Do not take Revenge

Bible Text: Romans 12:19

To pay back people in their own coin is mostly the first thought that crosses our minds when we have been wronged. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. We believe taking matters into our own hands, meting out judgement,  is the right thing to do.

David felt this way. Although he had been good to Nabal by taking care of Nabal's Shepherd and his property, Nabal paid him back evil for good. Nabal refused to grant David's request but he rather insulted David and sent back David's men empty handed. (1 Samuel 25:7-11)

Thanks to the timely intervention of Nabal's intelligent wife, Abigail, David did not carry out his Revenge on Nabal. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. (Romans 12:19).  God revenged David by punishing Nabal himself for his evil deed, because David stepped aside and allowed God to take revenge. 
When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” (1 Samuel 25:39)

When we revenge we are telling God "You cant do your job, am doing it for you" 
This leads us to sin against God. We then live bitter lives when our revenge plan does not solve the issue. No matter what anyone has done to cause us pain, it is not our place to Revenge. 

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek,

 turn to them the other cheek also. 

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. No matter how the situation is, grant me the strength not to take revenge into my own hands.

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 Am Strong

Bible Text: Joel 3:10

As Soldiers in God's army, our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the forces of darkness. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

In today's passage we see that everyone was called to battle. In verse 10 the farmers were asked to transform their farming tools into weapons of war: Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruninghooks into spears.

Likewise to fight in God's army against the powers of darkness, against sin, against sickness, against satan himself, we have to turn what we have into weapons of war. There should be no excuses. To fight in God's army we need to empower ourselves by proclaiming strength. I AM STRONG. When we do this we acknowledge that this strength is not from us or dependent on us but comes from God himself: He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29)

We must actively involve ourselves in working for God, winning souls for his Kingdom. (Matthew 28:16-20) We must be prayer warriors, praying without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) .

Let us in our weakness proclaim that WE ARE STRONG.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I pray that today we will cease on the excuses and declare that we are strong, ready for battle. 

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!

Repeat your Works oh Lord

Bible Text: Habakkuk 3:2

When faced with setbacks we seem to feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. This was the state of the Israelites in captivity in Babylon. Habakkuk did not understand why God's own people should go through such a tribulation.

He must have heard of the Wonderful things God had done for his children. He had brought them out of Egypt on Eagles Wings. Fed them with manna and provided water out of a rock. Given them victory over their enemies. And here they were captives in a foreign land
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2)

We like Habakkuk have our many Whys?. Lord Why? Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? (Habakkuk 1:13)

The Lord's answer to Habakkuk dwelt on a central them of Faith. See, the enemy is puffed up;
his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness (Habakkuk 2:4)

It is often said that when you reach a point that nothing seems to work, you should be ready for a breakthrough. To Habakkuk the captivity of Israel was an end in itself, but he had no idea that God was still in control. Our faith in God is what we should hold on to. It is this faith that reminds us of the Omnipotence and Omniscience of our God, that in all things, he is still at work all for our good. That indeed he will repeat the good works of old in our present time and circumstance.

Hold on to this God, for he alone can make a way where there seems to be no way. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Repeat your works in our days. Show yourself mighty in our lives. 

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!

Possess your Possession

Bible Text: Joshua 21:43

The promises of God for our lives are many but we seem to miss the mark in living these promises.

God had promised the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey, one that they will get their rest. After hearing reports of those inhabiting the land, they were afraid and doubted God. They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey!Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. (Numbers 13:27-28)

However Caleb did not see it an impossibility what God had promised. The Nephilim's great size and fortified cities were nothing before an Almighty God. Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30)

Caleb's faith in God's mighty power set him apart and was the only one aside Joshua to see the promised land.   not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— 23 not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. (Numbers 14:22-24)

Possessing God's blessings for our lives comes from our faith in God and this faith comes by hearing the Word of God. A life of constant fellowship with our maker builds our faith in Him, which makes all the impossibilities in our lives possible.

To possess we must first know what is ours to possess. We gain this knowledge by reading and obeying the Word of God. God has so much in store for us but its left for us to believe in Him and live according to his commands.  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Put to silence all doubts with the power of God and Possess your possession in faith

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. You have great things in store for me. May I possess all these by faith and not doubt 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!

Beware of Pride

Bible Text: Proverbs 16:18

There is nothing wrong with taking pride in a major accomplishment. When we achieve a goal we set for ourselves we feel proud and accomplished. We take pride in our children and our friends. The problem arises when we feel self-sufficient in ourselves. We allow our achievements to depose God's role of being the sustainer of our lives. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

This pride causes us to live our lives on our own terms with no fear of God who is in actual fact the sole provider and sustainer of our lives. In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;in all his thoughts there is no room for God. (Psalm 10:4) 

When we allow pride to feel our hearts it separates us from God. After separation from God our sustainer and provider, destruction is inevitable. (Isaiah 59:2)

Pharaoh was overcome by his pride and would not listen to Moses. In his heart there was no room for God. Obedience to God's instruction was therefore impossible. In the long run he and his whole army were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea. Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2)

The end of the proud is destruction. Pride which causes us to nullify God's role in our lives leads us to destruction. We must remain humble, acknowledging God's role in our lives by living lives that please him. When the fear of God is in us we will have no room for pride and arrogance. Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
 (Proverbs 16:18)


                                      Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?

                             There is more hope for a fool than for them.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. You are the provider and sustainer of my life. In all things let me acknowledge you in my life that pride Kay have no breathing space in my life.

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!

Wait On the Lord

Bible Text: Isaiah 40:31

Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

We often grow weary and tired. Our own strength does not seem to carry us as far as we need to go. Our strength fails us in the face of adversity. Trying times leaves our spirit broken and heavy.

However waiting upon God, Hoping on God, renews our strength. This expectancy in God to deliver us builds our trust in Him. Not only do we have a renewed strength, we have the God-courage to face our situations head on. This is likened to the eagle full of vigour and strength, who uses the pressure of the storm to glide higher into the sky.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

(Isaiah 40:29)

hWhen we put our trust in God, obeying his Word, even when we run we will not grow weary and when we walk we will not be faint. No circumstances will be able to shake us. Life's ups and downs will only be a stepping stone to the great things God has in store for us.  Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. (Psalm 125:1)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. My strength is in you Oh Lord. Renew my strength as i wait on 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 Universe Declares your Glory

Bible Text: Psalm 19:1-4 

When we read about planets, stars, galaxies and other objects in outer space we discover how amazing these things are. Even when we narrow down to just our solar system we hear of planets, moons, comets, asteroids orbiting round the sun. All these wonderful objects are the handiwork of a Great God.

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)


God's amazing power and divine nature is revealed in nature. In the case of Job when God set the records straight that He is God, he established the fact of being the sole author of the wonders of creation. "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set ? or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7) 

This revelation of God in nature, should set our hearts at peace that we serve a Great God. Our minds cannot fathom how Great our God is. Therefore our attitude towards life should be different. If indeed we are children and heirs of the Most High God, we should not let circumstances move us. We should only be moved by the Word of God. (Romans 8:17) 

We should be ambassadors of this Great God, telling the whole world of the wonders of his hands. 

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalm 96:1-3)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. You are Indescribable, Uncontainable, You are amazing God. Reveal the wonders of your hands in my life today.

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!

Covenant Keeping God

Bible Text: Exodus 2:24

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)

Through out Scripture we see how God remains faithful to those who love him. With Abraham God instituted a covenant that is still in effect today. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Galatians 3:14)

Faithfulness is his very nature. We mostly misinterpret delays of prayers to mean God has let us down. What we forget is that God will never let us down. Once he says it, he will do it. He keeps his covenant to a thousand generation of those who love him.

For 400 years the Israelites were in bondage, working tirelessly under harsh conditions as slaves to the Egyptians. With whips at their backs they built Pharoah's empire (Exodus 1:11)  But God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. (Exodus 2:24) This Covenant among many others was to make the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob a great nation. (Genesis 12:1-3)  

God is not a man that he should lie or repent on what he has said concerning us. Put your trust in this covenant keeping God. Stay faithful to Him even as he also remains faithful. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Thank you for remaining faithful in all things, keeping your covenant of love to us.

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!

Be Strong and Courageous

Bible Text: Joshua 1:9

To be called to leadership is never an easy task. The success or failure of the followers is directly linked to how good or bad a leader is.

This pressure to be a good leader often leads to leaders opting for spiritual power from places that end them in their doom.

God's instructions to Joshua shows that it is God alone that gives power to the leader. 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." (Joshua 1:9)

Joshua was to lead the Children of Israel after the death of Moses. From the previous records of the children of Israel, they were not an easy people to lead. Serving under Moses, he was trained and equipped for the job ahead but God still saw the need for him to be strong, courageous and to get rid of fear. 

When we exhibit this courage we put our total trust in God. We are confident that He has everything under control. When we meet obstacles we will not be discouraged. 

God promises to be with us in everything. He has commanded us to be strong, courageous and not to be afraid. He who has promised to be with you is Greater than the greatest. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands.Help me to be strong, and of good courage because you have promised to always be with 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!

The Lord is my Shepherd

Bible Text: Psalm 23

In life a sense of security is always needed. We always want to know we are safe, that someone cares and has our back. That no matter what, we will be catered for. 

A shepherd provides these care for his sheep; Food, shelter and safety from predators. 

The sheep then says to itself. I have a shepherd; what shall I want.

We have a shepherd who cares for us. His name is Jesus. Not only is he a shepherd but a good shepherd; he laid down his life for us.

With Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we are assured of the following:

1. He makes us to lie down in green pastures 

2. He leads us beside the still waters.

3. He restores our soul

4. He leads us in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

5. His rod and his staff they comfort us

6. He prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.

7. He anoints our head with oil; 

8. He causes our cup to run over.

9. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives

10. We will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

(Psalm 23)

 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28) This Shepherd, Jesus, is our everything. Without him we cannot do anything. When we have him, we have everything we ever need. He provides all our needs, he gives us peace, he restores us each day, he protects us, he blesses us with good things, he directs our path and many more. With Jesus as our shepherd we have no cause to want, because we have everything we need.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Shepherd of my soul, Let me never forget that I have the Master of the universe as my Shepherd. My great provider and protector.

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!

Ask For Wisdom

Bible Text: 2 Chronicles 1

Irrespective of which situation we are faced with, we need wisdom.

Solomon who was now King in his Father's place, David, needed wisdom to govern his people. For a success of a nation, it requires a leader who leads with wisdom.

Upon God's request, Solomon asked for wisdom. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10)

In the course of Solomon's reign he led his people with wisdom and this brought him success as a king and to his people. God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. (1 Kings 4:29-30)


To have a successful life, we need wisdom which only God can give. Just as God gave Solomon wisdom, he has promised to give us wisdom, all we need to do is ask and believe we have received it.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I ask for Wisdom in all i do, that I may be successful in everything I do.

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!