Heralds Digest

“One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭1:12-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/tit.1.12-14.nkjv In today’s world of information technology, access to the truth about events and the nature of matters is relatively easier than in the days of old. Human strategic planning for self management, disaster management and the national development of state affairs are heavily dependent on the empirical records of facts. However, this truth can only be trusted when operating within the threshold of human understanding and the natural possibilities. Relationships in the household of faith are not expected to be limited to the strength of the flesh. When certain elders and prophets in Crete influence congregational relationships within the context th...

“For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/tit.1.7.nkjv Rhetorically, everyone understands that stewardship is the concept of leadership, i.e., a leader is called upon by a congregation or constituency to provide services rather than procure services. Even if the society must excuse failure in leadership, the household of faith (either as a single family or a collection of many families- a fellowship) is expected to be led by a blameless bishop. Unfortunately, many spiritual leaders often failed the blameless test on the basis of providing self-willed services, instead of spirit-inspired services. Since the will of every living soul is easily influenced by the welfare of his body (or the wellness of his passion), only a physically dead soul is clearly escaped from the temptation of self-willed stewardship. Whereas, the faithfulness ...

“Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/tit.1.1-2.nkjv Whether for the worse or for the better, the character of man is greatly affected by the events of time. Interestingly, godly character is designed to be developed within a perfect combination of good and bad times. For Paul who (in his supposedly good times as bondmaster) perfectly understands what it takes to be the bondservant of man, faith, truth, and hope are three major ingredients for a progressive pilgrim on the pathway of time. Faith in God’s presence at all times, truth about God’s preferences before the events of time, and hope in God’s promises after the end of time provided a perfect understanding of the vision that was revealed unto him after his conversion. Littl...

“I will plant them in their land, And no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them,” Says the LORD your God.” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭9:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/amo.9.15.nkjv Painful planting is not really the concern of any serious-minded achiever in life. Whichever is the project among career, children, and even the congregation of the living God, planting season is naturally painful and stressful. However, the major concern everyone faces is the complex management of pull down syndromes around the business of life. Therefore, pleasurable pulling is worse than painful planting. But in the days of God’s power, the scriptures declare willingness in the heart of His people to succeed. For the congregation of Israel, the LORD God said “I will plant them in their land, And no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them”. When God wholesomely coordinates the planting seasons of life (I.e., the building of a worthwhile career, the parenting of pro...

““For surely I will command, And will sift the house of Israel among all nations, As grain is sifted in a sieve; Yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground.” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭9:9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/amo.9.9.nkjv Geographically, a downward escape to Ethiopia from the land of Israel, after an upward release from Egypt, is retrogressive. However, when Zion appears to no longer provide the expected refuge and fun, retrogressive escape is likely to seem attractive for desirable freedom and licentious living. But as God has warned against the misconception of a transient Ethiopian escape, no one can actually escape the searchlight or the radar of the almighty God. While the righteous can enjoy an escape to anywhere within the length and breadth of the earth, including space, he is called to separate himself from the custom and culture of the earth by aligning his heart with the cradle and calling of Zion. This is the name of the Lord - the Strong Tower, to which no other name ...

“The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: “Surely I will never forget any of their works. Shall the land not tremble for this, And everyone mourn who dwells in it? All of it shall swell like the River, Heave and subside Like the River of Egypt.” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭8:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/amo.8.7-8.nkjv If everyone always get what he deserves, we know that the consequence will be the total destruction of the world and its inhabitants. Notwithstanding, the beneficiaries of the mercy of God are not necessarily free from the possible mess created by divine providence. For those who often query the essence of the mercy of God, the scriptures provide access to repentance from wickedness to righteousness as the justification. Unfortunately, the mercy of God often works the mess of pride, arrogance and self-confidence in the hearts of those who are prepared for destruction and outer darkness. And for Judah in the days of Amos, the vision of.a basket of summer fruits underscores the div...

“Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, And the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’” ‭‭Amos‬ ‭7:14-15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/amo.7.14-15.nkjv There is a popular idiom that says “He who pays the piper calls the tune”. Literally, the people’s perception of the risk of conflicts of interest influences compromises in the call to adhere to righteous practices at home, workplace, and the society at large. For Amaziah the priest in Israel, loyalty to king Jeroboam forbids sincerity to the publishing of divine prophecy. What shall the righteous do when he is caught in a conflict of interest between obeying God and following man’s instructions? Everyone knows that the right answer is always difficult to embrace, especially when the grave consequences of a call to righteous actions stare us in the face. However, Amo...