Is there no suffering in the body of Christ today? My dear reader, none of the protection truths found in God’s Word negates the fact that we are called and given the privilege to suffer persecution for His name’s sake as the apostle Paul states in today’s scripture.
Furthermore, Paul tells his protégé, Timothy, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12 NLT). Jesus Himself said that those who follow Him will be persecuted for His name’s sake (Matt. 10:22). Be clear that this persecution doesn’t involve terminal illnesses, tragic accidents, or premature death.
But Pastor Prince, wasn’t Job a righteous man who experienced terrible suffering?
I have preached a full message on Job and it is not the focus here to cover the full spectrum of Job’s suffering. (You can find this audio message, “The Story of Job Through the Lens of Grace,” in your Joseph Prince app library as a free sermon.)
For now, I want you to see that what happened to Job is not something that will happen to you who are IN CHRIST today. You see, one of Job’s complaints was this: “If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together” (Job 9:33 NLT).
Now, read these powerful words spoken by Elihu in Job 33:23–24, which describes this mediator: “If there is a messenger for him, a mediator, one among a thousand, to show man His uprightness, then He is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom.'”
Elihu’s description of a mediator foreshadows what 1 Timothy 2:5–6 tells us, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Job experienced his sufferings because he didn’t have a mediator.
But today, you and I do—in the person of our Lord Jesus, who died at the cross to atone for our sins and made us righteous before God. He became our ransom (the Hebrew word for ransom comes from the root word kaphar, which means “to make an atonement”).
Beloved, the atoning blood of Christ has canceled all the legal rights that the enemy had against you and your family. When you receive all that His perfect sacrifice at the cross has accomplished for you, you don’t have to live afraid that you will be like Job.
Unlike Job, you have a mediator—Christ Jesus. In Him you can look forward to a future full of His promises, blessings, and protection (Ps. 23:6)!
I would like to share this testimony from a key pastor in our church. He and his wife were planning for a short vacation in Hong Kong to celebrate their wedding anniversary. They had set their eyes on a particular hotel in the city.
However, no matter how hard they tried, they were unable to secure a room. Frustrated and disappointed, they had no choice but to change their plans.
Sometime later, that hotel was all over the newspapers. It turned out that in the very same week that they had originally planned to stay there, there was an outbreak of a deathly disease.
Someone who was staying at the hotel had died of a highly contagious virus, triggering a lockdown. All hotel guests had to be quarantined and some were found to have contracted the virus as well.
What had initially been a disappointment for this couple turned out to be God’s hand of protection upon them. Who is to say that angels weren’t working overtime on their behalf to thwart their travel plans and prevent them from being at the wrong place at the wrong time? After all, Psalm 91 promises that no plague would come near their dwelling.
My friend, I pray, according to today’s Scripture, that the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened, that you may know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.
I pray that like Elisha, you will be able to see beyond that which is in the natural realm, and see the legions of angels that are poised to minister for you. The Bible tells us that “the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18).
Today, we might not physically see angels, but we know they are here with us. The Lord has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). He has promised that His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives (Ps. 23:6).
Our confidence is not in what we see but in His promises that are everlasting, and as you put your trust in the Lord, I pray that you will experience every blessing that the Lord Jesus has purchased for you on the cross of Calvary!
These are interesting end times indeed! How else would you explain the words: “I know how to quench his fire, just wait and see!” These rather reckless words of threat are currently trending as expressed by the Catholic Charismatic leader at The Adoration Chapel in Enugu, Father Mbaka, against his fellow Man of God who leads the affairs at Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, ZPMO, headquartered in Okota, Lagos.
The recent outbursts are among a string of repeated threats travelling in same direction over the last few months.
Fr MbakaEvangelist Ebuka
Interestingly, Evang Ebuka and Father Mbaka are of same ethnic origin as well as similar religious pedigree with their roots in the Catholic fold. Both lead semi-autonomous congregations and have achieved some extent of fame and success. The comparison stops at that point. While father Mbaka is restricted to Enugu, Evangelist Ebuka Obi has worldwide outreach and apparently the fastest growing ministry in Nigeria today.
The followership of Ebuka and the extent of signs and wonders is a clear issue that could breed envy and strive! In 2023, former governor of Anambra State and a prominent political figure, Peter Obi paid a courtesy visit to Evangelist Ebuka. Apparently this did not go down well with Father Mbaka who was put on leash by the Catholic organization stemming from his controversial positioning with Politicians.
Incidentally, during the travails of Father Mbaka, when the Catholic Institution placed him on disciplinary course, it was only Evangelist Ebuka who publicly stood by him and made a case for speedy reconciliation and restoration. Again in 2015, you will recall that all hell was let loose when Fr Mbaka recklessly remarked that the then President Jonathan was backluck for the country and Buhari the consequential messiah. Evangelist Ebuka was also the only one who gave him succor. But today, the table has turned around. The acrimony now conceived against Evangelist Ebuka by Fr, Mbaka has become deeply rooted and spreading like a wild fire.
Many Christian faithful are taken aback over the series of reckless vituperations and threats issued by Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka against Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi. They view these threats, which have caused significant alarm among the members and supporters of Zion Ministry to be reckless, unacceptable, inflammatory, and unbecoming of a religious leader who is expected to foster peace and unity rather than sow discord within the Christian community. Furthermore, these faithful emphasised that such behaviour is contrary to the role of a Priest, who should serve as a bridge builder within the community and a source of spiritual guidance, not as an antagonist or adversary.
Specifically, opinion leaders believe that since Fr Mbaka is not the handler of Evangelist Ebuka, his role can only be in private capacity and advisory, rather than trying to control. It is not the business of Evangelist Ebuka that Fr Mbaka considers Peter Obi a personal enemy or otherwise. The escalation of tensions between the two is highly unwarranted.
In some of his direct threats, Father Mbaka referred to himself as a “perfect penalty taker,” specifically targeting Evangelist Ebuka. He also ominously stated that he “knows how to quench his fire,” a language interpreted by opinion leaders as serious and dangerous provocation, excessive and deeply troubling. They advise Fr Mbaka to “tread softly” in his public communications, urging him to reflect on the potential consequences of his words if the unthinkable happens.
The antagonistic stance of Fr Mbaka is not the expected reward to an ally, especially given the significant support he has enjoyed from Evangelist Ebuka during his travails. This unwarranted hostility has raised questions about the motivations behind the threats.
Although many Christians believe we are living in the end times, should brothers rise against brothers? Are they not working for the same kingdom? As Paul plants and Apollus waters, is it not God that still brings the increase?
In light of the gravity with which Father Mbaka’s threats are viewed opinion leaders are calling on him to desist from further threatening activities to avoid intervention by law enforcement agencies, who view threat to life as a serious matter. This is true because if Evangelist Ebuka Obi comes to any harm, Father Mbaka will be held fully accountable. While fully confident of God’s unassailable protection, supporters of Evangelist Ebuka reaffirm their commitment to playing their human and legal roles in ensuring the peace and safety of the hardworking Spiritual Director.
At this junction, I urge all well-meaning Nigerians, the Christian community and all relevant authorities to take notice of this negative development and ensure that peace prevails. The safety of Evangelist Ebuka Obi and his congregation should be of serious public interest, same as that of every single Nigerian soul.
As the proverbial Peacemaker, I urge all stakeholders and the general public to remain calm and prayerful while urging the two gladiators to embrace dialogue and reconciliation in resolving any differences between them!
Nene Daniels, a concerned Catholic faithful, wrote from Lagos
Today’s Word Today’s Scripture At last we have freedom, for Christ has set us free! We must always cherish this truth and firmly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past. Galatians 5:1, TPT
Let Freedom Ring Today we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which marks July 4, 1776, as the day our Founding Fathers declared our freedom as a nation. What’s interesting is that it wasn’t until 1783 that our nation actually experienced freedom. There were battles raging, but the people were celebrating their decision to fight for freedom. They declared their freedom first, then they stood their ground until they had the victory to live as free men and women.
There may be some opposing forces that you’re fighting today, things that you want to get free from—freedom from an addiction, an anxiety, a lack, a fear. No matter what battle you are facing, let this be the day you declare your freedom, because victory is on the way.
You may have to stand and press through for a little while, but know that freedom is yours the day you declare it. Let freedom ring loudly in your life and embrace
A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that it was for freedom that Christ set me free, and whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Thank You that I can take my stand on Christ’s finished work on the cross and press through on the freedoms I am battling for. I declare the victory through Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Some people have the impression that angels look like little babies dressed in white togas, flying about with bows and arrows. The passage above tells us they are strong—they “excel in strength.”
SECTION TWO
Do you know how strong angels can be? When Sennacherib, the evil king of Assyria, laid a siege around Jerusalem, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord and the Lord sent one angel to the Assyrian camp.
Just one angel. In one night, the Bible tells us that “the angel of the LORD went out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers” (2 Kings 19:35 NLT).
Here’s something else about angels: they “do His word.” They do not operate outside the boundaries of God’s Word.
And we have seen in Psalm 91:11–12 that the Lord has given His angels charge over us. The Amplified Classic version says that His angels will “accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways” (boldface mine). I don’t know about you but that gives me such assurance that I am covered under His wings of refuge and protection!
The Word of God also tells us that when the archangel Lucifer fell, one-third of the angels fell with him. That means that two-thirds of the angels are still on God’s side!
Hebrews 12:22 tells us of an “innumerable company of angels.” There are so many angels that they cannot be numbered. We may not be able to see them, but they are all around us, ministering for us.
So don’t be one of those believers who are more conscious of demons than angels. Remember, those who are with us are more than those who are with them (2 Kings 6:16)!
In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the Roman soldiers came to arrest our Lord, He said, “Do you suppose that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will immediately provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt. 26:53 AMPC).
According to the Amplified translation, twelve legions is more than 80,000 angels! All Jesus had to do was pray and those angels would have been activated. But He did not do so because He had already chosen to go to the cross and to die the death that we deserved.
He gave up His protection so that today, you and I can claim all the promises of His protection. And as joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17), each one of us can summon twelve legions of angels! May you be encouraged as you see His desire to protect you as well as His provision of angelic protection over your life.
Members Of The Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have Aligned with their Counterparts at the National Level to reject Federal Government’s proposed salary structure for medical doctors, describing it as unjust, unprofessional, and capable of further destabilising Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the NMA Lagos, Dr. Babajide Saheed, said the proposal undermines clinical responsibility and weakens the structure of professional accountability within the hospitals.
Dr Babajide Saheed Chairman NMA Lagos State
“After extensive review and consultations with stakeholders, we find the proposed structure deeply flawed and potentially damaging to the integrity of our health system,” he said.
The NMA accused the Federal Government of ignoring long-established salary relativity that defines the pay structure between medical doctors and other health professionals based on training, clinical responsibility, and risk exposure.
According to the NMA Chairman Babajide Saheed, abolishing this relativity would result in confusion and conflict over hospital clinical leadership.
He also condemned the proposal’s inclusion of specialist and honorarium allowances for non-doctors, calling it an affront to those who undergo years of rigorous postgraduate clinical training.
“These allowances are specifically designed for clinicians recognised by accredited professional colleges. Extending them beyond that undermines the purpose of specialist certification,” he said.
Quoting a World Health Organisation guideline, Saheed noted, “Specialist remuneration must reflect clinical leadership, depth of knowledge, and risk exposure. This proposal completely ignores that.”
The NMA further objected to the proposed parity between medical doctors and holders of academic doctorates in allied disciplines such as pharmacy and optometry.
“While we respect every healthcare professional, clinical licensure and patient care responsibilities are not the same as academic qualifications,” he stated.
“These allowances are specifically designed for clinicians recognised by accredited professional colleges. Extending them beyond that undermines the purpose of specialist certification,” he said.
“It is misleading and professionally indefensible to equate a Doctor of Pharmacy with a certified medical consultant. No developed health system operates like that—not in the UK, Canada, or Australia.”
Saheed further said the Lagos NMA fully supports the 21-day ultimatum issued by the national leadership of the association to the Federal Government.
LAGOS CHARTS BOLD PATH TO UNIVERSAL HEALTH ACCESS, ENGAGES OVER 800 PROVIDERS AT ANNUAL FORUM
Mandatory Health Insurance Enforcement to Commence Early 2026 — Dr. Zamba
…Providers Urged to Deepen Quality, Professionalism as LASHMA Unveils Strategic Reforms
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, hosted the 2025 edition of its ILERA EKO Annual Provider Forum, rallying over 800 health care providers and stakehiolders to deepen collaboration, professionalism, and innovation in the delivery of health insurance services across the state. The high-level engagement, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, centered on the theme: “Driving Universal Health Coverage through Strategic Partnerships.”
At the event, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order mandating enrollment into the ILERA EKO Social Health Insurance Scheme. Participants deliberated on operational efficiency, policy updates, and financial reforms aimed at expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare for all Lagosians.
Chairman of the Board of LASHMA, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, who delivered the keynote address, commended the resilience and professionalism of healthcare providers, emphasizing that they remain the foundation upon which the success of ILERA EKO rests. “Your commitment has propelled our shared journey toward Universal Health Coverage,” he said, noting that strategic partnerships were essential to scale impact and build trust.
He revealed that LASHMA had implemented several provider-focused reforms, including categorization by performance, provision of essential drugs, and revised fee-for-service tariffs to cushion economic pressures. “We’ve also expanded access by incorporating community pharmacies into the scheme, ensuring continuity of care and broader reach,” Dr. Adedewe stated.
Highlighting the political will of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration, Dr. Adedewe announced that Lagos remains the first and only state in Nigeria to prioritize its equity fund for the poor as a first-line charge. “From N1 billion in 2024, Mr. Governor increased it to N3 billion this year, demonstrating true leadership and a firm commitment to equity,” he said.
In her opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, disclosed that enforcement of mandatory health insurance in Lagos State would begin in earnest in early 2026, following the Governor’s Executive Order issued in July 2024. “We want all residents to be aware and onboard before enforcement begins,” she said, urging residents to embrace the scheme as a financial protection tool.
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo
Dr. Zamba stated that the agency now has over 865 empaneled providers and has made critical structural reforms, such as transitioning service authorizations and claims vetting from third-party administrators to an in-house team. “This has led to faster turnaround times and improved oversight,” she said.
She also revealed the rollout of biometric verification systems in partnership with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), which enables real-time identity confirmation and reduces fraud. “This technological innovation helps us ensure that enrollees receive timely, targeted care,” she noted.
Emphasizing collaboration, Dr. Zamba noted that the forum was not just a review of progress but an avenue to gather feedback. “This is your platform to share insights, highlight challenges, and co-develop solutions with us. Together, we can build a more resilient health system,” she said.
Chairman of the Healthcare Providers’ Association of Nigeria, Biola Paul-Ozie, commended LASHMA for setting the pace nationally and encouraged the agency to further incentivize providers through tariff reviews and product innovation. “We must work together to improve enrolment and quality delivery,” she stated.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, stressed the importance of mutual understanding between LASHMA and service providers. He noted that the forum enables a balanced view of the challenges on both sides, ensuring continuous improvements in the scheme’s implementation.
Dr. Ogboye urged providers to see health insurance as a win-win for both patients and practitioners. “It guarantees payment and sustainability for providers while protecting patients from financial hardship. Let’s commit to making it work for the benefit of all,” he appealed.
Paul-Ozie emphasized the role of ethics and professionalism among providers. “We must eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure that enrollees are treated with the dignity they deserve. Health outcomes depend on how faithfully we deliver care,” she added.
President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and Country Director, PharmAccess, Njide Ndili, described providers as the “anchors of Universal Health Coverage” and hailed LASHMA’s pioneering incentive-based quality framework. “Globally, Lagos is the first to reward providers based on SafeCare quality levels—this is a major milestone,” she noted.
Ndili highlighted trust as the linchpin of enrolment growth, urging providers to maintain high standards. “When citizens are confident in care quality, they’re more willing to prepay. Trust drives participation—and participation drives sustainability,” she affirmed.
The highpoint of the occasion was the unveiling of the Ilera-Eko Provider Signages and presentations awards of excellence to outstanding providers for quality of service, clinical excellence, audit compliance, data quality, outstanding enrolment drive, most improved facilities amongst others.
As the forum ended, stakeholders resolved to strengthen partnerships and uphold the shared vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage for Lagosians. With enforcement on the horizon and reforms well underway, ILERA EKO continues to serve as a model of inclusive, sustainable health insurance in Nigeria.
Today’s Word Today’s Scripture But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5, NKJV
He Controls the Fish As Jesus was preaching along the Sea of Galilee, so many people pressed in on Him that He got into Peter’s boat and pushed out from shore in order to keep speaking. When He was finished, He told Peter to launch into the deep and he would catch a great haul of fish. Peter had fished all night and caught nothing. He was a professional fisherman and knew when and where to fish. Peter could have thought, “Who is this man to tell me how to fish?” But he responded, “Jesus, this doesn’t make sense. Nevertheless, because You say so, I’m going to do it.” He went out and caught so many fish that his nets began to break, and when his partners in another boat came to help, both boats were so loaded down that they almost sank.
God controls the fish. He knows where your provision is, and He knows how to get it to you. It may not make sense or seem logical. But God loves to do things out of the ordinary, so you’ll know it was His hand.
A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that there is promotion, healing, restoration, and abundance when I walk in humility and obey Your word to me. Thank You that You control the fish. Help me to humble myself and do the thing You’re asking me to do when I don’t understand. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
SECTION TWO
Whether you know it or not, there is a battle for our minds. The enemy sows lies and negative thoughts in our minds to get us discouraged and defeated. But God has given us a powerful weapon to win over the enemy’s mind games!
As you meditate on Bible promises that proclaim God’s truth over your life, you are already beginning to win the battle for your mind. It’s not a coincidence that Jesus was crucified on Golgotha, which actually means “Place of a Skull” (Matt. 27:33). Your breakthrough has to begin in your mind first.
This battle for your mind is not waged externally. Our weapons in this battle are not physical or tangible. Our weapons are the weapons of right believing, and they are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds that have kept us bound. These are strongholds that can only be utterly torn down by rightly believing in the truth of God’s Word.
The devil can only sow wrong thoughts in your mind, but he cannot control what you believe! When you start to believe right, every lie and wrong thought will melt away like butter on a hot, sunny day.
Lies can imprison and defeat you only to the degree that you don’t allow God’s truth to come into your situation to liberate you. Listen closely to what Jesus said: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). What this means is that whatever stronghold you are trapped in today, truth from Jesus will set you free!
Strongholds are wrong thoughts and lies that have been perpetuated in your mind over weeks, months, or even years. These entrenched wrong beliefs cause you to live in bondage to addictions and in a state of fear, guilt, anxiety, or chronic depression.
God’s Word tells us in no uncertain terms that the warfare takes place in our minds and is won by us “pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Cor. 10:4–5).
The place where the enemy launches his attacks against you is in your thoughts and imagination. I believe that once you are aware that there is a war for your mind, and that it is between wrong beliefs and right beliefs, you have already won half the battle!
Keep hearing, keep believing, and keep renewing your mind with the truth of God’s grace and love for you. And whatever stronghold you may be trapped in today, the truth from His Word will set you free!
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a major new initiative urging countries to raise real prices on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes in a move designed to curb chronic diseases and generate critical public revenue. The “3 by 35” Initiative comes at a time when health systems are under enormous strain from rising noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), shrinking development aid and growing public debt.
Images of Alcoholic Drinks
The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks are fueling the NCD epidemic. NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. A recent report shows that a one-time 50% price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.
“Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO. “They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection. It’s time to act.”
The Initiative has an ambitious but achievable goal of raising US$1 trillion over the next 10 years. Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, which resulted in an increase of real prices by over 50% on average, showing that large-scale change is possible.
From Colombia to South Africa, governments that have introduced health taxes have seen reduced consumption and increased revenue. Yet many countries continue to provide tax incentives to unhealthy industries, including tobacco. Moreover, long-term investment agreements with industry that restrict tobacco tax increases can further undermine national health goals. WHO encourages governments to review and avoid such exemptions to support effective tobacco control and protect public health.
Strong collaboration is at the heart of the “3 by 35” Initiative’s success. Led by WHO, the Initiative brings together a powerful group of global partners to help countries put health taxes into action. These organizations offer a mix of technical know-how, policy advice, and real-world experience. By working together, they aim to raise awareness about the benefits of health taxes and support efforts at the national level.
Many countries have expressed interest in transitioning toward more self-reliant, domestically funded health systems and are turning to WHO for guidance.
The “3 by 35” Initiative introduces key action areas to help countries, pairing proven health policies with best practices on implementation. These include direct support for country-led reforms with the following goals in mind:
Mobilize domestic public resources to fund essential health and development programmes, including universal health coverage.
Strengthen multisectoral alliances by engaging ministries of finance and health, parliamentarians, civil society, and researchers to design and implement effective policies.
Cutting harmful consumption by reducing affordability;Increase or introduce excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to raise prices and reduce consumption, cutting future health costs and preventable deaths.
Raising revenue to fund health and development;
Building broad political support across ministries, civil society, and academia;
WHO is calling on countries, civil society, and development partners to support the “3 by 35” Initiative and commit to smarter, fairer taxation that protects health and accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Today’s Word Today’s Scripture When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Luke 19:5, NLT He Knows Your Name
Zacchaeus had climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus as He passed by. Amidst the waving, shouting crowd that had gathered to get His attention, Jesus suddenly stopped and looked up at Zacchaeus. Now all the eyes were on him. Zacchaeus thought, “Oh no! He knows I’m a crooked tax collector. He’s going to condemn me for cheating people.” But Jesus stunned him by saying, “Zacchaeus!” He thought, “How does He know my name?” Can I tell you that God knows your name? You may have never spoken to Him, but He’ll speak to you. He doesn’t hold your faults against you. No, He calls your name.
What’s significant is that the name Zacchaeus means “pure one.” Jesus could have called him “scum” as the crowd did, but He called his name, “Pure one!” He was not calling him who he was but who he could become. That was the turning point in his life. Zacchaeus quit being dishonest and started making decisions that honored God. Don’t go by what people call you; go by, and live by, what God calls you.
A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You that You see beyond what I have been to what I can become, and You call me by name. Thank You that You call me forgiven, redeemed, a precious treasure, a masterpiece, and Your child. I declare that Your kindness and goodness has turned me from my sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
SECTION TWO
How were you first impacted by Jesus? Was it through the law or was it His grace in your life that touched your heart?
We all began our relationship with the Lord because we were impacted by His love and grace. Let us then continue in that grace.
Paul warned the Galatians against turning back to the law after beginning in grace. He said, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace [unmerited favor] of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:6–7).
Paul takes this very seriously. He calls any gospel apart from the gospel of grace (God’s unmerited favor) a perversion. Attempting to be justified by the works of the Ten Commandments is a perversion of the gospel of Christ.
Paul asked the church in Galatia point-blank, “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh [self-effort]?” (Gal. 3:2–3).
Paul was saying to them, “You began by believing in His grace, why are you now depending on your works? That is foolishness! You should be continuing in His unmerited favor!”
These are strong words by Paul. Don’t start with grace and end up with the law. Don’t start with the new covenant, only to turn back to the old covenant!
There are those who say that they are not justified by the law, but believe that they should keep the law for sanctification. My friend, both justification and sanctification come by our faith in Jesus’ finished work alone.
When you are established in the new covenant of grace, you will experience a tremendous sense of confidence and security in Christ. When your confidence is in His unmerited favor and not your performance, you will not feel as if you are constantly jumping in and out of His favor and acceptance.
It is unfortunate that some believers have put themselves back under the old covenant without realizing it. Sometimes, they feel that God is on their side, but at other times, they feel that God is far away from them. Sometimes, they feel that God is satisfied with them, but at other times, they feel that God is angry with them.
All these feelings are based predominantly on their own evaluation of how they have performed, how they feel about themselves, and not how God sees them. Because there is no new covenant scriptural basis for such evaluations, they end up arbitrarily deciding if they are deserving of God’s blessings and favor in their lives or not, when in fact, they actually have access to His blessings all the time, simply because of Jesus and His finished work at the cross.
Today, think, talk, and act knowing that it is not about you or your works—it is about Jesus and Him alone, and step out into His blessings for you!
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