He drives back all seas

Bible Text: Exodus 14:21

Nights are period of general inactivity. Not much results are expected at night, all major works are performed during the day where everyone and everything is active.

The Israelites would have expected God to supernaturally transport them away from the trouble they faced. However God chose to use something as simple as the wind to bring them deliverance.

It is not stated but these strong wind would have been of discomfort to them although it was meant to drive back the sea.

At night, when all hope was lost and there seemed to be no way , God drove back the sea using a strong east wind.


In our nights, we need to hold on to Jesus, trusting that He is driving back all seas to bring us deliverance.

and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. In my nights Lord drive back all the seas that stand in my way.

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!

God's Own

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!

God's Way is Perfect

Bible Text: Psalm 18:30

God's way is perfect. But what makes this way perfect and how can we be on this way.

God's way is Jesus and This way, Jesus, is the word of God. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.(John 14:6) . And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

God's way is perfect because Jesus is perfect. He who was without sin chose to die for the sinners. This Word of God is God breathed. Straight from God himself. He made us and has given us his word that we keep it in our hearts. How then can we question the usefulness, the authenticity and how applicable it is to all aspects of our lives.

His word is perfect for instruction, he is perfect to guide us in all things, he is perfect to put us on the right track. 

The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30)

Note how the word is personified with the pronoun he and him. This he and him refers to Jesus who is the word of God. Those who take refuge in Jesus, God's word, are shielded by Jesus himself. The children of God who do not only listen to God's Word but put this word in action, and are careful to obey this word, have a heavenly security detail with Jesus himself as Chief Bodyguard. Jesus shields us from all harm, he even shield us from ourselves.

This word of God is perfect and has been given to us. This way is however narrow. It is not easy to keep his word. However we either chose this narrow way or go to the broad way which leads to death. 

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against 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!

A new Thing

Bible Text: Isaiah 43:19

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland

God's plan is that we may have a hope and a future. He holds us in the palm of his hands and knows our destinies.

This assurance should set our hearts at peace knowing that the Maker of the Universe has a plan for our lives.

The passage for today emphasises on the conscious plan of God, to do a new thing in our lives. Irrespective of the present circumstances and past situations, we are urged to forget the former things. Forget the former failings, the disappointment, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a business, the broken relationships. 

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past

(Isaiah 43:18)

The new thing God has in his heart for us, is a thing that will defy the norm.

- A Way in the Wildnerness
- Rivers in the Desert

This new thing will be the breakthrough that we have been praying for, the way where there seemed to be no way. As God made a way through the Red Sea so will He make a way through all things that seem impossible.  Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided. (Exodus 14:21)

This new thing will be that Great Provision you have been praying for, the Provision that depends only on God and not our circumstances. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)
The God who provided manna for his children in the wilderness will provide for all our needs through his riches in Christ Jesus. He will satisfy our souls as he leads us besides still waters. 

Put your trust in this Amazing God and you will never be disappointed! 

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

2 

    He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 

    he refreshes my soul (Psalm 23:1-3)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Help me Lord to be still and wait for your deliverance for I know you are doing a new thing 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!

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.

God is working!

Bible Text: Exodus 14:21

The Red Sea in front and Pharaoh and his army behind, The Israelites did not have much of a choice. There was no means of escape, only God could save them from this.

God through Moses brought deliverance to the Israelites. All through that night God caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind: And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. (Exodus 14:21)

All through that night God was working. The Israelites' situation seemed hopeless. How could they be saved from Pharaoh and a sea that would swallow them up once they dared stepped into it. God had a plan. He made a way, a dry land out of a mighty bursting sea. and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.(v21) 

However things may seem. God is working. His ways are not your ways. He knows what he is doing. That strong east wind that needs to blow over the Red Sea is being commanded to do so even now. God is working even now! All you have to do is to believe and put your trust in him.

God is working; He's still working

God is working even now

Though we often don't know just how

God is working, He's still working

God is working even now.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Help me Lord to be still and wait for your deliverance for I know you are working even Now!

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!

Time for a Turnaround

Bible Text: Galatians 1:23-24

We do not have so much time here on earth. How we spend our years here on earth will either result in eternal condemnation or eternal glory. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:27-28)

The decision to eschew sin and live for Christ is the most crucial and must be taken now. We do not know the time our Lord will return to take us with him, separating the sheep from the goats, therefore the need for a turnaround now!

Paul had a turnaround. He who was persecuting the Christians now was preaching this same Gospel of Christ in all cities and towns. He responded to the call of Christ and made a complete turnaround for the better. His life had changed and it was evident as the stars in a starry night. 

They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me. (Galatians 1:23-24)

Such a turnaround will surely attract opposition, but what will keep us going is the assurance that once we live for Christ He always got us. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91)

Make that turnaround today for Jesus!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I have decided to follow you, I live behind all sin that leads to death. I choose to live for Christ.

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!

Victory in Jesus

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 15:57

 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through out scripture it is evident how the 'God factor' changes everything.

When we isolate ourselves from the Bible stories and the many ways God brought victory to the Israelites, we will not fully understand who we are in God.

Jesus always makes a difference in all situations.

We mostly want to see a grand, majestic intervention to situations we face. But God works in even the little, unnoticeable ways to bring us the victory.

God worked out a plan to save us from the chains of sin. This plan was through a virgin birth in the most lowly way, a manger. No one believed that a saviour of the whole world could be born in a manger.

There is no way we can be on God's team and suffer defeat. 

We may not see anything working out now, but in due time as long as we are in Jesus we have the victory.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. No matter how it may seem now, Lord I know in You I have the Victory.

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 anxious for Nothing

Bible Text: Philippians 4:6-7

We make plans about our finances, health, relationships, children, career, and so many others. There is nothing wrong in making plans but to be anxious about anything is sin.

When we are anxious we disregard God's sovereignty that he is able to take care of all that concerns us. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen(Ephesians 3:20-21)

When we are commanded not to be anxious it just does not end there, the passage goes on to outline what we are then to do. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

We have access to the One who can turn our situations around. We do not need to pay any money or bribe our way through to get to Him. All He ask of us is to fulfil this short To Do List:
1. Do not be anxious
2. Through Prayer and Supplication
3. With Thanksgiving
4. Present your requests to me, God.

When we obey this command, we receive a peace from God that no man can fathom. Our hearts and minds are guarded. We are of sound mind and can go about our normal activities with peace of mind, rejoicing always. We get this peace because we have completely leaned on Jesus. We put our all in his hands and we trust Him to do what He says He will do.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, The I AM that I AM has commanded us to lean on Him. He will take care of all that you think is too much and impossible to overcome.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. I will obey your command and will not be anxious about anything. I commit all my plans in your hands and receive your peace that surpasses all understanding. 

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!

Jesus You are so Good to me

Bible Text: Psalm 34 

The Psalmist begins on a note of praise to God for the things he had done. The Lord had delivered him from his fears. He was thankful to God, telling of His goodness to everyone. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Thanksgiving should be an integral part of God's children. Most people do not see the need to publicly tell of the wonders of God in their lives. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:4-5)

Here we see how a word of encouragement is brought out of giving thanks to God and testifying about His goodness. We are to testify of God's goodnesss no matter how small we think it is. There may be someone struggling to keep up his faith in God. A word of thanksgiving telling of God's marvelous works would encourage such a person that God can also come through for him.

 In verse 9 we see that it is only those who fear the Lord who receive something from him. In thanking God a word of advice is brought out. A call to fear God is made. Noting clearly that those who fear God will lack nothing. They too will eventually have a cause to Give God thanks.

The Psalmist who had experienced God's goodness calls on us to likewise Taste and See that God is good. In order to taste we have to trust that the one we call upon is able. When we taste we let go of all doubts, closing our eyes to the world and focusing on Jesus, ready to enjoy the delicious flavor of his goodness. Tasting is believing in the amazing Power of the I AM.

When we taste, we will see that he is good. There will be physical evidence of this goodness. Moses tasted and the Red Sea was divided (Exodus 14), Joseph tasted and he was released from prison to be placed in charge of Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43), Elijah tasted and the Lord answered him by fire (1 Kings 18:16-39).

Do not delay, open up your heart, taste and see that the Lord is good. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. You are God and there is none like you. Help me to put my trust in You that I may taste and see your goodness.

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!