Heralds Digest

  “ For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. ” Acts 27 : 23 - 25 NKJV Since reporting is now made easier and faster in this digital age, it isn’t surprising why faith in God is failing readily even in the household of faith. Unfortunately, our enemies often use advances in communication and networking tools for greater manipulation of supposed believers in the promises of God. But like the experience of Paul amidst the dark nights of tempestuous storms on the sea of Euroclydon, the presence of God in the midst of every believer’s life challenges provides the most reliable report. Amidst the temptation to fall for the overwhelming threats of social insecurity, economic instability, medical health challenges, career difficul...

  “ And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar .”” Acts 26 : 29 , 32 NKJV In Paul’s defence before king Agrippa and Bernice, he turned defence to declaration of his proud portion.  Even in chains, it became evident that only the full fellowship with the Lord can guarantee freedom from emotional bondage. In relative comparison, we have seen many political inmates carry their Bible proudly during their trials for the want of companionship. While many of these prisoners have ended up with a revived relationship with God as a result of the prison experience, Paul’s possession of God does not see prison walls and chains but wasted men in need of the Saviour and Deliverer from sin and unrighteousness. Obviously, when any believer truly possesses the Lord through daily ...

  “ He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he .” Proverbs 16 : 20 NKJV Wise word does not necessarily suggest the way of finding good; it embodies an absolute submission to the revelation of God. When the Lord Jesus, the word personified, says “ I am the way, the truth, and the life…”, it implies that absolute submission to the Lord delivers the heart of any man from carnal wisdom and worldly agitation. It is not enough to claim the knowledge of the word personified, especially in the midst and myriads of worldly influences and human manipulation. The redeemed heart must absolutely and consistently be influenced by the Lord Himself through a daily meditation on His word and a lifestyle of praying for grace to submit to His will. Therefore, it is only “ He who heeds the word wisely will find good“ , not he who hears the word or teaches the word. To heed the word wisely is simply the making of a lifestyle of holiness and righteousnes...

  “ Moreover they did not require an account from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to be paid to workmen, for they dealt faithfully. ” II Kings 12 : 15 NKJV In human economy, the scorecards for faithfulness start with the commencement of big offices, assignments, and engagements; but God starts counting from the beginning of every man’s commissioning. For example, David waited approximately 15 years from the time he was first anointed by Samuel to the time he became king over Judah. It was another seven years before he was anointed king over all of Israel. Therefore, David waited for 22 years to become king of all Israel. Notwithstanding, God requires the faithfulness of David immediately after his anointing in the response to Goliath’s threat, patience with king Saul’s oppression, leadership in the wilderness, etc. If the stonecutters, carpenters, builders, and the temple repair workers in the days of king Jehoash were found faithful in their apparently inconseq...

  “ Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts; Look down from heaven and see, And visit this vine And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, And the branch that You made strong for Yourself.” Psalms 80 : 14 - 15 NKJV Vardyard visitation started at the garden of Eden. It is a fundamental fellowship of God, the Creator and Chief vineyard Keeper, with man - the created Being. But the fall of man changes everything…and the fallen vine was thrown outside to choose either to rot or receive the Keeper’s plan of redemption. And throughout the dispensations, spanning from Old Testament to New Testament, the story of vineyard visitation remains the only relevance of life’s reality and restoration from repudiation. And unlike the dread and death in the deceitfulness of riches, fame and worldliness, this vine has never survived without the worth, warmth, and wellness of the vineyard visitation. Notwithstanding, while the psalmist’s plea “ Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts “ is a...

  “ Restore us, O God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved! ” Psalms 80 : 7 NKJV Genuine salvation is the first work of grace and the fundamental foundation of every believer’s relationship with God. So, it is instructive to emphasize that grace remains God’s righteousness at Christ’s expense; and can never be equated with good religion at carnal expressions. Unfortunately, we struggle for the salvation of either self or associates with smartness and carnal expressions in several of life’s engagements, like parenting, pastoring, and partnership. Whereas, the work of grace cannot be handed over to the brilliance of reformation and eloquent instructions, with the attendant frustration on failures of scripture to produce the expected transformation of life. The problem is the absence of inspiration; for all scriptures must be given by the inspiration of the almighty God for the desired salvation to be experienced. Therefore, true disciples, Christian workers, l...

  “ But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome .”” Acts 23 : 11 NKJV John Bunyan’s allegory ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress ’ is probably a perfect reflection of Apostle Paul’s good cheer experience of every follower of Christ. The only problem is that what most people often see is incarceration, suffering, imprisonment, and affliction…not even gleam cheer. Whereas, the actual progress in all of life’s experiences and engagements is the consistent entertainment by God’s presence and appearances in believers’ moments of trials. Most often than not, these appearances of the Lord bring heavenly inspiration and revelation of eventful authorship, innovative creativity, and noble ideas for the good of humanity. Just as The Pilgrim’s Progress became a global map and a must-read literature for every Christian in the global world, Apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testamen...