Hebrews 6:19

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

1 Peter 2:13-17

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

Psalm 42:11

Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Philippians 1:8

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 15:7

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

Proverbs 16:8

Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice.

2023, In Closing

As we approach yet another new year 2024, I reflected upon my life for this year 2023. In closing off this chapter, my personal key takeaway from the various experiences that I had to get through is putting the interests of others above my own (Philippians 2:3), deny myself and take up the cross daily (Luke 9:23) and know that my struggles with sin have not reached the point of shedding my blood (Hebrews 12:4).

As I enter into 2024, I can only rely on the grace of GOD to get through each day as I strive to trust, obey and wait upon His Will being revealed in my life and the roles that He has assigned to me to undertake. It would not be easy but my confidence is the LORD would be with me every step of the way.

Praying that my faith in the LORD can be enhanced as He put me through different circumstances of life ahead. 🙏🏽

From Darkness Into Light

 You, Lord, keep my lamp burning;

my God turns my darkness into light.

- Psalm 18:28

The Whole Duty of Man

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. 

- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

GOD's Final Word to us

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

- Hebrews 1:1-2

Trust Him

So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.

- John 21:5-6

The Grace of GOD

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

                                                                                                                - Titus 2:11-14

So You May Know...

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

- 1 John 5:13

Children of GOD

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

- John 1:12

GOD's Grace

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

- Ephesians 2:8-9

GOD's Love

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

- Romans 5:8

Free Gift of GOD

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

- Romans 6:23

All Have Sinned

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

- Romans 3:23

All for the Gospel

I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

- 1 Corinthians 9:23

End of the Road for 2022

Another year is coming to the end of the road as we approach 31^st December. For some of us, 2022 is a year of loss of loved ones while for others, 2022 is a year of welcoming additional new family members. Whatever it may be, our physical lives would definitely arrive at the end of the road one day (Romans 6:23). This is a solemn fact that we know of but often place it at the back of our heads. Nevertheless, in the midst of this, we can have hope because the LORD said so and made it so by revealing His Righteousness in the Son He gave to all who believes – Jesus Christ as prophesied in the Bible, His Holy Word to all of us (John 3:16).

As a fellow human being, I learned from the Bible that we are dead in our transgressions against GOD (Ephesians 2:1), Who is the Holy One and Righteousness Judge who punishes sin. The Judgment Day awaits (Revelation 11:18). As a dead soul, I can never be able to save myself at all. There can never a Rest In Peace (R.I.P.) for me because the Bible is showing to its readers that I would be burning in the hell of fire if I do not put on the Righteousness provided by Christ (Revelations 21:8).  a close walk with my LORD in 2023 and beyond.

R for Recalcitrant vs. Redeemed

Throughout this year, I found myself being recalcitrant in my living for GOD and often willfully sinned against Him. Now as I think back over my life in 2022, I am convinced more than ever that I am not capable of living the Christian life based on my own willpower and effort. I need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in order to choose the right way of living the life before my LORD. That is to be living like a redeemed soul always. I need to know that I absolutely have no standing before GOD without Christ. Therefore, to be living like a redeemed soul requires me to pray unceasingly (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

I for Ironical vs. Instructed

In 2022, I struggled with sins and displeased GOD numerous times. It is ironic because I tend to choose the things that I do not want to do over the things that I should do (Romans 7:21-23). Is it because I have forgotten about GOD? If that is the case, how can I remember GOD's goodness towards me so that I may not sin against Him? The Bible says to hide His Word in my heart (Psalm 119:11). Instead of letting my life be ironic, I am actually instructed by GOD through His Word to live rightly (Micah 6:8). The action to undertake will be to commit His Word to my long-term memory and to practise His Word in my life daily. Walking in tune with His Spirit in close fellowship and praying along the way can help me to walk down the right path.

P for Pitiful vs. Peaceful

When I knew how I should be living in 2022 and yet, I found myself living in the condemned manner described in the Bible, it really is a pitiful sight. I am such a wreck. The good news is there is hope because the LORD in His Graciousness offers me a peaceful way of life by instructing me through His Holy Spirit not to be anxious in anything but in everything by prayer and petition, present my requests to Him and He will allow the Peace of GOD that transcends all understanding to guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). Thus, I can choose to be peaceful instead of pitiful by staying in conversations with my LORD.

Being a believer is a privilege because I can truly rest in peace with the LORD. I am right before Him (Zechariah 3:1-6) not because of what I had done (Isaiah 64:6) but because of what Christ has done for my soul (Romans 5:8). Regeneration progresses me to Justification and my responsibility now is to work in tandem with the Holy Spirit for the Sanctification process (Philippians 2:12-13). It does not mean a smooth sailing life ahead but it does mean that I would be experiencing the abundant life that Jesus had talked about in John 10:10. As I begin at the start of a new road in 2023, I want to be assured by the Holy Spirit that I am redeemed, instructed for a true peaceful faith journey in the LORD.

Have a blessed new year 2023. GOD Bless. 

Be Wise & Discerning

 

Return to GOD

 

Sow to Reap

 

Jonah & Jesus

 

Loyalty & Mercy

 

The Knowledge of GOD

 

Praying with Confidence

 

Keep Praying

The Source of Love

Not of the World

GOD is Light

 

Know GOD to love others

From 2021 to 2022

Once again, we have arrived the end of the year and the New Year 2022 is just around the corner. 2021 has been the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic and it has been the year of vaccination for many. Personally, I had gone through three shots of COVID-19 vaccines (two standard shots with one booster shot). Even so, in all honesty, I still do not feel that I am not going to be infected with COVID-19 virus although I have to admit that the risk of dying from COVID-19 has been mitigated effectively, at least from the surface.

Time is life and it goes on with or without this pandemic that is looming over all of us. Thinking through how my life has been in 2021, I must say that I have to give thanks to the LORD for watching over me and my family, seeing us through each day of our lives. It is all by the grace of GOD which gives me the hope to face the challenges of my life. The struggles of walking in the flesh versus walking in the Spirit tarries on but one thing that I know I can hold on to is GOD’s forgiveness, love and mercy towards me. Not that I should take His grace for granted but I am becoming more aware of how weak I am and truly how much I am in desperate need of His grace demonstrated in Christ to be able to come before His presence.

Though He slay me,

I will hope in Him.

Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.

This also will be my salvation,

For a godless person cannot come before His presence.

- Job 13:15-16

Only by Christ can I enter into GOD’s presence. Apart from Christ, I can do nothing because I am nothing but dust who is not even worthy to come before GOD. And dust will I return (Job 34:14-15, Ecclesiastes 3:20). In Christ, I now am able to come before GOD but on this side of heaven, my struggles of walking rightly with GOD are still very much alive. This is why I need to continue to practise penitence and obedience to GOD’s word daily as mentioned by Zophar the Naamathite:

If wrongdoing is in your hand, put it far away,

And do not let malice dwell in your tents;

Then, indeed, you could lift up your face without moral blemish,

And you would be firmly established and not fear.

For you would forget your trouble;

Like waters that have passed by, you would remember it.

Your life would be brighter than noonday;

Darkness would be like the morning.

Then you would trust, because there is hope;

And you would look around and rest securely.

-          Job 11:14-18

This is the area I would need to focus on not just in 2021 but also in 2022 and beyond, depending on the number of days that GOD has ordained me to live. In the coming New Year, there is the need for continued focus on the sanctification process in my Christian living before GOD (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). This is truly what GOD’s will is and I need to understand it (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Granted, GOD is never obligated to bless anyone even if one stays true to penitence and obedience to Him a hundred percent (not that anyone can be so perfect in doing so in the first place!) because we all have fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Therefore, there are definitely opportunities for GOD to pronounce sufferings on me which may or may not due to my disobedience. My response would have to be one that echoes Job 13:15, Though He slays me, I will hope in Him because He is my Only Hope.

As I approach 2022, I would like to be arriving with the constant meditation of the Gospel. Let’s remind ourselves once again the What, Who, When, Where, Why, How of this Good News:

What?

The Good News is about Jesus Christ. Christmas Day commemorates His Life, Good Friday commemorates His Death and Easter Day commemorates His Resurrection. This is like a 3-part trilogy series and all three events come together to tell the complete story of why only Jesus Christ is the spiritual vaccine approved and endorsed by GOD. 100% effective and proven over a long history of at least 2000 years. He is Our Only Hope.

Who?

Jesus Christ is the main character in the Good News because He is the Son of GOD (Luke 1:35) and the Son of Man (Mark 10:45). These dual identities prove that Jesus is fully GOD and fully Man at the same instance. Because of these dual identities that Jesus is, He is the Only person to be able to fulfil the role of atonement for all of us. Being fully GOD, Jesus is sinless and being fully man, He represents all of us before GOD. When Jesus lived out a sinless life and yet died on the Cross for our sins as punished by GOD, He atoned for all of us and saved our souls from GOD’s judgement on us.

When?

The happening of this good news segregated our human history to two different distinct eras – Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD) which means in the year of the LORD. My view is that this shows us that GOD is highlighting the importance of the person of Jesus in history. No other prominent human figure had been noted to split human history to different eras. A special time destined by GOD as spelt out by the Bible in Galatians 4:4-5.

Where?

Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem, located in Palestine in His day. This is also mentioned in the word of GOD, Micah 5:2.

Why?

GOD is Holy and the Righteous Judge and He is angry with the wicked (all of us) everyday (Psalm 7:11). We as humans have sinned and fallen short of GOD’s glory (Romans 3:23). Because GOD made us, He own us and when we rebel (spiritual pandemic), we would bear the consequences that GOD has in place for us. GOD is impartial and so we are sure that we are going to be punished by Him for our rebelliousness. That punishment is the decimation of our souls in the lake of fire (Revelations 20:14-15). There is no escape route for all of us until GOD destined Jesus Christ, His Son to be the Only Hope of Salvation (1 Timothy 2:5) for us. Because of GOD’s love, grace is now extended to those of us who put our faith in Christ.

How?

How is the good news possible? The good news exists because of GOD’s love for all of us. Even though, GOD being Holy and the Righteous Judge cannot leave sin unpunished but GOD being love provided the only way for all of us to be pardoned and to be reconciled in our relationship with Him. The scene of Jesus being crucified at the cross had shown to all of us that GOD is the Righteous Judge who punishes sin and also that GOD is love by sacrificing His Only Son so that His Grace can be extended to all who believe in Jesus to be adopted as His children. Christians (the followers of Christ) are always thankful to GOD that He has provided all of us a way to salvation although it would have been much easier for GOD to just pronounce judgement directly instead. We are amazed that GOD could provide even this one and only way and it satisfied all of his characters – being Holy & Righteous and also being a GOD of love and mercy all at the same time.

A simple quote about our human life in general:

Life is Short,

Death is Sure.

Sin the Cause,

Christ the Cure.

Everyone needs Christ. As Christians, we need Christ to be the model of our lives so that we can strive to be like Him in how we behave towards others. To do so, we all need to preach the Gospel to ourselves afresh daily. The goal of Christian Living is to see GOD face to face and hear His praise that we are His good and faithful servants. Let’s press on in living out this goal in 2022.

Have a Blessed New Year.

Learning to be Content

When Anxious, Pray...

To Know Christ

Prove to be children of GOD

Consider Others Above Myself

Live & Suffer for Christ

Blameless before GOD

The King of Heaven

Even if He does not...

The Kingdom of GOD

Be Undefiled

 

Remember

Transiting from 2020 to 2021

As we come to the end of 2020, we attest to the fact that 2020 is a pandemic year. The global pandemic of COVID-19 has definitely thrown everyone off this year. However as a Christian, I truly believe that GOD has ordained COVID-19 to serve His Purpose. Therefore, Christians should not despair because of the sufferings or inconvenience that come about with COVID-19. The simple reason is GOD is Sovereign (Job 42:2, Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 45:7-9, Matthew 19:26) and so even if COVID-19 makes you sick and weak and / or it render you unemployed becoming poor and hungry, Christians have to trust GOD (Matthew 6:25-34). Many times, Christians worry just like the others of this world and this type of modus operandi is one used by our enemy, the devil. He seeks to cause doubt in our GOD (Genesis 3:1) and the fear of death in our hearts (Philippians 1:21). Just as when Christ, the Son of GOD was revealed, the devil sought to incite doubts through temptations (Matthew 4:1-11) and eventually to kill Him on the Cross (John 19:17-18).

 

But this verse which recorded what Christ had said is apt:

 

"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

- Matthew 10:28

 

Yes, we are going through hard times but remember that GOD is in full control because through Christ's Work on the Cross, He has already proven that He is able to redeem us from the most dire situations ever. In my humble opinion, GOD ordained COVID-19 to come to pass because He wants all of us as the people of His Kingdom to refocus upon Him. The question remains if we truly believe that GOD is Sovereign over all matters under the sun (Ecclesiastes 6:1-2).

In this pandemic year, I faced with many challenges and by the Grace of GOD, He has seen my family and I through the year. Giving thanks to the LORD is the posture I undertake for the most part of this year. In expressing my gratitude to my LORD, I soon realized that I have absolutely no control over the situations of my life at all but GOD does (Proverbs 19:21). GOD calls the shot, not me and this is my learning point for 2020. Accepting this point reveals to me the need to deny myself, take up the Cross daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). This sums up the meditation of my life in 2020 as I handle work and family, playing the roles of a counsellor, a husband and a father. The challenges are immense but I now came to the realization that if I look beyond myself, my own needs under the sun, then I would be able to seek GOD’s Kingdom and Righteousness (Matthew 6:33) first Where He exists beyond the sun (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). This thus would be the moment when I am truly living out the Purpose of GOD which is to shape me to be more Christlike and, in this regard, to put others’ interests above my own (Philippians 2:3-5) - the goal of Christian living.

O Christians, may we learn how to seek first GOD’s Kingdom and Righteousness always in 2021 and remember that we are Heaven’s Citizens passing through this earth for a limited period of time. Let our time on earth be spent fulfilling the Will of our Abba Father by echoing what Jesus said (John 4:34). Have a Blessed New Year ahead. 🙏🏽

Change of Heart Needed