Heralds Digest

  “ Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied .” Acts 12 : 23 - 24 NKJV Only God gives both grace and glory. Any other source of glory in the absence of grace is simply not great. For example, Herod’s glory pumped him into the wrath of God; and he ended up being eaten by worms. Therefore, great glory is only promoted by the word of God; and everyone who extols the study of the word of God is bound to experience promotion from glory to glory. And as succinctly referenced by Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the carnally pumped up Corinthians, “ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” ( II Corinthians 3 : 18 ). Unfortunately, almost all who are deceived by self glory have been hired to withstand the promotion of the words of Go...

  “ When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. ” Acts 11 : 23 NKJV Our reference for today describes the true picture of greatness in the city of Antioch, including the sweet fellowship of persecuted disciples, the spontaneous turning of sinners to saints, the attraction of believers from neighbouring cities, and the incubation of prophets, teachers, evangelists and many other battle axes and weapons of war in the hands of God. Yet, it took the visit of Barnabas from Jerusalem to discover the secret of Antioch, which is the unique measure of the grace of God - great grace. For “ When he came and had seen the grace of God ”, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Likewise, the challenges in believers’ lives and the grossness of oppression and persecution in their world are designed to lead disciples and saints into the pr...

  “ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” ” Acts 11 : 17 - 18 NKJV Even in secular organizations and systems, fellowship demands fruitfulness. Needless to talk of the empowering influence of the Holy Spirit on all believers for fruitful services. The only challenge is that we often oppose the influence of the Spirit, knowingly or unknowingly, instead of following His leading. Peter’s experience and rhetorical question to his contending apostles and disciples opened the regular floor of contention in our everyday ministry: “ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God” ? Unfortunately, opposing God is the common cause of fruitlessness, frustration, and...

  “ The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth .” Acts 10 : 9 - 11 NKJV Palace is literally a place of power and decision making. But in human context, it is also a symbol of privileges and entertainment. That was why the palace has often accommodated the activities of the devil, indulgences, and frivolities. For example, in spite of the numerous inspirational activities from the palace towards governance during the times of David, King David understood the vulnerability of the palace and the consequences of taking a wrong decision. Notwithstanding, unlike the pleasure palaces, the prayer palace is known for its accuracy, consistency, and divine guidance. Like its usefulness in ...

  “ My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.”   Psalms 73 : 26 - 28 NKJV There is no need of grace for glory, if the race is not heavily marked with grossness. Given the reality of the failed flesh and heart of the psalmist, one can only imagine how difficult it is for anyone to go through life without access to divine shield and dependable strength. It is important for anyone to know that God is every believer’s strong shield. Unfortunately, those who put their confidence in worldly riches, wealth, and position may win the battle for the flesh; but they will run a seemingly successful race without God’s grace and glory. Also, the strength needed to overcome their subsequent emotional breakdown will fail. ...

  “ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” Acts 8 : 5 - 6 NKJV Called as deacon to serve tables against disunity among brethren, Philip had a singular interpretation of Victor's vision in life. Discipline may differ, and denominations may dabble, but disciples of Christ have a solemn mandate of making Him known. One would have thought that the Samaritan woman in the earlier earthly ministry of Christ has completed the mandate and the preaching of the gospel of salvation to the Samaritans. Unfortunately, cities and nations constantly change their values according to the driving visions of its citizens. Starting from the family vision and values, when people nowadays place the utmost attention on the physical prosperity, material riches, and career progression, it becomes easier and normal for anyone to make merchandise of their ...

  “ Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. ” Psalms 73 : 1 NKJV Good gaze is not synonymous to the steadfast of the look, but its saintliness. Like some would say, the more you look the less you see. How can anyone possibly see good in gory situations and circumstances of life? The psalmist had a graphic presentation of the celebration of wicked prosperity, proudful disposition, oppressive contemplation, and most especially in the serenity of a permissive God. Without doubt, this gory gaze will see nothing good in all of human activities and the awakened call to God’s admonition, until the heart is drawn into the presence of God. For example, in the midst of the gory situation and ungodly martyrdom, Stephen saw the glorious Lord in standing ovation over his holy, good, and acceptable sacrifice. It implies that a good gaze represents in a sweet fellowship of the heart of man with the glory of God. When the heart is turned from glory to glory in the full revela...