Heralds Digest

    “ Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.” 2 Chronicles 24 : 17 - 18 KJV The latter influence of the princes of Judah on king Joash, despite the parental and priestly investment of Jehoiada the chief priest, shows the danger of odious obedience in life and ministry. And as well scripted elsewhere in the New Testament, evil communication corrupts good manners. “ Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king “ implies that there is always a subtle desire for worship and submission in the heart of every man. Unfortunately, when we cheaply buy the obedience of men, we pay heavily by falling into their chain of manipulations. Likewise, men in places of authority should be wary of sycophants and loy...

  “ But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15 : 57 - 58 KJV Unless faith and confidence in God enables the reality of the victory bestowed on every believer in Christ, hearts are bound to fail and faint with the challenges of life. Like the scribes and Pharisees celebrated the cross as defeat until the resurrection from the grave, persecution and oppression of those who have obtained grace (i.e., God’s righteousness at Christ’s expense) represent a valued victory. Therefore, the victory of saints against the principalities and powers of darkness in this world is settled, solid and steadfast. Believers only need consistent grace on daily basis to stand firm and steadfast on the promises of God, while abounding in the work or service of the Lord. Even while w...

  “ and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not your's, but God's. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you .” 2 Chronicles 20 : 15 , 17 KJV The search for a good insurance policy or protection against the risk of accident is always compounded with concerns and mixed feelings. Whether for the protection of properties or life, the challenges with the unreliability of policy providers and the games of adjusters can be unbearable. And for king Jehoshaphat confronting the threat from the great multitude against Judah, anyone can understand the basis of the perplexity, anxiety and fear he displayed. Luckily, he had previous experien...

“ Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2 : 14 - 17 KJV Every contribution in life and ministry commands commendation. Ordinarily, no one set out to labour for condemnation. Therefore, it is normal for everyone to struggle to project his own savour through the understanding of people for appreciation and commendation. And it is understandable why frustration often fills the air when our labour becomes unappreciated. For Apostle Paul, in relation to his labour of love over the church at Corinth, the source of the ...

  “ And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest. Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.” 2 Chronicles 14 : 6 - 7 KJV The 35 year reign of Asa as king in Judah provides a true testimony of clear confidence in God’s rest. A trust in His rest often provides a taste of our test. This is because other sources of confidence include a trust in our chariot of iron, charisma and the intelligence of man, and confidence in human abilities. Whereas, Asa’s confidence was rooted in the Lord’s rest; and followed by His obedience to divine counsels. Therefore, when Asa said “ Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land i...

   “ yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” 1 Corinthians 14 : 19 KJV Whether in the church, workplace, home, or street, the principle of clear communication is the same. Failure to share the mind of God clearly with the people (i.e., without interference of conflicting manners) is always tantamount to corrupt communication. In the Corinthian church, the conflicting manners include self-projection, self-promotion, etc, leading to speaking in tongues without minding the edifications of the audience. It is not enough to speak with spirit-inspired tongues; we must be mindful of being guided to convey the mind of God to the people. Unfortunately, the moment the mind of man is corrupted with human opinions, selfishness, and pride, evil manners get in the way of clear communication. Therefore, Apostle Paul admonished the Corinthian church with the principle of ...

  “ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. ” 1 Corinthians 13 : 8 - 10 KJV “ For we know in part, and we prophesy in part” appeals to the embodiment of human knowledge and service engagements, implying that the best offerings are always far from perfection. Whether by our wholesome investment into career, ministerial and professional development or the diligent service delivery, no one can claim perfect understanding of all situations and circumstances without divine revelation. And based on partial knowledge and service delivery, Apostle Paul admonished the Corinthian church and all believers on adoption of love as the perfect portion. The pursuit of true love is the perfect submission to God and His purposes in believe...