Antimicrobial Resistance: A Growing Threat to Global Health

There's a pandemic that is silently creeping into our world right under our noses and we all seem to be unaware or deliberately negligence of its impact, and innocent people have suffered needlessly or died due to this.

Every time you engage in irrational drug use or encourage such, every inexcusable blunder in drug prescription or dispensation will most likely hurt an innocent fellow sooner or later. The pandemic I speak of is the pandemic of the inefficiency of antibiotics or to put it in a better context, THE PANDEMIC OF RESISTANCE AGAINST ANTIBIOTICS BY MICROBES. This issue seems inconsequential until it's time for you to battle a microbial infection.

Playing your part excellently therefore, can't be a choice; it's mandatory. Excellence and honesty therefore must be at the centre of everything worth doing. The onus is on us then to take responsibility in battling these growing superbugs and one of the steps is to educate ourselves about Anti-Microbial Resistance.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical and escalating global health threat that occurs when microorganisms evolve mechanisms to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs. This renders standard treatments ineffective, leading to persistent infections, increased spread of disease, and higher mortality rates. AMR compromises the effectiveness of many life-saving drugs and poses a significant challenge to public health, food security, and development.

AMR arises naturally over time, usually through genetic changes. However, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture have accelerated the process, creating “superbugs” that are difficult to treat. For instance, diseases like tuberculosis and gonorrhoea are becoming harder to manage due to rising resistance rates.

Factors Contributing to AMR

Several human behaviours and lifestyle choices significantly contribute to the increase in AMR:

1. Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics: Many individuals use antibiotics for viral infections like colds and flu, where they are ineffective. Additionally, not completing prescribed antibiotic courses allows some bacteria to survive and develop resistance.

2. Agricultural Practices: The widespread use of antibiotics in livestock to promote growth and prevent disease contributes to the development of resistant strains that can be transferred to humans through the food chain.

3. Poor Infection Control: Inadequate hygiene and infection control in healthcare settings and communities can facilitate the spread of resistant microorganisms.

4. Global Travel and Trade: The movement of people, animals, and goods across borders accelerates the spread of resistant bacteria worldwide.

Curtailing the Challenges of AMR

Addressing AMR requires a multifaceted approach involving individuals, healthcare professionals, agricultural sectors, and governments. Here are some key strategies to combat AMR:

1. Public Awareness and Education: Educating the public on the proper use of antibiotics and the dangers of AMR is crucial. Campaigns should focus on reducing the demand for antibiotics for viral infections and promoting adherence to prescribed treatments.

2. Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: Healthcare providers should implement antibiotic stewardship programs to ensure the appropriate use of antibiotics. This includes guidelines for prescribing antibiotics and monitoring their use.

3. Strengthening Infection Prevention and Control: Improving hygiene practices, such as handwashing and sanitation, in healthcare settings and communities can prevent the spread of infections and reduce the need for antibiotics.

4. Regulating Antibiotic Use in Agriculture: Governments should enforce regulations to limit the use of antibiotics in livestock and promote alternatives such as vaccinations and improved animal husbandry practices.

5. Investing in Research and Development: There is a need for continued investment in the development of new antibiotics, diagnostics, vaccines, and alternative treatments to stay ahead of resistant pathogens.

In addition, when you consider the mechanism of resistance developed by these microorganisms e.g.; the use of pumps to flush antibiotics out of their internal milieu, the altering of the components of their cell membrane, etc., you will realise that developing novel ways of delivering these drugs into the internal milieu of these organisms (a delivery system which bypasses their resistance system) will prove to be relatively cheaper and even more effective compared to novel antibiotics developed for this purpose, a process which might take years to develop and might even end up as their predecessor.

This is an area I am enthusiastic about and willing to explore, given the opportunity.

Actionable Steps for Stakeholders

To effectively tackle the challenges posed by AMR, various stakeholders must take coordinated actions:

1. Government and Policy Makers: should enact and enforce regulations on antibiotic use in both human medicine and agriculture. Support research and innovation in the development of new antimicrobial agents and alternative therapies.

2. Healthcare Professionals: are enjoined to adhere to and promote antibiotic stewardship practices. Educate patients on the proper use of antibiotics and the importance of completing prescribed courses.

3. Agricultural Sector: should implement and adhere to guidelines for the responsible use of antibiotics in animals. Invest in better farming practices to reduce the reliance on antibiotics.

4. Public and Patients:  should follow medical advice on antibiotic use, complete prescribed courses, and practice good hygiene to prevent infections. Support policies and initiatives aimed at combating AMR.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial resistance is a complex and pressing global health challenge that requires immediate and sustained action from all sectors of society. By understanding the causes of AMR and taking proactive steps to reduce its spread, we can protect the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations. It is imperative that individuals, healthcare providers, farmers, policymakers, and researchers work together to combat this growing threat and ensure a healthier future for all.

Chess...The Game of Life; “In a bid not to lose a piece, many have lost the game; to win, you must be ready to lose.” ...Neo Galgius.

In the intricate tapestry of human experience, the game of chess stands as a timeless metaphor, reflecting the strategic decisions, unforeseen challenges, and ultimate triumphs that define our journey through life. As we dig into the intricacies of this metaphor, we uncover profound insights into the nature of choice, destiny, and the interplay between human agency and external forces.

Understanding Chess As A Metaphor

Chess, a game of ancient origins, has captivated minds and hearts for centuries. Its allure lies not just in the arrangement of pieces on a checkered board but in the strategic dance that unfolds with each move. From the opening gambit to the final checkmate, players engage in a battle of wits, foresight, and adaptability. This mirrors the stages of human existence, where we navigate beginnings, challenges, and resolutions. The chessboard itself becomes a microcosm of life’s complexities. The sixty-four squares represent the myriad choices and paths we encounter. The pieces, each with its unique abilities and limitations, symbolize the resources and potentials at our disposal. Terms like openings, middle game, endgame, tactics, and strategy transcend mere chess jargon; they offer insights into the phases we traverse in pursuit of our goals.

Parallels between Chess and Life

Consider the opening phase of a chess game. Players vie for control of the centre, establish pawn structures, and position their pieces strategically. This mirrors our early experiences, where foundational choices set the stage for our future endeavours. Just as in chess, these initial moves carry significance, influencing subsequent decisions and outcomes. As the game progresses into the middle game, complexities emerge. Pieces manoeuvre, threats materialize, and opportunities arise. This mirrors the challenges and opportunities we encounter in life’s journey. Whether navigating career paths, relationships, or personal growth, the middle game demands strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to anticipate and respond to changing dynamics. The endgame in chess is a phase of culmination. Players focus on achieving checkmate or securing a favourable position. Similarly, in life, we face critical junctures where decisions carry long-term consequences. Choices made in the endgame—career transitions, commitments, investments—shape our destinies and determine the trajectories of our lives.

Strategic Thinking in Chess and Life

At the heart of chess and life alike is strategic thinking. Chess players excel not merely due to memorized moves but because of their ability to think several steps ahead, anticipate opponents’ responses, and adapt strategies to evolving situations. This strategic mindset is equally vital in navigating life’s complexities. Strategic thinking encompasses:

•Long-term planning while addressing immediate challenges.

•Anticipating risks and rewards associated with decisions.

•Adapting strategies based on changing circumstances and feedback.

•Balancing short-term gains with long-term objectives.

Learning from Chess Masters

The wisdom of chess masters offers invaluable lessons for life. Players like Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer, and Judit Polgar not only exhibited exceptional chess prowess but also demonstrated qualities such as perseverance, creativity, resilience, and the ability to learn from failures. Analysing famous chess games unveils patterns of strategic thinking applicable beyond the chessboard. Strategies like sacrificing a piece for positional advantage, controlling key squares, or exploiting opponents’ weaknesses resonate with strategic decision-making in diverse life domains.

The Art of Sacrifice

One of the most profound lessons from chess is the art of sacrifice. In chess, sacrificing a piece strategically can lead to positional advantages or create openings for decisive moves. Similarly, in life, strategic sacrifices—whether in terms of time, comfort, or immediate gratification—can pave the way for greater long-term benefits. Consider the sacrifice of a pawn to gain control of a crucial square or the sacrifice of a piece to divert an opponent’s focus. These sacrifices, while seemingly costly in the short term, contribute to broader strategic objectives and ultimate victory. Likewise, in life, strategic sacrifices may involve investing time and effort in skill development, pursuing challenging opportunities, or making difficult but necessary decisions for long-term growth and fulfilment.

Applying Chess Principles to Life

How can we translate the principles of chess into actionable strategies for life? By developing a strategic vision that encompasses personal and professional goals. Analyse risks and rewards associated with decisions, weighing short-term gains against long-term consequences. Adapt strategies based on evolving circumstances, feedback, and lessons learned. Cultivate qualities such as patience, focus, resilience, and mental agility to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

The game of chess serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as a profound mirror reflecting the strategic complexities of life. As we navigate our own chessboards of choices, challenges, and opportunities, let us embrace strategic thinking, resilience, and mindful decision-making. The journey of life rewards those who approach it with purpose, foresight, and a willingness to adapt and learn. In the chapters that follow, we will carefully expound on the themes of choice, destiny, and the interplay between human agency and external influences. By exploring these themes through the lens of chess and human existence, the aim is to inspire introspection, growth, and a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our lives.

(This is an excerpt from my forthcoming book; CHOICE OR DESTINY; What determines the trajectory and outcome of a man's life?)

ABEL AND JESUS

How Does Christ’s Blood Speak a Better Word than the Blood of Abel?

Not a single word from Abel is recorded in Scripture. Cain murdered him, and Cain has something to say. But the victim of violence? The recipient of hate? The righteous one? Not a syllable!

Cain has words, Abel none.

But Abel does speak in a different language. He utters crimson eloquence, red rhetoric so profound his speech pierces heaven’s veil to lodge in the ears of God.

How so? The Lord says, “The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground” (Gen. 4:10).

You see what’s happening?

1. Blood has a voice.

2. Blood cries out to God.

3. Blood is heard by heaven.

Far, far later, the author of Hebrews wrote about another crimson eloquence, about more red rhetoric. He says that the blood of Jesus “speaks better than the blood of Abel” (12:24).

Whatever Abel’s blood said to God, Christ’s blood said it better.

We hear on many occasions that Abel’s blood cried out, “Avenge me” and “Do justice,” but the Bible does not say that. All it says is, “The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground” Gen. 4:10. Crying for what? For justice, for clemency, for mercy, for revenge, for something else? We are not told.

The strongest hint of what Abel’s blood might be crying for is in the Hebrews 12 passage. It says that Christ’s blood speaks “a better word” than the blood of Abel. All through Hebrews, there is a comparison of angels, priests, sacrifices, etc. with the finished work of Christ. For instance, in these passages, the same Greek word is used, translated as “superior” or “better”:

Hebrews 1:4

Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Hebrews 7:19

(for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7:22

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

Hebrews 8:6

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

Hebrews 9:23

Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Hebrews 11:40

Since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Therefore, the angels are good but Christ is better; the law was good but in Christ we have a better hope; the old covenant was good but in Jesus we have a better covenant. Using this same logic, what the blood of Able spoke was good but what Christ’s blood speaks is better.

So rather than understanding a CONTRAST between these two bloods, I see an improvement. All of which leads me to hear in the blood of Abel not a cry for vengeance but mercy. Yet Abel’s cry for mercy is but a whisper in comparison with the louder cry for mercy in the blood of Jesus.

The voice of Jesus’s blood, crying out from the ground beneath the cross, piercing the heavens, lodging in the ears of God, speaks one and only one message: “Father, forgive them.”

That eloquent blood pronounces the absolution of the world, you included.

Believe it. It is for you.

Happy Sunday 🥂

The Good News That Almost Killed Old Jacob

When his sons informed him that Joseph, whom he had thought dead for the last 22 years, was not only alive but ruler of Egypt, “his heart became numb” (Gen. 45:26). The Hebrew verb "פוג" suggests that his heart shut down. Robert Alter translates it, “His heart stopped.”

Then, as the brothers spilled forth their astonishing story, “the spirit of their father Jacob revived” (45:27). “Dead” and alive again. A smile erupted on that wrinkled face. And taking a deep breath, he said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die” (45:28).

All this time, the poor father thought his son was dead. BUT he was alive.

It reminds me of that other, better story about another Son, whom all his followers thought was dead. And, indeed, he was dead, for three days anyway. BUT, Christ is risen.

As we seek to follow Jesus in our lives and vocations, his resurrection becomes the universal “BUT” to every heartbroken fact of our existence.

-When we watch our beloved parent, or friend lowered into the grave, we say, “BUT, Christ is risen.”

-When we see our families or communities torn asunder and wonder if there is any hope for the future, we say, “BUT, Christ is risen.”

-When we stumble and fall, get up only to stumble yet again, limping our way along as mortal, weak, weary disciples, we say, “BUT, Christ is risen.”

And because of that “BUT,” because of that divine and joyful rebuttal, Julian of Norwich put it this way: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Jesus is alive and well and reigning over us as King of kings and Lord of lords.

It’s no exaggeration to say that that makes all the difference in the world.

Happy Easter 🥂

FOLLOWING JESUS INTO THE MUD AND MUCK.

The story goes that as Teresa of Avila was traveling along, she accidentally slipped off her horse and fell smack-dab into the mud. When she complained to Jesus, he said, “This is how I treat my friends,” to which she retorted, “If this is how you treat your friends, it’s no wonder you have so few of them!” 

While we might chuckle at the legend, we might also grimace at the ring of painful truth it expresses. Being a friend and follower of Jesus means that sometimes we wind up face first in the mud and muck of life. The path of discipleship at times leads to the arena of mockery, hatred, even martyrdom. It also means that we are not spared gashing wounds from grief and grave disappointment.

Following Jesus sometimes means being unfollowed by the "good things" that others enjoy. 

Listen to how Paul described his ministry: “To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things” (1 Cor. 4:11-13).

Being a friend of Jesus, in Paul’s case, meant being treated like trash.

This is a blunt reminder we all need. Jesus did not bid us dance with him in a rose garden but march with him to a bloody cross—a cross he bore, and crosses we bear as he works within us. “The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His” (George MacDonald).

Dear Lord Jesus, our Lord and Friend, do with us what you will. Conform us to yourself. Only do not forsake us. For with you, no matter what may befall us, we are where we need to be. Amen.

Happy Sunday 🥂

THE UNTAMED TONGUE

 

“No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8 pulls no punches. That muscle in our mouth can kill or heal, spark wars or absolve a world.

From beginning to end, the Bible speaks about the power of speech, for good or for ill. With speech, the Lord God worded the world into being. And with speech, the serpentine foe wooed the world into evil.

To ignore our tongues is to court disaster.

When God commanded, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor,” he made explicit what we all know: that human society, relationships, justice, and one’s own soul are destroyed by lies.

Some of the hardest moments in my life were when, knowing a lie would be the easy way out, that it would save me embarrassment, I raged war against my every inclination and spoke the truth. It hurt but it also opened a door to incremental healing. Truth was the Spirit’s gift.

“I am the Truth,” Jesus said. And, in many ways, that said it all. Truth is life. Truth is inner peace. Truth is of God.

God grant that Christ the Truth may rule our hearts and govern our tongues, that he may kindle within us a fervent devotion to honest words, and that when we fail — and fail we will — that he may move our tongues to confession and thanksgiving for his absolution.

For God, who began our world with “Let there be,” heals our world through, “I forgive you.” And when God says that, no truer words could be spoken.

A KNIFE TO A GUN FIGHT.

God often has his servants bring a knife to a gunfight. Or, in the case of Moses, which was a stick or staff (in other contexts, the word can also mean “scepter”).

With a simple piece of wood, Moses fought against the most powerful leader of the most powerful nation on earth. Sounds foolish, doesn’t it? Yes, but when it comes to heaven’s arsenal, our Lord prefers to use foolish weapons to defeat the wise and powerful of the world.

With this staff, Moses and Aaron turned the Nile to blood (Exodus. 7:20) and held it over the sea so the Israelites could pass through (14:16). With this same staff by which he had punished Egypt, he also blessed Israel with drinking water from a rock (17:5-6).

What made this staff so powerful? Was it magical wood? No. God connected his word of promise and power to this simple element of creation. It was a vehicle for his gracious work in this world. The stick’s power came from God’s claim upon it. It was, indeed, “the staff of God” (Exodus. 4:20; 17:9).

As such, this wooden staff is like the jars of Gideon or the waters of baptism. They are all the unpretentious ways our Lord chooses to defend us. Each of them, in their own way, are the word of God made visible. A word of wood. A word of pottery. A word of water. They are not the words we would look for, or even hope for, but they are the words of life itself. 

Simple things which many would scoff at as silly or foolish, these are what our Lord likes to use. The ultimate example of which is “Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:23-24).

Hallelujah!

Happy Sunday 🥂

Out of Options: Jacob and GOD.

Unbeknownst to Jacob, God has Jacob right where he wants him: out of options. Food has run out. Time has run out. But the famine has not run out. Jacob has been dragging his feet about sending his sons back to Egypt for more supplies because he knows that this time, his beloved Benjamin *must* go with them.

Jacob is out of options, that is, except for the options of (1) relying, not upon himself, but upon mercy and (2) relying, not upon himself, but upon others. Not only for Jacob but for all of us, that is a highly unsettling place to be.

None of us willingly place ourselves in situations where we are out of options, where we must rely upon divine mercy and our neighbor’s actions on our behalf. We’re too busy playing divinity in our juvenile galaxies of self-determination. So, in ways sometimes small and sometimes big, the Master of providence picks us up by the scruff of our necks and drops us there. Where we are empty, at our wits’ end. And where we are thus precisely in a situation ripe for divine work in our lives.

It's a terrible place to be because we cannot shepherd events or pull the strings to get what we want. But it’s also a blessed place to be. A vacuum is created within us that the Spirit of God begins to fill. Less of me, more of God. Less of control, more of Christ.

We sit in the dirt with Jacob and fix our eyes on the horizon. We place ourselves under the mighty and merciful hand of a compassionate God. We wait. We hope. And we trust that, no matter what happens, we do not really sit there alone. Jesus is right there beside us. For if there’s one truth we know about Christ, beyond any doubt, it’s that hell and all its demons cannot make him budge one inch from those whom he calls his friends.

A New Song; There's Something New Under the Sun!

There is an old song of our fallen and failing world, and the song is;

“There Is Nothing New Under the Sun.”

A flat song, out of tune, and accompanied by wheezing trumpets and tattered drums. When you look at your life in shambles because of the strings of foolish decisions you made, this song plays in the background. When you are utterly bankrupt inside, with nothing there, and you wonder why you even exist, this old song plays. False notes. Gasping melodies. This is the song sung in the amphitheater of this world, a broken record of broken people leading broken lives. We all know it by heart.

God knows that we know that old song all too well, so he, with mercy higher than the mountains, with love deeper than the ocean depths, gave us a new song. In Hebrew, שִׁיר חָדָשׁ, shir chadash. “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1-2). This is not the siren song of worthless idols, but the saving song of him who “made the heavens,” before whom are “splendor and majesty,” and in whose sanctuary is “strength and beauty” (Psalm 96:5-6).

This new song is not novel in the sense of modern and innovative, but a Good News song of the Lamb who renews our hopes, renews our souls, renews life itself. This is the new song of Jesus, for if anyone is in him, they are a new creation. Old things have passed away, old songs have been trashed, and everything is new in the Word made flesh who dwelt among us and sang his love into our hearts.

You see, there is something new under the sun: God became man in Jesus, the Godman. He is our new song. And because of him, in our life under the sun, which so often is hard and painful, we are carried along on the shoulders of our Good Shepherd, who fills heaven and earth with his booming voice of divine love for us.

Hallelujah!

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished?

 

Because we live in a “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” kind of world, we are shocked and offended when, instead of a “scratch back,” we get slapped. Or ignored. Our innate sense of fairness is trampled underfoot. Listen, we did X, Y, or Z for them, so they *must* return the favor.

We are prone to think like this regarding God: “If I do the will of the Lord, if I stick to the straight and narrow, then he is obligated to reward me for my fidelity.” And by “reward me,” we mean do good, nice, pleasant, or profitable things for us. It’s only fair, right?

The narrative of Joseph and lustful Mrs. Potiphar is a painful but needed reminder that sometimes doing the right thing will put you in the wrong place—or what feels like the “wrong place” to you. In the story from Genesis 39, Joseph repeatedly rebuffs the sexual advances of his master’s wife, sticks to his chastity, and even gives a good confession before this temptress. And his reward? Falsely accused of sexual attack. Slandered and maligned. Imprisoned.

Yes, indeed, there are times when the outcome of our doing God’s will is that agreeable things happen to us. That’s great! And there are times when the outcome of doing what’s right is getting fired from our job, abandoned by our peers, laughed at by our family and friends, or even jailed.

For Jesus, it was crucifixion.

As disciples of Jesus, doing our Father’s will is our goal because it is our Father’s will. Not because we get something out of it but simply because it is best because it is of God. And what is of God is always the best.

And, as we see from the rest of Joseph’s story, oftentimes the “wrong place” we wind up for doing something right, is all part of God’s good, gracious, unfolding plan in our lives.

Our Foibles and Flaws in God's Grand Plan of Salvation.

 

When you consider the life of Isaac, you can't help but laugh, well you just have to, since his name in Hebrew, means “Laughter.” Although an important player in God’s plan of salvation he seems, in a divinely humorous sort of way, to have little clue what’s going on half the time.

In Genesis 22, he has no idea that the sacrifice his father was going to offer up is himself. In Genesis 26, he got caught publicly “caressing” (in flagrante delicto?) his supposed “sister” and so was found to be a liar. And in Genesis 27, he was bamboozled by his sneaky wife and heel of a son.

Poor Mr. Laughter. It’s not that Isaac’s a fool. He’s not unintelligent. Rather, he is simply an ordinary specimen of humanity, caught up in a story much bigger than himself, a story that he is incapable of fully understanding. He embodies our common foibles and flaws, the very imperfections through which God is busily and faithfully at work to bring about his will for all of us.

Isaac was unable to see what was really going on. In that way, Isaac is our “patron saint.” His life also is a beautiful reminder that the Lord’s will for us—and our place in his grand plan of salvation—is unhampered by our weakness, confusion, and long list of stupid decisions. We are experts at getting things wrong and misaligning priorities.

But to be a disciple of Jesus is not to have everything figured out, but often to feel like old, blind Isaac, doing what we can to pass on a blessings to others, blissfully unaware that the Lord is using us in ways we don’t even realize to continue writing the story of his kingdom’s spread in this world.

God, I Thank You that I Am Not Like Other Men!

 

When we read the Bible today, we think of the Pharisees as the “bad guys.” Full of themselves. Impressed with their own righteousness. Hypocrites.

Nobody wants to be a Pharisee.

If we were Jews living in the 1st century, however, we would not think that way. The Pharisees were the good guys, the religious cream of the crop. They went above and beyond the Law.

Many Jewish mommas probably wanted their babies to grow up and be Pharisees.

Once we get this understanding of the Pharisees fixed in our minds, parables such as the one that Jesus told in Luke 18 take on a whole new light—and reveal just how controversial Jesus was.

In this story, two men went up to the temple to pray: one a highly respected man (the Pharisee) and one a highly hated man (the tax collector). The first was looked up to, the second looked down on. When the Pharisee thanked God that he was not like other men, such as extortioners or adulterers, or even like that tax collector, no doubt many people would have said a hearty Amen. They would have agreed that if anyone was in good with God, it was this man, this Pharisee, who crossed his righteous T’s and dotted his holy I’s.

So, when Jesus commended the tax collector, who beat his breast and would not even lift up his eyes, but prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” then his hearers would have been aghast: “What? That scoundrel? That good-for-nothing traitor to our nation?”

Yes, that man who humbled himself and prayed that God would forgive him, he went down to his house justified, not the Pharisee.

The Pharisee and the tax collector, although different outwardly, were the same men before God: both sinners in need of atonement. One believed this, one did not.

Let us, my fellow sinners, give heed and pray, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” And our Father will, for the sake of Christ, who came as our atonement.

GOD'S PREPARATION FOR OUR SALVATION.

Genesis 1 is Part of God’s Preparation for Our Salvation 

When God planted the trees in Eden, he was making sure there would be wood for both a manger and a cross.

When God poured out oceans and rivers, he was preparing for our baptism into Christ in the waters of the Jordan.

When he sowed the fields with wheat, he was readying the world for bread that would clothe Christ’s body in the meal of meals.

When he made the heavenly lights, he ensured there’d be a star to guide wise men from the East, and a sun to be darken when sinners affixed his Son to a tree.

And when the Lord made Adam and Eve in his own image, he was prophetically winking at his Incarnation, when he would make our nature his own everlastingly.

From the beginning of the world, God so loved the world that he prepared it for the day when he would remake it—remake us!—in his Son.

Hallelujah!

The Message for us Today.

 

Jesus rarely gives the kind of answer we expect. For instance, when John was in prison, and sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Luke 7:19), I would have expected Jesus to say, “Go and tell John, ‘Yes, I am the one.’”

But he did not.

Instead, he gives what strikes us as a rather roundabout answer. First, he healed many people, cast out evil spirits, and gave sight to the blind. Second, he tells these messengers to report back to John what they have seen and heard, “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me” (Luke 7:22-23). 

What kind of answer is that?

It’s a very biblical answer.

Rather than simply saying, “Yes, I am the Messiah,” Jesus instead tells them:

(1) Pay attention to what I am doing.

(2) Read what the Scriptures say will happen when the Messiah comes.

(3) Draw the only appropriate conclusion.

You see, Jesus is alluding to Isaiah 35, where the messianic kingdom is pictured as a place where reversals abound: deserts blossom, the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap, and the mute sing. That is precisely what Jesus is doing.

What Jesus told John’s disciples is still the message for us today. You want to know who Jesus is? Watch what he does. Compare it with how the prophets described the coming Messiah and his kingdom. There’s your answer.

Jesus did not simply show up making claims; he came fulfilling the Scriptures. So to those Scriptures—to the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings of the Old Testament—let us give heed. Here are the words that lead us to only one conclusion: “Yes, Jesus of Nazareth is the Anointed One of God.”

The Devil's Trap.

 All religions strike the vital point, but people are terribly clueless.

Most Christians don't even understand the Bible, and the same goes for every other religion and its sacred texts.

People are blinded by their obscurations. Their own IGNORANCE, HATE, and GREED.

They pretend to believe in a God that encourages Good (no doubt about that), while hating someone for performing an evil act -- not realizing that in so doing, they also become Evil themselves.

It is very simple, you can not hate or vilify others without hating a part of yourself and that is the greatest evil known to man

Because God is part of all of us, by hating a part of yourself, you are hating God.

And this is what the devil wants. You cannot fight Hate with Hate the same way that you do not extinguish a burning house with more fire.

And yet, almost all of us do, while thinking that we don't.

"Because they are Ignorant. They know not what they are doing."

The Bible explicitly WARNS us to not hate or cause suffering to others.

The Bible also WARNS how easy it is to fall into the Devil's trap.

And yet, we have all jumped headfirst into the trap, while completely convinced that we never will.

Please Lord, may we see our foolish ways and may the WISE shine His light brighter than ever, to illuminate for us  the way out of our Ignorance.

THE PRAISES OF MEN

 The day you realize that the "Praise from men" is totally different from the "Praise from God".

That day, you will finally see that most times, the PRAISES of men and a larger percentage of society, is always and often opposite of the PRAISES of God.

That day, you will instantly and completely be freed from the need to please all or most men.

The common temptation to please people, including or especially yourself, at the expense of Divine Approval, at any cost, will lose all appeal to you, once and for all.

In life and destiny, in ministry and service, our main audience is one.

The one to please, whose approval and otherwise matters, is still one.

Pleasing the father by all means, in every way, is the true Hallmark of anyone, who wears or desires to wear the honour of the name "Son of God".

Remember, the temptations of Jesus is all about querying if he was truly a "Son of God" (Luke 4:1-13)

SONSHIP is all about extreme focus on the disposition of the Father, against all odds. 

A child is born into the kingdom, but only a son can be given the kingdom.

Only true sons can wield the authority of representation and demonstrations bestowed by our heavenly father.

You must be born again, and by all means, you must become a SON. Nothing else really matters.

Your Audience Is Forever ONE! Focus on him alone!!! Reject Distraction. Be still and hear his voice loud and clear!!!

Let The Joy of Your Heavenly Father be the only JOY set before you, to endure the cross of true discipleship, and despise the shame of being labeled a fool for Christ.

Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

John 3:35; The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

We receive Grace to grow into Him in all things, and count everything else on earth as dung, for the excellency of winning Christ. Amen.

       -Apostle Godfrey Emuze, of Bridechamber Church.

On My Way Down

I Once Fell..! But...

It was on my way down I realised I could actually FLY. Not presently superb at it, still learning though, but now I have an idea about what I can do!

More often than not, we do everything to run away from challenges and confrontations of any kind, we're quick to retaliate and even put down those who have disappointed us. 

But challenges are there, not to kill but make you stronger; for what cannot kill you?

Let's look at it this way; The aim of FALLING is not to make you experience the impact of the FALL, actually, it is to let you know that you are stronger than you think; that you've always had that ability; that you can FLY! 

God's Forgiveness Is Not a Layaway Plan

God’s forgiveness is never a layaway plan, where you finally get to take it home once you’ve satisfied the payment plan with enough acts of repentance. That’s because forgiveness does not originate from repentance; it originates solely from Christ.

The father did not forgive the prodigal son because he returned home, said he was sorry for his sins, and was unworthy to be called a son anymore. The father had forgiven his son even while that son was feeding swine in a faraway country. The father had forgiven his son before he saw him a long way off and began running toward him. The father had forgiven his son because he was his son, because he loved him as only a father can.

So it is with us. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself,” (2 Corinthians 5:19). The world was absolved on Good Friday. And that forgiveness, given to you in the here and now, is not earned, or allowed, or sweetened, or strengthened, or made more real by your repentance.

Should you repent of the wrong you’ve done? Of course. You must. Should you continue to repent as you struggle to un-love that ex-sin? Of course. You must. You will never repent enough. You will never repent sincerely enough.

But forgiveness is not based upon having enough repentance or having sufficiently sincere repentance. Absolution is based entirely upon the atoning work of Jesus Christ. His atonement is enough. His sacrifice was perfectly sincere. His blood covers not only the sin of which you repent, but your imperfect repentance for that sin.

The entire life of believers is one of repentance, but more importantly, the entire life of believers is the life of Jesus Christ, whose love for us is always more than enough (Gal. 2:20).

So, if the prodigal son left 3, 5, or 99 more times for that faraway country, and dragged himself home again, reeking of alcohol and cheap perfume and pig slop, would the Father still welcome him home with a hug and a party?

Yes, without a moment’s hesitation! 

TRAPPED

If you like wide open spaces, you probably don’t like the situations in which God often places you. For He hems you in on every side, presses you between a rock and a hard place, so that there seems to be no way out.

You feel like Joseph, behind the bars of an Egyptian dungeon; like David, hounded by Saul year after year; and like the Israelites, trapped between the Red Sea and a red-eyed army thirsty for blood. God used Moses to tell old Pharaoh, “Let my people go,” but then God turns right around and lets his people go down a one way street with a pack of Egyptian wolves howling at their heels.

But such are the ways of our wonderful God. He's always doing things his way and not our own. He has Israel right where he wants them: a body of water in front of them, their enemies behind them, and God above them, ready to save. Our Lord is always undoing us that he might redo us, killing us that he might enliven us. He baptizes us into a Good Friday sea that we might walk to yonder Easter shore.

Our fathers were all under the cloud of God’s glory, and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. The Red Sea was one vast baptismal font in which Israel learned that the Lord fights for them. The Spirit breathed upon these waters, they split in two like a temple veil, and through them the people of God walked into life and freedom. And behind them, their enemies pursued and were buried beneath the waves.

Pharaoh’s chariots are rusting at the bottom of every baptismal font. Your sins litter the ocean floor, never to resurface. For on the day of your baptism, there was a body of water in front of you, your enemies behind you, and God above you, ready to save. And save he did. He let his people—he let you go—out of bondage, out of death, out of sins, into the promised land of celestial Canaan.

The God who kills and makes alive, has drowned all your foes in the baptismal Red Sea and brought you safely through to life in Jesus Christ.

God is Not The Greatest!

Recently I realised that, to me, God is not the greatest, He is not the mightiest, I believe He is not the most beautiful, neither is He the wisest, He is not even the best! In fact, dare I say He is not in the superlative of any one of these adjectives? Without a doubt He is not!

To say that God is the greatest is to acknowledge that there is a personality that is in the “greater” category and then there is another one who is “great”. Or to say that God is the best is to say that there is one that is in the “better” category and then there is another that is “good”. Or who is that fellow that was once the greatest only for God to surpass him eventually?

Rather, He is the only God that is Great, Psalm 86:10

He is the only Powerful God, Jer. 32:17

He is the only God that is Beautiful, Psalm 27:4

He is the only Wise God, Rom. 16:27

He is the only One that is Good! Mark 10:18

See, God is so MIGHTY that the word “mighty” acknowledges its insufficiency and confesses that it is not qualified enough to actually describe how mighty this God is for real. In fact, God’s wisdom is so deep, enormous, vast, unsearchable (…) that even the bible says our comprehension of His wisdom is nothing compared to how wise He is in reality. The truth is God is in a League of His own!

Without a doubt you will agree with me that everything that has ever been written about God is true, yet there is more, everything anyone has ever spoken about God is because they do not have better words. There are no words, no languages that has been spoken that can accurately describe and correctly express the qualities of the God of all flesh.

And since there are no words in mortals’ tongue that can describe this immortal God, the only way is to praise Him in the Heavenly language;

Let Somebody Shout Hallelujah!