Faithful God

Bible Text: Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deuteronomy 7:19)

God’s faithfulness is his very nature. This faithfulness means he is dependable. You can lean on him with full assurance that he will not let you down.

His faithfulness is seen in the life of many people in the Bible. In Abraham he is seen as the provider. Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. (Genesis 22:13)

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)

No matter what, God still remains faithful. What He says He does.

It is left for us to have faith in Him, that he will not fail us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Faithful God you are, You remain faithful in all circumstances. 

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen!

Give Thanks

Bible Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When growing up one of the core values that was imparted in us is to always show appreciation. Thank You was to aways be on our lips. This was to build a good character in us of appreciation.

The Church in Thessalonians was urged to always be thankful to God. "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

When we put our trust in God and are careful to obey Him, we will be confident that whatever happens in our lives is part of His plan, God's good will for us in Christ Jesus. This will in turn help us to always be thankful. 

It is easy to be thankful when everything seems to be going on good, but as Christians we are urged to be thankful in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. In the Pain be thankful, in the Struggle be thankful, in the Financial Difficulty be thankful, in the Miscarriages be thankful, in the Broken relationship and marriage be thankful, YES! Be thankful!. 

Psalm 136 gives a beautiful rendition of thankfulness. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good , His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-4)

When we stick to this very simple instruction, God himself will see us through everything that seems to be too much for us.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I thank you for the air I breathe and the beautiful life you have given me. 

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  

Amen!

Children of God

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Bible Text: John 1:12-13

Our identity is found in God himself. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)

What does it mean to be a child of God. 
As we approach our earthly father with our requests, we can do likewise to our heavenly Father. This is our inheritance to have God himself as our father. 

As our father, God has the final say about who we are. Irrespective of opinions and systems, Who God says we are is Who we are. 

God says:

• I am a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• I am an heir of God and co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17)
• I am seated in the heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6)
• I am a citizen of Heaven (Philippians 3:20)
• I have been chosen of God,beloved and holy. (Colossians 3:12)
• I am God's handiwork (Ephesians 2:10)

The above and many more is our true identity bought by the precious blood of the lamb of God, Jesus. We are extraordinary, Children of the Most High God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Thank you for this privilege to be your child, chosen of God and partaking in His promise.

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen!

Call upon Me

Bible Text: Psalm 50:15

A distress call is made whenever someone is in need of help. Depending on the situation, either a fire is started to act as a signal, a flare gun is fired, radio signals are transmitted or loud sounds are made. All these are ways of calling for help.

In our times of distress we are to send out a signal to God. To send out a signal to someone in times of need proves that we believe that help will surely come. A similar attitude should be exhibited when we call on God for help in times of trouble.

We should believe that he can help us. We should get rid of doubt that cripples our faith in God. When we doubt we are likened to the wave of the sea driven with the sea and tossed. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (James 1:6)

Delay to answers of our prayers to God often leads to frustrations and we finding alternative ways to receive what we prayed for. What we should keep in mind is that God is always on time. This should encourage us to keep on praying, hoping in God and believing that at His time he will make all things beautiful.

God promises that as long as we call on Him he will deliver us. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." (Psalm 50:15 NLT) This version uses the word Rescue. No matter the situation we find ourselves in God promises to rescue us. God will rescue you, he will pull you out of that situation you are in and place your feet on a solid rock. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2).

Send out your distress call today, He will surely come to your rescue!


Follow this link for a sermon today:
Preacher: Erin Lee
Topic: Call upon the Lord
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5t6IqJa6Mo

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. In every situation of my life Lord I call on you today, Come to my rescue.

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen!

Never Stop Praying

Bible Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Never Stop Praying.  (vs 17)

Hannah kept on praying. She faced ridicule at the hands of Peninnah, who had many children unlike Hannah who was childless.  Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat. (1 Samuel 1:7)

Each year her story was the same yet she believed in a God who could change her situation. She did not know how he was going to do it but all she knew is that he could give her a son. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.  And she made this vow: “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you (1 Samuel 1:10-11)

Nothing is too big for God. The entire Universe belongs to Him, what then can you ask of him that he will not give you. Hannah asked for a child and even very specifically a son. When we have faith in God we do not pry general prayers we have the confidence that he can give us exactly what we ask for.

You do not have because you do not ask God. (James 4:2-3)

The able God awaits your requests. Whatever is on your heart, pray about it. Ask the One who can do it for you. Hannah received what she asked for because she believed that the Able God will not fail her.  When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel,[f] for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.” (vs 19-20)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I have Confidence in You, Grant me the desires of my heart.

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen!

Obedience is better than Sacrifice

Bible Text: 1 Samuel 15

Upon the request of Israel, God gave them a king, Saul. Saul however on several occasions was not obedient to God. When God gave instructions he would do part and go ahead with what he Saul thought was right.

One of such occasions was when God instructed Saul and the Israelites to attack the Amelekites and spare nothing to live. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” (1 Samuel 15:3) 


Saul as usual decided to revise the instruction. He and the army of Israel attacked the town,  but they spared Agag the king of the Amalekites and the best of the animals, sheep and cattle, fat calves and lambs. These Saul said he kept to sacrifice to God. This act of disobedience led to God rejecting Saul as King and regretting He had ever made Saul King. Until the day Samuel died, he did not go to see Saul again, though Samuel mourned for him. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel. (1 Samuel 15:35)

We like Saul lead lives of disobedience to God. We take his instructions, revise it, update it to suit our desires. And when our disobedience is brought to light we in the words of Saul defend ourselves: “But I did obey the Lord,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” (1 Samuel 15:20-21)

It has never been easy to obey God. We have to make a conscious effort and decide to obey God. For if we say we love Him, we have to obey Him. To Obey God is to keep his commandments, Seek His face in all we do, to live a life that is pleasing in His sight.

Obedience to God brings blessings.
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine (Exodus 19:5)
On the other hand disobedience to God brings destruction.
 "But it shall come about, if you do not obey the LORD your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: (Deuteronomy 28:15)
"If you will not listen to the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the command of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you, as it was against your fathers. (1 Samuel 12:15)

To obey is better than sacrifice,

    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

23 

For rebellion is like the sin of divination,

    and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I chose this day to obey you, to keep your commandments, to seek your face in all I do. Give me the strength to live a life that please you. 

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen!

The King in a Manger

Bible Text: Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting 
Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

The birth of Jesus is one that changed the course history. From his birth being predicted by the prophet Isaiah
(Isaiah 7:14 ), and to the exact location of his birthplace being prophesied by the prophet Micah (Micah 5:1-2), to the appearing of the Angel to Mary. From the immaculate conception to his birth in a manger, Jesus Christ defied every possible law of nature.

This Mighty God however was born in a manger. It is unthought of that a king would be born in any other place than a luxurious, private ward in a world class hospital. This signifies the extent of his love towards us. He demonstrated this love even before we knew him. This act also demonstrates humility. The King of Kings was born in a manger. There were no shiny walls, designer baby court, a sink with flowing crystal clear water, sterilised forceps, gloves. On the contrary there was a barn full of animals and with an obvious stench of animal droppings. 

This King came just because of us to give his life as ransom for many all that we may have life and have it in abundance. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) 

Today he is calling you by name and wants to have a fellowship with you. What do you say to this Proposal?

Lord, I lift Your name on high

Lord, I love to sing Your praises

I'm so glad You're in my life

I'm so glad You came to save us

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. You came from heaven to earth to us the way. Thank you for coming just for me, Come into my heart and make it your home.

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly,above all that we could ever ask or think,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.   

Amen!

Seek Good

Bible Text: Amos 5

This passage is one that touches my heart dearly. The opening remarks point to the fact that Israel has fallen. It describes in details the symptoms of this fall in verse 3 which reads "Your city that marches out a thousand strong will have only a hundred left, your town that marches out a hundred strong will have only ten left.” 
This state of events illustrates the effects of turning our backs on our God. As stated in John 15:5, Christ lets us know that he is the vine and we are the branches and in order for us to survive and have evidence of this survival, which is bearing fruits, we have to remain in Him. How then do we remain in him. Seeking him daily allows us to remain in him. We can achieve this by following the words of Amos 5:14. We have to seek good not evil. Seek God who is the foundation of all goodness. 
We have to willingly separate ourselves from evil. Evil thoughts, evil speech, evil company, and evil activities. If we seek to do good to please him, we are always connected to him and we will bear much fruits. Seek good, Seek God, that you may live and also have evidence of this life, your fruits.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Help me to seek you each and everyday. May my words, my thoughts and every fibre of my being seek you and only you.

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly,above all that we could ever ask or think,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.   

Amen!

I have overcome the World

Bible Text: John 16:16-33

When we watch the news headlines, it is full of grief upon grief. Bombs, Stabbings, Kidnappings, Civil wars and many other terrifying happenings. 

This should not come as a surprise to us for Jesus spoke of such things. In this world you will have trouble. (John 16:33 b) 

The Good news however is that Jesus has overcome the world. The world would give us trouble but we should not be gloomy and hopeless. Jesus says we should be of good cheer, we should be happy irrespective of the many sorrows the world dishes out to us: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)

He overcame the world by his sacrifice on the cross and has secured eternity for us in Heaven with him. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Jesus' final words on the cross "It is Finished"  signifies the completion of his task to bring us full freedom from sin, the World, and an eternity in Heaven. With this in mind, we should heed to the words of Jesus, and be of good cheer, by putting our trust in him whilst patiently waiting for His Second Coming.

Be of good cheer for I have overcome the worl

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. As I patiently wait for you, help me to lean on you in all things so that your hope will be keep me going.

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen!

Day and Hour Unknown

Bible Text: Matthew 24:36-51

This world is going to end one day. The signs of this end have been made known by Jesus:  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24:7-8)

Jesus' second coming is the much awaited event and only the father in Heaven knows of the day and hour, not even the angels nor the Son. How then can we prepared for this day as in the words of Jesus: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42) 

We must first surrender our lives to Jesus, invite him to come and make your heart his home. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:20) 

We must make a conscious effort to let go off the sins that separates us from Him, and live for him in all our ways through obedience to his Word. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

Let your life be a witness to others in as much as you speak to others about Jesus. Freely you have received, freely give. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Help me Lord to watch and wait for your second coming, take away all things that will keep me away from you. May I be your witness to the whole world, speaking of your goodness to all nations. 

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen!

My cup overflows with blessings

Bible Text: Psalm 23:5

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. (vs 5)

"There is more from where that came from". We may have heard or said this to someone, perhaps to a little child whose eyes was still wanting more of that toffee you gave. Thats how it is with God. There is more from where that blessing came from.

God is not a one time God. Who blesses us once and thats it. He makes sure that our cup overflows. In Geography when a river overflows its banks, it is when the water it holds is higher than the capacity it can take.

The Psalmist did not have the capacity to contain all the blessings God bestowed upon him. There was no room left, there was an overflow. My cup overflows, my cup runneth over. Our lives as children of God will experience an overflow of God's blessings. He will prepare a table in the presence of our enemies. This is to mean although the enemies sees how blessed we are they cannot hinder this blessing.

To experience an overflow, we must put our trust in this God of Overflows. David despite his tribulations, never gave up on God. His sworn enemy, Saul, on several occasions was a danger to David's life. He devised all schemes to kill David because he saw God was with David. Saul tried to nail David to the wall with his spear. But David dodged it, and Saul’s spear struck the wall. David fled, escaping from Saul that night. (1 Samuel 19:10). Even in the midst of this David experienced an overflow of God's blessings. He escaped death, won battles against his enemies and was King over all Israel.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Let my cup overflow with blessings, rain down your overflow blessings. 

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

Amen!