Heralds Digest

  “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4:10-11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The difference between Human Resources and heavenly resources is simply a game of perception. Those who strongly believe their personal efforts are largely responsible for their achievements are reasonably obsessed with the concept of Human Resources. Whereas, those who believe that self, talent, treasure, and time represents an embodiment of God’s gifts will be comfortable with the concept of heavenly resources. “ As each one has received a gift… let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and ...

  “Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Everyone knows that this world’s peace deals are simply political; there is always little or no sincerity in the pursuit of peace. Even in our homes, everyone wants peace as long as the other parties are able to convincingly demonstrate a commitment to his own peace standards. And in the diversity of peace standards, there cannot be any harmony of peace, tranquility, and understanding. Therefore, peace deals are completely antithetical to peace pursuit. In order to “ seek peace and pursue it ”, there must be a personal and unconditional commitment to “ turn away from evil and do good ”. Peace pursuit is synonymous to holy living, which draws from a personal relationship with God. Unfortunately, many insincere peace lovers would readily blame other people for a lack of peace; whereas, there cannot be true peace with people without a sincere peace with God. When we truly turn away...

  “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2:21-22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Those who trade off their birthright in life do make merchandise of this irreplaceable valuable on the altar of surface suffering or light affliction. But those who are called with perfect understanding of their divine calls would not trade the glorious and solid salvation for a pottage. Like Jesus Christ accepted and embraced His surface suffering to provide a solid salvation, sanctification, and Spirit Baptism for those who would accept the sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary, we are enjoined to follow His steps without running murmur out of our mouths. Otherwise, detractors and sufficient agents of the Devil are always at the door to hawk their wares (flash of comfort, pleasures, and material properties). And while the unchanging reality in all surface sufferings is the...

  “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2:9-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Common praises are rendered by common people, who are ruled by common practices. While these praises are familiar to the people of this world, it is nothing strange that the lifestyle of common people cannot give praises to God. If anything, common praises, even when utilized for the coloration of testimonies in the assemblies of God’s people, promotes albeit in secret the works of darkness, unrighteousness, and wickedness. Whereas, only peculiar people can give peculiar praises, because these strange praises are composed on the scoresheet of suffering for righteousness. A life fully given to peculiar praises is completely chosen, surrendered, and sepa...

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James‬ ‭5:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Interactions with the elements of this world in our social and work life can come with great discouragement, disappointment, and dissatisfaction. This is because rules that govern cohabitation, coexistence, and collaboration are sometimes disgruntled and depressing. And in a jungle where FairPlay is a misnomer, believers need an extra grace to persevere in patience with life’s painful experiences. Actually, when the heart is established on the joy and sweet fellowship in the coming of the Lord, the coercion in life’s harsh interactions will become meaningless. Therefore, even in this world, this gracious and persevering patience brings the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, includin...

  “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The major constraint in the concept of goodness is the difference between getting good and doing good. Everyone can do good, as long as it feels or gets good. It just implies that the acceptable form of goodness is simply getting good; and not rarely the sacrifice of personal good for the good of others. But the moment a self-centred man truly encounters the saving grace of Christ, he is expected to learn the basic concept and the uniqueness of gracious goodness. Starting with the understanding of being saved from sin to become an instrument for the salvation of others, he can no longer dream of goodness and the constraint to its service at the same time. Life simply becomes ‘If God will, He will make a way ’; rather than ‘If it feels good, I will make a way’ . Greedy goodness is not just about feeling good…it is mostly a disobedience to the Will of God; but gracious goodness is a...

  “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James‬ ‭4:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Truly, the answer to the rhetorical question ‘For what is your life?’ is clearly provided. Although everyone acknowledges that his life is a valued vapour, not everyone is clear about who placed the value on life. When God is removed out of the equation, man and the people within his sphere of influence take the futile charge of placing the value on life, without consideration on its vanity. Unfortunately, this approach to life is always a recipe for a waste, purposeless, and an empty discharge of life here; and also a reward of disappointment in eternity. Whereas, God created every life for a purpose; and He is always looking forward to His engagement to design its relevance for every season and opportunity. While holding onto the fact that our lives are mere vapour, the most rewarding engagement of any man i...