Saturday, 14 October 2017

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!

Jesus

Bible Text: Philippians 2:9-11

 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him! (Matthew 8:27)

There is a name above every other name. This name has the power to heal, to bring joy, peace, to bring calmness to turbulence. This name is Jesus and Jesus Only.

The disciples did not have a full understanding of who they were in company with. They may have limited his abilities to his provision of their needs and the performance of various miracles.

Jesus is all powerful. He is God: and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9) 

Everything written about Him is great; From His virgin birth to the empty tomb. He is a friend, a father,a mother, a saviour. He gave his life to save us and is ever ready to save us from all situations. 

The most beautiful part of all this is that, He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. He is with us even unto the end of time. 

This Jesus, whose name is above every other name, calls us friends. He cares about our well being and wants to see us prosper in all things. He is gone to prepare a place for us and will be back to pick us up to that mansion made just for us.



Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. May I experience your power and love each and everyday. Thank You Lord for always being there for 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!

Friday, 13 October 2017

The Son has set us Free

Bible Text: John 8:36

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. (1 Peter 2:16)

Christ's death on the cross secured our freedom. We were slaves to sin but now are no more slaves to sin but sons of the Most High God.

This Freedom however should not be abused. What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? (Romans 6:1). The Answer is a resounding NO. 

Our freedom in Christ should cause us to live lives that please God. His commands should be our counselors: "Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors." (Psalm 119:24)

We who are no longer slaves to sin should be slaves to God. This slavery does not involve bondage. This plainly means that everything he says we should do. He has promised that his plans are for our good therefore obeying him even when it does not seem favourable should not put fear in us. We should rest assured that he has a plan for us, that is to prosper us and give us an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Slaves to God should draw others to God. Lives that please God should be exhibited and this in turn sets an example for others to follow.



Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Help me Lord to live my life through heaven's eyes.

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!

Thursday, 12 October 2017

Build Each Other Up

Bible Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We are always quick to point out faults. Our motive is mostly not to build up but rather to bring down.

One of Paul's advice to the Thessalonians in light of the despair that arises from the uncertainty of when Christ shall come again, is for Christians to be there for each other.

In His Words we are to encourage and build each other up. In correcting others when the need arises, our words and advice should be to build, to make better and not to destroy others.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (v11)

Giving a good advice and speaking with Wisdom goes a long way to guide others to the right path. There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

We also have to practise what we preach. Our way of life should be an example for others to follow. Actions speak louder than words, when people see us do the right thing, following the right path, they too will be encouraged to do same. It will be ironical to give advices that we ourselves do not follow.
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Be that Miracle someone is praying for. In as much as we are advised to encourage and build, helping people in need is a sure way of being there for each other. Remember as stated early on, Actions Speak Louder than Words.



Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Help me Lord to be that shoulder for someone, encouraging and building each other up.

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!

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

Live your life through Heaven's eyes

Bible Text: Romans 12:2

Each day we are faced with choices we have to make. What to eat, what to wear, and a whole lot of whats and wheres.

The decisions we make as children of God are to reflect God in us. We have been saved and therefore have been called to live lives that are heaven bound. He has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9)

Modernity and Civilisation may have created new standards of life, alien to God's Word. The temptation to join in the parade is real. However we should stand our ground.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2) 

It is in choosing God's standards over worldly standards that sets us apart for him. We should build a relationship with God, finding out His will for our lives through his Word. Maintaining a constant communication link between us and God will enable us to stay within his will for our lives.



Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Help me Lord to live my life through heaven's eyes.

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!

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

With God all things are Possible

Bible Text: Matthew 19:26

When we go through the Bible and read of the many ways God made a way where there seemed to be no way, it proves that we indeed are serving a Living God.

On several occasions Jesus left his audience in awe. Amazed at what they thought could not be done, being done beyond their imagination. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man. (Matthew 9:8)

All power belongs to God in Heaven on Earth. He alone can do what we see as impossible. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.(Matthew 19:26) This Omnipotent God can turn water to wine (John 2:1-11), makes rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19). He can give life to dry bones (Ezekiel 37:10) and sight to the blind (John 9). He makes a mother out of a barren woman (1 Samuel 1:20) and makes the lame to walk again (Matthew 9:2-8).

To experience this power in our lives we must exercise our faith in Him. We have to believe. We cannot receive anything from Him if we do not believe that He is the Able God. Those who come to Him must believe that he is God and that He can do all things.

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy



Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. You are Great and your Works are Great. Make all impossibilities possible 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!

Monday, 9 October 2017

I am Who God says I am

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:

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!