I had two experiences in similar settings some years ago. The first was at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, Nigeria. I had ordered a meal that was not delivered after a long time. In my frustration, I called their room service and realized I had given a wrong room number while placing the order. When the steward took the food to the room and there was no answer, she returned it to the kitchen. At another time, while lodging at a different hotel, I ordered breakfast. About forty minutes later, the food had not been brought. So I called again, and to my chagrin, I was told that no such order was received. Well, I left without any meal that morning.

It is an illusion to think that an order not registered in heaven will fetch us any tangible returns…Sin will block access to heaven, no matter how hard we pray.

These two experiences spurred my meditation on the subject of prayer. In some sense, prayer is ordering some things from heaven’s table. However, not all orders make their way to heaven. We are often concerned with how long we have prayed over a matter. It is not how long, but how well. We don’t check to know if the prayer was received in heaven. It is an illusion to think that an order not registered in heaven will fetch us any tangible returns. A long list of things can be responsible for our prayers not making it to heaven; one of which is sin. In our text, a man whose sight Jesus restored noted that God does not hear sinners. The only prayer of a sinner that will make sense in heaven is the prayer of repentance. Outside of this, it is a waste of time. Sin will block access to heaven, no matter how hard we pray.

John Maxwell, a globally recognized authority on leadership wrote, “Leadership is not about seeing what’s on the horizon, it’s about seeing over the horizon. Leaders see more than others see, and more than others want to see”. He added, “Leaders see before others and see more than others”. If Joshua were to write a book on leadership, he would probably say that leaders eat after others have eaten.

Genuine leaders prioritize the welfare of the people they lead…Indeed, leaders eat last. Leaders who seize everything in sight without minding the welfare of their followers violate authentic leadership.

Genuine leaders prioritize the welfare of the people they lead. Joshua fought many battles – thirty-one in all – to enable his people to take possession of the land of promise. Despite these exploits, there was not a parcel of land to Joshua’s name till that point in time. His primary concern was to divide the land to the children of Israel and assist them in exercising presence in their respective allocations. It was after Joshua had helped the children of Israel to appropriate their inheritance that they gave him an inheritance among them. Indeed, leaders eat last. Leaders who seize everything in sight without minding the welfare of their followers violate authentic leadership.

God’s will for His children is comprehensively covered in Romans 8:29-30 – “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” The goal is to have us conformed to the image of Christ and then share in His glory. This can be achieved through the promises of God.

The promises can be appropriated in prayer for our temporal needs; but if we stop there, we underutilize them. The ultimate purpose of the promises is to become Christlike in words and deeds.

The Bible describes the promises of God in various ways. Paul said that the promises are yea and amen in Christ. In other words, God does not go back and forth on His promise. We know this much because there is no variableness in Him, nor shadow of turning. When Peter spoke about the promises, he described them as “exceeding great and precious”. Beyond this, Peter also established their ultimate purpose. The only way to avoid abuse is to understand its purpose. God has a reason for giving us these exceeding great promises. The promises can be appropriated in prayer for our temporal needs; but if we stop there, we underutilize them. The ultimate purpose of the promises is to become Christlike in words and deeds.

In our previous meditation, we noted that there are blessings for those who read, hear, and obey the written word. Still in that line of thought, I would love to add that one of the specific blessings from reading the word of God is guidance. I have a personal sentiment for today’s text. It was one of those confirmations I needed before the start of our ministry. Here, Paul obtained a new direction for his ministry. Two things are listed in the verse to confirm his new direction. First was his desire. For a very long time, he had wanted to visit Rome as he pointed out in Romans 1:11 – “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—” The word ”long” means desire. Note that God’s leading can come through desires. There are times when God would place certain desires in our hearts. At such times, the desires would remain unshakeable from our hearts.

God can guide us through closed doors as much as He does by open doors…When seeking guidance, prayerfully study the desires in your heart and the prevailing circumstances.

The second way from our text is that God guides us through closed doors. God can guide us through closed doors as much as He does by open doors. From where Paul wrote this letter, he observed that he had “no more place” in those areas. In other words, he had no more open doors for ministry. All doors are now shut. That, to him, pointed to a new direction. When seeking guidance, prayerfully study the desires in your heart and the prevailing circumstances.

The word of God is our life’s compass. It is a comprehensive guide for every aspect of life and can lead us to our inheritance. Having a right disposition to the Bible releases God’s blessings. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3 NKJV. Three things are listed here that qualify one for blessing. Firstly, there is blessing reserved for those who read the word of God. Secondly, hearing the word of God has its own blessing. Finally, keeping or doing the word has blessing. This last bit has a bearing on our text. Keeping the word is one way we demonstrate that we truly fear the Lord.

Having a right disposition to the Bible releases God’s blessings…there is blessing reserved for those who read the word of God…hearing the word of God has its own blessing… keeping or doing the word has blessing.

The fear of the Lord is demonstrated by departing from iniquity. This is clearly stated in Proverbs 16:6 – “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” I love saying that those who fear the Lord need no policing, the fear in their hearts is what regulates them both publicly and privately. Our fear of the Lord should stem out of love for Him; and it is the same love that should motivate us to depart from things that are not pleasant before the Lord.

The Legendary footballer, Cristiana Ronaldo, was interviewed sometime last year. One of the questions was what he would do when he finally hung his boots. He ruled coaching out of it. He said he doesn’t see himself as a coach in the future because he doesn’t have passion for this generation. He explains that they don’t like to take advice. They believe that they know everything and do not need input from anyone. That’s very revealing. We are faced with a generation of youngsters who hate rebuke. This accounts for the continual decline in societal morals. People who detest instruction face imminent death – whether of career, marriage or life.

People who detest instruction face imminent death – whether of career, marriage or life…The requirement for getting instruction from God is humility.

The Psalmist knew the place of godly instruction. He traced his excellent wisdom to the word of God. “Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:104 NKJV. His understanding exceeded that of his teachers and the elderly because he gave attention to divine instruction. The requirement for getting instruction from God is humility. God knows the arrogant afar off, but He is always ready to instruct the humble at heart.

Someone remarked that we are not called to do what is convenient, but what is commanded. Doing what God commands is proof of loving Him. “For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous).” 1 John 5:3 AMPC. God’s commandments have some attributes. Firstly, they are not frivolous. God does not issue edicts to show how powerful He is. His commandments are neither baseless nor frivolous. Secondly, they are not designed to set us backwards. When we follow His commands, they come with peaceable fruits of progress and righteousness. Lastly, they are not oppressive. God is not running His Kingdom like a military dictator.

every commandment of God stresses the flesh…believers cannot wait for a convenient moment to do the Spirit’s bidding. We must subdue the flesh and obey God whether it is convenient or not.

However, every commandment of God stresses the flesh. The scripture has a reason for this. “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians 5:17 NLT. Because of the adversarial position of the flesh to God, believers cannot wait for a convenient moment to do the Spirit’s bidding. We must subdue the flesh and obey God whether it is convenient or not.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late”. One of the ways to avoid this tragedy, particularly that of getting wise too late, is to establish guidelines for your life early enough. If our text applies across board, everyone has work to do in life. Again, everyone who will escape a mishap needs to come under some rules of life. All great lives are under-guarded by some sets of rules or principles. The rules may be written down or stored in the mind. No great life happened by accident. When possible, find out from successful people what made them tick. Where you cannot gain direct access, read about them.

All great lives are under-guarded by some sets of rules or principles. The rules may be written down or stored in the mind. No great life happened by accident.

George Mueller of Bristol lived from 27 September 1805 to 10 March 1898. He established Ashley Down orphanage and catered for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime. He was a man of prayer and deep faith. He constantly sought to know the will of God on every issue. Mueller established a rule of thumb concerning his activities. He would ask three probing questions: ‘’Is this the Lord’s work?” ‘’Is this the Lord’s way?” ‘’Is this the Lord’s time?” For him, good work was not enough, it had to be the Lord’s work. Beyond knowing that it was the Lord’s work, he would not compromise the means of achieving it nor would he run ahead of God’s time. No wonder he did great works and he continues to inspire till today.

Our previous meditation noted that believers’ inheritance can be split into two; earthly and heavenly. Today, we will focus on how to access the inheritance meant for now. The Scripture teaches that God’s promises are yes and amen! In other words, the promises are true and constant. God will not go back on His promise. The scripture further teaches that it is through the promises of God that we can partake of His divine nature.

Whatever God has spoken to you has become a decree which the power of Heaven is backing! You can put your faith to work by declaring whatever God has spoken to you.

What is left to be said is that one needs more than knowing the broad promises of God to enjoy them. Every promise of the Spirit can be received through faith. Without faith, the promises only remain in the realm of possibility and probability, not reality. Our text is an eye-opener about appropriating the promises of God by faith. It is a messianic psalm, but its lesson applies to us. The “decree” mentioned in the text was God’s promise to the Son. The Son, in turn, stated what He would do with the decree – declare it! Whatever God has spoken to you has become a decree which the power of Heaven is backing! You can put your faith to work by declaring whatever God has spoken to you. This is one of the ways you work out your own salvation.

I was one of the speakers at this year’s edition of Making Sense of Scriptures Conference. In my last session, I taught some guidelines for interpreting scriptures. Part of the problem we see among believers in interpreting scriptures is either trying to import Judaism into the faith of Jesus, attempting to appropriate promises meant for the future, or pushing to a later time what God wants us to enjoy now. In one of his epistles, Peter noted that we have been given everything for sustenance and godly existence possible. “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).” 2 Peter 1:3 AMPC. If we interpret this scripture that a good life is only for the next world, we will shortchange ourselves.

There is a form of inheritance that we can enjoy now, and there is one that Peter noted that is reserved for us in heaven…Believers should strive not to sacrifice one on the altar of the other.

On the other hand, if we think that all good things must be received here and now, we may join the unbelievers in the rat race. So we need balance. We must understand that there are two types of inheritance. There is a form of inheritance that we can enjoy now, and there is one that Peter noted that is reserved for us in heaven. He said we have been called “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,” I Peter 1:4 NKJV. The word of God teaches moderation in this present world and promises a lavish reward in the world to come. Believers should strive not to sacrifice one on the altar of the other.

What Paul wrote about the Athenians that they were full of superstition could describe African believers adequately. In recent years, there has been an undue emphasis on witches and the occult. It has become so pervasive that every problem is often attributed to the activities of some witches in the village or a curse placed by someone. Adequate knowledge of God’s word will take care of unnecessary fear that people entertain about curses.

Adequate knowledge of God’s word will take care of unnecessary fear that people entertain about curses…Generally, there is a hedge of protection around the believers.

In his attempt to make Balaam curse the people of God, Balak brought Balaam to three vantage points in quick succession. The first was the high places of Baal (Numbers 22:41), followed by the top of Pisgah (Numbers 23:14). Rather than cursing Israel, Balaam blessed them. In frustration, Balak brought Balaam to the third and final place, at the top of Peor (Numbers 24:28). There is a catch to this third place. Peor means a gap! This is a pivotal truth about divination, particularly when it is directed at children of God. Generally, there is a hedge of protection around the believers. Our passage says a curse causeless shall be of no effect. If there is no “gap” in our lives, all of Satan’s arrows are impotent.

There has been a surge in cases of suicide and attempted suicide in recent years. A young lady attempted suicide after she became so depressed. Her suicide note stated unfulfilled dreams, among others, as reasons for wanting to take her life. On the surface, that would suggest that depression and suicidal tendencies are prevalent among struggling and unsuccessful people. However, that is far from the truth. In 2018, Anthony Bourdain committed suicide. Anthony was a chef of international repute. He was the author of Parts Unknown and featured regularly on CNN. He was successful, rich, and famous. Cases like this compel us to take another look at success. Beyond the glitz that many people parade as success, there may be a lot of things eating them up on the inside, subjecting them to a slow, painful death. Before someone commits suicide, there must have been a long case of inner frustration.

We live in the last days, and the Bible predicted that fearful and tearful things will occur. Our safety valve is to stay within the boundaries of God’s grace and love.

Real and lasting success can only be found in the Lord. In reality, we do not achieve or merit this type of success; it is bestowed on us. Good success comes when we first make peace with God by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. When the burden of sin is taken away, every other thing will fall in place. The moment we settle our eternal destiny in Christ, having much or little, being famous or not so famous will be of secondary importance. We live in the last days, and the Bible predicted that fearful and tearful things will occur. Our safety valve is to stay within the boundaries of God’s grace and love.

Nelson Mandela’s was one of those “from prison to palace” stories. He spent a long time in jail for his agitation to end apartheid in South Africa. He later went on to be the first elected black man in post-apartheid South Africa. Here is one of his many iconic quotes: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” This underscores a fundamental law of success. His approach to life reflected the sentiment shared by the prophet Micah.

The inability to reach a set goal at first call does not mean you will never get it. Those who succeeded in one venture or the other will tell you that it was not the first stroke that brought them the breakthrough.

With one stroke of the pen, Micah showed what stuff he was made of. He did not exhibit a jelly spirit that would readily succumb to a setback. In our text of Scripture for meditation, he put the enemy on notice that one failure was not going to seal his fate. He was going to give it another shot, confident that God would come through for him. Many people have not mastered the art of managing set-backs. The inability to reach a set goal at first call does not mean you will never get it. Those who succeeded in one venture or the other will tell you that it was not the first stroke that brought them the breakthrough. This is where reading biographies can prove invaluable. You will find out that many success stories came at a cost, and after many setbacks. If you are experiencing some downturn at the moment, be assured that it is not yet over. You can enjoy what Mandela described as “the greatest glory in living” as you appropriate to bounce back each time you are challenged.

Though the Bible states that it is good to praise God, it is not always spontaneous. In other words, it is not every day that we feel like whistling all day long to celebrate God. There are days that we have to look for praise stimulus to flow in gratitude. To begin with, praising God is a command. In the book of Malachi, God threatened to curse the blessing of the priests who would not give Him the glory. When we see that obeying the commandments of God comes with blessing, that can be an inspiration to praise Him.

When you are dropping in gratitude, go over what God has done for you in the past. Soon enough, you will encounter God’s mercy in new ways that will make for current testimonies.

There is a second approach to this, and it is the focus of our text. In Bible days, young maidens were saddled with the responsibility of drawing water from central wells typically located on the outskirts of the cities. They were always at the mercy of archers who would try to rob them. Moses once delivered the daughters of the Priest of Midian from such marauders. It was such deliverance that Deborah the prophetess asked the people of God to celebrate. The critical thing for us today is to examine the idea of rehearsing the righteous acts of the Lord. To rehearse is to go over a list of items; it is to repeat something such as a story. When you are dropping in gratitude, go over what God has done for you in the past. Soon enough, you will encounter God’s mercy in new ways that will make for current testimonies.

The grace of God can turn what is ordinary into extraordinary. When the grace of God locates a man, honour, among other things, begins to manifest. Take two examples for consideration. Joshua began his career under the prophet Moses. Initially, he was known as Moses’ servant. The King James Version of the Bible actually described him as the servant of Moses. After Moses exited the scene, God beckoned on him to lead the people of Israel. Here we see a domestic staff rising to be the leader of God’s people. Early in his leadership, God promised to magnify him before the people; and He did. Joshua became one of the most successful leaders that Israel ever had.

The grace of God can turn what is ordinary into extraordinary. When the grace of God locates a man, honour, among other things, begins to manifest.

Now, take a look at how divine grace can impact a place. Jesus was born at a manger in Bethlehem. A manger is a box for holding and feeding horses or cattle. Nothing can be more ordinary than that. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem stands there today. Every year millions of people around the world go to Bethlehem to see the spot where the Lord was born. In their wildest imagination Joseph and Mary could never have known that the ordinary corner in the stable would become a tourist attraction. God has what it takes to turn the ordinary things of your life into things of glory that will draw the attention of the world. Remember, however, that He alone reserves the right to dictate when and how it will be done.

There are established rules to guide what we say. One is found in Ephesians – “Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.” Ephesians 4:25 NKJV. A few verses after this, Paul established another guideline for speaking. “Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:25, 29 NKJV. Here we learn that apart from meeting the criteria of truth, what we say must also be edifying. Our tongue, as James recommended, should not be a double spring which blesses God and curses man at the same time.

Unless we control what we think, it is a lost cause trying to control what we say and do…everyone who desires a mature life in their walk with God must be selective of the materials they consume.

What we need to bear in mind is that there is an inseparable link between what we think and say. Unless we control what we think, it is a lost cause trying to control what we say and do. Moreover, what we think about is also furnished by what we let into our minds via the eye and ear gates. We are often inundated with materials – written, audio, and visual. These things affect our minds, bending us toward evil or good. For this reason, everyone who desires a mature life in their walk with God must be selective of the materials they consume.

In two short verses, Jesus summed up the major differences between the way leading to life and the one leading to destruction. ““Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV. The gate to destruction is said to be wide and many are trooping into it. On the other hand, the gate that leads to life is narrow, found by a few. Take note that the wide gate that leads to damnation is not only wide, it also needs no finding. No real effort is required as it is a natural flow with the current. It is the gate that leads to life that needs finding. This takes effort. The challenge is that those who are on the wide, easy gate are always pressuring those on the narrow gate to switch camp.

In our Christian journey, each of us will have enough invites from friends and relatives to walk the broadway with them. It is our responsibility to say no with all the firmness we can muster.

John C. Ryle, the first bishop of Liverpool, was described by his successor as “the man of granite with the heart of a child.” He said, “If friends will not walk the narrow way with us, we must not walk in the broadway to please them.” In our Christian journey, each of us will have enough invites from friends and relatives to walk the broadway with them. It is our responsibility to say no with all the firmness we can muster. “Therefore thus says the LORD: “If you return, Then I will bring you back; You shall stand before Me; If you take out the precious from the vile, You shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, But you must not return to them.” (Jeremiah 15:19 NKJV). We must be steadfast in the way of truth.

The previous meditation highlighted the tragic end of some men, especially Judas. Judas’ undoing was the inordinate desire for money. The Bible warns that those who lust for money will pierce themselves with many sorrows. The love of money is still the root of all evil. On a broader note, every unguarded ambition can cause similar damage. In life, one should know what to pursue, when to do it, and when to stop. Failure to factor these into our pursuits can be disastrous as the case of Asahel demonstrates.

Some tragedies can be avoided if we are discrete. Discretion, indeed, is the better part of valour. A valiant man without discretion may cut short his life.

Courage gives the impetus to push or pursue, but wisdom determines when to stop. Asahel failed to recognize this truth and paid for it with his life. Here is the background story. When hostility broke out between the remnants of Saul’s army and the men of David, Asahel, the brother of Joab, pursued Abner who was captain of Saul’s army. It is not clear why he made Abner his target. Would killing him have meant more medals for Asahel? Anyway, Abner warned him to back off. Abner appealed to the sentiment existing between him and Joab. It was after all entreaties failed that Abner struck and killed Asahel. Some tragedies can be avoided if we are discrete. Discretion, indeed, is the better part of valour. A valiant man without discretion may cut short his life.

From Bible accounts, we see several people who started on a promising note but ended tragically. King Uzziah was one of them. He mounted the throne at the tender age of 16. In 2 Chronicles 26:4, we read that “he did what was right in the sight of the Lord”. His tragic end is captured in 2 Chronicles 26:21 where he died a leper. Solomon loved the Lord at the beginning of his reign but ended with many foreign women who swayed him from his first ways.

The safeguard against a tragic end is to deal with little foxes as they come. We must conquer temptation before it becomes a sin.

In the New Testament, Judas is a classic case of starting well and ending poorly. He had a promising ministry like the other disciples. He was among the twelve men sent out by Jesus on a gospel mission, equipped with power and authority to heal the sick and cast out devils. You can gauge their enthusiasm after a mission. However, as our text indicates, he had a miserable ending. He returned the money he had made from betraying Jesus before taking his own life. What was Judas’ problem? He made room for the devil. Judas’ downhill journey did not begin with betraying Jesus. It started way back when he started stealing from the purse. He failed to deal with his greed and things only grew worse. The safeguard against a tragic end is to deal with little foxes as they come. We must conquer temptation before it becomes a sin.

I have heard some believers complain that things took a downward turn for them when they gave their lives to Christ. Such a mindset is reminiscent of the children of Israel who complained of missing life in Egypt. Without a quick rethink, this may be a slippery path back to the old life.  If there is any truth to this claim, it could be a temptation from the enemy that quickly fades away once he sees our determination to progress with the Lord. At other times, the seeming setback is because we do not realise that we are now under a different kingdom and things should be done differently. Doing things the world’s way will not produce the desired results.

Doing things the world’s way will not produce the desired results…To fare well as believers, we have to learn the rules of the Kingdom and abide by them.

Coming to Christ introduces us to a new life completely. We cross from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God’s dear Son. The way things are done in the kingdom of God is quite the opposite of what obtains in the world. For instance, it is normal in the world to seek revenge when wronged. In contrast, in God’s kingdom that is not permitted. He instructs us to turn the other cheek when slapped once. Here it is God who takes care of business, not you. Again, in the world, it is acceptable to seek to accumulate and hoard. In God’s kingdom, we must open our hands wide to the needs of others. To fare well as believers, we have to learn the rules of the Kingdom and abide by them.

Apostle Paul dealt exhaustively with the subject of spiritual gifts. As a note of first importance, all of God’s children have gifts. Secondly, the gifts are given according to God’s discretion. Whereas one may desire to operate in a particular gift, the prerogative is God’s to decide. Thirdly, no gift is superior to another. Fourthly, the purpose of the gift is to enable us to minister for the profit of the whole Body. Finally, the extent to which one will prosper with his or her gift is dependent on personal consecration and faithfulness.

Without a doubt, the best way to discover gifts is to ask the Giver through prayer.

It would be tragic to go through life without maximizing one’s gift. However, you cannot put to any reasonable use, much less maximize, what you are yet to acknowledge in the first place. Prospering with our spiritual gifts begins with discovering them. So, how do we uncover our gifts?  Sometimes, by chance. You may find yourself rising to the occasion when duty calls, only to discover that you have done things deftly. At other times, the discovery is at the instance of an observer who perceived some grace and could not hide their compliment. Without a doubt, the best way to discover gifts is to ask the Giver through prayer.

My 63rd birthday was barely 11 days ago. Though I did not plan for anything elaborate, the magnitude of goodwill messages and prayers got me quite emotional. The calls and text messages were simply overwhelming. Two other times in the year when I get swamped by messages are Easter and Christmas. While I desire to reply to every goodwill message, I usually fall short. I would typically get started replying people until I get overwhelmed and throw in the towel. There is always a gap between intention and execution. The spirit may indeed be willing while the flesh is weak one way or another.

What a relief to know that as children we are never a burden to God! We can find rest from cruel labours in Him.

However, when dealing with God, there is no gap between what He desires to do and what He does. The reason is that He is unlimited in time, wisdom, and power. He is omnipotent by nature, and so it is impossible for Him to be tired. If all the world makes their petitions of Him at once, it wouldn’t border Him. This was the message that God sent to His people through the prophet Isaiah. This is why the writer of Hebrews encourages us to always come boldly to the throne of grace to get the help we need. What a relief to know that as children we are never a burden to God! We can find rest from cruel labours in Him.

A long time ago, I read that a notice was placed on a glass door to elicit carefulness from users. The statement simply read, “Mind the Glass”. Unfortunately, people ran into it and broke it several times. The sign was later removed, and ironically no one broke the door after that. A characteristic of the fallen nature is loving what is forbidden. Put an empty box with a lid at the corner of the house and inscribe on it, DO NOT OPEN. That is all you need to generate the curiosity of your children. You can be sure that one of them will pry it open someday. God commanded Adam not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil in the garden. The tempter came to Eve and made it desirable until she fell for it. She, in turn, made her husband to partake of it. The consequence of this was nakedness, shame, and ejection from the garden. It was their introduction to stress and struggle which they passed down to the human race.

If anything is contesting with your first love for God, this is the time to make adjustments and return to Him.

Solomon fell for this tendency. God forbade His people to marry from heathen nations. He violated that. More specifically, kings were forbidden from multiplying wives to themselves. He violated that as well. These violations took their toll on his walk with God. He lost his first love for God. There are no empty commands from God. Whatever He says is for our welfare. Those who think otherwise often find out too late. If anything is contesting with your first love for God, this is the time to make adjustments and return to Him.

The hallmark of our previous meditation is that we cannot earn the love of God. He loved us because of Himself, and not because of any intrinsic thing we brought to the table. His love predates our conversion. He demonstrated this love by causing Christ to die while we were yet sinners. We cannot impress God to love us more. There is nothing extra that God will do to love us more than He has already done. However, when it comes to the issue of trust, we have to earn it. Though God loves all His children equally, He does not trust us to the same degree. God trusts some of His children more than others.

When you begin to respond to God’s love, you earn His trust. Responding to the love of God is loving Him in return. Mind you, the acid test of loving God is obeying His commandments.

Our text shows that trust has to be earned. Concerning Abraham God said, “I know him”. What that implies is that ”I trust him”. Any shadow of doubt about God’s trust in Abraham disappears when you consider a text in Isaiah where God described Abraham as His friend. Not many of us will befriend people that we don’t trust, same with God. He called Abraham a friend because He trusted him. One may ask, “How do we gain trust?” When you begin to respond to God’s love, you earn His trust. Responding to the love of God is loving Him in return. Mind you, the acid test of loving God is obeying His commandments.

I have learned more about the Fatherhood of God from my last son, aged 25, than from all my years of studying the subject. I realized that my son does not have to earn my love. We have not always been on the same page nor does he always meet my specifications. However, that does not make me love him less. Even in the worst-case scenario, I still shop for him whenever I travel. God loves us, not because we merit it, but because He chose to. His love for us was ever before we became members of His family. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 NKJV

Belonging to the Father makes us heirs of all things, and joint heirs with Christ. Revelation of God as your Father can transform your life, ending all struggles and apprehension.

During the last Christmas holiday, I got another light about the Fatherhood of God – still from my son. I woke up one morning and found that he had driven out in one of the vehicles. He went out with my DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a powerful camera for video and still images that I just bought on my last trip. He knows that he can access whatever his father owns. That brings us to our text. Jesus said that all things that the Father has are His. That is true of us as well. Belonging to the Father makes us heirs of all things, and joint heirs with Christ. Revelation of God as your Father can transform your life, ending all struggles and apprehension.