BE A FRIEND AND A BROTHER!

Be a Friend and a Brother!

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (KJV)

The International Standard Version quotes the opening scripture as “A friend loves at all times and a brother is there for times of trouble.” It means that there is a difference between a friend and a brother. All of us have friends we love but can those friends be our brothers? It is said that a friend in need is a friend indeed; meaning that a friend who comes to your aid in times of trouble or when you are in need of help is a true friend or brother. Jesus Christ said His brothers or sisters are those who do the will of God (Matthew 12:47–50). Beloved, our brothers are not just those born from our bloodline. If those born from our bloodline cannot be there for us in times of trouble or need, then they cannot be called brothers. It is good to build relationships and the Christian is called to build relationships that offer help to the brethren. Let us choose our friends or relations wisely and let us be friends and brothers to one another, especially in times of need. David and Jonathan’s friendship truly testifies of a friend who is more than a brother because it facilitated God’s will in the life of David (1 Samuel 20:31–42). Beloved, let us learn to be each other’s keeper. Praise the Lord! God bless you!

Prayer Point: My dear heavenly Father, thank You for enlightening me about true friendship. I repent from all my mistakes. Please enable me to be a true friend and a brother or sister to those who need my help 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.

WHY YOUR PRAYERS MAY NOT BE GRANTED.

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021.

SUBJECT: WHY YOUR PRAYERS MAY NOT BE GRANTED.

Memory verse: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (James 4 vs 3).

READ: First John 3 vs 21 - 22; 5 vs 14 - 15

3:21; Beloved, if our hearts does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

3:22: And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

5:14: Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His Will, He hears us.

5:15: And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

INTIMATION:

God does not answer all our prayers. When our prayers are not in tune with His purposes, He doesn’t grant such petitions. Sometimes, we ask for the wrong things or with wrong reasons. God is always ready to grant our needs in accordance to His purpose, and promise, but not our wants. He created us for His own purpose and desires, and not for ours. He doesn’t work to make us happy, but to achieve His purpose. He knows our needs even before we ask them (Matthew 6 vs 8), and He is ready to provide those needs at His own appointed time, and in accordance with his plans and purposes for our lives. 

Sometimes, we may pray to God for something and receive no answers, because our faith and confidence may have been dampened by our unclear conscience. Your conscience may have been smeared by unconfessed sin, thereby impacting negatively on your confidence in God. If your conscience is clear, you can come to God without fear, confident that your requests will be heard. But if you have doubts, expect to receive nothing from the Lord. The apostle James says; "But let him ask in faith with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1 vs 6 - 7).

Most of us when we go to  God in prayer, we place a demand of what we want, rather than discuss with Him what He wants for us. If we align our prayers to His Will, He will listen, and we are sure of receiving answer to our petition. God does not grant requests that violates the principles of His kingdom. For instance, He will not grant requests that would hurt us or others or that is not in harmony with His own nature or Will. The stronger our belief, the more likely our prayers will be in line with God's Will, and then God will be happy to grant them.

Again, when you ask for knowledge beyond our ability to understand or accept, you will  not receive any answers from God. For instance, in Judges 13 vs 17 - 18, an Angel came to Manoah (the father of Samson) and his wife to announce the birth of their son Samson, Manoah wanted to know the name of the Angel of the Lord. The Angel responded "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?". The Angel was saying that his name was a mystery and beyond understanding and too wonderful to imagine. Manoah asked the Angel for an answer he wouldn't have understood.

When you have not followed God's previous directions, answers to your prayers may be hindered. If you don't fulfill the responsibilities God has already given you previously, then don't be surprised when He does not give further guidance. For instance, Saul did not obey the voice of the Lord nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, When Saul prayed to God, he didn't receive any answers again. (Study First Samuel 15, and 28 vs16-18).

Also, God may be directing you to a greater purpose in your life. David wanted to build a temple for God which He refused because God was planning to do something even greater in David's life than allowing him the prestige of building the temple. (Study Second Samuel 7 vs 8 - 16). You would have prayed with good intentions, only to have God say no. This is because God has better or other plans for you, and by that way is directing you to a greater purpose in your life. Accepting God's no requires as great faith as carrying on His yes.

Receiving answers to your prayers, requires your always being obedient to God, doing His Will, and asking according to His will. The Word of God is His will. How much of the Word do you know? We require to be studious, and constantly meditating on the Word to receive the import of the Word. When you are filled with His Word, it’s easy for you to reason together with Him as He demands (Isaiah 1 vs 18), and give Him your strong reasons (Isaiah 41 vs 21) in line with His promises, and He will grant your petition. “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23 vs 19.)

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of total obedience, and trust in You. My desire is to do Your Will at all times. Give me the grace to achieve Your purpose for which You created me. Let Your will, not my mine, be done at all times, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

YOU CAN HAVE A BALANCED LIFE!

You Can Have a Balanced Life!

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV)

Apostle Paul recognized that the believer in Christ Jesus is a triune being. He is a spirit, having a soul and living in a body (Genesis 2:7). He prayed, therefore, for his converts—that their spirit, soul, and body be sanctified and preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Beloved, this should also be our prayer as Christians; we must make a conscious effort to make this prayer a reality in our life. Let us set apart our spirit, soul, and body unto God alone—feeding our spirit and soul with the Holy Scriptures, prayer, fasting, worship, and any spiritual exercise that will develop our spirit and soul. We should also nurture our body with good food, rest, good clothes, exercise, and anything that will enhance the wellbeing of the body, for the body is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). When our spirit, soul, and body are balanced, we will have a triumphant Christian life. Therefore, giving glory to God in our spirit and our body (1 Corinthians 6:20). Hallelujah! Be an overcomer!

Prayer Point: Dear Abba Father, thank You for teaching me how to live a balanced life. I put Your Word to work, giving equal attention to my spirit, soul, and body. Father, please continually sanctify my spirit, soul, and body, and preserve them blameless till the coming of the Lord 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.

WALKING IN THE WILL OF GOD!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY APRIL 01, 2021.

SUBJECT: WALKING IN THE WILL OF GOD!

Memory verse: "Not with eyeservice as men pleasers, but as bondservant of Christ, doing the will of God.” (Ephesians 6 vs 6.)

READ: Ephesians 5 vs 15 - 18:

5:15: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

5:16: redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

5:17: Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

5:18: And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

INTIMATION:

God’s Will is expressed in His Word (His laws, and His ways). Walking in the will of God is being obedient to His Word, and strictly doing them. God has a specific plans for our individual lives, predetermined before the foundation of the earth, and His greatest desire is that we operate in them daily. 

How do we walk in the will of God? The foremost thing to do is to ensure that your will agrees with God's. How? By spending time in His presence and by reading and meditating on His Word. The Scripture says, “Can two work together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3 vs 3.) Agreement with God is in obeying His Word, and when you are in agreement with God, He can also reveal things to you through your spirit. It is important to listen to what God’s Word says, but it’s much more important to obey and do what it says. 

Your obedience to Him, is a demonstration of your willingness to fulfill His plan for your life. He promises that if you will hear Him and obey His commandments, His blessings will overtake you (Deuteronomy 28 vs 2). We are to walk circumspectly, or "cautiously, carefully, and prudently." In other words, we should be cautious of the things we do and the choices we make, and ensure we comprehend the will of God for us. And the only way to do that is by developing a relationship with the Lord—working together with Him. The cautious and careful followership with the Lord guarantees our enjoying the blessings of God and avoid the pitfalls that come from disobedience. 

Ask yourself this question: "Am I in God's will right now?" Judge yourself. Are you following the lead of your self-will, or God's will? God has a plan for you; however, if you begin to make excuses and fail to do your part, you will miss out on the blessings He longs to give you. However, you cannot do this without the help of our Helper—the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and knows the things of God. He helps us work in consonance with the things that God has willed for us.

Now don't think that life will become a bed of roses once you begin walking in God's will. There will be a few thorns here and there. You may think, "Will this really work?" or say "Things were easier before."  That may be true. But the benefits of being in His perfect will far outweigh any rewards you've ever received by doing things your way or any other way than His. No matter what happens, don't give in. Just stay focused.

To walk in the Will of God, it's also Important to renew your mind. The best way to do this is by spending time in God's Word. The Scripture in Romans 12 vs 2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." The more time you spend in His presence, the more He will reveal to you, through the Holy Spirit, and the better you will recognize His voice. 

Also be in constant communication with God in prayer. In your communion, take God’s Word back to Him—use God's Word in your prayers (First John 5 vs 14 - 15), and expect Him to respond. Prayer is a two way communication, therefore, It’s very important to listen and hear from God; You talk and He talks. So often, God is ready to reveal answers to us right away. But as soon as we're finished talking, we whisk off to carry out our plans. Then we wonder, "Is He really listening?" The better question is, "Are we listening?" He may not speak to you audibly; He can speak to you in your inner man, or through His Word.

If you already know God's will for your life and are walking in it, praise God! If you know His will and are not actively working toward fulfilling your calling, I encourage you to begin. And finally, if you don't know God's will for your life, ask, and you shall receive, so that your joy may be full (John 16 vs 24).

Prayer: Abba Father, my utmost heart desire is to do Your will. Endue me with the spirit of complete obedience to You, that I may walk in Your will all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

LOOK TO JESUS!

Look to Jesus!

“For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2:18 (KJV)

God is so good to provide us models so that we don’t walk in darkness. He has given us Jesus Christ to look up to; He is our aid even in times of temptations and trials. Dear beloved, are you going through trials, challenges, difficulties, or pains? Call on Jesus Christ; since He himself went through temptations, sufferings, trials, and pains, He is able to help us overcome ours. Beloved, we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses. He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Don’t look elsewhere for solutions—look to Jesus Christ and His Word, and you will be able to prevail. Remember that He is the author and the finisher of our faith, so He is dependable (Hebrews 12:2). You cannot grow to maturity without going through temptations, tests, trials, and challenges. Therefore, aim at maturity by following Jesus Christ, and He will teach you how to win over all obstacles in your Christian race. Praise the Lord!

Prayer Point: My dear Lord Jesus, I’m so grateful to have You as the author and finisher of my faith. I’m determined to follow You and look up to You, especially in trying times, so that You can help me overcome such hard times and be able to encourage others to count on You as well. 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.

POSSESSING YOUR OWN VESSEL IN SANCTIFICATION!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY MARCH 31, 2021.

SUBJECT: POSSESSING YOUR OWN VESSEL IN SANCTIFICATION!

Memory verse: "That each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,” (First Thessalonians 4 vs 4.)

READ: First Thessalonians 4 vs 1 - 4 & 7:

4:1: Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, 

4:2: for you know what commandments we gave through the Lord Jesus.

4:3: For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

4:4: that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor;

4:7: For God did not call us unto uncleanness, but in holiness.

INTIMATION:

 Sanctification—a separation to God—is the will of God for the believer, and the purpose of calling the believer by the gospel. It’s the separation of the believer from evil things and ways, and leading the life befitting of those so separated. Sanctification is that relationship with God into which one enters by faith in Christ, and in which their sole title is the death of Christ.

Sanctification before the coming of Christ was done by washing themselves and their clothing in a special ceremony (Numbers 8 vs 5. - 8). While we are not required to carry out such ceremonies today, we can purify ourselves by reading God’s Word, thoughtfully applying it to our lives, and preparing our hearts to participate in worship through anticipation, self-examination, and meditation. Just as we “set apart” time for worship, we also “set apart” ourselves to be in God’s presence.

Since we know that sanctification is a basic requirement in our relationship with God, we are duty bound to possess our own vessels in sanctification. We should “set apart” ourselves to find out what areas in our lives we are not pleasing God—not walking in accordance with His precepts. We can only do this through self-examination, and meditation on the Word of God to discern ourselves the ways we are individually falling short of separation to God in Christ. 

Sanctification must be learned from God, and He teaches it by His Word. We are members of Christ Body—the church, and the Scripture says, “Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.”(Ephesians 5 vs 25 - 26.) In studying and meditating on the Word each of us should identify in our lives how to possess our own vessel in sanctification (First Thessalonians 4 vs 4). Our acts of sinfulness defer, and it takes “the washing of water by the Word” to reveal our respective areas of sin against God. The Scripture points out sin, motivates us to confess, leading to renewal our relationship with Christ, and guides us back to right path.

In John 17 vs 17, Jesus said to the Father, “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth.” A follower of Christ becomes sanctified through believing and obeying the Word of God. The believer has already accepted forgiveness through Christ’s sacrificial death. But daily application of God’s Word has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts. David gave the insight thus, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (Psalm 119 vs 9). Sanctification must be pursued by the believers, earnestly and undeviatingly 

Jesus, our Master and Savior, said that He sanctified Himself during His earth walk by the truth of God’s Word, so as to be model for us, “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. (John 17 vs 19.) He led a life of humility and obedience to God the Father, even with His status as equal to God. The Scripture stated thus: 

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2 vs 5 - 8.)

We are living in a world that is dominated by sin and evil. The question then is, “How do we stay pure in a contaminating environment?” We cannot do this on our own, but must have counsel and strength more dynamic than the tempting influences around us. That counsel or wisdom and strength is in the Word of God; reading and doing what it says, with the Holy Spirit helping us in our weaknesses or infirmities.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of studying and meditation on Your Word, and that I may find grace to do all that is contained there in, in Jesus’ Name ai have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

HOLINESS BY GRACE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY MARCH 30, 2021.

SUBJECT:  HOLINESS BY GRACE!

Memory verse:  "For God did I not call us to uncleanness but in holiness.” (First Thessalonians 4 vs 7.) 

READ:  First Peter 1 vs 13 - 16:

1:13: Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1:14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;

1:15: but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 

1:16: because it is written, “Be Holy, For I am holy.”

INTIMATION:

Grace, as undeserved (unmerited) favor, is one aspect of grace, we are  probably most accustomed to hearing about, and it is wonderful. But we have also seen that grace is power—the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives that enables us overcome our problems. It is the power of God available to meet our needs without cost to us. There is nothing more powerful than grace, and it is received by believing rather than through human effort.

What is holiness? Holiness is being "separated to God,"—being consecrated or set aside for sacred use. It is standing apart from sin and evil. It is a separation that should result in "conduct befitting those so separated." It is the characteristics or nature of God especially the third person of the "Trinity."  Holiness is a demand on us by God. We are to separate ourselves from the world's sinful values, and be devoted to God's desire rather than our own, and carry His love and mercy into the world.

God's plan for us ab initio, is to be like Him, hence His creating us in His own image and after His likeness (Genesis 1 vs 26). He wanted us to live like Him. Unfortunately, sin separated us from Him. In His love, mercy and grace, He sent His Son, as a propitiation for our sins (First John 4 vs 10), and through His blood reconciled us back to Himself, to live for Him and be like Him. But while God wants us to be holy, He realizes our weakness and inability. He knows that without help we can never be what He desires for us to be or wants us to do. That is why He has sent His Spirit to help us to fulfill His design and purpose for us.

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and the Holy Spirit has been sent to prepare us for that place. That is not a Scripture, but it is scriptural; that is, a truth based on the Word of God. This process through which the Holy Spirit makes us holy, or leads us into holiness is called sanctification. Therefore, sanctification refers to the process that God uses to do a work in us by His Holy Spirit to make us more and more holy until finally we become just like His Son Jesus. It is God's grace (the power of the Holy Spirit) we receive that enables us to meet the need of sanctification—the transformation process to holiness.

In Hebrews 10 vs 14, the Bible says, "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." We have been made perfect, yet we are being sanctified (made holy). Through His death and resurrection, Christ once for all, made His believers perfect in God's sight. At the same time He is making them holy (progressively cleansed and set apart for His special use) in their daily pilgrimage here. We should not be surprised, ashamed or shocked that we still need to grow. God is not finished with us yet.

Sanctification is a progressive venture. The finality of that process will never occur while we are in these earthly bodies. But we don't need to be concerned about that. The only thing we need to be concerned about is progress. The question we must ask ourselves is: “are we making progress toward holiness, are we cooperating with the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to do what He wants to do in our lives?” 

As believers we are not to be anxious about holiness or the process of sanctification ('be anxious for nothing' (Philippians 4 vs 6)), but we are to be serious about it. We are to recognize that it is God's Will for us. We are to desire and thirst for it with all our hearts, and sincerely ask God for it in our fellowship with Him. We are to make every effort to cooperate with the Holy Spirit Who is working to bring it to pass in us day by day.

Prayer: Abba Father, in Your loving kindness, and the riches of Your grace You saved us from the bondage of sin and Satan to live for You, and be like You. I thirst for the sanctification by Your Spirit to enable me lead a holy life as You desire, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!