Occupy Till I Come

“Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13 KJV). Our Master has given His instructions to us. Like the NT parable, He expects us to exercise our abilities and circumstances for His Kingdom. No one but a wicked servant has the right to a retirement of doing nothing, or worse, to live a life of self-pleasing. Occupying for the LORD is to be filled with “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2Peter 1:3). Our Lord expects us to walk obediently, sensitive to His Spirit, but more importantly, as though we loved Him for the wonder filled works He has performed for us. “Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:15).

Don’t Look Back

Looking back is yearning for calmer, simpler days before all the troubles that came with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 KJV). Why so harsh? Jesus was speaking to someone, who had just said, “Lord, I will follow Thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house” (9:61). Instead of rejoicing about another potential convert, Jesus warned him about turning back— even for the slightest or greatest reason. Why? Because God knows better that we are either all or nothing at all for Him. Trifle not with your decisions. We will not be caught unawares, when the LORD blows His Trump to call us up hither into His Presence. We are not madmen to think this world is falling apart under our feet, unless we are at home in Sodom. LORD, come quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Art of Obedience

Obedience is possible, but unlikely. The “fellowship of the Spirit” (Philippians 2:1 KJV) produces more than compliance, but communion. True religion is not simply a list of commands demanding unequivocal obedience. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). Make no mistake, obedience is necessary, but intimate knowledge of Yahweh is the objective. His indwelling Spirit becomes the magnum opus for His creation and redemption of humanity that we may abide with Him forever. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). The primary attribute of the fullness of His Spirit is loving obedience. “And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Obedience is both a manifestation of and requirement for the Spirit’s presence. Thus, a disciple must seek the influence of the Holy Spirit to ensure a godly walk, as well as, produce the greatest demonstration of the character of God — on earth, as it is in Heaven. LORD, make it so. Return quickly, in Jesus’ powerful name, we pray. Amen. 

Thy Kingdom Come

In our Lord’s prayer model for disciples, He instructs us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Both as the kingdom of God forming in human hearts and praying for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy for His soon return to earth, Jesus considers this the primary need for His children. He instructs us our conduct on earth should imitate heaven, which also supernaturally gives us insight on what is going on in the heavenlies. 

You Are Not The Only One

Unbelief cries out, “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me” (Romans 11:3 NIV). God responds, “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal” (11:4). So, if we are only representative of others like us, we should pray for them because their circumstances are like ours. Intercede and believe for them what God has made plain to pray for ourselves. Don’t hold back requesting for them what you would not want withheld from yourself. God’s kingdom must grow with faith like that!

Freely Give Us All Things

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). How can anyone make such a broad claim? Even more, what is to prevent anyone from making an application of this promise that would unsettle especially parents in front of their younger children? This is how we teach ourselves the promises cannot mean what they sound like they mean. Or, do we diminish the value of the promises to make ourselves more comfortable with our religion? Shouldn’t we immediately determine in our heart that God means what He says, and it is His problem or business to use such inflammatory language that would excite the imagination of young children? “But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer [allow] the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14 KJV). LORD, grant us the heart and outlook of children that we may better imagine what you so generously offer to us. Amen and amen.

Brainwashed By Propaganda

Brainwashed by propaganda to determine our reality is another way of saying, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Human government either will deny its purpose to promote the common good and punish the evil; or, it will seek the good of the few and punish those who object. Speak the truth that promotes your neighbor’s good as equal to your own. That is the love that holds society together. The cooperation of human beings is essential for any human government to exist. The cultural or moral values of the population shape the agreement upon which human government stands. Change the hearts and minds of the people, and human governments change. For this reason, it is most essential to stay focused on the underlying power of the Gospel to transform us into those who do the will of God. Good human governments will appreciate this and promote environments that encourage it. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2 KJV). LORD, may Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen and amen.