Heralds Digest

“Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9:23-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jer.9.23-24.nkjv The road to a lofty height of wisdom, weight and wealth is often shrouded with awful plights. The open record of disappointments, failures, and discouragement on most purpose-driven attempts at success makes the celebration of any achievement in life a worthwhile exercise. Meanwhile, man's devotion to materialism is easily shifted from celebration to idolizations. Celebrities from all industries of life, including fashion, music, sport, academic, and even religious circles, are easily idolized as models of breakthrough in human endeavours. Just as the celebration of w...

“Their tongue is an arrow shot out; It speaks deceit; One speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, But in his heart he lies in wait. Shall I not punish them for these things? ” says the LORD. “Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?”” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭9:8-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jer.9.8-9.nkjv The last 2-week family road trip through some states in the US exposed members of the family, listening to daily radio broadcast of events on the campaign trail, to the ongoing concern on decency in political discourse. Political discourse is commonly expected to be decent and diplomatic, showing political correctness even when the contents are largely loaded with deceits. Whereas, many people are aversed to the gospel campaign that appeal to the heart, rather than just to the head. And during one of the gospel tract distribution campaigns in a mall, one of the kids returned with a lamentation "Daddy, someone rejected the tract offer!" . The reality is that dec...

"Is there no balm in Gilead, Is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery For the health of the daughter of my people?" (Jeremiah 8:22 NKJV) The evidence of the presence of the Lord in the life and affairs of those who trust and serve Him is the restoration of the life of peace, which was lost to sin. Daughters of Zion or the redeemed of the Lord should possess a living testimony of freedom from physical and spiritual corruption. And like prophet Jeremiah, real ministers of the gospel are passionately concerned by a church with no evidence of total recovery from sin, sickness, and satanic afflictions. Unfortunately, many ministers are easily carried away by superficial manifestation of prosperity. It is only fake prosperity that has little or no evidence of grace on the soul. Real recovery reflects all-round prosperity, that is, in all things and be in health, just as the soul prospers.

"For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, Saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ When there is no peace." (Jeremiah 8:11 NKJV) False teachers abound subtly as good prophets, pastors, and priests in churches; great parents at homes; and generous presidents of nations and corporate organizations or institutions. Their interpretation of peace offering is limited to the provision of services towards physical and material prosperity; and effective facilitation towards satisfaction of all financial, emotional, professional and social needs. Whereas, the precious peace from the Prince of peace is often sacrificed on the altar where only the prosperity of peace is focused. Peace talks with men are superficial without an accompanying peace talk with the Prince of peace. Therefore, above the offering of superficial relief from pain and punishment, the responsibility of faithful teachers in churches, homes and societies is the revelation of the precious peace from the Pri...

“Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you." Jeremiah‬ ‭7:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The disappointing experience of prophet Jeremiah in the business of intercession implied that God dearly hold on to the condition for effectual prayer. Intercession on behalf a person or people does not absolve the intended beneficiary from the demand for humility. Humility attracts grace that teaches denial of all forms of ungodliness, while pride cover up unrighteousness with religious activities and obligations. Adopting a christian name or associating with a bible-based organization will never provide what only a humble and a contrite heart can withdraw from the throne of grace. It is only a wasteful watch that care little about human responsibilities, compared to the expectation for God's intervention, in all of life's affairs.

“Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” Jeremiah‬ ‭6:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/jer.6.16.nkjv The motive behind ungodly legislation and the manifestation of spurious restrictions against the preaching of the gospel message, and the practicing of godly manners, in most nations of the world, represent a clear rejection of godliness. The nation of Jerusalem clearly demonstrated her rebelliously liberal mindsets by their rejection of the commandments of the Lord. While liberalism in relationships among men encourages peaceful coexistence, a liberal mindset in our relationship with God is wasteful. Man is limited in his knowledge of good and bad; and absolute confidence in God's leading is the only prerequisite to salvation. In spite of the multiplicity of negative influences in the society, worthwhile ways stand out to embr...

“Do you not fear Me?’ says the LORD. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence, Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it? And though its waves toss to and fro, Yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.us/114/jer.5.22.nkjv Powerful elements in every system of life are like the mighty ocean, which are envied for their dynamic current and influencing waves. The ocean is acknowledged to possess the capacity to cease anyone and anything within its bounds, but no one care to query the enforcement of these bounds. Likewise, the sense of reign is easily interpreted as the ability to control people and resources within a specific sphere of influence. These powerful elements, sometimes in the homes, our societies, within government or institutional affairs, and even in all religious assemblies, are easily irritated by a suggestive change of opinion from subordinates...