OUR EFFORTS VERSUS REST IN GOD!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY JULY 28, 2024.

SUBJECT: OUR EFFORTS VERSUS REST IN GOD! 

Memory verse: "And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God." (Romans 6 vs 13.)

READ: Romans 12 vs 1 - 2:

12:1: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

12:2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect Will of God. 

INTIMATION:

To lead a life pleasing to God requires our own efforts on one part, and relying on the Holy Spirit leading on the other part. The apostle Paul, in the passage we read, states that we are required to dedicate everything about us; our possessions, time, energy, efforts, and our members and faculties (our heads, hands, and tongues, our minds, emotions, and attitudes) all of them to God as a living sacrifice, holy, devoted, and consecrated (sanctified) and pleasing to God, which is our reasonable, rational, intelligent service and spiritual worship.

In our memory verse, the apostle Paul uses the term “instruments of unrighteousness,” and “instruments of righteousness.” The terms figuratively refer to a tool or a weapon. It is indicative that our skills, capacities, and bodies can serve as a tool or weapon for many purposes; good or bad. In sin, every part of our body is vulnerable, and can be used to commit sin. In Christ, every part can also be an instrument for service. It is the one to whom we offer ourselves for service that makes the difference. 

We are like lasers (beam of concentrated light having immense energy) that can burn destructive holes in steel places (used for destructive service) or do delicate cataract surgery (used for good service to save life). We are required to give yourself completely to God, asking Him to put us to good use for His glory. God wants us daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him, putting all our energy and resources at His disposal and trusting Him to guide us. We are to do this out of gratitude that our sins are forgiven.

God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for His children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds; transformed into a new person by changing the way we think, live to honor and obey Him. Because He wants only what is best for us, and because He gave His Son to make our new life possible, we should joyfully give ourselves (everything about us) as living sacrifice for His service. 

However, It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, re-educates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed. Therefore, we should earnestly seek the leading of the Holy Spirit to help us conform to that which God Wills for us.

Christians are warned not to copy the behavior and customs of this world that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Wise Christians decide that much worldly behavior is off-limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world’s values, however, must go even deeper than just behavior and customs; it must be firmly planted in our mind. God made it clear that obedience from the heart is much more important. We are to serve and worship God totally with our body, mind, and spirit. We are not just to be physically and emotionally dedicated to the Lord, we are to be rationally and intellectually dedicated to Him as well. 

Our part in working with God is when we give this reasonable service of dedicating everything about us to God; making the conscious choice to follow after holiness, giving Him our mind and will. God's part then, is to give us His grace and Spirit to help us offer this reasonable service. The grace of God doesn't just fall upon us, we must choose it, earnestly covet it, and His grace cannot be wasted.

There is a delicate balance to be maintained between rest and effort, just as there is between casting our care upon God and casting our responsibility upon Him. Casting your care on God is good for God desires you do so. However, it should be backed up by prayer and faith, which is our responsibility, not God's. If you and I want to stay in balance, then we are going to have to stay in close fellowship with the Spirit of Truth. 

True holiness is a combined effort between us and the Holy Spirit. It requires a clear understanding of His part and our part, and a delicate balance between the two. Many believers keep the care and cast the responsibility. This is wrong! Cast the care, and enter God's rest, but be ever ready to fulfill your responsibilities empowered by the Spirit of grace.

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to avoid carnality, helping not to live according to the dictates of the flesh, but according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Endue with the spirit of grace to live forever for You, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

How to self-reflect?

 Self-reflection is a vital aspect of personal and spiritual growth in Christianity. It allows believers to examine their lives and align their actions with God's Word. Here’s how to engage in self-reflection from a Christian perspective:

1. Pray for Insight: Begin with prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and reveal areas needing growth. James 1:5 encourages us: "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you."

2. Read Scripture: Reflect on Biblical passages that speak to your current situation. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." This helps you identify what God desires from you.

3. Journal Your Thoughts: Writing can clarify your feelings and experiences. As you journal, consider what God might be teaching you through various circumstances in your life.

4. Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Romans 12:3 advises us to evaluate ourselves honestly: "Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves." This helps in understanding where God is calling you to grow.

5. Seek Accountability: Discuss your reflections with a trusted friend or mentor who can provide encouragement and support in your spiritual journey.

6. Take Action: Implement what you’ve learned through your reflection. Philippians 4:13 states, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." This verse reminds us that we can make changes with His help.

Self-reflection is a continuous process that brings us closer to God and helps us become more Christ-like in our daily lives.

FIX YOUR SEARCH ON GOD ONLY!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY JULY 26, 2024.

SUBJECT: FIX YOUR SEARCH ON GOD ONLY! 

Memory verse: "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His Will.”(Ephesians 1 vs 11.)

READ: Matthew 16 vs 25 - 26:

16:25: For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 

16:26: For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

INTIMATION:

Many books have been written that suggests ways to discover the purpose of your life. All of them are classified as "self-help" books because they all approached the subject from a self-centered viewpoint, and predictable steps to finding your life's purpose. Some of the steps offered by these books are titled; ‘Consider your dreams.’ ‘Clarify your values.’ ‘Set some goals.’ ‘Figure out what you are good at.’ ‘Aim high.’ ‘Go for it!’ ‘Be disciplined.’ ‘Believe you can achieve your goals.’ ‘Involve others.’ ‘Never give up.’

Of course, these recommendations often lead to great success. You can usually succeed in reaching a goal if you apply yourself to it. But being successful, and fulfilling your life's purpose are not at all the same issue! You could reach all your personal goals, and achieve your set objectives, becoming a star, or a raving success by the world's standard, and still miss the purpose for which God created you. You need more than self-help advice. 

God is not just the starting point of your life; He is the source of it. To discover your purpose in life you must turn to God's Word, not the world's wisdom. You must build your life on eternal truths, not pop psychology, success motivation, or inspirational stories. God, in His infinite wisdom, purposefully created you, and you are to serve His purpose to live a purposeful life.

Today’s memory verse is quite clear and direct on how we find our purpose on earth. It is in Christ that we find out who we are (we obtain an inheritance), and what we are living for (the purpose of Him for us), and He did it all according to His Will. He works all things according to his overall plans and purposes in everything and for everyone.

God is working all things according to His plan. It is not that things in reference to the Christian’s salvation are happening by fate. All things are being unfolded according to the predetermined mystery of God that has now been revealed to all men through the cross and the church. 

God is unique in His knowledge and in His control of the future. His consistent purpose is to carry out what he has planned. The verse in Ephesians gives us three insights into our purposes: 1. We discover our identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ. 2. God was thinking of you long before you ever thought about Him. His purpose for your life predates your conception. He planned it before you existed, without your input! You may choose your career, your spouse, your hobbies, and many other parts of your life, but you don't get to choose your purpose. 3. The purpose of your life fits into a much larger, cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity.

God told Jeremiah; "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1 vs 5.) God knew you, as He knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you. God has a purpose for each and everyone of us. In the same way He ordained Jeremiah a prophet to the nations while he was still in the womb, we are all appointed for various kinds of work. Discover yours!

Fixation on self instead on your Maker is wrong. Such obsession with self in these matters is a dead end. The Bible in Romans 8 vs 6 states; "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." In the passage we read today, Jesus gives the panacea for discovering your purpose. God relates with us in the spirit and the soul. The 'soul' is the individual's essential self, life, and being. Jesus said to His disciples, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. They should follow Him and He will show them their life's purpose. 

Jesus advised them that self-help is no help at all, but self-sacrifice is the way, God's way to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for? Achieving your life's purpose ordained by your Creator is more valuable than gaining the whole world.

Prayer: Abba Father, byYou all things consist. Help me discover the purpose of Your creating and have ordained me to serve, for in serving the preordained purpose, I will lead a purposefully fulfilled life in You, in Jesus’ Name I prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Silencing my Heart

 In moments of unrest or turmoil, it's essential to turn to God for peace. Silencing our hearts often requires a deliberate act of faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus reminds us in John 14:27 (NLT), “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” This scripture highlights that true peace comes from Christ alone, not from our circumstances.

To silence your heart, consider spending time in prayer and meditation on God's Word. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) encourages us, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” 

Historically, the early Christians faced persecution and hardship, yet they found solace in their faith. Their perseverance amidst trials serves as an example for us today. Paul, who wrote Philippians while in prison around A.D. 62, emphasizes the importance of finding peace in Christ regardless of external circumstances.

Let us pray: "Heavenly Father, help me to silence my heart and to find peace in Your presence. Teach me to trust in You and to turn my worries into prayers. Thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Prayer for God's Mercy

 Today, we're praying for God's Mercy because this is only access

to connect to God.

Lamentations 3:22-23

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness

.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Oh Lord! Grant me favour in your sight so that you will grant me all my request of. (mention your request). in Jesus name.

2. Oh Lord, let me receive favour in all area of my life in Jesus name.

3. Oh Lord, Let your unmerited favour prevail in every situations of my life in Jesus name.

4. I confess today that my redeemer lives and will cause His favour to shine on me in Jesus name.

5. Oh God of mercy! Have mercy on me today and let your mercy snatch me from those who seek my death in Jesus name.

6. Oh Lord, by your mercy silence every satanic voice speaking against me to destroy my life in Jesus name.

7. Oh Lord! Use everything around me to favour me in Jesus name Amen.

8. Oh Lord! I seek your face as the child seek the face of the parents. Show me your favour in every area of my life in Jesus name.

9. Oh Lord, I call on you in my distress today. Hear me and have mercy on me in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my heart be filled with joy as you answer my prayers according to your mercy in Jesus name.

11. Oh Lord, i declare that your goodness and mercies shall never depart from me in Jesus name.

12. Oh Lord, intervene in this issue of my life. ( mention the issue). before I become a laughingstock before my enemies. Have mercy on me before my enemies see the signs of my frustration in Jesus name.

13. Oh Lord, I need help at this hour. Help me on this matter before it is too late in Jesus name.

14. Oh Lord, you are the God that raiseth the poor from the dust, the needy from the dung hill, show me your mercy Lord and intervene in this situation in Jesus name15). Oh Lord, as i serve you continually, let your mercy always overrule judgement in my life in Jesus name.

15. Oh God of mercy, arise and defend me from every false accusations of the enemy in Jesus name.

16. Oh Lord, the challenges of my life are overwhelming, they are so strong for me to handle show me your mercy and help me in Jesus name.

17. Oh Lord, have mercy upon me today. Do not let my enemies put me inside a pit in Jesus name.

18. Jesus Christ the son of David, have mercy on me and fight the battles of my life in Jesus name.

19. Oh Lord, have mercy on me and raise helpers for me at this period of my life in Jesus name.

20. Oh Lord, don’t let me be ashamed as I cry unto you over this matter, help me by your mercy and give me a testimony in Jesus name.

21. Oh Lord, open the door of mercy for me so that I will run inside before this problem swallow me in Jesus name.

When you are unsure of what to do?

 Pray. When you feel lost? Pray. When you are prospering. Pray. When you are not prospering. Pray. When others are in need. Pray for them. When you realize there are many lives and different stories people are going through, pray for them! Praying to God is not a secret formula to get the things you want, when you want it. The point of prayer is to build intimacy and a relationship with God. When we pray continuously for our needs and others, it shows our priority and reliance on God through all circumstances. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Now, rightfully so, our desire is for our prayers to be answered. It is important to have faith in God’s work and recall Jesus’ teachings: “Therefore I tell you whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). Let’s make sure to supplement this with what Jesus also says: “It is also written: Do not put your Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7). When we pray, be mindful of who you are speaking with and His position. It is not a space to treat God as your servant, asking and receiving in accordance to your timetable. It is a space to build a relationship and get to know Christ intimately. Do not test or try to manipulate God, you'll embarrassingly fail because He knows your heart. Just like any relationship or friendship we have today, we ask questions and spend time getting to know the other person, we should not cheat, manipulate, or backstab. Prayer is communication, not a monologue, but rather a dialogue with someone who loves you beyond understanding! Going forward, build a personal relationship with Christ reverently, showing respect, honor, and love. Most importantly, pray continuously, regardless of where you find yourself. God wants to hear from you. 

GOD YEARNS TO BE YOUR FRIEND!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY JULY 25, 2024.

SUBJECT: GOD YEARNS TO BE YOUR FRIEND! 

Memory verse: "But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the LORD." (Jeremiah 9 vs 24.)

READ: Jeremiah 9 vs 23 - 24; John 15 vs 13:

Jeremiah 9:23: Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

9:24: But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the LORD.

John 15:13: Greater Love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 

INTIMATION:

The realization of the various aspects of your relationship with God makes you get committed to Him. He is your Maker, Lord and Master, Judge, Faithful Companion, Redeemer, Father, Savior, and much more. But the most shocking truth is this: Almighty God yearns to be your Friend! 

From creation, God’s plan is to be in constant fellowship with man. In the garden of Eden we see God's ideal relationship with us: Adam and Eve enjoyed daily visitation of the Lord, due to His quest for an intimate relationship with them. There were no rituals, ceremonies, or religion, just a simple loving relationship between God and the people He created. While unhindered by sin, Adam and Eve delighted in God, and He delighted in them.

God is known in His creation, and He is close to every one of us. But He is not trapped in His creation. He is supernatural. God is the Creator, not the creation. This means that God is sovereign and in control, while at the same time He is close and personal. Knowing and loving God is our greatest privilege, and being known and loved by God is God's greatest pleasure. 

We were made to live in God's continual presence, but after the ‘Fall,’ that ideal relationship was lost due to sin. Only a few people in Old Testament times had the privilege of friendship with God. Moses and Abraham were called "friends of God" (Exodus 33 vs 11 & 17; James 2 vs 23), David was called "a man after [God's] own heart" (Acts 13 vs 22), and Job, Enoch, and Noah had intimate friendship with God (Job 29 vs 4; Genesis 5 vs 22; 6 vs 8). But the fear of God, not friendship, was more common in the Old Testament.

Then Jesus changed the situation. When He paid for our sins on the cross, the veil in the temple that symbolized our separation from God was split from top to bottom, indicating that direct access to God was once again available. Unlike the Old Testament priests who had to spend hours preparing to meet God, we can now approach God anytime.

Friendship with God is possible only because of the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus. The Bible, in Second Corinthians 5 vs 18 says, "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." 

God actually is reconciling us to the Trinity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. He invites us to enjoy friendship and fellowship with all three persons of the Trinity. The Bible, in First John 1 vs 3, says, "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." 

The apostle Paul, in Second Corinthians 13 vs 14, concludes his letter to the saints in Corinth by reminding them of the communion and fellowship with the Trinity; "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen."

Your opinion of God makes it difficult for many to understand why He would want us to be close friends, but the Bible, in Exodus 34 vs 14 says, "(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God)." God is jealous of sharing your fellowship with any other, indicating how you are valued and wanted by Him. He deeply desires that we know Him intimately.

If any wants to boast, they should boast that they know and understand Him. These are the things that please the Lord. God puts a higher priority on knowing Him personally and living a life that reflects His justice and righteousness, over and above every other things we do. What do you want people to admire most about you? Mine is my relationship with my Maker.

Prayer: Abba Father, what a friend I have in Jesus Christ! I cannot find a friend so faithful; All my sins and griefs You bear, and has given me the great privilege to carry everything to You in prayer. How needless it is for me to bear any pains, or forfeit my peace in You by not committing everything in prayer to You. I have found my solace in You. Empower me to lead the life pleasing to You at all times, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!