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).

The anointing and the anointed

When God anointed David as the king over Israel, immediately battle started. No one knew him when he was in the wilderness fighting lion and bear that wanted to kill his father's flock. God groomed him in the secret and made him well prepared to lead His flock, the children of Israel, and to be army who will later fight the battles of the LORD. His preparation was uniquely based on his experiences and all that he encountered from childhood. He was not cared for by his father and this showed when his father could not remember to mention his name among his sons when Samuel asked for his children. David was completely out of his mind, and this evidently showed that David was on his own, if not for the LORD of Host that was with him. Though he was secretly anointed, but the battle he needed to fight for God to give him prominence was an open one. Nothing was hidden again to him, his anointing and victory over the enemy who despised the army of the Lord, Goliath of Gath, brought him more trouble and trauma  than he expected. From one enemy to another, battle to battle, but the LORD of Host was with him and his victory was sure. Then Saul, the king of Israel, rose up  against him and became his arch enemy because of his victory over Goliath.

And when Saul died, one would think that an end has come to his battle but not at all. Though the bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:8 that there is a time of war and a time of peace, but for David, the anointed, it seems to be an unending time of battle. Also, the bible affirms in Psalm 46 verse 8.....that the Lord makes the war cease to an to an end, but little did David know that God's anointing on him attracted more enemies, he on the contrary was inviting more seemingly unconquerable enemies, but his God eventually defeated them all and gave  him victory and rest (1 King 5:4). Still new in his office as the king of Israel, gathering himself together to oversee the people of God, with enormous task to undertake for himself and the people of God he was leading. Yet, the Philistines were all out after him. The wicked lying in wait at the dwelling of the righteous (Proverbs 24:15). The wicked plot against the righteous, seek accomplices to perfect their evil work (Proverbs 1:10-19) not knowing that they are paving way for their own destruction. 

There was an evil mobilization, an unusual alliance and demonic rage against the anointed of the Lord. And it seemed as if they were all idle and not engaged with any meaningful thing. They encouraged themselves against just one man. The bible records it that when the Philistines-a whole nation heard that David was anointed as king over Israel, all the Philistines went out to search for David. An unholy arousal began amidst the enemy of God, propelling them to fight against the anointed and chosen servant of God. But it was not unusual that such should be expected. It was simply because they were intimidated by his new office though he had not yet gone out against them in any battle (1 Chronicles 14:8-9, 15). But it was obvious that they were mindful of their pitiable condition- that David being king over Israel will curtail their dominance over Israel. So, before he would venture to attack him, they decided to quickly combat him. But on his side was God. David trusted in God and received clear instructions from Him, and this was  the secret of his success in all the battles of his life. David would always ask for guidance from God so that he would not waste his energy on battles that God could easily fight for him. No need for him to struggle as he was greatly helped by God. 

God dictated when and where he went throughout all the battle he fought in his lifetime. At a time, God told him...."when you hear a sound of going in the tops of the mulberry trees.... (1 Chronicles 14:15). The sound of the host of Lord that went before him into the battle, then, you go and attack the Philistines. God's host goes before his anointed, and the anointing over him always give him unique victory over any kind of foe. He did not just act presumptuously in warfare. How could David have defeated many people mightier and stronger than him if not for the anointing of God upon his head. He took 20, 000 of his enemies' soldiers and hamstrung their chariot horses (1 Chronicles 18:3-5). And when Hanum and the people of Ammon hired chariots and horsemen against him from Mesopotamia, Syria, Macaah and Zobah, they were all disconfitted before the anointed of the Lord both the helper and the helped because the anointing will always make the difference (1 Chronicles 19:6-9, 17-19).  Unlike the children of Israel who presumptuously went to dislodge the inhabitants of the land God promised them after they initially hesitated to go though forewarned by God through Moses that they should not go. But they went and the occupants of the land pursued them out and they fled.

There is perplexity and grim on many faces because of increased pollution both physical and spiritual everywhere and the world is becoming tougher and unsafe to live in. Issues around the world and the nations are unpleasant. Rifts, war, destructions, confusion, cheating, suppression, apparent disregard and disrepute for anything attached to God. The wicked and evil ones wanting to forcefully suppress and hold back the godly, they want to conform them to their own dictates and design. Truly the world is going insane after evil and who will tame this uncultured world and bring it back to its senses before it is too late. Horrible and weird things are going on among the youth even the children and adults are not exempted. The wicked are becoming more wicked experimenting with lives and properties of the vulnerable, wasting and destroying precious things. They do not seem to care and fear God and desist from evil. Rather success in one evil is leading them to adventure into more evil and wickedness, and the land is polluted with blood. The evils of our days are terrible and unimaginable as many are filled with the eastern ways just as the scripture says. Yet, the mandate of God is to defend the fatherless and rebuke the oppressors as David did. David was used by God to put an end to the oppression of the Philistines against the children of Israel which had been going for long time unchecked. God never intend that any of His children should be mesmerized by the evil ones but to be delivered from their grips through the instrumentality of His anointed ( 1saiah 9:4-7, 1 John 3:8, Jeremiah 1:10, Ezekiel 7:13).

It took Moses, God's anointed servant to disgrace the gods of Egypt, he disarmed the charmers of Pharaoh and discomfited his magicians. They came out boldly and told Pharaoh "this is the finger of God."  For who can contend with Him in battle or who has hardened himself against God and prospered. God is still God and no power can take His position or have its hold on the lives of His children. He proves His supremacy as He rendered the gods of Egypt impotent when He led His people out with an outstretched arm (Deuteronomy 26: 8,11:4,  Exodus 7:3). Shortly after they left Egypt, the children of Israel on their way to the promised land, pitched their tents and camped in the plains of Moab on the side of Jordan across from Jericho when Balak, the king of Moab sighted them. So, he engaged the services of Balaam to curse them for him. The evil one monitoring and plotting against the people of the Lord. Balaam instructed Balak to erect altars which he did three times, but on these three occasions, they could not carry out their evil schemes against them (Numbers 23:1-4, 8-11, 23:13-15, 19-26, 24:3-9). Evil coalition, reinforcement, confederacy, conspiracy, association, alliance, bond, agreement, networking, regrouping, fortification, cunning craftiness and alignment notwithstanding cannot sustain the enemies of God's anointed  for long against His anointed people because their God is with them to defend them (Psalm 114, 118, Isaiah 27:4, Proverbs 11:21, 31, Numbers 25:16-18). And now, Jesus Christ, the anointed one has come and has won for us total victory when he disarmed principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15). Haleluyah !!!

The paradigm shift (b)

At a time in Israel when Elisha was the prophet, Samaria was besieged by Benhadad the king of Syria and his army (2 Kings 6:24-33). Then, the situation grew worse and became intense to the extent that women were killing and eating their own children because of the great famine that was in the land. Further problem ensued between two particular women who have agreed to the killing and eating of their children. One was loyal, she released her child as promised and they killed and ate him, but when it was the turn of the second woman to release her child to be killed so they could eat him, she failed to release him. So, the first woman whose child was killed and eaten did not hesitate to cry out to the king for his intervention because she felt cheated, and when she realized that despite all her effort she was on the losing side, she informed the king who himself was helpless about her plight. Unfortunately, she pressed the wrong button; the response of the king was shocking though worth noting, for he said "If the LORD does not help you, where can I find help for you? From the threshing floor or from the wine press?" A helpless king needing help himself yet thronged by helpless folks, but he would not be self-deceived, he quickly made it clear to the woman that he was not the right person to solve her problem. Still unfortunately today, hopes and expectations of many are in man whose breath is only sustained by God. It is only a fool who puts his confidence in man even God declares woe on such (Jeremiah 17:5, Isaiah 30:1-2, 31:3). Then the king tore his garment (2 Kings 6:30), a sign of despondency, worthlessness and helplessness. And in humiliation, he passed by the wall, and the people looked at him for he had sackcloth (mourning garment) on. Apparently, the king was sad about the condition of his people whom he could not help and was desperate for solution, the people too pitied him though they could not help him.

If is God at work, then it is needless to turn to man for help or assistance. How can a mere mortal stop the almighty? The enemy mounting a siege and people eating their own children were both curses pronounced by God in Deuteronomy 28:52-53, 57, hence, it is only God who can avert the situation if the people will call upon Him and ask for His mercies, and if they will take appropriate steps towards removing sins that could possibly be the reason for their trouble. But both the king and the people had sought wrong solutions for solving their problems, and that made it more chaotic and troubling. The king wanted to kill the man of God while the women thought it was a good bargain to kill and eat their own children though they later realized that it was not. It is even a curse to eat your own child; it is absurd, quite abnormal. Yet, no amount of human skill, effort or scheme can equate God's intervention. Man may try but his expertise will only earn him failure and futility, because the best of man is not a match with God! When men's heart fail them, there is only one way out of their predicament and that is God and God alone. And when God is involved, He proffers a lasting solution to any problem. But the wicked will not want to comply with divine terms, this simple remedy he will not want to do but will prefer to cut corners, dodge the issue of repentance and forsaking of sins, therefore, his wickedness will continue to hunt him. He will even prefer to get quick solution through demonic means and satanic manipulations, however, since God is not in it, it will never last, though it may seem a perfect solution but it is only superficial and temporal, only what God does will remain forever (Ecclesiastes 3:14). How many dare God today entering into evil unions and covenants, making bargain with Satan and his hosts, delving into witchcraft, occults and the likes instead of asking for mercy and forgiveness of sins that could be the reason for their plagues and siege from the enemy. Instead, man has devised cunning ways to circumvent the judgment of God thinking within himself that he can go scot free. 

So the king with burning rage sent his messenger to kill Elisha. His aggression was wrongly channelled as he wanted to exterminate the major voice of God in the land of Israel at that time. And certainly, that was not the solution; his needless effort to attack the man of God while leaving undone what he should have done. Instead of asking Elisha for God's mind about the situation and possible instruction, rather he schemed to kill him; yet, he had no idea of the solution to the problem. But when Elisha knew about his plot against him, he hid himself from the wrath of the king who wanted to cut off his head. However, before he went into hiding, he told the elders sitting in his house "Do you not see how the son of this murderer has sent someone to take away my head? Look, when the messenger came, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door. Is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?.........and the king said, and why should I wait for the LORD any longer?" When the wicked hunt after the righteous to kill and destroy him just as the king sent his messenger to kill Elisha, he will never realize that he is compounding his problem and calling for further wrath and judgment of God. If it had not pleased God to eventually intervene through His servant, the prophet the situation would have gone worse. Jesus declared woe on the evil people of His days that they were those who kill the prophets sent to them (Matthew 23:29-37, Luke11:47-51), still they came with clubs to arrest Him (Matthew 26:55). Evil will continue to abound as the agents of darkness fortify themselves to oppress the righteous and manipulate the godly in order to have their evil wishes and desires granted and done. But a charge was given not to walk as the gentiles walk in the futility of their minds (Ephesians 4:17-19).

Saul, the first king in Israel was rebellious against God who had also forsaken him, but he thought within himself that he was engaging in a godly act and not a disservice by sending out the mediums, sorcerers, spiritists and the likes from the land (1 Samuel 28:3). And after the death of Samuel because God will no longer communicate with him, he requested again for the mediums whom he had just driven out (1 Samuel 28:3b, 5-7). Since he could no longer have contact with the God of heaven who chose him to become a king over His people, he disguised himself, the deceived and deceiver both later could not be hidden  (1 Samuel 28:9-13). Saul who would not listen to Samuel and obey God's command through him while he was alive found it comfortable and pleasant to hear from demon conjured from the earth having the form of Samuel. At least, if he could not receive from the God of heaven he could consult a séance because he needed direction regarding his battle with the Philistines. However, despite his effort, he did not receive a good message but he comforted himself by the persuasion of his servants who urged him to eat his last meal from a séance (1 Samuel 28:22-25). When someone fails to hear God, he would be receptive to Satan who operates with no mercy. So many are hesitant to take steps that will advance their relationship with God; they make light things most important and precious and trivialize essential issues regarding their relationship with their maker. Yet, man cannot be left in a vacuum, it is either he is of God or of Satan.

It is obvious that when the sanctuary and the people of God are desolate, His priests, saints and servants must beg for His mercies (Daniel 9:14, 17-19), for sins bring reproach (Daniel 9:16). Man has only one thing to do and that is to repent and align his ways with God as God will not bend His will for anyone. Man needs to diligently search out his errors, omissions and wrong doings, beg for God's mercies, forsake his evil ways and be willing to do God's dictates. For God still commands everyone everywhere to repent (Acts 3:19, 17:30). And as God is wrapping up His end time agenda for the world, the devil is also doing his own. The battle is getting tougher and harder because as the Lord is longing to get man's attention, Satan on the other hand wants to forcefully lay claim on him too. There is already a shift in the spirit and God will not struggle with those who wants the devil to control them because of the fringe benefits he promised them. However, the wisest thing to do because of the imminent judgment is to quickly get on the Lord's side. Although many may believe that God is not mindful or see the evils they are perpetrating, even the wicked elders in Israel were deceived to believe so (Ezekiel 8:12, 9:9), but God will soon frustrate their counsel and bring swift destruction on them unless they repent.

 

The paradigm shift

Believers are yet to be seen as trouble shooters like Paul the Apostle (Acts 24:5) and this is an express indication that we are not yet ready for revival. And truly many do not desire it and it is certain that they cannot experience it. Why do we have so much confusion and pollutions all around even in the church? It is simply because the Holy Spirit has been relegated to the back seat. Anytime and anywhere there is heat, the viper will come out. Just don't set the fire if you don't want to see the viper. The handiwork of viper, a venomous beast as seen in the case of Paul at Malta quickly comes to mind (Acts 28:3-6). Though the literal fire brought out the viper that they expected to kill Paul, but when they saw the true fire that comes from God operating in him, and what it can do, the same people who expected evil to befall him called him a god as they had a change of mind. Jesus had aforetime prophesied what will happen to the disciples and the latter day saints (Matthew 10:17-24). If they did the same to Jesus, obviously His followers should not expect anything less (Matthew 10:23a, 25b-26). Though He commanded them to flee, yet, they are safe and secured with the master, hence, no need for fear, hiding or denying Jesus (Matthew 10:32-33, 39). And though storm may rage, there may be troubles and perplexity while serving just like Paul, the Apostle encountered, the sure encouragement was "for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me" (Acts 27:25, 34) attesting to the words of Jesus that the hair of the heads of the disciples are numbered (Matthew 10:30-31). Jesus also after he had just finished preaching and performing miracles went to pray (Matthew 14:14-23), but the wind went contrary (Matthew 14:24) and the boat was in the middle of the sea. But nothing could stop the master, so, He began to walk on the sea. The devil meant harm because it did not cease boisterous even when He bided Peter too to walk on the water. He almost sank when he looked away from Jesus to the waving sea (Matthew14:28-31), but the wind later ceased when they got into the boat and seeing the miracle, the people acknowledged that He is the son of God (Matthew 14:32-33).

Micaiah, the prophet was persuaded to speak encouraging words like other prophets who said good things, but all of them without exception told lies (2 Chronicles 18:10-12, 14). However, Micaiah did not follow other prophets to tell lies but he frankly declared to the king the mind of God, though hated (2 Chronicles 18:6-7), but, a vessel of God's judgment to erring king (2Chronicles 18:13, 15-21). So cunning Ahab disgusied himself and went to the battle ignoring the counsel of God through Michaiah, he was eventually killed by a straying bow (2 chronicles 18:33). There is a shift in several places all over the world, and though many are rebelling against the light (the true light-Jesus)and doing what they please, yet, God in heaven will not be silent (Job 24:13-14, 21, Isaiah 5:15-16). Job acknowledged that the fear of the Lord is to depart from evil and wickedness, and that coming to this conclusion ensures true living. But whenever man disobey the words of God, he opens himself up for terrible destruction oftentimes with no remedy expect he repents and amend his ways (Jeremiah 42:13-16, Ezekiel 11:19-21). God's judgment is unleashed when divine expectations are unmet (Luke 13:6-9). Whenever innocent blood is shed, God does not overlook or pardon evil perpetrators because the shed blood cries out to God for justice (2Kings 24:4). Then God executes judgment among His people in anger (Ezekiel 5:15) and in fury and with furious rebukes because of the crimes of blood in the land (Ezekiel 7:23-27). The most unfortunate thing is that when God releases His wrath, it affects the righteous too who fail to stand up for the nation to breach the gap (Ezekiel 21:3-4, 9:4), and it is always disastrous as destruction and desolation results. 

To avert the wrath of God, there is just one sensible thing to do. Like Job, a man recokened righteous by God, yet, he would not be presumptious but asked for God's dealing and intervention putting himself under serious constraints, begging for God's mercy (Job 6:24, 9:14-15). Knowing that repetition is for emphasis, Isaiah 2:11 was repeated in Isaiah 2:17 and this infers that no highminded will survive it. For He God will be a swift witness against the agents of darkness (Malachai 3:5). In Deuteronomy 32:10-12, Moses recounted what God did for Israel how He sheltered them when there was no strange god in them, but later He needed to hide himself from them because they have followed stranged gods and demons (Deuteronomy 32:15-17, 32:20b). How can they do what displeases God and still seek His favour? That is not possible for God cannot be sided with evil. Then comes the wrath and judgment of God on His people, His predetermined counsel against their evil (Deuteronomy 32:24, 32:39-43). At another time, Judah sinned (1King 14:22-24), so God instigated the king of Egypt against Judah to spoil her. The treasures of the Lord's house (gold and silver) were removed but Rehoboam replaced the gold shield with bronze (1King 14:25-27). But how can we equate the quality of gold with bronze; besides, he would not leave them permanently there in the temple, all these treasures has to be carried in when needed and out after use (2 Chronicles 12:9-12, 1King 14:28), though they were not completely destroyed, yet, they suffered for their evil.

But if anyone professes to have Jesus, there must be a shift, a divine lifting from death and all that it produces to abundant life in Christ Jesus who alone is the source and giver of life (1 John 5:12). The revelation and manifestation of Jesus is to take away sins (Matthew1:21, 1 John 3:5). Hence, anyone who claims to have encountered God does not live for himself but for God (2 Corinthians 6:15). Living in reverent fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and this Solomon advocated for, Job also alluded to it that it is the wisest thing to do (Proverbs 16:16, Job 28:28). It behooves everyone therefore to esteem God's fear above any otber thing (Amos 5:15, 23-24). Another issue needing a paradigm shift relates to our abiding in Christ. In the gospel according to John chapter 15 verses 2b, 4-5,Jesus himself declared that He will take away any branch in Him that does not bear fruit. However, it takes someone who constantly abides and is attached to the vine to bear fruit. He alone can grow, multiply and have great achievements just as it happens in the natural. No branch can stay alive for long by itself or multiply without its attachment to the stem from where it receives nourishment that comes from the root. Even the children of Israel did not promise to blindly follow Joshua, they gave him a condition which must be fulfilled before they can follow and obey him. And the condition is-if the Lord God Yeshua is with him (Joshua 1:16-17, Hosea 11:10-11,Colossians 2:5b). Apparently, there is problem of identity crises now as supposed believers do not reflect Christ whom they proclaim to know and worship, and no amount of explanation will suffice. And basically there is no way anyone can resemble Him whom he does not relate with, or have any close link or contact with, so the real problem is that many do not know him so they cannot abide in Him.

The humble-the lifted (c)

For whosoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted Luke 14:11.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth spoke as she welcomed Mary. The baby also leaped in her womb and that signalled something glorious about to happen. Mary had just been visited by God and she needed affirmation and consolidation of what God was doing in her, seeking a godly repose and someone to share her current unusual experience with though initially troubled at the saying of the angel, but later got encouraged when she learnt about Elizabeth's conception. She decided to visit and intimate Elizabeth with the new things going on in her life though strange, unimaginable, yet real experiences the duo were going through. Elizabeth too carrying her bundle of joy needed someone to share with since Zachariah, her husband was mute as a result of his unbelief when the angel announced the birth of their child. These handmaids in God's hand were undergoing divine visitation and surprises, He fashioned them as He pleased, one too old to have a child yet conceived, the other, a virgin who conceived a child without sexual relationship with any man. Truly they were both experiencing wonders and needed to give support, comfort and encouragement to one another knowing that the miracles in their bodies could only be by God. Both of them in high ecstasy, yet, at this time the Holy Spirit was emphatic about the issue of pride knowing it was an opportune time when they'll embrace and communicate what God was doing in them. At this crucial moment Mary lend a voice to the lot of the proud. Her utterances were not all premeditated but it came from the Holy Spirit. The song of Mary in Luke 1:52-53, "He has shown strength with His arm, He scattered the proud in the imagination of  their heart. He put down the mighty from their throne and exalt the lowly,"  God is never at any time prodigal with His grace and gifting. Though He is ever mindful of His covenant promises, yet, man must know his limit and boundary. And when God explicitly demand anything from us, we must be cautious enough to approach it with all seriousness.

Many so called mighty who exalt themselves against God have been pulled down. A notable example is the proud Herod who was eaten up by worms when he would not give glory to God. His account found in the book of Acts 12:21-24 is still shocking and fearful, "So on a set day Herod arrayed in a royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting "The voice of a god and not of a man!" Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied." His judgement came swiftly and brought increase to the work of God. This evil king had wronged God by harassing His people and by ordering the killing of His saint-Apostle James, afterwards, he proceeded on an evil mission to show his prowess and he imprisoned Peter who was scheduled to be killed but God delivered him (Acts 12:5-17). And because Peter was miraculously released, he killed the guards assigned to watch him (Acts 12:19). Then, on one of his good days when he was praised by the people, he arrogated God's glory to himself and to show his nothingness, God did not give it a rethink but permitted His angel to struck him. No one can stand in God's place and go free for God will never share His glory with anyone. Herod behaved wickedly and if God had not exterminated him, he would do more harm to the believers. Herod did not go free for his evil acts neither will anyone does (Malachi 3:15, 4:3, Jeremiah 2:34-37, Ezekiel 21:26b-27). Job also noted God's judgment on the proud (Job 40:11-12), their right due from God who fully repays the proud (Psalm 31:23) and renders just recompense as His saints plead before Him (Psalm 94:2).

Prophet Jeremiah and Obadiah both alluded to God's distaste for pride and His judgment on the proud (Jeremiah 49:16, Obadiah 3-4). When God comes swiftly against the proud, there is nothing anyone can do about it. Belteshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar will not learn form the his father's experience but vaunted himself because of his greatness. He ordered for the vessels of the Lord's temple to drink wine together with his lords (Daniel 5:1-3). Then came the handwriting on the wall which marked the end of his reign. God will no longer condone his excesses; consequently, he was slain and was replaced by Darius that same night (Daniel5:23-30). But before his death, Daniel was sent for to interpret the handwriting on the wall. Daniel warned him of the imminent danger but he took it lightly, "But you his son, Belteshazzar have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. And you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and your lords, your wives and concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hands and own all your ways, you have not glorified"  Instead for him to repent of his pride and amend his ways, he did not but he had time to honour Daniel (Daniel 5:18-23, 29). Man cannot contend with God; he cannot contend with him who is mightier than He (Ecclesiasts 6:10b). God detest the proud (Psalm 101:5b), He tolerates only the humble but the proud He sees afar (Psalm 138:6).

Jesus cited pride as one of the sins that disqualifies and defiles a man (Mark 7:22). He even gave a parable about the danger of pride to those in the house of the rulers of the Pharisee when He saw how they chose the best seats for themselves (Luke 14:7-11). The crux of the matter was His summary in verse 14 "For whosoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted " John the beloved remarked that pride is not of God, it is of the world (1John 2:16-17), and its evil effect is ravaging and tearing our world apart. Also, Paul, the Apostle listed pride among the sins on which the judgment of God will be meted in Romans 1:30. Evidently, this evil called pride characterizes our modern-day Christianity as Paul the Apostle noted in 2 Timothy 3:2-5 and truly many are proud, boastful, haughty, headstrong, fake, often seeking undue attention and recognition in order to gain acceptance. But the bible clearly commands that from such we must turn away. Never to mingle with the haughty ones so as not to have their evil rub on us. It was a strict command given to us the latter-day saints by Paul because the proud will grow worse and worse and they can cause someone to stumble and fall as it happened to Ephraim, Israel and Judah (Hosea 5:5). Little wonder God himself emphatically said,"I abhor (hate, detest) the pride of Jacob. For the bible says, "The LORD God has sworn by Himself. The LORD God of hosts says, I abhor the pride of Jacob, and hates his palaces; Therefore, I will deliver up the city and all that is in it" Each and everyone who desires to walk with God must be humble. For it is better to whole heartedly rely on God being patient and of a humble heart than being proud and of a haughty spirit (Ecclesiasts 7:8).

Many times, proud people think they are wise but really, they are not and because they cannot submit to learn, they fall and display folly. It is good to be humble than being puffed up with pride (1 Timothy 3:6), and since there is nothing anyone can gain from pride, it only brings shame and reproach. Its associates are humiliation and dishonour and that is the reason why many Old and New Testament servants of God frankly talked against it. However, humility still remains a basic requirement for man from God (Micah 6:8). The psalmist declared in Psalm 18 verse 27 that God will save the humble people but He will bring down the haughty look. Habakkuk, the prophet also says, Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him" (Habakkuk 2:4a). Hence it is needful to avoid self-praise, undue magnification and compliments since there is no justification for it (Proverbs 27:2) because only the humble who does not regard the proud will be blessed by God (Psalm 40:4).

The humble-the lifted (b)

God lifts up the truly humble. He specializes in exalting and raising those that are bowed and trodden down by the enemies (Isaiah 51:22-23). He desires to be God in their lives and because He is God, therefore, He avenges and pave way for their unbeatable emancipation through glorious lifting such that everyone will know that this is God at work. For instance, though Hannah was battered by her rival but when God decided to favour her, she received mercy to be the mother of a re-known priest in Israel. And her testimony rightly attest to it in 1 Samuel 2:3, 7b & 8. He is a boundless (limitless) God and when He decides to raise up those who are low, no one can query His audacity! When God decides to be gracious as Hannah remarked, He will lift up the beggar from the dunghill and makes him seat with the princes of His people. Because He alone lifts up, therefore the humble are lifted to safety. But He knows the proud afar off and He would not want to have any dealing with the lofty ones. This is the season for the humble souls as God never forgets any. The world system may do because it is not even tailored towards accommodating the lowly, poor, insignificant, and the needy. It is geared towards keeping pace with the seeming achievers and the lifted. No true place, consideration and meaningful provision is made for the lowly and if someone is not in the rat race such is often left out. But God showcases the lowly in their due season when selection of grace speaks for them.

With divine response the remnant of God's people are accommodated according to the election of grace (Romans 2:2-22. Yet, He warned that gentiles should not boast because God has graciously received them knowing that they are not qualified neither are they in His original plan. But He deliberately decided to accept them in order to woo Israel back to Himself (Romans 11:11), hence, there is no need for boasting or pride else they would be cut off (Romans 11:17-18. Though the Israelites were once cut off so that the gentiles can be grafted in, however, there is need for caution for those coming in else they may not be spared too (Romans 11:19-21). So, Paul, the Apostle, warned the gentile believers to beware because if God abandon the children of Israel in order to graft them in, they better not be pompous lest He spare but cut them off (Romans 11:22). Considering his stern warning in verse 20, "Do not be haughty but fear" Actually, nothing calls for pride because in the first instance, we are objects of His mercy, so why boasting as if we are the original olive plant, but we need to remember that we are grafted in only by grace. Grafting is an agricultural practice whereby a scion is inserted into a small hollow part of a tree. The graft has no root or branches of itself  but it sprouts after receiving nourishment from the main plant, so why boasting? And that is why Paul, the Apostle, further warned against pride in Romans chapter 12 verse 16. James also buttressed the fact that God resists the proud but He gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The gross sin of fleshly kind and sins of higher spiritual level are pride, self-confidence, refined unbelief, high mindedness, arrogance, worldly lust and these are very destructive and cannot be overlooked.

The Psalmist remarked that God will only guide and lead the humble (Psalm 25:9), but the proud are cursed because they strayed away from His commandment (Psalm 119:21). They also have God's judgment looming on them (Isaiah 5:15-17, 25:10-12). Isaiah's prophetic declaration of the day of the Lord against the lofty whose hearts are lifted up further reveals God's intent to deal with the proud ( Isaiah 2:11-12, 17, 19, 21&22). He therefore counselled that everyone should severe from a proud person whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he? As long as he has his breath in his nostrils and his breath can only be sustained by God,  he is nothing and he can never be equated with the Almighty. Even Jesus did not spare the scribes and Pharisees of his days. He gave a sober teaching on humility to these erring leaders because He detested their proud outlook and disposition (Matthew 23:2-12). For Jesus Christ our Lord is our perfect example of humility as recorded it in Philippian 2:5-11. Paul, the Apostle noted in his epistles to the Corinthians while admonishing them on what real love will never do (1 Corinthians 13:4b-5), genuine love is not proud and it is not puffed up. Also, in his admonition he charged the churches to seek spiritual gifts mainly for the edification of the church and not for boasting or bragging (1 Corinthians 14:12, 37, 1 Timothy 6:4, Philippians 2:3).

The bible is littered with examples of proud people and their aftermath. Amaziah was a king at a time in Judah, he conquered Edom and his heart was lifted up. His pride over his little success made him ignore the counsel of the king of Israel who carefully warned him in order to dissuade him (2 Kings 14:7-9, 14, 2Chronichles 25:11-12, 17-24), yet, he challenged Israel to battle despite Jehoash candid advice that " stay at home for why should you meddle with trouble, that you should fall-you and Judah with you?" Eventually, Amaziah was captured by the king of Israel who also emptied and stripped naked the house of God (2 Chronicles 25:23-24). Yet, Uzziah his son failed to learn from his father's error but his heart too was lifted up. During the days of Zechariah, Uzziah sought the Lord and he prospered as long as he sought the Lord. Uzziah was marvellously helped by God, in fact, verse 15 is worth noting because he became an unusual king who received divine help till he became very strong. God also helped him to fight all his enemies (2 Chronicles 26:5, 7-15). But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction as he went ahead to do what was not his duty to do. And he would not listen despite the priest's plea to him. Instead, he was furious and unbending, so he became leprous until the day of his death (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). But Jotham his son who succeeded him had learnt his lessons, he would not want a repeat of what happened to his father and grandfather. Though he too was mighty because he prepared his way before the Lord (2 Chronicles 27:6), however, he did not enter into the temple at all ( 2Chronicles 27:2), neither did he allow his heart to be lifted up against  God and His priests. He feared for his life and did not allow pride in him.

Hezekiah too was lifted up with pride because of his victory over Sennecherib  (2 Chronicles 32:25-26), but when he quickly repented of his pride, the Lord averted the evil intended against him. If Naaman had not heeded the counsel of his servants but allowed pride and ego of the beautiful rivers of Damascus Abanah and Pharpar to overwhelm him, he would not have been cleansed of his leprosy (1 King 5:11-14). Boasting Peter was ruffled by a little servant girl after Jesus was taken (Matthew 26:69), and again  in Matthew 26:71, he denied his Master. Peter should have asked for grace, help and divine enablement to endure the trying moment that was about to befall them, instead he vaunted himself and told the Lord that even if all deserted him he would not as if he truly know what was ahead ( Matthew 26:31-35). They took lightly the prediction of Jesus about them, all of them forsook Him, and fled even Peter who was so full of himself and took the lead to say "Even if I have to die with you, I will not deny you! and so said all the disciples." And when a group of people approached him to bash his ego, again he denied his Lord with an oath (Matthew 26:72). And in verse 73-74, his reaction was absurd because he started to curse, then a cock crowed (Matthew 26:75) a reminder of what Jesus had predicted concerning him. But the Lord being merciful reinstated him.