THE PONDER SERIES #13 - (CHALLENGING YOUR MIND WITH THE WORD) - GOD'S COMMENDATION IS BEST

The natural man has a fondness for peer approval. We all do want it in some form or another. The world has set a system of commendation from the intellectual to the mundane; the Nobel Prize to the Oscars. People want their accomplishments validated and applauded. Nothing wrong with a good, honest and reasonable dose of praise. But sometimes, it gets too far when all manner of scheming and desperate measures become a part of seeking such commendation.

The result is often a ‘people’ influenced projects, causes and works. Sincerity is no longer a measure of one’s work but winning at all cost becomes the focus. Yet inspite of all these various forms of validation, the scriptures teach us about the true worth of any man’s work. Unlike the world’s applause that is not concerned with motive (and often can’t tell) it is not so with God.

BUT PONDER on what God says” There is going to come at Christ’s Judgement Day to see what kind of material each builder has used. Everyone’s work will be put through fire so that all can see whether or not it keeps its values and what was really accomplished. Then every workman who has built on the foundation with the right materials and whose works still stands will get his pay” 1 Corinthians 3.13-14. Living Bible.

In other words, everyone’s work will be judged to see if it passes the test of motive. Furthermore, the Bible teaches us not to be so quick to enthrone self approval except God has indeed done that.” When someone boasts about himself and how well he has done, it doesn’t count for much but when the Lord commends him, that’s different” 2 Corinthians 10.18. Living Bible.

So how can we know if indeed we are approved of God? Well, the easiest way is to ask yourself if you are doing what He asked you in the way he instructed. Are you living by the code of the world in order to seek their praise? Would all that you are doing pass the God test even though you passed the ‘people test’. God said this of Abraham “FOR I KNOW HIM that he will command his children and his household after him and they shall keep the way f the LORD, to do justice and judgement” Genesis 18.19KJV (emphasis mine)

Can God give this commendation of you? Regardless of what you are engaged in today (good not bad), if God does not approve, it amounts to nothing. Heaven is not moved first by works but by the pureness of heart (motive) and then the correct form of works will follow from an obedient heart. Take stock of your life with the help of the Holy Spirit so that you will not while on this earth have a life that was not satisfactory to God. For in the end, that is really what counts.

THE PONDER SERIES # 12 - OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS THE FOUNDATION OF VICTORY

All over the news and our daily experiences, we know that these times we live in are indeed challenging. Despite the rise of more intellectual proficiency yet the world is growing in wickedness of inconceivable dimension and having its impact in huge problems that defy logic.

 The signs are there for the discerning mind that the challenges we face can’t be resolved by our dependence on the mind alone yet we keep going at it like the ‘ostrich’ burying our heads in the ‘sands’ and expecting that the solutions will come up like the ‘big bang’ myth.

NO! NEVER! The excesses we experience are a direct consequence of the hearts of men growing in self righteousness rather than Christeousness; the love of man above the love for God. Is it any wonder the problems defy solutions? BUT PONDER on what God says “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”2 Tim 3.4NKJV. A world in love with the glorification of self is a sign of disobedience to God and therefore opens itself to wrong influences.

Obedience is key to our relationship with God because it signifies trust, reverence, faith and love. It is crucial to victory. As we listen and act on His Word, we shall prosper in all things in righteousness (Josh.1.8)”Behold to obey is better than sacrifice....for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft”1 Sam.15.22-23.NKJV. No one is exempted. Saul and Moses were men of destiny but that ended abruptly because they didn’t follow through on what God had instructed. Are you listening and acting on God’s Word or living by your own wisdom. Don’t be compliant in part but in whole for in the end,the results of disobedience have unpleasant consequences whether on a nation or individual.

God knows the BIG PICTURE and His way is the only WAY (John 14.6). If the world is not listening, don’t do the same. Joseph, Paul and Daniel distinguished themselves in their nations. Whatever we desire of God – doing what He asks of us in His way is basic to experiencing our breakthrough. BREAKING NEW – THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS OR QUICK FIXES WITH GOD ONLY OBEDIENCE!!!

THE PONDER SERIES #11 - THE POWER OF GOD'S LOVE

 Our world is increasingly filled with frightening events as famine, wars, terrorism, recession, immorality, economic and systemic collapse – the boundaries of what was once the familiar fabric of society is coming apart. World leaders are jostling to find solutions (which seem very illusive). The impact on anyone naturally is a great pressure on emotional stability leading sometimes to depression, mental illness and sickness.

These are indeed extremely challenging times. How can we cope in a world that is rapidly descending into dangerous times- politically, socially, economically and relational. The breaking news is that the solution does not lie in the various summits and reports for the contradictions of the human mind are huge. BUT PONDER on what The Word tells us about this. Jesus spoke to his disciples about His presence in their lives “and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly and on every occasion) to the (very) close and consummation of age”Matt.28.20.Amp.

That Presence is His LOVE that envelopes us in a protective way to give us comfort, direction and security no matter what we each face. That LOVE is perfect to separate us from the genuine concerns we have that often causes fear.”There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect”1Jn.4.18NKJV. God’s LOVE is secure to drive way threatening thoughts that tend to cripple us in fear and therefore unable to make the right decisions. It helps us see the way forward, providing strength for the journey.

It was the understanding  and experience of this LOVE ( letting go of my fears) to trust Him that was instrumental to the turnaround in my life – restoring me to facing each day with inner confidence, boldness and assurance that despite the daily challenges, I come through in Triumph.

Do we always know what is ahead? NO! But take HOLD of this truth because GOD LOVES YOU. The only experience recorded by your name in Heaven is VICTORY. Therefore, you alone must seize that truth and run with it in dealing with ALL issues. Abide in HIS LOVE always. It is indeed perfect!