Meditation: August 31

“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; (10) and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power”. Colossians 2:9-10

Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher who announced the death of God placed his emphasis on the strength of the human personality. “Relinquishing the belief in God opens the way for human creative abilities to fully develop.” “The Christian, he wrote, “would no longer stand in the way, so human beings might stop turning their eyes towards a supernatural realm and begin to acknowledge the value of this world.” His idea was that “will power is the essence of reality”.

Today, the death of the God which is expressed through a shift in values is proclaimed even while using religious language.  Asserting oneself and accentuating the positive while eliminating the negative supposedly have freed individuals from the bondage of their past. There is a super-human being on the scene that can control the activities of their god and create their own destinies. “If it is to be, it is up to me” has become the motto for daily living. God is about developing the human personality in ways far beyond the wildest dreams of Nietzsche. He thought it was possible to find one’s life while Jesus is about one losing his life that he might find it in Him. The aggression of egotistical behavior contributes to the destruction of the human race rather than the development of society. People are too busy trying to get for themselves what they want rather than having a true concern for God’s agenda and glorifying Him by giving Him what He requires. Listen more carefully to the message of this age or this world system, even in religious circles and you will hear this opposing gospel message seeping into the very center of what is being proclaimed. Only God can complete man and we are complete only in Him. He reigns over the things contributing to the conditions of man’s fragmentation. No one can rescue himself. All are in need of help. All are in need of God who is yet alive and well!

Meditation: July 18

“You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” Job 42:3

We all have spoken before we had given thought to what we should say.  Those words were merely from the top of heads and not words from the depth of our hearts. These words we live to regret if we ever develop a humble and a tender heart. It is the wisdom of God that tames our words enabling us to speak wisdom. When we have taken the time to seek the Lord in prayer and meditate over who He is and what He has done, we are more careful to think before we speak. Many a people have been misled by counsel that generated from the resources of the hearts of unregenerate men. They have listened to the counsel of the ungodly, even among the religious, and have followed the course that leads to destruction of the character and souls. God’s counsel is shrouded by the careless opinions and faulty interpretations of men. The Word of Truth is very precious. When we realize its true value we will seek it with greater diligence and treasure it above the value of silver and gold.

Meditation: June 28

“The ordinary and disreputable people who heard John, by being baptized by him into the kingdom, are the clearest evidence.” Luke 7:29 (MSG)

When ordinary and common people are awakened to the message, the clearest evidence is presented. It is not the theologians or religious experts who will readily embrace the truth. They have to work their way through too many intellectual arguments before their hearts are finally penetrated. Not that we should close our minds and blindly feel our way into faith. But there is a place deep within the soul that can identify with the Truth and serve as the cause for rejoicing. The void is filled there. What has been missing is finally placed in the deep hole that nothing else was able to fill. Ordinary people are more aware of their need than those who are self-confident, pious, and proud. They need everything while the proud need nothing. They seek out a better and more fulfilling life while most aristocrats only need an addendum to what they have already received. There will be a major movement among the ordinary people and those who were hopeless. They will see the Light sought after but never realized. Their response will be genuine because they have nowhere else to turn. Yes, Christ is for losers. Unless we lose our lives, we will never find eternal life. Otherwise we will be embracing a false security plunging rather than rising thinking we have arrived.

Meditation: June 15

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:5

The course that many have chosen is one of sensationalism and entertainment. Their religious experience is none other than a palatable and rhythmic sound to lull their consciences to sleep while their hearts are further hardened against the truth. The rebuke of the wise is a wake up call to attention among the masses which are in a drunken stupor intoxicated by worldly passions. It is the awakening to God’s Truth convicting the soul in order for the Holy Spirit to turn them from darkness to light. It is the truest expression of God’s love dispelling ignorance to God’s ways thus leading towards an expected end. It is the rebuke, not merely the words of affirmation and consolation that redirects the course of the wayward traveler. We must know where we may have strayed if we are ever to return to the perfect path. Many would merely listen to the song, the lullaby of fools. When the music comes to an end, would our eyes be fixed on the prize of the high calling of God? Truth is often painful to begin with, but it eventually becomes the salve to heal the wound that it causes.

Meditation: April 2

 “Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.'” Matthew 21:12-17

When Jesus arrived at the seat of both religious and political power, He confronted religious authorities as being “a den of thieves.” When Jerusalem was robbed of an environment conducive for spiritual renewal their leaders were indicted by Jesus as thieves. Religious leaders were using their followers as merchandise to be traded for profit, and their souls were both hungry and lost. An atmosphere of greed reproduces after its own kind. It spreads like a contagious disease thus hindering those who would otherwise listen.  They would rather gravitate in the direction of their instructions. Jesus did not approach the civic leader s first. He confronted religious leaders for their perverse ways. The house erected with the intent of worship must first become a house of prayer. If the priorities are misaligned, the activities will be dishonorable. The confrontation followed the coronation among those who recognized Him as King. The Lord is determined to have what He desires. His communion with the Father was the source of His strength as the Son of Man. The Church will be as strong as she is consistent in prayer from which all other activities must find their origin.

April 2015 Article: “The Beauty of Jesus’ Life”

Isaiah 53:2 “For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.”

What appeals to the natural man? Certainly it is not pain and suffering, nor is it a person who appears as a failure for going against the grains of society. One who appeared as a maverick in His times, but who seemed to deserve everything that happened to Him. Life is all too often judged by events isolated from its ultimate purpose. The question generally asked is, “what shall I do” rather than “why shall I do it.” Beauty is the development of a person—the blossoming of a flower from an apparent seedling into a radiant bouquet. When it possesses the potential to reproduce after its own kind, it becomes all the more glorious. Likewise, Jesus was despised and rejected in His own time and among His own people. Their perception of His life did not measure up to their expectations of instant gratification. Therefore, it should not be strange to us that in our time, the appearance of beauty with its fading glory has more appeal than the time tested truth which to most has become passé.

Rather than just reading the story of the crucifixion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, have you ever asked the question, why was He crucified? He died because He did not fit into the mood and trends of a society that was bent on opposing the value of God’s creation. His lack of flexibility set Him on a collision course with humanity, inclusive of rulers and religious leaders who interpreted life differently than what He was sent to introduce to them. He did not say, “I am come that you might understand how to enhance your lifestyles and become successful in your endeavors.” He said, “I Am come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly.” First life had to be attained before it could be lived. Those who opposed the law of God were the living dead who existed in their trespasses and sins. They were completely separated from the life of God. It was impossible for them to know their purpose because they were incapable of knowing the purpose for life itself.

Life is too precious to waste. Some people live their entire lives never knowing why they were ever born. The tragedy of pride is the opinion that you can never be wrong. Life then comprises of attempts to protect one’s own perception and transform their lie into a truth. It is only at the end of life that they discover that lies are not transformable. The truth then testifies against them that their lives were meaningless. The offense of the original sin of Adam develops into the corrupting factor that governs the lives of every individual, void of the knowledge of God, has created a culture of death. But His life is the antidote to man’s self-destruction. “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” Isaiah 53:4. His life was given as a substitute for what we deserved. Yet, the very God whose wrath is directed against sin and rebellion was viewed as a means of self-justification and judgment against His supposed error.

The beauty of the life of Jesus is what blossomed in the lives of those who He lived His life through. Even though the culture crucified Him as it does today, He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, sent His Spirit down from heaven to earth, and now reveals Himself for the rebuilding of broken lives without purpose and void of hope. You are reading this message because His desire is to give you His life and live in you. Yes, He died by the hands of an angry mob reflecting the attitude and disposition of His times. But He rose from the dead to live forever and give eternal life to you.

Meditation: March 22

“Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” James 1:18

It was not as the result of skills or ingenuity that we were presented on the scene possessing the qualities the world is in desperate need. In due time, God presents to the world His solution to its greatest challenges through a people who have been qualified to speak life into the culture of death. Yet none can take the credit for what is spoken or demonstrated. It is His awesome power on public display. Within His own time He raises up a people who are qualified to speak the truth in love. When the righteous are raised in power all things are in the process of being restored. Only the truth spoken in love is a basis for God’s order to replace the confusing philosophies of religious gurus who twist the truth to their own whims. All of creation awaits the manifestation of those who would be willing to stand for the truth at all cost. Then there will be the dawning of a new day of liberty from the bondage of corruption.

March 2015 Article: “Changing Times and Law”

Daniel 7:25 “He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.”

“Times have changed, so you might as well get on board with it.”
“This is a new day; people to do not think nor feel that way anymore.”

These sentiments, along with many others, are all too familiar phrases that have become the conversation of our times. Timeless truths have become archaic and replaced with jargon that often embarrasses weak individuals into a position of compromise. No longer is it considered cursing to blatantly use God’s name in vain; in fact, God or Jesus are names that are edited out while profanity is proudly and openly pronounced. Daniel prophetically viewed this day long before we entered into it. People speak pompous words while finite man matches his wits against the infinite God. A theory based upon an experiment in pursuit of relative information holds a tighter grip over the minds of students attending institutions of higher learning. Things must make sense to the person before they can be given any consideration. These occurrences are not merely coincidental, but a part of the strategic plan of God’s enemy, Satan. When the profane is legislated into law and ratified by those who are in power, there is no question as to whether those who agree threaten God to show His hand and question whether He still has the power to do so. Pompous words are full of pretense and the false projection of having the answers to every question and knowing everything there is to know. The proud hide behind their language and their ignorance is camouflaged by their abilities to express their futilities.

“They shall persecute the saints of the Most High.” This is the message to the saints regarding the lifestyle they have chosen. Those who contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints stand in the way of their preferences. Unfortunately, many have not merely chosen the life that they live, but rather, know no other way. These are the children of the children of disobedience that grew up in an environment of rebellion. Believe it or not, the saints are being persecuted today. They are being silenced locally, even in Egypt where 21 were recently beheaded and arrested as hatemongers for rebuking sinful acts. Although the persecution has intensified over time, it has gone unnoticed by many who refuse to engage in any controversy. They play it safe by merely saying what people wish to hear and entertaining the crowd. In Northern Nigeria, the Middle East, and many other regions, religious persecution is dominating the headlines of the news. This is that day where the Word of God must be preached even in an unpopular season. The cost of discipleship requires self-denial and taking up a cross of conflict and the spiritual sensitivity to fully follow the Lord Jesus Christ in His mission.

‘But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. (27) Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’ Daniel 7:26-27

God will have the final word! He will unseat those who presently reign in life and establish His rule among the people of the earth, and His reign shall be forever and His kingdom an everlasting kingdom! Do not be deceived by appearances. God will not be silent as His opposition is now giving voice to their opinions.

Meditation: January 15

“And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:15

The rush towards the promise without patience to endure the interval trials is giving expression to doubt and unbelief. Those careless movements are usually met with disappointments with self as well as with God. Misunderstandings arise concerning God’s character of love and concern when one caves in while engaged in the battle.  This happens when Christ is not being seen and known throughout all of the circumstances of life. Faith requires one to believe in God and what He has promised even before the evidence is present. His desire is to reveal Himself through His Word that is able to withstand every crisis met along the way. His Word is truth and can outlive the lies of Satan. The bump in the road was not a roadblock but a stepping –stone leading towards the life that lies ahead. There are times when there is nothing left but His promises and pressures. The pressures may try to shroud the promise but the promises are true regardless of the amount of pressure. Perhaps this could be the path of authentic faith being developed within one’s life. Many need to be weaned from the ineffective pop religious messages that create a state of euphoria, directing their confidence towards themselves rather than towards knowing God. It is not what we escape always, but what we go through that marks the measure of true faith. The promise is on the other side of the challenge. He teaches us to endure whatever may come our way. When we are yet standing firm after the battle is over, we stand in victory before Almighty God.

2015, The Year Of Spiritual Awakening

Defining moments have shifted the world so that radical changes are necessary. As Thomas Paine once said concerning his day, “these are times that try men’s souls.” The challenges of our times will either bring the best or the worse out of us. It all depends on the dominant features that identify our character as to which will manifest. We were born for such a time as this and all of the past experiences have brought us to this very moment. Yet, we are not alone…God has and continues to speak clearly as His message continues to resonate from the days of old addressing each phase of man’s existence. Nothing happens without a cause and a clear message directing us to rightly address the cause if we can rightly interpret the message. Our souls are on trial in order to weigh the measure of Truth contained within each of us. If any individual is oriented more in the direction of the lie propagated by the spirit of this age and world system, his mind, will, and emotions will be judged in favor of the prevailing view. But if the Truth has registered deep within his heart, he will see that the development of the temporal will perish when the spiritual awakening occurs.

We don’t have to mention every event occurring today in order to prove that the world is rapidly changing. These major shifts in activities continue to lead towards a shift in policies. Government is busy trying to keep up with changes while there is no law to blanket each and every change. The long lines at the airport security checkpoints, posters prohibiting and allowing firearms, selective anti-discrimination laws, selective restrictions on free speech, and the list goes on…The cycle of less government while creating a police state is the contradiction of a nation excluding God from its equation while attempting to remain religious. Even the anti-religious practice their religion of atheism and humanism, which are extended forms of self-worship. The endless cycle of man trying to find himself by himself while searching merely inside of himself increases the frustration while proving, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.” Romans 7:18

The efforts of the past have led to deeper levels of frustration. None of the things sought after could produce satisfaction and contentment. The spiritual gurus have produced a false sense of security among those who believe their false promises of success and contentment void of the struggle for a righteous standard. Even where the gifts of the Spirit have manifested, many have remained deficient in pursuing deeper levels of spiritual intimacy with God. God says to them, “you have used My power in order to attain your personal glory, but I do not know you.”

True contentment is of the utmost importance and can only occur through a spiritual awakening. As we enter into the year 2015, our primary challenge to the Church is to awaken righteousness and rise victoriously. The world is in need of what the God offers through His Church, not the compromised congregations that have already succumbed to the pressures of conformity by viewing His precious Word through the jaundiced eyes of self-serving interests. But rather, a people willing to live, and if necessary, die for a standard that must be raised if the succeeding generations are ever to know and live the truth. Yes, these are the times that try men’s souls. The loyalty of true soldiers is being proven while the summertime soldiers are waiting for a convenient time to engage in battle. As we take our positions and guard our posts, let the spiritually awakened sound the alarm so that all others may prepare for the battle for the soul of this generation. The flesh, the world, and devil believe that we have lost this one, but in time, we will prove them wrong!