REST IN GOD. *Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.* From the time Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden, rest became strange to man. It is unfortunate that up to today, many have not yet known the rest that comes from Jesus. The world chases after material things, trying to look for something that can bring satisfaction, yet many haven't found it. Our satisfaction can only be found in Jesus which can only be made possible by the help of the Holy Spirit. *John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth ...* Among God's many virtues, His Holiness and Truthfulness are key platforms in setting a foundation for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of men. This is for any man or woman who is serious and heartily committed to God and His cause. *Matthew 6:5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.* God's truthfulness and holiness require us not to be hypocrites but to be real, honest, and truthful with Him because that's the only way we can receive the help of His Spirit. So, as you seek the Master, Let your special season of prayer and fasting count for you if you mean what you're doing. You don't have to carry yourself the way you have always done, do something special to show God that you're serious with Him. *Jeremiah 29:13* We cannot come before God halfhearted or double-minded but we must fully dedicate and spend quality time with Him in worship, Word, and prayer which calls for more praying in tongues. *Proverbs 3:5-6* The biggest challenge in the church today is that most people tend to withdraw dependency on God when they attain some level of success and begin to trust more in their experiences and understanding. This is why most don't end well. As for us, let's make up our minds, put Him first and never allow our success to become an enemy of our progress. The higher we go, the lower we should get down on our faces *Psalms 25:9.* *Psalm 51:17* I pray the Holy Spirit will bring us to that place of total dependency on God where we are continually broken and contrite because that's the only posture that will help us to continually receive the help of God to deal with hypocrisy in our lives. Aren't you tired of pleasing men? Be like blind Bartimaeus, he was not afraid of people but cried to Jesus for his sight; the more they tried to shut him down, the more he shouted out. Whom do you want to please? Remember, The rest of God can only be found at the feet of Jesus. Each one of us, regardless of the title or placement God has given us, needs to come to a knowing that we are very close to the conclusion of the time we are in; it's time to work a walk that counts beyond this realm. Walk a walk that will be registered in heaven. If you have decided to follow Jesus, give Him your best because a line is being drawn, and soon, the separation between those who are real and the hypocrites will be made. *Luke 5:2-3* Jesus asked Peter, "Can I use your boat?" Can God use you? Everything we engage in should be used to bring transformation to the people around us. When this becomes the posture of our hearts, the covenant that He gave us in Exodus 34:10 will be real in our lives. There's more to this journey than what we have seen, heard, and known. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you surrender and sustain a posture of true brokenness and contrition of spirit even as we continue to call on His Name. *STAY BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED, WE LOVE YOU. PASTOR BEN OCHOLA!*
