Heralds Digest

  “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭ 2:13 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/1co.2.13.nkjv One of the dangers in spiritual sensitization is the manipulation by human wisdom. Without spiritual discernment, a man of the spirit can be easily manipulated to act against the counsel of God. For instance, a perfect blend of spiritual exercise, knowledge of the scriptures, and human wisdom has often led many mighty men of God into the arena of minions in numerous affairs of life. There is no doubt that the life of a man is entirely wrapped in his surrounding natural phenomena, political manipulation, agitation for career progression, family prosperity, ministerial accomplishments, etc. And since the Devil knows these needs of the mind, manipulating the undiscerned minds in their web of spiritual sensitization is easy. Therefore, Apostle Paul admonished the Co...

  “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,” ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1:4-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/1co.1.4-6.nkjv Anyone who has struggled to differentiate between the influence of wisdom or the intelligence of this world and the grace of God in accounting for the testimony of prosperity, promotion, and preservation know how difficult it is to always give thanks to God. But as Paul worked the Corinthian church through the influence of the grace of God alone, he provided the basis for a consistent gratitude to God for all utterance and knowledge. And as evident even in the Corinthian church, the testimony of affluence and relevance in the affairs of this world brings only temporary separation from poverty and weaknesses, especially under the influence of compromises. Whereas, only the grace...

  “Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭ 15:30 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.15.30.nkjv One of the most reliable organ of progress in life, ministry and career is family. Despite the numerous challenges on the field, progress in life’s project can continue when the fellowship of like-minds are secured. However, focus on any life’s project is seriously destroyed when family supports are lost. For Apostle Paul, anyone might wonder what such a powerful prayer warrior needs in the church’s prayer support. Whereas, Paul did not just asked for prayer support, he begged for the much-needed unity and togetherness in the battle against the enemies of the gospel. When the scriptures proclaimed victory when two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, it merely underscores the weakness of solo run in life. The major problem for failure in life’s project is...

  “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭ 14:13 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.14.13.nkjv Without taking away the amazing benefits of knowledge to human social and economic development, knowledge creates diversity in viewpoints on almost all the subjects of life. It is no longer news that our world and institutions are constantly confronted with strong diversity of opinions on sensitive matters. Even in religious circles and among people of faith, strong opinions on social lifestyle, political views, and cultural acceptance have always created stumbling block to believers’ constant acknowledgement of the love of God. For example, rather than dissipating energy on changing people’s strong opinion on social, hygienic, dietary lifestyles, the scriptures admonishes focus only on removing obstacles on the people’s understanding of the love of God, without critici...

  “distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭ 12:13 ‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.12.13.nkjv When giving is viewed mostly from the standpoint of service to the needy instead of devotion to God, it is understandable why people cannot properly assess the rottenness of motives and the problem of partiality in most charity initiatives. Whereas at the early church, this same problem was successful addressed by the selection of deacons with honest report, wisdom of God, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, even just a good intention in distribution can misrepresent the “ needs of saints ” for “ wants in service ”. In order to truly give oneself to hospitality, focus on the recipients’ gifts must be replaced with the givers’ devotion to God. Unfortunately, when believers’ pursuits and passion in family life, ministry and career towards their most laudable services to humanity are driven by a selfish motive, it becomes easier for any...

  “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.12.9-10.nkjv Everyone knows that love is both self-sacrificing and others considering. Notwithstanding, hypocrisy has always offer the assistance towards the withholding of the self sacrificing part in a relationship; and still get the credit for showing love. Experts in others considering can successfully create a comfortable environment for love expression; but with a deep and devastating tissues of pain. Therefore, the love lots admonition of the scriptures maintained “ Let love be without hypocrisy ”. Forbearing the needs or pressure for show up, true love must cost the sacrifice of time, comfort, position and opportunities for self and the preference of these resources for others first. The garden of love is always filled with contest for exch...

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:26-27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/rom.8.26-27.nkjv Life is always good and pleasant when surrounded by the system of friendliness. All concerns will have the appropriate consideration; all questions have the right and expected answers; and all disaffection is quickly treated with courtesy and respect. But life is obviously not a Disney Land. Real life is often surrounded by series of unfortunate events, friendships, and partnerships, sometimes at home, workplaces, and even in the fellowship of like minds. As rightly put by the scriptures, these weaknesses can be so overbearing if the soul is left only with help that comes from this...