Heralds Digest

  “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.” ‭‭James‬ ‭3:2-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Besides other numerous and attractive achievements, one of the pride of advances in knowledge, status and position in life is the right to accuracy. But when the scriptures say “ For we all stumble in many things ”, even though the truth of the matter is that the statement may not settle well with many, it provides the secret of a consistent trust in the Lord and the treasure of the heart relying always on the revelation on bended knees. No matter how convincing the statements of facts from human inquisition, wise men and anyone with a sense of self-control will always be cautious to take position without giving it a prayer. For to stumble in word is to fumble in prayer. And a man’s eagerness to always speak out to fellow men is almost an...

  “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” James‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ While life is full of the mixture of the known and unknown issues and circumstances, it is sometimes difficult to draw a distinguishing line between both worlds. Without gracious self-control, the self-promoting attributes in man will readily distribute knowledge and information without validating the authority. Whereas, humility or self-control teaches the virtue of keeping silence, especially when the scriptures or the spirit of God is clearly seen not to assume authority. Unfortunately, when self speaks, there is imposition, pride, and most often the violation of the commandments of God. For example, even though an invitation to contribute to public opinions in this age of information technology is largely free from regulation and widely freaky, every idle word and posting is not free from the judgment of God. Obviously, let not many of you become teacher...

  “Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.” James‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The pursuit of flowers (accolades, achievements, etc) in family, career, and ministry is the understandable relevance of life. And this is the basis of celebration by both the cared and uncared at every attainment of flowers. But when the scriptures say “ Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation “, it implies that heaven prefers the celebration of the pursuit of grace instead of flowers. The lowly’s exaltation lies in his successful pursuit of the godly character and virtue; while the privileged is encouraged to glory in his ability to refuse intoxication. Unfortunately, man often live life in ignoranc...

  “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James‬ ‭1:6-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The concept of waiting is the major challenge in the subject of believers’ faith in the business of asking and receiving. Every shortcut or alternative route to waiting is always attractive. Whereas, the confusion remains how to play safe while pursuing faith and facts at the same time. For example, experiencing faith in God while waiting for the promised conception and children-bearing is difficult to align with the alternate exploring of the fact about pregnancy through intro-vitro-fertilization (IVF). While both options produce useful solutions, waiting by faith actually becomes unstable on the sea of public opinion and the myriad of alternative plans for human intervention. Notwithstanding, proper waiting prod...

  “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews‬ ‭13:20-21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Good work and good workers on every project in life are the basic requirements for great accomplishments. Even in spiritual accomplishments, the combination of good work and great Shepherd (speaking of the earthly accomplishments of the Jesus Christ in his humanity) should have been sufficient or complete. Whereas, the imperative of the God factor is presented here to “ make you complete in every good work to do His will ”. Therefore, above the limits of human diligence and the unquestionable selection of laudable projects lie the incredible measure of God’s grace for all complete accomplishments in life. Even if acceptable to man, good w...

  “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ In territory prone to insecurity, aggression and all forms of lawlessness, everyone is prepared to adopt a jungle lifestyle and watch out for himself. Even the instructions from reputable leaders and those in authority are mostly treated with suspicion. While these concerns, relating to social insecurity, are valid, the concern about soul security and the lifestyle of brethren under the influence of the Spirit is expected to be different. Obedience and submission to leadership by believers are synonymous to obedience and submission to God and His commandments. This is because the soul in disgruntled fellowship is exposed to attacks from the enemy’s camp, especially in an atmosphere that encourages insubordination. Whereas, obedience and submission set the...

  “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The transient nature of the best of hope in this world should naturally limit the drive for earthly achievements. Unfortunately, many are often caught in the mad race until it is time to face the endless eternity. Hope in academic excellence, business breakthrough, family achievements, career and ministerial accomplishments, etc, are great but transient. While the scriptures refer elsewhere to singularity in this type of hope as miserable, it suggests here the existence of a happy hope. Fortunately, happy hope makes the heart happy or joyful always, even in the midst of inevitable negative experiences and disappointment of this wicked world. It is the hope of heavenly glory that defiles the possible interjection with earthly gory. After all, earthly glory or gory has no continuing City or citadel; there is always peace and contentment in the pursuit of the happy hope in Christ’s promise...