Weekly Devotional

The world says — “Love your friends. Be loyal to your friends. Look out for your friends.” Why? Friends will look out for you. This also goes to loving your wife or your husband. As the Apostle Paul observes, “Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself” (Ephesians 5:28). Loving your wife is a no-brainer unless you’re self-destructive. Loving your friends and your spouse is just enlightened self-interest. But it’s altogether another thing to love an enemy, someone who has your disgrace or destruction as a goal.

But Jesus says that we are not to just force a smile when we are hated and mistreated. We are to actively try to do good towards our attackers. Agapao, aka Agape is a rare word in Koiné Greek. It was developed almost exclusively in Christian literature to refer to the kind of love that doesn’t serve itself, but extends itself for the sake of another. Agape love is really a different category of love that the world of today rarely acknowledges.

Let’s pause for a moment. Who are your enemies? I’m not asking who you hate… I’m asking who hates you, or despises you? Often they are the people close to us who have been hurt. A spouse or former spouse. A parent. A son or daughter. A co-worker at the job. An enemy of God who takes it out on you. Someone whose evil action you have exposed and is now out to get you. Who are your enemies?

How do I love my enemy? You ask with all seriousness. This isn’t a matter of just thinking nice thoughts. We need Jesus to do a heart change within us, to put the kind of heart within us toward our enemies that was in God who sent Jesus to redeem and forgive a world full of sinners. Somehow God loves the people of Israel who thumb their noses at him again and again. He doesn’t quit. They are unfaithful and are punished, but then God is at it again seeking to bless them. He doesn’t give up. He has a heart of love toward the loveless. That is what we need to love our own enemies. We start doing what Jesus taught right here:

Do good. When you find a way you can do something good for one of your worst enemies, do it. Not to shame him, but because you are trying to find it in your own evil heart to love him for Jesus’ sake.

Bless. When you think of the person who is slandering you, and saying untrue and nasty things about you, find ways to work blessing into your thoughts. Speak a blessing out loud. When you are with friends, instead of complaining about your unjust treatment, go out of your way (actively) to speak well of your enemies. Why? To shame them? No — though it will. But to find it in your own heart to love them.

Pray. Intercede. When you’re praying, you probably pray for your family and your pastor, and your friends and family. Why don’t you begin to pray and intercede for your enemies. Actively. Start to ask God to help them. Ask God to heal the hurts in their lives that are some of the motivators of their evil actions. Ask God to bless them and show mercy to them. Why? To shame them? No, in order to find it in your heart to love them.

Now this is by no means easy. You see, Jesus is out to create an army of disciples that look at enemies as he and his Father look at them, as people to love and care for. People to provide for. People to die for. Jesus is out to change you and me. And obeying Jesus’ commands, along with the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, will accomplish just that.

Why we pray is important, as is prayer itself. What follows are reasons 1-4 to pray.

1. God's Word Calls Us to Pray

One key reason to pray is because God has commanded us to pray. If we are to be obedient to His will, then prayer must be part of our life in Him. Where does the Bible call us to prayer? Several passages are relevant: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." –Romans 12:12 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." –Ephesians 6:18 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." –Colossians 4:2

2. Jesus Prayed Regularly

Why did Jesus pray? One reason he prayed was as an example so that we could learn from him. The Gospels are full of references to the prayers of Christ, including these examples: "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray." –Matthew 14:23 "Very early in the morning, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." –Mark 1:35 "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." –Luke 5:16

3. Prayer is How We Communicate with God

Prayer allows us to worship and praise the Lord. It also allows us to offer confession of our sins, which should lead to our genuine repentance. Moreover, prayer grants us the opportunity to present our requests to God. All of these aspects of prayer involve communication with our Creator. He is personal, cares for us, and wants to commune with us through prayer. Prayer is not just about asking for God's blessings – though we are welcome to do so – but it is about communication with the living God. Without communication, relationships fall apart. So, too, our relationship with God suffers when we do not communicate with Him.

4. Prayer allows us to participate in God's Works

Does God need our help? No. He is all powerful and in control of everything in His creation. Why do we need to pray? Because prayer is the means God has ordained for some things to happen. Prayer, for instance, helps others know the love of Jesus. Prayer can clear human obstacles out of the way in order for God to work. It is not that God can't work without our prayers, but that He has established prayer as part of His plan for accomplishing His will in this world.

Why we pray is important, as is prayer itself. What follows are reasons (5-11) to pray.

5. Prayer Gives us Power Over Evil

Can physical strength help us overcome obstacles and challenges in the spiritual realm? No, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). But in prayer even the physically weak can become strong in the spiritual realm. As such, we can call upon God to grant us power over evil. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." – Matthew 26:41

6. Prayer Keeps us Humble Before God

Humility is a virtue God desires in us (Proverbs 11:2; 22:4; Micah 6:8; Ephesians 4:2; James 4:10). Prayer reminds us that we are not in control, but God is, thus keeping us from pride. "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." –Matthew 18:4

7. Prayer Grants us the Privilege of Experiencing God

Through prayer we obtain an experiential basis for our faith. We do not ignore the intellect or reasons for faith, but prayer makes our experience of God real on an emotional level.

8. Answered Prayer is a Potential Witness

If our prayer is answered, it can serve as a potential witness for those who doubt.

9. Prayer Strengthens the Bonds Between Believers

Prayer not only strengthens our relationship with God, but when we pray with other believers, prayer also strengthens the bonds between fellow Christians.

10. Prayer Can Succeed Where Other Means Have Failed

Have all your options been exhausted? Prayer can succeed where other means have failed. Prayer should not be a last resort, but our first response. But there are times when sincere prayer must be offered in order to accomplish something.

11. Prayer Fulfils Emotional Needs

Do we need God through prayer? Yes! We were made to function best, emotionally, in a prayerful relationship with God. Prayer, then, has its reasons, and they are many.

How does God answer prayer? We know how we want God to answer our prayers. We want Him to grant our requests, whatever they might be. We want God to answer “Yes!” to our prayers. God always answers the prayers of the righteous (Jer. 33:3), but anyone who prays knows that His answer is not always “yes.”

So, just how does God answer prayer? As one studies the subject of prayer in scripture, he will find at least three basic responses on God’s part to prayer.

First, God answers some prayers, “Yes!” Numerous examples of God granting requests made in prayer could be cited in scripture. During a battle with the Amorites Joshua prayed that God would cause the sun to stand still, and not allow the day to come to an end, until the Israelites could finish defeating their enemy (Josh. 10:12). God granted his request (vs. 13-14). King Hezekiah prayed that God would spare his life (2 Kgs. 20:1-3). God granted his request by giving him fifteen more years (vs. 4-6).

Second, God answers some prayers, “No!” The apostle Paul prayed three times for God to remove “a thorn in the flesh,” evidently some physical problem (2 Cor. 12:7-8). God did not grant Paul’s request (vs. 9). In Gethsemane Jesus prayed at least twice that He would be spared having to go to the cross (Matt. 26:37-44). From our perspective, we can be thankful that God did not grant Jesus’ request that He allowed Jesus to die on the cross to pay the price for the guilt of our sins.

Third, God answers some prayers, “Wait awhile…” Twice Abraham tried to reason with God as to how he thought God should fulfil the promise He had made to Abraham as to giving him an heir (Gen. 15:1-4; 17:15-21). God provided Abraham an heir, fulfilling God’s promise to him, but not according to Abraham’s time-table and not in the ways Abraham suggested. We have a tendency to want things right now, but God knows the right time.

Prayer is a wonderful blessing from God. Of course, God knows best what we really need, even before we ask. But He wants us to ask, to demonstrate, by asking, our realization of dependence upon Him and our faith in Him. In order for God to answer prayer we must first go to Him in prayer. James notes that in many cases blessings are not given because we do not ask (Jas. 4:2). Let’s utilize prayer regularly and frequently, and let’s remember that God can answer prayer in different ways. Just because we may not receive the exact answer we want in the exact time frame in which we want it does not mean God is not listening or answering our request. He may simply be answering in a different way than we desire. But, God knows best…

Darkness is the absence of light. Trying to go after it directly is like chasing your shadow. You can't bag it up and throw it away. Only light is powerful enough to make the darkness disappear. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made it clear that we are the light of the world. We are called to shine. But the light we share is not our own.

From the very beginning of creation, God has been the source of light both spiritually and literally. Genesis 1:2b-3 says, "Darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light" (NIV).

Imagine a world full of darkness. Then with four small words, light blazes forth. Every living thing in our world relies on light for its existence - plants, animals and people. The God who brought light to the world also brings it to our lives. As 2 Corinthians 4:6a says, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,'; made his light shine in our hearts"; (NIV).

The best part of all is that we don' have to be like the light bulb that said, "I have to find a way to shine!" The light bulb went to a self-help meeting to learn about its inner capacity for light. It read books about how to get brighter. Each morning the light bulb would get up and recite positive affirmations. "I am a light bulb. I believe in myself. I will shine!" But nothing happened.

Eventually the light bulb became weary and discouraged. It began to doubt who it was and what it could do. It almost burned out completely. Fortunately, one day the light bulb was carefully placed in a fixture. Light burst forth and filled the room. The light bulb finally understood. The key was not to try harder but to plug into the source.

Trying to shine on our own can be exhausting. Instead, we're simply called to be closely connected to God and remain in Him. When we do, His light pours forth through us in powerful, brilliant ways that change the world. The ways we shine might not make the news, but they make even more of a difference than we can see.

Psalm 34: 8 - Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

GOD did not become good when He created Adam and Eve.

GOD did not become good when he gave Abraham the promises.

GOD did not become good when he freed Israel from Egypt nor did He become an overnight good GOD when HE gave them Canaan.

GOD did not become good when He sent Jesus, His only begotten Son. (Tired of the repetition already? Well I’m not done)

GOD did not become good when He, in Jesus, healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, freed the possessed and raised the dead.

GOD did not become good when He sent His Son, Jesus, on that old rugged cross to die for your sins and mine.

GOD did not become good when He raised Christ Jesus from the dead. (You must be tired now… and so am I, but it doesn’t end there)

GOD did not become good when He poured out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

GOD did not become good when He established the Church of Christ built on the solid foundation of Christ, the Son of the living God.

GOD did not become good when the gospel was preached, recorded and collected into the Bible as we have it today.

GOD did not become good when He gave John the revelation of the heaven that is to come, the promise and guarantee of a New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling of the children of GOD.

NO! GOD did not become good. He cannot become good because He is good from the beginning.

GOD does not become good as if He was not. GOD is good because He is the reality of goodness. Good is Him. It is not a moment, a thought or just a mere expression. It is who He is.

God did not become good when He blessed you with the so many things you have and still don’t appreciate enough… NO, GOD did not become good…He is good from beginning to end.

Philippians 3:7 - But whatever were gains to me, now I consider loss for the sake of Christ.

The Apostle Paul is sitting with a balance sheet. On one side he has “all things lost”. On the other side, he sits with “Christ gained”. After careful calculation, this to him is profitable trading. He further emphasizes that nothing is above the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. It is from this that we can explore the benefits of knowing Christ intimately. How much you know Christ will:

• Determine how much you will enjoy the walk of faith in God.
• Determine how much you are willing and prepared to do for Him and His Kingdom.
• Determines your enthusiasm, your passion, and perseverance for His name’s sake.
• Determines your attitude towards sufferings and the sacrifices you are willing to take for Christ.
• Determines your priorities, goals, and purpose in life.

It is perhaps with this in mind that Paul makes a comparison of his previous life before he encountered the transformation that is through Christ, to His new life in which Christ has been gained, at the loss of all other things. The things that were gains to him, for the sake of Christ have become irrelevant, invaluable, losses, or in his words, rubbish.

In an act of comparison, one is trying to distinguish between two or more factors in order to find one choice that is superior to the rest.

In his audit, Paul establishes that there were things that he used to hold dear to heart. There were things that gave him a name and a reputation that preceded him. There were things he prioritized and pursued as of first importance. All things put together, he considers them a loss compared to the excellence of the knowledge of Christ.

When Christ is being clearly revealed to us through the working of the Holy Spirit, it is loss to pursue anything else. It is misguided to find and idolize material things instead of pursuing Christ. To seek, find and know Christ is much more satisfying that anything else. Life will remain empty as long as Christ has not been found and the excellence of the knowledge of Him has not been attained.

Chrysostom once said “When the sun has appeared, it is loss to sit by the candle light”. It is not that his former pursuits are in themselves useless and devoid of value. It is not that his former pursuits and life did not give him some sense of satisfaction. It is not that the candle light is useless, but in the presence of the light of the sun, the candle light must be extinguished.

The world esteems, loves, and admires those who accumulate all things collectable. Riches, pride, fame and glory, worldly pleasure etc.

"What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Mark 8:36.

Peacemaking is not easily accomplished. Consider our country with racial tensions filtering into every discussion even if it is about baking more vanilla muffins than chocolate ones. Imagine trying to bring peace when such a worldly attitude infiltrates our congregation with such a diverse structure. I am highlighting race as a crucial matter because if you pay attention, you will see how it destroys and allows hate and violence and strife. Whatever the case may be, I find peacemaking to be very vital and the church should lead by example… the right example.

A. Talk to God

Prayer is a must. Start with talking to God about what you have done or what has been done to you before you make the decision to speak to the person or people. If anything, this is where you need to ask for wisdom, patience, gentleness, sincerity, kindness and the like. It is through prayer that you will be able to see the deeper needs of the relationship and what could have caused the problem. Needless to say, you will also identify your own faults and weaknesses in the process. Surrender the conflict to the Lord. Pray about the strife or whatever situation that needs the peace remedy.

B. Take the first step

To make peace, don’t wait for someone else. Peacemakers make peace. They initiate the peacemaking process and with strength and wisdom gained through prayer, they are able to facilitate the process as well. The Lord Jesus said, “So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matt. 5:23-24). This is probably one of the most ignored verses in the Bible. Later, Jesus said, “"If your brother sins against you,  go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother” (Matt. 18:15). You are to make the first move. Peacemakers take the initiative. “But,” you say, “Why should I go to the person when they are the one that hurt me.” Do you want the biblical answer? Because Jesus says so. Conflict is never resolved accidentally. That first step may be a letter, a phone call, or a visit.

C. DEAL WITH THE ISSUE TRUTHFULLY

Ephesians 4:25 teaches us that we must put off all falsehood and speak truthfully to one another. Attack the problem not the person. Clarify don’t confront. Cooperate as much as possible. Emphasize reconciliation not resolution. Reconciliation is more crucial than PROVING that I am right. The truth does that without you having to emphasize it. Set aside pride and focus on the issue.

D. DON’T GOSSIP ABOUT IT

Nothing disqualifies us in being peacemakers more than talking about people rather than talking to them. “Whoever gossips to you will gossip of you.” A peacemaker never says anything about another person that she or he has not first said to that person directly. After that, why tell anyone else?

One songwriter, Paul Jones, wrote and sang:

“I've had some good days I've had some hills to climb I've had some weary days And some sleepless nights But when I look around And I think things over All of my good days Out-weigh my bad days I won't complain”

Life by now should have taught you that it comes with ups and downs. Sadly, we are all so overwhelmed by the bad days that hope is at the risk of being lost. The walk in the wilderness is wearisome and the veil in the valley is blinding and there is no sight of light. Give life some time and you will soon learn that it comes with good and bad seasons.

One thing that is of certainty is that ‘trouble won’t last always’. The psalmist establishes this in Psalm 30:5 “…weeping may endure the night, but joy cometh in the morning”. One of the things you need to rely on during a bad season is MEMORY. Find MOTIVATION in MEMORY.

You need to know that this has not always been like this. When you look back into your life, you will see how far the LORD brought you. Today’s uncomfortable reality may last but only until it meets the reality of the LORD who gives us salvation.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1.

Today might be stressful; your circumstance might be heartbreaking, you might be holding back tears, wearing a false smile to cover up the hurt and you might be at your breaking point. Remember that it has not always been like this. Every day of your life has not been bad. You have not always been broke, this is not the first time you have been broke, and if the LORD took care of you the last time, won’t He do it again? Same God back then, same God today. The Biiiiiiible says “God is the same yesterday today and forever” Hebrews 13:8.

Maybe when you accepted the LORD and became a Christian you thought you would be immune from all of life’s humps. Now you find yourself stuck and you cannot seem to go over that hump in your life. You carrying a heavy cross and you feel like throwing it off. Listen to this:

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God”. PSALM 43:5

In the ancient Roman world, there existed a rough and heartless practise known as EXPOSURE. Unwanted children were left outside to die in the open. They were left deliberately exposed to the weather elements, an inhuman attempt to see them to their death. Not all infants that were exposed died.

Some Roman infants were picked up by families in need of a slave. Although unimaginable, many children were abandoned, exposed, left alone, unattended, left to themselves to die.

Although this can be discussed and dismissed as just an ancient horrible practise – this Exposure continues today in what some may label as metaphorical.

If Children are not given values, they are left EXPOSED.

When Children are not brought up in Jesus, they are left EXPOSED

When children are not raised on the Word of God, they are EXPOSED

• They are left exposed to a world that will take advantage of them
• Exposed to pornography
• Exposed to the same sex idea taught on television.
• Exposed to the idea that corruption is the easy way to get what you want
• Exposed to the idea of hate and discriminatory behaviour.

If you don’t teach them what is right, they are left out there on their own, and there is no telling what they will become. There will be an exposed generation, who died to their moral conscience, whose humanity will be corroded and whose ethic is long decomposed in all these things they are left exposed to. There happens to be a modern standard of parenting. Open your eyes and see where this is going to take us as a people.

PROVERBS 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

It seems good to be a Modern Parent, it is best to be Christian Parent.

I like the taste of good food and I appreciate anything that appeases my palate. Even a peanut butter sandwich makes me give out that “mmmh” hum of appreciation. I am going to have to go make one after typing this out. We normally compliment anything that satisfies our senses as good. Good music, good food, good book, and we even say today was a good day. Whatever good means, in any case, it has to do something exceptional. I know you have been to a Church where someone calls out the slogan “God is good”, and the whole church responds saying “All the time”. All the time?

God is described as GOOD several times in the scriptures. Consider Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble,…” The prophet Jeremiah writing about the Promise of Restoration says that praises will be given and songs will be sung saying “Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; His love endures forever” (Jeremiah 33:11). Thank you LORD Almighty, for you are good. Mmmh so good!

The Bible then goes further to give the comforting message to who does the LORD shows His goodness. The Scripture in Lamentations 3:25 says “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him…” It is a good thing to wait upon the Lord. It is a good thing to trust in the LORD always. He brings salvation to those who wait. He brings deliverance to those who would trust in Him who has never failed. Won’t He do it?

When we hope in the faithful LORD, we will soon have a satisfying taste of how good God is. The Psalmist David says “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8). This is not a trial and error situation. Rather it is an invitation to come to the LORD.

This is for you who have tried everything else but you have been left unsatisfied. You have sought joy in the material things of the world but still feel empty. You have tried to find happiness in people but you have been left wanting. You have sought for refuge in your own strength and might but you remain vulnerable. You thought accomplishments would afford you peace but to this day you remain unsettled. This is for you who have all the money but still cannot but the salvation of the soul. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Try this; I know for certain that you will like it.

The LORD is good. Mmmh so good I tell you. He is my rock. In Him I have found stability. He is my light. In Him I have found direction. He is the source of my strength. Through Him I can do all things. He is my life. In Him I have found purpose. He is my provider. I lack nothing of need. The LORD is my Healer. By His stripes, my soul is healed. The LORD is my resurrection. Even death worries me no more. The LORD is my SALVATION. All my sins are washed away, I’ve been redeemed. He is my Savior, My deliverer, My victory. Taste and see that the LORD is soooooo good.

The LORD is good. Mmmh so good.

Why is that many people insist on their rights but never deal with their wrongs? Have you noticed how morality has slipped these days? Have you observed how integrity is no longer craved for? Have you noted how we human beings rationalize our wrong-doing?

When King Saul of Israel blatantly disobeyed God by not destroying the livestock of the Amalekites, he insisted that he had a noble motive for his disobedience. He claimed that the cattle and the sheep would be good for sacrifice to the LORD, 1 Samuel 15:15. This might appear to be a noble motive to an ignorant observer, but it was seen by God as a blatant act of defiance. Samuel rebuked him,"To obey is better than sacrifice...because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He had rejected you as king," (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

WRONG IS WRONG. WRONG IS NEVER RIGHT. HERE ARE SOME THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT WRONG DOING:

1. WRONG IS WRONG EVEN IF YOU DO IT FOR AN APPARENTLY GOOD CAUSE.

• An honourable purpose does not justify a dishonourable deed. The end does not justify the means.
• Sin is sin no matter how hard we try to sanitize it.
• The devil gave Eve several good reasons to eat the forbidden fruit God did not consider it a joke,Genesis 3.

2. WRONG IS WRONG EVEN IF EVERYBODY IS DOING IT.

• Morality is not determined by a majority vote of sinners.
• God doesn't count noses and say if most people consider a dubious action to be acceptable, then He will be okay with it
• Exodus 23:3 says, "You shall not follow after a multitude to do evil." Peer pressure is hard to resist but for Jesus' sake we have to desist.
• King Solomon says, "Enter not into the path of the wicked and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it...," (Proverbs 4:14-15).

3. WRONG IS WRONG EVEN IF OTHERS ARE DOING WORSE THINGS.

• God does not measure sin on the sliding scale. He does not grade wickedness on a curve.
• In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Jesus noted that "some were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else," Luke 18:9-14.
• In the view of the Pharisee, the publican was despicable but he failed to see that he was nauseatingly self-righteous. The publican had a penitent heart.

4. WRONG IS WRONG EVEN IF IT DOESN'T BOTHER YOUR CONSCIENCE.

• The conscience can be violated so often that it can become insensitive to sin, (see 1 Timothy 4:2 "seered with a hot iron;" [calloused].
• Before the Apostle Paul converted to Christ, he made havoc of Christians because he thought they were anti-God, Acts 8:1-3. Paul's conscience never bothered him once during that time, Acts 23:1.
• In the view of the Pharisee, the publican was despicable but he failed to see that he was nauseatingly self-righteous. The publican had a penitent heart.

His conscience had been trained in the wrong way. Only later did he discover that he was actually an enemy of God by his violent acts towards Christians. Later he repented and obeyed the gospel.

5. WRONG IS WRONG EVEN IF YOU DON'T GET CAUGHT.

• Many sinful acts are committed by people who ought to know better.
• "Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil," John 3:19. Why? Under the cover of darkness people mistakenly think that if others don't detect their sinful acts, God won't see them either. Ah, the foolishness of humanity!
• Proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere keeping watch on the wicked and the good." See also Psalm 139:7-12. Darkness does not hide sin from the penetrating gaze of the Almighty.

6. WRONG IS WRONG EVEN IF YOU DON'T KNOW A PARTICULAR ACT IS WRONG OR IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IT TO BE WRONG.

• Both the ignorant and the misguided are not given immunity when they sin.
• Leviticus 4:13, "If the whole Israel community sins unintentionally [unwittingly] and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD'S commands, even though the community is unaware of the matter [ignorance], they are guilty."
• Paul says that when the Lord returns in judgment, "He will punish those who do not know and do not obey the gospel," 2 Thessalonians 1:8.

" God commands all men everywhere to come to repentance" - no excuse will be accepted, see Acts 17:30.

LET'S NOT FALL INTO THE TRAPS SET FOR US BY SATAN. HEAVEN IS TOO WONDERFUL TO MISS IT; AND HELL IS TOO HORRIBLE TO CONTEMPLATE. LET'S NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES. WE KNOW WHAT GOD WANTS. JUST DO IT!

Take your time. Don’t answer to quickly. You might end up saying something you don’t mean. Many of us will rush to say YES without much thinking if any at all.

Ever heard of the phrase “Talk is cheap”? It appears most applicable right here. Some things are just easier said than done.

Are you guilty of this? Don’t worry, you are not the only one. But I’m not saying you should feel good about it!

To do anything for God is a demonstration of a unique type of faith. So unique that when God finds it, it is accredited to you as righteousness. Abraham is one of those unique characters. The scripture says Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Gen 15:6, Rom 4:3).

Abraham did what many of us cannot begin to imagine ourselves doing, even if we live twice as long as he did. Let’s face it, we struggle and we are not ‘ready’ to do ‘anything’ for God, let alone ‘willing’ to do anything for Him. Yes, in most cases the willingness is not even there. Father Abraham is one of those good examples to follow. God says to him, get up and go to a land that I will show you (Gen 12:1). By faith he got up (Heb 11:8).

How many questions are going through your head right now? Questions you would want God to answer before you are convinced, not to get up and go, but to just to start entertaining the idea of going. God asked Abraham to go up Mt Moriah to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God. The man was always ready do anything for God even with the option to say NO and give numerous excuses. (Gen 22:1-19).

Are you able to match that? Are you ready/willing to give up your valuables, prized possessions and perhaps your all just because God asked you of it? I’m sure you are. You say it every time we sing hymn 662; All to Jesus I Surrender. On one occasion a certain ruler and I assume rich too, came to Jesus and asked “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Cut the long story short, Jesus answered “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me” (Luke 18:22). The man was sad and I assume he went back to his Nkandla with a long face. Peter one of the Disciples said to Jesus “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Matt 26:35). His words like many of ours lasted only a few hours. Just as Jesus had told him, he disowned Jesus when it was time for him to do ‘anything’ for God.

FEAR!! Fear tops the list why we are not ready/willing to do anything for God.

• We are doubtful of the outcomes should we decide to surrender all to Him.
• We are insecure about the promises of God even if He repeatedly says that He will always be with you. (Is He really with me?)
• We are afraid that we might not walk out of the ‘valley of the shadow of death’ alive.
• We are afraid that we will lose what we have worked hard for.
• We are afraid of what people would say.

When it was required of him to sell everything and give to the poor, the ruler was afraid of losing everything, so he held on to his earthly wealth. When given the opportunity to live up to his words,

Peter was afraid of death, and that made him to vehemently deny Jesus.

When we have more fear than faith, we are still a long way from doing anything for God.

Deal with your fears and see the glories of walking by faith in God.

Count it all JOY my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything - James 2:2-3

I decided to invest some time into a scripture that we are all familiar with. Personally I have read it several times, but this time it seemed to have a different nutritional value to the inner man. The last time I heard a phrase start with “Count…” what followed was “…your blessings and name them one by one”. This time around things turned out differently. James writes, encouraging the Church to consider it a reason to rejoice and be glad each time trials are encountered. In their immediate context, this was meant to encourage them to be strong in the face of persecution, the kind that took the lives of many believers. Yes, some people literally died for believing in Christ. Can you??

This is a slap in the face of the popularized superficial gospel preached from some pulpits. Contrary to popular belief, the Disciple’s walk is not one pampered and lavished with riches and wealth (only). The road gets rough and the going gets tough. On account of your faith, you will find yourself hard pressed from every side, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down (2 Cor 4:8). Storms will rage even carrying with them the threat and possibility of death. The enemy wages numerous battles against you, even during a time you feel that you need a break. Sometimes your life will go through a series of hardships one after the other. If it’s not one thing, then it’s the other, if it’s not this, then it definitely has to be that.

This may sound too dramatic, I know, but to some it really happens like that. Sometimes the sea is calm and the sailing is smooth, but do not be fooled. In the context of James 1:2, it is issued out as a guarantee that trials of various kinds will come your way. Faith testing situations are inevitable for believers. The writer expressly says “…whenever you face trials…” He does not say “if”. You can bear witness to this. From the day you decided to follow Christ, it has been a series of glorious mountain tops and cold dark valleys. At one time or another your back has buckled to the weight of a heavy cross you have had to carry. Christ said “whosoever wants to be my Disciple should deny him/herself and carry his/her cross daily (Luke 9: 23).

This is what this scripture is all about. A calm assurance that the path you chose will expose you to thorns and thistles that will make life uncomfortable and faith uneasy. So often there is temptation to cut corners, make compromises or even quit the faith. Many times also trials make us angry and frustrated towards God. Many believers will opt to get out of such situations as quickly as possible. Some people have never developed what it takes to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and so they would prefer to go around it, or ask God to have them go over it (PSALMS 23).

All it really takes is faith that perseveres, knowing that the LORD GOD is with you through it all. To help you when you need it the most, pick you up when you fall, give you strength when yours is failing, and if need be shield your life from death’s snare.

James says all your troubles, trials, tribulations, pains, struggles, persecutions, hardships are a valid reason for you to rejoice. If you were looking for a reason to shout a halleluiah and lift up praises to God, just start counting. It would appear that James was out of his mind to write this, but Peter echoed the same encouragement in 1 Peter 4:13. Not them alone, but the Apostle Paul resounded the same message, not once but numerous times. One outstanding passage is Romans 5:3-5 - More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Trials and tribulations are not allowed into your life to break you, humiliate you and eventually destroy you. They are meant to build you. Needless to say, the word says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…” (Rom 8:28).

The trials mentioned therein are of various kinds and not limited to a selected few. This is to say that all your pains, troubles and predicaments are reason enough to praise God. Family problems, Health issues, marriage challenges, disobedient children, work related problems, grief, school related challenges, persecution for your faith, seemingly insufficient budget, peer pressure, strong temptations… and the list goes on.

When you go through these things, either at once or one at a time, count it all joy, knowing that these are but tests to your faith. Faith that is not tested cannot be trusted. Under the pressure of these things, the true colours of your faith life will be revealed.

• When your faith is tested and proven genuine, it will result in God’s glory when Jesus is revealed (1Peter 1:7)
• When your faith remains strong, it will bring you much glory, honour and when you have completed the race.(Is He really with me?)

How refreshing is it to know that God is interested in you so much that He is willing to work on improving you, building you, and helping you mature in your faith. To do so, He allows trials that will test you, to prove you to be the real deal (Are you??).
So:

• Avoid trying and get out of anything prematurely. Learn to learn.
• Let perseverance do its work so that you become mature.
• Learn to persevere through the hardships, because the present suffering is nothing compared to the glories that suffice after.
• Keep your eyes on the prize. Focus on what you will get out the whole situation.
• Don’t count what you will lose during the trial, but count what you will gain when the storm has calmed.

If you desire to mature in your faith, this is one lesson you need to take to heart. You don’t get it right all the time, I’m sure that’s reasonable. You are a work in progress. You are being matured by every trial and tribulation. Your character is being moulded into the shape that gives glory to God, and also prepares you for the glories of God’s eternal kingdom.

You are still immature if you mourn, and whine, grumble and murmur at every trial and tribulation. You have some growing up to do.

You are maturing if you don’t get it right all the time but you know so well to count those times things weren’t so well as a blessing.

Learn to learn from the trials and tribulations of various kinds. There is something to be learnt in the midst of your trials. Rejoice in them, again I say rejoice.