The world lies in a charade. The actions of men do not match the heart. The heart of man is filled with many desires and distractions. For the Christian, what are the weightier matters? Is it possible to deceive God?

See Matthew 23:23

" Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith. These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone"

The Law of God must rule our daily actions and inaction. The Bible is the whole law standing on two major laws: to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbour as ourselves. The Judgement of God is unavoidable; this will prevent us from disobeying God. Every action and word of men will be accounted for. Every good and also bad one. If only we remembered this often, we would not live in the world we have today. Statistics have it that a greater percentage of the populace has the Christian religion as their professed faith. Mercy is an attribute of God that we show to our offenders, even those who are not sorry. It may not be easy, but it is commanded by the Lord and must be obeyed. Truth: We would need the truth in a world that pleases its ears. Do we, genuine Christians, want the truth or anything that goes well with a corrupt heart? If we have the truth, bitter as it may be, we would always dwell in the light.

The weightier matters are trivialised today by a majority, while prosperity and civilisation play an awful replacement.

What are the weightier matters in your heart?

Examine your heart, o’ Pilgrim.

Grace and Peace.

She read through the letter to check for errors. When she was confident that all looked good, she slipped it into a white envelope. She grinned and pictured the warm feeling that would fill Bale when he received her letter.

23rd April, 1997

sir,  

I am glad to hear from you. I have been expecting and was sure you would write to us soon. I thank God who has helped you to keep up with the many schedules at hand. I and the children are doing well. God has been good to us. We have been getting along. Even though things have not been easy, we’re keeping faith. The atmosphere around me is thick. And I now live a careful life. The constant fear of being discovered and the lack of freedom to express my new faith is disturbing. I pray and live in secrecy. I am uncomfortable living this way but I don’t have a choice. I believe things may be different later, but I have to protect myself as much as I can for now. How is life over there, and your family as well? I hope all is well with you. Please continually pray for us that God should help us enjoy the freedom we seek to express our faith.  I have been reading the Bible you gave me. Last night I studied John 4. There is joy in me even in the present condition I find myself. I’m grateful to God for the blessing of his son Jesus Christ. Muhammad and Fatimah are doing well. We do not know when you will be coming around again. Thank you, Sir, for everything. May God keep you always. Amen. 

Aisha.

Read Bale’s first Letter

Thank you for your support in spreading the word and touching lives. We can do more together in 2025. Welcome to another year of walking with God.

Highlights

The Cambridge Dictionary defines "breach" as "an act of breaking a law, promise, agreement, or relationship."

Read the Scriptures below:

Lamentation 2:13

"What thing shall I take to witness for thee? What thing shall I liken to you, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, o virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach is great like the sea; who can heal you?

"Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee; and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity, but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment."

What has the virgin daughter of Zion, the present Christian generation, gotten in the world of sin? The Lord is her portion, how has she forgotten this?

What pleasures surpass those of communion with the Lord? What has led to her breaching the law between her and her God? What has gotten into the heart of the present-day Christian? How has the church become so ignorant of her state? One thing is sure: the Lord will go to any extent, out of love, in a bid to bring back his people. To subvert the cause of his people is never his plan, but why should nothing be done to a generation plagued with continuous disobedience and slighting of the Spirit of God?

If God can do anything, He will bring more suffering, so that it may turn our eyes to him for salvation again.

The succeeding verse gives a cure, it says, "Let tears run down like a river day and night, give thyself no rest; let not the apple of thine eye cease.

Are we not tired of being afflicted? Our nation has gone through many years of mismanaged leadership and hardship for the masses. The survival of the fittest is what prevails, and no help seems to be near. We only have one Savior, Christ, who saves us from every form of yoke and evil. Should we not turn to him?

The prophets who divine falsely and cannot see through the lives of men will need to prepare for a greater affliction because they cannot warn the people put under their care.

Weep! Lay bare and sincere before the Lord. Repair the broken breach, and get back to fulfilling God's law and covenant. Get back to making God your priority, and He will come right to save you where you need it. If we fail to do so, affliction may need to persist.

Shalom.

Summary: In this absorbing piece, the writer emphasizes the critical role of nurturing and training future leaders in righteousness, detailing the responsibilities of parents and guardians in guiding children to become wise and just rulers.

Summary: “A Long Walk to Death" discusses the necessity of facing life's inevitable end with courage, highlighting the Christian perspective that dying to oneself is essential for spiritual resurrection and eternal life.

Summary: Discussing the cost of straying from the appointed path, this article explores the critical need to adhere to the true gospel, highlighting the dangers of deviating towards convenience and materialism and calling for a return to genuine, sacrificial faith and commitment.

Summary: One of the most-read articles, "The 5 Lords of the Philistines" examines the metaphorical challenges of self, lust, fear, envy, and pride that Christians must combat, drawing parallels to the biblical Philistines and urging believers to remain vigilant and spiritually prepared.

Summary: Reflecting on Isaiah 40:8, this article highlights the importance of living in alignment with God's righteous standards, warning against disobedience and the self-deception that can hinder the fulfilment of God's promises.

Summary: “The Sole Purpose of Man” explores the fundamental purpose of human existence from a biblical perspective, it explains that humanity's ultimate purpose is worship, which involves a deep relationship with and admiration for the divine, transcending temporal pursuits like fame, wealth, and family.

Summary: Based on Matthew 12:20, this article reassures readers of God's compassion and care for the broken and crushed, encouraging believers to persevere despite their weaknesses, as victory and purpose lie ahead through Christ.

Summary: Reflecting on John 8:31-32, “If you abide” emphasizes that true discipleship requires continuous engagement with God's word through study, prayer, and evangelism, warning that neglecting these foundational practices leads to spiritual decline.

Summary: Using Matthew 9:22, 29, this article explores the importance of unwavering faith in God's power and plan, encouraging believers to trust in divine omnipotence and align their desires with God's will for true spiritual fulfilment.

Summary: This fast-moving narration explores the metaphor of the sheepfold to explain God's restoration, protection and nurturing care for His followers, emphasizing the importance of remaining within His spiritual boundaries to experience His love and guidance.

Summary: “My Lord, my God” narrates the significance of Thomas' declaration and transformative encounter with the resurrected Christ in John 20:28, as a profound expression of faith and worship, recognizing Jesus' divinity and sovereignty and acknowledging His lordship and divinity in one’s life.

Summary: A short writeup that critiques the tendency of some believers to be emotionally stirred by religious teachings without genuine transformation, urging them to move beyond superficial excitement and truly live out their faith.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen these people, and, behold it is a stiff-necked people: Now, therefore, let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.”

God was willing to make Moses another great nation. It seemed God didn’t care so much about numbers as to the obedience of his children. If God was willing to make Moses a voice, what does it tell us in this present time? We will stand before God individually and will be judged individually as well. God checks the hearts of men individually, whatever we do by looking at the man next to us, should be checked because it will be on our account after all. For example, if a man is influenced to sin against God and does sin, He will go to Hell if he remains in that state, regardless of who it was that influenced him (or her). This shows a call to individual responsibility at all times. It is okay to learn from leaders but we are the first priest over ourselves, we must give the diligence to examine ourselves through the lens of the Holy Scriptures above all (1 Timothy 4:16). It is unlikely to find a leader who may be without flaws regardless of their genuine passion for the Lord, because, at any point, the flesh may arise.

Remember that God was willing to walk with Moses alone after the disobedience of others. One thing is clear, we may not have Perfect knowledge of God, but we may have Perfect obedience and Perfect Love if we always give in to the Lord. We may not easily hide the evil that lies in our hearts as well because the actions we do will show it no matter how we try to pretend. These people pretended until the point where Moses was nowhere around, alas, God knew their hearts! Aaron as well who was a priest allowed the influence of these Israelites to darken his spiritual Judgement, So do not allow any man born of a woman to throw you off guard. Look upon Jesus always!

Make sure that God agrees with your Life and actions, when you do, be at peace. Walk with God, relate with Men. Work for the Master and Fix your gaze on him. He is more important and He will be your portion forever!! Shalom!

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of the Lord of our God shall stand for ever." Isaiah 40:8

God is righteous and will continue to maintain righteous standards no matter what goes on on the earth. Man may decide to thwart judgement, even believers may think they can boycott God, some living in double standards, others bluntly refusing His instructions. Some others choose the self-deceptive path. Many live silently in disobedience to His Spirit thereby bringing grief to God.

Nevertheless, the foundation of the Lord standeth sure. Having this seal, let him that nameth the name of Christ departs from Iniquity.

What God looks at is the condition of our hearts. Scriptures confirm that it is here that everything good or evil proceeds. Why we do what we do is as important as what we do. If we know the mind of the Lord, why do we not do it? Nobody tells the Christians that God will provide for their needs, they sure know and understands it but to do the will of God seem hard to do. Remember Jesus began both to do and to teach.

Let us all begin to do all that God demands of our lives.

God will not go out of His way to validate our lives or release His most precious treasure, which is Himself, to us just because we confessed Christ and are ordained as 'Christian' until we are careful to do what he demands and take it as our life.

Most times, it may bring a delay in God's promises or a mercy drop instead of showers. Sin in any and every little way hinders the move of God.

God will not go out of the way because that will mean breaking His righteous standards, which he will not do because of anybody. Not you! Likewise, he will not go out of the way to let sinners into His abode because he created them: that will make him an unholy God. Repentance must take place and holiness without which no one will see the Lord...

What does God demand of you, friend?

Whatever He says do, do.

Shalom.

Matthew 12:20

"A Bruised shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgement unto victory”

Reeds were used for writing because they had little tubules, and also for playing music, however, when they become bruised, they will not work.

In the same vein, Jesus doesn't throw bruised reeds, he works with it, not breaking it so that it doesn't become useless. He is going to keep at this, with gentleness and patience.

He is working with man, the whole race until he is finished.

He is patient with all men not wanting any of them to perish, however, it remains the choice of man to perish or receive the gift of salvation. It is the choice of the believer to continue in the strength of God or look back to perdition.

He is going to gain victory because he will bring justice and if you belong to the fold of Christ, I mean you're born again, he is not going to give up on your weaknesses. There will be moments of chastisement and thus makes you smoulder, but you shall shine in the end because he chose you and has a purpose for you.

We couldn't have worth God's Kingdom as sinners but when we accepted his offer of salvation, he makes us worthy with his own worthiness.

God uses the weak things of the world to shame those who claim to be strong so that no one can boast. Really, no one can boast in Himself, if there is any boasting, it will be about our saviour, Christ.

He it is that builds a kingdom out of feeble ones, whom he makes strong by his power.

Are you giving up?

Have you lost hope in seeking God and his kingdom because of your inadequacies?

Christ is not done yet!

Strengthen the feeble hands, victory is ahead.

Shalom

John 8:31-32

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

It is in continuance that we are considered as disciples. When we first come into the fold, by receiving the gift of salvation, it must not end there, for that is only the beginning. Many Christians do not seek their own growth, with satisfaction at being born again, here we are enjoined to continue in his word.

The Christian grows on studying the words of God in the Holy Scriptures and closely listening to hear from God daily, Praying which involves communication with God and Obedience to the word.

Evangelism requires that you share your faith with unbelievers and sinners. These are the foundation on which the Christian life is built. Any Christian, so-called, that is not engaged in these principles daily has begun to backslide already. How can we maintain the Christian life, the Spiritual life without these?

Just how can the plant survive without the essential air, sunlight and soil nutrients?

It will surely wither, the same happens to us. We wither daily if these things are missing. We cannot amount to anything serious if we forget the foundational principles, we forget to study, pray or speak for Christ.

If we remain dormant only attending services, how can the love of Christ remain fresh? How does our Spirit endure without Christ's regular presence? When the world offers its dainties, its music and entertainment, and all others, where will be the room for Christ? We must keep Christ in us every day and keep the world out! If we do not, we cease to be disciples when we begin to lose Christ for perishable things!

If we continue...

Let us examine our hearts, to be sure we are still disciples.

Sometimes, we may need to offend others for the cause of Christ, we may disappoint people if it so requires, but be sure that you are one with the Lord. Be sure to be obedient to his leadership.

There is a high tendency to depart from God's ways because we want to please men, or because of another man's sin, never must that be!

If we are ready to maintain His presence, there will be a reward of His Spirit and Power for the promotion of His glory. Thereafter, heaven prepared.

Matthew 11: 27

"All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but he Father, neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him"

The Revelation of the person of Christ is very precious and must not be taken for granted. Only God reveals himself to a man. Before a man makes a decision for Christ, God puts forth his hand to the man using his seed sown into his heart. Any man who begets a revelation of God about salvation and the offer of Christ, and throws it off afterwards has done himself much harm.

The point at which the knowledge of Christ is made real to a man's soul doesn't come cheap, It takes grace, the great grace of God.

Why would anyone do this despite this grace offered?

What should separate us from the knowledge, revelation and relationship with our heavenly father who has gone the extra length for us?

In the midst of all kinds of weather, true believers are expected to cherish this faith handed down to them because it came at a heavy price.

That being said, thanksgiving must be given to the benevolent God for revealing Christ, because it is a great feat.

There are billions of souls without Christ today, some as a result of the religious foundation of their families, etc. They do not have this revelation. We can co-labour with God by taking out time to pray for them and discuss our faith with them.

Living an exemplary life is important as well.

While those without Christ (unbelievers) exist, so-called believers who live in error also exist. They claim to know him but are filled with erroneous beliefs and doctrines. We can pray for a revelation of the truth unto these ones. The Church of Christ is under attack by the wicked one, there seems to be a replacement of biblical truth with 'modernisation'

Some many scriptural passages are often ignored. We have the duty, all of our bible -believers to stand in the gap so as to restore the Spirit-led Church and to bring great revival. Our failure to do this may not affect us directly but think about some of your relatives who may be part of the group of preachers of lies.

Think about the generation to come, will they meet sound doctrine should Christ tarry long?

Some genuine believers are not opportune to hear sound doctrine and truth, as God would lead you, you can be a channel to share your Bible-based convictions with them, being patient until they see things in the same light that you do.

Remember to cherish the truth that you have received and seek more of Christ.

Shalom.

22"But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole, And the woman was made whole from that hour"

29" Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you." Matthew 9: 22,29.

From the passages above, it is evident that the faith of those affected had a great role in their deliverance.

Many times, we shudder away from great things because of fear of the unknown, fear of failure or doubt. God's children are required to put faith in Him. This is a command from God. The practice of doubting the power of God in any situation is not only lethal to the individual, but an act of disobedience.

One may look for signs before deciding to put faith, sometimes we do never see them. Moses never knew that as a stammerer, he would be a leader. David never knew the plan of God from his teenage years, and neither would it have occurred to Rahab that she would be a part of the lineage that birthed Christ.

If there is a desire, or will, in line with God's word, it is imperative and profitable for us, that we place and keep our faith in the omnipotence of God.

If the woman with the issue of blood had walked away with her sickness in unnecessary shame and doubt in the healing power of Jesus, would she have gotten her healing?

What do you have as a great task and difficulty? Have you faith in the one you believe in?

After doing your part as a true child of His, then wait, for it shall be done to you according to your faith.

There are instances where our faith in unanswered prayer works against God's perfect will for us, since we have various needs and preferences as humans, we must make sure that our requests are in line with the will of God.

Shalom.

Micah 5: 2-3

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel”

Here we hear God stating the order of breaking forth. Many of us Christians hardly love to travail. It’s too much time-consuming. One elderly lady says "God is not deaf, my dear once you pray once he has heard". Well, when tougher situations hit, the same person will have a need for consistent prayers. May we not deceive ourselves into thinking that revival comes cheap or that travailing is for certain gifts or persons or that we would have genuine converts filled with the Holy Spirit without this. God set the order Himself and no man can rearrange it.

If any try, it is to his own failure.

It is travail before birth sir! Ma, there is no fruit for that Child until you are ready to travail. If God will hold his blessings and give us up (more or less abandon our child's play of a consecration) before we bring forth, should we count this a light matter?

“Labour to bring forth…”

The woman in Labour knows no rest until she has been brought forth.

Are we used to Christian activities that we have given up on labouring in secret so we can really bring forth fruits? Are we content with our state so we do not need to press on?

Someone I met said “I do not want to be spiritual as you”, but then the issue is, it is not that “you don't want to be spiritual as me” but, you don't want to be spiritual at all because I want to be spiritual as the bible!

What do youths of this day use their strength for? What do they use it for? When will they maximise their strength if not now?

We would rather desire God's power and manifestation to come at no cost, which will cause us to abuse it.

Why should Man allow sentiments to hinder his progress? Why should he allow the tempting sounds of Satan to distract him?

Alas! The day of the Lord draws near, do all that you can do while you have the grace and strength.

When the time comes to rest, you would have nothing to say to nature for it will take the course. Nevertheless, the sky, not the grave is our goal.

What will you present to Christ?

Fruits? Or Foolishness?

May God grant us grace.

Shalom.

Hosea 13:13 King James Version (KJV)

“The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children”.

An Unwise son that should have received his breakthrough if he knew how to be obedient.

Wisdom does not just reside in the head or dormant, it produces some action. It is the application of knowledge. There must be a task to do for Christ.

He that is unwise is the one who doesn't know the cause of his problems. He does not also apply what he knows about God and God’s purpose concerning his life.

According to the Scriptures, we are going to likely face a longer period awaiting breakthrough (if that is what it will take) to jolt us into seeking the Lord and that constantly.

It will demand that we thrust out all dross so we can be qualified for the task that God has put in our hands.

An Unwise Son is slow to come up high. He won't come up to what God has planned for him

The scriptures say: He should not have tarried long in the place of breakthrough. Is it not true? Should we tarry in the state that we are in? Is it not for our good that God speaks to us in this manner Is it not just that he deals with us so?

Is it not that he may pour out both His blessings and His glory upon us? Will we not appreciate these two?

Have we no unrest at all in us and for our Spiritual state and the state of our nation?

Have we no burden for our very country? Our Families? Ourselves? Have we all that God has promised?

The Church has come to the place of birth! Yet! There is no son. There is no help for us except God comes down! Have we the revival we need? Have you?

Quit talking! Go into action. Put the whole knowledge about revival into use, that's wisdom.

Take hold and charge now! Let us seek God's face for a revival. Let us seek his face for our problems when we have done his will. He may leave a blessing for us. (Hosea 6:1)

Are you yet unwise?

Shalom

Hebrews 12:2

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the Joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

There is a Joy that no man can speak of yet. The Joy of seeing Jesus, of beholding His face. One that surpasses all others, and keeps our heart in a bold state in the face of worldly opposition, trials and tribulations.

It is the strength of the weak (Nehemiah 8:10)

What dares to remove your focus? Remember that there are Joys awaiting the Faithful

Do not give it up for anything - or anyone.

Are you in the perfect will of God, hold the fort?

This is what motivates our consistency in Spiritual duty - heavenly reward. It is this Joy that informs our conscious holiness which is a prerequisite for seeing the Holy God (1 Peter 1:16). No amount of trouble can diminish the Joy of the Christian.

Alas! The Devil has lost every kind of attempt aimed at bringing us down.

Does the devil recognise you as a threat? The more reason he tries to distract you and steal your joy.

Does he tremble at your sight of meeting a sinner? It is because he knows what God can do through you.

Be sure to be approved by God! Be sure to place yourself before his Judgement seat daily so that you may not be disappointed

Let your heart shine at the thought of meeting Christ!

Be sure to not satisfy your yearning with mere earth's properties.

Are you also awaiting Joys?

When I've gone the Last mile of the way...

I will rest at the close of the day...

And I know there are Joys that await me

When I've gone the Last mile of the way (Johnson Oatman, J.r. 1908).

Shalom

Philippians 3:12

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

God has a laid down plan for all his children - no one is left behind. Alas! Not all God's children know the extent of the purpose they are meant to fulfil. They don't see it so they don't know it. For the rest, they cannot become it not because they don't know it but because they've set a limitation to their walk with God and their God-given purpose. They may not be the ones who set the limits, but a natural occurrence, perhaps unseen. Natural occurrences such as their past experiences which have become a part of them, or whatever it is ( that must be put away)!

Set out fully for what God wants to make of you. Don't go for less. Don't lose yourself because of loss or rejection.

God has the best still and it is all of Himself.

Launch into the deep. Satan has nothing to offer, and all the temporary happiness that you feel now is used as bait to keep you far away from God's plan for you. The mirage will fade in due time.

Christ alone is our model, not any man. Let Him be your motivation. Find strength in Him to be what has been written of you. You cannot imagine what God has for you. (1 Corinthians 2:19) How many lives will be blessed from your pain, story and voice!

Each new day that you receive from God is a sign that He still has his plans intact. Will you let the enemy cheat you out of it?

The Apostle Paul you read of was once Saul, who persecuted the very Church of God. Obviously, he didn't see his future as then.

Your part is to give yourself up!

Give up on your strength! Give up your man-made purpose. Your pains and very importantly your SINS. Give them up. Give up on your weakness and doubts and behold, what God will do with what is left. You are made to be a partaker of God's labour and work in your generation.

Take hold of what Christ has taken hold of for you, friend. Don't go for less.

Shalom

Text: Hosea 7:11

"Ephraim is also like a silly dove without heart: they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria"

Only a man who has lost trust can hop from one place to another. Are you like Ephraim, the cake unturned, a silly dove? Do you hop around looking for solutions where they do not exist? It's either you're in this prayer house or that. Why don't you trust and obey the Lord?

God is not a man that he should lie, why do we listen to misleading men and fake prophets instead of God?

When we are overwhelmed, it is then that trust is expressed in its meaning. Oh for such grace!

There will be no fruit of absolute trust where worry exists. Anxiety does not make for any changes, for all that there is to say is that all things work for good unto them that love God, even if it is working to build our trust level.

The Devil always suggests solutions aside from God's plan when we feel pressured. Do not yield to it! He gives you a reason to believe that the problem is not worth the wait and tries to play on your mind. He says, "You are in a place where holiness is preached unnecessarily, there are ways to get things in the world" or " Come out from that old-fashioned environment" It is not the devil's opinion that stands but God's. Believe God for every word and He'll prove them to you. Amen.

A silly dove that calls Egypt and Assyria...

Do you doubt the leading of God in a matter? Wait until you receive confidence in God's voice. Do you doubt the love of God for you? Remember this! He gave Jesus to die for your sins. Wait on God and do not wander?

Do you expect a blessing or healing? Count your present blessings and that will give you the courage to trust God

Seek not help from men. They will not give it freely. Do not call on Egypt, leave Assyria. Do not mix with unbelievers, wild asses and evil men. Do not hire lovers. (Hosea 8:9) even for some moments. God is ever-present. Be aware. Do not lose God's love (Hosea 9:3)

Do not let satan rob you of a great testimony in Christ. Do not go back to your vomit, Christ has forgiven you. Let your heart be sure of its lover, Christ. Wait on God, wait for Him. Stay with him. Stay. Keep hope.

Shalom

James 2:23

" And the scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the "Friend of God"

A Trusted Friend before a vessel!

God seeks friends before vessels. Many times, we are eager to do a lot for the Lord, but first, let us be intimate with him. It is from here that He will fill our beings but first, he will need to communicate with us the weight of the issues in His Heart. How can we completely know God's heart without intimacy?

How dare we take up God's work merely as a duty and without prescription?

It is possible that all we do is disregarded if we desert him in secret.

If there is a greater part, it is the issue of being intimate with God. God will commit Himself in entirety to His trusted friends. He would leave nothing behind. Remember Abraham, let us look at the tone of God's words in Genesis 18: 17 - 19. God couldn't hide the fate of Sodom from Abraham, His friend. Read Isaiah 41:8, though Israel were God's people, Abraham was termed friend.

“A true friend of God seeks God's good through a heartfelt commitment to forward God's plans and purposes in the world”. (Wadell ).

Moses was a friend of God too who spoke to him face to face as a man speaketh unto his friend (Exodus 33:11)

Jesus was also betrayed by a friend (Matthew 26:49-50). Oh! how many times do we betray his trust?

Mary chose this part, would you do the same?

We should pull down the works of the devil, cast out demons, and preach to sinners, and we can in Jesus's name but the primary thing is to walk closely with God.

How dare we spend 24 hours with mere men alone? What is our level of intimacy with God? Are you a trusted friend of God?

A quote from D.L Moody goes thus:

" A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed. But it is himself we have."

Make your choice.

Shalom.

Ezekiel 44:9

“Thus saith the Lord, God; No stranger uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel”

Strangers, who do not know the Holy One of Israel did not enter His sanctuary. Many so-called Christians follow the Lord afar off. They only perform rituals by going to the Church building on Sundays but have no personal relationship with Him even when they may relate well with other men. Their lives do not glorify God. They only remember him when danger is around-muttering prayers. To them, God is a handy commodity! Alas! they will be shocked (though they should not be because they hear the truth now!) on the last day, to be rejected by the One they never knew intimately. How can one cleanse his ways without taking heed to God’s ways? (Psalms 119: 9-10)

To know someone is to understand them, their fears, strength, weaknesses, nightmare, backgrounds, body language, troubles, pains, opinions, visions, personality including temperament. (Do you agree with this?)

On God’s end, He understands us beyond these features, but do we know him? Do you? Do you care to know him? Do you love Him? How do you express it? We all must have something we love. Do you really love God? Do you sit at his feet as Mary?

The man was created for fellowship, to dwell in God’s presence forever. We can go on to know God by giving our time to studying His words and talking to prayers. God would not impose himself on us, we have a will but we can choose to submit our will. We can draw closer if we want. It is God who loved us first by giving His only begotten son for us. (John 3:16)

He can give us all that we need according to His will…

Why stay far off? Why remain a stranger?

Our desires are not centred on God so that makes us far from Him. We have a tendency to perish in our ways if we remain afar because we only become like God when we learn of Him and abide in Him.

May we not perish in our ways. Draw near friends, do not be a STRANGER.

Shalom.

Ezekiel 39:37

"Thus saith the Lord God, I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them, I will increase them with men like a flock."

Are you tired of those promises already? Keep the faith! However, look inwards, have all conditions been met? Has sin been put out? Is there doubt? Fear?

That moment when a question arises in your heart "If your Jesus truly loves you, why does he do this to you? Why hasn't he answered yet? Why this or that...? "you can fill in the gaps. Well, just because He hasn't done it yet doesn't mean he won't do it. All these long days of tarrying, why hasn't there been a revival; an outpouring like we read of? Why isn't it in my ministry yet? Are these stories real?

Do you say I can't lift up my face for my reproach? (Whatever it is, If you have one) -yet does God see it and do nothing?

According to a hymn writer, "Whatever, my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well with my soul" Let us once more, obey the injunction to yet inquire. Go ahead and ask again. Ask for His face. "For the confused, discouraged, hopeless, frustrated, tired, enraged, angry, those asking questions, unloved, May God settle your souls. *May God enable your heart to be stretched for what He is about to do*. (Adapted from Maverick city medley Hymn "Great is thy faithfulness")

May God grant us grace to stay in his presence always, trusting in him again, again *and again.* "Lord, look for those who are in need of you, find souls that are thirsty and fill them, give strength to the weak and weary and do what you need to do" Tell us again and again that you are for us"(Ezekiel 36:9) There is an authority stronger than whatever hopelessness we may have. Do what it says.

Shalom