Jun 08

Conditions For Divine Partnership

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Everyone is promised bountiful benefits on earth and later in heaven by God on a non-negotiable condition of holy living. Man’s relationship with God is always ruptured the moment he commits sin. Thus, he forfeits his peace and manifestation of all the precious promises of God.

The wars Israel lost in Bible times were the punishment for corporate or individual sin. God is holy and demands holiness from all those who want to have and maintain a continuous relationship with Him.

A prophet was sent to Asa and his army when they returned victorious from the war with the Ethiopians. Surprisingly, he did not come to congratulate them on their success but rather to quicken them to their duty.

“And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2).

The spirit of God came upon the prophet both to instruct and enable him to declare the message with clarity and boldness. He made them to realize that there is nothing like eternal security for any sinful person or nation.

“The LORD is with you, while ye be with Him, and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you.”

God wants to maintain a loving relationship with man. But before anyone can have any meaningful relationship with Him, he must repent and believe the gospel.

Moreover, he needs to follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. Holiness of life brings us into a closer relationship with God.

Then, we must daily walk by faith, pray without ceasing and make obedience to God in all things a daily lifestyle. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land”.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The true test of your holiness is what you do when no man but God is watching you.

 

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Jun 07

What Is Your Motives

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All over the continents, since the year 2000s we have witnessed the establishment of many worship centers. But many of such centers were established as money-making ventures since the unemployment level in the world is on the rise.

So, while it is commendable to build churches, if the major reason for doing so is material gain, it offends God and exposes those involved in it to divine wrath.

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart” (2 Chronicles 25:2).

In the passage of the scripture above, Amaziah was no enemy to religion, but a cool and indifferent friend. Like him, many do what is good, but not with a perfect heart.

He was vindictive, although he thought that sparing the children of those servants that killed his father was a deed of mercy, even when he killed their fathers.

It is dangerous to depend on the arm of flesh for success. Although appearing to be a strategist, Amaziah was embarking on a project that was doomed to fail. His life was going to be lost if he went ahead to war. He was clearly told about this, but he still trusted in his strategy. He had paid some people for hundred talents of silver. This, to him, should secure him some degree of victory.

Sinners, and those who do not have faith, however, always object to self-denying obedience. They give excuses, and like Amaziah, say: ‘But what shall we do for the hundred talents?’

  • As business men and women, they ask: ‘what shall we do if by keeping the Lord’s day holy we lose many good customers?
  • What shall we do without this gain? What shall we do if we lose the friendship of this world?’
  • Many endeavour to quieten their consciences by the pretense that forbidden practices are necessary.

 

The answer is, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this. He makes up, even in this world, for all that is given up for His sake.” Will you therefore submit to God’s perfect will and serve Him without questioning or disputing His authority? Obedience brings a blessing.

Whatsoever you do for Christ must be in line with His will. Good deeds veiled in hypocrisy have no reward in heaven.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The unregenerated heart is desperately wicked…who can know it.

 

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Jun 06

In The Pursuit Of Truth

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The great German reformer, Martin Luther, stood his ground when he “saw the light”. A former ordained priest of the Catholic church, he was plagued with an inner demand for true righteousness.

This brought him at cross-purposes with the powers that be. He denounced everything he had believed in Catholicism. He was denounced in Rome and was accused of heretical hostility to the Pope.

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Luther made a show of his new faith by publishing three books, and dramatically severing himself from obedience to the Pope by publicly burning a copy of the papal bulletin. He sincerely believed that faith without works, without any merit, reconciles man to God and makes him good.

He believed Paul’s observation to the Romans that, “the just shall live by faith.” When summoned to appear before the German Congress at Worms in 1521 to answer charges of heresy, Luther said: “Here I stand! I cannot do otherwise! God help me.”

 

The book of JOHN 3:1-3, a well known personality in Israel, Nicodemus, got bothered about his life, and needed to seek help. He wanted to know the truth. He decided to consult Christ under the cover of the night. Jesus told him plainly and simply that he must be born again. There was no sand-papering!

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Believers must always defend the truth when convenient and otherwise.

Though it may cost some important earthly things, yet it is better to stand one’s ground like Luther than to continue in the company of enemies of Christ.

You may be given a nickname, but nothing is more fulfilling than being branded for the sake of Christ!

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is wisdom to be unflagging in the pursuit of truth.

 

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Jun 05

Your Tongue, Your Future!

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It is not uncommon to find people blame the misfortunes that happen to them on one enemy or the other. There are others who also believe that their lot in life, whether it is good or bad, is just what has been destined for them by God.

 

They do not want to accept that what befalls them is largely a result of what their tongue has brought on them from their confessions. Those who understand the connection between what they say and what they have are careful with the way they use their tongue.

“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction” (Proverbs 13:3).

 

Today, many people practice positive confession because of the power it possesses. It is what they hope for and expect to see that they confess with their mouths and it is working for them. If you desire a healthy life, a happy family, godly children, prosperous business and career, confess them.

 

People who are pessimistic about life and often confess negative things will also get negative results.

 

It must be noted however that no amount of positive confessions will bring about positive results if it is not based on truth, honesty and goodwill. To engage in dubious acts and hope that your positive confessions will work for you is self-delusion.

 

If you also speak ill of your neighbor and expect positive things in your life, you are mistaken! Lying, mischief, flattering, backbiting and sowing seeds of discord among brethren cannot produce positive things in life.

 

For your tongue to be wholesome and be a tree of life bringing healthy fruits, your heart must be transformed. Obviously, it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.

You cannot expect to speak good words and lead a good life if your heart is evil and corrupt. You will need a change of heart which the Lord only can give when you become born again.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: To keep your life, keep your tongue!

 

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Jun 04

Candle In The Wind – Careless Lifestyle

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A few years ago, in one of the Western nations, a popular, elegant and wealthy lady, who was then at the prime of her youth, died tragically in a terrible auto crash that also claimed the life of her boyfriend while they were returning from a popular hotel in that city.

In one of the numerous commentaries published in the newspapers on her time and life as well as her tragic and untimely death, someone said: “those who live on the fast lane of life often perish on it.”

“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?” (Proverbs 23:29).

In our passage today, we are reminded of this timeless truth as painted very clearly in the picture of the consequences of yielding one’s life, interest and emotions to the two most terrible indulgences: women and wine or adultery and addiction. See “PROVERBS 23:26-35”

While no sin or unrighteousness is excused by God or is without its consequences, the obvious fact is that men and women suffer physical, financial, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual calamities as a result of indulging in reckless lifestyles such as partying, drunkenness, adultery or fornication and addictions.

However, God has already given us the way of escape in verse 26: “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” The path to victory and dominion over sin is to give your heart to God and to observe God’s ways as shown us in His word.

To overcome the temptations of being entrapped by these common and prevalent sins, one must go beyond mere resolutions or mere confessions of the sins.

There must be personal decision to receive the grace of God through salvation in Christ  and be determined to keep the word of God in one’s heart as we regularly remember the consequences, now and in eternity, of indulging in sin.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A careless life is like a candle in the wind.

 

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Jun 03

A Worthy Legacy

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Wildlife conservationists are, more than ever, fighting to save hundreds of animals regarded as endangered species. Their prospect of going into extinction stems from the disruptive activities of humans as well as climate change. So much money and effort are now being spent just to keep them on the face of the earth.

Abraham had a more vital reason to secure a bright future for Isaac, his son. It is true that he made a fatal mistake in his earlier years when he got a child through his housemaid. It is also true that, at old age, he got remarried to Keturah through whom he had many other children.

But when it got to taking out a will before his death, he made a significant difference. To his other sons, including Ishmael, he simply but fairly “gave gifts” (settled them). But he “gave all that he had unto Isaac”. He also ensured that all the other sons were sent away from Isaac.

“And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac” (Genesis 25:5).

Abraham did not only bequeath his vast earthly estate to Isaac, he transferred to him the privileges of the covenant. He did not lose sight of the fact that Isaac was his proper heir and child of promise (Genesis 21:12).

It was needful that Abraham’s other sons were put far away from Isaac and that this distinction be made while Abraham was still alive lest there be any rivalry after his death.

Isaac symbolizes the Christian believers who are now the heirs of promise and unto who, are reserved the blessings of a better covenant (Galatians 4:28).

In Christ Jesus, we are “a chosen generation… a peculiar people”. As such, God has a special portion for us. To others He gives common blessings but to His Isaacs He reserves peculiar temporal and eternal blessings.

Be rest assured today that your heavenly Father knows better and has your interest at heart. Just cling to His promises and at length you will find that “all things are yours”.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Nothing but your best will please the Master. 

 

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Jun 02

Follow The Star!

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Coming to God and knowing Him fully is never by happenstance; it is often a product of meticulous pursuit and dogged follow through.

The wise men had seen an intriguing sight: the star they recognized as a herald of the Messiah. They came from another land, traveling over a long distance until they got to Jerusalem. Probably to their amazement, they found the Jews completely oblivious of the arrival of their King, the Messiah they had been expecting for ages!

Herod the great, ruler in Jerusalem, was disturbed at the news. He then sought to use the wise men to obtain information about the child. Neither the ignoble ignorance of the Jews nor the additional sacrifice in traveling further to Bethlehem, discouraged the wise men from tracking the Star.

Where is he that is born King of the Jews?  for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).

They did not stop until they got to where the child Jesus was. On sighting Him, they were overjoyed, fell on their knees, worshipped Him, and presented Him with very precious gifts. Mission accomplished, they were warned by God not to return to Herod.

 

They went home through another way. And God, knowing the wicked plans of Herod, also sent Joseph into exile in Egypt with the child Jesus and His mother, Mary.

Seeking the Lord demands that you make a conscious effort to find Him. You should not be discouraged by the ignorance of majority of the people about who Jesus is. Nor should you be frightened by the evil plans of those that are opposed to Jesus.

God will not come looking for you as many expect today, but it is your responsibility to seek and find Him. You cannot find God except you develop a burning desire for Him, having recognized your inadequacies.

No one has a chance of a change without God’s help.

Sincere seekers must renounce all evil things that were once cherished and held dear, and receive Him joyfully for who He is.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Those who seek Him earnestly, find Him.

 

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Jun 01

Be A Role Model

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Everyone desires to be   admired. To this end, many people go to great lengths to achieve this life ambition. But what they fail to understand is that rather than just any personal effort, it takes sacrifice and selflessness to become a role model.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our perfect Example, a model in all things. On the eve of His crucifixion, He decided to pass a vital practical message to His disciples, to convey His love. So, after supper, He tied a towel around His waist, filled a bowl with water and began to wash and dry the feet of His disciples.

In Jewish tradition, only household servants and slaves washed the feet of guests that come to their maters’ houses. Everyone of the disciples submitted to this puzzling act by the Lord, including Peter who initially resisted having his feet washed.

Christ hinted that one of His disciples would soon betray Him. Later Jesus explained that although He was their Lord and Master, He expected them to wash each other’s feet. They should follow His example and do as He had done.

“Ye call me Master and Lord, and ye say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:13,14).

 

The true test of a Christian is not in mere profession of  faith, but in the way we live, the example we show to others.

Whatever our station in life, we must be willing to serve God and our fellow men in any way that will show that we have been touched by the grace of God.

We must make our lives an open book that must show others what true love in Christ really means. The greatest act of loyalty we can show to the Lord, Jesus Christ is to follow His examples and live as models that will attract others to Him. We must live to let others see Jesus in everything we do.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Your life is an open book; let others read about Christ from it.

 

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May 31

The Sons Of Ulam

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Today, there are local and on-line publications that are dedicated to compilation of remarkable people from different walks of life. The world has never come short in supply of such people considered to have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.

Those who make these lists are not necessarily selected because of moral uprightness, but basically for the contributions they have made in leadership, religion, philanthropy, arts, science, social work, military, sports and a host of other human endeavors.

The books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles are basically historic account of the experience of the Israelites over a period of time.

1st Chronicles, in particular, contains a genealogical listing of the various tribes of Israel, from the earliest times to the death of David. Such a huge compilation of names hardly had room for reasonable biographical comments.

But in every tribe, there were names that were too remarkable to be listed without comment. In the tribe of Benjamin, the sons of Ulam are one of such. The Chronicler took time to remark that the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor and archers.

“And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons’ sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin” (1 Chronicles 8:40).

This set of people were very courageous and had mastery of one of the major ancient weapons – archery.

Bible commentaries noted that ancient archery required great strength and skill as the steel bow was bent by treading with the feet and pulling the string with both hands. The Ulams therefore, earned their honor by being masters in this area. They certainly endeavored to make the most of their God-given talent.

We may not be skillful in archery or have such earthly attainments that can earn us a place in the Who-Is-Who of this world. But we all have ample opportunities to live a remarkable life.

A child of God that makes the most of his God-given resources and gifts by positively touching lives; brightening the corner where he is, thereby glorifying God has booked a place of honor in heavenly chronicles.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Does your life count for God?

 

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May 30

Beware Of Greek Gifts!

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The term, ‘Greek gift’, is used to describe a gesture that comes with strings attached. It is the strategy of giving someone a gift with the intent to entrap him or to influence his subsequent action or to trick him into a compromising situation. For some people, it could actually result in death.

 

“And Saul said, thus shall ye say to David, the king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 18:25).

 

King Saul was very adept at this strategy. He had become envious of David whose popularity had spread throughout Israel because of his military conquests.

 

David’s accomplishments showed that the Lord was with him, and everywhere he went, he behaved so wisely that even Saul’s daughter, Michal, fell in love with him.

 

That was the opening Saul needed to perfect his evil plot. He sent word to David that he was willing to give him his daughter to wife. He did not need any dowry from David as was traditional. All he wanted was one hundred pieces of the body parts of Philistine men.

 

But he was insincere as he hoped that in an attempt to kill the Philistines and get their body parts, David himself would be killed by them. But Saul did not reckon with the favor of God upon David, so that even before his deadline expired, David successfully killed two hundred Philistines and brought their body parts to the king. Saul then gave him Michal to wife.

 

Realizing that the Lord being was him (David) made Saul more afraid of David; he also became his bitter enemy. All this time, David continued to behave wisely and to acquire more acclaim, far and wide.

 

Always wisely examine every proposal brought to you, including those by seemingly well-meaning people. Do not be in a hurry to accept suggestions to do something or enter into very attractive deals that appear too easy and demands little or nothing from you.

 

Nothing of value and enduring comes cheap. Always look out for a hidden trap or trick that could throw you into a public scandal and shame, or eventually cost you dearly.

 

When you come to a crossroads in life, always ask for the grace of God to help you handle all such tricky and tempting situations. His grace will be sufficient for you.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: All that glitters is not gold

 

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