Heralds Digest

  “ 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 The best way to start the New Year on a wrong note is to retain our fears of failure to get the desirable right response in the previous year. Living by facts in life breeds nothing more than fear. The people in the country of Gadarenes acted out their fear by sending Jesus out of their coast; and the man who was delivered from the legion of demons also could have been disappointed by the response of Jesus to his request to stay with Him, apparently inspired by fear. Whenever we decide to live by an absolute faith in God, we no longer care about getting the right response to our requests in life. Every response to a believer's request before the Lord is rig...

  “ Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” ” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ As we step into a New Year, many skeptics will reasonably downplay the power of claiming new promises, anticipating new privileges, and attempting new projects. And candidly, the New Year is just a change in number with the same quantum of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. Without a change in perspective, there is no guarantee for a change in stories. Notwithstanding, God’s promises come with open opportunities; and the New Year promises believers the opportunity to operate on a new perspective of faith. When Jesus warned His disciples to “ Therefore take heed how you hear ”, He underscored their responsibilities towards accessing God’s open opportunities with faith. Skeptics can afford to waste time and opportunities for advancement on the basis of carnal comparison, weather and economic forecasti...

  ““ No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. ” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8:16-17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Christ’s illustration of the word of life with the lumen of light from a lamp-stand is quite clear and incontestable. “ No one ” in his right senses will cover up the illumination of light in preference for darkness, except when the intermittent transmission of a set of lamps is designed for a special light performance. Notwithstanding, the potent lumen of light still comes out for people to see and appreciate. This is the irrevocable status of the truth, no matter the pretentious coloration or deliberate discolouration. Unfortunately, many dishonest men would prefer to perpetuate a perpetual coverup of the truth for reasons best known to them. While the coverup game is on, many evils, wickednes...

  “ Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. ”” Luke‬ ‭7:47‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ It is generally true that much forgiveness attract much love; but the idea of little love for little forgiveness appears the figment of a subjective imagination. At least, the concept of little love does easily calm the naive of the Pharisees who were enraged by the relationships of Jesus with the condemned woman. Whereas, “ For God so love the world …” suggests the unlimited love of God for the sin of the whole world. Since the wages of sin (little or much) is death, and the unlimited love of God provides the grace or the free gift that brings eternal life, those who are tempted to exhibit little love towards God and His Will should be sincere with the basis for their misgivings. And for those who take personal pride in trading offences with little love, it should be gratifying to know that even human’s much love is ...

  “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. ” Luke‬ ‭6:45‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ It is just common to blame the status of people’s habits on their home or societal environment. For example, it is easier to trace the stubborn attitude of a child at school to his exposure to unsettled home environment or the corrosive influences within the neighbourhood of his place of residence. Notwithstanding, it doesn’t necessarily imply that a child with a good home habit is free from evil tendencies and manifestation. While a good home habit is commendable, following the heart habit is more reliable and sustainable. Therefore, Jesus clearly says that no one does evil or good because of his home habit; but everyone speaks out his heart habit, at the limit of all pretentious disposition. And instead of investing resources in habit reformation through the po...

  “ And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? ” Luke‬ ‭6:41‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ There is something spectacular about the sovereignty of God and the imperfections in man that represents the focus of sincere seekers. God is concerned about the primary planks that beclouds every man; while man is bothered by the secondary specks in the eyes of others. But then, Jesus cares to know why we are wired to be bothered about the secondary specks? Obviously, this task is cheaper and will readily free anyone from taking responsibility for anything that is of essence at home, social relationships, and the work affairs in his life. Whereas, the focus on the primary planks addresses our fellowship with God and faithfulness to all His words. For example, the soul that loves God unreservedly will see the need for more love for others with increasing hatred, wickedness, and animosity from them. Knowingly well that the imperfections in man merely beau...

  ““ But woe to you who are rich, For you have received your consolation .” Luke‬ ‭6:24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ When Jesus casted woes on riches, His target embraced those acquired with unrighteousness, compromise and unmerited appropriations of privileges. And many of these paths to fame, freedom, and fulfillment are attractive and respectful to the people of this world. Whereas, the pursuits of righteousness are laced with deliberate forfeiture of tainted riches, surrendering of privileges and rights, and embracing the lowly allocations for the glory of God. The incorruptible creatures who ply this lonely route have confidence in heaven’s riches and are undistracted by the restricted riches of the world. Truly, the unrighteous gains of this world often have reasonable consolation; but these restricted riches for the body’s temporal pleasure are mostly acquired at the expense of eternal peace and joy for the souls.