Heralds Digest

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭ 11:23 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.11.23.nkjv Without the introduction of a compelling conflict of interest, it would be difficult for anyone to differentiate between loyalists and sycophants in any human system. But in moments of difficulties and the challenges of life in the family, work and life circles, individual partners are easily drawn to divergent interests for easy separation of true loyalists. In the fellowship of Jesus, the crisis of faith and the call of duties have drawn some to query His authority over demons. Likewise, believers are often faced with challenges arising from the crisis of faith in their lines of duties. But early overcomers have posed a useful poser to their distractions in times of similar crisis, like “ We ought to obey God rather than men ”. Therefore, believers’ daily duties remains their obedience to the Will of God, in spite of all of human confl...

  “Give us day by day our daily bread.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.11.3.nkjv In solving the problem of consistent food production, human knowledge has developed different storage technologies with reliable preservative. Even with time-sensitive items like dairies, a day by day production may not be necessary in order to guarantee a daily supply. But in the economy of spiritual strength, Jesus appears to defile the concept of human storage technology. He taught the disciples to seek the throne of grace for a daily dairy “ Give us day by day our daily bread ”. It implies that God’s grace cannot be stocked up and stayed up. Everyday comes with its unique challenges; and the day by day grace becomes inevitable. Moreover, the major motivation in believer’s relationship with God is actually not the supply of the dairy; it is the sweetness of the daily fellowship. Therefore, when we sincerely come daily before the throne of grace, we are sure to get more than the...

  “But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:62‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.9.62.nkjv For every faithful follower, the New Year comes with new commitments, consecration, and concentration. And while freelance followers are often considered to enjoy the luxury of selective commitment and consecration, Jesus says “ No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God ”. Unfortunately, the flesh will always want anyone to indulge in a little freedom to do whichever, eat whatever, go wherever, and see whoever, especially like others who frequently enjoy getaway experiences. Whereas, the assigned tasks within the kingdom and the peril of those who daily enter into eternity without the grace of God do not go on vacation. If something tangible must be accomplished for the glory of God, it is time to start with planning and prayer strategies for implementation...

  “...and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭ 9:48 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.9.48.nkjv In all relationships at home, workplaces and the society, status/class influences both the attention and attraction of people. Membership of a project team, work assignment, and even a fellowship discussion group does affects the quality of assessment. Greatness is clearly projected on the basis of net worth, personal profile and achievements. Unfortunately, the converse on this development is the discrimination of people whose net worth and noted potential do not match our pre-conceived criteria, even among the assembly of God’s people. When Jesus received a child into His assembly of disciples, the disciples quickly felt discontented because of the noted diversity in status. Unknowingly, Jesus wanted to correct the wrong struggle for ...

  “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9:24-25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.9.24-25.nkjv If there is no risk in faith, there will be no challenge with the pursuit of the will of God. Whereas, obedience to the commandments of God often requires the people of faith to step out of their comfort zones. And when this happens, getting a unified explanation against the law of reason becomes a big challenge to even satisfy self; needless to mention the esteemed understanding of family and the fellowship of people. Within the context of Jesus’ relationship with His disciples, pursuing the self-centred sake involves avoiding the path of ridicule, disrespect, denial of privileges, etc, especially at the expense of the pursuit of godliness and righteousness. Unfortunately, the rewards of pleasure, popularities, pro...

  “But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.”” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭ 9:13-14 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.9.13-14.nkjv Knowing how almost the whole year is plagued, it is normal for the majority of people to struggle with the measuring of their personal achievements. And without a careful review of the appropriate metrics, many are likely to be unprepared for a season of prosperity and abundance in the coming year. Since human senses are wired to work by sight and not faith, solving the problem of hunger and exhaustion for 5,000 people in the wilderness with just 5 loaves and 2 fish is unthinkable. Yet, whenever God say “ You give them something.... ”, He knows the something with us is not just something. It is a substantial something! Therefore, no m...

  “Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:38-39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/luk.8.38-39.nkjv Following Jesus represents a pleasant relief call for every redeemed child of God. Especially after a graphic engagement with the havocs from the camp of the wicked, it is always more comfortable to interpret the ‘ follow me ’ command of Jesus by a ‘ stay with me ’ admonition. Unfortunately, this comfort zone following often lead any disciple to a selective submission to the will of God. When the man of Gadarene (who was delivered from the legion of demons) considered the risk of walking away from the physical presence of Jesus, he begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, “ Return to your ...