JOY OF OBEDIENT

"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. John 13:17" 

Devotion : Jesus had washed the disciples' feet and had wiped them with a towel. When He had finished, He told them to wash each other's feet for a disciple is not greater than His master. He continued to tell them that it is good to know His Word and His work but happy will they be if they do them. He made it explicitly clear that knowing the scriptures is not enough but rather doing the scriptures is what brings happiness and joy. Dear beloved, are you backing up the scriptures you know with action? Share your thoughts with other learners!

TOTAL SURRENDER!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2020.

SUBJECT: TOTAL SURRENDER!

Memory verse: "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him." (Psalm 62 vs 5.)

READ: Genesis 22 vs 1 - 10:

22:1: Now it came to pass after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”
22:2: Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I shall tell you.”
22:3: So Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and split the wood for the burnt offering, and rose and went to the place of which God had told him.
22:4: Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
22:5: And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
22:6: So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it on His Son Isaac; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and the two of them together.
22:7: But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father, and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”
22:8: And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.
22:9: Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.

22:10: And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.

INTIMATION:

Surrendering totally to God means to yield completely to Him. Surrendering to God is not passive resignation, fatalism, or an excuse to relax, or laziness. It is not accepting the status quo. It means the exact opposite: sacrificing your life to God, or suffering in order to change what needs to be changed. 

God often calls surrendered people to do battle on His behalf. Surrendering is for soldiers of Christ, not for cowards. Likewise it does not mean giving up rational thinking. God would not waste the mind He gave you! God does not want robots to serve Him. Surrendering is not repressing your personality. Rather than its being diminished, surrendering enhances it. The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become because He made us. He invented all the different people you and I intended to be. It is when we turn to Christ, when we give up ourselves to His personality, that we first begin to have a real personality of our own. 

Surrendering is best demonstrated in obedience. You say, "yes, Lord" to whatever He asks of you. To say, "no, Lord" is to speak a contradiction. You can't call Jesus your Lord when you refuse to obey Him. Surrendered people obey God's Word, even if it doesn't make sense. For instance Peter demonstrated the act of surrender when he obeyed the instruction of Jesus, after a whole night of toiling without success: "Master, we have toiled and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." (Luke 5 vs 5.) 

Another aspect of a fully surrendered life is trust. Abraham followed God's leading without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited for God's perfect timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joseph trusted God's purpose without knowing why circumstances happened the way they did. Each of these people were fully surrendered to God. You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out, instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don't have to always be "in charge." 

The Bible says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37 vs 7.)  instead of trying harder, you trust more. You also know you're surrendered when you don't react to criticism and rush to defend yourself. Surrendered hearts show up best in relationships. You don't edge others out, you don't demand your rights, and you aren't self-serving when you are surrendered. You don't fret because of him who prospers in his way, or because the wicked man with his schemes is succeeding while you are not.

The most difficult area to surrender for many people is their money. Many have thought, "I want to live for God but I also want to earn enough money to live comfortably and retire someday." Retirement is not the goal of a surrendered life, because it competes with God for the primary attention of our lives. Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6 vs 24), and "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6 vs 21). 

We live in a materialistic society where many people serve money. They spend all their lives chasing after money, collecting, and storing it, only to die and leave it behind. Their desire for money far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters. Whatever you store up you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about. I advice that you do not fall into the materialistic trap, because "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (First Timothy 6 vs 10). Can you honestly say that God, not money, is your master? One test is to ask which one more of your thoughts, time, and efforts.

The supreme example of self-surrender is Jesus. The night before His crucifixion Jesus surrendered Himself to God's plan. He prayed, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." (Mark 14 vs 36.) Jesus didn't pray, "God, if you are able to take away this pain, please do so." He had already affirmed that God can do anything! Instead he prayed, "God, if it is in your best interest to remove this suffering, please do so. But if it fulfills your purpose, that's what I want, too."

Genuine surrender says, "Father, if this problem, pain, sickness, or circumstance is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life or in another's, please don't take it away. This level of maturity does not come easy. In Jesus' case, He agonized so much over God's plan that He sweat drops of blood. Surrender is hard work. In our case, it is intense warfare against our self-centered nature.

 

Prayer: Abba Father, I surrender totally to You. Yours I am, and Yours I want to be, do with me as it is pleasing to You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen

PRAISE THE LORD!

BE CONFIDENT IN CHRIST JESUS.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6" 

Devotion : There are many witnesses to uncompleted projects by governments and certain key holders in the society. In the kingdom of God, this is not so, because Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). This explains our confidence in Christ that whatever He has started with us He is able to complete it or bring it to a perfect end. Dear beloved, what good work has God started in you? Have confidence in Christ Jesus, and keep believing in Him. Keep having faith in the Word of God, and He will perfect what He has started in you. Share your comments here!

COVENANT KEEPING GOD

"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deuteronomy 7:9"

Devotion : A covenant is an agreement between a higher being and a lesser being with a seal of blood; in the covenant, the higher being promises the lesser being, and there is a demand of obligation from the lesser being. There are many covenants in the Bible: Adamic covenant, Abrahamic covenant, Mosaic covenant, etc. There could also be covenants between lesser beings with the invocation of a deity. An example is the covenant between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:16). The opening scripture said we should know that God is a faithful God, He does not break His covenant, He is merciful to those who love Him, and His commandments go beyond a thousand generations. It presupposes that some children of God lack detailed knowledge about God. How well you know God determines how far you will go with Him and the blessings you will receive from Him. Dear beloved, how well do you know the almighty God? What covenant do you have with Him? In the New Testament, Christians have a covenant with Jesus Christ, and this is sealed by his blood; therefore, He will not leave us nor forsake us. Hallelujah! Share your comments here!

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP IN GODLINESS!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY JUNE 18, 2020.

SUBJECT : FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP IN GODLINESS!

Memory verse: "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.” (Luke 16 vs 9.)

READ: Luke 16 vs 10 - 13:

16:10: He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 

16:11: Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 

16:12: And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?

16:13: No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

INTIMATION:

Godliness is likeness to God; it’s to be devout, and denotes that piety which is characterized by a Godward attitude—doing those things that is well-pleasing to God. Financial relates to money or finance matters, while a steward is one entrusted with managing of another person's property or affairs. Financial stewardship comprises of handling or management of financial matters. 

There are Scriptural principles on financial stewardship in Godliness. The importance of this subject is reflected in how much the Scriptures teach about it. The Bible has more to say about finances than most Bible doctrines like heaven and hell or faith and prayer. The influence of money in our lives is very real, so it isn't surprising that Jesus taught more on the subject of finances than any other single topic. He taught more of managing resources than He did on prayer or even faith. As you will learn, seeing yourself as  a steward of God's resources is the only way to true financial freedom.

I know that money is a sore subject that a lot of people want to avoid, but in my considered opinion, learning how God views finances is basic Christianity. Our integrity often meets its match in money matters. Jesus used money and people's attitude towards money to reveal their hearts. God calls us to be honest even in small details we could easily rationalize away. We are to make use of the financial opportunities we have in a godly manner. God is the Owner of the world, and all its fullness (Psalm 50 vs 11). He gives you power to get the wealth (Deuteronomy 8 vs 17 - 18). Therefore, all that you have is entrusted to you by the Owner—God. It’s rational and right to manage those resources entrusted to you to the benefit of the Owner. 

God established the earthly kingdom for His purpose. He created us to serve and obey Him. Wisdom demands that you serve Him even with the resources entrusted to you. Therefore, spend your money unselfishly; in advancing His kingdom; helping those in need, to help others find Christ. Money or riches is not bad, but your attitude toward it determines your godliness in its use. When it is used rightly as God wills, then your earthly investment will bring you eternal benefit. Use your resources which are temporal, to gain those things that are eternal. Investment in kingdom advancement programs is investing in the vineyard of God; it helps you to build your heavenly treasures that are eternal.

Heaven's riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth. But if you are not trustworthy with your money here (no matter how much or little we have), you will be unfit to handle the vast riches of God's kingdom. Most people are enslaved by money; instead of money serving them, they serve money. Money has the power to take God's place in our life. It can become your master. How can you tell if you are a slave to money? (1) Do you think or worry about it frequently? (2) Do you give up doing what you should do or would like to do in order to make more money? (3) Do you spend a great deal of your time caring for your possessions? (4) Is it hard for you to give money away? (5)Are you in debt?

Money is a hard master and a deceptive one. Wealth promises power and control, but often it cannot deliver. Great fortunes can be made - and lost - overnight, and no amount of money can provide health, happiness, or eternal life.

Prayer: Abba Father, my utmost heart desire is to serve You, even with the resources in entrust to my care. Engrace me with the wisdom to manage all entrusted to my care in a godly manner, which is profitable to all things, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12"

Devotion : Jesus Christ is the greatest leader in heaven and on Earth. He has many rewards for Christians, even for enduring temptation. This might come as a surprise to some Christians, but it is true; the opening scripture clearly states it, and the Word of God cannot lie. Christians who are going through temptation should be encouraged by this scripture to bear it to the end so that they can receive the crown of life. Besides receiving the crown of life, Christians who undergo temptation to the end prove their love for Christ. Dear beloved, do you love Christ Jesus? The proof of your love will be tested through temptation, and you must endure it to the end to receive the crown of life. Share your comments here!

BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY JUNE 17, 2020.

SUBJECT : BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING!

Memory verse: 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

" 

(Philippians 4  vs 6.)

READ: Philippians 4 vs 4 -

 7:

4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!

4:5: Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

4:6: 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

4:7: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

INTIMATION:

Being anxious is being uneasy with fear or desire regarding something; worrying, or craving, or yearning for something. Anxiety is the offshoot of care or desire for earthly things. Imagine being anxious for nothing! It seems like an impossibility, right? We all have responsibilities, and worries; on the job, in our homes, in our business, at school, our relationships with others, and even with God. However, the "Omni" nature of God occasioned the counsel of Jesus Christ to us, viz; "Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life." This is because everything, including your life, is planned and purposed by the Owner, who determines circumstances, and commands or allows events as is pleasing to Him (Lamentation 3 vs 37). 

 

Now, have you realized that you contributed nothing, absolutely nothing, in the creation of this world. God created the world, and all that is in it, including you. He owns everything, including you, planned everything, and manages everything according to His plans and purposes for creating them. He is the "Beginning and the End." I am always humbled by God's description of Himself, "..For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet known, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do My pleasure,' (Isaiah 46 vs 9 - 10.)

If then you don't have any control over your life, why worry about things. Christians should put their trust in God, for it is He who is working all things together according to His purposes. Christians must not worry, for to worry is to doubt God’s ability to take care of all things and work all things together for the good of the Christian. Worriers are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Don't let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.

Sincerely, our attitude in all things, according to the Scripture, is to carry your worries, stresses, and daily struggles to God, and trust Him with them, rather than carrying them by yourself. Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. But when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight even of those struggles. Letting God have your anxieties calls for action, that is actually surrendering all to Him. Ensure you don't submit to circumstances, but to the Lord who controls circumstances.

In the passage we read today, the apostle Paul was advising the believers in Philippi from the prison. It is quite strange that a man in prison will be telling a church to rejoice. This is because he knows that no matter what happens, God is in control of all things. Turn your worries into prayers. Whenever you start to worry, you stop to pray, and if you start to pray, you stop to worry. Always give God the first place in your life. 

People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of your life, out of first place if you don't actively choose to give Him first place in every area of your life. Because of the effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God  promises to supply. Worry may damage your health, cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts, disrupt your productivity, negatively affect the way you treat others, reduce your ability to trust in God. Worry immobilizes, but genuine concern moves you to action.

Prayer: Abba Father, all things are Yours, and You have promised to meet all my needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Therefore, engrace me to put away all cares and worries in my life and cast them upon You. I hold tight to Your promise to be with me always, and meet all my needs, in Jesus' Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!