Heralds Digest

   “ Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. who, when they came to Cæsarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.” Acts 23 : 31 , 33 KJV When Apostle Paul later wrote to the brethren in Rome “ So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also (Romans 1 : 15)”, he apparently could graphically remember how the Lord replaced the state-inspired threat of the Jews with the state-sponsored services of the Roman soldiers and military personnel. It was a midnight escort service from the Jewish council in Jerusalem to the court of Governor Felix in Caesarea that opened the new missionary door to Rome. Whereas, to the state and the Jews under conspiracy to terminate the life of Paul, Apostle Paul had been arrested, incarcerated, and silenced from all preaching engagements in Jerusalem. Invariably, with absolute focus on the sovereign God and Master of all ser...

  “ A man's heart deviseth his way: But the LORD directeth his steps .” Proverbs 16 : 9 KJV One of the attributes of a self-made man is his ability to be in-charge, take control, and devise a solid strategy for great accomplishment. Wherever a master strategist is produced in any home, workplace, and societal setup, everyone within the system is known to dove his hat for the mastery of the strategist’s control and administration. Whereas, “ A man's heart deviseth his way: But the LORD directeth his steps ” brings an uncomfortable twist to the familiar setup. The recognition of the Saviour’s steps in life brings a great relief to whatever dynamic the sound strategies throws in any situation and circumstance. Unfortunately, those who are ignorant or cast aspersions on the relevance of the Saviour’s steps are always restless and frustrated with the management of the diversity and complexity of sound strategies open to them. For example, when a man’s heart deviseth his way, how ...

  “ And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do .” Acts 22 : 10 KJV The persecution of Apostle Paul in the same Jerusalem, where he had previously brought chained believers for persecution, inspired the difference between decent and dutiful dealings in life. While persecution of believers represents decent dealing when Paul was the persecutor, it remains decent dealing with Paul as the subject of persecution. Decent dealings are the human acceptable behaviours, inter-personal relationships, cultural dispositions, and social or business etiquettes, especially when the purpose and will of God is not in focus or consideration. But by Paul’s unforgettable encounter with Jesus Christ, decent dealings receive an uncompromising transformation into dutiful dealings…when he said “ What shall I do, Lord? ”. Educated and highly influential people always know what t...

   “ Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done .” Acts 21 : 13 - 14 KJV The pursuit of righteousness and the perfect will of God is not a recipe for the faint-hearted. Notwithstanding, a ready rod is God’s battle axe and weapon of war; and carefully prepared for the Master’s use. Oftentimes, the period of preparation creates a serious impediment for many people, whose minds are easily sandwiched by the whims and caprices of the supposedly well-wishers. Apostle Paul had to confront these well-wishers and disciples in Caesarea, who were ignorant of God’s special calling and will for Paul. But thanks to God, the ready rod responded “ for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus ”. Therefore, a ready rod in the hands of God canno...

   “ Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. ” Acts 20 : 26 - 28 KJV “ Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men ” is nothing less than a bold statement of a vessel under the commanding influence of the Holy Ghost. In these days where multitude of counsels are overlaid with conformity to worldly standards, political correctness, and social convenience, the commanding counsel of the Holy Ghost is no longer fashionable. For example, Apostle Paul’s life and ministry demonstrated someone who totally accepted Jesus Christ as both his Saviour and personal Lord. When Jesus Christ is truly the Lord, His counsels are not subjected to comparison with other sta...

   “ By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. When a man's ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him .” Proverbs 16 : 6 - 7 KJV One of the major challenges in life is working on a pleased plea in our relationship with significant people and partners. For example, king Jehoshaphat of Judah struggled with this dilemma in his relationship with king Ahab of Israel. Even when it was glaring that king Ahab was abusing Jehoshaphat’s kind gesture, king Jehoshaphat went into an unholy alliance in the battle with Syria at the risk of his life, but for the mercy of God. Likewise, too many people are crippled by the fear of man at the expense of the fear of the Lord. Whereas, what the Lord requires is simple confession and forsaken of all unrighteousness to access His forgiveness and mercy. Invariably, the focus of the pleased plea is the pursuit of mercy from God with truth; and not the profiling of mandrakes f...