How could the man be a threat to your destiny? It’s not possible, what power does he have? “He is the head of department and I am destined to be an architect. He wants to rusticate me. Any evil plan of darkness, destroy! Agents of evil, fall down and...” Wait, wait, wait, beloved. That’s not your destiny, that’s not what you were born again for. “What do you mean, I know God’s plan for my life. I was born to be an architect.” I do not dispute God plans for you to design and supervise, but you were born again to obey Jesus: the people chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with his blood 1Pt 1:2(ISV). Now Jesus asked us to love our enemies and bless those who despitefully use us, are you not going to fulfill the reason God called you in this matter?
“This man, you are looking at God’s general plan for all believers, I am specific to my call. Are you trying to say God has no specific plans of profession for any one’s life? That’s unscriptural; look at Esther: If you don't speak up now, we will somehow get help, but you and your family will be killed. It could be that you were made queen for a time like this! Est 4:14(CEV). Was Joseph not destined to be prime minister in Egypt? ” He was, he was, but did he curse his brothers and Potiphar’s house on the way to it? Was it not by obedience to his father and by purity that God granted opportunities for that divine appointment Gen 37:10-27? Was it not obedience to the father that led Saul to Samuel and David to Goliath? God has destined you to obey Jesus, and every plan of His for your life must be fulfilled as you obey His commands. “Huh!”
Don’t get me wrong; God does have specific professional plans for people’s lives, but the profession is NOT your destiny, it’s too small. Your destiny is your destination, where you end up, not a port of call. Architecture is a port of call, a divine appointment, but your destiny is Christ. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers Rom 8:29(ISV). Bless the man in obedience, for when a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him Pro 16:7(ESV) and if he is obstinate, God will yet use it all to bring you into His divine appointments for you. After all, in him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will Eph 1:11(ESV).
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Is it the Master's plan? week 34, 2011
“You mean is it in the master plan surely.” No. It has to be in the Master’s plan for your life. As he told them goodbye, he said, "I will come back to you again if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus Act 18:21(ISV). “Look God has given us the potential to accomplish things, so go right ahead; it is in the master plan, I mean master’s plan.”
I see; how many children do you have? “Four. Why do you ask?” How many more are you expecting? You should not have less than 30. “I beg stop that! What am I doing with 30 children?” Don’t you know you have the potential of having at least one child each year as a woman? And your husband has the potential of fathering millions of children; how come you do not seek to fulfill that potential? “I don’t see where this train of discussion is getting us.” You don’t? It is not all things that are possible that are necessary. We are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good 1Cor 10:23(BBE). “Explain some more.” You have the potential to be any and every professional in this life. Your brain is that good. You can train yourself to excel in every sport; your body is that fearfully and wonderfully made, yet you dedicate yourself to a select few for efficiency. Fulfilling your potential must be tempered by fulfilling the plan for your life.
“This master’s plan business…I don’t want to be a poor missionary in some odd country depending on charity for basic needs!” Is that the lie Satan plants in your mind about following the master’s plan? Have you forgotten Also, make it your goal to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you, so that you may win the respect of outsiders, and have need of nothing 1Th 4:11, 12(ISV). God is looking for those who pursue no plans of their own, but His plans; who do not resort to their own devices to bring things to accomplishment but His methods , strength and grace alone. That is true fellowship with the master.
“You are so preoccupied with checks and standards, huh!” But why not? Which apprentice is not preoccupied with getting the job done to his master’s specifications; which contractor has no care for the job specification? What other ambition can I have? Wherefore also we are ambitious, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to him 2Co 5:9(YLT). The Inspector is at the door, can’t you hear behold the king comes?For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare … Jer 29:11(ESV)
I see; how many children do you have? “Four. Why do you ask?” How many more are you expecting? You should not have less than 30. “I beg stop that! What am I doing with 30 children?” Don’t you know you have the potential of having at least one child each year as a woman? And your husband has the potential of fathering millions of children; how come you do not seek to fulfill that potential? “I don’t see where this train of discussion is getting us.” You don’t? It is not all things that are possible that are necessary. We are free to do all things, but there are things which it is not wise to do. We are free to do all things, but not all things are for the common good 1Cor 10:23(BBE). “Explain some more.” You have the potential to be any and every professional in this life. Your brain is that good. You can train yourself to excel in every sport; your body is that fearfully and wonderfully made, yet you dedicate yourself to a select few for efficiency. Fulfilling your potential must be tempered by fulfilling the plan for your life.
“This master’s plan business…I don’t want to be a poor missionary in some odd country depending on charity for basic needs!” Is that the lie Satan plants in your mind about following the master’s plan? Have you forgotten Also, make it your goal to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you, so that you may win the respect of outsiders, and have need of nothing 1Th 4:11, 12(ISV). God is looking for those who pursue no plans of their own, but His plans; who do not resort to their own devices to bring things to accomplishment but His methods , strength and grace alone. That is true fellowship with the master.
“You are so preoccupied with checks and standards, huh!” But why not? Which apprentice is not preoccupied with getting the job done to his master’s specifications; which contractor has no care for the job specification? What other ambition can I have? Wherefore also we are ambitious, whether at home or away from home, to be well pleasing to him 2Co 5:9(YLT). The Inspector is at the door, can’t you hear behold the king comes?For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare … Jer 29:11(ESV)
Friday, 19 August 2011
The Standard of Obedience Week 33, 2011
“What do you mean by standard; isn’t obedience the same anymore?” Well, for one thing what you confidently call obedience might not be obedience at all. “What do you mean?” Do you recall that rich young ruler who ran to kneel at Jesus’ feet? When Jesus said to him, “Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself” Mat 19:19(CEV) remember his response? The young man said, "I have obeyed all of these. What else must I do? Mat 19:20(CEV). He was quite certain he obeyed but when Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." Mat 19:21(ESV) it became clear he loved himself more than the poor; he loved his possessions. When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions Mat 19:22(ESV)
“Well he must have been doing it in part, he just wasn’t perfect. Probably he should have got a pass mark.” Pass mark? You might as well have awarded a pass mark to King Saul. When he did most of what God commanded he insisted "I have obeyed the voice of the LORD. I have gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction” 1Sa 15:20(ESV). But the LORD said to Samuel, "I am sorry that I made Saul king; he has turned away from me and disobeyed my commands” 1Sa 15:10, 11(GNB). Are we like that, confident that you obey God when in reality you do not?
“Wow God’s standard is so high!” My dear: Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all Jas 2:10(GNB). It just underscores the fact that no one can be justified through trying to keep the laws; that man should have seen the impossibility of getting into the kingdom through keeping the laws and pleaded for mercy. Instead he went away sorrowful. God has locked all people in the prison of their own disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all Rom 11:32(ISV).
We need mercy before God to enter into eternal life: We know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law, for no human being will be justified by the works of the law Gal 2:16(ISV).
Monday, 8 August 2011
In the valley of shadows week 32, 2011
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge Psa 71:15(ESV). There were 6 of them standing by the side of the road. With lots of amulets around them and long guns pointed straight at the car, they looked like herdsmen as they moved steadily towards me with pointed guns I was sure were ready to fire. They had selected the location of this ambush well. It was uphill by a curve; you couldn’t see them as you come, and since it was uphill the car slowed down as we got to them. I knew I had money in the vehicle, lots of it. Apart from a few bits here and there, there was N100, 000 I had picked up from a client which was right there in the car with me. When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles Psa 34:17(ESV).
There was a bus behind me so all thoughts of suddenly reversing and running away was futile. I could have fought with them; shouted at them. I am a man. But with no gun and in the cold reality of 6 guns pointed in my direction I thought the better of it and meekly submitted to the robbery.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD! Psa 143:5-7(ESV). Not long ago we had been in the village and by 3am my pregnant wife ruptured her membranes. We had to get into the car and head back to Enugu. God granted safe delivery and we now have a bouncing baby boy. Moreover I had this swelling on my wrist which had bothered me for a while. It was diagnosed a ganglion. One day I spoke to it and commanded it to be uprooted from its roots. Without surgery the swelling disappeared. As you can see it has not reoccurred. Now I was faced with armed robbers.
It seemed they realised they were missing something. “Where is the money?” they asked repeatedly. “Haven’t you taken it all?” I retorted each time. Yet despite coming again and again to where the N100, 000 was kept it was not discovered, it was not taken. Other items were collected however. They were not through with me yet. I was ordered out of the car to follow them. It was getting dark now. It was well after 6pm and I was compelled to enter the valley with them. They kept asking me for money I wondered if I would be killed or a ransom demanded for my freedom. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me Psa 23:4(ESV). We went down and down until I could no longer see the road, just the skies. Suddenly 3 of them moved off and one approached me. He felt my pockets; they were empty. Then he asked me to go away. Praise the LORD!
Bro Jude is a lawyer in private practice in Enugu
There was a bus behind me so all thoughts of suddenly reversing and running away was futile. I could have fought with them; shouted at them. I am a man. But with no gun and in the cold reality of 6 guns pointed in my direction I thought the better of it and meekly submitted to the robbery.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD! Psa 143:5-7(ESV). Not long ago we had been in the village and by 3am my pregnant wife ruptured her membranes. We had to get into the car and head back to Enugu. God granted safe delivery and we now have a bouncing baby boy. Moreover I had this swelling on my wrist which had bothered me for a while. It was diagnosed a ganglion. One day I spoke to it and commanded it to be uprooted from its roots. Without surgery the swelling disappeared. As you can see it has not reoccurred. Now I was faced with armed robbers.
It seemed they realised they were missing something. “Where is the money?” they asked repeatedly. “Haven’t you taken it all?” I retorted each time. Yet despite coming again and again to where the N100, 000 was kept it was not discovered, it was not taken. Other items were collected however. They were not through with me yet. I was ordered out of the car to follow them. It was getting dark now. It was well after 6pm and I was compelled to enter the valley with them. They kept asking me for money I wondered if I would be killed or a ransom demanded for my freedom. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me Psa 23:4(ESV). We went down and down until I could no longer see the road, just the skies. Suddenly 3 of them moved off and one approached me. He felt my pockets; they were empty. Then he asked me to go away. Praise the LORD!
Bro Jude is a lawyer in private practice in Enugu
Sunday, 31 July 2011
The Olympic games Week 31, 2011
Did you watch the last one? It was instructive. Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward 1Cor 9:24(BBE). “Yep! Hussein Bolt broke the world record in 100meters and 200meters. Imagine running 100meters in less than 9.8seconds yet looking so comfortable.” It is the 200meters I particularly noted. “Yes, it was more strenuous for him; he really had to work...” And every man who takes part in the sports has self-control in all things. Now they do it to get a crown which is of this world, but we for an eternal crown 1Cor 9:25(BBE). Actually it is not Bolt that I found most remarkable in that race. “Oh? Who could have caught your attention?”
Who came 3rd in that race, do you remember? “Yes I do; an American athlete came 3rd but was disqualified.” An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules 2Ti 2:5(ESV). It was a pity; he was already celebrating when he was called aside. In the replay it turned out he took 3 steps outside his lane in the curve. Imagine after all the training and efforts only to be disqualified; he got to the finish line but would not be crowned. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified 1Cor 9:27(ESV). “In fact some were crowned in the games and later had their medals removed because they took banned substances; I know one whose name had to be erased from the record books.” Yes, erstwhile multiple medal and record holder Ms Jones.
“I didn’t realise you were so keen on sports.” Well the Holy Spirit uses sports to teach us concerning our service to God. How terrible if after our labour and the cheers of men we be disqualified. “I should have known it was not sports you are after.” My dear it’s not enough that you are still in the race or got to the finish line, but did you serve according to God’s rules? “But who can know until the final day of judgement?” Just as it is the athletes’ responsibility to know the rules and know when they were breaking them God expects us to know now before the judgement day. Listen to the Holy Spirit, the chief coach, He’ll tell you; Paul knew. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing 2Ti 4:7, 8(ESV) . Are you running to win?
Who came 3rd in that race, do you remember? “Yes I do; an American athlete came 3rd but was disqualified.” An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules 2Ti 2:5(ESV). It was a pity; he was already celebrating when he was called aside. In the replay it turned out he took 3 steps outside his lane in the curve. Imagine after all the training and efforts only to be disqualified; he got to the finish line but would not be crowned. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified 1Cor 9:27(ESV). “In fact some were crowned in the games and later had their medals removed because they took banned substances; I know one whose name had to be erased from the record books.” Yes, erstwhile multiple medal and record holder Ms Jones.
“I didn’t realise you were so keen on sports.” Well the Holy Spirit uses sports to teach us concerning our service to God. How terrible if after our labour and the cheers of men we be disqualified. “I should have known it was not sports you are after.” My dear it’s not enough that you are still in the race or got to the finish line, but did you serve according to God’s rules? “But who can know until the final day of judgement?” Just as it is the athletes’ responsibility to know the rules and know when they were breaking them God expects us to know now before the judgement day. Listen to the Holy Spirit, the chief coach, He’ll tell you; Paul knew. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing 2Ti 4:7, 8(ESV) . Are you running to win?
Thursday, 28 July 2011
The Sanctuary Shekel Week 30, 2011
“What’s that?” The standard of measurement in God’s business: And all your judgments shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary, twenty gerahs shall be the shekel Lev 27:25(MKJV). “So how do you translate that to pounds and kilograms today?” It’s not that type of measurement that I refer to. “Which?”
Once the culvert and gutter in front of my gate was being built up, it cost me some money to do it... “What has this got to do with sanctuary shekels?” Hold on. It cost me a bit to build it, and the supervisor assured me it met recognised standards. For a couple of years or more there was no incident. Do you remember when the government began tarring the street roads? “How could I forget? The drainage was worked on at the same time.” Yes; the government workmen were digging up gutters and got to my place. “It’s up to standard” I insisted. “You don’t have to dig it up.” “We’ll see about that” he said. After looking it up he started digging, dismantled the culvert, and found it was indeed up to standard so they put it back for me. The workmanship of each person will become evident, for the day will show what it is, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work 1Cor 3:13(ISV). Boy did that teach me a lesson!
“So what has that got to do with the sanctuary shekel?” Don’t you get it yet? The sanctuary shekel represents God’s standard; the divine standard which never devalues or changes Jud 1:3 … the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. It is not the common place shekel, the shifting standard of this world. "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great and deal deceitfully with false balances Amos 8:5(ESV). The world has deceitful standards you know. You may get along with your standard for years, just like for so many years many people had their structures undisturbed and it appeared it did not matter so far you have something, but one of these days God will come and actually measure. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss… 1Cor 3:14, 15 (ESV). Any structure not up to standard will be destroyed.
“So how do I know if I am building to standard? How do I get this sanctuary shekel?” Why not get familiar with the standard himself? Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, Mat 11:29(GNB). What’s your standard?
Once the culvert and gutter in front of my gate was being built up, it cost me some money to do it... “What has this got to do with sanctuary shekels?” Hold on. It cost me a bit to build it, and the supervisor assured me it met recognised standards. For a couple of years or more there was no incident. Do you remember when the government began tarring the street roads? “How could I forget? The drainage was worked on at the same time.” Yes; the government workmen were digging up gutters and got to my place. “It’s up to standard” I insisted. “You don’t have to dig it up.” “We’ll see about that” he said. After looking it up he started digging, dismantled the culvert, and found it was indeed up to standard so they put it back for me. The workmanship of each person will become evident, for the day will show what it is, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work 1Cor 3:13(ISV). Boy did that teach me a lesson!
“So what has that got to do with the sanctuary shekel?” Don’t you get it yet? The sanctuary shekel represents God’s standard; the divine standard which never devalues or changes Jud 1:3 … the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. It is not the common place shekel, the shifting standard of this world. "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great and deal deceitfully with false balances Amos 8:5(ESV). The world has deceitful standards you know. You may get along with your standard for years, just like for so many years many people had their structures undisturbed and it appeared it did not matter so far you have something, but one of these days God will come and actually measure. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss… 1Cor 3:14, 15 (ESV). Any structure not up to standard will be destroyed.
“So how do I know if I am building to standard? How do I get this sanctuary shekel?” Why not get familiar with the standard himself? Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, Mat 11:29(GNB). What’s your standard?
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Who have you come to see? Week 29, 2011
Conferences are such a wonderful time; I find them very refreshing. “Oh yes. I get to meet brethren I have not seen in a long time; in fact I met my wife in one of such meetings. Each time I go to that conference ground I remember how we met.” God truly does many things at such meetings but I think it is for those who come to worship. Do you come to worship or to see brethren?
“What do you mean? I come for both.” Consider the Greek worshipers: Some Greeks were among those who had gone to Jerusalem to worship during the festival. They went to Philip (he was from Bethsaida in Galilee) and said, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."Jn 12:20, 21(GNB). Those who really want to worship do not want to see you. They do not come to conferences to see kinsmen or friends.
“You know Phillip is a Greek name and these people are Greeks.” No; they have come to worship so they want to see Jesus, not the presiding minister… do you remember the crowd that went looking for Jesus? “Yes He fed them in the wilderness.” That he did. They had come to him to hear him. They had no care for food. When evening was coming they were more interested in his word than necessary food like Job. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food Job 23:12(KJV). It is no surprise he fed them (Mar 6:34-43). When they started looking for him again it was not for his word. They wanted to force him into some things; they wanted bread, not the bread of life. This time around they were bitterly disappointed and left him (Jn 6:14-66). Just like Herod.
“I thought he wanted to kill Jesus?” His son: Herod Antipas also wanted to see Jesus, not to have his life changed, but to be entertained, to watch a miracle happen. Herod was very pleased to see Jesus. For a long time he had wanted to see him. He had heard about Jesus and hoped to see him perform some kind of miracle. Lk 23:8(GW). When Zacchaues wanted Jesus he left his home but Herod stayed in his palace, like the father who pretended to want to worship. Eventually he met Him; a bound and silent Jesus was sent to him. Beware lest a bound and silent Jesus meet you. Search your heart very well. If you worship me, the LORD your God, I will bless you with food and water and take away all your sicknesses. In your land no woman will have a miscarriage or be without children. I will give you long lives Ex 23:25-26(GNB). Who have you come to see?
“What do you mean? I come for both.” Consider the Greek worshipers: Some Greeks were among those who had gone to Jerusalem to worship during the festival. They went to Philip (he was from Bethsaida in Galilee) and said, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."Jn 12:20, 21(GNB). Those who really want to worship do not want to see you. They do not come to conferences to see kinsmen or friends.
“You know Phillip is a Greek name and these people are Greeks.” No; they have come to worship so they want to see Jesus, not the presiding minister… do you remember the crowd that went looking for Jesus? “Yes He fed them in the wilderness.” That he did. They had come to him to hear him. They had no care for food. When evening was coming they were more interested in his word than necessary food like Job. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food Job 23:12(KJV). It is no surprise he fed them (Mar 6:34-43). When they started looking for him again it was not for his word. They wanted to force him into some things; they wanted bread, not the bread of life. This time around they were bitterly disappointed and left him (Jn 6:14-66). Just like Herod.
“I thought he wanted to kill Jesus?” His son: Herod Antipas also wanted to see Jesus, not to have his life changed, but to be entertained, to watch a miracle happen. Herod was very pleased to see Jesus. For a long time he had wanted to see him. He had heard about Jesus and hoped to see him perform some kind of miracle. Lk 23:8(GW). When Zacchaues wanted Jesus he left his home but Herod stayed in his palace, like the father who pretended to want to worship. Eventually he met Him; a bound and silent Jesus was sent to him. Beware lest a bound and silent Jesus meet you. Search your heart very well. If you worship me, the LORD your God, I will bless you with food and water and take away all your sicknesses. In your land no woman will have a miscarriage or be without children. I will give you long lives Ex 23:25-26(GNB). Who have you come to see?
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