Heralds Digest

  “ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. ” Psalm 119 : 103 - 104 KJV By reference to the scriptural injunction in the New Testament about the world’s way, it is instructive to understand why the psalmist embraced the words way. The world’s way includes the system of lies, lust and looseness in the administration of business, relationships, and management at home, workplaces and the society. Those who patronize the world’s way do sometimes read the words of the Lord, albeit religiously at home, churches and in the society. The only problem is that the world’s way is considered as the potent path to prosperity, popularity, and power; while those who practice the words way are considered losers. Unfortunately, the schemer of the world’s way is wiser than most professing Christians and church goers, leveraging on his scheme of deception from the beginning at garden of Ed...

  “ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works .” 2 Timothy 3 : 16 - 17 KJV One of the fundamental purposes of the release of God’s words is correction. Christians study the word of God daily for access to its cleansing power. And for those who do release their hearts to the revelation of the words of God, they are empowered by God to get aligned according to divine purpose from deception and destruction. The havoc of sin and transgressions against the commandment of the Lord is the hardening and separation of the hearts of men from the revelation of God’s words; but by the inspiration of God through His words, the bondage is broken and hearts are released to response again to divine instructions. Unfortunately, proud hearts do not understand nor appreciate the potency in “ All scripture is given by inspirat...

  “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2 : 21 - 22 KJV Privileged and powerful purposes in life, career and ministry are desirable by everyone, but not everyone believes and understands that privileges and opportunities start with purposeful preparation. And in God’s vineyard and kingdom purposes, vessels of honour derive their purposes from being purged portions. “ If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use “ throw out the challenge for self-purging on everyone who desires privileged and powerful purposes in life. It implies that the primary objective of any man in any challenging situation and circumstance is making himself a purged portion i...

  “ Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.” 2 Timothy 1 : 13 - 14 KJV Only sound or wondrous words can keep a man contented in a dark, dank dungeon with a hole in the ceiling for light and air. Apostle Paul was in ‘chains’ (2 Timothy 1:16), ‘like a criminal’ (2 Timothy 2:9). He was lonely, bored and cold (2 Timothy 4:9-13). Death was inevitable. According to tradition, he was condemned to die by beheading under Nero’s persecution. Yet, he kept the wondrous words which were committed unto him alive; and was more concerned about passing the same good thing unto Timothy. Obviously, we can argue that compromisers and those who cannot uphold the words of Jesus Christ amidst the challenges of life haven’t actually encountered the wondrous words. The wondrous words of Christ are quick, powerful and sharper than two-edged sword,...

  “ If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. ” 1 Timothy 6 : 3 - 5 KJV For those who do not subscribe to wholesome words, it is readily easier to relate with the dynamic of their submission to wandering words. In today’s world of artificial intelligence, social media connectivity, and sophisticated music and entertainment, the lives of professing believers are easily taught otherwise, rather than by the wholesome words in different decisions regarding cultures, residence, careers, relationships, etc. Unfortunately, the higher the human exposure to wealth, opportunities and privileges, the more diffi...

  “ Before I was afflicted I went astray: But now have I kept thy word. Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes.” Psalm 119 : 67 - 68 , 71 KJV As described elsewhere, the wholesome word is given by the inspiration of God and profitable “ for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ( 2 Timothy 3 : 16 )”. Invariably, the wholesome word of GOD is meant for every believer’s teaching and training; but the training times are the affliction, oppression, and persecution times. According to Smith Wigglesworth, “ Great faith is a product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials”. And like the psalmist got admitted into the school of affliction immediately after his anointing and graduated with great wisdom and skills for palace administration, mastery in security strategy, and proficiency in...