As always, the audience is critical to the expectations that are demanded. You cannot place the demand for holiness from people who do not know what is means to be set apart for holy use. Under the old testament, the lamb to be used for sacrifices had to be of a specific age, as well as specific physical characteristics such as without blemish or spot. If that was the requirement for sheep, imagine God's expectations for those of us who are called by His name. Peter's letter was to people 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'. These are very specific people, not people who can get lost in a crowd, or who can bleind into any situation. It is very important that I know who I am, what I am, and whose I am, because that understanding is what will drive my pursuits and priorities. 

The verses above lay out quite clearly what is expected of the elect. It will be self-deception to place a demand on the blessings and benefits laid out here, when I have done nothing about the conditions to enjoy the blessings and benefits. There is a call upon every life created by God, and my life's impact will be determined by my answer to God's call. God will also not demand of me that which He has not first supplied grace for. If His demand is holiness, be sure that He will supply sufficient grace to enable me live a life of holiness and righteousness. A life of holiness will demand separation from the world and its attractions, and will demand a different lifestyle from that which the world celebrates. Am I willing to make that sacrifice today, seeking God and His will for my life, and living up to His standard? God does not promise that it would be easy, which is why we speak about His grace being sufficient. 

That grace is able to support me in every way to become all that God intends, but He will not force Himself on me, or go against the exercise of my freewill. This is where personal surrender is critical. Nobody can do it on my behalf; this is why salvation is first and foremost a personal decision. I have to sort out my pursuits and priorities now. The same time I used to devote to the pursuit of the things of the flesh is the same time I now have to pursue the things of God. I now have to devote time and attention to the things that please God. It is quite impossible to combine both, or to successfully juggle or move between both. Both will take time, effort and attention, because they both have earthly and eternal consequences. Before it is too late, I must sort my life out. God awaits my decision. Remember: His grace is sufficient. God's time of favour is here. 

Inspired!

inspired!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

[17] that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The whole of God's word is presented to us as inspired by God. I do not pick and choose the parts that excite me, and then reject the rest. I do not get familiar with the parts that sound good and then turn my back on the parts that prick my conscience. The parts that speak of God's love remind me of His mercies, but also remind me that God is also a God of judgment who will punish unconfessed sin, no matter in whom it is found. Men look at the principles of the old covenant, and may say that God has moved on, but they ignore the fact that  even the law of Moses did not come before the covenant of blessing God made with Abraham, the father of faith. The law was the schoolmaster to keep us in check and bring us to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith, and lay claim to the blessings of Abraham. All of God's revealed word shows His mind, and we will do well to take heed to what we read and hear. 

Check out the value of God's word and the dimensions it comes. The same word by God can do different things in the lives of those who seek it. In some instances, it is teaching the truth that is the need at the time, and at other times, it is for reproof and correction. There are times when there is a need to correct me or set me on the right path. There are also other times when I need to get fresh instruction for specific issues or situations that I am going through. No matter the need, or the complexity of the situation, there is a provision of the Word of God to meet that specific predicament. God does not leave us without guide or help; He knows our frame, that we are weak and helpless without Him, and He will do all He can to make sure we end up with Him in eternity. He does not waste resources, so He would not make all of these benefits available and then keep them away from me. They are of no use to Him alone, but when I partner with Him, the Word becomes a living tool in His hands to change the direction and destination of my life. 

It is not a wonder, then, that the verses above go on to lay out the benefits of a surrendered life. The person who has been subject to and under the ministry of the word of God cannot remain ordinary. We usually say that perfection is not possible, but you have the word of the God who demands that we be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. He will suppy the grace I need to live the way He pleases. Perfection comes from total submission and surrender to the will of God. You listen to Him; you read about Him, and you are ready and willing to obey Him. What I need for all that is ahead is IN Him, and not of me. All that I do must be done on the basis of this connection with God. Where else would you get good from, if not from the One who is the good God? God will not do part; if He starts it, be sure He will finish the work. Would you let His Word work in you? God's time of favour is here.

Stand Firm!

Stand Firm!

1 Corinthians 16:13 AMPC

[13] Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength!

Psalm 31:24 AMPC

[24] Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!

The two verses above are linked by a few themes, but the focus today is on the command to stand firm and strong, as we wait for the Lord to show up for us. In the letter of Paul to the church in Corinth, he was speaking to fellow brethren, who shared the same faith as he, and were going through tough times, as he was too. In the verse taken from the song of David in Psalm, we also see a man who had made it a habit to trust in God at all times for everything. It is not a surprise therefore that God had great use for both men in their own generation. David was called a man after God's own heart by God Himself, while Paul was inspired to write or co-write quite a lot of the letters that make up the new testament. What these points tell me is that the benefits and blessings that God promises have conditions, as listed in the verses above. 

God is seeking men in whose lives He can display His power, might, grace and mercy. The paths He will take all of us will differ from person to person, but that is why it is first and foremost a personal walk, not a public call. We do not need to solely seek the validation of men to confirm God's call upon our lives, even if He may inspire men to speak into our lives, but the final confirmation must come from Him. This bit is critical because of the days of storms that will definitely come. As you read both verses above, it is clear that the benefits God promises are for people who will stand to the end. Paul's letter encourages us to be alert and be on our guard, as well as standing firm in our faith. He charges us to be courageous and grow in strength. You do not speak like this to people who are at ease and have nothing to look forward to. You do not speak like these to people who have nothing to hope for or whose vision do not go beyond the earthly and the immediate. 

David's song also speaks to people who have come to know and understand the value of waiting on, hoping for and expecting the Lord. You do not sit and fold your arms, waiting for things to just work out automatically; you work at it. People who wait on the Lord are not in a hurry, or seeking to do things on their own time. You are waiting for directives and instructions from the person you are waiting on; you know He is good for whatever it is He has promised you, and you know He will show up for maximum impact, at the time that best suits His purpose for you. One thing that is clear from the 2 verses above is that God moves across different generations and dispensations. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He seeks to show Himself strong in the lives of all who come to Him, but He will not force Himself on anyone. Will you trust Him with your life? God's time of favour is here. 

Power of Two Part 4!

Power of Two Part 4!

Matthew 18:20 AMPC

[20] For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]

Again, we continue with the theme of the power available when people come together for any purpose. As we saw in the story of the Tower of Babel, even if it is for a wrong reason, there is still power in conspiracy to do wrong. As we will also see in the verse that is before us today, there is also power available when people come together for the right reason. We have seen that God, in His wisdom, has placed us in the midst of other people, whether on the family unit, or in a community or society, and in the nation where we live. Of course, the need for interaction and engagement with other people has led us to the need for fellowship with people, where we gather to praise and worship God, to hear Him speak to us and to then go into the world to impact it with the message of Christ that we have received and responded to the right way. It is therefore very important to consider the reason why we gather together in fellowship. What is the motivation? Why the investment of time, resources and even privacy in this process? 

How do we expose ourselves to potential hurt and loss, especially when these are people you cannot control or dictate to, and who have their own views about things? This is the amazing thing about fellowship: all of us come with our baggage, and because of our understanding of who we have come to see, we are able to submit our prejudices and preferences at the altar of the common faith we all share, so that God can be glorified. I also note that the number gathering together in fellowship is fundamental. God is not first looking for numbers; men are the ones who are impressed by size and length, or by the outward display of zeal. God is looking for men and women who understand the reason why fellowship is important, and who will pay the right price to get the right prize. Am I one of such people? God is focused on substance, not fashion. That is why the verse above lays emphasis on 'IN MY NAME'. 

The understanding of this requirement will impact the mode, style and substance of worship and service. Could it be that the reason why we do not take fellowship seriously is because we have not known the blessing and value it gives? Could it be that the reason why we treat it with levity is because we have not really experienced God on a personal level? There is no one who meets with God and remains the same. There is no one who truly seeks God who does not find Him. It does not matter what the numbers are; two or three people are enough to meet with God, and then meet the needs of the world around them. The Lord was with Joseph, and we see what impact his life made in Egypt. The three Hebrew boys were in the physical minority, but with God on their side, they became the change that God wanted to make in a foreign land. Revival will change millions, but it is always as a result of God's move in the lives of the two, three or four people who come together IN HIS NAME. How do we gather? Why do we gather? Can we say, of a truth, that Jesus is the focus? Remember, God cannot be deceived. He sees the motives, and will reward accordingly. God's time of favour is here. 

Power of Two Part 3!

Power of Two Part 3!

1 John 4:19 KJV

[19] We love him, because he first loved us.

We continue our consideration of the power of two, and in the verse above, we see how the perfect example of Jesus lays down the groundwork for how our lives should be. One great thing that God has done is that He has taken away the excuse that men may have, to say that there were no good examples to emulate, or great templates to follow. There is an abundance of evidence to show how the love of God has become the reason why we can also express the same love. I note that at no time has it been said that we will be left alone to fend for ourselves, or to strive to meet the standard by our own labour, I am able to face all that is ahead simply because I have the right kind of help. I am able to ensure whatever pain or pressure that my stand in and with God may bring, simply because I have His presence in and with me. 

Please note the use of the word IN. Do not be content just being around the things and places that identify or recognize God; make sure He lives IN you. Do not settle for the words and the symbols that speak about God; make sure the Word is given room as well as freedom in your life. The empowerment that is required for this process cannot be sustained outside of the vessel. The enablement that the Holy Spirit gives only has impact when He is allowed unfettered and unrestricted access in a man's heart. Interestingly, love is also an expression of the fruit of the Spirit, which means that the original version cannot be produced outside of the presence,  power and person of the Source. I can love the right way because the personification of love lives in me. I can love the right way because the source of eternal life lives inside me. 

This is both an awesome privilege as well as the placement of responsibility on my life. I cannot afford to live carelessly; I am not permitted to live as I please anymore. I am not under bondage, but the freedom I have is applied to live to please the One who set me free and then bound me to Himself in love. He died on the cross because of love, and now He lives and offers me the same life. By responding to His offer of love, I have all I need for life and Godliness, and to change the world for Him. Love is that language of expression that the world will respond to. With God in me, and His love flowing out of me, the union becomes an unstoppable force. The world at the time of Acts was turned upside down because men allowed God work in and through them to impact their world at the time. It is still the same God, seeking to show Himself strong in the lives of all who will come to Him. His love will be made manifest if we walk with and work for Him. God's time of favour is here.