THE HINDERING EFFECT OF UNBELIEF!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY AUGUST 24, 2020.

SUBJECT: THE HINDERING EFFECT UNBELIEF!

Memory verse: "Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13 vs 58.)

READ: Hebrews 4 vs 2 - 3: 

4:2: For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

4:3: For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath,‘ They shall not enter My rest,’ although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 

INTIMATION:

The most common hindrance to receiving God’s blessings is unbelief. The unbelievers are guilty of not believing that God will do what He says He will do. They hardly confess in faith what God says, and that He will do what He has promised He will do. If you continue to confess positively, your spirit will be influenced by that confession. 

Unbelief is the root cause of why God's Word bless some people and not bless others. In the passage we read today, the Scripture says that, when people hear God's Word but do not believe it, then the word preached will profit them nothing. This is because it’s not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Unbelief blinds people to the truth and robs them of hope. 

So many Christians turn back from their promised rest in Christ because of the difficulties of the present moments which overshadow the reality of God’s promise, and their doubts that God will fulfill His promises. Consequently, they try doing things on their efforts. When we trust on our efforts instead of Christ’s power, we are in danger of turning back. Our own efforts are never adequate; only Christ can see us through.

Faith or belief is the first sure step to receiving from God. Not believing in God leads to disobedience. And disobedience is regarded as rebellion and stubbornness against God, tantamount to witchcraft that is regarded as the most serious sin of all because, as long as a person rebels, he or she closes the door of forgiveness and restoration with God. (First Samuel 15 vs 23.) Our memory verse notes that Jesus felt that it was of little use to do the miraculous works of the Father in His home town because of the unbelief of His people. If He had, they would as well ask Him to leave, just as the Gaderenes did, for they did not at that time understand who He really was (Luke 8 vs 37). 

The miracles were used to confirm the spoken word of God (Mark 16 vs 20; Hebrews 2 vs 3 - 4)). However, where there was no searching for truth in the hearts of men, there is no need to uselessly confirm the spoken word. By leaving the area because of their unbelief, Jesus was emphasizing that believing in His teaching was more important than working miracles. However, miracles are not a guarantee that one will accept the word of God. Take for instance, Israel as a nation experienced the wonders of God when she was delivered from Egyptian captivity. However, when at Sinai, the Israelites rebelled against God. 

It’s in believing that the glory of God is made manifest to us. Our faith triggers the grace—power of God to help us in our times if need. Jesus said to Martha at the tomb of Lazarus; “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (John 6 vs 40.) God’s glory is the backing of His Word. Not believing God and His Words is regarded as disobedience (Hebrews 4 vs 6). Many Christians know a great deal about Christ, but they do not know Him personally—they don’t combine their knowledge with faith. The Good News about Christ they hear benefits them nothing in their lives because it’s not mixed with faith. Believe in Him and then act on what you know. Trust in Christ and do what He says.

Jesus said that “all things are possible to him who believes,” because He who promised is faithful and will do it. With faith in Him, we can have everything we need to serve Him. Jesus said, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” (Mark 11 23 - 24.)

Prayer: Abba Father, my trust is in You. Endue me with the spirit of trust and believe in You in all things, that I may enter Your rest, and have all things possible to me, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

GOD IS A GIVER

 GOD IS A GIVER

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29" 

Devotion : God has proven beyond reasonable doubt that He is a giver. He gives power to the faint or weak and increases strength for the one who lacks might. He is always in the business of seeking whom He might bless. In the New Testament He sent Jesus to give us grace (John 1:17): grace to give us favor and strength to accomplish His purpose on earth. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to teach and direct us. In like manner He is counting on us to help the weak among us and also give to the needy in the church and our society. God is a giver and wants His children to be givers. Hallelujah! Dear beloved are you a giver? Share your thoughts here!

GOD IS TIMELESS

 GOD IS TIMELESS

" In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1" 

Devotion : God lives in eternity: He created the heaven and the Earth before time began. He created time on Earth but does not live in time; He is timeless. Science has proved that the earth is millions of years old. They could be right because the Earth was created before time was created. Genesis chapter 1 illustrated how God created light, day, night, sun, and the moon to be the elements of time. If Elohim created heaven and Earth and everything therein, then what can't He create for His children? We are indeed serving a living God. As a child of God, don't be limited by time - you have a Father who can change time to suit you. Praise the Lord! Dear beloved what did you learn from this gospel? Share your thoughts here!

SPIRITUAL MATURITY—BECOMING LIKE CHRIST!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2020.

SUBJECT: SPIRITUAL MATURITY—BECOMING LIKE CHRIST!

Memory verse:  "Till we all come to the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4 vs 13.)

READ:  Ephesians 4 vs 11 - 16:

4:11: And He Himself gave some apostles, some, prophets, some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers, 
4:12: for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; 
4:13: till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ;
4:14: that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
4:15: but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

4:16: from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

INTIMATION:

Spiritual maturity—becoming like Christ, is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life. You are a work in progress. Your spiritual transformation in developing the character of Jesus will take the rest of your life, and even then it won't be completed here on earth. It will only be finished when you get to heaven or when Jesus returns. At that point, whatever unfinished work on your character that is left will be wrapped up.

God is more interested in building your character than He is in anything else. God is more interested in what you are than in what you do. We are human beings, not human doings. God is much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career. There can be many different careers that could be in God's Will for your life, but His utmost care is that whatever you do, you do it in a Christlike manner. 

The apostle Paul in reference to doing all things in Christlike manner said, in the following Scripture passages: "Therefore, whether you eat and drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (First Corinthians 10 vs 31); "Let all you do be done with love." (First Corinthians 16 vs 14.); "And whatever you do in word and deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3 vs 17.); "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3 vs 23.)

Doing "all in the name of the Lord Jesus" means bringing honor to Christ in every aspects and activities of daily living. As a Christian, you represent Christ at all times; wherever you go, and whatever you do and say. Always ask yourself these pertinent questions, "What impression do people have of Christ when they see or talk with me?” "What changes would I make in my life in order to honor Christ?" Regard whatever you do or say as an act of worship or service to God. This would help you treat your job, actions, and words as the cost of discipleship.

In describing the mature Christian, the apostle Paul says that one of the marks is “speaking the truth in love.” This sounds so simple, but it seems so hard for us to do. Some of us are fairly good at speaking the truth, but we forget to be loving. Some of us are good at being loving, but we don’t have it in us to level with others if the truth is painful. The instruction here is to do both: Speak the truth, but do it in a loving manner. Think of the trouble we would spare ourselves if we followed this practice, especially in the church! When you have a problem with another believer, don’t go to someone else with it. Go directly to that person, and speak the truth in love.

So many people are in love with themselves, and put self before anything else, including God. They have abandoned living for God's great purposes and settled for personal fulfillment and emotional stability. Jesus did not die on the cross that we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper. He wants to make us like Himself before taking us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.

Prayer: Abba Father,  endue with the spirit of love, humility, and obedience, that I may do all things in ChristlIke manner, and pleasing You at all times, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

JESUS BELIEVES IN YOU

 JESUS BELIEVES IN YOU

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16" 

Devotion : If you are a Christian and you are looking down on yourself, remember the words of Jesus Christ in our opening Scripture and encourage yourself. Jesus said, "You did not choose me but I have chosen you"; these words of Jesus Christ demonstrate that He believes in every Christian He has called. He has also ordained every Christian to bear fruit for Him. He knows you can do it, therefore, believe in Jesus Christ and be confident in yourself that you can do what Jesus has ordained you for. You can win souls for Him, and you can make the souls remain in Him through your prayers and words of exhortation, and constant visitation. When your souls remain in Christ, all the things you pray for will be granted by our Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah! This should encourage someone to start winning souls for Christ right now! Dear beloved, are you a soul winner? Do you believe in yourself? Share your comments here!

HOW GOD MOLDS YOU!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2020.

SUBJECT:  HOW GOD MOLDS YOU!

Memory verse:  "Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5 vs 8.) 

READ:  Joshua 1 vs 8; 10 vs 24 - 25:

Joshua 1:8: This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Hebrews 5:8: 

10:24: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

10:25: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.

INTIMATION:

The Word of God, the people around you, and the circumstances you encounter in life are all used by God to mold you. The three are indispensable for character development. They function as follows: (1) God's Word provide the truth we need to grow. (2) God's people provide the support we need to grow. (3) Circumstances provide the environment we need to practice Christlikeness. If you study God's Word, and meditate on it, connect regularly with other believers, and learn to trust God in any circumstances, you are guaranteed to become more like Jesus Christ.

Many people wrongly assume all that is needed for spiritual growth is Bible study and prayers. But some issues in life will never be changed by Bible study or prayers alone. God uses people. He usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship. He wants us to grow together. Spiritual maturity is not a solitary, individual pursuit. You cannot grow to Christlikeness in isolation. You must be around other people and interact with them. 

To neglect Christian meetings is to give up the encouragement and help of other Christians. We gather together to share our faith and strengthen one another in the Lord. As we get closer to the day when Christ will return, we will face many spiritual struggles, and even times of persecution. Anti-Christian forces will grow in strength. Difficulties should never be excuses for missing fellowship meetings and church services. Rather, as difficulties arise, we should make an even greater effort to be faithful in attendance.

You also need to be a part of a church and community. Why? Because true spiritual maturity is all about learning to love like Jesus, and you can't practice being like Jesus without being in relationship with other people, especially believers. Remember, it's all about love—loving God and loving others—which reminds us of the greatest commandment Jesus gave us, ‘Love for God and love for your neighbor’ (Mark 12 vs 30 - 31).

New believers in Christ need to be in groups, where they can learn God’s Word, pray, and mature in the faith. If you have just begun a relationship with Christ, seek out other believers for fellowship, prayer, and teaching. This is the way to grow. To prevent having an unbelieving heart, stay in fellowship with other believers, talk daily about your mutual faith, be aware of the deceitfulness of sin (it attracts and destroys), and encourage each other with love and concern.

The vicissitudes of life can be God’s plans to achieve His ordained purposes in your life or on earth. Perhaps no other account in all of Scriptures illustrates the strange vicissitudes of life more vividly than the biography of Joseph (The Dreamer), The experience in Joseph’s life taught him, and teaches us, that God brings good from evil for those who trust in Him. He overrules people’s evil intentions to bring about His intended results. In Joseph’s case, He brought good from the brothers’ evil deed, Potiphar’s wife’s false accusation, the butler’s neglect, and seven years of famine. 

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. In Egypt, Joseph became the trusted servant of Potiphar, an official in the king's court. Unfortunately, Potiphar's trust was shattered by one false accusation against him by his master’s wife. Without so much as a court hearing, Joseph was thrown into prison. He was doomed, or so he thought. But a perplexing turn of events raised him to unexpected heights. In grateful response, Pharaoh appointed Joseph second-in-command in Egypt (a Prime Minister in a foreign land). Joseph's appointment to second-in-command, remains an astonishing moment in ancient history. How do we explain his rise from an impoverished foreigner to an imperial leader? 

Prayer: Abba Father, in You all things consist. My utmost heart desire is to be a vessel of honor in Your hands. Use me and make what You pleases, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

OUR VICTORY IS BY THE GRACE THROUGH FAITH!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2020.

SUBJECT:  OUR VICTORY IS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH!

Memory verse:  "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (Galatians 2 vs 21.) 

READ:  Ephesians 2 verse 4 - 9:

2:4: But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

2:5: even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

2:6: and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

2:7: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

2:8: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God,

2:9: not of works, lest anyone should boast.

INTIMATION:

Faith in God is a firm conviction about Him, that produces a full acknowledgement of God’s revelation or truth, occasions a personal surrender to Him, and a conduct inspired by such surrender. God extended grace to man regardless of the sin of man (Romans 5 vs 8). In this way, therefore, grace is a gift (See John 1 vs 12 - 13). It is a gift because it was neither given as a payment of debt by God to those who demanded such through their faith (because there was no faith in Christ in any of us when He offered Himself on the cross), nor for a meritorious keeping of law, and good works (Romans 11 vs 6). 

The condition upon which the grace of God is made effective for the salvation of man is that one must receive or accept the free gift. For this reason, the effect of God’s grace in reference to the salvation of man must be conditioned on the response of man. The condition is obedient faith, and thus, we are saved by grace through obedience of faith. Therefore, obedient faith is our response to the grace of God.

We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as a result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. Therefore, we must learn to lean totally upon the Lord, freely acknowledging that it is not by faith but by grace through faith that we receive any of the good things that He wants us to have. We must remember that the most important thing in receiving God's blessings is not our great faith but His great faithfulness. It’s noteworthy that we often keep our faith on the line, and keep believing that what we need we are going to get by faith. We need to look beyond our faith to God's grace and say, "Father, I need You to come through my faith by Your grace to bring me what I need." 

If we place too much emphasis on our faith—on our belief and our faithfulness, then we frustrate God's grace which is based not on our works but upon His unmerited favor toward us. In our memory verse, the apostle Paul warned against our becoming legalistic about this attitude: "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." (Galatians 2 vs 21.) Although faith is important, because it is our faith and trust in God that carries us through the hard times, as we wait patiently for the grace of God to work out our deliverance. Faith is really not the actual power that delivers; it sustains us until God's power—in the form of grace—arrives on the scene to set us free. 

When we say that we are believing God for something to happen, we also need to be praying to the Lord, saying, "Father, my trust is in You, my faith is anchored on Your unalloyed faithfulness. I need Your grace, Your power to come and deliver me." Our victories come "by grace through faith." Since God created us free-moral individuals, and placed us in an environment that demands choice, He allows us the choice of having faith in what Christ wrought for us in redemption to obtain our salvation or reject it and be condemned. Our choice of faith in Him allows a His grace to come through for our deliverance.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for Your grace that abound in my life. I have only prevailed by virtue of Your grace working in my life. Even in my unfaithfulness, You have remained faithful. Let me be sustained by Your grace in all things as I put my complete trust in You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!