Nougat 3

Hello my dears

I pray you are doing well. Please note that the Holy Nougat reflections will be on sabbatical as of Sunday. Thanks for understanding.

In the 1970s, before tourism became a product and the world seemed simple, many Caribbean and African countries were experiencing the post-partum pangs of birthing new nation states. In some ways, we may have learned too well from our colonizers; in other ways we were set up for failure even before we gained our hard-sought independence. Soon, many nationals sought to find refuge/better opportunities in the very countries we had sought independence from! And some turned to neighbouring countries to begin their new lives.

Many migrants from those regions found their treasure in their new countries. Word spread, and soon gaining access to those sovereignties became challenging. A vetting process introduced, requiring several actions to prove eligible for entry; and even more to gain citizenship. Yet, some were willing to forfeit everything, still are, in the name of ‘making life’. As a twice relocated migrant, I am not in a position to judge, nor is that my desire today. Rather I invite us to use the actions of migrants to understand today’s Holy Nougat

““The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” Matthew 13:44 NLT

To some extent, we also grasped independence from God’s Kingdom. And our battle for independence created a chasm that not even the Panama Canal can span. However, our act of independence not only separated us from God’s benevolence; it thrust us directly into dependence on another spiritual authority.

My dears, without stretching a cumbersome analogy too far, I dare say that we are called to recognize the treasure we have lost in our time of separation from God. And unlike the political sovereignties where many of us have claimed as our home; we will always have status and rights and citizenship in God’s kingdom. But first, we must get there. The question is, do we qualify for the visa?

My dears, we are so blessed! For, despite the chasm between ourselves (our selfish independence) and God, not only are their regular flights (not always non-stop) to the Kingdom of Heaven; but in Christ, our visa is guaranteed!!! It cannot be bought or sold; that visa cannot even be loaned. Yet, for those who seek, we will surely find that Heavenly access is totally guaranteed.

In several cases, we make trips to the other countries and then decide to settle there, or we may make one application just on the recommendation of family or friends. And having made the decision, we begin the process of getting rid of excess clothing, furniture and other assets (usually by selling them) to ensure ease of travel to our new home. Are we prepared to get rid of the excesses in our spiritual lives to ensure ease of travel to the Kingdom of Heaven?

So yes, although we qualify for the visa, we still have lots to do to ‘own the field’ where our treasure lies. We’ve got to get rid of the excesses; especially the baggage and the weight of sin that often delays our journey. And, the joy is that, unlike the systems we face here on earth; once we begin the application process to enter the Kingdom of Heaven; our access and citizenship is Guaranteed! Through the Blood of Jesus! And, as citizens we can call on our own Advocate to help us get our lives in order.

For God’s Spirit is intimately aware of the mind of God and ensures that we can get rid of the excesses which would hinder us from getting to Heaven. Additionally, She guides us through the application process from the very beginning. Isn’t all the perks of Heaven, and the visa waiver worth giving up some junk for?

Read the brochure and apps (Bible) for yourselves – as for me; I am getting rid of the excesses to keep my space secured.

God bless you

In Christ’s love and grace . . .