Unseparable Love

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ.....For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principality nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
[Romans 8:35a, 38-39, NKJV]

Watch a love relationship grow, you would notice how those that hold on firm through adverse times are those whose love stands the test of time, so it is with our relationship with God.

Past the lists of do's and donts and the rules and regulations lie a relationship with God that has its roots in an intimate knowledge of Gods love for us and the understanding of His worth and faithfulness, that's the kind of relationship the passage today talks about. One that is not fazed by what stays or what goes, one that is not shaken by what did or did not happen, one that is fueled by the understanding of God's faithfulness in this grand scheme called our lives.

Let us seek to know Him in this manner and pray as Paul did for the Ephesians, that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, that we being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend what is the width and length and depth and height, to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Prayer: Father, I desire to know You more and more, deeper and deeper with each passing day, to move from the superficial relationship that happens only on Sundays, or whenever I can muster the time. I want to know You as I am known and I ask that through the revelation of Your Holy Spirit, You draw me into Your secret place, where I can commune with You at a deeper level. Amen

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 31 2010 - Psalms 113-114 (OT), Mark 14 (NT).

Deceived

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
[Proverbs 14:12, NIV]

In 2 Kings 6:20-23, the Syrian army were heading to Dothan to arrest Elisha, however when their eyes were opened, they found themselves in Samaria, as helpless as captives in the midst of their enemies. These one's carried out their activities outside the will of God, seeking to bring their own desire to pass, but in protecting His own and preserving His glory, God led them blindly away from their destination, to their place of destruction.

Often times we take off on a route to satisfy our goals and ambitions following our leading and wisdom. We do not let God go ahead of us to work things out and show us where to go. What happens eventually is that we spend so much energy, time and resources only to get to the end of the road and find it is closed. We become hurt, disappointed and broken, feeling like a failure.

This is not the desire of God for His own. He wants to give us good gifts and prosper our efforts, but only if we give Him the chance. One year is rounding up to a close, and another will begin. This is a time of taking stock of the past and projecting future plans. Remember to put God first by seeking His face fervently in prayer, dwelling in His Word and learning to wait for His leading. Our father who answers prayers will meet us and guide us, moving the Heavens and the Earth to do His good will and pleasure in our lives.

Prayer: Dear Father, help me to submit my strong will and desires to you. Please help me to submit my efforts to you, that you guide my way instead. I seek to have your peace and prosperity, not following the path that leads to death. Oh God, please help me I pray in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 30 2010 - Psalms 111-112 (OT), Mark 13 (NT).

Getting Rewards For Your Effort

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.

[1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV]

Whenever there is work, there is corresponding reward for it. We work in our offices for certain reward. We open and run our own businesses for reward too. The reward for every work varies from money to self satisfaction. Even people who do volunteer work get reward for their effort; the joy and satisfaction of joining a noble cause that brings hope to other lives. Likewise, God has put in place several rewards for all who do His work, and the work we do for the Lord is to preach the gospel to the lost and win souls for Christ.

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus promises to be with us always as we go to share the good news. This is a sure reward of having the presence of the Most High with you at all times, seeing you through life’s daily troubles. In Psalm 126:6, we are told that those who go out in tears sowing seed for the Lord, will return with boundless joy carrying sheaves with them. As reward, God has provided abundant joy for those who share the Good News.

In Isaiah 52:7, greater reward is revealed. ‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” ‘ With a beautiful feet, you can be assured that doors will open before you as you approach without effort.

Work without reward brings grudge and wasted efforts, but God has blessed us with bountiful rewards for His service, which we can’t outline in any one write-up. As we go about doing the service of our Father, these rewards will be ours in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for your faithfulness of rewarding my effort with your blessings. I show you my gratitude with thanksgivings, and pray for your strength upon my life to continue to do your work tirelessly. As many as hear your Word, dear Holy Spirit bring to the knowledge of you I pray in Jesus’ name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 28 2010 - Psalms 109-110 (OT), Mark 12 (NT).

Before You Quit

"Now pick up the other arrows, ... Strike the ground." The king struck the ground three times and then quit. The Holy Man became angry with him: "Why didn't you hit the ground five or six times? Then you would beat Aram until he was finished. As it is, you'll defeat him three times only."

[2 Kings 13:18-19, MSG]

Jehoash, king of Israel, thought he had done well when he struck the ground three times and quit. To him, it seemed to be an extraordinary act of his faith, but the prophet Elisha was disappointed because he had stopped halfway.

Yes, he did receive something; in fact, he received what he had believed God for. Yet Jehoash did not receive everything that the Lord wanted to bestow on him. He missed much of the meaning of the promise, and the fullness of the blessing. He did receive more than any human could have offered, but he did not receive God's best.

We know that God is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think [Ep 3:20-21], yet there is the following limitation: “according to His power that is at work within us.” He will only do as much for us as we will allow Him to do in us. The same power that saved us, washed us with His blood, filled us with the power of His Holy Spirit, and protected us through numerous temptations will work for us to meet every emergency, every crisis, every circumstance, and every adversary.

You may have been praying for a long time concerning a promise or you may have been standing on the promises of God for a while now. If His promise has not yet come to pass, it is not the time to stop trusting Him. Ask your Loving Father if there is more you should do as you await His promise. Ask Him to search your heart and show you if there is anything that will prevent you from receiving His promise in full. Allow Him to work in you.

 

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for always desire the best for me. You remain my God who is able to do immeasurably above all that I could ask or think. Father, as I await the fullness of the physical manifestation of your promises (you may mention anything you are believing God for), I pray that I do not become complacent nor will I give in to the temptation to quit. I pray that You show me if there is any area of my life where you require more from me. Thank You Father, for I know You hear and answer prayers. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Sharing The Good News

Then they said to each other, “What we’re doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace [2 Kings 7:9, NIV]

Good news prompts a person to tell it to others. It begs to be shared with as many as care to listen. By nature, good news advertizes itself even when unspoken by the attitude of the bearer; one of excitement, joy and overwhelming satisfaction.

The lepers in our text today stumbled across food in a time of severe famine. They were overwhelmed and overjoyed, they instinctively gathered some to themselves but immediately recognized that they couldn’t contain this good news alone. They ran off to share it with others, thereby sharing their joy with a multitude of other hungry people.

The birth of Christ has introduced great news to our lives, He has brought us salvation that makes us right before God, He has given us victory over oppressions of the Devil and hell, He has given us hope to spend eternity with God. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. This is great news. Let us imitate the lepers of old, not keeping this news to ourselves. Let’s share the news with others who are still held in captivity of their old ways, and are headed in the wrong direction ignorantly. Let’s share the good news of Christ’s salvation with all others, thereby spreading the joy, liberty, happiness and delight.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you immensely for the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ you’ve given me that sets me free. Thank you for my peace, righteousness and hope. Thank you for my life and the lives of my loved ones. I commit myself dear Lord to tell your goodness to all I encounter, and pray for the courage and boldness to speak your words without fear. I trust you Holy Spirit to convict men to give their lives to you in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 26 2010 - Psalms 105-106 (OT), Mark 10 (NT).

Christmas For The Nation

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.

Of the greatness of His government and peace

there will be no end.

[Isaiah 9:6-7a, NIV]

It is the season again to celebrate our Lords birth, a great gift to mankind and the beginning of our faith. In the midst of the joy, the giving, the receiving and the mingling with friends and family, let us take a moment during the season, to thank God also for the hope we as a nation have in His birth.

One of the reasons Christ came is to establish His Kingdom here on earth, so let us take the time to commit our government before Him, as the word says, "the kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the water-courses; He turns it whichever way He wills" [Prov 21:1]. So this season, may God's government and peace increase in our nation, and may He reign in our nation as the Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Amen

 

Prayer: Loving Father, we bless You for the gift of Your son. Today, as we gather all round the world to celebrate You once again, we want to thank You for the hope that we have in You, because of You. When others say there is a casting down, we can boldly proclaim, there is a lifting up. We praise You for our nation and ask today that Your will be done in this land as it is in Heaven. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Trusting God's Abilities

When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

[Matthew 9:28, NIV]

The Bible tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him [Hebrews 11:6]. The blind men in today's verse of scripture demonstrated their belief that God was able to heal them. Their level of faith was such that they believed God could do it for them all by Himself. Today, God still expects us to demonstrate our trust and belief in His abilities.

God has allotted to each of us a measure of faith [Romans 12:3]. Not everyone is at the same level of faith and this is because not all have developed their initial portion of faith. We may know by reading, hearing and seeing from the lives of others that "nothing is too hard for God". But it is worth it to experience that part of our loving Father who delights in impossibilities.

There is nothing that is too difficult for God to do. He can deal with your past and your present. He is the one who does miracles so great. He is the one who can restore you the years that seemed to be taken from you. Today your loving Father speaks to you concerning whatever you are believing Him for. He asks, "Do you believe that I am able to do it for you?" If you search yourself deeply and you realize the answer is "no", it is simply an opportunity to grow and develop your faith. If your answer is "yes", it is time for you to start exercising your faith on God's word. Trust in God and His ability to do it for you.
 

Prayer: My Loving Father, there is nothing too hard for You to do. I thank You for when it comes to my life, there is no problem You cannot solve. As I search myself today, help me identify my actual level of faith. Where I need to grow and develop, please show me how I can do so. May I experience the sweetest discoveries of You as I begin to trust in Your ability to perfect that which concerns me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

A Different Mindset

The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said,

“Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do,

and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.

Make the Lord of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life.

He is the one you should fear.

He is the one who should make you tremble..."

[Isaiah 8:11-13, NLT]

Israel was surrounded by powerful neighbors and was under constant threat of attack, hence alliance with other strong nations was a common survival strategy for its kings. Yet here was God warning Isaiah not to follow that same pattern of thinking, worrying about who to make an ally to prevent defeat, or who was strongest and had the greatest armies. Israel was to fear the Lord of hosts because no other King or kingdom compares to Him.

We too as children of God in this generation are called to think differently, not as everyone else does. The bible says in Romans 12:2 that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that is the only way not to be conformed to this world. Our world is filled with such prevalent thoughts that are contrary to Gods way of thinking like "if it feels good, do it", “if everyone is doing it, do it,” or "what's in it for me”.

God's word today reminds us that our way of living above all this is by living according to His principles, being empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let us not allow ourselves to be swayed by the supposed norm that surrounds us. Rather, let us submit ourselves in all totality to God for He is a sanctuary to those who fear Him but a stumbling block and a rock of offence to those who reject Him [1Peter 2:6-8].

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for Your Holy Spirit who guides me and teaches me to apply your word in my everyday life. Thank You for the comfort of knowing that in You I cannot go wrong. Let Your word continually transform my life, with its wisdom. I totally surrender to You.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Beware Of Rust

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
[1 Timothy 6:11, NIV]

If metal is left idle for a while, not being used and exposed to the elements of water and oxygen, it begins to rust. If nothing is done about the growing rust, it gets to a point when the metal becomes useless to perform it's functions, deserving only to be trashed.

Spiritual inactivity also corrodes the soul like moisture acting on metal. Paul urged Timothy to 'pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness'. This command has no expiration date attached to it. Spiritual discipline requires continued attention throughout our lives. If 'rest' becomes a goal or an indulgence, then 'rust' is right behind.

Complacency, negligence, 'it doesn't matter', are the greatest undoing of the practicing child of God. The brain works with the greatest intensity when it works continually, likewise the more you do something, the more you can do, the better you become. We must keep working to keep trim for God, cleaning off any existing rust by doing the will and pleasure of God. Though our capabilities may vary with age, pursuing the righteous life to which God has called us should never end. Beware of rust.

Prayer: Thank you Father for your words of insight and encouragement today. For everything in which I feel weary and tired, I receive strength from your love. By your power dear Lord I stand to avoid every rustiness in my service to you. Use me for your good pleasure my Father I pray in Jesus' name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 21 2010 - Psalms 97-98 (OT), Mark 6 (NT)

When The Refiner Is At Work

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver...

[Malachi 3:3a, NIV]

A refiner is a specially skilled person who removes impurities or other unwanted matter from something (or in this context - someone). He knows the right temperature at which the unwanted matter will be removed. He sets and watches to ensure the refining process is done effectively.

There are times when God allows us to pass through a fire in order that He may refine us, purify us, and bring out the best in us. Today's scripture tells us that He "sits" as a refiner and purifier. He does not see us in the fire and walk away. He does not let the fire get too hot (that we may be burned) or get too cold (that we may not come out refined as He intended). He "sits", watching closely and keeping the temperature right. What others may think would destroy us would make us stronger and much better people - if we allow God. 

Today's scripture is consistent with His promises. He said, "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" [Isaiah 43:2]. We know that "the temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure" [1Corinthians 10:13].

No matter what you go through, be rest assured that your loving Father is with you, watching, and ensuring that the situation does not burn you. In the midst of the situation, ask Him to show you what impurities He wants to remove or what characteristics He wants to bring out of you. His plans for you are always good - plans to give you the future you hope for.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You, for You desire the best for me. When it seems I am passing through a fire which You have allowed, may I have the right attitude about it. May I realize that I am not alone but You are with me, ensuring that the fire does not consume me. May I look to You for what good You want to bring out of me and what impurities You want to remove from me. May I remain submissive to Your will. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Giving That Brings Life

I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD

[Psalm 26:6, NIV]

God is not only interested in our offerings, but also concerned about the state under which it is offered. Whenever an offering is given there could be many dispositions or possibilities to the state of the giver’s mind. Of all these possibilities, there’s one that makes God’s heart delighted, and commands reward upon the giver.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8, gives us a highlight on different kinds of giving, and that which brings life. [Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work]

It is therefore important to pause at the point of giving, to check the state of the heart and the motive behind giving, as this will ultimately determine the result. Do you give out something and later analyze why you allowed yourself to fall into such care-free mood, and then make a point to be more careful next time?

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus also taught that giving any offering or sacrifice when there is a grudge in the heart (despite how remote it is or who it is targeted at) nullifies the effort. Offenses always come, but if we hold it as a grudge against a person, there is the risk of losing every reward for the gift given to God, whether it be a material gift or service to God. A clear conscience and innocence is required at Gods alter. Let us wash our hands of all things that make our offering to God unacceptable, and the reward that follows a good gift will be ours.

Prayer: Dear Lord, teach me to be aware of the state in which I give, helping me guard against grudges and inward complaining. Clear my heart dear Holy Spirit of grudges against people that take away my blessing at your alter, I pray in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 18 2010 - Psalms 93-94 (OT), Mark 4 (NT)

Keeping Your Promises

Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD.”

[1 Samuel 2:20, NIV]

Hannah made a vow to God that if God would give her a son, she will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head. [1 Samuel 1:11]. God answered her prayer for a child and gave her a son. Hannah kept her promise and dedicated her son to the service of God. Eli the priest prayed that God will give Hannah and her husband more children from her because she kept her promise. The bible records that Hannah, who was once classified as a barren woman, gave birth to three sons and two daughters.

There are times when we find ourselves making vows or promises to God. Sometimes it could be habits or addictions we want to stop. Sometimes it could be sin we are fighting to overcome. We find ourselves still going back to do those things we promised we would not do. Your loving Father knows that with sin and addictions, we as humans cannot overcome it on our own hence He sent His Son to die for our sins and restore us the rights we have as children of God. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to help us in our daily walk with Him. Though our Father is gracious and loving, it is not His will that we take the grace of God for granted.

But there are promises we make to God that are within our control. For instance, you may promise God that you will sow all of your first salary if He gives you a job. Or you may promise to sow a seed once you get the breakthrough you have been waiting for. Today's verse of scripture reminds us of the blessings that come with keeping our promises. It is better you did not make the promise than you did and do not keep it. Your loving Father is faithful and can do much more than you can ask or think. If you make a promise to Him, keep it. See if He will not bless you much more than you could imagine.

Prayer: My Loving Father, You are the one who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I can ask or think. You are faithful to Your promises. Father, I am sorry for times I have made promises to You and did not keep them. I pray that as Your child, made in Your image, if You put a need in my heart and if I make a promise to You, I will be faithful to keep my promise. In Jesus Name, Amen.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 17 2010 - Psalms 91-92 (OT), Mark 3 (NT)

God’s Love and Mine…

Broken for Purpose

When a farmer plows the ground for planting, does he plow continually?

Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? 

After he has leveled the surface of the ground, does he not sow dill and scatter cumin? 

Does he not plant wheat in furrows, barley in its appointed plot,

and spelt along the edge of the field?

[Isaiah 28:24-25]

 

God is a God of order and plan, and just like in nature, things follow a preset process, so it is with our walk with Him. For the seed within us to bear fruit, the soil of our lives would need to first be plowed (broken or tilled), this process can be extremely uncomfortable, but we have a comfort in knowing that we are being broken for the fulfillment of our divine purpose.

Allowing God's work of plowing to be completed in us, allowing ourselves to be totally broken before Him, allows Him to move on to the next phase. The plowing period is not forever, after the plowing comes the sowing, without the plowing, there is no sowing, without the sowing there would be no fruits, without fruit, what then is our purpose for life? So if indeed our hearts desire is to bear much fruit, let us surrender to Gods plowing process.

God uses several methods in breaking His people, depending on the unique weakness or blind spots of each individual, but all for the same purpose, to bring us to the end of self and to the place of total surrender. This does not mean that the process of brokenness would bring us to a state of sadness or depression, on the contrary, when we yield to God's working, it becomes the flavor of the our joy and praise and witness as Christians.

The LORD is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit (psalm 34:18), its is a blessed thing to be broken before God, because, this marks the start of a wonderful walk with Him, and we never get beyond it in this life but it marks our walk for as long as we remain on earth .We  remain broken and contrite all the way home

Prayer: Lord, daily I ask that You break me and mold me till I become all that You desire me to be. No matter how much I may squirm at each new phase, I surrender to the totality of Your will for my life. I thank You for Your love that instructs, Your love that corrects and Your love that perfects. In you I am made whole. Help me embrace your process throughout my walk with You, In Jesus Name. Amen

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 16 2010 - Psalms 89-90 (OT), Mark 2 (NT)

Move Forward

And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians; and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.[2 kings 7:5, KJV]

As God’s own beloved child, when you dare the thing you are afraid of, you’ll find out that what you thought would destroy you does not even exist. The lepers in our text took a step forward in the direction of their greatest fear. They soon found out that all their enemies were no where to be found and abundance awaited them. When you are in a challenging situation and you refuse to move forward for fear of the future, and instead prefer to cling to familiar unpleasant situations, you are choosing sorrow, sickness and problems over hope, joy, health and prosperity. You are deciding to hang around the comfort zone of a tormenting situation, instead of daring to choose freedom and deliverance.

In Exodus 14:15, God asked the children of Israel to move forward. They feared the impossibility of the Red Sea ahead, and preferred the destruction of the Egyptians behind them. However, when they moved forward, God parted the impossibility before them and provided dry ground for them to pass through. God is pleased with His own who show faith in Him, without faith it is impossible to please God.

When the four lepers advanced towards the camp of the Syrian army expecting the worst, they were pleasantly surprised to find no soldier in sight. The things you are afraid of as a child of God are not capable of delivering their threat. Never stop your advance because of fear, march forward in the direction of God’s lead. It is time to reject every thought of fear, failure, disappointment, dryness, delay or death. Read the Word of God and meditate daily on it. It will increase your faith. Engage in activities that increase your faith and move forward.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I bless you for the provisions you’ve made ahead of me to part every Red Sea on my way. I bless you for taking the threat out of everything i fear in the future, I bless you for leading me safely into the abundant life that only You gives. Thank You Jesus. I put my trust and faith in you, I move forward continually to your glory and I claim victory over every challenges that threaten me in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 15 2010 - Psalms 87-88 (OT), Mark 1 (NT)

Acknowledging Your Provider

She doesn’t realize it was I who gave her everything she has -

the grain, the new wine, the olive oil;

I even gave her silver and gold...

[Hosea 2:8, NLT]

Today's verse of scripture speaks about the Israelites whom God gave not only corn for necessity, wine for delight, and oil for ornament, but He multiplied their silver and gold. However, Israel robbed God of the honour of His gifts. They forgot their relation to their great benefactor and their obligations to Him. They did not consider what they had as blessing from God, and they did not return thanks to Him for His gifts. Instead they dishonoured God with those gifts - they adorned their images with gold and silver, and adorned themselves for the worship of their images.

It is quite easy for us to act like the Israelites as described above. This we may do knowingly or ignorantly. You may encounter people who say, "I got the one of my dreams because I fasted and prayed very well", "I got that promotion because I worked so hard", "I got into the best school because I studied tirelessly", or "I am where I am today because my parents made the right decisions". 

While we should acknowledge that there is a role we have to play in receiving what we have from God, we should not forget that it is God who has given us all that we have. It is God, our loving Father who gives us the ability to get wealth. He is the one who gives us strength to do what we do. He is the one surrounds us with favour as a shield. He is the one who equips us, and provides us with open doors of opportunities.

You may not have all you want, but your loving Father has provided for you all you need. If you reflect on this year, you will realize that He has done many great things for you. Spend time today thanking God for His provision, for thanksgiving opens doors to receiving more from Him.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for being my provider. You have provided me with all I need, even those things I do not know are important for me. I am sorry for times when I have assumed that what I have is of my own abilities and effort. Please show me if there is any way I dishonour You with the blessings You have bestowed on me. I pray, Father for Your help, that I may be a good steward of all You have blessed me with. May I always remember that what I have is from You, and acknowledge You with a heart of gratitude. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Living Beyond Self

..and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. 

[Isaiah 58:10-11] 

The world has somehow made us believe that our fulfillment comes from how much we can obtain and gather for ourselves, many of us live life in search for higher paying jobs, bigger contracts, better cars, bigger houses...and the list goes on. We tell ourselves, if I can just get that house, then I'd be satisfied, then we get the house, and realize, it wasn't all we thought it would be after all, and the struggle continues.

We have become a selfish generation, so much so that even the plight of the under privileged does not stir our hearts anymore. Or maybe we believe we are too busy, tied up with tight schedules, we tell ourselves that we really have no time to do anything else. But this is the kind of Christianity we have been called to , to feed the hungry and  help the helpless and oppressed, then the Lord would guide, satisfy and strengthen us.

As much as it is a good thing to increase and acquire material wealth, even more expedient is the grace to reach out to other with the increase that we have received from God. There is one who scatters, yet increases more, and there is one who withholds more than is right,but it leads to poverty. So today, and through the days to come, take a step outside of the me cocoon, and ask the Lord to show you ways to be a blessing to those who need your touch, you would be amazed how much more fulfilling it is to give than to recieve.

 

 

Prayer: Lord, today I ask for the grace to be used as your vessel to bless another. You have blessed me with so much and I know that the blessings are not just for me but that I may share and spread your love abroad. i am here as an ambassador of your kingdom and so Lord, i submit to you, touch lives through me as I yield to give of myself to others. Help me look beyond myself to see the many opportunities for ministering that abounds. Amen

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 12 2010 - Psalms 83-84 (OT), Matthew 27(NT)

Miracles In Disguise

Give us help from trouble for vain is the help of man.

[Psalms 108:12, KJV]

While a mountain is an obstacle to many, it is a stepping stone to a few, with which they get to the next level. How you see a mountain and what you call it can affect it’s final outcome. A mountain can be God’s way of revealing to His own the need for them to seek Him. When everything goes on smoothly it is easy to forget God and even think that victories are won by personal effort. With such mountains of challenge we are drawn to God and He shows up in mighty ways to rescue us.

In 2 Chronicles 20:1-20, God was about to take Jehoshaphat to the next level, and He sent three rich and powerful kings against Jehoshaphat. This immediately led Jehoshaphat to seek the Lord's face. What the young man thought would stop him, became his greatest, sweetest and easiest victory. That problem before you which appears like it has come to sink your ship, has only come to deliver your greatest victory in Jesus name.

The process of going through a mountain grooms us to be better people in various aspects of our lives. As you look at any mountain standing before you threatening to swallow you up, ask that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see your victory. Ask that the benefits of each mountain will be uncovered and delivered to you completely.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please open my eyes and my understanding to look beyond the mountain facing me. Help me to see your gifts and benefits packaged for my good, help me to receive all the blessings due me, help me to overcome by your mighty power in Jesus name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 12 2010 - Psalms 81-82 (OT), Matthew 26(NT)

Reviving Your Quiet Times

But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

[Luke 6:16, NLT]

As a child of God, your quiet time is a very important aspect of your Christian life. Quiet time involves spending time with the word of God, studying it and learning from it everyday. It is a selected period of time in the day you consciously dedicate to spending time with God in prayer, studying His word and learning more about Him. Without daily regular quiet time, your spiritual life can be malnourished. Having a quiet time helps to prevent complacency and build your relationship with your loving Father.  

The scripture for today tells us that Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. It implies that He often sought moments and places where He could be alone with His Father. This shows that it was something important to Him as a Son of God.

Take some time today to evaluate your quiet time. Does your quiet time need reviving? You can revive your quiet time by starting with prayer (worship and praise, asking for forgiveness of sins and guidance as you spend time in His word). You can enrich your quiet time with a passage of scripture. Read the scripture, go over it maybe twice or thrice, and ask yourself questions concerning what you have learnt from the passage as well as how you can apply what you have read. Conclude your quiet time with prayer.

Your quiet time could simply be 15 minutes in a day, but it will do so much for your spiritual and physical well being. If you need to revive your quiet time, ask God to help you today.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for the lessons I learn from Jesus Christ. I am sorry for times I have taken spending time with You for granted. I pray for Your help to be disciplined with my quiet time. Show me areas of my life that may affect my quiet time and relationship with You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Called and equipped

 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations:
Before I was born the LORD called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.
He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.
...He says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” 

[Isaiah 49:1-2, 6 NIV]

No matter who we are, no matter what we believe we do or do not have, God's word still stand true for all His children today. Even before we were born He had equipped us for the task ahead. He made our mouth like a sharpened sword, to be precise in it every use. He hid us in the shadow of His hands, protecting us in all our ways, He made us into a polished arrow, sharp enough to hit the right target, and concealed us in His quiver so that we are available to be drawn out for use at our appointed time.
The same God who has prepared us tells us to look beyond what our eyes can see to boundaries beyond our imagination, because where we are seeing is small compared to the plans He has in mind for us (v.6).

This is what the LORD says:“In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’(Isaiah 49:8-9a).

We are called to be a light to a dying world, we are called to be the salt of the earth. A pot of soup does not require a whole jar of salt but just enough to give it taste, that means it is not the quantity that matters but the potency, so it is with us as Christians. It is not about whether we sit in any position of leadership in the church or about whether we have lived as christian for many years, its not about if we give the highest amount in tithes and offerings or about how many people know who we are when our name is mentioned, its about how connected we are to the source of our strength.

The one who called us equipped us even before our lives began, His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us, that is all that we need to function in His vineyard. We have not been called to receive the blessings for ourselves, but we have been called to spread forth that which we have received to the world around us.

Prayer: Father, I surrender the totality of my life to be used by You, as I step out into this day use me just as You will, not by my own strength but by Your spirit. I choose to serve You because that is the reason for which I live, strengthen me and show me how, each and everyday as I come to You. Amen

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 10 2010 - Psalms 77-78 (OT), Matthew 24 (NT)

Satisfying The King

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. [John 15:8, NKJV]

King David and his men were surrounded at some point during battle, and at such a time David wished he could get water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem. The men did everything to satisfy this desire of their king not minding the risk to their lives, nor questioning the kings odd desire at such a time.

Today, the King of Kings has desires and deep needs He wants satisfied and those who are able to satisfy these needs are His followers and Children, His own. In John 15:16, God reveals His deep need, His desire. ‘Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…’

God’s deepest need is for souls to be won to His kingdom. Not wanting any to perish, He desires that all should come to the knowledge of Him. Is there a soldier of Christ in you to bring to pass the desire of the king? Are we available to run with the need of the King to satisfy Him? It is for this purpose He chose us to Himself, that we would bear fruits for Him, to win souls to Him.

By the good fruits we bear, the father is glorified. When we manifest results in our lives that are in agreement with the word of God, we are bearing good fruit. Jesus says if any man be in me, and my words in him, the same shall bring forth good fruit (John 15:5). The good fruits we bear in our lives bring glory to God and satisfies the King.

Prayer: Ask the Lord to uproot everything that does not bear good fruit in your life today. Everything that doesn’t glorify God does not satisfy Him, so should be removed. Ask God that by the power of His word, good fruit will spring forth from your life and you will win souls to the kingdom of God.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 09 2010 - Psalms 75-76 (OT), Matthew 23 (NT)

Watching Over One Another

And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities...

[Hebrews 10:24, AMP]

There are days when we get so caught up in what is happening around us that we do not realize there are people beside us who are passing through difficult times. The verse of scripture for today is a reminder to watch over one another. It is a reminder to diligently and attentively consider each other's trials, difficulties, and weaknesses; feel for each other, and excite each other to an increase of love to God and man; and as proof of it, to be fruitful in good works.

You never know who needs an encouraging word from you. You never know whose life will be changed by having you listen for five minutes. You never know whose life will be saved when you ask "how are you today?" You never know who would have backslid if not for you.

Hebrews 10:25 further says "...not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together as believers...but encouraging one another..." Now more than ever we need to meet together with people of like faith. All of us need to be encouraged because each of us will encounter obstacles on our pathway. We need to share our good times with others so that they may be encouraged, and we need to share our bad times with others so that they may encourage us.

As you start today, ask God to help you be a blessing to someone's life.

Prayer: My Loving Father, thank You for this day You have given me. I need not be anxious about anything because as I cast my cares upon You, I know You are able to take care of my needs. I pray, Father, that today and always, You will help me to be more sensitive to people around me. Help me see someone whose life I could make a difference in. Give me wisdom in approaching and dealing with those I come across today. May my light shine before someone today that You may be glorified. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Amplify Your Sound

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth;
   burst into song, you mountains! 

For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones. 

[Isaiah 49:13]

The winning side in any sports game is the easiest side to identify, their shout goes before them because winners are never silent. As children of God we are on the winning side irrespective of what may come our way. We have a heritage of victory made certain on the cross of calvary. The devil knows this and so he tries to silence us, he tries to steal our song and fill our lives with the weight of negativity. 

We owe it to ourselves and to God to choose the sounds that surround us. Do we choose the sound of defeat or do we choose the sound of the true heirs of the Kingdom of heaven (the sound of praise)? Whatever choice we make, we become the product of that choice.

The passage today called for the Isrealites to rejoice, to rejoice is not a silent smile or a gentle laugh, the shout of the victorious is a boisterous sound that springs forth from the depth of the belly. Shout out loud for He has given us the city. Lift up a loud shout of victory for we have overcome by the blood of the lamb and by the word of our testimony. We do not have to see the score board before we lift up our voices because we already know what the scores would be, we win and the devil loses. It has been so since the foundation of time and nothing whatsoever would change it.

So lift up your voice and amplify the sounds of praise from deep within you, because the shout is always loudest on the winning side.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I bless You because I bear the title of a winner, I would lift up my voice in a loud shout and would not stay silent. The devil cannot steal my song, so I will sing and would rejoice in You because You are the God of my salvation. I would not be weighed down but would continually be strengthened in Your joy. Be magnified in my praise today O Lord, Amen.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 07 2010 - Psalms 71-72 (OT), Matthew 21 (NT)

Seeds That Grow Within

Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever

[1 Peter 1:23, NKJV]

Seeds in general have a long storage life. They can be preserved in barns for years and stay in the same condition; not reproducing themselves. However, these seeds immediately change form, germinate and reproduce other seeds soon as they touch a fertile ground, the earth. The earth presents a conducive environment in which seeds planted receive their nutrients and grow to bear fruit. Man was created from the dust of the ground and the human being also presents a conducive environment for seeds to grow.

Every person has seeds planted in them (knowingly or not), which germinate, grow and bear fruit to produce the outcome of the person’s life. On a daily basis, seeds are being planted in us, sometimes beyond our control. These seeds may be good or bad, but they are constantly being planted depending on our level of interaction with them. So that every outcome of a person’s life is the fruit of a seed planted within the person at some point.

1 Peter 1:23 lets us know that of all seeds which can grow within a person, only the Word of God is incorruptible and will not defile the person. The Word of God when sown in us grows to produce results that glorify the name of the God. The seed of God’s word gives us life to the full and in abundance according to John 10:10, but in order for the Word of God to bring forth fruit, contrary seeds need to be uprooted and removed from within us. Jesus described to us in the parable of the sower (Matt 13:7), that the seed which fell among thorns were choked by them. Ask God to cleanse the ground of your life of every contrary seed, so His Word will find space to grow and bear fruit.

As you consciously take in the Word of God, it begins to form your thoughts and control your thinking. Your way of thinking in turn, produces your emotions, and your emotions give rise to the decisions you make. These decisions whose roots are in the Word of God will guide your life in wisdom to give you peace, prosperity and progress.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I receive the cleansing of the blood of Jesus to wash away my sins and liberate me from every contrary seed to your word. Father, I receive the incorruptible seed of your word that my life will only produce outcomes that sing your praise and give me peace. Guide me into your truth always I pray dear Lord in Jesus’ name.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 06 2010 - Psalms 69-70 (OT), Matthew 20 (NT)

Knowing The Thoughts Of God

For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

[1 Corinthians 2:11, NIV]

As we walk with God, we will find out that more often than not, we need to know His thoughts. The thoughts of God reveals much of who He is. For instance, knowing that the thoughts of God for you are thoughts of peace and not of evil, and thoughts to give you an expected end, you can know and be reassured that indeed He loves you. Again, as a child of God, every choice and every decision you will make needs to be in line with the will of God. How then can you know God's thoughts about your choices, your situation and what decisions you need to make?

Today's scripture tells us that no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We are blessed to have direct access to the Spirit of God for the Holy Spirit dwells in us [1 Corinthians 3:16]. It is the Holy Spirit who helps us in our times of weakness and in prayer [Romans 8:26]. Our direction comes from the Holy Spirit [Romans 8:14]. Only the Holy Spirit knows the thoughts of God, and we can know the thoughts of God by consulting the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Maybe the Holy Spirit has been a dormant resident in your heart. Your relationship with the Holy Spirit can grow more and more each day. When you need to read and study the word, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and revelation. When you need to pray (especially intercessory prayers), ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what to say. As you desire to manifest the fruit of the Spirit, ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas in your life for improvement. When you need to make your decisions, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the thoughts of God.

As you start your day with God, make the Holy Spirit your companion and best friend. He will reveal to you the thoughts of God and help you get to know your Loving Father better.

Prayer: My Loving Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit whom You sent in the name of Jesus. I accept His role as my Teacher and my Comforter. Indeed it is a privilege that He lives in me. I realize, Father, that He knows Your thoughts. I pray Father, for a conscious and continuous understanding of the presence and role of the Holy Spirit in my life. I pray that as I desire to know more of You, I will remember that I have Your Spirit, who knows Your thoughts, living big in me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Incomparable One

With whom will you compare me or count me equal?
   To whom will you liken me that we may be compared

[Isaiah 46:5 NIV]

From Generation to generation, the awesomeness of God has been without contention,  The psalmist declared about Him saying ....let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever— He issued a decree that will never pass away. 

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.And He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. (Psalm 148)

If we decide to sit and draw a list of all the things that make God awesome, I doubt we would ever stop writing, each day He reveals Himself to His children in a new way, a brand new dimension, His faithfulness is new every morning, daily He reveals a side to His multi-facedness. 

This morning, take the time out to exalt the name of our Incomparable God, He deserves our praise, He deserves our worship, for this God is our God forever and ever, He will be our guide even to the end (Psalm 48:14)

Prayer: Awesome God, You alone are the King above all Kings, If i sing from now till eternity of Your greatness, it would still never be enough. Today I exalt You and celebrate Your awesomeness, I declare that You alone are God and there is none other that can compare to You. For who You are, For what You have done, I say be lifted High in my life and in all that I do. Amen

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Dec. 03 2010 - Psalms 63-64 (OT), Matthew 17 (NT).

The One You Can Depend On

God is faithful...

[1 Corinthians 1:9a, AMP]

There are times during our walk with God when we may wonder "am I really saved?" There are times when we may also wonder "If I am a child of God, how can I go through what I am going through?" There are also time we may wonder if we truly deserve all that God has promised to His children, and if some are not reserved for certain people who may have walked longer, closer with God, or fallen less for temptations.

Today's scripture is a reminder of who your loving Father is. God is faithful. The amplified version further explains what this faithfulness means - He is reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on.

Your loving Father's absolute trustworthiness has been consistently demonstrated over a long time. God's promises were faithfully fulfilled in Old Testament Israel, in Christ’s time on earth, and today. Whether the promise is short-term or long-term, you can depend on His promises.

Over thousands of years, God's promises have been “thoroughly tested” and found to be true [Psalms 119:140]. The promise comes by faith...by grace [Romans 4:13,16]. You do not earn or deserve God's promises. They are yours by grace! Also the promises of God do not depend on your abilities but on God's. Abraham was 100, Sarah 90 when Isaac was born. They themselves did not have the ability to bear children. However Abraham was confident that God had the power to do what He had promised. If you can focus on God's unlimited power, then you can count on that power to fulfill God's promises. 

The assurance of your salvation is in the faithfulness of God. There are thousands of God's promises in the Bible. They are yours by God's grace. Receive the promises, because God is faithful! There are no broken promises from God.

Prayer: My Loving Father, You are faithful, You are reliable, You are trustworthy and I can absolutely depend on You. You have given me Your great and precious promises. I receive them today. (You can mention any specific promise of God you want to receive). I receive them because I know You are faithful to bring them to pass in my life. Blessed be Your Holy Name. In Jesus Name, Amen.

The Prayer Of Faith

And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick...

[James 5:15, ESV]

Many have the idea that when we come to God and make our requests, it is expected that He will give us what we want if we have enough "faith". The prayer of faith is not a prayer to change the will of God or to make God do contrary to what He has planned. The prayer of faith is worshipfully coming to Him, humbly acknowledging His sovereign authority and loving wisdom, openly telling Him our needs, committing our way to Him, and patiently allowing Him to answer our requests as it seems best to Him. The prayer of faith is about an unwavering confidence in God, a belief that He will do what is best, and a cheerful committing of our needs into His hands. We need to always remember that He already knows what He wants to accomplish and when.

Prayer that pleases your loving Father is a prayer where the attitude is "not my will, but Yours, be done" [Luke 22:42]. Prayer is a means by which He exercises His decrees hence your prayers are not in vain. Your loving Father answers every faithful prayer, but not always in the way or time you think best. Sometimes, His answer may be opposite of what you prayed for. But as long as you have said the prayer of faith, praying that His will be done, you will see that eventually His answer is for your own good.

Prayer: My Loving Father, thank You for the lessons I learn from Your Word. As I come before You in prayer Lord, I lay aside my will and pray that Your will be done in my life. I believe You will do what is best for me and I gladly commit all that concerns me into Your hands. May I be able to recognize Your will in response to my prayers. In Jesus Name, Amen.

In Quietness.....

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:    

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,
   but you would have none of it.
You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’Therefore you will flee!
You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses.’Therefore your pursuers will be swift! 

[Isaiah 30:15-16, NIV]

Life tends to be extremely busy sometimes, the older we become, the higher we climb up the ladder, the greater the responsibilities. We wake up laden with deadlines to meet and we go to bed thinking of the loads of things still unattended to. Most times we fall into the trap of believing there is no time for anything else, we tell ourselves that we need to create more time for work. If we could, we would add extra hours to each day so that we would break even. Slowly we let our walk with God take a back seat, prayer becomes to us a hurried arrangement of humbled words as we rush out the door each morning.

At those moments when we think more time for work is what we need, God thinks otherwise, He invites us to a quiet place, a place of silence and calm, a place where we're willing to slow down the pace and listen. A place where He is willing to give to us "hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places"(Isaiah 45:3), a place where He would quicken the Spirit within us with insight from above (Job 32:8).

So take a look at the past week or month, have you given time to the one priority that exceeds all else? Take a deep breath and slow down, seek the presence of the Father and watch Him take the lead for you, that's what He does best.

Prayer: Lord, I know I have not really spent much time with You lately, forgive me father, some days i get so carried away by all I have to cater to and it overwhelms me. Today, I want to find my way back to your presence, for in Your presence is where I really want to be. There I find more grace, there I receive Your wisdom for direction.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Nov. 28 2010 - Psalms 57-58 (OT) , Matthew 14 (NT).

You Are Not Forgotten

God remembered us when we were down,

His love never quits.

[Psalm 136:23, MSG]

As the year draws to an end, there might be times you may want to take stock of where you are compared to what you hoped to achieve this year. If you find out that some key things you wanted to have this year do not seem to have manifested, it becomes discouraging. You may have received words, promises from the Lord, even confirmations, and you know that the fulfillment is just around the corner, yet it seems like it is so close yet so far. Such may make you feel that God has forgotten you. Beloved child of God, God can never forget you. His love endures forever.

The word "remembered" in today's scripture originates from the Hebrew word "zakar" which means to mark (so as to be recognized). It means to be mindful, to recount or to make mention of. The bible gives accounts of times when God "remembered". Just to mention a few, He remembered Noah [Gen. 8:1]. He remembered Rachel [Gen. 30:22]. He remembered Hannah [1 Samuel 1:19]. He remembered His covenant [Psalm 105:8]. None of these imply that God had forgotten. The time had come for Him to fulfill His promise and what He had "marked", He recalled. 

Your loving Father is not a man, that He should lie [Numbers 23:19]. Whatever He has promised you, He will fulfill. Maybe you are waiting on the promise of a new beginning, a restoration, a heart's desire or a breakthrough. Maybe God may have put a ministry in your heart, but you are experiencing doubts or opposition. God is faithful. Wait on Him. Those who trust in and wait on the Lord will find new strength. It is in the waiting that you will see God's promises fulfilled. You are too close to give up.

You are not forgotten. Your Loving Father always remembers and He will fulfill His plans, purpose and promises in your life.
 

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You for the reassurance that I am not forgotten. You are mindful of me and You remember me, even when I am in a state of weakness or when I am down. You remember Your promises to me. I hold on to Your faithfulness, Your steadfastness and Your promises. May I learn to wait on You and trust You with all that I am. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Your Good And Perfect Gifts

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes, as a shifting shadow does.

[James 1:17, NLT]

It is very reassuring to know that our loving Father does not change. He is not of one mind one day and an entirely different one the next. The unchangeableness of God's purpose, character, and will are the source of one of our greatest motivations to pray. When you come before Him in prayer referring to His promises, you can be assured that what He will give you is good and perfect.

It is true that the Bible is full of promises. Very few of God's promises in the Bible are absolute in nature. They are, instead, conditional promises, governed by our responses to God, fulfilling certain requirements, and also by the perfect judgment of God. He gives only good and perfect gifts - He will never give one of His children a "blessing" that would ultimately derail His purpose for him or that would be too much for him to handle.

The faithful Abraham and Sarah are good examples of this aspect of God's promises. God promises Abraham, at age 75 that He would make him "a great nation," and "To your descendants I will give this land" implying that he would have children. Yet, He does not give Abraham the promised child when he is 76 or 78 or 80! Finally, the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. Now Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born to him [Genesis 21:1-2, 5].

Alot had to happen in the lives of Abraham and Sarah - predominantly in terms of spiritual maturity -before God felt the right time had come to give them their promised baby boy. There was one perfect time for this promise to be fulfilled, and God fulfilled it when all the conditions were right.

When you come before Him in prayer referring to the promises He has made, you can be assured that He will answer you and what He will give you is good and perfect. However, God will fulfill His promises when all the conditions are right.

Prayer: My Loving Father, I thank You, for You are reliable and I can trust You knowing You do not change as shifting shadows do. I thank You Father, because You who promised is faithful. As I come before You referring to Your promises over my life, I pray You help me understand the part I have to play in receiving from You. Help me to submit to Your will and Your purpose that I may be able to wait on You for the fulfillment of Your promise, which is alway good and perfect. In Jesus Name, Amen.

When God Chooses You

For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children...

[Genesis 18:19, NIV]

God chooses people He can depend upon. He knew what to expect from Abraham and said of him, “I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children ... that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him.” God knew Abraham would “direct his children.” The Lord can be depended upon, and He desires for us to be just as reliable, determined, and stable. This is simply the meaning of faith.

Your loving Father is looking for people on whom He can place the "weight" of His entire love, power, and faithful promises. When these "weights" appear in the form of unexpected trials, tests of our perseverance, it seems our faith level at that time may not be able to carry the weight. God remains by our side and continues to train and discipline us in His school of stability and certainty in the life of faith.

Your loving Father knows you can withstand whatever you have to go through, or else He would not have let you face such a situation. When He chooses you, He surely has a reason and purpose that will always work out for your good. He will still bring to pass what He has promised you. He knows your strength, and He measures it to the last inch. Remember, no trial has ever been given to anyone that was greater than that person's strength, through God, to endure it.

Prayer: My loving Father, I desire to be counted worthy of those You can depend upon. Ipray that as You continue to train me and discipline me, that I may grow in faith, learn my lessons well and stand firm. I trust You Lord, for You will not give me anything that is too much for me to bear. May I always remember that Your plans for me are of good only - plans to give me the future I hope for. In Jesus Name, Amen.

By His Might Alone

Listen to Me [says the Lord], O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been borne by Me from your birth, carried from the womb:

    Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you.

[Isa 46:3 -4 , AMP] 

 

Some days we try to play the part of God, those days when we look around us and what we see does not tally with the promise He gave us, He created us with a purpose but right now we are a far cry from what He said we would be and do. So we plan and we scheme, we try to create our own opportunities, to make His promises become reality in our lives.

The more we try, the more frustrated we feel, because we can never accomplish what God has planned by our plans or our own might, what He has called us to accomplish, exceeds our abilities and exceeds our resources, He did not consult our strength, abilities or resources before He set His plan, He consulted His own. And this same God promises over and over again that He and He alone would accomplish what He has purposed, Faithful is He who has called us who also would accomplish it, has He said it, would He not do it? He declares the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand and I will do ALL My pleasure. Notice the number of times He repeated "I" in the passage, because He needs us to understand its not by our might but by His alone.

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So quit the struggle, a man once said, God would not do today what He has purposed to do next week, so relax and align yourself with God’s “scheme of works”, When He speaks the end from the beginning, it is because He know that there exists no force that can change what He has destined. The same God that sent a Raven, which by nature is so stingy that it does not even feed its own children, to feed His prophet, is the same God that would work for you to create opportunities in the most unexpected of places.

So let His praises continually be on your lips, set your heart to serve Him with all you’ve got in the place that you are now, for this has come to build you. Lean upon His strong arms and let Him carry you and bring you to the place He has destined just the way He has destined to. Because it doesn’t look like it now does not mean it is not it, do not lose your hope, do not allow yourself become impatient, Sarah in her impatience back tracked God’s plan by sending Hagar into Abraham, Joseph saw his future and held onto it through the prison.

Two people who received the promise, one learnt to trust in God’s timing, the other believed time was running out. Two different people but the same God, so today, chose to trust, chose to walk in Gods rest, He has called you, He (not you) would bring it to pass.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for this place that I am, I thank You because in this place, my trust in You grows stronger, In this place You are building in me a faith that is unwavering, You are strengthening me through this period, preparing me for the place You have promised. Some days it is hard to see things this way, but Your grace is sufficient for the trying periods. I would trust in your plan, I would be confident in your timing, because I know, You watch over Your word to perform it, and you honor your word above your name. Amen.

One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Nov. 24  2010 - Psalms 49 - 50 (OT) , Matthew 10 (NT).