JOYFUL MOOD

 Has It Affected Your Joyful Mood? 

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:3–5 (KJV)

Maintaining a consistent atmosphere of joy is possible in the Kingdom of God. What makes it possible is the love of God deposited in us by the Holy Spirit. Remember that Jesus Christ didn’t promise a cozy and rosy Christianity without challenges. No wonder He said a servant is not greater than his master; therefore, if He was persecuted, we will also go through it (John 15:20). What He promised is the reward we will receive when we go through it faithfully till the end (Revelation 3:12). Beloved, meditate on the opening scripture, and gain a heart of wisdom. You will notice that God has a good reason for the challenges or tribulations we go through as His children. The good reason is to make us patient, experienced, hopeful, and bold without shame. Beloved, let the benefits of challenges or tribulations rekindle your love for God, and never allow the challenges to affect your joyful mood. Anyone who keeps praising God, even in the midst of challenges, is unlikely to allow their mood to be tilted toward sadness and bitterness. Therefore, praise Him and rejoice in Him at all times (Philippians 4:4). Be like the psalmist, and speak to your soul to lighten up any time sadness wants to creep in (Psalm 42:5). Feed yourself with things that will create joy in you, such as the Word of God, books and videos, and keeping company with people who talk about faith and inspire others. Before long, your challenges will give way to your reward and promotion. Hallelujah! Glory to God!

Prayer Point: My loving and holy Father, thank you for the challenges I’m going through. Please lead me to feed on the aspect of your Word that will give me hope, stir up faith in me, create joy in me, surround me with things that are inspiring, and help me to fellowship with people who are motivating in order to triumph over my challenges and keep rejoicing in you, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Were you blessed by today's message? Kindly go to the comment section and share your comments, and testimonies. Let's also know your challenges so that we can pray for you.

GIVE THANKS TO GOD ALWAYS!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2020.

SUBJECT : GIVE THANKS TO GOD ALWAYS! 

Memory verse: "In everything give thanks; for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (First Thessalonians 5 vs 18.) 

READ:  Read Psalm 92 vs 1 - 2; Ephesians 5 vs 20:

Psalm 9:1: It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High

92:2: To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night,

Ephesians 5:20: Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

INTIMATION:

Thanksgiving is an act of giving thanks, especially publicly acknowledging the divine goodness and mercy of God in our lives. It is the celebration of God's faithfulness in our lives both as a group (like the church), or as an individual. Above all. thanksgiving is an integral part of our relationship with God, and it’s God’s will for us. Being thankful is being grateful, being gladly relieved. The relieve can be for a burden, a task, emotional stress, weight etc. In all you are better off than before. 

Whatever you are: your talent, wisdom, skills etc, whatever assets you have: money, properties, etc, and whatever position you occupy in life, are all the acts and doing of the Lord. (See John 3 vs 27 and James 1vs17).  The life you are living is not your own, God gave it to you. The only thing we return to God in acknowledgment of His goodness and wondrous acts is giving Him thanks. At any corner of your life, you should remember your source. 

Often times, in giving thanks, we focus on our blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips every time. We should thank God for; (1) The invisible happenings in our lives, His goodness and mercy. ( See Ezra 3 vs 11.); (2) For every sign and wonder we have seen both in our lives, and others. (See Mark 16 vs 20.); (3) For all the benefits especially intangible benefits (See Psalm 103 vs 2 - 5); (4) For all the deliverances. (See John 10 vs 10; Obadiah 1 vs 17; Colossians 1 vs 13); and (5) For all His promises and provisions He made  to us. (See Romans 4 vs 20 - 21). 

Again, as believers, since we have been graciously adopted as children of God, and born of the Will of God, we should rest assured of His presence in our lives at all times. Therefore, in everything that happens to us, we be thankful for God's presence, and for the good that He will accomplish through the happening, bearing in mind that "All things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8 vs 28). 

Thanksgiving is also a proper response to our salvation. The Scripture in Ephesians 2 vs 8 - 9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." When someone gives you a gift, the appropriate response is 'thank you.' Our salvation and even our faith are gifts from God, and we should respond with gratitude, praise and joy. We become Christians through God's grace (unmerited favour), not as a result of any efforts, ability, intelligent choice, or acts of service on our part. 

As we praise and thank God for material, and spiritual blessings, we should also thank Him for answered prayers, remembering His answers to our quest for protection, strength, comfort, patience, love, or other special needs that He supplied. Also, consider it a huge privilege to have been chosen by God for whatever blessing He bestowed on you. He could have chosen another person to do or have what He has given you. For this reason, you should have a lifestyle of gratitude to God at all times.

Our offer of thanksgiving should not be in words only. Just as we naturally show appreciation for what others have done for us, both in words and material offering, we should do the same to our Father in heaven. Our thanksgiving in material offering is an application to God for more. God will ever reciprocate all your offerings to Him, and in greater dimension. 

Let's learn to respond to the help we are already getting from our ‘Helper,’ the Holy Spirit, which actually we don't deserve, by developing an attitude of giving thanks always. This is not just an occasional word of thanks, but a continual lifestyle of thanksgiving. The heart that responds to the grace of God is a heart that continually gives thanks to God with a dedicated life that is presented as a living sacrifice. The person who has developed an "attitude of giving thanks always" is one who is thankful and grateful for every single thing that God is doing in his or her life day by day. It is only through God's Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. 

Prayer: Abba Father, my help comes from You, Who made heaven and the earth. I have received nothing you didn’t give to me. I am what I am by Your grace. I will forever be grateful for all You have done, and is doing, and is yet to do. I thank You for the privilege of my adoption as Your son, and for the gift of life. Endue with the spirit of gratitude to You at all times, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

 

FEAR OF GOD

 What Kind of Knowledge Do You Have? 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)

The kind of knowledge you have inside you will determine how well you will end. There are different kinds of knowledge on this earth, such as science, history, business, arts, theology or the Word of God, etc. None of this knowledge teaches the fear of God except theology or the Word of God. Thus the only knowledge that provides wisdom is the Word of God (Proverbs 9:10). This is why it is vital to study the Holy Scriptures to know the fear of God: in order to exercise it to gain wisdom and prosper therein. Dear beloved, what kind of knowledge do you have inside you? Some people can only boast of knowledge of things such as science, history, arts, business, etc., but disregard the Word of God, thinking that they are successful in their field. Beloved, success without the fear of God derived from the knowledge of Him is not true success. True success is being rich toward God through His knowledge, thus fearing Him (Luke 12:21). Anyone who fears God loves His Word and refrains from evil, and God makes them wise to fulfill His will (Job 28:28). Beloved, choose the fear of God by enriching yourself in the Word of God. He will instruct and lead you to enjoy peace, joy, divine health, prosperity, and all the pleasures in Him. Hallelujah! God bless you!

Prayer Point: My faithful and righteous Father, I’m so grateful for your Word, which is full of countless blessings. Please continually enlighten my heart to understand your Word in order to fear you always and avail myself to you in fulfilling your will, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

CALLED TO BE GLORIFIED!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2020.

SUBJECT : CALLED TO BE GLORIFIED! 

Memory verse: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8 vs 28.)

READ: Romans 8 vs 28 - 30:

8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 

8:29: For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 

8:30: Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."

INTIMATION:

The believers are “called” through the preaching of the gospel out of the world to be children of God. They are justified by their obedience to the Word of God. The final “calling” of God of believers out of the world will occur at the end of time. The finality of all things, therefore, will end for good for the believers when they are called out of the world into eternal glory. It is the eternal purpose of God to bring obedient free-moral individuals into the realm of heavenly and eternal dwelling in His presence. Therefore, we are called into the plan of God’s purpose which is good. We do not call God into our purpose. He calls us into His.

God is a God of purpose. He created you for His purpose. God's working in our lives is to fulfill His preordained purpose, not necessarily to make us happy. God works in "all thing," not just isolated incidents, for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good by our understanding. For instance, when you lose your job, or valuable, it is not good. But God may have allowed that for the ultimate benefit of His purpose in your life. We often cannot see the good that comes from immediate trials and sufferings. Therefore, we must assume that the good that God brings is within our lifetime. Note that this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Those who are "called" are those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ Jesus. 

God's ultimate goal is to glorify such people; to make us like Christ. The Bible in First John 3 vs 2 says, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." As we become more and more like Christ, we discover our true selves, the persons we were created to be. How can we become like Christ? By reading and heeding the Word, by studying His life on earth through the Gospels, by spending time in prayer, by being filled with His Spirit  and by doing His work in the world. When people conform to the image of the Son, then they make the Son the first born among those who have conformed to His image. 

We must not assume that the foreknowledge of God presupposes the individual predestination of individuals to either heaven or hell. In the context here, reference is to those who will be glorified. Before the creation of the world, God foreknew the body of believers He would glorify in eternal heaven. He foreknew the body because He predestined the existence of the church. Therefore, those who would free-morally choose to be a part of this group (the church—the body of Christ) by voluntary obedience to the gospel in order to conform to the image of His Son (Second Corinthians 3 vs 18), would also be destined to glorification in eternal heaven. It is the group of believers, the church, that God before the creation of the world predestined to be glorified. 

It is the responsibility of individuals to free-morally choose to become a part of this predestined group. Therefore, the group of believers that God predestined to be glorified, were first justified by the predetermined plan of the cross. Those who were justified He called through the gospel. At the end of time, He will call these out of the world for eternal glory. These who would be called out of the world are now predestined because they are a part of the predestined group of believers who will in the end be called out of the world for eternal glory. God foreknew this plan because He fore-planned redemption in Christ before the creation of the world. 

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You, most Gracious Lord, for Your gift of salvation and adoption as Your child. In Your mercy and love You have called me, to justify me through my obedience to Your Word, and will glorify me to eternal glory to live with You in heaven at the end of time, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

DIVINE CHASTISEMENT

 

November, 29

“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people ... Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.”

Leviticus 19:16, 17 

Tale-bearing emits a threefold poison; for it injures the teller, the hearer, and the person concerning whom the tale is told. Whether the report be true or false, we are by this precept of God’s Word forbidden to spread it. The reputations of the Lord’s people should be very precious in our sight, and we should count it shame to help the devil to dishonour the Church and the name of the Lord. Some tongues need a bridle rather than a spur. Many glory in pulling down their brethren, as if thereby they raised themselves. Noah’s wise sons cast a mantle over their father, and he who exposed him earned a fearful curse. We may ourselves one of these dark days need forbearance and silence from our brethren, let us render it cheerfully to those who require it now. Be this our family rule, and our personal bond—Speak evil of no man. 

The Holy Spirit, however, permits us to censure sin, and prescribes the way in which we are to do it. It must be done by rebuking our brother to his face, not by railing behind his back. This course is manly, brotherly, Christlike, and under God’s blessing will be useful. Does the flesh shrink from it? Then we must lay the greater stress upon our conscience, and keep ourselves to the work, lest by suffering sin upon our friend we become ourselves partakers of it. Hundreds have been saved from gross sins by the timely, wise, affectionate warnings of faithful ministers and brethren. Our Lord Jesus has set us a gracious example of how to deal with erring frIviends in his warning given to Peter, the prayer with which he preceded it, and the gentle way in which he bore with Peter’s boastful denial that he needed such a caution. 

ESCHEW SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2020.

SUBJECT : ESCHEW SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS! 

Memory verse: "Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips." (Proverbs 27 vs 2.)

READ: Luke 18 vs 10 - 14:

18:10: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee, and the other a tax collector.
18:11: The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You, that I am not as other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.
18:12: I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
18:13: And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.’
18:14: I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

INTIMATION:

Self-righteousness is being overly confident that one acts properly (especially in comparison with others). It’s being overly virtuous. Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God. One should not glory in order to emphasize his own abilities to perform. He should glory in the basis that he or she is in the Lord and thus, it is the Lord working through him or her. When we boast in order to bring glory to Jesus, then we know that our lives are about Jesus, not ourselves. Jesus said, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing.” (John 8 vs 54.) One should live a godly life that manifests praise to God, and not give praise to himself. 

The Scripture says, “But He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord. For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he ‘whom the Lord commends.” (Second Corinthians 10 vs 17 - 18). God cannot be placed in debt to either save or glorify on the basis for human performance. Those who glorify themselves before God on the basis of their performance are establishing their own standards, and thus, they are arrogantly asking God to accept their standards as payment for their salvation. 

In comparison to the righteousness of the good God, there is no righteous person. No man can stand righteous before God on the merit of his own works of law or good deeds. Therefore, we cannot establish our own standards of performance, and then, measure ourselves righteous or good before God on the basis of our standards. One can boast only insofar as the grace of God has worked in his or her life to move him or her to respond to the will of God.

In the passage we read today, the Pharisee boasted concerning his obedience to his self-imposed religious codes and traditions. He checked off his list of righteous deeds that he did and evil deeds that he did not do. He thus trusted in himself, feeling self-confident that his performance of law should satisfy God, and thus, put God in debt to save him. The Pharisee did not go to the temple to pray to God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. 

The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy. I guessed he stood far from the Pharisee because he was judged unrighteous by the Pharisee. However, he stood close to God because he approached God on the basis of his spiritual inadequacies. Because he recognized his spiritual poverty, he trusted in God’s grace for his salvation. He was justified by his faith in God’s grace, not by his perfect law-keeping or performance of good deeds. Those who have self-righteously exalted themselves will be brought down. 

Self-righteous people pride themselves in their self-acclaimed quality of being right or just. Pride is inordinate self-esteem or conceit. It’s 

the inner voice that whispers, “My way is best.” 

Whenever you find yourself looking down on other people, you are being pulled by pride. 

Pride indicates that a person is self-centered, and thus he will fall over himself as he deals with people. 

Only when you eliminate pride can God help you become all He meant you to be.  God cuts off the pride from His grace. 

Pride cripples us in our quest for a proper relationship with God. Only God must be exalted is the first step toward developing that relationship with Him. 

The Scripture says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5 vs 3.) Happy are those who are not proud, conceited or arrogant, especially concerning their spiritual relationship with God. One must empty himself of self-reliance and learn to humble himself before God. Those with such an attitude of mind will submit to the kingdom reign of God, therefore, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The tax collector’s prayer should be our prayer because we all need God’s mercy every day. Don’t let pride in your achievements cut you off from God. 

Prayer: Abba Father, take away any spirit of pride and self-righteousness in me. Everyday of my life I humble myself before You as a sinner that needs your mercy. Let Your humble spirit dwell in me richly, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

THE TRUTH

 

November, 28

“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.”

3 John 3 

The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in the truth. If the first had not been the case, the second could never have occurred; and if the second could not be said of him the first would have been a mere pretence. Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of creed are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the frame; but doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body. In us truth must be a living force, an active energy, an indwelling reality, a part of the woof and warp of our being. If it be in us, we cannot henceforth part with it. A man may lose his garments or his limbs, but his inward parts are vital, and cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life. A Christian can die, but he cannot deny the truth. Now it is a rule of nature that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the centre of the lantern through the glass: when, therefore, the truth is kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and conversation. It is said that the food of certain worms colours the cocoons of silk which they spin: and just so the nutriment upon which a man’s inward nature lives gives a tinge to every word and deed proceeding from him. To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity—the natural product of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul by their manifestation in the man’s conversation. Be it ours today, O gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by thy divine authority, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our daily walk among men. 

WHEN YOU WILLINGLY RECEIVE JESUS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2020.

SUBJECT : WHEN YOU WILLINGLY RECEIVE JESUS! 

Memory verse: "Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going." (John 6 vs 21.)

READ: John 6 vs 16 - 21:

6:16: Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea,
6:17: got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus has not come to them.
6:18: Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing.
6:19: So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid.
6:20: But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
6:21: Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

INTIMATION:

It’s only in Jesus that we can find the purpose of our lives. God sent Him to the world as a revelation of Himself, and we can only truly know God through Jesus. Therefore, receiving Jesus willingly into your life immediately takes you to the source of the revelation of your purpose of being created. The Bible says in Ephesians 1 vs 11, "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His Will." It is in Christ that we find out who we are (we obtain an inheritance), and what we are living for (the purpose of Him for us), and He did it all according to His Will. He works all things according to his overall plans and purposes in everything and for everyone.

Jesus means “the Lord saves.” Jesus came to earth to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus didn't come to help people save themselves, He came to be their Savior from the power and penalty of sin. Receiving Jesus willingly into your life is the only immediate way to receiving salvation. Thank Christ for His death on the cross for your sin, and then ask Him to take control of your life. Your new life begins at that moment.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” (John 14 vs 6). He is the only way to God. By uniting our lives with His, we are united with God. Trust Jesus to take you to the Father, and all the benefits of being God’s child will be yours. As the way, Jesus is our path to the Father. The Scripture says, “And there is salvation in no other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4 vs 12). Jesus is the only means through which we can be saved. One cannot devise his or her own system of religion and expect to be saved on his or her own conditions. One cannot be saved outside the atonement that has been provided by Jesus on the cross. 

As the truth, He is the reality of all God’s promises. Jesus is the revelation of the grace and truth that proceeded from God for the salvation of all men. Salvation, therefore, must be accomplished through the revelation of the mystery of God that was revealed through Jesus (Ephesians 3 vs 3 - 5). Jesus Himself is the truth that sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from self-deception, and from deception of Satan. He shows us clearly the way to everlasting life with God. Thus Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. As we seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that God meant us to be. 

Jesus is the Creator of life, and His life brings light to humankind. In His light, we see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a Savior). When we follow Jesus, the true Light, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our live. If He guides your life, you’ll never need to stumble in darkness. Jesus gives life. The life He gives is abundantly rich and full. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived in higher plane because of His overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. 

He who is life can surely restore life. Whoever believes in Christ has a spiritual life that death cannot conquer or diminish in any way. The answer to man’s mortality is found only in Jesus. One cannot find life outside the sacrificial blood of Jesus (John 8 vs 13). In order to have life throughout eternity, one must come into a covenant relationship with Jesus. Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful.  Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine? 

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for gift of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the revelation of the purpose of our lives in Him. I have willingly received Him into my life, and have confessed Him as my personal Lord and Savior. In Him I live and move and have my being. Give me the grace to stay absolutely and everlastingly focused on Him, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

HIGH PRIEST

 

November, 27

“Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord.”

Zechariah 3:1 

In Joshua the high priest we see a picture of each and every child of God, who has been made nigh by the blood of Christ, and has been taught to minister in holy things, and enter into that which is within the veil. Jesus has made us priests and kings unto God, and even here upon earth we exercise the priesthood of consecrated living and hallowed service. But this high priest is said to be “standing before the angel of the Lord,” that is, standing to minister. This should be the perpetual position of every true believer. Every place is now God’s temple, and his people can as truly serve him in their daily employments as in his house. They are to be always “ministering,” offering the spiritual sacrifice of prayer and praise, and presenting themselves a “living sacrifice.” But notice where it is that Joshua stands to minister, it is before the angel of Jehovah. It is only through a mediator that we poor defiled ones can ever become priests unto God. I present what I have before the messenger, the angel of the covenant, the Lord Jesus; and through him my prayers find acceptance wrapped up in his prayers; my praises become sweet as they are bound up with bundles of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia from Christ’s own garden. If I can bring him nothing but my tears, he will put them with his own tears in his own bottle for he once wept; if I can bring him nothing but my groans and sighs, he will accept these as an acceptable sacrifice, for he once was broken in heart, and sighed heavily in spirit. I myself, standing in him, am accepted in the Beloved; and all my polluted works, though in themselves only objects of divine abhorrence, are so received, that God smelleth a sweet savour. He is content and I am blessed. See, then, the position of the Christian—“a priest—standing—before the angel of the Lord.” 

SINS THAT EASILY ENSNARE YOU!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020.

SUBJECT : SINS THAT EASILY ENSNARE YOU! 

Memory verse: "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12 vs 1.)

READ: Romans 6 vs 12:

6:12: Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 

INTIMATION:

A conscious effort must be made on the part of every Christian to separate himself or herself from anything that would lead one into sin. As humans, we are stubborn and rebellious in nature; wanting to do or have things our own way. However, our Maker and Owner has His purposes for us and has given us the route to travel and the routine and regulations for traveling on that route. But we have always wittingly or unwittingly neglected His routines and regulations thereby “missing the mark” which is sin. To run the Christian race that God has set before us, we must also strip off the excess “weight” (sin) that slows us down. All sins hinders one’s faithfulness in running the Christian race, but there are some sin(s) that easily ensnares us. We have to effectively deal with it.

We all have areas where temptation is strong and habits are hard to conquer. These weaknesses give the devil a foothold, so we must deal with our areas of vulnerability. The Christian life involves hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, to run with endurance, and to struggle against sin with the power of the Holy Spirit. The most effective way for one to flee evil is to pursue righteousness. When we are constantly pursuing that which is right, then we are automatically fleeing from temptation. In order to refrain from doing that which is evil, one must do that which is good. Simply refraining from doing that which is evil will not be permanent in one’s life if he or she does not do that which is good.

Three steps are necessary to find victory over those sin(s) that easily ensnares us: 

(1) Stay away from tempting situations. Running away is sometimes considered cowardly. But wise people realize that removing themselves physically from temptation often can be the most courageous action to take. Do you have a recurring temptation that you find difficult to resist? Remove yourself physically from any situation that stimulates your desire to sin. Knowing when to run is as important in spiritual battle as knowing when and how to fight. 

(2) Dealing with sin(s) and temptation(s) that easily ensnares us requires self-discipline. To exercise adequate self-discipline, requires an honest look at your strengths and weaknesses, with emphasis on the latter. It means building the will to say no when a powerful appetite inside you screams yes. When you have self-discipline, you can say no to friends or situations that will lead you away from Christ. Choose friends who are also committed to the race. Wrong friends will have values and activities that may deter you from the course. Much of your own weight may result from the crowd you run with. Make wiser choices.

Self-discipline is a long, steady course in learning attitudes that do not come naturally, and channeling natural appetites toward God’s purposes. Where are your weak points? Seek the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to strengthen you in your areas of vulnerability. Get help for addictions that disable you. If you have a secret “weight” such as phonographs, gambling, or alcohol, admit your need and get help today of the body of Christ. Pray with a friend for God’s help to redirect weakness into strength, be open to their willingness to hold you accountable and to pray for you. Endeavor to drop those activities that may be weight. 

(3) Avoid the love of pleasure over the love of God. As humans, it’s tempting for us to love pleasure more than God. This is because pleasure is something we can control; God cannot be controlled. Most pleasures can be obtained easily; love for God requires effort and sometimes sacrifice. Pleasure benefits us now; the benefits of loving God are often in the future. Pleasure has a narcotic effect, it takes our minds off ourselves and our problems. Love for God reminds us of our responsibilities. Pleasure cooperates with pride. It makes us feel good when we look good in the eyes of others. 

To love God we must lay aside our pride and our accomplishments. Have you chosen to love pleasure, or to love God? As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, meditation, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Train diligently—your spiritual progress depends upon it. 

Prayer: Abba Father, let Your Holy Spirit strengthen me in my inner man to resist temptation, eschew evil, and also empower me to live for You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

WHATSOEVER THY HAND FINDETH TO DO

 

November, 26

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do,” refers to works that are possible. There are many things which our heart findeth to do which we never shall do. It is well it is in our heart; but if we would be eminently useful, we must not be content with forming schemes in our heart, and talking of them; we must practically carry out “whatsoever our hand findeth to do.” One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories. Let us not wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of work, but do just the things we “find to do” day by day. We have no other time in which to live. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but time present. Then do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity before you attempt to serve God. Endeavour now to bring forth fruit. Serve God now, but be careful as to the way in which you perform what you find to do—“do it with thy might.” Do it promptly; do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do to-morrow as if that could recompense for the idleness of today. No man ever served God by doing things to-morrow. If we honour Christ and are blessed, it is by the things which we do today. Whatever you do for Christ throw your whole soul into it. Do not give Christ a little slurred labour, done as a matter of course now and then; but when you do serve him, do it with heart, and soul, and strength. 

But where is the might of a Christian? It is not in himself, for he is perfect weakness. His might lieth in the Lord of Hosts. Then let us seek his help; let us proceed with prayer and faith, and when we have done what our “hand findeth to do,” let us wait upon the Lord for his blessing. What we do thus will be well done, and will not fail in its effect. 

REPENT FROM YOUR SIN!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2020.

SUBJECT : REPENT FROM YOUR SIN! 

Memory verse: "Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3 vs 19.)

READ: Revelation 2 vs 5:

2:5: Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

INTIMATION:

Repent means “to turn,” implying a change in behavior; to be sorry, with a change of heart. To repent from sin is turning from sin toward God; to make a moral U-turn from sin to God. It’s making a 180 degree turn from the kind of self-centeredness that leads to wrong actions, such as lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, taking revenge, abusing, and indulging in sexual immorality. A person who turns from sin stops rebelling and begins following God’s way of living prescribed in His Word. Repentance happens inside with a cleansing that isn’t seen right away. 

The first step to repentance and turning to God is to admit your sin. Then God will receive you and help you live the way He wants. Remember that only God can get rid of sin. He doesn’t expect us to clean up our lives before we come to Him. To turn to God to receive forgiveness from sins implies turning away from sins. We can’t just say we believe and then live any way we choose, neither can we simply live a morally correct life without a personal relationship with God because that cannot bring forgiveness from sin. God promises not only to cleanse us of our sins but to bring spiritual refreshment. 

Turning away from sin may at first seem painful because it is hard to break old habits and give up certain sins. The hardest part of repentance is changing the attitudes that originally produced the sinful behavior. But God will give you a better way. As Hosea promised, “Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth” (Hosea 6 vs 3). 

Confession of sin and a changed life are inseparable. Faith without deeds is dead (James 2 vs 14 - 26). Confession and repentance must come before receiving forgiveness. Turning from sin must be tied to action. Following Jesus means more than saying the right words, it means acting on what He says. When we are aware that we have done wrong, we should admit it plainly to God rather than try to cover it up or hope we can get away with it. 

Sin leads to more sin, a downward spiral that can be stopped only by repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit to change our behavior. God puts no limit on the number of times we can come to Him to obtain mercy, but we must come in order to obtain it, recognizing our need and asking Him for help. This miracle of grace should inspire us  to always sincerely come to God. If there is a recurring problem or difficulty in your life, continue to ask God for help, and be willing and ready to make changes in your attitude and behavior that will correct the situation.

We are rebellious and stubborn by nature. Throughout our lives we struggle with sin. Repentance once a month or once a week is not enough. We must constantly turn from our sins to God and let Him, in His mercy, save us. God sometimes has to break a person in order to bring him or her to repentance. This can be through humiliation, pain, suffering, and defeat. No matter how evil you have been, it is never too late to humble yourself, turn to God, and ask for forgiveness.

Because we have a tendency to sin, only repentance is the true measure of spiritual sensitivity. Repentance means not only confessing sins and asking God to forgive us, but also abandoning our sinful ways. Many people want to add God and the benefits of Christianity to their lives without acknowledging their personal sin and guilt. We must take responsibility for our actions and confess them to God before we can expect Him to forgive us and continue His work in us. But we cannot do this sincerely unless we are truly sorry for our sinful actions. 

True repentance does not end with words of confession—that would be mere lip-service. It must lead to changed attitudes and behavior. Weeping, fasting, and making restitution or apologies (if our sin has involved others) demonstrate our sincerity when we repent. When you sin and are truly sorry, confess this to God, ask for forgiveness, and accept His grace and mercy. Then, as an act of thankfulness for your forgiveness, make the needed corrections. We should not pretend to change as it is dangerous to us and even others around us. 

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for Your miracle of grace and mercy. You are so faithful and just to forgive my sins when I confess to You, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Give me grace to always come to You in sincerity of my sinful behaviors, and ask for Your forgiveness, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVE

 

November, 25

“To preach deliverance to the captives.”

Luke 4:18 

None but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty cometh from him only. It is a liberty righteously bestowed; for the Son, who is Heir of all things, has a right to make men free. The saints honour the justice of God, which now secures their salvation. It is a liberty which has been dearly purchased. Christ speaks it by his power, but he bought it by his blood. He makes thee free, but it is by his own bonds. Thou goest clear, because he bare thy burden for thee: thou art set at liberty, because he has suffered in thy stead. But, though dearly purchased, he freely gives it. Jesus asks nothing of us as a preparation for this liberty. He finds us sitting in sackcloth and ashes, and bids us put on the beautiful array of freedom; he saves us just as we are, and all without our help or merit. When Jesus sets free, the liberty is perpetually entailed; no chains can bind again. Let the Master say to me, “Captive, I have delivered thee,” and it is done forever. Satan may plot to enslave us, but if the Lord be on our side, whom shall we fear? The world, with its temptations, may seek to ensnare us, but mightier is he who is for us than all they who be against us. The machinations of our own deceitful hearts may harass and annoy us, but he who hath begun the good work in us will carry it on and perfect it to the end. The foes of God and the enemies of man may gather their hosts together, and come with concentrated fury against us, but if God acquitteth, who is he that condemneth? Not more free is the eagle which mounts to his rocky eyrie, and afterwards outsoars the clouds, than the soul which Christ hath delivered. If we are no more under the law, but free from its curse, let our liberty be practically exhibited in our serving God with gratitude and delight. “I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.” “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” 

BROAD RIVERS AND STREAMS OF GOD

 

November, 24

“The glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams.”

Isaiah 33:21 

Broad rivers and streams produce fertility, and abundance in the land. Places near broad rivers are remarkable for the variety of their plants and their plentiful harvests. God is all this to his Church. Having God she has abundance. What can she ask for that he will not give her? What want can she mention which he will not supply? “In this mountain shall the Lord of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things.” Want ye the bread of life? It drops like manna from the sky. Want ye refreshing streams? The rock follows you, and that Rock is Christ. If you suffer any want it is your own fault; if you are straitened you are not straitened in him, but in your own bowels. Broad rivers and streams also point to commerce. Our glorious Lord is to us a place of heavenly merchandise. Through our Redeemer we have commerce with the past; the wealth of Calvary, the treasures of the covenant, the riches of the ancient days of election, the stores of eternity, all come to us down the broad stream of our gracious Lord. We have commerce, too, with the future. What galleys, laden to the water’s edge, come to us from the millennium! What visions we have of the days of heaven upon earth! Through our glorious Lord we have commerce with angels; communion with the bright spirits washed in blood, who sing before the throne; nay, better still, we have fellowship with the Infinite One. Broad rivers and streams are specially intended to set forth the idea of security. Rivers were of old a defence. Oh! beloved, what a defence is God to his Church! The devil cannot cross this broad river of God. How he wishes he could turn the current, but fear not, for God abideth immutably the same. Satan may worry, but he cannot destroy us; no galley with oars shall invade our river, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. 

THE MERCY OF GOD!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2020.

SUBJECT : THE MERCY OF GOD! 

Memory verse: "O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 136 vs 1.)

READ: Zechariah 3 vs 1 - 5:

3:1: Then he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.
3:2: And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”
3:3: Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel.
3:4: Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”
3:5: And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

INTIMATION:

Mercy is a translation of a Hebrew word that includes aspects of love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness. It is the outward manifestation of pity. It assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it. It is used of God who is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2 vs 4), and who has provided salvation for all men. God is merciful to those who fear (reverence) Him. We never have to worry that God will run out of love because it flows from a well that will never run dry. All that exists is the result of the mercy of God. God could have existed alone in eternity, but He chose not to. 

Mercy has literally been defined as not giving a person what he or she deserve in punishment. This is exactly what God does for us. Our disobedience demands God’s wrath! But God is merciful to us sinners; He shows mercy toward us by providing an escape from sin’s penalty through Jesus Christ, Who alone saves us from sin. When we pray for forgiveness, we are asking for what we do not deserve. Yet when we take this step and trust in Christ’s saving work on our behalf, we can experience God’s forgiveness.

Countless times throughout the Bible we see God showing His love and patience toward men and women in order to save them. Although He realizes that their hearts are evil, He continues to try to reach them. When we sin or fall away from God, we surely deserve to be destroyed by His judgement. But God has promised never again to destroy everything on earth until the judgement day when Christ returns to destroy evil forever. God reminds Himself of this promise by every change of season made by Him.

God’s mercy is unbelievable, it goes far beyond what we can imagine. Even when we deliberately walk away from Him and ruin our lives, He would still take us back, and give us inward spiritual renewal. God wants to forgive us our sins and bring us back to Himself, too, and will not remember them anymore. Most of us will not learn this until their world has crashed in around them. Then the sorrow and pain seem to open our eyes to what God has been saying all along. Are you separated from God by sin? No matter how far you have wandered, God promises a fresh beginning if only you will turn to Him.

The passage we read today regarding Zachariah’s vision portrays how we receive God’s mercy. We do nothing ourselves. God removes our filthy garments (sins), then provides us with fine, new clothes (the righteousness and holiness of God—Second Corinthians 5 vs 21; Ephesians 4 vs 25; Revelation 19 vs 8). All we need to do is repent and ask God to forgive us. When Satan tries to make you feel dirty and unworthy, remember that the clean clothes of Christ’s righteousness make you worthy to draw near to God. 

Satan accused (opposed) Joshua, who here represents the nation of Israel. The accusations were accurate—Joshua stood in filthy garments (sins). Yet God revealed His mercy, stating that He chose to save His people in spite of their sin. Satan is always accusing people of their sins before God (Job 1 vs 6). But he greatly misunderstands the breadth of God’s mercy and forgiveness toward those who believe in Him. Satan the accuser will ultimately be destroyed (Revelation 12 vs 10); while everyone who is a believer will be saved (John 3 vs 16). To be prepared, we can ask God to remove our clothing of sin and dress us with His goodness. 

We should be thankful that God’s mercy extends to us. Many times God has withheld us from sinning against Him in many ways unknown to us, and we can’t even detect. We have no way of knowing, but He does. God works just as often in ways we can’t see as in ways we can. It is easy to view sin lightly in a world that sees sin as inconsequential, but we should view sin as serious. Even when we sin in the worst imaginable way, we can turn to God with prayers and repentance. 

Prayer: Abba Father, You are full of compassion, gracious, long suffering, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy to all those who call upon You. Thank You, O Lord, for Your grace and mercy upon my sinful life and may it speak for me all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD! 

HOW CAN I BRING GLORY TO GOD?

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2020.

SUBJECT : HOW CAN I BRING GLORY TO GOD?

Memory verse: "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your Name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth." (Psalm 115 vs 1.)

READ: First Corinthians 10 vs 31; First Peter 4 vs 11:

First Corinthians 10:31: Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

First Peter 4:11: If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone minister, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

INTIMATION:

Glory means fame, honor, praise, splendor, beauty. We are created to bring glory to God—bestow honor, fame, praise splendor to Him (Isaiah 43 vs 7). Living for God's glory is purposeful, and in accordance with the wii of God. It is the greatest achievement anyone can accomplish with his or her live. God made you to be you, and for a purpose. When the purpose for which He created you is met by you, you give glory to Him. God, in His nature of Love and mercy, in return, glorifies those you glorified Him. Jesus said in John 17 vs 5, "And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was." 

How then can I bring glory to Him? There are many ways to bring glory to God, but they can be summarized in God's five purposes for your life. These purposes are:-

(1) We bring God glory by worshipping Him. Worship is the appropriate response to God's self-revelation. It is our first responsibility to God. We worship God for who He is. God wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving, and delight, not duty. We worship God by enjoying Him. Worship is far more than praising, singing, and praying to God, though they are all acts of worship. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving Him, and giving ourselves to be used for His purposes. When you use your life for God's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship. 

(2) We bring glory to God by loving other believers. When you were born again, you became a part of God's family. Following Christ is not only a matter of believing; it also includes belonging and learning to love the family of God. The apostle Paul said, "Therefore, receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God" (Romans 15 vs 7). Accept each other just as Christ accepted you;  then God will be glorified. It is your responsibility to learn how to love as God does, because God is love, and it honors Him.  

(3) We bring God glory by becoming like Christ. Once we are born into the family of God, He wants us to grow to spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel, and act. The more you develop Christlike character, the more you will bring glory to God. In the Gospel, we see the truth about Christ, and it transforms us morally as we understand and apply it. Through learning about Christ's life, we can understand how wonderful God is and what He is really like. As our knowledge deepens, the Holy Spirit helps us to change. Becoming like Christ is a progressive experience. God gave us new life and a new nature when you accepted Christ. Now, for the rest of your life on earth, God wants to continue the process of changing your character to eventually conform to Christ’s.

(4) We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts. Each of us was uniquely designed by God with talents, gifts, skills, and abilities. The way you're "wired" is not an accident. God didn't give you your abilities for selfish purposes. They were given to benefit others, just as others were given abilities for your benefit. Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel they have no special talents at all. Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them. All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. 

(5) We bring God glory by telling others about Him. God doesn't want His love and purposes kept a secret. Once we know the truth, He expects us to share it with others. It is for this reason He gave us the great commission to preach the Good News (Mark 16 vs 15). This is a great privilege, introducing others to Jesus, helping them discover their purpose, and preparing them for their eternal destiny. God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, and as this is done God will receive more and more glory. Second Corinthians 4 vs 15 says, " ... That grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God." God is glorified when people come into a right relationship with Him and begin to bear fruit  in their lives.

When the combination of allowing Jesus to permeate our behavior, and subsequently allowing our behavior to affect the lives of others, then truly God is glorified on earth among men. Our actions must be motivated by God’s love so that all we do will be for His glory. Keep this as a guiding principle by asking, “Is this action glorifying God?” or “How can ai honor God through this action?” 

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to continually do things to glorify You. My utmost heart desire is for an intimate relationship with You, and that Inmay serve You and others acceptably, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen. 

PRAISE THE LORD!