LOVE IS ETERNAL AND WE ARE EVALUATED ON IT!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY AUGUST 4, 2020.

SUBJECT : LOVE IS ETERNAL AND WE ARE EVALUATED ON IT! 

Memory verse: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (First Corinthians 13 vs 13.)

READ: Matthew 25 vs 31 - 46:

25:31: When the Son of man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
25:32: All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.
25:33: And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.
25:34: Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
25:35: For I was hungry and you gave Me food: I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and you took Me in:
25:36: I was naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me: I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
25:37: Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and gave a You drink? 
25:38: When did we see You a stranger, and take You in? Or naked, and clothe You?

25:39: Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?
25:40: And the King shall answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, Inasmuch as you’d I’d it to one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it to Me.’
25:41: Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
25:42: For I was hungry, and you gave Me no food: I was thirsty, and you gave Me no drink:
25:43: I was a stranger, and you you did not take Me in: naked, and you did not clothe Me: sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’

25:44: Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we You hungry or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?’
2545: Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’

25:46: And they will go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

INTIMATION:

God tells us to make Love a top priority in our life because it has eternal value. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God Himself. Today people are still confused about love. Love involves unselfish service to others, to show it gives evidence that you care. Love leaves a legacy. How you treated other people, not your wealth or accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth. As mother Teresa said, "It's not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters." Love is the secret of a lasting heritage. In our final moments we all realize that relationships are what life is all about. Wisdom is learning that truth sooner rather than later. Don't wait until you're on your deathbed to figure out that nothing matters more than love.

It is a common knowledge that people only remember their loved ones when they are in critical conditions of ill health or near death. This is the time they stand on the edge of eternity, and they never ask of any other thing than their loved ones. I have never heard that anyone said, "Bring me my money in the bank! I want to look at my degrees, and awards one more time. Show me my medals, that gold trinkets I acquired! I want to see all my possessions that I can feel them again." When life on earth is ending, people don't surround themselves with objects. What we want around us is people—the loved ones and those we have relationships with.

In the passage we read today, Jesus tells about The Final Judgment. We will be evaluated on love in eternity. One of the ways God measures spiritual maturity is by the quality of your relationships. In heaven God won't say, "Tell Me about your career, your bank account, your titles, your possessions, and your hobbies." Instead He will review how you treated other people, particularly those in need. No wonder all the “Ten Commandments” of God are relationship based. Those who have done well in their love and relationships He will keep on His right side, and declares rather righteous. He will tell them: “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; For I was hungry, and you gave Me food: I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in. Naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me: I was in prison, and you came to Me.”

And the righteous will answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, ....or thirsty....or a stranger....or sick....or naked....or in prison, and come to You.' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in; naked and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You, hungry or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Now look at these statements, "Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying,.." (Vs 37), "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Vs 46). Have you seen that showing love is also counted to you for righteousnesses. Those who showed love—cared for other people, Christ called the righteous on His right hand, and He crowned them with eternal life with Him. When you transfer into eternity, you will leave everything else behind. All you're taking with you is your character, your relationship with God, and people. That is why the Scripture says, "In Christ Jesus nothing avails anything except faith expressing itself through love." (Galatians 5 vs 6.) 

Faith is the base or substructure and substance of God's message. Without faith in the Word (message), you can't go far with God, and His things. (Hebrews 11 vs 6.) Hope is the positive attitude and focus on God and His Word. Love is the action proper. When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand now God and His love nature. 

Prayer: Abba Father, Your love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. Engrace me, O Most High God, to lead a life Your nature, and obtain Your approval, in Jesus’ most wonderful Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

GO FOR HIS KNOWLEDGE

GO FOR HIS KNOWLEDGE


"Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Philippians 3:6"

Devotion : There are basically two kinds of knowledge: divine knowledge and temporal knowledge. Divine knowledge is the knowledge of Christ Jesus and this knowledge is above temporal knowledge and any other knowledge there is. This kind of knowledge was what Apostle Paul tasted, and he came to the conclusion that it is incomparable to the other kind of knowledge he had acquired. He counted all the knowledge and wealth he had acquired in the world as dung. Our Lord Jesus Christ will say what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul (Mark 8:36)? Dear beloved, let us go for the knowledge of Christ; the wealth, riches, status, degrees, fame, etc. cannot be compared to it. To what extent do you know Jesus Christ? Share your thoughts here!

DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY AUGUST 3, 2020.

SUBJECT : DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD! 

Memory verse: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."(First John 4 vs 8.)

READ: First John 4 vs 12 - 16:

4:12: No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 

4:13: By this we know we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit.

4:14: And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.

4:15: Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

4:16: And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

INTIMATION:

Drawing closer to God is the best of life for any believer. And it is in doing so that God draws closer to us! (James 4 vs 8.) God is invisible, and a Spirit. How then do we draw closer or nearer to Him, and develop intimate relationship with Him? We only draw closer to Him if we love one another—the ones we can see. When we abide in love with one another we abide in God. Therefore, in leading a life of intimacy with God, love is what matters most. God is love, and to know God is to know how to love. The Bible, in First John 4 vs 7 - 8, says "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 

Because God is love, the most important lesson He wants you to learn on earth is how to love. It is in loving that we are most like Him, so love is the foundation of every command He has given us. The Owner and Giver of life is God. God is love. And the best use of anything is in the hands of the producer, and owner. God is the Producer and Owner of life, and God is Love, therefore, the best use of life is in God—inLove.The Bible, in Galatians 5 vs 14, says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "you shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Therefore, in drawing closer to God, love should be your top priority, primary objective, and greatest ambition. Love should, and is not, a good part of your life; it's the most important part of your life. The Scripture in First Corinthians 14 vs 1, says, "Pursue love, ...." To "pursue" means to "chase after," "strive for," "to work hard at," "persist in." It is not enough to say, "One of the things I want in my life is to be loving," as if it's in your top ten list. Relationships must have priority in your life above everything else.

Learning to love unselfishly is not an easy task. It runs counter to our self-centered nature. That's why we are given a lifetime to learn it. Of course, God wants us to love everyone, but He is particularly concerned that we learn to love others in His family. The apostle Peter, in First Peter 2 vs 17, tells us, "Love the brotherhood." He says we should show special love for God's people, that is 'other believers in Christ.' The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Galatians 6 vs 10 that says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of God."

Why does God insist that we give special love and attention to other believers? Why do they get priority in loving? Because God wants His family to be known for its love more than anything else. Jesus said our love for each other—not our doctrinal beliefs—is our greatest witness to the world. Jesus said in John 13 vs 35, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Love is much more than simply warm feelings. It is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loved us? By helping when it is not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others' welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. 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. You have to be around people - imperfect, frustrating, irritating people to learn how to love in action, and as Jesus loved.

In heaven we will enjoy God's family forever, but first we have some tough work to do here on earth to prepare ourselves for an eternity of loving. When we are not motivated by love we become critical of others. We stop looking for good in them and see only their faults. Have you talked behind someone's back? Have you focused on others' shortcomings instead of their strengths? When you begin to feel critical of someone, make a list of that person's positive qualities. If there are problems that need to be addressed, it is better to confront in love than in hate or to gossip.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of love for You and others, that I will draw closer to You, and You to me, and have the best of life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

REFUSE TO LOOSE

REFUSE TO LOOSE


"How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? Matthew 18:12"

Devotion : Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ once again has shown that He is the way, and truth, and the life (John 14:6). He has illustrated in the opening Scripture that every child of His must refuse to entertain loss in every endeavor. What have you lost in life? No matter what you have lost in life, our Lord Jesus Christ says you can find it if you make the effort. In fact, He is ready to give you the grace to look for your lost asset. In respect to soul winning, the souls who are lost can be found if the church and individuals make the effort to win them. The only souls who cannot be won are the devil's children (John 8:44). Dear beloved, what did you learn from this gospel? Share your comments here!

GOD IS WISER

GOD IS WISER



"Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Matthew 7:9"

Devotion : The LORD God Almighty is wiser in answering our prayer request than what man can possibly do. God is not insensitive to our request to give us what we have not asked for; He will possibly not give us what we ask for if what we are asking will destroy us because He loves us so much and cannot afford losing us. If you are a child of God and it seems you are not receiving what you have prayed for, try to reexamine your request. Find out if the Holy Scriptures support your request; if the Word of God supports it then wait patiently for it in faith. As children of God, we should be students of the Holy Scripture so that we do not pray amiss (James 4:3). Dear beloved, does it seem your requests are not answered? What do you plan to do? Share your thoughts here!

http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bible.kingjamesbiblelite

THE TRUST IN MONEY VERSUS THE TRUST IN GOD!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY AUGUST 2, 2020.

SUBJECT : THE TRUST IN MONEY VERSUS TRUST IN GOD!

Memory verse: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (First Timothy 6 vs 17).

READ: First Timothy 6 vs 6 - 10:

6:6: Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

6:7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 6:8: And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

6:9: But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

6:10: For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

INTIMATION:

Looking at the world around us, we can see that money has tremendous power. It obviously enables us to do things we can't otherwise do, and it gives us a certain level of respect and great confidence. For instance, when a rich man walks into a room, his financial status gives him authority that a poor person in the same room doesn't have. Then Scripture buttressed this point in Ecclesiastes 10 vs 19; 7 vs 12 when it says, "Money answers all things." And ".....Money is a defense." The danger is that unless you are careful, you will begin to trust more in the power of money than you do in the power of God. This calls to mind the slang 'Money speaks' for those you trust in the power of money. 

Scripture recognizes that money is necessary for survival, but it warns against the trust in, and love of money. Money is dangerous because it deceives us into thinking that wealth is the easiest way to get all we want. The love of money is sinful because we trust money rather than God to solve our problems. Those who pursue its empty promises will one day discover that they have nothing because they are spiritually bankrupt. For instance, money can’t buy you salvation, nor can it put out death. If it can the rich will have no need seek God’s forgiveness, nor will they die. 

The Lord is aware of this temptation and that is why He said so many things about finances. Jesus taught more on money than all other of His teachings put together during His ministry walk on earth. In one of of His teachings Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6 vs 19 - 21.)

The last verse in that passage is very interesting. It says that your heart is where your treasure is; which means you can tell where a person's heart is by where their money (treasure) goes. This Scripture illustrates the point Jesus made with the rich young ruler whom He told to sell all of his goods, give to the poor to lay up treasure in heaven, take his cross, come and follow Him. (Mark 10 vs 21.)  Jesus was saying, "If you really love and trust Me more than your money, then put your treasure in heaven." The man wouldn't do it because his treasure and his heart were on earthly riches. 

Jesus never asked him to sell and bring the money to Him. He has no need for it. Jesus loved him (Mark 10 vs 21) and wanted to show him the right path of life for him to walk in (Psalm 16 vs 11). Of course, we know that the Lord would have blessed that man back with even more than he gave away (Proverbs 19 vs 17), so God wasn't trying to take from him. Jesus was just trying to get the man to put his total trust and dependence on God.

Do not let the trust in, and love of money drive drive the real thing out of you—the love and trust in God! Live a life of contentment and godliness which is greatly gainful. The Scripture admonishes us, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13 vs 5.) God has given us a promise “never to leave nor forsake us.” So, why don’t you put your absolute trust in Him nothing is impossible with nor difficult for? Those things money can’t get you are only possible with Him, and never difficult for Him! The apostle Paul admonishes in our memory verse, “not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 

Prayer: Abba Father, You have given us all that pertains to life and godliness. Endue me with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You, that I may know the hope of Your calling, and the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in us that believe, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

 

WHERE IS THE DEVIL?

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19"

Devotion : The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and went to hell for our sake. In hell He defeated the devil and his cohort of darkness, and took away from them the key of death and hell (Revelation 1:18). Afterwards He limited the devil and his cohort of darkness under our feet. Jesus Christ stated in the opening Scripture that He has given us power to continually tread or trample the devil, demons, and the like under our feet and nothing will hurt us. If anybody asks you where the devil and his demons are, be quick to tell them that they are under your feet. The devil and his demons only have power to deceive and invent lies. Never be afraid of the devil and his demons, and their tricks to create fear and doubt in you. Keep trampling upon them. Hallelujah! Share your comments and testimonies here