Heralds Digest

  “ Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Colossians‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Without an inner strength and determination, productive services in a toxic environment is generally abhorrent and almost impossible. Unfortunately, whether at home, workplaces, and in the society, people often proceed into the business of service offering with the mindset of shifting the responsibilities of creating the conducive environment for good services to someone else other than self. Whereas, in spiritual services, people do not just expect to come to a conducive environment for service. We proceed to spiritual service and fellowship with God with our conducive inner environment. Otherwise, the scriptures say our religious, professional and family services become simply idolatry. This is because we are expected to be actively engaged in spiritual service when we physically serve our family members, p...

  “ So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ .” Colossians‬ ‭2:16-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ As the global world evolves into a village, liberal minds understand the battle against cultural identity. Even in the biblical timeline among the ancient cities that bounded the Lycus valley, the concept of cultural identity does create strong social vibes and determine an individual’s social relevance. Likewise today, ‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle ’ stereotypes readily receive more recognition, instead of the doctrines of Christ. Unfortunately, the conviction on the subjects of scriptural identity is gradually being lost from the family or corporate narratives. When believers are afraid to stand up for their faith and conviction on doctrinal issues (or simply explain away the truth on the basis of the supremacy of ‘acceptable’ cultural or social norms), they are quiet...

  “ and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross .” Colossians‬ ‭1:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Restoring peace in strained relationships requires more than mental intelligence. Many peace accords have been executed with the sacrifice of collateral on the altars of good human relations, without the embrace of a lasting peace. Even in a religious relationship with God, human sacrifices have failed to fully atone for the punishment of sin. The sacrifice of all things on earth or things in heaven, that are equally subject to the influence of the depravity of sin and unrighteousness, is not acceptable before God. Therefore, God offered His only begotten Son - Jesus Christ - for the redemption of humanity from the captivity of sin. Little wonder the scriptures declared a special beatitude on peacemakers, saying ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God ’. Unlike the political ...

  “ I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Life’s experiences, especially in our moments of pain and difficulty, are no doubt the best teacher. Successful men have risen to fame and great accomplishments by relishing on the accounts of their difficulties and challenges of life. For example, the development of intellectual property, building of a business empire, and the establishment of successful institutions for human governance are just a few out of the countless stories of life’s experiences. Unfortunately, success to many is accomplished with a misunderstanding of the true source of their strength. While it is true that success mostly follows dogged and creative utilization of the life’s experiences with determination, life is miserably doomed without the acknowledg...

  “ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Barring the diversity in degree, medical science claimed that everyone struggles with insanity. Perhaps, some may choose to measure wellness with the human ability to respond appreciably to emotional disturbances in relationships. For example, any object of pain , provocation , and poverty represents a balanced source of emotional disturbances in every supposed healthy relationship. And everyone can relate with his different level of insanity and struggles with these emotional disturbances at home, society and workplace. Whereas, after Paul admonished rejoicing always in pain , consistent gentleness with provocation , and absence of anxiety in handling poverty , he finally provid...

  “ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice !” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/php.4.4.nkjv Happiness is not a thing in the atmosphere of true rejoicing. While happiness is derived from the outcomes of life’s engagements and circumstances, true joy comes from every man’s relationship and status with the Lord. When a man accepts the invitation to come to the Lord, he finds rest from worries, anxiety, and receives the grace to fellowship with the Lord. Therefore, true joy is graciously sustainable and pleasantly renewable. Little wonder why the incarcerated Paul admonished the suffering believers resoundingly to ‘Rejoice in the Lord always’.   Sincerely, whenever the oil of rejoicing appears fading in life, it can only be replenished with a renewed fellowship with the Lord; and never with a refreshed twist in circumstances.

  “ Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. ” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/114/php.3.17.nkjv Leadership position at home, workplace, and in the society of people without commitment to understandable responsibilities is clearly rudderless. Everyone can easily relate to the leaders’ frustration when the supposed followers operate under chaos and confusion. Whereas, inward-looking leaders understand his role as the followers’ forward and remained focus on the need for consistent leadership examples. While detractors were bent on taking advantage of the challenging circumstances among believers in Macedonia to promote confusion, Paul quickly promoted confidence in leadership by examples. It takes enormous level of responsibility for someone to say ‘join in following my example ’. Even while under intense persecution and trials, Paul remained committed to the leadership of Christ and obedient to His promise...