MADE FOR SOMETHING BETTER
Whatever has been invented by man was fashioned out for a special purpose. Man produces things to solve a problem or to improve or complement an already existing item. Anything that is made and do not perform its very task is seen to be useless and sub-standard.

This principle holds in relation to the creation of our world. The origin of our world as set forth in divine records is plainly stated, so that there is no occasion for erroneous conclusions on evolution or whatsoever. God created our world and it is not subject to debate. All things visible and invisible, both in heaven and the earth were made by the word of the LORD, and all the host of them were made by the breath of his mouth, He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

In everything that God created, He infected the principle of purpose into it, and that nothing was made in vain; to the earth, He made it to be inhabited, the firmament was made to separate the waters above from the waters below; the sea was created to host the sea beasts; the sun, moon and stars were to give light to the earth and aid in detecting seasons, and the herbs to feed man and other creatures.

Just like all the other creation of God, man was created with a purpose. God created mankind to be a steward of the world. What makes you think sometimes that you are of no use or not worthy to live because of your current situation. You may have likely compared yourself with others and devalued your own self because of your low grades, poor home, or even your physical make-up. It is important to remember that you were not made as a sub-standard material but for something better that is supposed to glorify the Lord. Why not look to God and inflame the purpose of your existence.

Have you considered the fact that you were not created to live for yourself alone? God expects that you utilize the capabilities, wealth, talents, position etc. that you have been blessed with to contribute to the happiness of other creatures. Why do you imbibe the worldly ideology that says; "God for us all but each one for himself". NO! None of the creatures of God live for themselves. The master plan for our existence is to reveal the nature of God, to glorify Him and be a blessing to others. Don’t yield your body to lust and worldliness, don’t sell your conscience or integrity for material gain. Rather, let someone smile, be comforted, be uplifted, be spiritually blessed because of your existence. SHALOM. (Psalm 33:6, 9; Genesis 1; Romans 14:7, 8; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Success is just the tip of the iceberg. The iceberg itself is full of failures, hard work, and perseverance. An orchestra does not just orchestrate a nice performance on a stage. The team undergo training to correct all sounds of discord, decide on the perfect apparel to wear, and prioritize which songs to sing. The unseen preparation wins them the applause and chants. It's true when they say; "the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall there". Great men never attained success by sudden flight.

Before David could be called a champion and a mighty leader, he had to battle beasts and tend his flocks even when no one was watching. Israel saw his victory, but God had seen his sweats. Successful students, entrepreneurs, and leaders are those that "burns the midnight candle" when everyone else is asleep.

The path of success is not always straightforward—there are times when you'll stumble but you'll have to keep on moving like the horse. Behind every ripe fruit there's an extended root that never gets tired of searching for nutrients. Don't get tired of your dream and vision. "Stay awake", work hard, and keep searching for nothing but the best (Ecclesiastes 9:10; 1 Timothy 5:18). Above all, remember that without Christ you can do nothing (John 15:5). God loves you!

ARE YOU AFRAID?
According to the Dictionary, "fear is a strong, uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger or threat". Right after the fall of man, fear has been and continuous to be one of the torments in human life. It has caused the death of many and has brought many lives and families into ruin. Invariably, it has been the cancer of every generation.

As some of our fears may be real and ideal, most of them are triggered by perception and imaginations. Some fears may be internal which is self-inflicted or may be external which may be born out of the threats of an opposer, a competitor, calamity or disaster. One of the main causes of fear in man’s life is the fear of the unknown future. This leads many to the soothsayers, enchanters, psychics and other spiritic mediums.

To the Christian, the antidote to the fear of the future is the knowledge of the abilities of God and the assurance of Jesus' second coming. Amidst the trials and afflictions, diseases and rampant abominations, the Christian ought to concur that they are bound to happen as we are still living in a sinful world. Christ did not promise us with a life without pain or sorrow here. But He assures us to trust and believe in Him since nothing happens of which He is not aware. Whatever may betide us on earth here, He says He is in control. With this assurance, we dare not be crippled with fear amidst our turmoil.

Before the inception of what you call a challenge that is causing the fear in you, He was and will forever be; so He says, Fear not; I am the first and the last. I am in control of your situation. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

It is obvious from this biblical text that till the world ends, we shall continue to be afflicted in life; but our God is faithful, able and knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation. Those who trust in themselves, their abilities, powers, and put their hopes in man, always have their hopes crushed and bewildered, and are always afraid. But to those who have put their trust in God and have faith in Jesus, they have not been given the spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind. This is why in this era of Pandemic diseases like Corona Virus (COVID 19), we need to be strong in the Lord. Knowing that they are part of the signs of the end time, and that Christ’s coming will bring an end to our trials, these should be comforting than panicking.

If even our fear has emanated from our own ways, we know that the Lord will not cast us of forever. Though He causes grief, yet he will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. He says; "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand".

(Revelation 1:17; Revelation 2:10; 2 Peter 2:9; John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:3-7; 2 Timothy 1:7; Lamentations 3:31, 32; Isaiah 41:10)

"JUDGEMENT DAY"
(Sin is a Pandemic Too)

One day, more people will die from love for sin than Covid-19, accidents, wars, famine, and all kinds of pestilences. The earth survived the "Spanish Flu" of 1918. The earth survived World War I and II. But it won’t be able to survive the "Judgement Day" of God—when all men would be tried, when fire shall destroy anything that gave refuge to sin. "The earth in its present form is passing away" (1 John 2:17; 1 Corinthians 7:13). Are you in a state of fear? Fear what can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

Sin has become a deadly pandemic. Sin has become the air we breathe, the words we speak, the songs we hear, the images we watch, and the places we go. The greatest burden of the world is not Covid-19, terrorists, or an emerging asteroid, sin is. If there is anything to be isolated, quarantined, and totally locked down in our lives, it should be sin. Christ came not to heal the world from diseases or sorrows, but to heal it from sin.

How then shall you "social-distance" yourself from sin? Jesus Christ is the antidote and vaccine against sin. Look beyond the troubles of this world and behold Him on the Cross. An important future (Judgement day) is before us than our present predicaments. Keep your sinful desires before God. "You cannot burden Him" (Ellen White). For every sinner, there is One Savior —The Man, Jesus Christ. Give your heart to Him today and He will save you from the wretchedness of sin. God loves you! (John 14:6)

TESTING THE SPIRITS
Once upon a time in the Kingdom of God (Heaven), war broke up. A creature lost his moral compass and overshadowed with pride and greed, stood against his Creator. When he defiled the majesty of God, rejected authority and spoke evil against the heavenly Dignitaries, he lost his authority and power as the archangel. He (Satan) did not prevail as Michael and His angels fought with him nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer (Revelation 12:7-9).

The conception of evil defiled his image as the morning star, and all his prowess and pathos were overshadowed by deceit fraudulence, and diabolism. Instead of honouring his Creator, he wanted to be honoured. Instead of condescending before his Maker, he wanted to ascend above the heights of the clouds and be like the Most High. With all his efforts, he knew that he can never be God so his only accomplishment is to create a counterfeit God (thus to be like God).

As his efforts were impeded by his unprecedented failure in the war in heaven, he carried his dreams down this earth; and human beings became his next target. Can he overtake man in genuineness? NEVER! To succeed demands a careful ploy and dissimulation. In the Garden of Eden, Satan transformed himself as a harmless serpent deceiving our first parents with his fallacies. The first ever false prophecy given on earth was in his first sermon "you will not surely die". Man responded to his alter call, and was baptized into destruction.

Since that time, Satan has been roaming like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. As the serpent became his ambassador in Eden, so has he many apostles today who are sent by him, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. Like their master, their only means of captivating human mind is to prophecy falsely. As God speak faithfully through His holy prophets, Satan has sent many who professes to be of God but serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their belly; and by signs and wonders, miracles and words of prophecy, good words and fair speeches, deceive the heart of the simple (Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:19, Emphasis Mine).

On this note, Christ's admonishing is that; "many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many; take heed that no man deceives you" (Matthew 24:4-11). In this case, it beholds on every child of God to test every faith or spiritual leader he/she aliens with. In testing, our blueprint is the Bible. The Bible provides us with some guidelines for testing the spirits: (a) A genuine prophet accepts Jesus as the only savior and professes that he has come in flesh and will come the second time to end sin and redeem the faithful (1 John 4:1-3). (b) The predictions or prophecies of a true prophet should be life transforming and must come into fulfillment (Deuteronomy 18:21, 22). With the exception of conditional prophecies (e.g.Jonah 3:3, 4), every prophecy of the prophet must come to pass, if not he is not of God. Also, the prophecy should not be on trivial issues including fake politics, football, gambling, etc. (c) Genuine prophets are to be known by the way they live their lives and by the outcome of their ministry - "therefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20). A prophet cannot speak for God who hates sin and still wallow in sin. That will surely misrepresent God, the one he speaks for. (e) Anyone who claims to be a prophet must speak what does not contradict God’s word - to the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20). If someone claims to be a prophet or lead a ministry of God, total obedience to God’s law including the 7th day Sabbath should be the hall mark. As we near the end of this world's history, deceptions will multiply but man ought to test the spirits and take heed that he is not deceived.

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SALVATION IS NOT AN EASY BUSINESS
"And if the righteous scarcely be saved, WHERE SHALL THE UNGODLY AND THE SINNER APPEAR?" (1 Peter 4:18; Capital Emphasis Added)

"For many are called, but FEW ARE CHOSEN." (Matthew 22:14; Capital Emphasis Added)

My dear Brother or Sister in Christ, HOW DO WE GENERALLY CONSIDER THE SOULS OF OUR RELATIVES, AND FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBOURS WHILE THEY LIVE at this end of the world? Consider just how this question can be answered. If Christ does not return in our generation, we know that every one of us is going to die, and after death there is going to be a judgement (Hebrews 9:27). We know that we have souls to save or to lose. But do we consider how our end is likely to be? Do we ever consider we are in danger of eternal death in hell? There is nothing whatever to show that we think so. We eat and drink together. We laugh, and talk, and walk, and work together. We scarcely or never speak to one another of God and of eternity, of heaven and of hell. I am asking you, as in the sight of God, is it not so? Do we ever admit that anyone is wicked or ungodly at this end of the world? NEVER, hardly, whatever may be his way of life. He may be a breaker of the Sabbath. He may be a neglecter of the Bible. He may be entirely without repentance and holiness. But we say often that, "It does not matter! He has a good heart at the bottom, and is not entirely a wicked man." I am asking you, as in God's sight, is it not so? And what does all this prove? It proves that we flatter ourselves that there is no great difficulty in getting to heaven. It proves most plainly that WE ARE OF THE OPINION that most people will be saved!

Again, my dear Brother or Sister in Christ, HOW DO WE GENERALLY CONSIDER THE SPIRITUAL STATE OF PEOPLE AFTER THEY ARE DEAD? Consider just how this question can be answered. We admit, if only we are not atheists, that anyone who dies will go to a place of happiness, or to a place of misery at the resurrection. But to which one of these two places do we often consider that the greater part of people will go on the day of the resurrection? I say, without any fear of contradiction, that there is, unhappily, A COMMON FASHION OF SPEAKING WELL of the condition of everyone who departs this life. It matters little, how a man behaved while he lived. He may have given no signs of repentance, or faith in Christ. He may have been ignorant of the plan of salvation set forth in the Bible. He may have shown no evidence whatever of conversion or sanctification. He may have lived and died like a creature without a soul. And yet, AS SOON AS THIS MAN IS DEAD, we say that he is "happier than he ever was in his life." We say complacently, that "he has gone to a better world." We shake our heads gravely, and say that "he has gone to heaven." We follow him to the grave without fear and without trembling, and speak of his death afterwards as "a blessed change for him." We may have hated him, and considered him a bad man while he lived. But the moment he is dead, we turn round in our opinions and say that he has gone to heaven! I HAVE NO WISH TO HURT THE FEELING OF ANYONE. I am only asking that is it not true? And what does it all prove? It supplies just one more sad proof that we believe it is an easy business to get to heaven. It proves most plainly that WE ARE OF THE OPINION that most people will be saved!

Now what solid reason can we show for these common opinions? Upon what Scripture do we build this notion, THAT SALVATION IS AN EASY BUSINESS, and that most people will be saved?

We have none. We have none at all. We have no text of Scripture which, when fairly interpreted, supports our views. We speak SMOOTH THINGS about the spiritual condition of one another, just because we don't want to admit that there is danger. We cry that "Peace, peace," (1 Thessalonians 5:3) because we want it to be so, and gladly persuade ourselves that so it is.

But WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY about the number of the saved? It is the only standard of truth and error to which we ought to make an appeal. Whatever is there written, we must receive and believe. Whatever cannot be proved by Scripture, we must refuse.

Let us look, then, at one single text of Scripture, and examine it well. We shall find it in Matthew 7:13, 14. It says that "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and MANY ARE THOSE who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! FEW ARE THOSE who find it." Now these are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are the words of Him who is very God of very God (John 10:30), and whose words shall never pass away. They are the words of Him who knows what is in man. They are the words of Him who knows things that are to come, and things that are past. They are the words of Him who will judge every one of us on the last day (John 5:22). But what do these words mean? Are they words which no man can understand without a knowledge of Latin, Hebrew or Greek? No! They are not! Are they a dark, unfulfilled prophecy? No! They are not! Are they a deep mysterious saying, which no human mind can understand? No! They are not! The words are clear, plain, and unmistakable. There is ONLY ONE MEANING which can be attached to them. Their meaning is that MANY PEOPLE WILL BE LOST AND FEW WILL BE SAVED!

Let us look, in the next place, at THE WHOLE HISTORY OF MANKIND AS WE HAVE IT GIVEN IN THE BIBLE. Let us go through the whole four thousand (4,000) years, which covers the entire Bible history. Let us find, IF WE CAN, one single period of time at which godly people were many, and ungodly people were few.

How was it IN THE DAYS OF NOAH? The earth we are told expressly was "filled with violence." The imagination of man's heart was only "evil continually" "All flesh had corrupted his way" (Genesis 6:5, 12). The loss of paradise was forgotten (Genesis 3:23, 24). The warnings of God, by Noah's mouth, were despised. And at length, when the flood came on the world and drowned every living thing (Genesis 7:21-24), there were only eight people who had faith enough to flee for refuge to the ark (1 Peter 3:20). And WERE THERE MANY SAVED IN THOSE DAYS? There can be no doubt what the answer must be.

How was it IN THE DAYS OF ABRAHAM, AND ISAAC, AND LOT? It is evident that in their time, they stood very much alone. The family from which they were taken was a family of idolaters. The nations among whom they lived were sunk in gross darkness and sin. When Sodom and Gomorrah were burned (Genesis 19:24, 25), there were not ten righteous people to be found in the four cities of the plain (Genesis 18:27-33). When Abraham and Isaac desired to find wives for their sons, there was not a woman in the land where they lived to whom they could wish to see them married (Genesis 24:1-3). And WERE THERE MANY SAVED IN THOSE DAYS? There can be no doubt what the answer must be.

How was it with the Jews WHEN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS ON EARTH? The words of John are the best account of their spiritual condition, "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11). He lived as no one born of a woman had ever lived before, a blameless, harmless, holy life. "He went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). He preached as no one ever preached before. Even the officers of his enemies confessed that, "Never man spoke like this man" (John 7:46). He did miracles to confirm His ministry, which, at first sight, we might have fancied would have convinced the most hardened. But, notwithstanding all these, THE VAST MAJORITY of the Jews refused to believe Him. Follow our Lord in all His travels in Israel. You will always find the same story. Follow Him into the city, and follow Him into the wilderness. Follow Him to Capernaum and Nazareth, and follow Him to Jerusalem. Follow Him among the Scribes and follow Him among the Pharisees. Follow Him among the Sadducees and follow Him among the Herodians. Everywhere you will arrive at the same result. They were amazed. They were silenced. They were astonished. They marvelled. But VERY FEW BECAME HIS DISCIPLES! The great majority of the nation had none of His doctrine (John 6:66), and crowned all their wickedness by putting Him to death (Matthew 27:11-50). And WERE THERE MANY SAVED in those days? There can be no doubt what the answer must be.

The sum of the whole matter is this. The Bible and those of us living at this end of the world, SPEAK VERY DIFFERENTLY about the number of the saved. According to the Bible, FEW WILL BE SAVED. According to us, "MANY". According to the Bible, few are going to heaven. According to us, few are going to hell. According to the Bible, the way is narrow and the gate is strait. According to us, salvation is an easy business. According to the Bible, MANY will be in a sad condition, and will cry in vain that, "Lord, Lord, open to us" (Matthew 25:11). According to us, few will be found at last seeking admission into heaven when it is too late.

Yet, the Bible has never been wrong. The most unlikely and impossible prophecies foretold in the Scriptures have all come true to the letter. And as in other matters, SO IT WILL BE ABOUT THE NUMBER OF THE SAVED!

WHEN THE GIVER TAKES
The wind takes things away from us, sometimes it brings things to our doorstep. The sea waves take shells away from the shore, sometimes it brings shells to the shore. God also takes things away from us, sometimes He brings things to us. God does not take things away from us to hurt us, but to replace it with something better.

A little girl was hungry and reached for her milk bottle. Her mother knowing it was empty took it away to refill it with milk, but the child started shedding tears. She wouldn't listen to a word her mother was saying. Some things are not worth your tears. The loses we often cry over are profits in disguise. God took Joseph from Jacob, and Jacob cried for so many years. But God brought Joseph back to Jacob, this time not as a "home boy", but as a prime minister. God took the family and possessions of Job away from him, and Job lamented for so many days. But He brought them back to Job, but this time in double-folds.

When God takes a gold away from you, it is not because He wants you to lack. But because He wants to refine it and bring to you a shiny and polished gold. God's grace is sometimes like a broom that sweeps away all the dirt and waste in your life, but brings to you things you thought were missing in your life. God won't take something away without having in mind something better for you. Stop crying (Job 1:21; Romans 8:18). God loves you!

(Lockdown Before Sundown)

While man is making plans for life, life also makes plans for man. Nobody knows the last goodbye, the last wish, the last sigh, the last breath, or the last deed under the sun. Many are those who made plans for the day, the month, and even the entire year. In just one moment, just an eye blink, just a flash, the gloomy side of life has made mobile men immobile and sojourners "paralyzed".

All of a sudden, flights have been reduced to the ground, all doors are shut, all borders are closed, all preachers are out of the pulpits, all schools are on vacation or virtual classes, all businesses have stopped operating, all "white weddings" postponed—everyone and virtually everything, even pets are on lockdown just before sundown (just when we could retire to our beds and ponder on pleasant moments and precious memories).

Michael Jackson, "King of Pop", was rehearsing for a tour but died few days later. Kobe Bryant, "King of Basketball", was preparing for a basketball game but died few hours later. Many of the sailors of Titanic, "King of Ships", were making merry but most died few minutes later. "Oh how the mighty are fallen" (2 Samuel 1:25, 27). Death and sickness are no respecter of persons, edifice or borders. As you make plans for life, don’t forget to make plans for your eternal life (Proverbs 19:21, cf; James 4:14, John 17:3). God loves you!

Clement Asante.

"Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God." (Psalms 146:5)

My dear Brother in Christ, high in position or low in position, rich or poor, master or servant, young or old, here is a question that deserves your answer at this end of the world. "Are you really happy?" You care about nothing except the things of this world. You neglect the Bible. You make a god of your business or your money. You provide for everything except the Day of Judgment. You scheme and plan about everything except eternity. Are you really happy? You know that you are not.

My dear Sister in Christ, high in position or low in position, rich or poor, master or servant, young or old, here is a question that deserves your answer at this end of the world. Are you really happy? You throw away your life in thoughtlessness. You spend hours after hours on that poor body which must soon be fed to the worms. You make an idol of dress and fashion; of excitement and pleasure; and of human praise, as if this world is all there is to contemplate. Are you really happy? You know that you are not.

My dear Brother or Sister, if you are living for yourself and this world, you are sowing misery for yourself. Stop and think, before it is too late. Awake from your vain dreams. Think of the uselessness of living a life which you will be ashamed of at the hour of God’s judgement. Open your eyes and look around the world carefully. Who has ever been really happy without God? Consider the road on which you are now travelling. Mark the footsteps of those who have gone before you. See how many have turned away from it, and have confessed that they were wrong. If you have not given your life to Christ, it is certain that you shall miss happiness in this world later in life, as well as in the world to come! Embrace Christ and be really happy now and in the future.

Clement Asante.

The will of God for our lives is that we live exemplary lives that others can imitate, and as a result give thanks to God. What is the essence of bearing Christ's name and behaving like the devil? Have you forgotten that there is a controversy between the children of God and that of Satan? If sinners always feel comfortable around you; and your character turn people away from God, then be careful. What our father in heaven hates is for us to come before Him all the time with our dirty characters unchanged. What benefit will we gain if we spend all our life time going to Church and then end up in hell with those who have chosen the world and its pleasures? We should be mindful of whatever we do, whether we eat, drink or dress, we should do it to the glorification of God (1 Cor.10:31).

"The apostle's words of exhortation to the Corinthian church are applicable to all time and are especially adapted for our day. By idolatry he meant not only the worship of idols, but self-serving, love of ease, the gratification of appetite and passion. A mere profession of faith in Christ, a boastful knowledge of the truth, does not make a man a Christian. A religion that seeks only to gratify the eye, the ear, and the taste, or that sanctions self-indulgence, is not the religion of Christ." {AA 317.1} For God will bring all our deeds into judgement. Brethren, life is too short for us to play around as if we have nothing ahead of us, let us not be blinded by the riches, fame and the beautiful vain things of this mundane world ,rather we should stand firm for the Lord, though the heavens may fall, for this is the greatest want of the world. In conclusion, dear brethren, please dare to be different from the world and the Lord will richly bless you.

Clement Asante.