GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

MONDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2023.

SUBJECT : GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT!

Memory verse: "But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6 vs 33.)

READ: First Kings 17 vs 10 - 16:

17:10: So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, Indeed a widow was there gathering of sticks. And he called to her, and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.”

17:11: And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.”

17:12: So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have not bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks, that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”

17:13: And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me, and afterward make some for yourself and for your son.

17:14: For thus says the LORD God of Israel, ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’”

17:15: So she went and did according to the word of Elijah: and she, and he, and her household, ate for many days.

17:16: The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD, which He spoke by Elijah.

INTIMATION:

Priority is the state of being first in time, place, or rank; having a preference; something that ought to be considered or dealt with in the earliest stage of proceedings. And to “get one’s priorities right” is to give things appropriate attention in appropriate order.

Getting our priorities right is the first step and solid foundation for a life of exploits and fulfillment of purpose in our journey of life. In our memory verse, Jesus spoke about priorities. He said that when we put God first, everything we really need will be given to us as well. This means that when we put God first, the wisdom He gives will enable us to have richly rewarding lives. When we have a purpose for living and learn to be content with what we have, we have greater wealth than we could ever imagine. 

To “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern, and to serve and obey Him in everything. The pressures of everyday living; people, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly become most important to you if you don’t actively choose to give God first place in every area of your life.

In the passage we read today, the widow of Zarephath put her priorities right by putting God and His kingdom first, even before her life and that of her son. When  she met Elijah, she thought she was preparing her last meal. She recognized him as a prophet of God, and put everything about him first because he was a servant of God. She trusted God and His servant Elijah and gave all she had to eat to him first. That simple act of faith produced a miracle. Not only was she fed, the prophet and her son were also fed for many days. Also, that act of faith and obedience, and getting her priorities right further brought about the miracle of raising the dead; Elijah revived the widow’s dead son. (First Kings 17 vs 17 - 22.)

King Solomon also, got his priorities right; he put the need of his people first and asked for wisdom rather than riches. He realized that wisdom would be the most valuable asset he could have as a king. Later he wrote wisdom “is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her” (Proverbs 3 vs 15). In his profound request, he said to God, “Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?” (Second Chronicles 1 vs 10).

Then God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, or wealth, or honor, or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people, over whom I have made you king—wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.” (Second Chronicles 1 vs 11 - 12). His priorities he got right did not only got him wisdom but brought along riches, honor, and wealth such that never been seen and will ever be seen with any king!

Again, the people of Judah at one time got their priorities wrong and paid dearly for it. God said to them, “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the LORD of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to your own house.” (Haggai 1 vs 9). God called for drought on the land and mountains and all the labor of their hands were ruined. 

Judah’s problem was confused priorities. They left what should be first in their lives, neglecting God by not caring for His house, and God was angry with them. Like Judah, our priorities involving occupation, family, and God’s work are often confused. Jobs, homes, vacations, and leisure activities may rank higher on our list of importance than God hence our poor attitude towards His work and His kingdom. Are you getting your priorities right? What is first in your life? Can God say to you, “My child come into My rest, you have done well.” My prayer is that none of us should miss getting our priorities right, in Jesus’ name.

Many people claim to know God. We will not know for certain in this life, but a glance at their lifestyles will quickly tell us if they are getting their priorities right; what they value and whether they have ordered their lives around kingdom priorities. Our conduct speaks volume about what we believe (See First John 2 vs 4 - 6) What do people know about God and about your faith by watching your life?

Jesus gave us the summary of living our lives with our priorities right. He said that if we truly love God and our neighbor, we will naturally keep the commandments (Matthew 22 vs 37 - 40). This is looking at God’s law positively and putting it first in our lives. Rather than worrying about all we should not do, we should concentrate on all we can do to show our love for God and others. 

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of wisdom and understanding that I will get my priorities right, putting You and Your kingdom first in life, consequently, live a life of exploits in Christ, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen. 

PRAISE THE LORD!

The Perfect City

 

He has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)

No pollution, no graffiti, no trash, no peeling paint or rotting garages, no dead grass or broken bottles, no harsh street talk, no in-your-face confrontations, no domestic strife or violence, no dangers in the night, no arson or lying or stealing or killing, no vandalism, and no ugliness.

The city of God will be perfect, because God will be in it. He will walk in it and talk in it and manifest himself in every part of it. All that is good and beautiful and holy and peaceful and true and happy will be there, because God will be there.

Perfect justice will be there and recompense a thousandfold for every pain suffered in obedience to Christ in this world. And it will never deteriorate. In fact, it will shine brighter and brighter as eternity stretches out into unending ages of increasing joy.

When you desire this city above everything else on the earth, then you honor God, who, according to Hebrews 11:10, is the designer and builder of the city. And when God is honored, he is pleased and not ashamed to be called your God.

CHRIST’S NEW COMMANDMENT OF LOVE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2023.

SUBJECT : CHRIST’S NEW COMMANDMENT OF LOVE!

Memory verse: "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma." (Ephesians 5 vs 2.)

READ: John 13 vs 34 - 35:

13:34: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

13:35: By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

INTIMATION:

The commandment to love others is both old and new. It’s old because it comes from the Old Testament: “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19 vs 18). And also in the New Testament: “...You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22 vs 39). However, Jesus gave us a new commandment that radically interpreted, in a new way, the concept of love for others: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13 vs 34). 

The commandment of love for our neighbors as we love ourselves is predicated on service and treatment to another. The idea is embodied in the saying, ‘Do to others what you like them to do to you.’ It’s love expressed through self-service and servanthood. In fact, it can be defined as “selfless giving.” Loving others as ourselves means actively working to see that their needs are met. Just as you don’t willingly let yourself go hungry, you take care of your body, you clothe yourself reasonably well, you make sure there is a roof over your head, you try not to let yourself be cheated or injured, and you should ensure that you treat others in the same manner. This is the kind of love we need to have for our neighbors. We must treat all people the way we would like to be treated.

However, in the new law Jesus Christ gave us, He demands that we do more than mere treating others as we would like to be treated; but willingly sacrificing ourselves for others—lovingly inconveniencing ourselves for the happiness of others. Our great King, Jesus Christ gave us the law; “You should love one another as I have loved you” (John 15 vs 12). Jesus loved us enough to give His life for us. And then He said; “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15 vs 13). We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging, suffering for others etc.

When you love yourself, you definitely would not want to suffer needs. Likewise, ensure your neighbor does not suffers needs. But Jesus, in the new commandment, says, ‘If we need to suffer to ensure others’ needs are met, we should suffer.’ That is the manner He loved us: “He gave His life that we may have life, not just life but life in abundance (John 10 vs 10). 

Just as children imitate their parents, we should imitate Jesus Christ. His great love for us led Him to sacrifice Himself so that we might live. Our love for others should be of the same kind—a love that goes beyond affection to self-sacrificing service. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more—give sacrificially. 

Sincere love involves selfless giving: a self-centered person can’t truly love. God’s love and forgiveness free you to take your eyes off yourselves and to meet others’ needs. By sacrificing His life, Christ showed that He truly loves you. Now you can love others by following His example and giving yourself sacrificially. Jesus’ love knew no bounds, He reached beyond friends to enemies and persecutors. Can you see yourself do so?  

Love should be the unifying force and the identifying mark of the Christian community. Love is the key to walking in the light, because we cannot grow spiritually while we hate others. Our growing relationship with God will result in growing relationship with others.

Prayer: Abba Father, You so much loved me that You sacrificed Your life for me. Give me the grace to love others in like manner, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Lincoln’s Providence

 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

Abraham Lincoln, who was born on this day in 1809, remained skeptical, and at times even cynical, about religion into his forties. So, it is a most striking thing how personal and national suffering drew Lincoln into the reality of God, rather than pushing him away.

In 1862, when Lincoln was 53 years old, his 11-year-old son Willie died. Lincoln’s wife “tried to deal with her grief by searching out New Age mediums.” Lincoln turned to Phineas Gurley, pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington.

Several long talks led to what Gurley described as “a conversion to Christ.” Lincoln confided that he was “driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I have nowhere else to go.”

Similarly, the horrors of the dead and wounded soldiers assaulted him daily. There were fifty hospitals for the wounded in Washington. The rotunda of the Capitol held two thousand cots for wounded soldiers.

Typically, fifty soldiers a day died in these temporary hospitals. All of this drove Lincoln deeper into the providence of God. “We cannot but believe, that He who made the world still governs it.”

His most famous statement about the providence of God in relation to the Civil War was his Second Inaugural Address, given a month before he was assassinated. It is remarkable for not making God a simple supporter for the Union or Confederate cause. God has his own purposes and does not excuse sin on either side.

Fondly do we hope — fervently do we pray — that this mighty scourge of war might speedily pass away. . . .

Yet if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man’s two hundred years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid with another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago so still it must be said, “the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether.”

I pray for all of you who suffer loss and injury and great sorrow that it will awaken for you, as it did for Lincoln, not an empty fatalism, but a deeper reliance on the infinite wisdom and love of God’s inscrutable providence.

The Best Form of Slavery

 

He who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. (1 Corinthians 7:22, my translation)

I would have expected Paul to switch the places of “Lord,” which means Master, and “Christ,” which means Messiah.

He correlates our liberation with Jesus being our Master (“a freedman of the Lord”). And he correlates our new slavery with Jesus being our Messiah (“a slave of Christ”). It seems strange because the Messiah came to liberate his people from their captors; and masters take control of their slaves’ lives.

Why does he say it this way? Why correlate slavery (rather than liberation) with Messiah, and liberation (rather than slavery) with Master?

Suggestion: The switch has two effects on our new liberty and two effects on our new slavery.

On the one hand, in calling us “the liberated of the Lord,” he secures and limits our new liberty:

His lordship is over all other lords; so our liberation is uncontested — absolutely secure.

But, free from all other lords, we are not free from him. Our freedom is mercifully limited. Jesus is our Master.

On the other hand, in calling us the “slaves of Christ,” he loosens and sweetens our slavery:

The Messiah lays claim on his own in order to bring them from the confines of captivity into the open spaces of peace. “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7).

And he makes them his own to give them the sweetest joy. “With honey from the rock I would satisfy you” (Psalm 81:16). And that Rock is Christ, the Messiah.

So, Christian, be glad in this: “He who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord” — the Master. “Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ” — the loosening, sweetening Messiah.”

A LIFE WELL LIVED!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2023.

SUBJECT : A LIFE WELL LIVED!

Memory verse: "But David, after he had served his own generation by the Will of God, fell asleep..." (Acts 13 vs 36.)

READ: Acts 13 vs 20 - 23:

13:20: "After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

13:21: And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

13:22: And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.' 

13:23: From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus

INTIMATION:

God created all things to serve His purposes. You and I are created for some purposes. Those who lived purposefully for God were remarkably acknowledged by Him, and that is, "A life well lived." In our memory verse, the Bible strikingly said about David, "But David, after he had served his own generation by the Will of God, fell asleep..." David, in his generation served remarkably in the Will of God. He had, "A life well lived."

In the passage we read today, It is then not surprising that God testified of David, called him a man after His own heart. The Scripture said, "And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My Will." God is “All knowing,” He knows the end from the beginning, hence His testimony is sure. And David lived up to God’s testimony about him.

There is no greater compliment than that statement. Imagine such epitaph chiseled on your tombstone: ‘That you served God's purpose in your generation.’ My prayer is that people will say that about me when I die. It is also my prayer that people will say it about you, too. The phrase is the ultimate definition of "A life well lived."

A life well lived is all about a “purpose-driven life,” doing God's Will in the world that earns you eternal glory—to live with Him forever. God created you, at this time in history, for a purpose. Neither past nor future generations can serve God's purpose in this generation, but only we in this generation can do that. Like Esther God created you "for such a time as this" for His predetermined purposes. (Esther 4 vs 14.)

God is looking for people to use. The Bible, in Second Chronicles 16 vs 9, says, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him...." Will you be a person God can use for His purposes? Will you serve God's purpose in your generation? Will God say of you, "He will live his life well, serving My purpose in his generation?"

Any Christian chasing after a life well lived would heed the counsel of the apostle Paul recorded in First Corinthians 9 vs 24 - 27: "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

Paul said that he ran straight for the prize set before him with purpose in every step. His only reason for living was to fulfill the purposes God ordained for him. He was so sure of himself that he said, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1 vs 21.) He was not afraid of either dying or living. Either way, he would fulfill God's purposes. If he lived, it was for good of others whom he labored to teach the ways of Christ. And if he died, he would join Christ to live in eternity with Him. Either way he wins.

The sports race illustration used by the apostle Paul above, explains the required purpose and discipline for believers. As Christians, the required life to live takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. We are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study and meditation, and worship, equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Don't merely observe from the grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning. Train diligently as your spiritual progress depends upon it.

One day history will come to a close, but eternity will go on forever. When fulfilling your purposes seems tough, don't give in to discouragement. Remember your reward, which will last forever. The Bible says, "For our light afflictions, which is for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (Second Corinthians 4 vs 17.) Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 

Imagine what it is going to be like one day, when we have achieved, with all of us standing before the Throne of God presenting our lives in deep gratitude and praise to Christ. Together we will sing, "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You have created all things, and for your pleasure they are, and were created." (Revelation 4 vs 11.) We would praise Him for His plan, and haven achieved, according to His plans and purposes for us, would live with Him forever!

Prayer: Abba Father, eternity with You is my utmost heart desire. Help me by Your grace in my quest to lead a life pleasing to You, according to Your plan and purpose for me, and that I may come boldly to the Throne of grace, and obtain Your crown of glory, in Jesus' Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Saving Faith Isn’t Easily Satisfied

 

If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. (Hebrews 11:15–16)

Faith sees the promised future that God offers and “desires” it. “As it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” Dwell on this for a moment.

There are many people who water down what saving faith is by making it a mere decision with no change of what one desires and seeks. But the point of this text in the great faith chapter in the Bible — Hebrews 11 — is that living and dying by faith means having new desires and seeking new satisfactions.

Verse 14 says that the saints of old (who are being commended for their faith here in Hebrews 11) were seeking a different kind of country than this world offered. And verse 16 says they were desiring something better than what a present earthly existence could offer. “They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.”

They had been so gripped by God that nothing short of being with God would satisfy.

So, this is true saving faith: seeing the promises of God from afar, and experiencing a change of values so that you desire and seek after and trust in the promises of God above what the world has to offer.