The Craftsmen are Coming

 Jeremiah, the prophet was troubled and perplexed by the reaction of the hardened children of Israel whom he was sent to bring back to God. Instead of repenting and turning back from their evil ways, they engaged in battle against the servant of God. Out of great bewilderment, he cried out to God acknowledging His almightiness and His ability to deliver. In Jeremiah 32:17-21, 26-27 he recounted how God graciously delivered the children of Israel from the grip of Pharaoh who had vowed to keep them in perpetual servitude and captivity. And God rightly responded and told him that his assertion of Him was true. He is indeed the God of all flesh. God's response is worth noting because there is no situation that's beyond Him. Though He may allow the enemy to do his worst before He shows up. It was intense that the conspiracy against Jeremiah was geared towards taking his life, even with the consent of their king who was bent on having his way which was contrary to the counsel of God for him. They plotted against the true servant of God, but God kept silent and was watching. They even threw him into the dungeon, and later brought him out. They afflicted him unjustly simply because he declared the mind of God to an unrepentant nation wholly given to iniquity and idolatry. God eventually delivered Jeremiah from them, but evil plotters and their king went into captivity in Babylon. Jeremiah was spared and treated nicely, he triumphed in the land.

Similarly, Judah was threatened and troubled by the enemies who conspired to forcefully rule over him. They devised to overthrow him and set an evil king that is not Jehovah over him. This evil was devised by Syria, Ephraim and the son of Remaliah in their wicked alliance against the people of God. But God saw and heard all what they said, though they thought that they have perfected their shrewd scheme against Judah (Isaiah 7:5-7). The divine response  came in verse 7 "Thus saith the LORD GOD, it shall not stand neither shall it come to pass" The enemy also engage in another battle against Judah and will not allow him to rest. In Zechariah 1:18-21, this was another conspiracy against Judah to trouble him. So God decided to wage an holy war against them, and declared that He is sending His army to contend in battle against the troublers of His people. He clearly declared His intention and how He will get rid of those who have constituted themselves  as menace to His people.

"The craftsmen are coming" heavenly carpenters are coming to terrify, fray, scatter and destroy the horns of the nations troubling Judah. God will not keep silent forever seeing His children being harassed, trampled upon, troubled and mesmerized by evil people who have vowed that they will not be lifted up. The craftsmen are coming and right judgment will be served to the enemies of God's children. They are coming against as many who have made themselves enemies of God's children who desperately hate their peace, increase and lifting. If just one angel discomfited and destroyed 180, 000 soldiers of Sennacherib who boasted against Hezekiah, the king, how much more when God sends craftsmen (four carpenters). Obviously, the battle will be fierce against the enemies of Judah assuming one of the craftsmen is designated to the north, another to the south, east and west respectively. None of his enemies will escape. Their judgement will be thorough, detailed for everyone will be duly served and the outcome of divine intervention will be awesome for the children of God (Isaiah 51:3). For God will silence the floods that  lifted itself against His people. For the LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters (Psalm 93:3-4). 

Unknown to Joshua, the high priest, he was clothed with filthy garment, an evil schemed by the enemy of his soul who did not want him to fulfill his priestly role and ministry. He was still standing to perform his normal duties not knowing that he has been de-robed by the enemy who has exchanged his priestly garment with filthy one, if not for divine intervention. God rebuked Satan and re-cloth him (Zechariah 3:1-5). The angel of God stood by to ensure that God's verdict concerning him stands for Satan cannot have the final say. God is still in the business of sending help to the helpless who have been ripped by the enemy of their soul, and that's why He is God. He will assign His angel to carry out His mandate concerning His elect regardless of the fortification of the evil ones against him.

Those who have been spoiling, wasting, devouring and troubling the beloved people of God will receive commensurate judgment. When the flood-like enemies lifted themselves up against the children of God, they often forget that their God is mighty and that He will contend against them to silence their boasting and bragging, destroy their firm grip, evil decisions, confederacy, wiles, wisdom, craftiness notwithstanding (Psalm 94 :16-17, 20-23, Isaiah 33:1-6, Jeremiah 30:16-24). It will only take slight provocation to make the King of kings arise in judgement against the enemies who are assaulting and disturbing His children. If Ahasuerus, an ordinary king of some provinces on earth could arose in wrath according to the book of Esther 7:7, "And the king arose in wrath"....the King of kings will surely arise for He has said that for the sighing of the needy and the cry of the poor He will arise (Psalm 12:5, Psalm 140:12, Isaiah 31:4, 8, Psalm 69:33). The craftsmen are coming to deal with the troublers of God's children and He will surely raise a mighty help for them and deliver them from their spoilers.

O Lord Pass through our Land

 

There is serous desire and plea by everyone particularly the righteous for divine intervention in the land. Knowing assuredly that if God passes through our land, affliction of the righteous will end. Indeed, God is having controversy with many nations and He will plead the case of all flesh (Jeremiah 25:31). The wicked are long due for judgment for the evil which they have committed against the righteous in the land (Jeremiah 9:24, Proverbs 21:10), although some of them have been experiencing pockets of God's wrath. God is God and not a man for when He passes through a land, all the perfected shrewd schemes of the evil people will be aborted (Psalm 33:8-10) and they will be justly rewarded for their evil deeds. Then the righteous will experience relief, they will be released and be remembered for good by the LORD (Psalm 34:15-17). For He is penitent and will surely hear the cry of the godly (Psalm 94:3). He will arise for them against the evil doers. For God still pleads the cause of His people, He is just and He is faithful in judgement.

And Just as it happened when Jesus passed through the land of Samaria and Israel, there were healings, miracles and deliverances from affliction and oppression of the enemy. So the people of God must sincerely raise their hearts to God and cry to Him to pass through the land. The darkness is getting thickened, evil abounding and multiplying at a greater measure, and there is no relief anywhere. Even the government and leaders that supposed to provide succor for the people are adding and complicating the plight of the innocent poor. In the land where the poor are getting poorer, and the rich getting richer, and the leader are fortifying themselves and enriching themselves at the expense of the people they are supposed to cater for. Rather they are happy that people are suffering as they promote laws that will add to hardship of the people, and the welfare, wellbeing and comfort of the people is no longer their concern, so God must pass through our land ( Psalm 82: 8, Proverbs 28:15, Habakkuk 1:4).

Will God continue to look and see the helpless ravished by the wicked, however, nothing will happen until we raise an holy uproar for His intervention. His wrath is already expressed because the evil and wickedness in the land is too much. Many have entered the field of the fatherless, spoil and waste them, not knowing that their redeemer is mighty (Proverbs 23:11). When there is violence, unrest, chaotic and incessant disaster, God must need to pass through the land. When the righteous are ripped and denied of their lawful benefits, God must pass through our land. When the wicked are thriving, using diabolical power to subdue, suppress and manipulate others, God must need pass through the land. The wicked enforcing their will on the poor, helpless and vulnerable and when men by their evil acts daily call for God's wrath, make the voiceless to groan and cry, undoubtedly, God must pass through the land.

The wicked are rising o Lord and the godly are going into hiding (Proverbs 28:12, 28). Woes, heartaches and diseases now characterizes our world. There is selfishness, self-will, satanic wiles and craftiness to lure, cheat and spoil everywhere. The so called powerful are taking the right of the poor from them. The people in the land are mourning, aching, bearing pains unexpressed. Many are heavily burdened to the extent that they are no more talking but just sighing deeply with great sorrow. Human beings and animals are starving to death because of hunger, poverty, bad governance and insurgencies. God has created the wicked for the day of judgement, so we look up to God to pass through our land.  

Ask for the Old Path

 

God deals with man based on His knowledge of him. As He delights to guide and guard, the untamed nature of man always crave to be let loose, experiment and gamble with life (Hosea 8:12). God's instruction that can make man comfortable and peaceful are clearly outlined in the scriptures. And just like the children of Israel who lived in self-will, rebellion and disobedience to God's law and command. They firmly hold dear to idolatry which God forbids and detest. So God raised up Prophet Jeremiah and others to warn them of their erring ways, so that they can retrace their way back and avert His wrath. Unfortunately, they refused to yield and there was nothing else God could do dissuade them from their evil passion for strange gods. God eventually consumed them yet they refused to amend their ways (Jeremiah 5:3). Jeremiah had frankly told them there is no salvation  in any hill or mountain but only in the Lord (Jeremiah 3:23-24), and despite his repeated warnings, they were bent on their ways. They trust in lying and soothing words that will praise and pamper them in their evil ways. They love to be deceived, because they were already deceived and living in self-deceit. Adamant and disobedient, God allowed them to have their way but they bore the consequence of their choice.

So God abandoned them (Psalm 81:11-12), it was disastrous for them because their expectations were not met rather they received wrath and judgment (Proverbs 28:9, 4:15, 19). Solomon in his wise counsel has also admonished in the book of Proverbs 4:4, 22:5, 19:27, 29. But they were full of whoredom and idolatry (Hosea 4:12). They were people given to change who cannot consistently and wholeheartedly follow after God. God was never in their thought but they walked in the imagination of their heart (Jeremiah 9:14). They forsook their devotion, affection and love for God but cling tightly to idols. They bluntly refused God and His instructions given to them through His servant (Jeremiah 44:15). Evil people though in affliction as a result of their sin refused to turn back to God but persist in their evil, revolting and refusing to obey Him (Jeremiah 44:4-5). Who will dissuade them from their evil passion that is constantly bringing untold hardship and judgment from God (Proverbs 29:19). And as they refused to hear nor obey God to walk in His ways (Psalm 78:8, 81:11-12), consequently, His peace and blessings eluded them. Also, their prayers were unanswered (Proverbs 28:9). Yet, God's admonition to them is to follow righteousness (Proverbs 21:21) because the outcome of following is wickedness is clearly spelt out (Proverbs 22:5, 29:1, 1:24-31).

However, God stance remains unchanged. Solomon, the king, in the book of proverbs reiterated the essence of walking in the right path. For there  is a keeping (with understanding and preservation) and discretion for those who walk in the path of righteousness (Proverbs 2:11-13, 20), because only the righteous will dwell safely in the land. Indeed, sound wisdom and discretion are divine gifts that produces life for the soul and adorns with grace (Proverbs 3:21-23, 4:12-13). Besides, it keeps someone on a straight path so that he does not stumble. Though Jeremiah and other prophets raised and instructed by God to warn the children of Israel were forbidden from prophesying and ministering to them (Micah 2:6-7), the word of God and His commands  counted strange to them (Hosea 8:12) but they persisted in obeying God.

And now it is evident that even many preachers, prophets and pastors too need to ask for the old path that the true men of God who had genuine encounter with God trod. They performed raw, visible miracles. Men like Elisha who fed 100 people with 20 loaves of barley who followed the path of Jesus who fed multitude. They were not exploiters but providers meeting the needs of the poor and the helpless (2 Kings 2:4). At another time, Elisha the prophet issued a command to the widow "shut the door behind you and pour the oil into the container"  she did and the oil multiplied. The widow was not put to shame, her needs was met and her sons were not taken. But nowadays, widows are being exploited through fake visions and revelations that often trouble them to the extent they give all that is left with them (money and possession) to the so called prophets of God. A demand is placed on people for God's blessing. Certain amount must be given as an offering or gift to a man God in order to get a particular blessing. This is heresy!

Though the generous woman received a son after Elisha asked her need. However, her generosity was not with the intension to get anything from Him. Remember that her husband was old, she must have lost hope of having any child again. She even told the man of God '' don't deceive me.''  Where then did the child came from? She received a son from the God of Elisha who knows no impossibility. It is God who give people as He pleases, no one can bribe God with gifts. The book of 2 Kings is loaded and it is a good recipe for our modern day flamboyant preachers who need to ask for the old path that commands the true power of God and brings down His glory. 

The savor and spiritual candor is lost because of showmanship and greediness of our modern day ministers who are getting the leprosy of Naaman in the place of service and they can no longer stand in the presence of God. God detests them and He cannot trust them with His true power and glory. Elisha asked Gehazi, Is it time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and men servants and maid servants? The church is sick and weak because many leaders have drifted from the old path. Restoring the righteousness and true glory of God necessitate that we retrace our steps back to the old path.

Our Enraged World

 

Living in an enraged world can be really problematic and troubling. Many are furious, sad and daily living in rage against everything and anything that comes along their path. And it is so unfortunate that they do not realize that devil is behind all the chaos going on in the world. Nowhere seem to be truly peaceful and calm. Though some may experience relative peace for a while, but indeed it is not a perpetual one. The issues of insecurity is now trending even in the developed countries, though to some extent they have curtailed this unpleasant activities, yet, they do have issues occasionally with enraged people who go about in shooting spray for no just cause killing innocent people. A lot is going on, many are enraged against the government, economy, their environment even against themselves. The enemy has seriously dealt with our world, and virtually no nation is exempted. Stories of woes everywhere, horrible and terrific incidences, shocking and saddening news flung the newspapers and media, wars, killings, insubordination, violence, rioting and so on are the order of the day.

Oftentimes, when the spoiled realizes his state and wants to take back his possession and regain his rightful position, trouble ensues, because the enemy and wicked who has stolen will not want to give back what was stolen, seized or confiscated unless God intervenes. And so was the case of Ahab. There was no problem until when Ahab remembered that he needed to take possession of Ramoth Gilead from the King of Syria. There is wickedness everywhere, the vulnerable are being exploited, cheated and disinherited. Even the wicked are audacious, vaunt themselves unashamedly declaring that they want to have what belong to the righteous simply because of their previous success in spoiling the innocent ones. But Ahab was warned by God  through Prophet Micaiah not to engage in war with the king of Syria. But his true sense of judgement was beclouded by his 400 prophets who gave him assurance unknown to him that they were operating under the influence of a lying spirit (1 King 22:6, 20-22). 

However, Jehoshaphat could discern that something was wrong by the virtue of his walk with God (1 King 22:5, 7, 2 Chronicles 18:6). So he persuaded Ahab and requested that Micaiah should be brought. The messenger sent to Micaiah  warned him not to do any silly or awful thing and spoil the show because all the prophesies that have gone forth were good. And he too told them what they wanted to hear, but when they insisted, he told them God's verdict concerning their adventure, and this made the king of Israel to be angry against Micaiah and imprisoned him. It is indeed an enraged world where all you get for telling the truth is imprisonment. King Asa too was enraged because of God's prophecy concerning him, and he imprisoned the seer instead of repenting, so Asa died (2 Chronicles 16:7-12). But King Asa you once trembled at God's word when you were confronted and you brought Judah back to God. Your response was remarkable, and you and all Judah benefited from the right action you took then (2 Chronicles 15:1-19). And why can't you apply wisdom now and amend your ways. Is it because this issues only concerns you and not the entire people of the land, and you feel too big to take correction and repent.

Also, Zechariah, the son of Jehoida the priest, after the death of his father warned the children of Judah of their evil ways. They forsook God and served idols and he told them that they will not prosper. They were enraged including the king who masterminded his death (2 Chronicles 24: 21-26). But he told them the blatant truth. People are always enraged when told the consequences of their evil acts. In fact, they complicated the matter for themselves because God cheaply gave them to their enemies. Yet, these are the days when we need the true prophets of God though they are scare and often marked with scars. Zedekiah angrily smote Jeremiah because he did not follow other prophets to tell lies about Israel's captivity. Jeremiah was also imprisoned, cast into dungeon and fed with the bread of affliction (Jeremiah 37:15-21, 38:2-6).

Though perplexed, troubled, enraged and troubled our world may be, this does not move God because He has made known to man what is expected of him, and failure to comply means that man will continue to have horrible experiences in the world. The government are not helping the matters, rather, their evil decisions and actions is making millions of people to groan and cry how long. There is high level of evil sophistication, evil speed and scheme to make the gullible to fall into incalculable error. Many delight in oppression and looking for every available opportunity to cheat, manipulate and suppress others . Poor oppressing the poor is another mystery in our enraged world.  We are in a critical situation that if God does not help our world calamity is looming. 

It is indeed an enraged world where the righteous are being troubled by the enemy who is not happy because they are at peace with their God and making steady progress. Envious enemies plan to overrun them and alter their course. But God is faithful, He will not allow them to prosper in their evil pursuit. When darkness wants to forcefully rule the light and the evil ones want to manipulate, harm and subdue the righteous. And because God will not allow them to perpetrate their evil schemes against His children, they become troubled and enraged (Nahum 1:13). What an evil world! But who can heal this sick and troubled world. It is Jesus. He is the prince of peace who alone can give peace to a troubled heart though many still abhor and passionately hate Him, yet, He is the solution to this embattled world. Man feels secure when he can manage his affairs but gets frustrated when he cannot proffer needed solutions to his pressing needs. He often manifest transferred aggression for his predicaments and unresolved issues. And anyone who mistakenly crosses his path at that time, on such he would pour his wrath and anger. 

But man will continue to languish in pain and no help will come until the prince of peace is involved. Technology, though good has made the situation worse, and from time to time, it reveals the helplessness of man. Having tried medical sciences, neurology, and other discoveries, all these notwithstanding, solution to man's problems seem far away. Who can heal the evil that plague our world, who can clear away the troubles that embitter our soul, it is Jesus, He is the one. But when man gets to his wits end, he will certainly seek for God. The inward hole, an unfilled vacuum that leaves man in great despair can only be filled by Jesus. If we embrace Him who paid the full price for our redemption, submit to His lordship and control, there will be a great turnaround in our world. God has made perfect solution for us, but it behooves each and everyone to ask this from Him.

Crossing the Rubicon-there is no way back

When God redeems a life, it is for a purpose and His intention is that such a person will continue in fellowship with Him. Salvation from sin and acceptance of the Lordship of Christ is not the end of the journey, but a beginning of a journey that is hoped to end with God in eternity. God expects our continued walk and in this He takes delight. No intermittent or in and out is allowed in this journey (Galatians 2:18). And there is no need for fear, anxiety, speculations or reconsideration. Jesus gave a stern warning to His followers because He knew some of them are skeptical and they did not really know what they were putting themselves into, so He needed to tell them that "No one having put his hand on the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62). Solomon, the wisest king also alarmed that we should beware of them that are giving to change. Though many things are changing, the world, its system, people, but God remains constant, He is unchanging and His standard uncompromising for all human race (1 Tim 2:19). It was a crucial matter and Jesus needed to ask His disciples if they too are going back because at a time many could not endure His sayings, but they unanimously answered that they have no where to go for He has the word of life (John 6:60, 66-67). Having crossed the Rubicon, there is no way back. God has decided a lasting journey for His followers which must not end abruptly (Psalm 85:8, 1 John 2:28, 2 Peter 2:20-21). A song writer succinctly puts:

At the cross you knelt and were converted 

Jesus saves your soul that happy day

Now that He has led you from the broad road

Never leave the straight and narrow way

Don't turn around to the things you've left behind

All those bridges you've burned don't try to find

Set your face like a flint and walk right unto the promise land

Don't turn around to the things you've left behind.

Though circumstances of life and situations at times may propel someone to think otherwise. There are personal life challenges, unfavourable economic conditions and the god of this world wants everyone to bow in order to get the crumbs that he offers. Each day presenting its own trouble, the road seem weary and the journey bleak, and the devil in particular is making the journey hard and difficult for the beloved children of God. He programmes various things along our path to dissuade and discourage  finest believers. He does not care about the number of years that you have put into your service and walk with God. His utmost aim is to make one unfit and end the journey to heaven abruptly. There are  many casualties already on the way to heaven. Satan keep placing things to entice, deform, seduce, manipulate and distorts believer's journey knowing fully well that without his trouble we will have a safe and easy passage to our eternal abode. The intensity of his battle against the saints is getting stronger and fiercer as the coming of the Lord approaches. With his threats, he wants us to succumb, be troubled, reconsider our way and turn back. Although the journey may be getting lonesome, wearisome and troubling, but God still comforts the weary and the fainting, and He has promised to give all the necessary support and the needed grace and help that will see us through. For He is the custodian of grace to scale through this evil and wicked world, and in Him we see and receive the light that will brighten our path as we journey day by day (Galatians 2:21, Matthew 28:20).

But we will never back out or turn back from our journey to eternity (Philippians 2:12b, 3:14). Jesus has already forewarned us that in this world, there will be tribulation (John 16:33) because we are opposed to the world and to Satan. But there is an assurance that we should cheer up for He has overcome for us. This is now the time to get closer to God than ever, longing and panting after Him. These are the days when our resolutions and affirmations to love, fear, serve, and follow Him to the end must be firm, strong and resounding than ever (Ephesians 5:15-17). It is our resolve that matters, because devil will continue to do his atrocities, and with his enticing baits will desire to lure vulnerable souls to follow his dictates and destined destructive and pernicious ways. But God wants to succor us and aid us in our hour of need though Satan desperately hates us, and does not want to see us make it to heaven. Henceforth, our prayer will be the wordings of a song-strengthen all the ties that binds me, closer, closer Lord to thee, every bridge is burned behind me, thine I ever more will be.

Going back and forth, Satan accused Job before God, and he troubled him to the extent that he began to curse the day that he was born. And this was simply because Satan wanted him to renounce God. He busy himself every moment hunting for people to throw down. To worsen the situation is the chaotic condition in which the world is right now, and no one truly seem to know the way out. Evil is becoming like a norm and the wicked ones are waxing stronger doing dubious things. And the believers are not exempted from troubles posed by the god of this world. As they desire to live godly and be different, they are tagged, and looked down upon as if they do not belong. And they are truly not of this world though they are in the world. Devil has been permanently defeated on the cross when Jesus declared "It is finished." Jesus paid for the redemption of the souls of all human race to bring us back to God. But Satan is daily seeking and wanting to get back to himself those who have chosen the way of the cross that leads to heaven. Although Peter denied his Lord and master but he repented and wept bitterly, but Judas who betrayed his Lord for 30 pieces of silver was only remorseful but not repentant, he ended up hanging himself (Mark 14:72, Matthew 26:75, 27:3-5). So, as the world beckons, and Satan throw his darts, our flesh weak and almost getting tired of the way, we need to ask for fresh grace and divine cord to tie and bind us closer to God. For our eternal salvation is much closer than when we first believe.

I choose Christ

God has graciously bless mankind with the ability to make choice. And as free moral agent, he can decide on what he wants and how he wants to live his life. God will never enforce His will on anyone though He has made plain the destination of any chosen path. There are those who choose to be children of God, with them God is well pleased. They enter into sonship through Christ Jesus for the bible says "As many that received Him to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed on his name" (John1:12). Hence, they are grafted into the family of God and they enjoy every benefit that belongs to each member of the family. It is needless to say that the glory of God will be evident on them, as God becomes their father, and they His children will radiate His glory and aura. And the truth about their experience borders on their choice, that is the path they have decided to take. They choose and receive Jesus as their Lord, Saviour, Master and King and He in return impart unto them the nature of God, and lavish the blessings and glory that the kingdom of God affords unto them. Aside this, whenever anyone chooses Jesus Christ, he receives and has life, there is a lifting from death and all that produces death to life abundantly in Christ Jesus for He is the giver of life (1 John 5:12).

However, some choose to be slaves of God for so they call themselves. This according to them is a sign of humility, for it is not fit to be called children of God. How can they equate themselves to the level of being called children of God, they feel it is improper but really it is a display of ignorance for God wishes that all to be His children. A slave has limited access and right to the property of the father, only the son does. Blinded by religion, this choice has hindered them to receive from the father of all flesh-their creator and God. Buttressing this, the issue of Abraham who made a mistake by impregnating his Egyptian maid servant Hagar comes to mind. Abraham consented to the suggestion of his wife Sarah who thought she was too old to give him a child and felt that God cannot make good His promise to them (Genesis 16:1-2). But God eventually fulfilled His promise to Sarah (Genesis 18:9-15) and Isaac was born (Genesis 21:1-7). However, Ishmael, the son of the bond woman had grown and was a thorn in the flesh of Sarah together with his mother Hagar. And on two occasions God needed to intervene.  The first occasion was when Hagar despised her mistress and fled (Genesis 16:7-12), the angel of God met her and told her to return and be submissive to her mistress.

Also, in Genesis 21:9-10, on the day that Isaac was weaned, Abraham made a feast for him but Sarah saw Ishmael scoffing. So, Sarah insisted that Abraham should send away the bond woman and her son from Isaac, but this was displeasing to Abraham (Genesis 21:10-12, Galatians 4:7, 31). Abraham obeyed when God intervened and told him to listen to Sarah, so he sent them away. God kept His promise and took care of Ishmael who grew in the wilderness and later became a great nation because he was of the seed of Abraham. There cannot be peace but continuous rivalry which is based on the mentally that they posses. Though Ishmael was circumcised being a token of God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:23), yet, he was sent away because he was a son of a slave and he cannot co-inherit with the true son-heir of the covenant (Genesis 21:10,Galatians 4:21-30). God's intervention and response was premised on His covenant with Abraham that only in Isaac his seeds shall be blessed.

Another category are those who choose to be outright enemies of God. They frankly and boldly declare that they hate God expounding their various reasons. These are those who have given themselves over to Satan, they are loyal to him, both in the open and in the private carrying out his orders. They prefer to serve him and wage war against the true children of God. They choose their path and assuredly know that their end can never be with God in heaven. They are opposed to God and His way, and this modern age has helped them to delve into more evil as they seek and search for vanity. Their lord and master (Satan) whom they are devoted to constantly grant their desires giving them wealth, power, positions, and what have you.  They have all the goodies of this world but at the expense of their soul. But despite their achievements, many of them died miserably due to frustration, confusion and depression. After gaining all, yet, they lack true peace and satisfaction. Some unfortunately commit suicide, taking their own lives because they cannot meet the terms of agreement with Satan which they feel is too demanding. Indeed, it is only the yoke of Jesus that is easy and His burden light. And since they are  bounded with oath and covenant under which they feel that they cannot be released, they suffered in silence all through their lives. And those who cannot bear it who are often overwhelmed by the assault and torment of demons and powers of darkness contemplate taking their own lives in order to be free from affliction. But the bible says in Proverbs 20:30 "the blow that hurts cleanse away evil as do stripes the inner depth of heart." Jesus receives the blow on our behalf, and He is the healer of all heart diseases including depression. There is no hope for those seek strange powers. In fact, there will be no solution for man until he turns away from Satan and earnestly seeks God (Isaiah 8:19).

The next category are those who serve idols and other gods that God forbids. God repeatedly warned the children of Israel not to serve the gods of the land of the heathen that cannot deliver them (1 Samuel 7:3-8, 10, Exodus 20:3-5, Psalm 81:9-10, Jeremiah 10:6-11). Some do not even believe that there is any God anywhere, they are their own god. They choose to satisfy and live for themselves. They do what they like as they believe that they cannot obey the commandment of God. But the bible says in 1 Timothy 5:6 that they that live in pleasure are dead while yet they live. And like the sons of Eli who will not yield but are hardened and hard-hearted, not even heeding the voice of the father, because the LORD desired to kill them (1 Samuel 2:25). And as Joshua, the successor of Moses brought the children to Israel to a serious decision making "choose you this day whom you will serve" Joshua 24:15. The offer is also before you today to make a choice, and I want to believe that you have the capacity to choose and do the right thing by the grace of God. 

Unfortunately, some choose this transient world that its creator says will soon pass away with fervent heat (2 Peter 3:9-11). They want everything that the world has to offer. They love to be in vogue, move with the latest trend and be at the centre of world's activities. They love the world's music, politics,  ungodly people and the god of this world-mammon that induce them to have unending desire and cravings for wealth, and God is never in their thought. They only need God when they have problem, and immediately they get solution to their problem, they bid farewell to Him. But the bible repeatedly warned against the love of this world (James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17, Proverbs 11:28). God has decided to turn to hell nations that would not serve Him not just individuals (Psalms 9:17). So, anyone may decide to gratify himself with what the world offers, but there cannot be true satisfaction until each and everyone finds his bearing in God. The dainties of this world cannot produce the true joy and happiness that the heart yearns for. Truly, the world has more to lure and charm but I choose Christ according to the song composed by C. Harold Lowden.  Dear friend, if I may now ask, what choice are you making in life-to be a child, slave, an enemy, a god unto yourself, or have you decided to choose this horrible world. You must make a good choice today. 

Is the church ready for revival?

This is a candid question that needs to be asked now as there is no time in the history of the church and in any generation that we have the church so diverse and divided. Even the enemy preys on our division, and he further divides us so that we cannot stand to fulfill the end time purpose. So much is going on, so many denominations, yet, their impact cannot be felt on the nations of the world. There is so much laxity, works and acts of faith are gradually fading out, now it is seeing is believing, no patience in hope, and no free service for things done for the cause of Christ. Everyone seeks to be recognized and rewarded. Some  will even give their gift or render service so that they may be considered for better position in the church. A lot of anomaly and sincerely the tide is changing. It is so serious that in some assemblies everyone is a Christian, so there is no need to preach salvation or check out the basis of the faith claimed by the members of such congregation. Unfortunately, many churches are becoming domains of witches and powerful occultists where exchange and transfer of virtues and destinies of innocent, vulnerable, simple minded and lighthearted ones are steadily going on by both their leaders and other members. But sincere Christians are being discriminated against just like Joseph who was cruelly hated by his brethren for his bogus dreams. And his enemies (siblings) said that they would see what will become of his dreams (Genesis 37:19-20). And many also like Joseph right form inside the church have been stripped of their clothes of many colours (Genesis 37:23). Can Satan cast out Satan was the question Jesus asked the confused and blinded leaders of His days, the scribes who mistook Him for a magician using Beelzebub spirit to cast out evil spirit, and really it is logical as no one will expect Satan to tamper with his own kingdom except he does so in order to deceive people (Mark 3:23-26). And with this state of the church can we truly say that the church is fit for revival. 

Besides, there are evil enforcers everywhere with deceitful heart troubling people with demonic prophesies (Proverbs 17:20a, Exodus 23:6-7). Many also delight in falsehood (both leaders and followers) and this are the days when evil is thriving fast and hypocrites are increasing in the church (Isaiah 9:17-19). But God spoke through Prophet Jeremiah calling those who do the work of the Lord deceitfully cursed. There are those also who are bargaining and trading their souls for lies unlike Agur,the son of Jakeh,whose utmost desire before his death is removal of all falsehood. The high priest were unhappy with the exploits of the Apostles after the riddance of lies and falsehood in  Acts 5:17-19. Yet, the truth cannot be bound (verse 25), and that was why Gamaliel carefully advised his council mate to  leave the disciples (verse 38-39). Since it is God's prerogative to decide how judgement will be served. And if God is not pleased with Peter bringing judgement on sin, He would not have allowed his shadow to heal the sick afterwards (Acts 5:1-11, 14-15, Proverbs 1:17-19). Yet, there are those who do not want God's judgement but they persistently do things that will bring His wrath on them. 

Many are truly poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity like Simon, the sorcerer who instead of repenting of their evil and pernicious ways would not but will like to subtly manipulate the anointed of God to get what they are not qualified to carry (Acts 8:23-24). Intense and horrible manipulation is going on everywhere even in the church and this is a serous sign of witchcraft. Evil and dubious persons hiding under the canopy of the church, pretending to be holy and righteous but they can do anything just to get money and fame. They are so desperate for position and recognition,they are mainly in the church to use it as avenue to amass wealth. Truly, many are filled with the eastern ways (Isaiah 2:5-6). For some, they just want to be heard despite the fact that they have nothing meaningful to say while the bible says  A fools voice is known by many words (Ecclesiastes 5:3b, 9:17). The church is in a serious state of dilemma and can she win her battles this way? I want to believe your answer is No just as mine. Can she be ready for revival in this condition. The church is likened to God's disheartened vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-4, though planted, pruned, watered, yet, it brings forth wild grapes while God's expectation is for her to produce good fruit. And we know that bible affirms that the fruit of the Spirit is exhibited in goodness, righteousness and truth, and when these traits are not found there is problem (Ephesians 5:9, Romans 14:17)). And since there is a charge to reprove every activity of darkness and expose them, we cannot be partakers with evildoers bearing evil fruits (Ephesians 5:13).

 Many are taking God for granted saying we are in the time of grace and they can do anything that they like. But grace is not liberty for sin, rather it is the divine enablement to do what pleases God. We do often forget that this same God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah but spared only Lot and his family (Genesis 19:12, 17, 24). He had also destroyed the entire then world he created but spared only Noah and his family (Genesis 7:1-24). The same God is still in control of the whole universe and He can do as he pleases to this wicked world. It seems we are not conscious of the fact that if not for Jesus intercession for us before the father, the judgment of God on us could have been worse. We have permitted darkness long enough but with the emergence of the true light-Jesus beaming in our hearts, the church must realize that now she must put on the armour of light, walk circumspectly, and cast out all pollutions in order to fully put on Christ (Romans 13:12-14). Hezekiah's plea to the Levites resonates his desire for thorough purging and cleansing of the temple. He urged them to "carry out the rubbish from the holy place" (2 Chronicles 29:3-5, 11-15). Then, after repair, offering and observance of Passover, further reforms began in the land (2 Chronicles 31:1). It is the cleansing of the church that must precedes revival and God's outpouring. There is so much dross to purged form the church today before we can experience revival (Isaiah 1:15).

Hence, God's intervention for thorough cleansing must be sought as He promised. God was personally involved in the process because of the horrible state of the people of Israel (Isaiah 1:21-27). He will undertake the issue of cleansing and purging of the church because the reproach of the church must be taken away, and it is indeed the reproach of the nations. The church cannot help the world and be a blessing to the  nations if she is unclean. However, there is an obligation for the church during this process of cleansing to be submissive under the pruning hands of God, and like a wife who she is (bride of Christ) to her husband in all things. Because Jesus, the husband is to present the church-His bride chaste, spotless, and holy without any wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27). The church must be truly devoted to Him. Total submission to the Lordship of Christ is a basic necessity after cleansing before the outpouring and revival that the church so much desire (Isaiah 32:15-20, 33:14-16).