YOU CAN BE FORGIVEN!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY APRIL 06, 2021.

SUBJECT : YOU CAN BE FORGIVEN!

Memory verse: "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1 vs 18).

READ: Isaiah 1 vs 18 - 20:

18: "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

19: If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

20: But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword", for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

 

INTIMATION:

Never let guilt feelings of sin keep you from praying (seeking the face of God), which is your only means of restoration, because only God forgives sin. Some people feel that they could never come close to God because they have done something terrible. That’s is not right. God primarily sent His only Son—Jesus Christ—into the world for sinners that need forgiveness of sins. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Matthew 9 vs 12 - 13.)

Christ came for sinners like you and I, and He expects us—the sinners—to come to Him for mercy. We can only go to Him in prayer, acknowledging our need and admitting that we don't have all the answers, and God will come to our help. He desires to show mercy and His mercy endures forever.

One of the effects of sin in our lives is keeping us away from praying, but it is noteworthy that perfect moral behavior is not a condition for prayer. Though the stain of sin seems permanent, but only God can remove such stain of sin from our lives. We don't have to go through life permanently soiled. God's Word assures that if we are willing and obedient in turning to Him, Christ will forgive and remove our most indelible stains of sin.

David was a man who, more than anything else, has an unchangeable belief in the faithful and forgiving nature of God. He was a man who lived with great zest. He sinned many times, but he was quick to confess his sins and run to God for forgiveness. This attitude endeared him to God that He referred to him as “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13 vs 22). 

In Psalm 51, David prayed to God for forgiveness of his sin with Bathsheba. This Psalm expresses one of the clearest examples of repentance in all of Scripture. His words demonstrate the place of hope within confession. When dealing with a sense of distance or with guilt that is affecting your relationship with God, use this psalm as a starting point. It will help you identify and rectify sin in your life through confession and repentance. It contains words of exquisite expression of a deeply felt need for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

No matter how long you have been away from God, He is ready to hear from you and restore you to a right relationship with Him. Every situation can be salvaged if you are willing to turn to God. In Judges 16 vs 28 - 30,  we would observe that in spite of Samson's past, God still answered his prayer and destroyed the philistines' heathen temple and worshipers. He killed more people at his death than he did in life because of the mercy of God when he turned to Him in prayer.

The only sin unforgivable by God is the sin against the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks  a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age, or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12 vs 31 - 32.) 

What then is the sin against the Holy Spirit? It is the deliberate refusal to acknowledge God, and His power in Christ, expressed through the Holy Spirit. It indicates a deliberate and irreversible hardness of heart. It reveals a heart attitude of unbelief and unrepentance, that attributes to Satan the work that the Holy Spirit accomplishes. Such people have turned their backs on God and rejected all faith, and are unwilling to ask for forgiveness. Even when they receive the prompting of the Holy Spirit, convicting them of sin, they reject it. And the deliberate rejection of the work of the Holy Spirit is blasphemy, because it is rejecting God Himself. Such persons remove themselves from the only force that can lead them to repentance and restoration to God.

Prayer: Abba Father, You are the only God, there is no other. Before You there is no God, with You there is no other God, and there will be no other God after You. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of your tender mercies. Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquities, and cleans me from my sin, in Jesus name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

AT THE APPOINTED TIME!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY APRIL 05, 2021.

SUBJECT: AT THE APPOINTED TIME!

Memory verse: "And he said, “Look, I am making know to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation: for at the appointed time the end shall be.” (Daniel 8 vs 19.)

READ: Habakkuk 2 vs 2 - 3:

2:2: Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who sees it.

2:3: For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

INTIMATION:

God has a plan for all of His creation according to His predetermined purposes. His consistent purpose is to carry out what He has planned. He provides cycles of life, each with its work for an appointed time. God does not work to make us happy, but to achieve His predetermined purposes, which may involve unpleasant or difficult times. Although we may face many problems that seem to contradict God’s plan, these should not be barriers to believing in Him, but rather opportunities to discover Him more, and that without God, life’s problems have no lasting solutions! 

Events or things happen exactly at the right time in history according to God’s own plans and schedule. God controls all history, and He controls the timing, method, and events surrounding us all. God’s timing is perfect. We may sometimes be discouraged by the seemingly delay in God’s response, and may wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers. Though, your request may be in consonance with God’s plan for you, but it will only come through to you at His appointed time. Therefore, haven known this fact, we ought to be patient with Him, and wait for His perfect timing.

It’s obvious our feelings or reactions does not move God nor alter His plans and purposes. 

According to Scripture, everything about you is predetermined by God. God is 'All-Knowing.' He already knows everything about us, even to the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10 vs 30). He knows the thoughts of our hearts, even when they are evil, and yet He accepts and loves us. God is with us through every situation, in every trial; protecting, loving, guiding us (Psalm 46 vs 1; 59 vs 16), and has promised He would never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13 vs 5), and will be with us always, even up to the end of age (Matthew 28 vs 20). He knows and loves us completely.

God is able and willing to bless us according to His timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in His due time you will reap a harvest of blessings, either in this life or in the next. Yes, in the next life because here is not our home. Your security is in heaven, not on earth. Jesus said He will go to prepare a place for you in His Father’s house of many mansions (See John 14 vs 2 - 3).

But God’s promises are sure to come, though it might seem slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place, in line with His perfect and appointed time. It isn’t easy to be patient, but it helps to remember that God is absolutely in control of all things. We must trust Him even when we don’t understand why events occur as they do. His promises are public and the fulfillment is sure. He is a God of truth and righteousness, and does His bidding according to His perfect plans, purposes, and timing.

In concluding, please note, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8 vs 28.) You are in God’s plans, and He works in “all things”—not just isolated incidents—for our good. All He created are in His plans and purposes according to His predetermined timing. Often we waver between faith and fear, but God is able to turn every circumstances around for our long-range good. Even in our deepest sorrow, God cares! He knows every problem and sees every fear. At His appointed time He will come through to you.

Prayer: Abba Father, Your timing is perfect, Your wisdom and knowledge are unsearchable, and your ways past finding out! Let it be to me according to Your thoughts, plans, purposes, and timing, to bring me to the expected end—eternal life with You, in Jesus Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

How to Receive from God!

How to Receive from God! 

“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4 (KJV)

The opening scripture has given us one of the keys to receiving the desires of our heart. The key is to delight ourselves in the Lord. Beloved, after you have prayed and laid your request before the Lord, He wants you to delight yourself in Him. Be glad to be on the Lord’s side and continually rejoice in Him. Always find a good reason to keep the joy of the Holy Spirit alive in you (Romans 14:17). If He has given you life, then there is a good reason to say thank You to Him—appreciate Him and celebrate Him. No wonder Jesus Christ said life is more than food, and the body more than clothing (Luke 12:23). Appreciating God for the little things He does for you will keep your hope alive. Surround yourself with people who will fan your delight in the Lord. When your sphere of contact is filled with joy, it becomes easy for God to work through these people to give you the desires of your heart. Beloved, because God loves a joyful atmosphere, He said in everything we should give thanks so we can see and embrace His perfect will (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Hallelujah! Be thankful!

Prayer Point: My faithful and loving Father, thank You for giving me the key to always receiving blessings from You. There are a lot of things to appreciate and thank You for. Please keep showing me how to continually create a joyful atmosphere and be delightful in You in order to receive the desires of my heart in Jesus’ name. Amen!

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Do You Know How to Overcome Poverty?

Do You Know How to Overcome Poverty? 

“Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.” Proverbs 24:32-34 (KJV)

Knowing how to overcome poverty is the beginning of catapulting yourself into prosperity. The children of God have been given a key to overcoming poverty. King Solomon went on a walk and drew inspiration from the field of a slothful man. He was kind enough to share with us his observation; poverty comes to lure its victim. It gives you all the excuses to convince you to do nothing but to sleep, slumber, and fold your hands to sleep. In other words, it makes you love sleep and slumber more than work. Therefore, if you begin to lose interest in working, then note that poverty is beginning to knock at your door to lure you. Beloved, enjoy the work that God has given to you as a child of God even as you aspire higher. Remember that work is God’s idea, and He has been working since the creation of heaven and earth. No wonder Jesus Christ said, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5:17). Beloved, to overcome poverty, you must try to shun laziness and be diligent in business. You can devise the principle of Apostle Paul that if a man does not work, he must not eat; this will force you to work (2 Thessalonians 3:10). And after securing a job or business, be faithful with your tithes and offerings, and God will promote you into prosperity (Malachi 3:10). Hallelujah! Be diligent!

Prayer Point: My gracious Father, thank You for teaching me how to overcome poverty. I put Your Word to work and create a job for myself. Please lead and guide me to be diligent at my work, be faithful in tithes and offering, and help the vulnerable till I become very prosperous and a channel of blessings to many in Jesus’ name. Amen!

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LIFE IN ABSOLUTE SENSE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY APRIL 04, 2021.

SUBJECT: LIFE IN ABSOLUTE SENSE!

Memory verse: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17 vs 3.)

READ: First John 5 vs 11 - 13:

5:11: And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

5:12: He who has the Son has life, He who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

5:13: These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

INTIMATION:

Life in absolute sense is “eternal life”—living forever with God. God’s life, by nature, is eternal (Deuteronomy 33 vs 27). To receive eternal life is to join in God’s life. For the sinful man, eternal life begins at the moment of spiritual rebirth. It begins when we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Accepting Jesus Christ as Savior is accepting all He wrought for us in redemption through His sacrificial death on the cross, as a propitiation for our sins. Eternal life requires entering into a personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is eternally existent with God, the Creator, He, too, is “the life.” Jesus said in John 14 vs 6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life...” The life of the Father and the Son, Jesus, are the same, “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.” (John 5 vs 26.) The same nature of life is in the Father and the Son. In our “new birth,” God gives us this life through His Son; “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (First John 5 vs 11).

To many “eternal life” still sounds strange, either because they don’t know God nor believe in Christ, or are repulsed by the idea because their lives are miserable. But eternal life is real, and those in Christ have it already. It’s not an extension of a person’s miserable, mortal life: eternal life is God’s life embodied in Christ given to all believers now as a guarantee that they will live forever. Most people are discouraged because of the circumstances of life they face here. But that is not a reflection of life in the absolute sense. In eternal life there is no death, sickness, enemy, evil or sin. You are living with the Creator and Owner of all things, and He can create or make anything without difficulties, and with Him nothing is impossible. 

Some Christians hope that they will receive eternal life. John says we can know we have it already. Our certainty is based on God’s promise that He has given us eternal life through His Son. This is true whether you feel close to God or far away from Him. Eternal life is not based on feelings but on facts. You can know that you have eternal life if you believe God’s truth. If you aren’t sure that you are a Christian, ask yourself: “Have I honestly committed my life to Him as my Savior and Lord? If so, you know by faith that you are indeed a child of God, and has life in absolute sense—Eternal life—the real life.

When we don’t know Christ, we make choices as though this life is all we have. In reality, this life is just the introduction to eternity—the real life. The apostle Paul puts it clear to all believers, saying, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (First Corinthians 15 vs 19). This refers to Christians who do not have eternity in their minds; thinking that this life now on earth is all that is. 

You still will face physical death, but when Christ returns again, your body will be resurrected to live forever (First Corinthians 15 vs 52). At the second coming of Christ, the dead in Him will rise to meet Him; “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And all the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (First Thessalonians 4 vs 16 - 17.) Then we will be taken to live with Him forever.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for all You wrought for me in Christ Jesus. May I never miss my crown of life with You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

WHAT WE HAVE AS GOD’S CHILDREN!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY APRIL 03, 2021.

SUBJECT: WHAT WE HAVE AS GOD’S CHILDREN!

Memory verse: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5 vs 8.)

READ: Romans 5 vs 10 - 11; 17 - 21:

5:10: For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

5:11: And not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. 

5:17: For if by one man's offence death reigned through the one; much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

5:18: Therefore, as through one man’s offense, judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.

5:19: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

5:20: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abound much more abound,

5:21: so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

INTIMATION:

As God’s children we have His unparalleled love (Romans 5 vs 8). That love that made Him give His only Son as a propitiation for us. His Son, Jesus Christ, paid the wages we owed; died the death we ought to die for our sins. What a love! The apostle Paul, in describing the quantum of His love for us, said, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

We have been rescued by God through the death of Jesus Christ. God sent Him to die for us, not because we were good enough, but just because He loved us. We are very valuable in God’s eyes that He sent His Son to give His life for us; that He might die so we can live. God loved us first, even before we turned to Him from where we are swamped with sin. 

We have received the gift of righteousness (Romans 5 vs 17 - 18), haven been previously condemned through our inheritance of Adam’s offense of high treason. But now, through the righteous act of Jesus—death on our behalf— we have been justified and made righteous; “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (Second Corinthians 5 vs 21.)

All people are sinful, and so they are separated from God. In addition, all sin deserve punishment. Instead of punishing us with the death we deserve, however, Christ took our sins upon Himself and took our punishment by dying on the cross. Now we can rejoice in God. Through faith in Christ’s work, we become close to God—reconciled to Him rather than being enemies and outcasts; “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” (Second Corinthians 5 vs 18.) 

We are in God’s family as our relationship with Him is restored. We were all born into Adam’s physical family—the family line that leads to certain death. All of us have reaped the results of Adam’s sin. We have inherited his guilt, a sinful nature (the tendency to sin), and God’s punishment. Because of Jesus, however, we can trade judgement for forgiveness, Christ offers us the opportunity to be born into His spiritual family—the family line that begins with forgiveness and leads to eternal life. If we come to God by faith, we receive life through Christ.

Obedience has been reckoned for us in Christ Jesus (Romans 5 vs 19). “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2 vs 8.) And through that obedience, we are made righteous. 

Jesus offered us grace (unmerited favor) in abundance (Romans 5 vs 17 & 20). He offers grace with open arms to lift us above the ladder of the law, we all haven sinned and come short of the glory of God, to take us directly to God! Once Jesus lifts you into God’s presence, you are free indeed: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, You shall be free indeed (John 8 vs 36). Now, you obey God out of love, not necessity, and through God’s power, not your own. And you know that if you stumble, you will not fall back to the ground. Instead, you will  be caught and held in Christ’s loving arm.

We have eternal life with Him (Romans 5 vs 21). We have an Helper—the Holy Spirit, whom God has given us to be with us forever. The love that caused Jesus to die is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that saved us, and is available to us in our daily lives. Be assured that, haven begun a life with Christ, you have a reserve of power and love to call on each day for help to meet every challenge or trial. You can pray for God’s power and love as you need it.

Prayer: Abba Father, everything within me is saying thank You for all You wrought for me in redemption through Jesus Christ. I pray that I abide in Your love and power all the days of my life, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

DO YOU KNOW HIS WILL FOR YOUR LIFE?

Do You Know His Will for Your Life?

“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;” Colossians 1:11 (KJV)

Apostle Paul prayed for the church of Colossae to be strengthened with all might, according to God’s glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Praise the Lord! This is the will of God for you as a child of God. Knowing God’s will is the beginning of working toward fulfilling it. It is good to look at the full content of the prayer from verse nine to verse twelve in order to pray them and receive the blessings therein. Beloved, may you be strengthened with all might according to the glorious power of God; if you are sick, receive your healing now; if you are tired and feel like giving up, receive divine strength now. Let the patience and longsuffering with joyfulness well up in you so that you will be able to wait for the promises of God. Remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Continue to declare this prayer to yourself when you feel discouraged so that you can be energized to press on, for the will of God will definitely come to pass in your life as you stay on course (Mark 11:23–24). Hallelujah! You are an overcomer!

Prayer Point: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for making Your will available to me in Your Word. I lift it up in prayer that You continually fill me with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and understanding and strengthen me with all might according to Your glorious power, in order to walk with You in patience and longsuffering with joyfulness 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.