Positioned

by Eileen Thugi | Aug 12, 2020 | Blog

Take your position.

⁴ Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1).”

As sure as the planets are positioned strategically to orbit the Sun, so are we placed according to God’s Purpose. Nothing has been left to chance— with intricacy and wisdom all things are working with precision: If the Earth were any closer to the Sun, we would be toast: If one oxygen atom were taken away from carbon dioxide we would be giving off carbon monoxide—a highly toxic, colorless and odorless gas. Everything is portioned and positioned precisely for our good and benefit. We should not think that we are here on Earth with no purpose. If every plant, animal, critter, and molecule has a purpose, then we have significance. Life is full of trials and difficulties, but we must take our positions regardless, and step into the next moment; as time waits for no one. 

 4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the Earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt (Genesis 45).

It’s unfathomable to imagine brothers selling their own sibling to slavery, because they were envious of him. People can do horrific things to others who they deem to be a threat. In this dog eat dog world, it’s not unusual to see claws coming out vying for privileges, power and possessions. I’m sure Joseph was dejected and bitter with his brothers for separating him from his father and valuing his life worth only twenty pieces of silver. 

Joseph accepted the hand he was dealt, but never separated himself from His God. God eventually brought Joseph out of the dungeon by distressing Pharaoh with a dream. Joseph was mentioned to Pharaoh as the only one who could interpret dreams. The abilities God gives will position us for blessings. The Holy Spirit gives us those abilities; equipping us to be useful for God’s Purpose. For Joseph, it was interpreting dreams that opened the door to his freedom and prosperity. 

Joseph chose to see the forest for the trees, by thrusting aside the evil his brothers did against him, and acknowledging the position God had given him. Were it not for their evil actions, He would not have saved the entire nation of Israel—whose forefathers were the brothers bowing before him. With no time to waste, Joseph began to do what was necessary to preserve their lives. Turn the wrong done against you into a launch pad for where you are intended to be. Shifting our focus on what God is doing will keep us from dwelling on the past. Get on with God’s program and preserve what’s about to perish. God will prove that people’s motives are moot to what He has already ordained for us. 

3 And Ahab had called Obadiah, who was in charge of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly. 4 For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water)(1 Kings 18).

Ahab was one of the most wicked kings in Israel, and his wife Jezebel was a pagan. Ahab was from the lineage of David, but he worshiped many idol gods and led Israel to do the same. Ahab had built all kinds of altars for Jezebel to worship her gods, with the help of 400 prophets of Baal. She brutally killed many of God’s prophets and had great sway over Ahab. Who would want to work for such an administration? Obadiah was a man who feared God greatly and was put in charge of Ahab’s house. Coincidence? I think not. God sent a deliverer for his prophets by placing Obadiah in Ahab’s office. He saved them by Obadiah’s commitment to not just cower in fear, but do something about the vicious slaughter of God’s people. 

So Esther arose and stood before the king,5 and said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite; which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?”

7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and Mordecai the Jew, “Indeed, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews. 8 You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews, as you please, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for whatever is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring no one can revoke (Esther 8).”

Esther was a Jew brought up by her relative Modecai, as captives when Babylon invaded Jerusalem. She found favor with the king and became his wife. The king’s right hand man at the time, by the sleight of his hand, made arrangements for the massacre of the Jews. No one knew that Queen Esther was a Jew. Modecai convinced her to use her position to deliver the Jews from Haman, who had convinced the king to sign a decree to kill the Jews. Esther was reminded of her position as well as the consequences of not using it to deliver her people. She was not going to be spared from the decree, if she was found to be a Jew. We must never be silent when we can be a force for justice. God plants us where He can use us for His agenda. God will always protect those who take a stand for good. No child of God should ever take their role lightly. Every step is ordained with precision, as sure as the Sun rises from the east and sets in the west. 

If God has opened a door for us where others are not believers and are openly against the Lord’s Ways, we may think that this is not for us. We have to pray about it and ask His Wisdom. If we are given the opportunity, we should consider the possibility that God may be placing us for His Purpose. Like Obadiah and Esther, those who fear Him will be used to do what pleases Him. In proximity to leadership, we have access by dint of our position, to what God is calling us to do. We are a light in the darkness and are salt which can stem the rot. We are called to do good and protect life. We don’t have to agree with those around us, we have to be in agreement with what God would have us do. 

33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he is a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. And when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 Moreover David said, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you! (1 Samuel 17)”

What have your past experiences and skills earned you? They are more useful than you can imagine. No experience is ever wasted whether great or small. Whatever chores we did as children, skills we were taught by our parents, knowledge we gained in those jobs we hated, these are all pieces to complete the whole puzzle of our lives. For David, killing a lion and bear to protect his father’s sheep was enough to prove him competent to take out Goliath. We don’t need sophisticated experiences, we need to recall our past courage in the face of adversity. It really wasn’t David who dominated the lion or bear, it was God who preserved his life. God was going to give David victory over a man. Take the experiences and skills that others may not think have value, and let God put His Power behind them. It doesn’t matter how long your colleagues have been on the job, or how old you are; use what you are familiar with for God’s Glory. Seize the opportunity to take down a giant with whatever you have on hand. 

35 “This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years (Acts 7).

Moses was rejected by his own people because he had frailties. They disqualified him as ruler and judge, but God put His stamp of approval on him. Moses, by the hand of the Angel, brought multitudes of Jews out of Egypt with all sorts of signs and wonders, parted the Red Sea and sustained the children of Israel in the wilderness. People’s opinions should not determine our calling. They may want to remind us of our past, shortcomings or limitations, but we must remember we are created in Christ’s Image and Likeness. We have to live in the present by walking in the newness of each day we draw a breath. As long as we are still here, we are still useful. 

12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed (Hebrews 12) .

God uses those who are willing to fully depend on Him to get the job done. Our past failures don’t discount us for God’s service. He would much rather use one who has no confidence in themselves, than one who is puffed up with experience. God will do great exploits with those who have been shafted because of their checkered past. Rewrite your past by being willing to let God work with everything that defines you. 

Nothing will stand in the way of what we have been ordained to become; to do God’s Will here on Earth. God’s election is sure and He will work out everything, from cradle to crave to shape us according to His Purpose. We don’t need to be commended by others, nor do we have to be demoralized by our critics. It’s His Work and not ours, so we need Him to work out every detail and hone each skill needed to get it done. He uses every experience, skill, talent and personality, coupled with His Wisdom and Power, to situate us precisely, for His agenda. We must be cognizant of our position and humble ourselves to heed His Instructions while we go in His Strength. 

7 But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. 9 Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My Words in your mouth 10 See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms; to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant (Jeremiah 1).”

Build

by Eileen Thugi | Aug 7, 2020 | Blog

What life are you building?

A new beginning needs a strong foundation to build on. Firm convictions will cause one to be decisive in choosing the right paths in life. We are motivated by what we aspire to become. Strong principles and values make up the framework of who we want to become. It’s imperative that we become forward-looking and intentional to get the best outcome. When we decide to make something of our lives, we have to be deliberate to cultivate enduring attributes. As believers in The LORD Jesus Christ, the life we build on Him has an eternal significance. Every waking moment, we are being renewed to be more like Him, built on Him, Who is the foundation of truth, life, wisdom and grace. 

119 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that The Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are (1 Corinthians 3).

Life built on Christ involves expending our time and effort in getting it right. We are not to do anything apart from what He requires—according to His Word and in concert with Him. The work is what we decide to do with the lives that are now built on Christ, our strong foundation. The material is what we are willing to give to achieve growth in Christ. Some may want to reach others with the Gospel, others may want to give to the poor and those in need, visit the sick, and be willing to give up their time and resources for their loved ones. God isn’t impressed with what we are willing to give as He is the motive behind it. Building with gold is being lavish, but the motive should be tested to see if it’s for God’s Glory or for our own glory. Our work requires a determination to build for His Purpose. Some build with extravagance, while others will use the little means they have to love God and others. Every building block has a motive—the intended reward. Work has to first begin internally. We must allow the work of His Spirit to change our thinking and our desires. As a new creation in Christ, we submit to the work of Spirit to make us according to His Own Plans. As the temple of The Holy Spirit, we are being built to accommodate God and others within us. 

16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in The Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3).

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We express who we have become by how we live. Godliness doesn’t depend on material things. So whether we build with gold or hay—with the material blessing we live by, we can be effective with little or much; but God must be Glorified. With any service to God, we have to be careful not to do anything for accolades. Whatever we do in our relationships and our daily routine, should be done in The LORD. We represent Him in all our dealings. We are no longer living for ourselves. Christ is our foundation and life, therefore we must conduct ourselves in a manner befitting His Honor. If we acknowledge this we would be diligent to uphold high standards of living.

¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6) .

As we heed to His Word and act accordingly, we manifest His Character and build our relationships with others. We can become more grateful for most situations we find ourselves in, because we see ourselves as an expression of Who He is. In the ebb and flow of life’s challenges, His reputation is always on the line. Since we set our sights on doing all things in Him, we don’t lean on our abilities but His. We are thankful for the things unseen: the treasures laid up for us in Heaven. We should not be demoralized because of what we lose here on Earth; our gains are made where treasures are eternal. Our zeal should be in building an inheritance that will never fade away.

16 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ 18 So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! Tonight your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 21 “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Luke 12).”

Our labor for the things of this world should not be in vain. We prosper in life by taking opportunities and achieving set goals. It’s vital that we consider the outcome of the things we spend our efforts trying to achieve. The rich man saw the fruit of all his labor and had every right to rejoice. He did well for himself and thought he was set for life. This sounded like a well-deserved reward, after all he toiled for it. The man didn’t consider the ground that yielded, as God’s provision for his success. All the elements that worked precisely to give him his harvest were not of his own doing. He became his own source, with no show of gratitude for God’s providence. He laid up treasure for himself and was willing to fritter it away on himself, with no thought for others. The rich man found the opportunity to be at ease and be merry. It seems like he spent himself in his labor, building bigger barns to accommodate his wealth, and had not fully enjoyed life, until he had more than he needed. 

17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me; enduring riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue is better than choice silver (Proverbs 8).

Blessings are God’s reward for the work of our hands; they come in many ways including peace, rest, righteousness and joy. We should give back to God as generously as He gives to us. Our success is built on what God has already furnished for us, by His Wisdom. God gives us the wisdom to acquire what the world can’t give us. God’s Wisdom, applied by our obedience to His Word will earn us more than fleeting material wealth.

¹⁰ For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others. ¹¹ Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. ¹² People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.¹³ This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings (Psalm 49).

This life is not a guarantee, but the investment we put in for God’s Glory will pay dividends beyond this life. When our soul is required of us, we will leave what we have spent years and resources building to others; they will reap from the sweat of our brow. We must therefore learn to build true riches with humility and thanksgiving.

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature (Matthew 6)?

Unlike the rich man, the birds don’t worry about gathering in their barns for the future. The LORD tells us not to worry about building for tomorrow, when we have enough for today. God knows what we need, just as He knows what the birds need. I have yet to see birds in a food crisis, falling off from the sky malnourished. Are we not more valuable than them? When we worry about basic necessities, we are not depending on God. Life built on Christ is dependent on Him to sustain it. Our work is what we do with the abilities God has endowed us with. Our occupation meets our needs and those of others, as a service to God. It’s where we work alongside the guidance and wisdom of The Holy Spirit to be useful to others. So, if for some reason we are laid off, we look to God to meet our basic needs, while we trust Him to open another door to work alongside Him. 

But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. 

13 Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” 15 And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work (Nehemiah 4:1, 13-15).

Nehemiah and some of the Jews had set their sight on rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem that was destroyed by the Babylonian invasion. Word spread about their intentions and their enemies were furious in opposition. This is what happens when we decide to turn our lives around; when we embark on rebuilding areas of our lives that are desolate, opposition ensues. People don’t think we have the ability or fortitude to do better or to make a fresh start. We must not pay attention to naysayers that pours cold water on our hopes. We should remember The LORD will fight for us and carry us through, to complete what He has begun. God went before Nehemiah and the people because they were determined to do the work. Opposition will always be there, even against the good we are trying to achieve. We must get back to building and trust God to do the rest.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us. And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12).

He is Faithful to complete His desire for us. We are building on a solid foundation that can’t be shaken by criticism or threats. We have to get back to building our lives, our loved ones depend on us and we should fight to the death for the betterment of ourselves. Our hope is built on Christ and He will not fail us. Christ has set us an example, to endure all forms of affliction and complete what we have set out to do. We look to what we will become as our hope and joy in trying times. 

15 Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My Name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually (2 Chronicles 7).

The LORD will be receptive to our prayers and turn His attention to us, because He has chosen us and sanctified us, and His Name will be in us forever. We are the dwelling place of The Presence of God, being built into the likeness of Christ. Everything that pertains to us; our roles, careers, talents, personalities, resources and relationships are building blocks to make us complete and acceptable in Christ. 

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God; 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in Whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in The Lord, 22 in Whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2).

Committed

by Eileen Thugi | Jul 29, 2020 | Blog

Are you fully invested?

We have to decide if we will be fully invested in what we choose to be part of, or we will just do the bare minimum. The decision will be swayed by who we are doing it for and if it will pay dividends. When we place a high value on something, we will give it the time and energy it deserves. As long as it has a direct impact on us or our loved ones, we will stop at nothing to see the projected outcome; and make the necessary sacrifices to ensure success. Our attitude will also rub off on others one way or the other, as we set the tone for them.

6 And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben: “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here? 7 Now why will you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord has given them? 8 Thus your fathers did when I sent them away from Kadesh Barnea to see the land. 9 For when they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, so that they did not go into the land which the Lord had given them. 10 So the Lord’s anger was aroused on that day, and He swore an oath, saying, 11 ‘Surely none of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and above, shall see the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have not wholly followed Me, 12 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have wholly followed the Lord (Numbers 32).

The children of Gad and Reuben had seen land that was fit for their livestock that was not on the other side of the Jordan. They asked Moses if they could just have that land for themselves, without crossing the Jordan to inherit the land of Canaan that God had already searched out for them. This is where the verse picks up Moses’ response; which was a rebuke for their decision. Their lack of zeal to go in by crossing the Jordan and to fight the nations that were on the other side, was disobedience to God and would have led to a rebellion among their fellow brothers. God had already gone before them and promised them that He would fight all the greater nations, and give them the land. Following God wholly requires we take some risks, fight some battles and trust Him in all circumstances. 

A lackadaisical attitude has an impact on others. Our doubts and concerns will cause others to second-guess themselves. The listless response we have to things of God will make others less enthused by godliness. People are affected by the attitude that prevails. People are also often swayed by the opinions of those they are well acquainted with. Obedience is a wholehearted commitment to do God’s Will; while rebellion is refusal to fully obey God. The children of Gad and Reuben only got so far to reach the promised land, then they threw in the towel. They only looked to what would benefit them, at the exclusion of others. They were selfish in their disobedience by failing to consider the needs of their brothers. When we don’t wholly follow God due to our insecurities we inject our perspective into others’ decisions. Our lack of commitment pours cold water on another’s hopes. Stand alone if you must, like Caleb and Joshua and see the Salvation and Promise of God. Do not allow others’ opinion to eat away at your portion. There’s nothing wrong with having doubts, but it’s futile to fail to look beyond the hurdles and risks. 

18 Now the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the Lord?”

20 And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”

22 So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. 23  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king (1 Samuel 15).”

Saul started well as a king and ended dismally. He was diligent in doing what was right, but somewhere along the way, he felt he had the authority to decide what would be acceptable before God. Saul failed to completely execute what God had commanded him, to destroy everything of the Amelakites including the king; because they were wicked. He saved the king and he allowed his soldiers to take the best plunder. He then decided to justify his actions by claiming he was going to use the spoil to honor God, by sacrificing it. When Samuel the prophet confronted him, Saul claimed he did as God told him by going to the mission. Getting the first step done, doesn’t mean we have done well—we have to complete the mission by fully executing as commanded. 

There are things God wants us to deal with in our relationship with Him; and He requires complete submission. He has called us to different missions in our lives—our profession, family roles, or service to others, He also wants us to get rid of wickedness along the way. We should be careful that we are not dazzled by the glitz of the things He abhors, as to spare them. We should turn our eyes from these worthless things and not try to find an excuse to not deal with them. As the Body of Christ we have to be intentional to not just start well, but finish well. We finish well by running the entire course. We honor God by complete obedience and without compromise. Sin and stubbornness are as vile to God as witchcraft and idolatry. No good deed or offering will be acceptable as a propitiation for our failure to perform our duties. Saul was rejected as king. May it not be said of us that we are unfit for any position and role God would have for us; because we compromised by lusting after the things we were commanded to destroy.

8 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire (Matthew 18).

One may look at this verse and think it was too draconian. “It is better to enter life lacking a foot or an eye? What?” Scripture is spiritually discerned and understood. We have to look for deeper wisdom, not the superficial appearance. The eye is the thing we desire to look at, the hand is what we determine to do, and the foot is the place we like to go. Well one may say,  “But The Lord was being very specific about the parts of the body.” Indeed, He was. He also explained what He meant, “If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you.” Why not say your eyes? We don’t just see with one eye, but both and can still see even if we look out of one eye, and we can use one hand or walk on one foot. He meant what we desire to look at that causes us to sin. He meant we give up that activity which we depend on and can’t do without, which is luring us to sin. We depend on it like we do our eyes, feet and hands. To become partakers of eternal life, we must be willing to give up some lifestyles, habits, and desires. It comes down to a choice between eternal life or hell fire—it’s as black and white as that. If it’s a career, a relationship or business that we believe we can’t do without, that is leading to sinful desires, consider finding another one. We have to count the cost of being children of God, and decide whether or not it is worth the sacrifice.

Praise the Lord! I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation (Psalm 111).

What does your worship look like? Is it stimulated by those around you and what they are doing? Worship is the honor we bestow to God by song, prayer and how we live each day. When we determine how much we value someone, we give them how much they deserve. It’s not done out of pressure to show them how we truly feel, but out of love. In the assembly of the upright, true worship is done out of reverence, love, honor and willingness. When it comes to God, we should not honor Him like we do humans. When we exalt God we do so willingly, with our whole being. 

14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things say the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth (Revelations 3). 

Most of us like our beverages either hot or cold—not lukewarm. With God, the things we would like for Him to delight in, have to be done wholeheartedly or not done at all. This doesn’t just mean how we serve others in our ministry, it also applies to our relationship with Him. Our decision to believe in God and live by faith in Christ, should not be taken lightly. It cost Christ His life so that we could be forgiven and made into a new creation in Him. He did nothing haphazardly, but was intentional and one-track minded to complete His Purpose. Our life has a new purpose in Christ, Who gave everything for us. We must therefore be as He was, wholly committed to live for the purpose we have been called, till we draw our last breath. He knows our works because nothing is hidden from Him; He knows our dedication and our motives. No matter who we are with or where we are we have to be faithful, steadfast and motivated to do what pleases God.

We are already complete in Christ, because we became one with Him by His death and resurrection. He lived to fully do The Father’s Will, and set for us an example. Since we have The Spirit of Christ, we have His likeness to do the same. We can only be fully invested in what is profitable to us. What could be more valuable than forgiveness and new life in Christ! As believers we set the pace for others who may have doubts about making a commitment. We have been chosen at such a time as this, and we must strive to live up to our calling. We should be passionate about our Christian life. Christ gave His life, so that we can truly live. We have to try and reciprocate by being committed to honor and love Him. 

11 Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your Faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name. 12 I will praise You, Lord my God, with all my heart;  I will glorify Your Name forever. 13 For great is Your Love toward me;  You have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead (Psalm 86).

Yearning

by Eileen Thugi | Jul 22, 2020 | Blog

What excites you to get up each day?

We are creatures of habit; we establish routines to keep us on track with daily activities. If for any reason our routine is interrupted, we get thrown off course and things seem off kilter. We also maintain control when we have started our day on autopilot. Priority is a determined need that must be met precisely. Each waking morning, there are some needs that have to be met precisely; getting that workout, going for a run, taking a cup of coffee, praying and other things that are a priority. These things must be done at a set time in order for everything else to fall in place. Why are they so important? They are our first longing because we have grown very fond of them. They are a prerequisite to ensuring we start well. Desires are longings for what we have become extremely fond of.

O God, You are my God: Early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You, in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your Power and Your Glory. 3 Because Your Lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. 4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your Name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips (Psalm 63).

There’s nothing better than what we long for. What we desire can’t be met with a substitute. An insatiable hunger and thirst for God because He is Our God, will get us up early to seek Him. Time and priority are valuable commodities, but how we manage them speak volumes of the things we value in life. Like a dry and thirsty land, is a morning with no certainty of what the day will bring. We put aside all distractions and long for nothing else, but His Lovingkindness. If we consider for one moment everything else the world can offer us, to give us the momentum to get up and go, God’s Goodness, Favor, Grace and Strength should be pale in comparison. So we put on the garments of praise as we approach Him with great expectations; not so much because of what He will do, but because of Who He is. We grow fond of God, because of Who He is. We don’t grow fond of our loved ones because they do certain things for us that others don’t do, but because of who they are to us.  Let your soul, in the beginning of the day, be satisfied with God’s Presence.

So we look for Him in His Sanctuary because of His Power and Glory. When we meet with His Majesty, we throw aside our skills, knowledge, achievements and things we so often trust. We look to God to impart on us His unmatched Abilities, so that we get off on a flying start. We make a determination not to be satisfied with anything less; just as marrow and fatness are the best portions, we yearn for only what God gives us, not what we can offer ourselves. This is what gets our heart pumping and our minds awakened; that we spend the rest of the day lifting His Name, because our name, our experience, and limited capabilities are small fry.  We can jump start our day in His Presence so that we carry the day with His Abilities. It’s a routine that should never be interrupted. So we praise Him by being diligent in expressing Who He is. It’s not the caffeine, the work out, or the music that starts us on our best foot, it’s abiding in Him.

23 He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’ ” 24 Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. 25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian (Luke 4).”

There are many who are in dire need; but only those who acknowledge their only need is God’s Mercy will receive it. It matters little about your background or how long you are a Christian; what is paramount is your longing for God’s Goodness. The LORD Jesus rebuked the Israelites who didn’t believe in His Abilities, because they had believed that they would receive from God based on their lineage through Abraham. They didn’t accept The LORD’S ways of healing on the Sabbath, or His different approach to what they were accustomed to. They expected One Who followed their traditions and the usual way of doing things. Routine and order can get in the way of blessings. The widow and Naaman were not Jews, yet God sent prophets to meet their needs. They longed for their deliverance from their struggles, did exactly what the prophets asked them to do, and received their miracles. They didn’t have to understand the means or the instructions. 

We seek out of need; while we want out of entitlement. These verses tell us that God had already started to reveal Himself to those who were not Israel, because His Goodness is for all who long for it. He looks to the humble who accepts they need Him, regardless of their name and place of privilege. 

25 For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 28 And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” 29 Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter (Mark 7).”

“Wow, He was so rude!” one would say of Christ. This poor woman abased herself even to accept being called a “dog”. “Why would The LORD be so callous to her plight?” one may ask. The woman was Greek, a Gentile who was acknowledged by Christ as not deserving of the Mercy that was meant for the children of Israel: As He said, “Let the children be filled first”. She was desperate and would not stop pleading with Him. The LORD knew of her dogged determination, before He even spoke to her. He wanted to push her up against a wall and see if she were any different from the children of Israel, in their unbelief. 

If we see this verse as offensive, we miss the important lesson; the woman’s attitude and response. Out of her desire for her daughter to be healed, she saw no other hope. She was willing to take any crumbs of mercy she could receive, because that is all she needed. While using Christ’s description of her as a dog, because she was Gentile, she turned it into hope for “the dog”; who still got the crumbs that fell off the table. Also, she understood that a dog was not kept out of the presence of the master, because he was allowed in the room. If we long for God to help us, we must be willing to accept His Perception of us by agreeing with Him, yet still reminding Him that He is still Good and Loving to all who come into His Presence. The woman was not demoralized by who she was, but motivated Who He was. The LORD acknowledged who she became in His Presence—a woman of greater faith than the children of Israel, and He blessed her. We should yearn for who we can become in His Presence.  

35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. 36 And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” 42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God (Luke 18).

What do you want to get out of God’s Presence? Be specific and to the point. We don’t have to consult with others’ for their opinion on whether what we desire is the right thing—or the right time or place to receive it. We may sound repetitive; even may become a nuisance to others, because we truly want to see our needs met. It’s good to be persistent and go from strength to strength, in our boldness to receive. Faith will increase the hope of receiving. Let nothing stand in the way of our hope, but our lack of zeal. 

5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel (Matthew 8)!” 

We come to God for many reasons, but mostly when we are at our wits end, with no other hope. Devastating situations will drive us to our knees. Like the Centurion, we can plead for God to speak into our situation with just a Word. He can be anywhere where we are not, and meet a need that is distant. We don’t have to wait to be where the situation is playing out, to call upon God to speak deliverance. If there’s an urgency, there’s no time to waste. The sooner we call, the better. He is able to get to the situation just by His Word. We have to believe that urgency requires power beyond our means.

If we long for all that God has for us at the start, middle and end of the day, we will be on our best form. There’s nothing that can truly compare with His Presence, where we are changed and made into vessels of purpose. He protects, empowers, sustains us, and manifests His Best through us. No matter our background, we have to be adamant to desire nothing less, than what He offers us each day. If we rise early to meet with Him, He will never leave us nor forsake us; because we have made Him our first love. Though the day may overwhelm us or end in disappointments, we desire for a new morning alone with Him.

4 One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. 5 For in the time of trouble, He shall hide me in His pavilion. In the secret place of His tabernacle, He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me. Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord (Psalm 27).

Endurance

by Eileen Thugi | Jul 18, 2020 | Blog

Keep a stiff upper lip.

There are times when we carry much sorrow, fear, uncertainty and feel like we don’t want to go on. There are some evenings that take away the excitement of waking up to another day. What motivates you to look forward to tomorrow when you are in the doldrums? After a disappointment, conflict with a loved one, the loss of a loved one, or being laid off, there’s little hope for another day. Life has many highs and lows, and it’s debilitating trying to keep up. During these moments we would fain to throw in the towel and walk away from it all. We need unquestionable reassurance to revitalize us. Whatever that may be, is our only hope in spite of fears or doubts, to get us through the next hour.

¹³  I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. ¹⁴ Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord (Psalm 27)!

When we are at the lowest point in our lives, there’s uncertainty about the very purpose of existence. Everything seems topsy-turvy and hopeless. No one knows our pain, nor can anyone understand it if they were let in on it. It’s a very lonely place—full of darkness with no ray of hope. We are worn out and life makes no sense anymore. But we have to get our focus off our disappointments and sorrow, because we can’t undo the past. The more we think or talk about it, the deeper we plunge into misery. We have to try and find even a morsel of good in the pain, by silencing our negative emotions.

You may have put your hope in God, and things just didn’t pan out; you depended on someone and they failed your expectations, so now what? Reason with God about His Character as it relates to your situation. Recite God’s promises and profess to Him that they are all you have left. Unless we believe to see His Goodness in the land of the living, we have no hope. We must be forthright with God about how we feel—desperate and frustrated. We plead to see His Goodness in the land of the living. Using His Own Character—He is Good, we compel Him to reveal His Goodness. God is our only hope when there’s no other firm hope. Our emotions don’t give us solace. We must not depend on how we feel to bring us comfort. Emotions are driven by thoughts, which are fickle at best. Our minds race from one event to the another in a matter of seconds. Rather than clinging to what we don’t understand, we must make a last ditch attempt to find good. We should never give up until we have left no stone unturned.

Cry out to God and ask to see His Goodness yet another day. Wait on God’s Goodness like your life depends on it. We often get excited about something we hope for; a package, an announcement, a score in a game where our team is losing, yet we have trouble getting the nervous-excitement of seeing what God will do.  Refuse to wallow in darkness and reach out for a flicker of hope. Wait, by trusting in Him and silencing all the dark thoughts. Trust in God by being eager to see what He will do, in prayer and thanksgiving. Wait, by not rushing Him—be patient with God. We wait in line for hours for things we think are worth the time, so why can’t we wait on God? Be attentive with your ears to the ground as you spend time in Scripture. Let God strengthen your heart with optimism about what He will do. Pray Scripture that professes God’s matchless qualities. Hope by plucking up your courage to face the next moment, and doing the next thing. Be at your best in the present.

⁸ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— ¹⁰ always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. ¹¹ For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh (2 Corinthians 4). 

Living in Christ is living in a body of suffering. Those who have the Spirit of Christ will suffer as He did. The life of a Christian is not immune to the struggles of this world. We are carrying the body of the dying LORD Jesus daily, because we ate the bread—the broken body and became one with Him. We have exchanged the life of worldly comforts to gain His Life—denying ourselves by carrying our own cross—we carry the symbol of our own suffering, following in the footsteps of Our LORD. We have been crucified with Him; therefore, we are never alone in our own suffering. The Life of Christ manifested through us is one that overcomes; that was raised from the dead—ever lives to rise up triumphant in all suffering. While we are struck down by our circumstances, we are never destroyed; when we are hard-pressed on every side we are not crushed; this is our heritage—this is what makes the children of God different from others. We manifest His Power in the most trying times, by handing it all over to the One Who conquered death.

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; ¹¹ if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philipians 3).

Never forget that there’s a battle for our soul particularly when we are most weak. The enemy of our souls would like to remind us of our weakness and sufferings, but we must remind him of The Power in us. We stick it to the enemy, by abiding in The LORD in every circumstance. We do this by lifting up our voices in praise, while calling out, “Save me, Oh LORD!”  This is how the walls of Jericho fell down—by a shout of praise and the sounding of a trumpet.

Undoubtedly, suffering can be the will of God for us. Why would a Loving God allow us to suffer? Why would a Loving Father allow His Son to suffer and die for us? Every suffering has its purpose. If Christ suffered according to The Will of His Father, will we be exempted?

10  Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed. He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 11  He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge, My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. 12  Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the great; And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death. And He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53).

We don’t understand and may never understand what God is doing during excruciating times. The question, “Why?” will not offer much comfort except cast doubt on God’s Love. If Christ didn’t suffer, we would not be who we are today. Our suffering could also give hope to someone else. As we cling to God we draw nearer to Him, while we encourage others. Suffering could be the very reason we seek God like we never did before. He will bring us to the other side; He will reward us for overcoming, because we refused to doubt His Love in the most difficult time. We can then testify to what the LORD has done, and build the faith of others. God’s Love is tested most not in the highs, but in the lows. If God is still Good in the worst of times, then that invests Him as Almighty God.

18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4).

People pay closer attention when we are in difficulties. This is God’s Will not just for us, but for someone else watching. Others are drawn to our suffering and are intently focused on what will come next. So, we must commit ourselves to our Faithful Creator Who knows the end from the beginning. If the righteous are delivered from their troubles, what is the hope of the unbelievers? According to God’s Will we must continue to do good to others, even as we wait to see God’s Goodness for us.

24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also (John 12).

Life is never fair, because life in this world is temporary. Temporary dwellings lack a lot of comforts. If we live for this life only, we will never accept anything less than bliss. If we choose Eternal Life in Christ we acknowledge that we are not comfortable, but content with the temporary conditions. We can then serve the LORD in all circumstances; by surrendering our lives in times of joy or sorrow to Him.

We are witnesses to His Greatness, in all issues pertaining to our lives. Some tragic things happen because of human free-will; homicides, violence and the list goes on. But even in these situations, God has allowed humans to act upon what they desire most, so that He can remind all of us that there are two forces operating in the world—good and evil. We can choose which force to turn to in tumultuous times. 

 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand (Daniel 12).

Rejecting God because of the consequences of brazen human will, is denying one force while acknowledging the power of another. When we turn our backs on God because we have suffered wrong, we allow the consequences of evil to dictate how we feel about God, and make Him equivalent to the offender. If we commit ourselves to God, He is sure to use our suffering for our good and perfect us in His Strength. But if we allow our struggles and pain to shut God out, we give our adversary the right to direct our thinking. We have never suffered more than the next person. We should always remember that someone else has it worse.

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5).

The devil is our adversary, because He is God’s adversary. Enemies always try to go for the weak ones that are dear to their targets. At our lowest point, we are most vulnerable to deception; thoughts that tell us, “We will not overcome and this is a permanent state”. When our confidence is shaken, we lose hope in the things and people we trust. So we have to be vigilant and stand on our confidence, even when we don’t have all the answers. Our faith will keep us steadfast enough to resist our enemy. Faith is unshakable trust. The God of all Grace who has called us to eternal glory, will perfect us in the things that are eternal, not in the ephemera. He specializes in circumventing the physical laws to prove His Supremacy; He is The God Who creates by His Spoken Word. 

23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. 24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31).

Love for God doesn’t hinge on our happiness and prosperity. Loving God is the core of our existence. Love engenders faithfulness. Faithfulness is commitment that doesn’t waver under intense pressure. Endurance is faith and confidence in the Goodness of God to see us through. He preserves the faithful—those who don’t waver on His Goodness and love Him through thick and thin. The proud want God to be at their beck and call—answering to their demands based on how much they have invested in their relationship. Even a marriage founded on this kind of entitlement is bound to fail. Endurance is steeling oneself to go on in God’s Strength. Courage builds endurance by silencing doubt. 

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock (Matthew 7).”

Where do you turn to when the storms of life are buffeting you? We have to find a strong and dependable hope that we can act upon immediately so that we don’t crush. Those who keep God’s Word by doing it, will be able to withstand the struggles of life. Why? Like everyone else, they aren’t immune to struggles, but their focus is not on their surroundings and issues but obedience and trust. They understand that hardship is part of life, but obedience and trust is a choice, in the midst of it. They weather the storm by channeling their thoughts to doing what  pleases God. They have not built their lives on their achievements but on every Word that comes from the Mouth of God; this is their solid foundation—the rock that no storm can move. 

We can’t build endurance without anticipating a benefit. Any seasoned athlete will tell you that endurance is the crux of physical training; builds momentum and ensures less injury to the body. Endurance requires not just the physical-human will of the body systems, but mental and emotional coordination. As spiritual beings, our endurance in Christ will impact our ability to overcome in many areas of our lives. We don’t need to whine and complain each time we are faced with a hill to climb; we want to reveal God’s Strength in us. We have to be faithful in obedience and trust. He will preserve, strengthen, perfect and establish us. Our determination will encourage others who are looking on to see how we pull through. Our faith will keep us steadfast and vigilant in trying moments, as we resist the enemy; who wants to see us destroyed by doubt. We bear in these bodies the sufferings of our LORD Jesus, because we were crucified with Him. Day by day, we will continue to live the death and risen life of our LORD in triumph and endurance in our temporary circumstances. 

8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful (James 5).

Evaluation

by Eileen Thugi | Jul 9, 2020 | Blog

Do a self-evaluation.

It’s important to take stock of our lives, in order to make the necessary changes or take a different approach. There are issues that impede progress that need to be addressed and there are advancements that can propel us to the next level. We are better able to make decisions and go forward after taking a step back and evaluating who we have become. Some employers evaluate their employees every year; to reward them for putting their best foot forward; to encourage them to do better and  address their shortfalls. Progress reports are churned out during the school year to keep parents and teachers abreast about their children’s achievements and areas that need improvement. There are attributes we may need to change that affect our overall performance before God and others, that leave a lasting impact. 

⁷  The works of His (God’s) hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure.⁸ They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness (Psalm 111).

We are usually earnest to do our jobs well, learn the new technology and keep up with new information, so that we remain on top of our game. Behavior is changed by a new perspective. An introspection of our motives and attitudes will unravel frailties that need to be addressed. God’s precepts are a guide to doing our bit with integrity. The traits we acquire from putting God’s Ways to practice, will benefit us for a lifetime, regardless of what role we play. We can’t be diligent about our outward conduct, without the motivation of firm convictions. By applying God’s Precepts to our responsibilities we will be doing what’s honest and upright.

⁵ But also for this very reason, give all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. ⁸ For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; ¹¹ for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1).

These values should be applied to our daily interactions no matter where we are. Who we are is what we have nurtured inside. We can’t be effective in any role, unless we have applied ourselves to integrity. We can’t be team players; willing to help others, unless we have learned to be kind. No rules or code of conduct can make us submit to authority until we have submitted to the authority of God. Our faith gives us the much needed perseverance in the most trying times. So, we see that our spiritual life impacts our entire well being, more than we know. Godliness is integrity in things pertaining to this life.  We should see to it that we are growing in virtue, knowledge, self-control, kindness and love.

⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. ⁷ He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; ⁸ He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. ⁹ Then you will understand righteousness, justice, equity and every good path (Proverbs 2).

We make progress, by boning up on the knowledge of Who God is; because He is the Highest Standard—He is our Mentor. We increase in knowledge by reading Scripture and doing what pleases Him. If we live in the Spirit of The Lord Jesus, we will not indulge our fleshly lusts that mar our character. Living in the Spirit takes self-control and discipline, by submitting to His Authority. We can reign in our emotions and attitudes by giving The Holy Spirit complete Authority. God will always prosper and preserve His people.

³ Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart,⁴  and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man (Proverbs 3).

By cultivating these virtues in increasing measure we become productive in everything we do and everywhere we go. We can gain favor with God and others by expressing these virtues. We will hardly stumble when implementing the things of God. Let’s examine our call as children of God, just as we do with our professional performance. Let’s be diligent in everything that reveals the likeness of Christ. Godliness will profit us in everything.

¹⁰¹ I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word. ¹⁰² I have not departed from Your judgments, for You Yourself have taught me. ¹⁰³  How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! ¹⁰⁴ Through Your precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way (Psalms 119).

In order to restrain oneself from folly, there has to be a stronger opposing force. Whatever we value most stimulates our response. Obedience to God’s Word is driven by our love for Him and desire to do what He delights in. Our love is a powerful force that can overcome all sorts of temptations and restrain poor judgement. We must have an insatiable appetite for His precepts, instructions, and even correction. We should be willing to take in all that God teaches us from Scripture, with a yearning for its sweetness. By examining ourselves through Scripture, we gain understanding on issues; we are enlightened on which paths to avoid. Our commitment to obey will keep us above board in our daily interactions. Therefore, we will abhor every false way that acts one way before God and different before others. Consistency is living by conviction.

“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. ² Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. ³ Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. ⁴ You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy (Revelations 3).”

If you have backslidden, you have an opportunity for introspection and repentance. Like a person in authority or a boss would warn us of the consequences of failing to pass muster, The LORD warns us to examine ourselves and rectify what is lacking. We are commanded to watch and pay close attention to where we have become deficient. In order to see how much we have drifted away, we need to go back and relearn what we had already been taught. We have to return to God in prayer and in quiet devotion in His Word; to examine ourselves as He sees us. Christ warns, “You are dead”, meaning unfruitful in the knowledge of Him Who saved us. We must eat humble pie and repent. 

Rehabilitation begins with an honest acknowledgement of our failures. There’s hope for us all, day after day. The LORD compels us to strengthen that which we have neglected to cultivate and nurture in us; because it will lead to a demise of that area. Values we have failed to strengthen, by lack of practice, become atrophied. The LORD doesn’t commend a character filled with head knowledge and lacking in substance. If we don’t watch—pay close attention to those areas we neglect, we will not be considered worthy to walk with Him.

⁹ On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. ¹⁰ For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7).

Ezra was a scribe who like the rest of Israel was taken captive in Babylon, a pagan nation. When he was given the freedom to return to Jerusalem, he had his heart set on one thing; The Law of God and to obey it. He was removed from one bad situation and brought to a place of freedom. He had not been defiled by the practices of the Babylonians. God’s hand was upon him, because Ezra had prepared his heart to know what God’s Law required of him. With every new beginning, are you preparing your heart for God’s instruction and obedience? Seeking God is receiving His Law with intent to obey. Like Ezra, we can’t teach others what we have failed to practice. God will take us from one learning experience to another as long as we are willing to prepare our hearts to receive. Every new beginning is by The Hand of God. Every fresh start should be done in consultation with God.

¹³ Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. ¹⁴ Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless (2 Peter 3).

Many look forward to job promotions. When the opportunity presents itself, people will jump through hoops to impress the head honcho. When people get tired of the same drab position they have held for years, they begin to long for a new corner office, with its perks. So it is with the children of God—we look forward to the new earth and heaven where righteousness dwells. We look forward to the occupation that God has for us in His Kingdom. As we yearn for it, we have to be astute to make the short list. We make peace with Him by pleasing Him. We can only please Him when we are found in The Son, Who is spotless and blameless. The Son is our dominant Reference. We do this by maintaining an unbroken fellowship—by abiding in Him. In Christ Jesus, Who is The Prince of Peace, we have Peace with God for eternity. Being in opposition with a boss will never lead to an advancement.

⁴ For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. ⁵ Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified (2 Corinthians 13).

As I mentioned earlier, performance is evaluated to make improvements, for a reward. When juxtaposed to God’s Standards we are delinquent. We can do all we can to impress our fellow mankind, but if it doesn’t meet God’s approval it’s worthless. So how do we do a proper self-evaluation? We examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. Are we agreeing with God, that He is right about us and that we need to do as He tells us? Or are we rebellious? If we are weak in ourselves to keep up, we are strong in Christ by His Power. We can boldly acknowledge before God and others, that we need God to perfect us. We are lacking in our own capacity to get it right, apart from God. It’s better we are disqualified by a human gauge, than be disqualified by God. In all these things we strive not to evaluate ourselves for human approval, because we are first servants of The Most High God. So, we test our competency in everything, by ensuring what we do pleases Him, and is only for His Glory.

²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. ²⁵ But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites (Colossians 3).