Heralds Digest

  “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;” ‭‭II Peter‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ By recently reclaiming DAVID, i.e., daring ambassador virtuous in dominio n, as an excellent example of the combined thrust for call and election in the Old Testament, PETER equally stood out as a New Testament symbol for persevering example in trust and exceptional resilience . The disciple’s call invites all believers into the kingdom of light from the world of darkness and wickedness. But every disciple has a distinct and unique election into the service of faith; and must do well to refrain from unnecessary comparison in order to avoid stumbling. A call into an assignment in life can be general, how the executions of the assignment are worked out under the prevailing circumstances of life, representing a unique election. Therefore, it takes a diligent disciple to work out the details of his call and election on a daily...

  “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Although suffering for sin is clearly a good service, suffering for righteousness is not necessarily a bad service, if self glory is not focussed. Temporarily, and in a world filled with wickedness and unrighteousness, the redeemed and righteous children of God are understandably aliens to its system of operations. Therefore, suffering for righteousness is the only way believers can be convinced they are still the ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom. It does implies that the services of their persecutors can be helpful, if graciously embraced for the glory of God. Sinners’ suffering is necessarily shameful; but saints' suffering is a proud expression of God’s grace. Therefore, if anyone suffers as a Compromiser, let him repent from his unrighteousness; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him glorify God for His righteousness.

  “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...