IDEAL WITNESSING FOR CHRIST!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY FEBRUARY 01, 2021.

SUBJECT: IDEAL WITNESSING FOR CHRIST!

Memory verse: "But go and learn what it means: ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9 vs 13.)

READ: Mark 2 vs 15 - 17: 

2:15: Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him.

2:16: And when the scribes and the Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

2:17: When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

INTIMATION:

Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and no sinner is beyond His saving power. He gladly associated Himself with sinners because He loved them, and because He knew that they needed to hear what He had to say. He spent time with all manner of people—poor, rich, bad, good, etc. Therefore, as ambassadors of Christ, our ideal witnessing for Him is reaching out to those who have need for His saving grace, no matter their kind. We should befriend those who need Christ, even if they do not seem to be ideal companions. Are there people you have been neglecting because of their reputation? They may be the ones who most need to see Christ’s love in you, and hear His message from you.

However, this fact of ideal witnessing has inadvertently been contrasted by many with the apostle Paul’s sayings in Second Corinthians 6 vs 14 - 16: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?....”

Here the apostle Paul advises that believers and unbelievers cannot be joined together effectively for a common purpose, such as; business partnership, marriage, etc. This is because of the difference in their beliefs. It would be a mismatch, and such can weaken the believer’s commitment, integrity or standards, especially for new converts, and those not yet deeply rooted in Christ. 

The apostle Paul had earlier explained that this does not mean isolating oneself from unbelievers which is against Christ’s leading: “I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world...” (First Corinthians 5 vs 9 - 10.)

Paul even urges believers to stay with their unbelieving spouses: “But to the rest, I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to with her, let her not divorce him” (First Corinthians 7 vs 12 - 13). 

The apostle Paul made it clear that we should not disassociate ourselves from unbelievers—otherwise we could not carry our Christ’s command to tell them about salvation (Matthew 28 vs 18 - 20). Rather, we are to distance ourselves from the person who claims to be a believer, yet indulges in sins explicitly forbidden in Scripture by rationalizing his or her actions. By rationalizing sin, a person harms others for whom Christ died and dims the image of God in Himself or herself.

He wanted believers to be active in their witness for Christ to unbelievers, but they should not lock themselves into personal or business relationships that could cause them to compromise their faith. Believers should do everything in their power to avoid situations that could force them to divide their loyalties.

Also, Paul did not want single believers to enter into marriage with unbelievers. Such marriages cannot have unity in the most important issue in life—commitment and obedience to God. Because marriage involves two people becoming one, faith may become an issue, and one spouse may have to compromise beliefs for the sake of unity. Many people discount this problem only to regret it later. Don’t allow emotion or passion to blind you with someone who will not be your spiritual partner. 

One secret of effective witnessing for Christ is to recognize opportunities to relate Christ to a person’s experience. When the opportunity arises, we must have the courage to speak out, using the situation to turn attention to God. 

Prayer: Abba Father, my utmost heart desire is to be a visible expression of Christlike character to the people around me. Endue me with the humble spirit to witness effectively for You in my day to day activities, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

JESUS IS OUR HEALER!

 Jesus Is Our Healer! 

“And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 (KJV)

Jesus Christ is our Healer. He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). Beloved, coming to this knowledge that Jesus Christ is your healer is the beginning of living in divine health. In order for Jesus Christ to be a great healer, He had to have a good eye to see and compassion for the sick. In the opening Scripture, Jesus Christ saw a great multitude who had traveled a long distance to see Him. When He saw their effort of traveling a long journey – their tiredness, weakness, and sickness – He sympathized and empathized with them. He then began to minister to their souls with the Word and ministered healing to all who were weak and sick. Hallelujah! Beloved, are you weak and sick? The only one you need is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Believe in His name, use His name, and proclaim the Holy Scriptures to yourself, and you will be healed (Mark 16:17-18). Remember not to give up your faith; keep declaring the Holy Scriptures that pertain to healing over your life till the healing takes effect. The Word of God works, and it will work for you (Hebrews 4:12). Praise the Lord! You are qualified for healing!

Prayer Point: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being my healer. I use Your name right now to call forth healing into my body and every area of my life. I also pray for the sick all over the world to receive healing and give glory to Your 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. 

Everyday with Jesus on www.miheanyi.blogspot.com House of Joy a place for divine healing through God's word daily online.

THE POWER IN SPOKEN WORD!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY JANUARY 31, 2021.

SUBJECT: THE POWER IN SPOKEN WORD!

Memory verse:  "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6 vs 63.)

READ: Psalm 19 vs 14; Matthew 12 vs 36 - 37:

Psalm 19:14: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Matthew 12:36: But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgement.

12:37: For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

INTIMATION:

There is power in the word you speak. The Words is a  seed (Luke 8 vs 11), when planted it germinates and bears Likewise fruits. Therefore, plant good seeds (speak good words), and at the time of harvest, you will receive good fruits. There are three classes of words. The first is neutral, colorless, empty, soulless words. These constitute the general conversation of most people. They are just empty words of the monotone, there is no power, no soul, no color, and no life in such words, just sounds thrown out in the air. 

For instance, when you ask somebody, “How are you,” and the person replies, “Well I am there.” You feel the emptiness, hopelessness, soulless, life-lacking nature in the words spoken by the person.

The second class of words comprises construction words, strength-building words, healing words, and inspirational words. These are thrilling, mighty, and dominant words, and they are pregnant with hope, love, and victory. Such words are the Words of God. 

For instance, when you are asked the same question, “How are you,” no matter the situation the fellow may be in, the person boldly answers; “I am doing good, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him against this day" (Second Timothy 1 vs 12); or "God is faithful, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in me" (Ephesians 3 vs 20);  or, "I am really fine for God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4 vs 19).

The third class is composed of destructive, hate-filled words full of scandal, jealousy, and deadly virus, they come from a heart full bitterness, and are sent out to wound, blight, and curse. When asked the same question as above, the reply might be, “Can't you see how this wicked world has kept me”; or “I never knew I will see today'” or “Life is hopeless.”

Confession always precedes possession. Be careful, what you say is what you get. Dare to say exactly what God said in His Word, and mean what you say, as God means all He says and says what He means. Agree with God by speaking His Word in all circumstances. Declare God’s Words boldly, with faith, and obtain His promises attached, because He is faithful who had promised (Hebrews 11 vs 11).

In our memory verse, Jesus said that the Word of God is life and Spirit. In confirmation, David declared in Psalm 119 vs 50 that he had comfort in his affliction because "God's Word has given him life." Therefore, when you speak truly the Word of God, and mean it, you speak faith-filled words, and you speak life into your circumstance, because those true Words of God are "life to them that find them" (Proverbs 4 vs 22).

In the passage we read today in Psalm 19, David asks that God approves his words and reflections as though they were offerings brought to the altar. Now, knowing that for every word you speak, you are accountable to it because it will be examined by God, resolve to speak love-filled and life-filled words. Start each day asking the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with love for God and others.

Your duty as a 'believer' is to boldly declare the Word, and it is God's duty to confirm, and perform them (Isaiah 44 vs 26), knowing that God 'hastens His word to perform it' (Jeremiah 1 vs 12). It is noteworthy that words of bold declaration overcomes Satan's power; ‘And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony’ (Revelation 12 vs 11).

Prayer: Abba Father, Your Word is a light to my life, and a lamp to my path. In Your Word there is life, and that life is my light. Let the light of Your Word, O Lord, fill my life and path, that I may walk through life an overcomer, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

THE HINDERANCE OF UNBELIEF!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY JANUARY 30, 2021.

SUBJECT: THE HINDRANCE OF 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. When 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. 

Christ has done everything that needs to be done about our sins, and obtained a clean bill of health for us. Our own work is to believe in Him and His finished work in redemption for us. Jesus said that the work of God we have to do is to believe in Him whom God sent (John 6 vs 29). And those who have believed enter into God’s rest. 

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.

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 believe. Trust in Christ and do what He says.

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 of 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). 

Jesus said that “all things are possible to him who believes,” because “for He is faithful that promised” (Hebrews 10 vs 23). With faith in Him, we can have everything we need to serve Him. It’s the attitude of trust and confidence that the Bible calls “belief@ or “faith,” and it is not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2 vs 8 -9). 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 vs 23 - 24.)

“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, and it is regarded as the most serious of all sins because as long as a person rebels, he or she closes the door of forgiveness and restoration with God. (First Samuel 15 vs 23.)

Prayer: Abba Father, my trust is in You. Take away any form of unbelief in me that I may have all things possible to me, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

THE LORD IS A GREAT TEACHER!

 The Lord Is a Great Teacher! 

“And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” Isaiah 54:13 (KJV)

Is it not a privilege to have the LORD teach your children? Of course, it is! The opening Scripture is revealing a divine truth to us about a dispensation where God will take His place again in human form on earth. This is a time when all the prophecies about the end time have been fulfilled so that He can demonstrate to the world again that He is a great teacher. The Father is the creator and a great teacher; this He manifested in the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On earth, Jesus Christ was called a great teacher, and those who came into contact with Him fell in love with His doctrine (John 3:2). This time is coming again, when the Father will demonstrate to the world again that He is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Dear beloved, are you getting yourself ready for that dispensation, where we will see the Father face to face to have Him teach us and our children? Pray for such a time and get yourself ready, for the end time is already at hand. Beloved, knowing that a time is coming where you will see God face to face should stir up joy in you to prepare because it is a rare opportunity. Thus, never plan to miss it; remain in Christ and serve Him in righteousness, faithfulness, holiness, and joy, and you will be a partaker of that wonderful dispensation. Hallelujah! Glory to the Highest!

Prayer Point: My dear heavenly Father, I give You praise for designating a wonderful dispensation to reveal Your face in order to teach Your children. Please prepare me to walk humbly before You to partake of this wonderful dispensation to behold Your glory and be taught by 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. 

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY JANUARY 28, 2021.

SUBJECT : BENEFITS OF CONSISTENT DEVOTION TO GOD!

Memory verse: "Those who trust in the LIRD are like Mount Zion which cannot be moved, but abides forever." (Psalm 125 vs 1.)

READ: Psalm 91 vs 9 - 12; 14 - 16:

91:9: Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.

91:10: No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

91:11: For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

91:12: in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

91:14: Because He has set His love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

91:15: He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 

91:16: With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.

INTIMATION:

The person who trusts in God and obeys His Will is untouchable until God takes him or her. If we dwell and abide with Him, by entrusting ourselves to His protection and pledging our daily devotion to Him, we will be kept safe. To trust God is to have immeasurable peace.

No other scenario in the Scriptures, perhaps, most buttresses this point than the story of Daniel. Daniel was one of three governors set over his kingdom by King Darius. Daniel distinguished himself above other governors and satraps that the king gave thought to set him over the whole realm of his kingdom. Daniel had an excellent spirit in him, and consequently made enemies at work, and they sought to find a charge against him. He was, at that time, over 80 years old.

Daniel was a determined man, consistent in his devotion to God. He wouldn't bow to just any wish, even if it came from the emperor himself. Daniel kept praying to the God of Israel, the God he believed in. He stood for his convictions and would not redirect his prayers to a person he knew was a mortal.

In Babylon, the kings word was law. In the Medo-Persian empire, however, when a law was made, even the king couldn't change it. King Darius was an effective government administrator, but he had a fatal flaw—pride. By appealing to his vanity, the men talked Darius into signing a law effectively making him a God for 30 days, and that whoever petitions any god or man except king Darius, shall be cast into the lions' den. For praying to God, Daniel was guilty, and was to be food for hungry beasts in the king's special execution pits.

So Daniel was sentenced to the lion pit, and the sentence was carried out. But the lions did not disturb him. Although he sat right beside them, they didn't touch him. Daniel himself, walked out of the pit the next morning, alive and well. Why would lions suddenly go on a hunger strike? Lions eat only when hungry, not for recreation. And the whole point of having a bunch of lions caged up was to keep them hungry. The ancients would typically starve lions so they could watch the ferocious lions tear up the ones convicted. 

In accordance with Persian custom, this cruel punishment was transferred to those who had conspired against the king by provoking him into an unjust action (See also Esther 7 vs 9 - 10). The king’s great anger resulted in the execution of the evil officials and their families. The fact that these lions were starving is proven by how they savagely tore apart Daniel's false accusers. These were hungry lions. Evil deeds often backfire on those who plan cruelty.

Then what kept these lions from devouring Daniel? Though, to many It remains a mystery how Daniel survived a night trapped in a pit filled with hungry lions. Nonetheless, the Almighty God, whom Daniel worship consistently, sedated the lions’ wild instincts for just that night. Daniel himself put it more directly: "My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in His sight" (Daniel 6 vs 22). 

Prayer: Abba Father, You are ever faithful, and Your companionship is sure for those who consistently obey, and put their trust in You. Endue me with the spirit of complete obedience , and devotion to You, that I may stand sure of Your protection, and fellowship with You at all times, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

MAKE THE GRACE WORK!

 Make the Grace Work! 

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

Making the grace work is a sign of putting the Word of God to work. The grace of God is a special favor and the ability to do the extraordinary things that under normal circumstances you cannot do. Truly, it is a gift of God: it is given free to you when you become born again. Jesus Christ released this grace to the church by giving the Holy Spirit to the Church (Acts 2:2-4). Beloved, when the Holy Spirit comes into your life at the new birth, He comes with the presence of God and grace to accomplish the task that God has assigned for you. The grace of God beautifies your life; it adds value to your life, it makes you outstanding, and it makes life easy for you. Dear beloved, make the grace in your life work by acknowledging it, appreciating it, speaking in tongues, and thanking God always for giving you His Spirit, and you will see this grace come alive in you and everything you do. Remember that if you need more grace to accomplish the task you are currently doing, go before Him and receive that grace and you will be able to finish it to the glory of His name (Hebrews 4:16). Hallelujah! Be grace conscious!

Prayer Point: My loving Father, thank You for saving me through Your grace. I praise You and give You all the glory for this priceless gift of grace. I acknowledge it and use it in everything I do. Please let this grace be seen by all the people in my sphere of contact so that they can draw closer to Jesus Christ. 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.