TRUE LEADERSHIP

TRUE LEADERSHIP

"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. Romans 12:1" 

Devotion : Apostle Paul is a true leader: he will go as far as begging or pleading with his converts to get them to do what God wants. The opening scripture shows that Christians who present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, will be in a position to renew their mind with the Holy Scriptures; after renewing their mind, their mind will then be sound to prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. On the other hand, Christians who do not present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, will conform to the dictate of the world; they will also not be able to renew their mind with the Holy Scriptures so they cannot prove the will of God. Dear beloved, have you presented your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God? Briefly explain why. Share your comment here. 

TRUE FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY JULY 22, 2020.

SUBJECT:  TRUE FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD!

Memory verse:  "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11 vs 1.) 

READ: Hebrews 11 vs 1 - 6:

11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
11:2: For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
11:3: By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
11:4: By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts, and through it he being dead still speaks.
11:5: By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death; “and was not found, because God had taken him”, for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

11:7: By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

INTIMATION:

True faith combines assurance and anticipation. It is the confidence based on past experience that God’s new and fresh surprises will surely be ours. The beginning point of faith is believing in God’s promises. He will do what He says. When we believe that God will fulfill His promises even though we don’t see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith—believing that ‘He who promised is faithful and will do it’ (Hebrews 10 vs 23).

True faith is pleasing to God, and such faith moves the one who possesses it into action and confidence in the promises of God. It is a faith that does not give up hope in what God has promised as a reward for the believer. It is not a simple confession with one’s mouth that he believes in God. It is a life commitment to the work of God who is working to bring about the final end and purpose of all things. Believing that God exists is only the beginning, even the demons believe that much (James 2 vs 19 - 20). God will not settle for mere acknowledgement of His existence. He wants your faith that leads to a personal, dynamic relationship. 

Biblical faith is based on evidence. The apostle John, in his gospel, recorded the evidence of the miraculous works of Jesus in order that we believe (John 20 vs 30 - 31). God has never expected us to believe without evidence. Consequently, in the 1st Century, He confirmed His messengers and message by miraculous manifestations. Belief without evidence is only superstition. The faith of the Christian, however, is not superstition. Our faith today is based on the record of the testimonies of the patriarchs of old who gave their testimony to the work and faithfulness of God—those who actually experienced the confirming work of God. 

Christians have hope in those things that they have not experienced because God has given miraculous evidence to the truth of the message they believe. They grow in faith in the promises of God as they study the testimony of those who personally experienced the confirming miracles that are recorded in the Bible. Though they are dead, the account of their active faith still teaches us lessons of obedient faith  that is pleasing to God.

The faith of Christians is not in the meritorious performance of religious ceremonies. It is in the performance of Jesus on the cross who offered an atoning sacrifice for our sins once and for all time. If one’s faith does not move him or her into depending on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, it is a faith that does not please God. Faith must act in faithful obedience to the will of God. Without this obedient faith, one has deceived himself into believing that a simple belief in the existence of God is sufficient for salvation.

If one claims to have faith in God, and yet does not manifest such in the behavior of his or her life, then such faith is of no profit toward salvation. Faith without benevolent actions is self-deception on the part of the one who seeks to please God on his own conditions. One’s faith must be manifested by the benevolent actions toward others. The love of God cannot be seen without obedience to the commandments of God. The faith in God can be seen with benevolent actions toward one’s fellow man. 

Prayer: Abba Father, You are the same yesterday, today, and remains the same forever. You have manifested Your greatness in Your wondrous works from the beginning and has continued till this day, and will forever do the same. My absolute trust is in You and Your unchanging nature. Endue me with the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, that I may speak as I believed, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

BRING GLORY TO GOD BY TELLING OTHERS ABOUT HIM!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY JULY 21, 2020.

SUBJECT: BRING GLORY TO GOD BY TELLING OTHERS ABOUT HIM!

Memory verse:  "Those who are wise shall shine like brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever." (Daniel 12 vs 3.)

READ: Proverbs 11 vs 30:

11:30: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he who wins souls is wise.

INTIMATION:

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 in Mark 16 vs 15, "....Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." 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.”

Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world, telling everyone that He had paid the penalty for sin and that those who believe in Him can be forgiven and live eternally with God. Christians today in all parts of the world are telling this gospel to people who haven’t heard about Christ. As you personally realize that Jesus rose from the dead and lives for you today, and as you grow in your relationship with Christ, He will give you both the opportunities and the inner strength to tell His message. 

The mission of early Christians was to go forth and preach the gospel, thus turning many from sin to righteousness;“ (Mark 16 vs 15 - 16) The ministry will seize after the final coming of Christ. Through the preaching of the gospel, those who feared God could be transferred into the body of God’s people by obedience to the gospel. The repentance of a single soul occasions great joy in the presence of God’s angels (Luke 15 vs 10), hence the shining like stars forever of the saint through whose witnessing (preaching of the Good News) the soul was converted. 

Many people try to be stars in the world of entertainment, only to find their stardom temporary. God tells us how we can be eternal “stars”—by being wise and leading many to God’s righteousness. If we share our Lord with others, we can be true stars—radiantly beautiful in God’s sight. God gave Jesus authority over heaven and earth. On the basis of that authority, Jesus told His disciples make more disciples as they preached, baptized, and taught. With the same authority, Jesus still commands us to tell others the gospel and make disciples for the kingdom. We are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we have all received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the “Great Commission.” As we obey, we have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us. 

When someone is dying or leaving us, his or her last words are very important. Jesus left the disciples with these last words of instruction: They were under His authority; they were to make more disciples; they were to baptize and teach new disciples to obey Christ; and Christ would be with them always. Whereas in previous missions Jesus had sent His disciples only to the Jews (Matthew 10 vs 5 - 6), their mission from now on would be worldwide. Jesus is Lord of the earth, and He died for sins of people from all nations. We are to go—whether it is next door or to another country—and make disciples. It is not an option but a command to all who call Jesus “Lord.” 

The apostle James further says to all believers, “Brethren, if anyone among you wonders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5 vs 19 - 20.) Clearly this person who has wondered from the truth is a believer who has fallen into sin—one who is no longer living a life persistent with his or her beliefs. Christians believe that those who fall away from their faith are in serious trouble and need to repent. Such backsliders should be helped to return to God. By taking the initiative, praying for such person, and acting in love, we can meet the person where he or she is and bring him or her back to God and His forgiveness. 

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You so much for the gift of salvation, and for all You wrought for me in redemption. O Lord, endue me with the spirit of raw obedience that I will graciously spread the Good News to everyone I can reach in this world, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

GO TO HIM BOLDLY

GO TO HIM BOLDLY

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. Psalms 31:24"

Devotion : The Almighty God cannot tell us to exhibit any virtue which is not already in our spirit. Boldness is a virtue that the Holy Spirit has deposited inside the spirit of the believer in Christ Jesus (Acts 1:8). Hope is to expect with confidence. In other words, if you have confidence in God, expecting Him to do something for you, be bold and go to Him in prayer and your heart will be strengthened to receive from Him (Hebrews 4:16). Dear beloved, don't be afraid to pray to God even if you have sinned. He said come to Him boldly and you shall receive grace. Even confess your sins boldly in a repented disposition and He will forgive you. Hallelujah! Share your thought here.

BRING GLORY TO GOD BY SERVING OTHERS WITH YOUR GIFTS!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY JULY 20, 2020.

SUBJECT: BRING GLORY TO GOD BY SERVING OTHERS WITH YOUR GIFTS!

Memory verse:  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5 vs 16.)

READ: First Peter 4 vs 10 - 11:

4:10: As each one has received gift, minister it one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
4:11: If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

INTIMATION:

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. 

How is God glorified when we use our abilities? When we use them as He directs; to help others, they will see Jesus in us and praise Him for the help they have received. God would be glorified because the origin of the gifts is Himself. All of us are blessed by God with natural gifts from birth. Though these gifts are not the same as the Spirit--given gifts (First Corinthians 12 vs 8 - 11), they are God-given in the sense that all we are is from God. The Scripture, in John 3 vs 27,notes, “...A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” Though some people use their natural gifts for their own self-gratification and profit. However, the God-given natural gifts that every Christian has must be used for the benefit of others. 

 

God gives us gifts so we can serve one another with them. To use them effectively, we must (1) realize that all gifts and abilities come from God; (2) understand that not everyone has the same gifts; (3) know who we are and what we do best; (4) dedicate our gifts to God’s service and not to our personal success; (5) be willing to utilize our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God’s service. God’s gifts defer in nature, power, and effectiveness according to His wisdom and graciousness, not according to our faith. Our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve others with what Christ has given us. Since all gifts originated from God, whether miraculous or not, then they must be used according to the will of God.

Be a beacon of good works—don’t deny the world your God-given abilities and talents in helping those in need of them. Our abilities should be faithfully used to serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Incidentally, everyone has some gifts God has deposited in us; find yours and use them. Even as we seek to discover our gifts, if you see a need, seek to meet it. You may find gifts in areas you might not have guessed. 

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You, most gracious Lord, for the talents and abilities You deposited in me. Endue me with the spirit of selflessness that I may serve You and others with the abilities and talents, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

BRING GLORY TO GOD BY BECOMING LIKE CHRIST!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY JULY 19, 2020.

SUBJECT: BRING GLORY TO GOD BY BECOMING LIKE CHRIST!

Memory verse:  "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (Second Corinthians 3 vs 18.)

READ: Romans 15 vs 1 - 5:

15:1: We then who are strong ought to bear the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
15:2: Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
15:3: For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”
15:4: For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
15:5: Now the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus,

INTIMATION:

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. The Christian’s life is being transformed into the image of Jesus by their obedience to His will. Becoming Christlike is a progressive experience. The more closely we follow Christ, the more we will be like Him. 

By gazing at the nature of God with unveiled minds (open minds), we can be more like Him. 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. For instance, our knowledge of Christ’s sincere love and selflessness, triggers off selflessness in our lives. God’s love and forgiveness free us to take our eyes off ourselves and to meet others’ needs. By Christ’s sacrifice of His life, He showed that He truly loves you. Now we can love others by following His example and giving of ourselves sacrificially. 

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. The Bible in Philippians 1 vs 11 says, "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." The "fruits of righteousness" includes all the character traits flowing from a relationship with God. There is no other way to gain this fruit of righteousness than through Christ.

The Holy Spirit helps us to become like Christ through imbibing the “fruit of the Spirit.” The Scripture in Galatians 5 vs 22 - 23, says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, Peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are by-products of Christ’s control—we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His (John 15 vs 4 - 5). We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him.

“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. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies Himself, just as He is pure.” (First John 3 vs 2 - 3) The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Christ. This process will not be complete until we see Christ face to face, but knowing that it is our ultimate destiny should motivate us to purify ourselves. To purify means to keep morally straight, free from the corruption of sin. God also purifies us but there are actions we must take to remain morally fit.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of submission to Christ’s control, that I will imbibe and exhibit the character traits found in Christ, and give a You glory by becoming like Him, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

BRING GLORY TO GOD BY LOVING OTHER BRLIEVERS!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY JULY 18, 2020.

SUBJECT: BRING GLORY TO GOD BY LOVING OTHER BELIEVERS!

Memory verse:  "Therefore, receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God" (Romans 15 vs 7).

READ: First John 3 vs 14 - 18:

3:14: We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not  love his brother abides in death.
3:15: Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
3:16: By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
3:17: But whoever hath this world's good, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

3:18: My little children, let us not love in word, or in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

INTIMATION:

It is your responsibility to learn how to love as God does, because God is love, and it honors Him. Christianity is a religion of the heart, outward compliance alone is not enough. Real love is in action, not a feeling. It produces selfless, sacrificial giving. The greatest act of love is giving oneself for others. How can we lay down our lives? By serving others with no thought of receiving anything in return. Sometimes it is easier to say we will die for others than we truly live for them—this involves putting others’ desires first. 

Jesus taught this same principle of love in John 15 vs 13, “Greater love has no one than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” The greatest expression of love that can be made is that one lay down his life for his friend. And such was what Jesus did for all who would obey Him. We are to love each other as Jesus loves us, and He loves us enough to give His life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping when it is not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others welfare without complaining or fighting back, encouraging others, and so on. This kind of loving is hard to do. That is why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source. 

Christianity is relational. Love is more than simply warm feelings; it is an attitude that reveals itself in action. The evidence of a Christian’s salvation is the behavioral relationship he or she maintains with another, and the commandments of God. Hence Jesus gave us a new commandment, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13 vs 34 - 35.) The evidence that one has passed out of the unregenerate life of sin, and into the eternal life in Christ is the loving relationship one maintains with others.

The Bible has another beautiful description of love in First Corinthians 13. Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts exercised in the body of Christ. Great faith, acts of dedication or sacrifice, and miracle-working power have little effect without love. Love makes our actions and gifts useful. Although people have different gifts, love is available to everyone (Romans 5 vs 5). Love is the greatest of all human qualities and an attitude of God Himself (First John 4 vs 8). It involves unselfish service to others. God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is impossible to have this love unless God helps us set aside our natural desires so that we can love and not expect anything in return.

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 John wrote in First John 3 vs 14, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren, he who does not love his brother abides in death." Accept each other just as Christ accepted you;  then God will be glorified. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of Love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more.

Prayer: Abba Father, engrace me to manifest the love of God that has been poured out in my heart by the Holy Spirit who was given to us, among fellow believers, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!