Psalms 51:10-12
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Tuesday, 30 April 2019
Monday, 29 April 2019
A verse to help us trust God
Prov 3:5-6
5 5
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 7 666 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]
5 5
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 7 666 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]
Sunday, 28 April 2019
....And David encouraged himself in the Lord
1 Sam 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
The reality in this verse is that you are the only one who understands the pain you are facing. The same men that were with David out for battle were now speaking of stoning him. The situation had changed because these men had lost everything.
In life people have very many issues that hard press them. The need for us to encourage each other becomes greater every moment. We would have expected for the soldiers to encourage David their leader but tables turn and the men want to take out their frustrations on David.
But.....David encouraged himself in the Lord.
We need to learn this value and become a source of blessing in our tribulations.
1 Sam 30:8 And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
The one way to encourage ourselves is to commune with God and rely on Him. Man will fail you, I will fail you, we are unreliable many times and especially when it inconveniences us yet you need us the most.
But God does not change, He remains the same yesterday today and forever.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Today let us not wait to be encouraged, instead let us arise and enquire of the Lord. Let us go back to others discouraged and encourage them as Christ has encouraged us.
The reality in this verse is that you are the only one who understands the pain you are facing. The same men that were with David out for battle were now speaking of stoning him. The situation had changed because these men had lost everything.
In life people have very many issues that hard press them. The need for us to encourage each other becomes greater every moment. We would have expected for the soldiers to encourage David their leader but tables turn and the men want to take out their frustrations on David.
But.....David encouraged himself in the Lord.
We need to learn this value and become a source of blessing in our tribulations.
1 Sam 30:8 And David enquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
The one way to encourage ourselves is to commune with God and rely on Him. Man will fail you, I will fail you, we are unreliable many times and especially when it inconveniences us yet you need us the most.
But God does not change, He remains the same yesterday today and forever.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Today let us not wait to be encouraged, instead let us arise and enquire of the Lord. Let us go back to others discouraged and encourage them as Christ has encouraged us.
Saturday, 27 April 2019
Are you seeking to impact a generation? Here is a verse to encourage you
Deut 6:6-7
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Friday, 26 April 2019
Are you struggling to love someone?
Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’[a] There is no commandment greater than these.
God wants us to love others as a first step instead of over analysing them or criticising them.
The reason is that:
1 Pet 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
When we start at love, we start from God's view and see through His eyes.
God wants us to love others as a first step instead of over analysing them or criticising them.
The reason is that:
1 Pet 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
When we start at love, we start from God's view and see through His eyes.
Thursday, 25 April 2019
Here is a verse to remind us to worship God by resting
Gen 2:1-2
1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
1 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
Do you struggle with forgiving yourself?
I have a memory that keeps all the wrong records. I can literally bring alive a memory where I wronged someone or I thought I did.
The guilt can be overwhelming and paralysing, it steals our joy and denies us the opportunity to live today and hope for tomorrow.
I read Pastor Simon Mbevi's book on making prayers an adventure and stopped on a certain line. He said that once God forgives us, we should accept this forgiveness". These words rang in my heart and I wondered how many times I had gone before God asking for forgiveness yet I refused to receive it.
We do so by revisiting the sin over and over and allowing the devil to paralyse us into believing there is no way we could have been forgiven.
What exactly happens when we ask God for Forgiveness?
God forgives and forgets
Is 45:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more.
Imagine trying to find something already blotted.
Imagine a forgotten incident being revived and God closed that chapter.
God forgives us and forgets our sins.
Heb 8:12 For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”[a]
Heb 10:17 Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”[a]
The prayer we should make is for Him to help us believe when unbelief creeps in.
God has already chosen to forgive us and forget if we repent
Micah 7:18-19
18 Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
19 You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
It is God's joy and delight to forgive us. We should always run to Him when we sin and as He forgets, so should we. Our memories might remain but instead of guilt these should remind us of the grace of God in our lives.
God has already invited us to receive freedom and cleansing from sin
Is 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
What a great love for us God has that He invites us into His presence in our sinful state. He guarantees the cleansing of our sins.
Faith in us is accepting this mercy and living as He says we are, cleansed from sin.
God addresses our fear of returning to Him when we sin
Is 44:22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me,
for I have redeemed you.”
When we sin, we naturally tend to hide from man and God. God in His compassionate nature reminds us to return to Him. He has already paid a price for our sins so we should not allow sin to kill us in any aspect.
We are redeemed! Praise Jesus our Lord.
God secures us from the destruction of sin
Is 38:17 Surely it was for my benefit
that I suffered such anguish.
In your love you kept me
from the pit of destruction;
you have put all my sins
behind your back.
Sin destroys us and causes us so much pain. Those near and far are affected by our sins too. That is why we should run to God when we sin and ask for forgiveness.
He loves us so much and is always looking forward to our turning to Him in total surrender and when we do so, He deals with our sins, forgives us and does not remember them anymore.
Let us stop searching for our sins, God has forgiven us
Jer 50:20 In those days, at that time,”
declares the Lord,
“search will be made for Israel’s guilt,
but there will be none,
and for the sins of Judah,
but none will be found,
for I will forgive the remnant I spare.
Instead of searching for our sins, let us focus on so great a loving God who has done such a marvellous act of forgiving our sins.
Let us boldly worship Him who has cleansed us and taken away our sins.
Prayer
Dear God, many of us believers in the Lord Jesus have been battling with guilt and not accepting the forgiveness that You have assured us when we repent. We ask for forgiveness and Faith to let go of the sin, guilt and shame and live as You have said, a sanctified people.
When the enemy tries to pull us back into guilt, help us to run and hide in the blood of Jesus and allow your word to remind us of the truth that sets us free. Teach us to speak to that voice of guilt in our hearts and minds that "It is written"....
In Jesus name, Amen.
The guilt can be overwhelming and paralysing, it steals our joy and denies us the opportunity to live today and hope for tomorrow.
I read Pastor Simon Mbevi's book on making prayers an adventure and stopped on a certain line. He said that once God forgives us, we should accept this forgiveness". These words rang in my heart and I wondered how many times I had gone before God asking for forgiveness yet I refused to receive it.
We do so by revisiting the sin over and over and allowing the devil to paralyse us into believing there is no way we could have been forgiven.
What exactly happens when we ask God for Forgiveness?
God forgives and forgets
Is 45:25 “I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more.
Imagine trying to find something already blotted.
Imagine a forgotten incident being revived and God closed that chapter.
God forgives us and forgets our sins.
Heb 8:12 For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”[a]
Heb 10:17 Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”[a]
The prayer we should make is for Him to help us believe when unbelief creeps in.
God has already chosen to forgive us and forget if we repent
Micah 7:18-19
18 Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
19 You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
It is God's joy and delight to forgive us. We should always run to Him when we sin and as He forgets, so should we. Our memories might remain but instead of guilt these should remind us of the grace of God in our lives.
God has already invited us to receive freedom and cleansing from sin
Is 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
What a great love for us God has that He invites us into His presence in our sinful state. He guarantees the cleansing of our sins.
Faith in us is accepting this mercy and living as He says we are, cleansed from sin.
God addresses our fear of returning to Him when we sin
Is 44:22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me,
for I have redeemed you.”
When we sin, we naturally tend to hide from man and God. God in His compassionate nature reminds us to return to Him. He has already paid a price for our sins so we should not allow sin to kill us in any aspect.
We are redeemed! Praise Jesus our Lord.
God secures us from the destruction of sin
Is 38:17 Surely it was for my benefit
that I suffered such anguish.
In your love you kept me
from the pit of destruction;
you have put all my sins
behind your back.
Sin destroys us and causes us so much pain. Those near and far are affected by our sins too. That is why we should run to God when we sin and ask for forgiveness.
He loves us so much and is always looking forward to our turning to Him in total surrender and when we do so, He deals with our sins, forgives us and does not remember them anymore.
Let us stop searching for our sins, God has forgiven us
Jer 50:20 In those days, at that time,”
declares the Lord,
“search will be made for Israel’s guilt,
but there will be none,
and for the sins of Judah,
but none will be found,
for I will forgive the remnant I spare.
Instead of searching for our sins, let us focus on so great a loving God who has done such a marvellous act of forgiving our sins.
Let us boldly worship Him who has cleansed us and taken away our sins.
Prayer
Dear God, many of us believers in the Lord Jesus have been battling with guilt and not accepting the forgiveness that You have assured us when we repent. We ask for forgiveness and Faith to let go of the sin, guilt and shame and live as You have said, a sanctified people.
When the enemy tries to pull us back into guilt, help us to run and hide in the blood of Jesus and allow your word to remind us of the truth that sets us free. Teach us to speak to that voice of guilt in our hearts and minds that "It is written"....
In Jesus name, Amen.
Saturday, 20 April 2019
Keep the memories alive, pass them on too
Deut 4:9-10
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
10 Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”
Life has so many challenges that wipe out the good memories and those victorious moments we experienced in God.
With time, what felt so real slowly fades away from our hearts and minds. And when tough times come our way, those very powerful testimonies we experienced are gone from us and we respond to the new challenges as people who had not been in a victorious experience with God.
In verse 9, God reminds us to really watch ourselves, to assess our lives and ensure we continue to recount God's powerful acts in our lives.
To take it a step further, God tells us to share these experiences with others. Keep the memories alive, let our children and grand kids hear of God's doing in our lives and find strength to worship when things don't make sense.
God tells us that by keeping these memories alive, we learn to revere Him. verse 10.
We could easily say with confidence that the Lord did these things we testify of and continually worship Him.
If the memories are allowed to fade, we allow a strong aspect of our worship to God to die slowly. We forget the God "Who was"...in our various situations making it harder to wait and trust in our present situations.
Hab 2:2
2 Then the Lord replied:
“Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald[b] may run with it.
What memories are fading away? Write them down. Let these be available for many more to catch the vision of God and run with it, Amen.
Keep the memories alive.
9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
10 Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”
Life has so many challenges that wipe out the good memories and those victorious moments we experienced in God.
With time, what felt so real slowly fades away from our hearts and minds. And when tough times come our way, those very powerful testimonies we experienced are gone from us and we respond to the new challenges as people who had not been in a victorious experience with God.
In verse 9, God reminds us to really watch ourselves, to assess our lives and ensure we continue to recount God's powerful acts in our lives.
To take it a step further, God tells us to share these experiences with others. Keep the memories alive, let our children and grand kids hear of God's doing in our lives and find strength to worship when things don't make sense.
God tells us that by keeping these memories alive, we learn to revere Him. verse 10.
We could easily say with confidence that the Lord did these things we testify of and continually worship Him.
If the memories are allowed to fade, we allow a strong aspect of our worship to God to die slowly. We forget the God "Who was"...in our various situations making it harder to wait and trust in our present situations.
Hab 2:2
2 Then the Lord replied:
“Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald[b] may run with it.
What memories are fading away? Write them down. Let these be available for many more to catch the vision of God and run with it, Amen.
Keep the memories alive.
Friday, 19 April 2019
What does God say about training a child in the way she/ he should go?
Actively training children from the start
Prov 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
From the very start, from inception, we have an opportunity to influence children's direction in life. When God tells us to start children off, He expects us to be faithful to start them off.
When we enroll for any teaching or training programs, we know there will be an expert to start us off. Some programs might require trainers to guide us all through.
Best example is a coach training his team for success. The coach trains the team and points them in the winning direction as he instills certain disciplines in them.
Training children on God's ways
Deut 6:5-9
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
Training children starts with training Parents
Wow a high and first call for me is to love the Lord with my entire being as commanded in verse 5.
Loving the Lord so deeply with every bit of my heart, soul (mind, intentions) and all my strength.
My longings, desires (thoughts), yearnings
My thoughts, intentions
My ounce, effort, focus, attention
All that I am, I should love God.
We allow God to train us as we walk in obedience so that we can train our children.
Verse 6 is a reminder that beyond training from God, we should love God's ways and hide them in our hearts. Totally falling in love with God's ways.
When we love God, we will fall in love with His ways and long for them.
Training children should be a journey, and one of joy despite the challenges
Prov 22:6 reminds us that there is a unique way that every child is designed to follow. This requires time with the children and prayers for parents to know which way their children should go.
Since children have various growth stages, we should adjust to their situations to ensure they have as much opportunity to learn from us what we have learnt from God.
Deut 6:7 then encourages us to impress on our children the beliefs we have learnt from God.
To impress is to affect deeply or strongly in mind or feelings, to influence in opinion.
We have a great task that requires us to partner with God who authors our lives and our children too.
To impress God's ways on our children, God gives us interesting ways to go about the process
God's creative ways to make learning and teaching children more fun and creative
In verse 8-9
Prov 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
From the very start, from inception, we have an opportunity to influence children's direction in life. When God tells us to start children off, He expects us to be faithful to start them off.
When we enroll for any teaching or training programs, we know there will be an expert to start us off. Some programs might require trainers to guide us all through.
Best example is a coach training his team for success. The coach trains the team and points them in the winning direction as he instills certain disciplines in them.
Training children on God's ways
Deut 6:5-9
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
Training children starts with training Parents
Wow a high and first call for me is to love the Lord with my entire being as commanded in verse 5.
Loving the Lord so deeply with every bit of my heart, soul (mind, intentions) and all my strength.
My longings, desires (thoughts), yearnings
My thoughts, intentions
My ounce, effort, focus, attention
All that I am, I should love God.
We allow God to train us as we walk in obedience so that we can train our children.
Verse 6 is a reminder that beyond training from God, we should love God's ways and hide them in our hearts. Totally falling in love with God's ways.
When we love God, we will fall in love with His ways and long for them.
Training children should be a journey, and one of joy despite the challenges
Prov 22:6 reminds us that there is a unique way that every child is designed to follow. This requires time with the children and prayers for parents to know which way their children should go.
Since children have various growth stages, we should adjust to their situations to ensure they have as much opportunity to learn from us what we have learnt from God.
Deut 6:7 then encourages us to impress on our children the beliefs we have learnt from God.
To impress is to affect deeply or strongly in mind or feelings, to influence in opinion.
We have a great task that requires us to partner with God who authors our lives and our children too.
To impress God's ways on our children, God gives us interesting ways to go about the process
- Talk with children when you sit at home
- Take walks and use the opportunity to tell your children more about God
- Take naps or lie down to rest and in that relaxed mode let your children know your convictions in God
- When you get up from whatever activity you were at, even such a moment would be precious for them to know more.
Literally get every chance to direct and train your child in God's ways. Verse 7
God's creative ways to make learning and teaching children more fun and creative
In verse 8-9
- Tie these words as symbols on your hands. When we see we remember faster and we are bound to remember more. What can you use to help your child see and remember?
- Bind these words on your forehead. When something is on your forehead, those near will see and when on the mirror you are bound to see it. you will feel it too and if it means something, you are bound to have a deeper memory.
- Write them on the door frame. Doors are always used and having a memory there would easily be noticed. Other people will come through your doors and they will know what you have imprinted on the hearts of your children and they may remind them when they forget.
- On your gates write these words. Gates are visible to all. Our confidence in Him will help us let the many people know what we believe in. This confidence should be passed on to our children. It is crucial especially when life begins to question their faith.
The task is great but God is greater than the tasks. Let's partner with Him!
Happy and joyful parenting journey.
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
Encouraging verse, when you are discouraged
1 Thess 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Bible verse
Josh 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Sunday, 14 April 2019
Praying for my country
My country is Kenya- Insert your country name and pray for it
2 Chron 7:13-15
13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
In Feb, I had a dream about our beautiful country Kenya. The dream was not good and in that moment I took to the internet to read on the ongoing at home. I saw that there was tension between Kenya and Somali. I was not happy about the tension and I realized many people were actually getting dreams about Kenya and calling for believers to pray for our country.
2 Chronicles 7 talks about Solomon's glorious moment with the Lord when He filled the temple and even priests could not enter the temple. The Israelites also saw the glory of God and turned in worship. What followed was a feast and a lot of celebration and joy in the nation.
Indeed God brings us so much joy when we commit to Him and worship Him as a nation. Kenya is a nation that was grounded in the word of God and formed the laws of the land from these convictions. In fact the national anthem of Kenya is such a powerful prayer before God that always speaks to my heart when I hear these words sung.
As a nation we have many challenges, we also have many strengths.
2 Chr 7:13-14 reminds us what we need to do when we are faced by trouble, whichever kind of trouble.
2 Chron 7:13-15
13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
In Feb, I had a dream about our beautiful country Kenya. The dream was not good and in that moment I took to the internet to read on the ongoing at home. I saw that there was tension between Kenya and Somali. I was not happy about the tension and I realized many people were actually getting dreams about Kenya and calling for believers to pray for our country.
2 Chronicles 7 talks about Solomon's glorious moment with the Lord when He filled the temple and even priests could not enter the temple. The Israelites also saw the glory of God and turned in worship. What followed was a feast and a lot of celebration and joy in the nation.
Indeed God brings us so much joy when we commit to Him and worship Him as a nation. Kenya is a nation that was grounded in the word of God and formed the laws of the land from these convictions. In fact the national anthem of Kenya is such a powerful prayer before God that always speaks to my heart when I hear these words sung.
As a nation we have many challenges, we also have many strengths.
2 Chr 7:13-14 reminds us what we need to do when we are faced by trouble, whichever kind of trouble.
- Let's humble ourselves and pray. Too much talk and blame game will never solve our issues. They will help us point out the issues and that's just it.
- We must turn from sin. You and I need to turn away completely from our wicked ways. Here we should not go pointing out other people's sin. We now point out our own sins and turn from them.
- God will forgive us and heal our land.
God can heal us from sins that cripple our economic and social scene. There is so much healing we need, from injustices that have piled grudges and driven vengeance, corruption that has stolen opportunities from Kenyans and promoted immoral ways of making wealth.
There is so much healing we need. Healing from tribalism that makes us kill each other on grounds of their language being different from ours, a lot of blood shed of innocent people whose blood calls for vengeance.
Yes, my country needs healing.
Healing from God is able to bring sanity in the leadership and grant them wisdom to drive the economy to heights for God's glory.
Healing will open up our economy and grant opportunities to our own countrymen to thrive in the country.
Healing will cause our land to be productive and ensure our food security and surplus for exports.
Dear God, the more we look at the issues in our land, the more we realize we desperately need your intervention.
We need you who is all powerful to start working in our hearts and turn us to worship and honour You.
We desperately need You to save us from our selfishness before we destroy this land You have given us or sell our souls to unknown gods.
We join with the elders and angels worshipping at your throne of grace and cry Holy Holy Holy are You Lord God almighty, who was who is and who will be.
Amen
Friday, 12 April 2019
Speech and eternity
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Prayer
Lord I admit that I sin in speech and thoughts and I ask that Your righteousness prevails in me.
Lord, I am convinced that holy living has to do with holy thoughts to holy thoughts so that Your word can powerfully dwell in me.
Help me to use my body to honour You and not for sin.
Amen
Understand it is about eternity
We are preparing for eternity so we should live as people longing for their home in eternity.
Luke 12:40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Why is eternity a critical aspect in our speech?
Mark 13:9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
When circumstances are not convenient and lives are at risk, will I remember my maker and acknowledge Him?
Under extreme circumstances will I have a clear conscience before God?
God reminds us to be on our guard. Investing in my speech knowing that God expects me to always be ready for His coming and not be caught up in the things of this world
Conclusion
Prov 18:20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
Prayer
Lord I admit that I sin in speech and thoughts and I ask that Your righteousness prevails in me.
Lord, I am convinced that holy living has to do with holy thoughts to holy thoughts so that Your word can powerfully dwell in me.
Help me to use my body to honour You and not for sin.
Amen
Understand it is about eternity
We are preparing for eternity so we should live as people longing for their home in eternity.
Luke 12:40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Why is eternity a critical aspect in our speech?
Mark 13:9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
When circumstances are not convenient and lives are at risk, will I remember my maker and acknowledge Him?
Under extreme circumstances will I have a clear conscience before God?
God reminds us to be on our guard. Investing in my speech knowing that God expects me to always be ready for His coming and not be caught up in the things of this world
Conclusion
Prov 18:20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
Thursday, 11 April 2019
Speak God's word
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
God's word is a powerful tool that we should always speak and allow it's power to work in us and around us. It is such a privilege to have this powerful word of God working in us.
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
God's word is God Himself revealed through words. Reading God's word is therefore an opportunity to sit with God and allow Him to teach me who He is and use me to teach others who He is.
Scriptures reveal God's will, His desires, and His perfect way. When we speak His word, we allow Him to act in us and those around us who have heard the same message.
2 Pet 1:20-21
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, God's word reveals the future through His Prophets. It is through such revelations that God tells us to act either in repentance or faith in response to His word.
Verse 20 reminds us that when we speak God's word and it comes to pass, it is not because we have grasped God's words and are doing exploits.
No!
It is because of what verse 21 explains.
It is because of God. We are vessels, God's Holy Spirit speaks through us and His power works through His word. Nothing to do with us.
This is God's word, for His will, powered by His Holy Spirit.
When God's power is revealed in His word, I should remember it is His divine nature to do so. I was just a vessel.
Therefore I should speak His word as He guides me for effectiveness and give Him glory for His ability to work miracles.
1 Pet 4:11 Concludes this powerfully
11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer
Dear God, open my mouth to speak Your word in truth and teach me to always give glory to You because You will do great things.
God's word is a powerful tool that we should always speak and allow it's power to work in us and around us. It is such a privilege to have this powerful word of God working in us.
2 Tim 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
God's word is God Himself revealed through words. Reading God's word is therefore an opportunity to sit with God and allow Him to teach me who He is and use me to teach others who He is.
Scriptures reveal God's will, His desires, and His perfect way. When we speak His word, we allow Him to act in us and those around us who have heard the same message.
2 Pet 1:20-21
20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, God's word reveals the future through His Prophets. It is through such revelations that God tells us to act either in repentance or faith in response to His word.
Verse 20 reminds us that when we speak God's word and it comes to pass, it is not because we have grasped God's words and are doing exploits.
No!
It is because of what verse 21 explains.
It is because of God. We are vessels, God's Holy Spirit speaks through us and His power works through His word. Nothing to do with us.
This is God's word, for His will, powered by His Holy Spirit.
When God's power is revealed in His word, I should remember it is His divine nature to do so. I was just a vessel.
Therefore I should speak His word as He guides me for effectiveness and give Him glory for His ability to work miracles.
1 Pet 4:11 Concludes this powerfully
11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer
Dear God, open my mouth to speak Your word in truth and teach me to always give glory to You because You will do great things.
Tuesday, 9 April 2019
Am I a consistent person?
Jesus example
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Jesus is the example that I should evaluate myself against. Could I also say the same about my life? That I am committed and consistent throughout?
Do I know Jesus?
1 John 2:3-6
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
Do I know Christ?
Do I keep His commandments?
Do I live as Jesus did?
These questions are essential in doing a self evaluation on the kind of life that I live and use the example of Christ as a mirror on which I look at myself and allow Him to transform everything I am that is not of Him. A continuous journey in Christ.
Self evaluation by the Holy Spirit
Rom 14:22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.
If I choose to act in a certain way, is my conscience clear before God or is it already condemning me? Am I following the footsteps of Christ?
This is a good way to allow God to point out traits we have that are not of Him, then allow Him to perfect His image in us.
How then do we become consistent?
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The first step is acknowledging Christ's Lordship and committing to living for Him. He is the only way to the father who gives us freely as we need from Him.
God desires us to be consistent as Christ is.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Walking with Christ is such an honourable favour for us. He is trustworthy and committed to making us as He is, perfect.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Jesus is the example that I should evaluate myself against. Could I also say the same about my life? That I am committed and consistent throughout?
Do I know Jesus?
1 John 2:3-6
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
Do I know Christ?
Do I keep His commandments?
Do I live as Jesus did?
These questions are essential in doing a self evaluation on the kind of life that I live and use the example of Christ as a mirror on which I look at myself and allow Him to transform everything I am that is not of Him. A continuous journey in Christ.
Self evaluation by the Holy Spirit
Rom 14:22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.
If I choose to act in a certain way, is my conscience clear before God or is it already condemning me? Am I following the footsteps of Christ?
This is a good way to allow God to point out traits we have that are not of Him, then allow Him to perfect His image in us.
How then do we become consistent?
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The first step is acknowledging Christ's Lordship and committing to living for Him. He is the only way to the father who gives us freely as we need from Him.
God desires us to be consistent as Christ is.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Walking with Christ is such an honourable favour for us. He is trustworthy and committed to making us as He is, perfect.
Monday, 8 April 2019
Consistency: God's way
God's encouragement: keep moving forward do not give up
Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Christ is the one that holds all things together, we can trust Him to keep us and help us commit daily to do His will.
1 John 2:27 (NKJV) But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [a]will abide in Him.
We don't operate in our strength, God has poured His anointing on us. He teaches us and equips us in every area of our lives. His truth in us should give us confidence to trust Him and remain in Him to be able to do that which He has ordained for us.
The role of God's word
Titus 2:7-8
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Being consistent is important to build a character that is of high integrity. It is also a great need for people looking for role models they can learn from. We learn this from first being consistent in God's word. Allowing His words to dwell in us and transform us so that we continually become a model of God's works.
God's view of inconsistency
God hates it
Rev 3:15-16
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Inconsistency leaves a bad taste in God's mouth. It is creates confusion to those around us. As God tells us in Titus to do good in everything which will keep our accusers from finding fault in us. It is clear that inconsistency gives those who seek our downfall a field day. They are sure to find fault if they dig into our lives. One moment we are on the straight and narrow path and the next moment we are on the road that leads to death.
We become prey to the devil
1 Peter 5:7-8
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Inconsistency does not only give room for our accusers to tear us down, it gives the devil an opportunity to devour us. To destroy the good works of God in our lives.
Consistency on the other hand shows our alertness in the things of God and on matters God puts in our hands. We are trained more by His word and we become alert in the things we do, doing them as unto God.
We become liars
When my commitment in speech begins to waiver, chances are that the actions will follow suit. I will not be able to keep up with the task that I was given to do.
Matt 5:37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.[a]
We become enslaved by several master
Matt 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Inconsistency is driven by serving many masters. When we are given to only one master, our God, we focus our energies on serving Him in all we do.
The question of serving God and money also arises. If I am working, I need to critically evaluate the reasons for doing what I am doing. Am I enslaved by money that I can't operate anymore unless money desire is addressed or I'm I given to God in my work that I serve with joy and money n becomes a bonus?
If money is affecting my joy, peace, state of living, I should ask God to help me give myself fully to Him and find contentment in Him. This is crucial because money never seems enough and committing to it can be the beginning of all our troubles.
1 Tim 6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Christ is the one that holds all things together, we can trust Him to keep us and help us commit daily to do His will.
1 John 2:27 (NKJV) But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you [a]will abide in Him.
We don't operate in our strength, God has poured His anointing on us. He teaches us and equips us in every area of our lives. His truth in us should give us confidence to trust Him and remain in Him to be able to do that which He has ordained for us.
The role of God's word
Titus 2:7-8
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Being consistent is important to build a character that is of high integrity. It is also a great need for people looking for role models they can learn from. We learn this from first being consistent in God's word. Allowing His words to dwell in us and transform us so that we continually become a model of God's works.
God's view of inconsistency
God hates it
Rev 3:15-16
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Inconsistency leaves a bad taste in God's mouth. It is creates confusion to those around us. As God tells us in Titus to do good in everything which will keep our accusers from finding fault in us. It is clear that inconsistency gives those who seek our downfall a field day. They are sure to find fault if they dig into our lives. One moment we are on the straight and narrow path and the next moment we are on the road that leads to death.
We become prey to the devil
1 Peter 5:7-8
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Inconsistency does not only give room for our accusers to tear us down, it gives the devil an opportunity to devour us. To destroy the good works of God in our lives.
Consistency on the other hand shows our alertness in the things of God and on matters God puts in our hands. We are trained more by His word and we become alert in the things we do, doing them as unto God.
We become liars
When my commitment in speech begins to waiver, chances are that the actions will follow suit. I will not be able to keep up with the task that I was given to do.
Matt 5:37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.[a]
We become enslaved by several master
Matt 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Inconsistency is driven by serving many masters. When we are given to only one master, our God, we focus our energies on serving Him in all we do.
The question of serving God and money also arises. If I am working, I need to critically evaluate the reasons for doing what I am doing. Am I enslaved by money that I can't operate anymore unless money desire is addressed or I'm I given to God in my work that I serve with joy and money n becomes a bonus?
If money is affecting my joy, peace, state of living, I should ask God to help me give myself fully to Him and find contentment in Him. This is crucial because money never seems enough and committing to it can be the beginning of all our troubles.
1 Tim 6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Sunday, 7 April 2019
Consistency, give yourself fully to God
1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
God desires that we commit, give ourselves fully to the things He has called us to.
And while at it, it is very easy to get tired of pursuing a purpose especially when we don't see things moving, results showing as fast as we would have hoped.
Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
It might be very easy to stop what we were doing and since we know this could happen, we need to resolve to keep on moving forward. Keep working, keep going.
The risk with giving up and going slow on the calling and purpose God bestowed on us is that we easily find ourselves giving in to other purposes.
Luke 16:13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The reality of human beings is that when we desist from something, we turn this energy into another thing. We don't reserve this energy in us because we are created to serve and worship.
If we grow weary of doing good, we stand the risk of finding joy in other things, some could be sinful others could be time wasting derailing us from God's will for us.
1 Cor 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
The reality with quitting from good works is the possibility of giving ourselves to evil. It is hard to balance doing good and evil, one will rule our lives, and most likely evil.
This gives us more reason to serve God and keep at it and when we start getting weary, we should ask for more strength from Him.
God desires that we commit, give ourselves fully to the things He has called us to.
And while at it, it is very easy to get tired of pursuing a purpose especially when we don't see things moving, results showing as fast as we would have hoped.
Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
It might be very easy to stop what we were doing and since we know this could happen, we need to resolve to keep on moving forward. Keep working, keep going.
The risk with giving up and going slow on the calling and purpose God bestowed on us is that we easily find ourselves giving in to other purposes.
Luke 16:13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The reality of human beings is that when we desist from something, we turn this energy into another thing. We don't reserve this energy in us because we are created to serve and worship.
If we grow weary of doing good, we stand the risk of finding joy in other things, some could be sinful others could be time wasting derailing us from God's will for us.
1 Cor 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
The reality with quitting from good works is the possibility of giving ourselves to evil. It is hard to balance doing good and evil, one will rule our lives, and most likely evil.
This gives us more reason to serve God and keep at it and when we start getting weary, we should ask for more strength from Him.
Friday, 5 April 2019
Honour God
Prov 3:9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
1 Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Why honour God?
He owns us
1 Cor 6:18-20
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
I should use my body to please God because I have been bought at a price. God's view is that when we commit sexual sin we sin against ourselves. In doing so, we sin against the bodies that God has given us, that He owns. Flee from immorality.
Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, He dwells in us.
He honours those who honour Him
1 Sam 2:30 “Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that members of your family would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
God assures us that He will bestow honour on those who honour Him, and those who don't honour Him attract disdain against themselves.
He is a mighty God and a judge
Rev 14:7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
When we begin to understand that God is our loving Father and the same time a judge, when we look around us to behold the greatness of who He is and beholding Him in His majesty, then we come before Him in reverence awe.
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
1 Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Why honour God?
He owns us
1 Cor 6:18-20
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
I should use my body to please God because I have been bought at a price. God's view is that when we commit sexual sin we sin against ourselves. In doing so, we sin against the bodies that God has given us, that He owns. Flee from immorality.
Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, He dwells in us.
He honours those who honour Him
1 Sam 2:30 “Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that members of your family would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.
God assures us that He will bestow honour on those who honour Him, and those who don't honour Him attract disdain against themselves.
He is a mighty God and a judge
Rev 14:7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
When we begin to understand that God is our loving Father and the same time a judge, when we look around us to behold the greatness of who He is and beholding Him in His majesty, then we come before Him in reverence awe.
Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Are you feeling at your end?
Are you feeling like you have reached your end?
Are you at a point of despair?
Do you have a close one who has reached this point?
Hear what the Lord say to you His child.
Judges 6:15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
Judges 6:14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
Judges 6:16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”
You might see yourself as the lowest of them all, but God is encouraging you today to go in the little strength left, go.
And He assures you one thing, He will be with you, go.
Read the book of Judges 6, Let God heal your spirit as He lifts you up again to go in His strength.
I pray for as many people that are hiding and are tormented and are suffering.
I pray that tonight be your night of freedom, and that you may arise in the strength of God and attack the enemy that has been oppressing you.
The Israelites were so miserable, they now started leaving in caves.
You could be somewhere you are no longer living as a human being would, tormented and tortured and afraid.
Rise up dear brother, rise up dear sister, God is with you!
If you are not yet committed to Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour, Believe that he died for your sins and rose again that you may live for Him. Believe that He calls you to live in His righteousness because of His works, and receive His forgiveness.
Begin walking in victory over the oppression that has been chocking life out of you.
Find a fellowship where you can be discipled and also serve. Serve in church and don't sit in the pews anymore, let God use you to minister to others. One way to walk in victory is to serve others.
Gideon started serving as He walked in the strength of God and He became victorious.
Judges 7:14 His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.”
May you find your freedom tonight in the mighty name of Jesus.
Are you at a point of despair?
Do you have a close one who has reached this point?
Hear what the Lord say to you His child.
Judges 6:15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
Judges 6:14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
Judges 6:16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”
You might see yourself as the lowest of them all, but God is encouraging you today to go in the little strength left, go.
And He assures you one thing, He will be with you, go.
Read the book of Judges 6, Let God heal your spirit as He lifts you up again to go in His strength.
I pray for as many people that are hiding and are tormented and are suffering.
I pray that tonight be your night of freedom, and that you may arise in the strength of God and attack the enemy that has been oppressing you.
The Israelites were so miserable, they now started leaving in caves.
You could be somewhere you are no longer living as a human being would, tormented and tortured and afraid.
Rise up dear brother, rise up dear sister, God is with you!
If you are not yet committed to Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour, Believe that he died for your sins and rose again that you may live for Him. Believe that He calls you to live in His righteousness because of His works, and receive His forgiveness.
Begin walking in victory over the oppression that has been chocking life out of you.
Find a fellowship where you can be discipled and also serve. Serve in church and don't sit in the pews anymore, let God use you to minister to others. One way to walk in victory is to serve others.
Gideon started serving as He walked in the strength of God and He became victorious.
Judges 7:14 His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.”
May you find your freedom tonight in the mighty name of Jesus.
Tuesday, 2 April 2019
Spirit of Excellence
Psalms 119:66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I trust your commands.
Psalms 119:97-98
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
The word of God is a great instructor in righteous living. By following God's ways, we allow God to impart His wisdom in us. He makes us knowledgeable and gives us an eye for discernment. It is this divine understanding that causes David to say that He loves God's laws and that he meditates on them all day long.
When we get this revelation of the power of God's word actively working in our lives, then we respond differently to God's word and there will be a deep thirst in us for His knowledge in our lives.
Psalms 119:99-100
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
When we are around those considered to be wise and we have immersed ourselves in the word of God, then the wisdom of God flows from our lips and distinguishes His wisdom from what this world considers wisdom.
Psalms 119:104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
Daniel 11:32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.
Daniel 11:32 (NKJV) Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall [o]corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.
There is a mystery in the word of God that enlightens men in a way beyond the wisdom of this world. There is a truth that we can only experience in the word of God.
There is a mark of God's excellence that His word deposits in us.
for I trust your commands.
Psalms 119:97-98
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands are always with me
and make me wiser than my enemies.
The word of God is a great instructor in righteous living. By following God's ways, we allow God to impart His wisdom in us. He makes us knowledgeable and gives us an eye for discernment. It is this divine understanding that causes David to say that He loves God's laws and that he meditates on them all day long.
When we get this revelation of the power of God's word actively working in our lives, then we respond differently to God's word and there will be a deep thirst in us for His knowledge in our lives.
Psalms 119:99-100
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
When we are around those considered to be wise and we have immersed ourselves in the word of God, then the wisdom of God flows from our lips and distinguishes His wisdom from what this world considers wisdom.
Psalms 119:104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
Psalms 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
Daniel 11:32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.
Daniel 11:32 (NKJV) Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall [o]corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.
There is a mystery in the word of God that enlightens men in a way beyond the wisdom of this world. There is a truth that we can only experience in the word of God.
There is a mark of God's excellence that His word deposits in us.
Monday, 1 April 2019
Daniel, a man with God's excellent spirit
Daniel 6:1-5
1 It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss.
3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.
5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
One lesson from the life of Daniel is the honour and upholding of God's laws. These laws formed the basis of Daniel's actions. Because of this, God made him excellent at all he did and the King planned to set him above the whole kingdom. This also attracted jealous men who wanted to bring him down.
Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
David's concern is sinning against God. This is an attitude that seems evident in the life of Daniel. He lived to please God and one way to do so is to hide His word in us and living by it.
Psalms 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
The other satraps and administrators were keen on finding fault against Daniel, but there was none they could find. He was living in the path of purity because of the word of God.
When God was commissioning Joshua, He commanded:
Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
God assures us success if we obey His laws and walk in them. Daniel was such a man who had distinguished himself in the Lord, and God made him excel in his work that no one could question his integrity.
Psalms 119:6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
Psalms 119:22-24
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
This was happening to Daniel. Rulers were sitting down to slander him, looking for any reason to do so. But God kept Daniel from the shame they intended for him. Daniel was upright in his ways. (Dan 6:3-4)
He walked in wisdom and gained counsel from the word of God. He was in his own league, God's league.
Our prayer before God
Psalms 119:36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Psalms 119:46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame.
1 It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss.
3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.
5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”
One lesson from the life of Daniel is the honour and upholding of God's laws. These laws formed the basis of Daniel's actions. Because of this, God made him excellent at all he did and the King planned to set him above the whole kingdom. This also attracted jealous men who wanted to bring him down.
Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
David's concern is sinning against God. This is an attitude that seems evident in the life of Daniel. He lived to please God and one way to do so is to hide His word in us and living by it.
Psalms 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
The other satraps and administrators were keen on finding fault against Daniel, but there was none they could find. He was living in the path of purity because of the word of God.
When God was commissioning Joshua, He commanded:
Joshua 1:7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
God assures us success if we obey His laws and walk in them. Daniel was such a man who had distinguished himself in the Lord, and God made him excel in his work that no one could question his integrity.
Psalms 119:6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
Psalms 119:22-24
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
This was happening to Daniel. Rulers were sitting down to slander him, looking for any reason to do so. But God kept Daniel from the shame they intended for him. Daniel was upright in his ways. (Dan 6:3-4)
He walked in wisdom and gained counsel from the word of God. He was in his own league, God's league.
Our prayer before God
Psalms 119:36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Psalms 119:46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
