Memorise:
Not with eyeservice, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Ephesians 6:6
Read: Ephesians 6:5-8
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Message
The story was told of a preacher who went to church one Sunday morning, fully prepared to deliver his sermon, only to find out that the bad weather had prevented members from coming to church except one little boy. This preacher, as the story goes, preached as if the whole auditorium was full of members. After the sermon, the preacher made an altar call and the boy gave his life to Christ that glorious Sunday morning. it was one morning, one preacher, one-member congregation and one convert.
That little boy became a world-renowned evangelist.
Today’s Bible reading encourages us to render our service, either in church or outside of church, as to the Lord, not with eyeservice or as men-pleasers.
Unfortunately, there are menpleasers today in Church, who would rather offend God instead of offending the feelings of people, even when this is unscriptural. Such an attitude affects our service to God negatively. It taints our holy service to God.
Paul in Romans 12:1 says thus about Christian service:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
The work ethics in our church organisation should require little or no supervision. This is one of the first things we were taught when we applied as volunteer workers in church.
There is danger in working with eyeservice, because when the one you intend to impress is not around, you will do something else.
Some civil servants shortchanged themselves when they think that Government work is not to be done wholeheartedly as if one’s life depends on it.
If you work in an organisation, particularly a government establishment, and you think you can loaf around and still get paid at the end of the month without repercussion, you must have been deceived. The law of natural justice and equity established the fact that if your work is worth 50,000 of your country’s currency but you receive 1,000,000 by the time you have spent the last unit of the money, you will realise that the value of what the 1,000,000 obtained is not more than what is obtainable with 50,0000.
Prayer Point:
Father, deliver me from eyeservice, and please help me to serve You acceptably from now onwards in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 1CHRONICLES 5:23-7:13 and LUKE 14:12-35
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
DEATH IS NOT THE END
Memorise: For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1stThessalonians 4:14
Read: 1st Corinthians 15:12-19, Bible in one year: 1st Chronicles 1-2, Luke 13:10-30
Everything in this life will come to an end one day. However, the life of a man does not end inn death, it continues in eternity, either with God in Heaven or with the devil in the place of torment. Those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and live by the expectation of experiencing the same someday, have the hope of eternal life. The Bible in 1st John 3:2-3 says:
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
Jesus Christ promised that He will come back to take us home after preparing a place for us. Here are His words in John 14:2-3:
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Those who have this hope in them will conduct themselves in a way that is expected of saints.
“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and workerh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.”
Psalm 15:1-2
This scripture reveals the condition to be met by those who will triumph over death, while Revelation 21:1-7 gives a brief description of the eternal life of bliss awaiting those who give their life to Jesus Christ, what awaits them is the second death. This is described in Revelation 21:8:
“But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
I pray that an eternity in the Lake of fire will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point
Father, let me find eternal rest in Your kingdom in Jesus’ Name.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
HAUNTED BY YOUR PAST?
Memorise:
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1st Corinthians 6:11
Read: Romans 8:1-3
1 There therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Message
Some Christians allow their past to haunt them so badly that they have no confidence in their heritage as children of God.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is an example of someone who did not allow his past to haunt him or prevent him from fulfilling his destiny. He gave the following testimony about himself in Galatians 1:15-17
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”
One noticeable reason why the past haunts some children of God is their lack of knowledge and understanding of the word of God. It is necessary for every child of God to possess very sound knowledge of who they are in Christ through God’s word.
As revealed in our Bible reading, any individual who is born again is free from every form of condemnation of past sins. The past should therefore not torment you if the reality of this scripture has been received in your spirit.
Let us look at this passage very closely and learn one or two truths about our new life in Christ.
Before you can escape the evils of your past life, the first thing you should ascertain is whether or not you are indeed in Christ, because some people are in Church but not in Christ. The evidence of a life in Christ is outlined in 2nd Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
The new life is not by our power but by the power in the Blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ. The Bible says the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Part of the cardinal truths distinguishing the Christian faith from all other faiths is the grace which brings salvation to us without imputing our past sins, and the power given to us to live above those past sins.
Beloved, if you are still struggling with your past life of sins, you need to check your background. Are you genuinely born again? If yes, are you still living your past life? If not, your past will not haunt you again. Demolish the bridge that links you with the past and be free.
Action Point :
Cut away from activities, friends and habits of the past, so that you can be free indeed.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 23:26-25:30 and LUKE 12:49-13:9
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1st Corinthians 6:11
Read: Romans 8:1-3
1 There therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Message
Some Christians allow their past to haunt them so badly that they have no confidence in their heritage as children of God.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is an example of someone who did not allow his past to haunt him or prevent him from fulfilling his destiny. He gave the following testimony about himself in Galatians 1:15-17
“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.”
One noticeable reason why the past haunts some children of God is their lack of knowledge and understanding of the word of God. It is necessary for every child of God to possess very sound knowledge of who they are in Christ through God’s word.
As revealed in our Bible reading, any individual who is born again is free from every form of condemnation of past sins. The past should therefore not torment you if the reality of this scripture has been received in your spirit.
Let us look at this passage very closely and learn one or two truths about our new life in Christ.
Before you can escape the evils of your past life, the first thing you should ascertain is whether or not you are indeed in Christ, because some people are in Church but not in Christ. The evidence of a life in Christ is outlined in 2nd Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
The new life is not by our power but by the power in the Blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ. The Bible says the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Part of the cardinal truths distinguishing the Christian faith from all other faiths is the grace which brings salvation to us without imputing our past sins, and the power given to us to live above those past sins.
Beloved, if you are still struggling with your past life of sins, you need to check your background. Are you genuinely born again? If yes, are you still living your past life? If not, your past will not haunt you again. Demolish the bridge that links you with the past and be free.
Action Point :
Cut away from activities, friends and habits of the past, so that you can be free indeed.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 23:26-25:30 and LUKE 12:49-13:9
NO FOOD FOR THE LAZY MAN
Memorise: For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2ndThessalonians 3:10
2nd Thessalonians 3:10-12, Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 23:1-35, Luke 12:22-48
Laziness is not a Christian virtue in any way. Our Lord Jesus Christ made this clear by His lifestyle of head work while here on earth. A lifestyle of laziness is out rightly rejected in scripture typified by today’s Bible reading. It is amazing that some people are still expecting God to rain manna on earth! It does not work that way anymore. After the children of Israelhad settled in the land flowing with milk and honey and they had eaten the old corn of the land, the manna ceased (Joshua 5:11-12). What the Lord expected of them going forward was to cultivate the land and expect His abundant harvest. Some people don’t know that working is a divine attribute. They think the idea of work came as a result of sin. This is far from the truth because God worked, and Jesus Christ even said this in John 5:17
“But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”
It was reported to Paul that same so-called brethren were not working in the early Church. Paul quickly responded to the situation with the example of himself, because he was hard-working. Read his testimony in Acts 20:33-34:
“I have coverted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourself know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.”
Some Christians claim that they do not work for a living because they cannot get a job. From personal experience, the truth of the matter is: it is the job of their dreams that they are looking for, and because it is not forthcoming, they stay at home or loaf around, living on other people’s sweat. Such people should look for an alternative job, not only to keep busy but also to earn a modest living. Proverbs 12:11 declares that:
“He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain person is void of understanding.”
Apostle Paul did not depend on any person but God for survival. Despite his extraordinary anointing, he was a still a tent maker (Act 18:3). I pray for someone reading this devotional who is currently unemployed: the Lord will provide you with a good job that will enable you to support the work of God and bless the brethren, in Jesus’ Name.
Action Point
If you are looking for a while collar job and it is not forthcoming, prayerfully try your hands on something else, and God will bless your effort in Jesus’ Name.
REMAIN TRUE TO GOD
Memorise: Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:2
Read: Deuteronomy 8:10-14, Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 21-22, Luke 12:1-21
Solomon was a man who enjoyed the goodness of the Lord in an unprecedented way. The crown of God’s goodness to him was that God appeared to him twice (1st Kings 9:2-3). He indeed recognised and testified to the goodness of God in His life. In 1st Kings 5:4 he testified that:
“But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.”
Everything that Solomon desired, the Lord granted him. But the Bible in 1st Kings 11:4 says this about his latter end:
“For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.”
The negative turn taken by the life of Solomon when he was old can be attributed to the comfort he enjoyed. This example of Solomon should serve as a lesson to every one of us. To be blessed by God is not as important as retaining your relationship with Him. Solomon started well but he could not end well.
The real character of a man is not revealed at the time he is experiencing need but at the time he has entered into abundance. King Solomon was prospered so greatly by God that the Queen of Sheba of his prosperity and fame. She personally came to Jerusalem to witness those things she had heard. It is unfortunate that Solomon did not remain true to God who had prospered him. Is the Lord doing great things through you? Don’t ever be proud. He owns the content; you are just an ordinary container. As a pastor, are there many members in your congregation? Don’t get distracted by this, God is the one drawing them to Himself. Many who started well have turned away from the faith; don’t be one of them. When people are in search of one thing or the other, they will be actively involved in the service of God, but as soon as their problems are solved and their needs are met, they will disappear from God’s service. Are you in a state where everything looks alright, but in your heart you know that you have missed it somewhere? There is no need to pretend; all you need to do is come back home to your senses. God is waiting for you. Never allow the pressures of this life to lead you to destruction. Deal with all those things that are capable of keeping the blessings of God out of your life. Come out of every weakness. Don’t allow that questionable relationship to deny you the joy of your salvation.
Prayer Point
Father, grant me grace not to fail in the place of honour.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE
Memorise :
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Read : Mathew 5:14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Message
Any child of God who desires not to be overwhelmed by the darkness of this world needs to compulsorily shine as the light. The Bible says in John 1:5:
'And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.'
Why is it that the darkness does not overcome the light? Simply put, it's because the light shines. When the light refuses to shine, it gives room for darkness to reign. This is the reason why it is dangerous for children of God to abandon politics in the hands of the children of disobedience. These children of disobedience will continue to vote for politicians who are their spiritual kinsmen. Christians have no moral justification to complain of bad governance, if they refuse to shine as light in the political scenes of their country. The reason darkness did not overcome Jesus Christ was that, as the light of the world, he shone throughout his earthly ministry. In John 9:5 He declared that :
' As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.'
He also defined us as the light of the world in Mathew 5:14.
From today's memory verse, we understand that to shine in this world of darkness requires wisdom. It therefore follows that it is foolish to light your spiritual candle of salvation and hide it under the table. Of course, it's only a matter of time before the light goes out. One of my children once shared the wisdom that God gave him to always overcome being overrun by evil of this age. Anytime he finds himself in a new environment, the first thing he does is to announce that he is a child of God. He does this by witnessing to the high and low of that place. So, from the first day of his arrival, people already know he is not someone to discuss fraud and other sins with.
How do we shine as stars in the darkness of this world? Daniel gave us the answer to this question also in Daniel 12:3:
'And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.'
I urge you to begin to shine through soul- winning and teaching the doctrine of righteousness, and God will back you up. The evils associated with darkness will not overcome you in Jesus'Name.
Key Point :
When you preach, teach and exhort people into godliness, you will be left with no option to live as such.'
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 17:24-18:37 and LUKE 11:14-32
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Read : Mathew 5:14-16
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Message
Any child of God who desires not to be overwhelmed by the darkness of this world needs to compulsorily shine as the light. The Bible says in John 1:5:
'And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.'
Why is it that the darkness does not overcome the light? Simply put, it's because the light shines. When the light refuses to shine, it gives room for darkness to reign. This is the reason why it is dangerous for children of God to abandon politics in the hands of the children of disobedience. These children of disobedience will continue to vote for politicians who are their spiritual kinsmen. Christians have no moral justification to complain of bad governance, if they refuse to shine as light in the political scenes of their country. The reason darkness did not overcome Jesus Christ was that, as the light of the world, he shone throughout his earthly ministry. In John 9:5 He declared that :
' As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.'
He also defined us as the light of the world in Mathew 5:14.
From today's memory verse, we understand that to shine in this world of darkness requires wisdom. It therefore follows that it is foolish to light your spiritual candle of salvation and hide it under the table. Of course, it's only a matter of time before the light goes out. One of my children once shared the wisdom that God gave him to always overcome being overrun by evil of this age. Anytime he finds himself in a new environment, the first thing he does is to announce that he is a child of God. He does this by witnessing to the high and low of that place. So, from the first day of his arrival, people already know he is not someone to discuss fraud and other sins with.
How do we shine as stars in the darkness of this world? Daniel gave us the answer to this question also in Daniel 12:3:
'And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.'
I urge you to begin to shine through soul- winning and teaching the doctrine of righteousness, and God will back you up. The evils associated with darkness will not overcome you in Jesus'Name.
Key Point :
When you preach, teach and exhort people into godliness, you will be left with no option to live as such.'
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 17:24-18:37 and LUKE 11:14-32
LOVE IN PRACTICE
Memorise: My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1st John 3:18
Read: 1st John 3:16-18, Bible in one year: 2ndKings 19-20, Luke 11:33-54
The character of love is seen in practice and not through empty words. This is the reason why John the beloved advised that we should make the expression of love practical. One practical way of expressing love is through giving. The Bible in John 3:16 says that God loved the world, and this love compelled Him to give His only begotten Son, so that men could be saved. It was through the medium of giving that God ascertained the love Abraham had for Him (Genesis 22:10-18).
Many people deceive themselves that they love God, but God knows they are far from what they claim to be. When God lays a demand on them, even of those things that legitimately belong to Him, they give reasons why they cannot respond positively, expecting Him to understand the situation they are passing through. For example, some people deny God of tithes and offerings, and they expect Him to understand.
Our giving should also be directed towards our fellow human beings, since this is more direct. It is an expression of love to someone we can see. As a matter of fact, Jesus appreciates our gesture towards our fellow human being, particularly those of the household of faith. He said in Matthew 25:34-36 that:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
John the beloved in 1st John 3:17 also asked this question:
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
A popular adage goes: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” I would rather say “A brother in need is a brother indeed.” Some brethren find it difficult to pick up a stranded brother that is known to them on the road. Beloved, let us go back to the basic of love as was taught in the early days of the Church. This will make our Lord happy, and He shall bless us in return.
Action Point
Look around you for those in need, and show them the compassion of Jesus.
THE YOUNG MUST GROW
Memorise:
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
Read: 2nd Peter 3:15-18
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Message
There is a privately owned transport outfit in Nigeria which has “The Young Shall Grow” as its company name. This name suggests optimism concerning the potentials of the young. However, in the kingdom of God, the expectation that the young will grow is beyond optimism; it is a matter of compulsion as seen in our memory verse. I pray that you will grow spiritually in Jesus’ Name.
How can a young Christian grow spiritually? Apostle Peter gives a definitive answer in 1st Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
This is one of the areas where we have issues in the 21st century Church. Some influential churchmen and women have rejected the accuracy and sufficiency of the scripture for Christian living. They have settled for the philosophy of relativism. Incidentally, this development is not new; it was manifested in the early Church also. This formed the basis of why Peter wrote the words of today’s Bible reading. Amazingly, Peter in this epistle made mention of the epistles of Paul, which he described as too hard for the unlearned and unstable. These ones were not ready to grow; so they twisted the epistles of Paul and suit their lusts; just like they did with other scriptures. This practice still goes on today. I learnt with dismay that a senior pastor of a church said to his congregation that some of those things Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus and to the Corinthians are not necessarily meant for European or African Christians! How on earth would the congregation of such a pastor grow spiritually?
Apostle Peter therefore warns us in 2nd Peter 3:17 to beware of the error of the wicked, so that we are not led astray like Eve in Genesis 3:4-5. The serpent seemed to be saying to her: “Don’t mind God; you cannot die at all; God is only being unnecessarily high handed because He does not want you to be as enlightened as He is”. Apostle Peter followed up this warning with the command that all Christians must grow and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2nd Peter 3:18). If a Christian would not grow in grace to do according to the word of God, such a Christian will be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and is doomed for perdition. Therefore, young Christians must grow by being grounded in the true word of God.
Prayer Point :
Father, grant me revelation in the knowledge of You, and feed me with the bread of Heaven that I may grow to spiritual maturity in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 15:27-17:23 and LUKE 10:38-11:13
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
Read: 2nd Peter 3:15-18
15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Message
There is a privately owned transport outfit in Nigeria which has “The Young Shall Grow” as its company name. This name suggests optimism concerning the potentials of the young. However, in the kingdom of God, the expectation that the young will grow is beyond optimism; it is a matter of compulsion as seen in our memory verse. I pray that you will grow spiritually in Jesus’ Name.
How can a young Christian grow spiritually? Apostle Peter gives a definitive answer in 1st Peter 2:2
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
This is one of the areas where we have issues in the 21st century Church. Some influential churchmen and women have rejected the accuracy and sufficiency of the scripture for Christian living. They have settled for the philosophy of relativism. Incidentally, this development is not new; it was manifested in the early Church also. This formed the basis of why Peter wrote the words of today’s Bible reading. Amazingly, Peter in this epistle made mention of the epistles of Paul, which he described as too hard for the unlearned and unstable. These ones were not ready to grow; so they twisted the epistles of Paul and suit their lusts; just like they did with other scriptures. This practice still goes on today. I learnt with dismay that a senior pastor of a church said to his congregation that some of those things Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus and to the Corinthians are not necessarily meant for European or African Christians! How on earth would the congregation of such a pastor grow spiritually?
Apostle Peter therefore warns us in 2nd Peter 3:17 to beware of the error of the wicked, so that we are not led astray like Eve in Genesis 3:4-5. The serpent seemed to be saying to her: “Don’t mind God; you cannot die at all; God is only being unnecessarily high handed because He does not want you to be as enlightened as He is”. Apostle Peter followed up this warning with the command that all Christians must grow and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2nd Peter 3:18). If a Christian would not grow in grace to do according to the word of God, such a Christian will be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and is doomed for perdition. Therefore, young Christians must grow by being grounded in the true word of God.
Prayer Point :
Father, grant me revelation in the knowledge of You, and feed me with the bread of Heaven that I may grow to spiritual maturity in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 15:27-17:23 and LUKE 10:38-11:13
Saturday, June 20, 2015
FOUR LEVELS OF BLESSING
Memorise:
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5
Read: Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Message
The level of God’s blessings on a person comes in different categories. Although all categories of blessing are desirable, only few people experience all the levels of blessing.
Let’s take a look at the four levels of blessing outlined in Luke 6:38. I believe an understanding of these will tremendously bless your life.
The first level is the level of being blessed in good measure. Good measure connotes just enough. This is the level of blessing that the Israelites experienced in the wilderness. They were blessed with manna just enough for their needs each day (Exodus 16:16-18).
The next level of blessing goes beyond good measure. At this level, blessings are compacted by being pressed down to make room for more. When the blessing of God keeps coming at a steady dose, such that there is no room to contain it, there would be a need to make the blessing dense by pressing it down; this creates room to hold and receive more. This type of blessing is described in Malachi 3:10.
The next level of blessing goes beyond the level of denseness achieved by pressing down. At this level, blessing is made denser by shaking it together after it has been pressed down. This creates the capacity to have and hold more blessings at any given time. At this level, the blessings are experienced in maximum dense doses.
The next and final level is a level where maximally dense blessings keep coming as a steady stream, such that all capacity to store and hold them is overwhelmed. At this level, blessings begin to run over.
Many years ago, I asked my Daddy in heaven: “Why the wastage of blessings by allowing them to run over? Why keep pouring after the cup is full?” The answer I got was: so that the world could see that He is the God who has more than enough.
There is a key of accessing any of the levels of blessing we have described. This key is found in 2nd Corinthians 9:6:
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
You must give before you receive, because the law of harvest cannot be broken. The quantity and quality of your sowing will determine the level of blessing you experience.
I pray that the seed you need to sow to take you to a higher level shall be supplied to you this season in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point:
Father, please give me seed to sow for bountiful harvests in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 11:21-13:25 and LUKE 9:51-10:16
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5
Read: Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Message
The level of God’s blessings on a person comes in different categories. Although all categories of blessing are desirable, only few people experience all the levels of blessing.
Let’s take a look at the four levels of blessing outlined in Luke 6:38. I believe an understanding of these will tremendously bless your life.
The first level is the level of being blessed in good measure. Good measure connotes just enough. This is the level of blessing that the Israelites experienced in the wilderness. They were blessed with manna just enough for their needs each day (Exodus 16:16-18).
The next level of blessing goes beyond good measure. At this level, blessings are compacted by being pressed down to make room for more. When the blessing of God keeps coming at a steady dose, such that there is no room to contain it, there would be a need to make the blessing dense by pressing it down; this creates room to hold and receive more. This type of blessing is described in Malachi 3:10.
The next level of blessing goes beyond the level of denseness achieved by pressing down. At this level, blessing is made denser by shaking it together after it has been pressed down. This creates the capacity to have and hold more blessings at any given time. At this level, the blessings are experienced in maximum dense doses.
The next and final level is a level where maximally dense blessings keep coming as a steady stream, such that all capacity to store and hold them is overwhelmed. At this level, blessings begin to run over.
Many years ago, I asked my Daddy in heaven: “Why the wastage of blessings by allowing them to run over? Why keep pouring after the cup is full?” The answer I got was: so that the world could see that He is the God who has more than enough.
There is a key of accessing any of the levels of blessing we have described. This key is found in 2nd Corinthians 9:6:
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
You must give before you receive, because the law of harvest cannot be broken. The quantity and quality of your sowing will determine the level of blessing you experience.
I pray that the seed you need to sow to take you to a higher level shall be supplied to you this season in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point:
Father, please give me seed to sow for bountiful harvests in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 11:21-13:25 and LUKE 9:51-10:16
Friday, June 19, 2015
THE LONG-SUFFERING GOD
Memorise:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2nd Peter 3:9
Read: Jonah 3:5-10
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Message
When the Bible in 1st Corinthians 13:4 says that love suffers long, it aligns with the character of God and confirms that God is love indeed. Our God is a longsuffering God.
It is His longsuffering that has kept the world intact till now; otherwise He would have destroyed it many times over.
It is however unfortunate that man tends to take the longsuffering of God for granted. Many have lost the opportunity of being forgiven because they failed to repent until death caught up with them. I was praying for a king who was sick in one city in south-west Nigeria, and the Lord told me to ask him to repent of his sins if he wanted to be healed. He was reluctant to do so, and he refused to repent until he gave up the ghost.
The Bible in 2nd Corinthians 6:2 says:
“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”
One city that enjoyed the longsuffering of God and put it to good use was the city of Nineveh. The longsuffering of God kept this great city alive while God gave them time to repent.
When this longsuffering started waxing thin, He sent Prophet Jonah to warn them to repent. The Bible in Jonah 1:1-2 says:
“Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.”
What a gracious and merciful God He is! Thank God that it heeded His warning and repented; from the king to the least person in the city.
The longsuffering of God is demonstrated in the fact that even Jonah was running away from the great responsibility of warning this city, God still put up with them until His warning got to them.
To someone reading this devotional today, I want you to know that the purpose of God’s longsuffering is to give you the opportunity to repent and not be destroyed. I therefore encourage you to give your total life to Jesus Christ and stop postponing the day of your salvation, because tomorrow may be too late.
Jesus is standing at the door of your heart; I encourage you to open it to Him so that He can come in with His forgiveness, salvation, healing and all-round peace.
Action Point:
Examine your life and see where you need to turn a new leaf, and do so today.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 10:1-11:20 and LUKE 9:28-50
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2nd Peter 3:9
Read: Jonah 3:5-10
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Message
When the Bible in 1st Corinthians 13:4 says that love suffers long, it aligns with the character of God and confirms that God is love indeed. Our God is a longsuffering God.
It is His longsuffering that has kept the world intact till now; otherwise He would have destroyed it many times over.
It is however unfortunate that man tends to take the longsuffering of God for granted. Many have lost the opportunity of being forgiven because they failed to repent until death caught up with them. I was praying for a king who was sick in one city in south-west Nigeria, and the Lord told me to ask him to repent of his sins if he wanted to be healed. He was reluctant to do so, and he refused to repent until he gave up the ghost.
The Bible in 2nd Corinthians 6:2 says:
“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”
One city that enjoyed the longsuffering of God and put it to good use was the city of Nineveh. The longsuffering of God kept this great city alive while God gave them time to repent.
When this longsuffering started waxing thin, He sent Prophet Jonah to warn them to repent. The Bible in Jonah 1:1-2 says:
“Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.”
What a gracious and merciful God He is! Thank God that it heeded His warning and repented; from the king to the least person in the city.
The longsuffering of God is demonstrated in the fact that even Jonah was running away from the great responsibility of warning this city, God still put up with them until His warning got to them.
To someone reading this devotional today, I want you to know that the purpose of God’s longsuffering is to give you the opportunity to repent and not be destroyed. I therefore encourage you to give your total life to Jesus Christ and stop postponing the day of your salvation, because tomorrow may be too late.
Jesus is standing at the door of your heart; I encourage you to open it to Him so that He can come in with His forgiveness, salvation, healing and all-round peace.
Action Point:
Examine your life and see where you need to turn a new leaf, and do so today.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 10:1-11:20 and LUKE 9:28-50
Thursday, June 18, 2015
DIVINE COMMENDATION
Memorise:
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21
Read: Matthew 25:15-21
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man
according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Message
You are blessed when a great man commends you for executing an assignment well. Very much more, when God commends you for a job well-done, you are exceedingly and greatly blessed. Commendation is the direct opposite of condemnation. May you not be condemned in this world and in the world to come in Jesus’ Name. The wealthy man in our Bible reading commended the servant with five talents who gained five more talents. He also commended the servant with two talents who gained another two talents. However, the one with one talent went and hid his talent in the ground, because he felt he was not given his due to trade with. On the day of reckoning, he was condemned.
Our Lord Jesus Christ promised that He would commend those on His right hand side on the day of reckoning. In Matthew 25:34 He said:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;”
What do we do to obtain this divine commendation? One of the things we can do is to show the compassion of Jesus to the needy: feed the poor, clothe the naked and house the homeless (Matthew 25:35-36). Another channel for receiving divine commendation is exercising uncommon faith. A centurion, whose servant was sick, demonstrated uncommon faith in the power in God’s Word, and he received divine commendation for this in Matthew 8:10:
“When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily, verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
God celebrates people who exercise faith in Him. This is the reason why the Bible says it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Those who endure to the end in the Christian race will also receive divine commendation. In Revelation 2:26, our Lord Jesus promised that:
“And he that overcometh, and keepth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”
We should believe the promises of our Lord and work towards receiving His commendation.
Action Point :
Think on what to do here on earth, so that you will be commended in Heaven.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 8:16-9:37 and LUKE 9:7-27
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21
Read: Matthew 25:15-21
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man
according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Message
You are blessed when a great man commends you for executing an assignment well. Very much more, when God commends you for a job well-done, you are exceedingly and greatly blessed. Commendation is the direct opposite of condemnation. May you not be condemned in this world and in the world to come in Jesus’ Name. The wealthy man in our Bible reading commended the servant with five talents who gained five more talents. He also commended the servant with two talents who gained another two talents. However, the one with one talent went and hid his talent in the ground, because he felt he was not given his due to trade with. On the day of reckoning, he was condemned.
Our Lord Jesus Christ promised that He would commend those on His right hand side on the day of reckoning. In Matthew 25:34 He said:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;”
What do we do to obtain this divine commendation? One of the things we can do is to show the compassion of Jesus to the needy: feed the poor, clothe the naked and house the homeless (Matthew 25:35-36). Another channel for receiving divine commendation is exercising uncommon faith. A centurion, whose servant was sick, demonstrated uncommon faith in the power in God’s Word, and he received divine commendation for this in Matthew 8:10:
“When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily, verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
God celebrates people who exercise faith in Him. This is the reason why the Bible says it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Those who endure to the end in the Christian race will also receive divine commendation. In Revelation 2:26, our Lord Jesus promised that:
“And he that overcometh, and keepth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.”
We should believe the promises of our Lord and work towards receiving His commendation.
Action Point :
Think on what to do here on earth, so that you will be commended in Heaven.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 8:16-9:37 and LUKE 9:7-27
AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
REST IN THE LORD
Memorise: But seek ye first the kingdom ofGod, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
Read: Matthew 6:31-34, Bible in one year: 2ndKings 6:24-8:15, Luke 8:40-9:6
Nobody cares for us like our Heavenly Father. The devil and the world want to deceive you to think that they care more than He does, but you must not allow yourself to be deceived like Eve (1st Timothy 2:14). The devil deceived Eve to think that God was being too high-handed by restricting her to eat of certain fruits alone (Genesis 3:1-5). Jesus expressed the depth of the Father’s love and care for us in our Bible reading. He consequently admonished us to stop worrying about things that have already been sorted out by our Heavenly Father. He also declared to us what our priority should be (Matthew 6:33). He said when we focus on the priority, the rest of those things that are needful shall be provided for us. Unfortunately, some children of God are too mindful of the “interest” at the expense of the “principal”. They are too mindful of the “other things”, which indeed are necessities, at the express of our main priority, which is the kingdom of God. If you genuinely seek the kingdom of God, faithful is He that has promised; all your other necessities shall be added unto you.
It is amazing to know that God provided what He considered to be our needs, even before He created us. This shows us that God has ever been mindful of our basic necessities. In the creation story, God used the first five days of creation to provide all that man would ever need; after which He created man in His own image on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-31). Man began to worry about what to eat, drink, wear and what would become of his future after the Fall (Genesis 3:7-8).
We can see the goodness of God demonstrated even after the fall of man. In spite of man’s rebellious act, God still sought after him in the garden. He called Adam and Eve out of their hiding place, and after rebuking them, He clothed them properly. Genesis 3:21 says:
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”
There is need for us as children of God to trust that our Heavenly Father is mindful of our well-being. If we do, we will not be anxious for anything like those who don’t know God. We will have peace, joy and contentment (1stTimothy 6:6-8). I want you to consider Philippians 4:19 as God’s assurance of His provision for your life. Praise Him for this blessed assurance.
Action Point
Is there any lack in your life? Tell your Heavenly Father about it today. He will pleasantly surprise you.
Read: Matthew 6:31-34, Bible in one year: 2ndKings 6:24-8:15, Luke 8:40-9:6
Nobody cares for us like our Heavenly Father. The devil and the world want to deceive you to think that they care more than He does, but you must not allow yourself to be deceived like Eve (1st Timothy 2:14). The devil deceived Eve to think that God was being too high-handed by restricting her to eat of certain fruits alone (Genesis 3:1-5). Jesus expressed the depth of the Father’s love and care for us in our Bible reading. He consequently admonished us to stop worrying about things that have already been sorted out by our Heavenly Father. He also declared to us what our priority should be (Matthew 6:33). He said when we focus on the priority, the rest of those things that are needful shall be provided for us. Unfortunately, some children of God are too mindful of the “interest” at the expense of the “principal”. They are too mindful of the “other things”, which indeed are necessities, at the express of our main priority, which is the kingdom of God. If you genuinely seek the kingdom of God, faithful is He that has promised; all your other necessities shall be added unto you.
It is amazing to know that God provided what He considered to be our needs, even before He created us. This shows us that God has ever been mindful of our basic necessities. In the creation story, God used the first five days of creation to provide all that man would ever need; after which He created man in His own image on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26-31). Man began to worry about what to eat, drink, wear and what would become of his future after the Fall (Genesis 3:7-8).
We can see the goodness of God demonstrated even after the fall of man. In spite of man’s rebellious act, God still sought after him in the garden. He called Adam and Eve out of their hiding place, and after rebuking them, He clothed them properly. Genesis 3:21 says:
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”
There is need for us as children of God to trust that our Heavenly Father is mindful of our well-being. If we do, we will not be anxious for anything like those who don’t know God. We will have peace, joy and contentment (1stTimothy 6:6-8). I want you to consider Philippians 4:19 as God’s assurance of His provision for your life. Praise Him for this blessed assurance.
Action Point
Is there any lack in your life? Tell your Heavenly Father about it today. He will pleasantly surprise you.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
WHAT TYPE OF VESSEL ARE YOU?
Memorise: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 2nd Timothy 2:20
Read: 2nd Timothy 2:19-21, Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 4:38-6:23, Luke 8:22-39
In the Body of Christ, there are different types of vessels. There are vessels unto honour and vessels unto dishonour. Also, there are vessels for temporary use and there are those used on a permanent basis. Vessels for temporary use are those used and subsequently dumped; whereas vessels for permanent use are for keeps. Every child of God must decide what type of vessel he or she wants to be and comport himself or herself as such. Shepherd staffs, like the rod of Aaron that budded and was kept in the ark of covenant, are examples of vessels of permanent use (Hebrews 9:4). But the jawbone of asses, like the one Samson used and dumped, have no permanent usage (Judges 15:15-17). The status of a vessel with respect to being of permanent or temporary use is determined by the nature and preparation of the vessel. This is why the Bible in 2nd Timothy 2:21 says:
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
A vessel of honour is not used and dumped. They stay with the Master forever. To be set apart as such a vessel, the Bible enjoys us to depart from iniquity. Jesus made a profound promise to all vessels of honour; in John 14:2-3, He said:
“In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Irrespective of the level of preparation by a vessel, the user of the vessel has the prerogative to determine what type of use it is applied to. This is the reason why you as a child of God must be careful of who or what you allow to use you. Our God does not use and dump vessels of honour, but Satan, sin and the world do. Romans 6:13 says:
“Neither yield ye your members ad instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”
I pray for you that you will be a vessel of honour for the permanent use of God in Jesus’ Name.
Prayer Point
Father, as I purge myself of the works of the flesh, set me apart as a vessel of honour for Your permanent use in Jesus’ Name.
Monday, June 15, 2015
THE BREAD OF STONE
Memorise: Mears for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 1stCorinthians 6:13
Read: Matthew 4:1-4, Bible in one year: 2ndKings 3:1-4:37
Food is one of the earliest weapons the devil deployed to destroy humanity (Genesis 3:6). It’s amazing that he still succeeds in using this weapon to destroy the destinies of many. He even deployed this weapon against our Lord Jesus Christ. After our Lord had fasted for forty days and nights, naturally, He became hungry. The devil, sensing an opportunity, came to Him saying:
“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”
Matthew 4:3b
Unlike the first Adam who fell for the enticement of Satan, Jesus overcame the devil by the word of God (Matthew 4:4). He used the arrow of Deuteronomy 8:3 against the devil. Thank God He knew the word; of course, He is the Word of God. Beloved, the bread of stone when eaten will never digest; so, beware of the bread of stone in whatever form it presents itself.
The bread of stone can come in any form. For example, after four years of joblessness as a first-class graduate, the devil may dangle an employment opportunity at you that require you sleeping with the personnel manager to secure the position. “Do it just once and get out of the labour market”, the devil may suggest. It is a bread of stone, don’t fall for it. It may also come in the form of a government minister or the secretary of a government establishment luring you to join their occult group to guarantee the steady flow of contracts. The devil may say “it is just a networking club”. Please don’t join, because if you do, you may be turning stone to bread to satisfy your hunger.
Remember the case of Esau. The Bible in Hebrew 11:16-17 says this about him:
“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, through he sought it carefully with tears.”
Your adoption as a child of God guarantees you of meat, it is your birthright. Don’t allow anybody or any situation to steal that away from you. The devil will attempt to justify why you need to turn stone to bread to satisfy your hunger, but remember he is a liar. Such “bread” will never digest in your stomach; it will produce spiritual ulcer and death. May the Lord be with your soul as you wait patiently for God’s time and means to meet your needs.
Prayer point:
Father, grant me grace to counter the deceit of the devil whenever he comes around to tempt me. As Jesus overcame, he help me to overcome also.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
OUR POSITION IN CHRIST
Memorise:
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6
Read; Ephesians 2:1-6
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Message
The Bible reveals that Christians who are genuine children of God are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ through divine adoption (Romans 8:16-17). This is an amazing truth. It implies that we have access to the same resources of heaven which backed up the work of Jesus while He was here on earth.
The Bible reveals that Christians who are genuine children of God are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ through divine adoption (Romans 8:16-17). This is an amazing truth. It implies that we have access to the same resources of heaven which backed up the work of Jesus while He was here on earth.
Why then is it that lots of Christians are not operating at the level which he operated while He was here on earth?
The problem lies in the fact that although they bear the Name of Jesus, such people are not ready to pay the price that being a child of God demands of them. Jesus summarised the price we need to pay to operate as children of God in Matthew 11:29a:
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;”
The problem lies in the fact that although they bear the Name of Jesus, such people are not ready to pay the price that being a child of God demands of them. Jesus summarised the price we need to pay to operate as children of God in Matthew 11:29a:
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;”
His yoke has to do with His passion to please His Father. John 4:34 thus says:
“Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ, while on earth, was passionate about doing His Father’s will. This is the reason why the Father always heard Him when He prayed. He proudly declared this fact at the tomb of Lazarus in John 11:42:
“And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”
To establish His claim, He commanded the dead Lazarus, who was already decaying, to come out alive, and Lazarus became a living soul again (John 11:43-44)
The proof of our adoption as children of God is manifested in freedom from the sins which we hitherto lived under before our glorious encounter with Jesus Christ.
“Jesus saith unto them, my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ, while on earth, was passionate about doing His Father’s will. This is the reason why the Father always heard Him when He prayed. He proudly declared this fact at the tomb of Lazarus in John 11:42:
“And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”
To establish His claim, He commanded the dead Lazarus, who was already decaying, to come out alive, and Lazarus became a living soul again (John 11:43-44)
The proof of our adoption as children of God is manifested in freedom from the sins which we hitherto lived under before our glorious encounter with Jesus Christ.
This is the crux of the message in our Bible reading. As children of God, we must therefore live a life void of sin to the glory of God (1st John 3:9-10). We should also recognise that while we are on earth, we occupy the same position Jesus Christ did while He was on earth; therefore, we can do all that He did and enjoy every privilege He enjoyed (1st John 4:17).
Our position in Christ therefore, is to share with Him the same miracle-working experience He had, and give Him the glory.
However, we must be children of God indeed. If you have not given your life to Christ, you have no position to share with Jesus Christ. Today is the day of salvation for you.
Prayer Point:
Father, grant me grace not to lose my position in Christ to the flesh, sin or this present age.
Father, grant me grace not to lose my position in Christ to the flesh, sin or this present age.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : 2 KINGS 1-2 and LUKE 7:36-8:3
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