Recipe for 2022 and Beyond

Recipe for 2022 and Beyond

“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord,  And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]. The wicked [those who live in disobedience to God’s law] are not so, But they are like the chaff [worthless and without substance] which the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand [unpunished] in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows and fully approves the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked shall perish.” (Psalms 1:1-6, AMP)

We all want to be blessed, prosperous and favoured by God. How can that happen, now or in the future? We must not walk in the counsel of the wicked following their advice or embracing their ideologies or philosophies. We must not stand with sinners to participate in their sin, deviousness or rebellion against God. We must not sit with ridiculers nor associate ourselves with blasphemers. We must delight ourselves in God's law and meditate on it day and night.

'Thus says the Lord , “Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, Making [weak, faulty human] flesh his strength, And whose mind and heart turn away from the Lord . For he will be like a shrub in the [parched] desert; and shall not see prosperity when it comes, but shall live in the rocky places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord . For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters, That spreads out its roots by the river; and will not fear the heat when it comes; but its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought nor stop bearing fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:5-8, AMP)

None of us wants to be cursed and God in His love and mercy draws our attention to attitudes that precipitate curses or His judgement. Trusting and relying on mankind, making flesh one's strength or turning away from the Lord in part or in whole will set in process dire consequences. Dryness, unfruitfulness, rocky soils will be the portion of those who disregard His commandments. 'Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord' God does not mince words; He says what He means and means what He says. The path to receiving His blessings is straightforward; there is no shortcut, no circumvention, no compromise but deep-rooted trust in Him, the Great I AM. God promises nourishment, fruitfulness, faith, multiplication to all those who trust in Him.

Finally, I would like to remind us of Proverbs 3:5-7:

"Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] and refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8, AMP)

What more do we need? The promises of God are yeah and amen and are settled in Heaven. His Words are unambiguous. When the Lord God Almighty directs you, you cannot never be lost or confused. In 2022, health, refreshment joy and peace will be found in our God who says in Isaiah 55:10-11:

"For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bear and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

God's Word will be fulfilled; it will not return to Him void and shall accomplish the purpose for which God has spoken and pronounced it. This is the recipe for 2022. These are not empty promises, but powerful words that will surely come to pass. May you have a happy and blessed New Year. 

Towards The Final Curtain

 Towards The Final Curtain

"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. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and [in the presence] of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession [in His testimony] before Pontius Pilate, to keep all His precepts without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ," (1 Timothy 6:12-14, AMP) 

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure [from this world] is at hand and I will soon go free. I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8, AMP) 

The future always fascinates people. There is an air of mystery surrounding the future - we do not know what exactly might happen. Well, somewhat, apart from one or two things! The truth of the matter is that we know about some things that will occur irrespective of our feelings or thoughts about them. First of all, death is inevitable. We don't like talking about it. Many individuals spend time and money on plastic surgery, exercise, etc. in an attempt to postpone their final day on earth. Eventually that day arrives and there is no turning back. Once that moment arrives, nothing can prevent it as it is determined (day and hour) by Almighty God. The Bible says, "Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]." (James 4:14)

Apostle Paul was ready for his death; he anticipated it with confidence and joy. He had served God wholeheartedly, given up everything, had endured hardship and persecution, had counted all that he had as dung so that Jesus Christ would be glorified. He said, "I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20). 

He went on to say in Philippians 3:4-7, "...though I myself might have [some grounds for] confidence in the flesh [if I were pursuing salvation by works]. If anyone else thinks that he has reason to be confident in the flesh [that is, in his own efforts to achieve salvation], I have far more: circumcised when I was eight days old, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews [an exemplary Hebrew]; as to the [observance of the] Law, a Pharisee; as to my zeal [for Jewish tradition], a persecutor of the church; and as to righteousness [supposed right living] which [my fellow Jews believe] is in the Law, I proved myself blameless. But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]."

Apostle Paul laid up his treasure in Heaven because that was the wisest thing to do - living a life of obedience and total surrender to God. He was a highly educated man, had been a Pharisee, had wielded power when he persecuted Christians but he decided to let go and let God; he made up his mind to follow Jesus unconditionally; he gave up all his possessions in order to be the person that God created him to be. As the final curtain on his life was being drawn, he could say with all amount of assurance, "I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]". What a testimony! What is your testimony? 

I have been disturbed by the quest for and focus on, material wealth by many Christians. Scriptures are quoted to justify their carnal desires. These desires go far beyond the normal need for provision for themselves and their families; it has become an obsession for temporal things, the demonstration of materialism, the lust of the eyes. What a shame! At the end of the day, there is really nothing that distinguishes such individuals from unbelievers. They seem to forget that we have unbelievers who are billionaires, millionaires, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Vice Chancellors, Professors, Judges, Engineers, Doctors, Academics, etc. and these people have , as the world say, 'made it'. Really? There is nothing wrong with academic success, financial success, professional success, etc. but if that is the focus of our lives, then there is something seriously wrong. All worldly success is at best temporal, of no eternal value, which is why it is futile holding on to these things. Jesus spoke about this when He said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].

All of us are edging day after day towards the final curtain of our lives. The night is coming when no man can work (John 9:4). Wishful thinking will not prevent that day from coming. No human endeavour can cancel that day because it had been determined by God for everyone, including you and I. Are you ready for that day? Jesus was ready for His painful and excruciating death; Apostle Paul was ready for his execution; Apostle Peter was ready for his crucifixion and well as other believers in the Bible, many of whom died natural deaths. You may not die a painful death but there is an expiry date for all of us. 

January 1st, 2022 will happen if Jesus Christ tarries. You see, one other event that will occur is the second coming of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:11). In anticipation of his last day on earth, Apostle Paul advised Timothy, his spiritual son to, "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." God knows how many years you and I have before the final curtains of our lives are drawn. In the meantime, as we wait in anticipation for 2022, let's fight the good fight of faith. Let's run with vigour, faith and determination the race that is laid before us. Let us look up to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let us pray without ceasing. Let us say to God as Isaiah said, 'Here I am, send me' (Isaiah 6:8). This should continue throughout 2022 and in the years beyond. Isaiah and Apostle Paul found the purpose for their lives in God. You can find the unique purpose for your life in Jesus today. Hallelujah!

What do you say? As you ponder over these things, I pray that God Almighty will empower you to serve Him unreservedly as you surrender your will to Him. May 2022 be a year of great exploits for the Lord in your life and mine. Have a blessed day.

New Year Resolutions

 New Year Resolutions

"Test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as [committed] believers. Examine yourselves [not me]! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves [by an ongoing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test and are rejected as counterfeit? "  (2 Corinthians 13:5, AMP)

The dictionary meaning of the word, RESOLUTION is:

• a firm decision to do or not to do something.
• the quality of being determined or resolute.

Usually, resolutions are made after a thorough and critical analysis of one or more situations. At this time every year, most individuals review the past year and events in their lives. They usually identify strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures and consciously make a decision to put right things that went wrong and/or change direction altogether. Whether or not they acknowledge it, they attempt to test, examine and evaluate themselves. That is a sensible and responsible thing to do. 

These critical analyses of past performances usually lead to New Year resolutions - all in an effort to be fruitful. Incidentally fruitfulness is God's perfect will for every human being. In fact in the book of Genesis, we read, "And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth" (Genesis 1:28, AMP). God blessed Adam and Eve and commanded and empowered them to be fruitful and to multiply. 

It is still God's desire today that you and I should be fruitful and multiply. God's plans for mankind are the very best. He has said, "For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ …. , ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ' (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP)

What this means is that the desire to do well is God-given. The Bible says, "Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17, AMP)

You cannot fail when you do everything in the name of the Lord because His plans for you are perfect - the very best for you. There is no plan or resolution you may come up with that can be compared to God's plans for your life. Incidentally, many resolutions result in failure in the first few months of the new year. People find out sooner or later that fruitfulness and multiplication are more that wishful thinking. One may scream at the top of one's voice for something to happen or may even 'name and claim it' as some ignorantly do, or even start well towards a goal. While it is commendable to start well, starting well is no guarantee that one will finish well. Which is why Apostle Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "And if anyone competes as an athlete [in competitive games], he is not crowned [with the wreath of victory] unless he competes according to the rules." (2 Timothy 2:5)

No athlete who stops midway through a race will ever win a prize. Furthermore, if one runs well and stops short of the finishing line, he or she will not receive a prize either. And if anyone desires to win a race but does not train, then that individual will be deceiving himself or herself. Interestingly and unfortunately, that is what many individuals do. They announce their resolutions, are enthusiastic about them, wish they would succeed with regards to implementing the resolutions but eventually fall short. I suppose we can all identify with this sort of experience in one way or the other. 

What is the way forward? Honesty (to admit failure), determination (to change), commitment to the process and total dependence on God. It must be said, that God is only interested in His will, what glorifies Him. You see, your growth in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour (2 Peter 3:18) glorifies Him. What is God saying to you today? Are you even hearing Him and if so, are you listening? Will you allow God to lead you and guide you in 2022? Will you separate yourself for self-centered adventures and focus on the will of God for your life? 

It is said that not all that glitters is gold.  A close friend and brother-in-the Lord of mine usually says, 'Not every good thing is a God thing'. The devil is out to deceive as many people as possible and lead them astray. Ironically, just because one achieves success in one area or the other does not necessarily mean that the person is walking in God's will. All believers are called to serve the Lord in one capacity or the other according to their God-given abilities. What has God called you to do in His house? 

As you ponder on what will happen in 2022, are you drawing near to the Lord in practical terms? Are you totally surrendered to Him? Have you found your place in His vineyard? Remember, "Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain." (Psalms 127:1, AMP). If God is not involved in whatever we are planning, it is a waste of time and energy; it will be fruitless. Without Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5)

So, my dear brethren, friends and acquaintances, I come to you today via Social Media in the Name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who loves you unconditionally - that you let go and let God take control. God will never lead you astray. When we allow God to have His way in our lives, the joy and peace of God shall be our portion in Jesus' Name. And we shall have good success (Joshua 1:8). The Bible says, "You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]." (Isaiah 26:3, AMP)

As you surrender all to God, may He keep you and bless you. My prayer for you today is found in Numbers 6:24-25:

'The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor],  and be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval],  and give you peace [a tranquil heart and life]." (AMP) -  IN JESUS' NAME. 

Have a blessed day.

The Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

 The Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

"And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."(Mark 16:15)

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." (Romans 1:16) 

'The word Gospel is derived from the Anglo-Saxon term god-spell, meaning “good story,” a rendering of the Latin evangelium and the Greek euangelion, meaning “good news” or “good telling.”' (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gospel-New-Testament). Basically, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news about Jesus, His incarnation, His life, death, resurrection and ascension (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Not only is it that, it is the power of God to salvation. It is the Word of God that liberates, emancipates, delivers, and saves unto God Almighty. 

The prophets of old foretold the birth of Jesus saying, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."(Isaiah 9:6-7, ESV)

Peace, righteousness and justice are characteristics of God's Kingdom brought to earth by Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of darkness ruled by Satan is characterised by evil, mayhem, confusion, bondage, oppression, etc. Jesus came to set us free. For what? To live for God and serve Him. Jesus Himself said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10). We were lost but Jesus, the Son of God, conceive by the Holy Spirit, born by virgin Mary, came to earth so that all who believed in Him would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). He was the perfect sacrifice, who voluntarily gave His life as a ransom for you and I (Matthew 20:28). Jesus did what we could not do in order to give us the freedom we did not deserve. 

The Gospel is rooted in Jesus without whom there is no Gospel. God poured out His mercy and grace upon mankind via a divine plan that was to present Jesus the Lamb of God. John the Baptist announced to the people, "...Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Jesus was the perfect sacrificial Lamb, without spot or blemish, offered once and for all (Hebrews 7:27). The continous, arduous, burdensome, insufficient sacrifices of the Old Testament were brought to an end, the Holy of Holies was revealed as the veil of the temple was torn in two when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary (Matthew 27:51). The hitherto unimaginable had now become possible, the requirements of the law fulfilled and surpassed, a new covenant enacted and a door opened towards a thriving relationship with the Lord God Almighty, Creator of the whole universe. The power of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is demonstrated when we receive Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour - we become sons of God (John 1:12), new creations (1 Corinthians 5:17), a chosen generation, a peculiar people, a holy nation. This is how the Holy Spirit put it in the Bible, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10, ESV)

When read in conjunction with Matthew 4:16, "the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”, we are blown away by the unconditional love of God. Wow, what a deliverance, what a salvation, what an awesome God! What has His power bestowed on us? Again, we turn to the Scriptures for the perfect answer. "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." (2 Peter 1:3-4 ). We have been lifted from darkness into the marvelous light of God, redeemed from the bondage of the devil, given hope for all eternity, called out to live in holiness and righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah! We have escaped the corruption of the world even though we are in the world. We shine with the light of God in this dark world and we are commissioned to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). What a ministry - the ministry of reconciliation coupled with the word and message of reconciliation. God is not interested in half measures. He equips completely for whatever task He has called us to. There is nothing to fear. 

The Gospel not only is the power of God to salvation, it is what we are equipped with in order to preach it (Mark 16:15). That is our obligation if we are born again. The Gospel is what we should tell the unbelievers around us, "for in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”(Romans 1:17). As we celebrate the birth of Jesus in 2021, let's remember that the power of God is present when we preach the Gospel, when  we proclaim it, when we use every opportunity afforded us to let all know that Jesus is the only Way, the only Saviour. 

Will you tell your neighbour that Jesus saves? Will you make yourself available for God so that you can be used by Him to depopulate hell and populate Heaven? Will you embrace the divine responsibility of shining the light of God in a dark and confused world. Remember light dispels darkness. Will you say Lord here I am, send me? What do you say? 

Have a merry and blessed Christmas and a happy and fruitful New Year. God bless you.

Lessons From the First Christmas

Lessons from the First Christmas

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” When she saw him, she was troubled by his words, and considered in her mind what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called theSon of God. Listen, your cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age. And this is the sixth month with her who was declared barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:26-38, MEV)

The prophecy of the virgin birth was followed byMary’s acceptance of God’s perfect will for her life. Mary did not have a prior discussion with God about her suitability or capabilities but once the angel told her about God’s plans, she surrendered 100%, not really knowing how it would work out. She asked the question, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God.” to which Mary responded, “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be unto me according to your word.” What Mary was saying in effect was something like this - ‘Lord God Almighty, You are sovereign and although I have no clue how You are going to do what You say and I don't understand it all, I submit myself to You. I am Yours; do with me whatever You want to do, wherever You want to do it and whenever You want to do it.’ Incredible!. The humility, total surrender and death to self of Mary resulted in the birth of Jesus. She bore Him in her womb for nine months and the song by Mark Lowry points one to certain thoughts and considerations she may have had:

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy

Has come to make you new?

This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Will give sight to a blind man?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy

Has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby

You kiss the face of God

Mary, did you know?

Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear

The dead will live again

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak

The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

Would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy

Is heaven's perfect Lamb?

That sleeping child you're holding is the great, I Am

Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)

Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)

Mary, did you know? 

What did Mary know? What was she thinking? There was no doubt that her Son was not going to be an ordinary Child. Was she crazy to submit to a plan she did not understand? Did she ponder over the humiliation, gossip, ridicule, etc. she was going to face? 

Joseph to whom Mary was betrothed was tempted to divorce her because of her pregnancy, but he rescinded his decision when he was informed by an angel that her Child was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1: 20-21). It can be stated without fear of contradiction that it was an emotional period for everyone in the Joseph household. Mary and Joseph were confronted with challenges all families face when a child is on the way. There was no special treatment. Why then do we think it strange to suffer or make sacrifices for Christ? 

Mary eventually gave birth to Jesus in a manger with animals as special guests. Our Lord and Saviour was not born in a five star hotel or even a normal home. Nothing in the ministry of Jesus and even in His teachings give any indication that He was materially minded. HE WAS NOT. The obsession with material wealth by many in Christendom leaves much to be desired. Nothing can really justify such a mindset. Those who question such carnal mindsets are accused of being poverty-minded and poverty-stricken. Really? The Bible states unambiguously that “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with these things. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil. While coveting after money, some have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10, MEV)

The bottom line is seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Acquisition of wealth, while on its own is not wrong, is no indication of one's spirituality. 

What goes through our minds when God commands us to do something? Do we think of the inconveniences or in spite of the inconveniences submit 100% to God? What would we have done if we were in Mary’s shoes? Offered excuses for not willing to go through with God’s calling as many are prone to do? OR damn the inconveniences and get on with it by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit?

There is a tendency for many to claim responsibility for their families (and rightly so). However, being responsible implies having the right perspective and prioritizing all our responsibilities and obligations. God must always come first. A soldier obeys the order of his or her commanding officer regardless of family commitments or other responsibilities. It is a question of utmost importance and necessity. It is tough but that is reality. Does God deserve any lesser commitment? Mary did not shrink from engaging in what appeared to be an almost heart-stopping responsibility. She must have felt the enormous weight of the responsibility of carrying God the Son, and afterwards taking care of Him as a child and teenager. It is really mind-boggling. Yet, in the midst of all that, she came through with shining colours because she trusted God to see her through and He did. 

God will take care of you if you do His will without reservation. This is one of the most important lessons of Christmas - a tale of people doing the will of God irrespective of inconveniencing prospects or the often hostile opinions of others. The question for us all is: WILL YOU DO THE WILL OF GOD OR WILL YOU FIND AN EXCUSE FOR DISREGARDING GOD’S WILL? 

Mary exemplifies a life totally committed to God’s ways and thoughts which are much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and in Jeremiah 29:11, the Bible says, “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord , ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, AMP). There is no reason to resist the will of God irrespective of the inconveniences, suffering, pain, humiliation or even ostracization that we might experience. God’s plans are designed for peace  and our well-being, a future and a hope. Being in the will of God is the best place to be. Are you prepared to let go and let God in 2022? If so, that will be the best worship offering you can give to God. The Psalmist wrote, , “My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17, AMP)

May God help us to be broken before Him, to be broken and melted for His moulding which is the best and perfect deal. My brethren, God loves you and the best way forward is to allow Him have His way, however that turns out to be. Have a happy and blessed Christmas and also a fruitful New Year. God bless you.

DELIVERANCE IN TROUBLE

DELIVERANCE IN TROUBLE

“But now, thus says the Lord , who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2)

In the above passage of Scripture, God promised to be with the children of Israel in the waters, in the rivers and in the fire. The impression one gets is that God promised to deliver His people from the trouble whilst they were still in the trouble. This is contrary to human thinking. We would most naturally gravitate towards an avoidance of trouble outside the trouble. But our God is omnipotent. He said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord . “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The ways and thoughts of God are much higher than ours. During the plagues in Egypt, the children of Israel did not experience any of the effects of the plagues. For example, the Egyptians experienced deep darkness but the children of Israel had light.

“So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.” (Exodus 10:22-23)

When the three Hebrew men , Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar, God delivered them from the fire while they were still in the fire. They were delivered while in trouble.

“These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spoke, and said to his counsellors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men loose and walking in the midst of the fire, and they are unharmed. And the form of the fourth is like the Son of God!” (Daniel 3:23-25, MEV)

The Son of God, Jesus appeared in the fiery furnace with the Hebrew men. God did not extricate them from the fire but saved them from it while they were still in it. Amazing!

“The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to Me? Speak to the children of Israel, so that they go forward. And as for you, lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it; then the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” (Exodus 14:15-16)

We must understand that God always has a plan that is so superior to anything man can think of. In the arena of trouble, God always finds a way for His people. He delivers in the trouble not out of it.

God commanded Noah to build an ark on dry land. It took Noah about 100 years to build that ark, not knowing when the flood would come. After the ark was built, God sent the flood and through it, delivered Noah and his family from the flood while they were still in it. Incredible!

“Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came upon the earth. And Noah went with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives into the ark because of the floodwaters. Everything that creeps on the land from clean and unclean animals and birds came in two by two, male and female, to Noah into the ark, as God had commanded Noah. After seven days, the waters of the flood were on the earth. In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the same day, all the fountains of the great deep burst open and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. The rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights.” (Genesis 7:6-12)

One can only imagine what Noah and his family experienced in the ark during and after the flood. Yet, in spite of the trouble, they were delivered and the deliverance came while they were in the midst of the flood.

No wonder God told the children of Israel “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). This is still true today in the 21st century for true believers.

You see, God has not changed and He has spoken in Hebrews 13, “Let your lives be without love of money, and be content with the things you have. For He has said: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” (v.5)

My brethren, God will never forsake you. He is with you in trouble and He will deliver you if you trust Him. What really is interesting is that the trouble is not the problem. God may allow trouble in order to help us grow in faith. The issue is our trust in God. He is committed 100% to being with us and if God is for us, who can be against us. It doesn't really matter what the obstacle is, what the problem or trouble is, God will deliver us in the trouble for His glory. I want to encourage you today to look up to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He will deliver you because He is the great Deliverer, the great I AM THAT I AM, the omnipotent God, the everlasting Father, the Alpha and Omega and the Beginning and the End. At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow. Be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit - He will prompt you to move in the right direction, to speak with boldness, to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit and to emerge with a powerful testimony. We serve an awesome God.

Rest assured, God will deliver you from the trouble in the trouble. Hallelujah! Have a blessed day.

Where Will You Spend Eternity?

Where Will You Spend Eternity?

"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16:19-31, ESV)

Many people including Christians do not spend time thinking about life after death. That we shall all die is quietly acknowledged but its inevitability is not usually something we dwell on. Jesus told a parable of a rich man and a poor man. The rich man had everything money could buy and lived luxuriously. He had  worked hard, probably had good business acumen, was successful in the eyes of the world and would most likely have made the Who's Who list. He dressed well and expensively and had the sort of lifestyle that the majority in the 21st century can only dream about. He was an unbeliever who had what many Christians are clamouring for today - wealth, influence, status, and prominence. His money bought him anything he needed. Isn't that the picture of paradise, paradise on earth? Maybe, but a short-lived paradise, nevertheless. 

The poor man on the other hand had problems, to put it lightly. He was hungry, had sores that attracted dogs to him, was miserable and longed for the crumps from the rich man's table. Nothing looked good for the poor man and his life was a nightmare compared to the rich man's life. However, the inevitable end came for both men. King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived said about life, ".....Vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?"(Ecclesiastes 1:2-3). Sooner or later everybody gets to their last day on earth and nothing can bring one back to life once that day arrived. There is a finality about death - no one can escape that day, no amount of wealth or influence can reverse the outcome, no amount of wishful thinking can turn that day away. Nobody can live on earth forever; there is an exit day for everyone whether we like it or not. And God determines that day. It is irreversible. The question therefore is not whether death will come, it is where we will spend eternity. The rich man went straight to Hades (Hell) and being in torment, longed for a drop of water to quench his thirst. He said, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame." How on earth could a drop of water quench his thirst? His longing for just a drop of water shows that his anguish was indescribable. 

The rich man went to hell because he served his money rather than God. He relegated God to the background, ignored calls for repentance, lived by his own self-centred rules, lived in sin and felt he was in control. Money can provide a lot of things or toys, but money cannot save, cannot give life, cannot save from sin. Only Jesus can save from sin. The Bible says, "This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). You don't have to end up like the rich man. You can enjoy eternal life and be at peace and rest with Jesus on this earth and when you leave this earth. Someone once said, "If you miss Heaven, you can never miss hell". The rich man had everything going for him while he was here on earth. He went to bed several times and woke up the next morning. But one day, the end came as will surely come for all of us. No one is exempt. All the applause in the world, all the money in the bank, all the academic qualifications, all the nice cars, all the travel experiences, all the connections, etc. will not be able to pull back the curtain of death. ARE YOU READY FOR ETERNITY? 

Please come to Jesus today. The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus (Roman 6:23). Every one is born a sinner (Romans 3:23) but Jesus can cleanse us from all sin and unrighteousness so that we will draw nearer to God and spend eternity with Him. What do you say?

Jesus said John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." 

Satan is deceiving many people today as he has been deceiving mankind for thousands of years. Many think that miracles will usher them into Heaven. They are mistaken. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]."

Miracles, signs and wonders will not take anyone to Heaven. Charisma, head knowledge of the Scriptures,  titles, positions of responsibility within the Church will not give anyone an advantage. In other words, it is possible to a bishop, apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher and still go to hell. Once in hell, there is no escape. Why this message? We are in the season of Advent and many would seek to enjoy the season without knowing or even caring for the Reason for the season. The Reason is Jesus, LORD of lords, KING of kings and the Saviour of the whole world. He alone has the key to eternal life. He alone can set captives free from the bondage of sin and Satan. He alone is the Way to Heaven. And that is why He came in the first place. His incarnation was a deliberate plan to set us free by His crucifixion on the cross of Calvary. You don't have to be like the rich man who basically lost everything because at the end of the day, he was unable to take any of his fine linen or delicious meals with him. Can you imagine the depth of his regret and remorse in hell? No amount of  repentance could change his situation - a hopeless one for that matter. Think about the despair and utter helplessness knowing that the situation was not a short term one. It would have been manageable, I suppose, if after a billion years there was a prospect of release. THERE IS SIMPLY NO ESCAPE FROM HELL. Period. The Bible says, "For we have brought nothing into the world, so [it is clear that] we cannot take anything out of it, either." (1 Timothy 6:7, AMP)

This is not a popular message but I really do not care for popular messages because most of them are rooted in deception - deception to keep people from making Heaven. God wants you to make Heaven. Come to Jesus and He will set you free from sin and enable you to live righteously by the power of the Holy Spirit. May we focus on Jesus during this season. May we examine our live during this season. May we draw near to God so that He will draw near to us. 

If you are one of the atheists or agnostics, or even someone who refuses to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, let me ask you - What is the reason for disbelief? What is your proof for the nonexistence of God? At the end of the day, there is none. None, except your personal preference. That is your right. However, the rich man exercised that right and ended up in hell. 

Believing in God has implications which include letting go and letting God have His way. It means surrendering all to Jesus and leaning not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-7 reads, "Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]." (AMP)

Let God direct you paths through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit and you will experience peace that surpasses all understanding of man. The Bible says, "But what does it say? “The word is near you , in your mouth and in your heart ”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Saviour] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation." (Romans 10:8-10, AMP). Jesus is waiting. Please call upon Him in repentance, confess your sins, and receive Him as Lord and Saviour today. Please prepare yourself for eternity. Have a blessed day.