Heralds Digest

  “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” Philippians‬ ‭3:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ One of the achievements of formal training using the elementary curriculum in those days involved essay writing project/assignment on ‘My Future Ambition ’. Fast forward, success in life’s projects, including family, career, ministry, and social relationships, is mostly wired by personal ambition, conviction, and motivation. And like Paul the Apostle before his conversion and change in personal perspective, many of us have clearly defined metrics of success motivating our involvement in the project of life…mostly with little or no reference to divine purpose. Sincerely, at what point in our walk with the Lord can “ But what things were gain to me ”…become “ counted loss for Christ” ? It should be at the point when we no longer see personal ambition, conviction, and motivation for all engagements constituting a conflict of interest to divine purpose. When we can easily get engaged a...

  “and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The common metrics of confidence in the world are mostly recognized as collateral by the banks. They speak the language of cash currencies, monetary net worth, etc. Although they are usually a replica of the chest confidence that are capable of commanding respect at home, among friends, and within the society, they are easy targets for satanic invasion. Those who build their confidence on the reinforcement of the chest are easily intimidated by fear, and broken by compromise, in the days of strategic confrontations. Whereas, those whose hope or confidence is built on Christ the solid rock are always fearless and bold, even in the shackles of chains and hurtful intimidation. Paul and the brethren in Philippi have this type of chain confidence, because their confidence has now been completely removed from the chest to Christ....

  “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ In human understanding, good work is obvious and not rocket science. Particularly, it will be the opposite of the experiences of the brethren at the Philippians region. And Apostle Paul would have a hard time justifying the basis of his confidence and perspective of good work. Needless to mention here that it is absolutely impossible to understand the context of this type of good work without a perfect knowledge of the good God. Whereas, many of us are quick to stake a claim on the knowledge of God with reference to pleasant material experiences, comfortable lifestyle, and accumulation of material riches. And, the foundation of real good work is the personal encounter with the grace of God. Jesus gave Himself for us to initiate this good work… redeeming us to become a peculiar people, zealous of good work (Titus 2:14). Sustain...

  “always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Those who longed for relief from pain and emotional depression would often patronize comedy shows, watch comedy entertainment, and attend events with motivational speakers; rather than making holy requests to the throne of grace. Little wonders, the knowledge of God and power of His grace have often failed to bring a sustainable joy in the hearts of those who are called by God’s name, especially in moments with grave uncertainties. Whereas, the fellowship of Apostle Paul while in bonds and the suffering or persecuted church in Phillipi provides a unique evidence of the Source of an unsearchable joy. Each member within this amazing fellowship could have focussed on making a request for his personal relief from physical pain, suffering, and inconvenience; but Paul chose to be more concerned about making a request for more grace for each of the brethren to enjoy his fellowship with God...

  “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” Ephesians‬ ‭6:18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Ceaseless prayer will always be a reasonable concern for organized people with busy engagements. Unfortunately, human reasoning with the busy schedule of life has often produced prayerless and powerless people. Whereas, the call for a lifestyle of ceaseless prayer is a command from God, who is interested in being part of our day to day reasonable concerns. Therefore, if we can devise a means of transcribing all our daily engagements into short prayer syllables, we will realize how easy it is to obey the commandment to pray always. After all, the solicitation is in the Spirit, while the body can be fully engaged in its regular exigencies. When we surely pray always, there will not be allowance for mind preying by the agents of darkness; not only for personal protection, but the preservation of all saints wi...

  “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:26‬ ‭KJV‬‬ Since only godliness with contentment provides a great gain in life, it is true that the root of all discontentment is ungodliness or unrighteousness. Therefore, when the scriptures admonish believers to “ Be ye angry, and sin not” , an exceptionally righteous, holy, or desirable discontentment is being recommended. This type of anger speaks of the rebellious pursuit of the path of truth and righteousness against worldliness and unrighteousness at home, workplaces, and the society. However, only the influence of the Spirit, truth, and the unmistaken love of God in the heart can keep the righteous within the boundary of a desirable discontentment in the days of his provocation. Unfortunately, discontentment in our relationships in life has often misinterpreted the scriptural injunction as “ Be ye angry, and sin ”; because we always replace the appetite for godliness and righteousness wi...

  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ If redemption had been fabricated on earth, we would have different versions depending on probably the country of origin, denomination of the fabrication assembly, and the presiding bishop or evangelist. But the scriptures revealed that our redemption originated and completed in Christ through His blood. Notwithstanding, the experiences of many believers and the interactions with the elements of this world often query the riches of the grace that brought redemption down. Whereas, the redemption package is free, full, and final for those who would trust in the finished work of grace. We cannot start the transaction on the basis of trust and thereafter gain license to continue the race on human wisdom. Rich redemption has no allowance for human wisdom; its grace is made to abound only ...