God, Why Me?
Anchor Verse: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:1-3)
Several times, people ask this very question which implies that God has either abandoned them or that, He no longer cares. In challenging situations they ask, ‘God why me’? In depressing times they ask’ God why me’? Hardly do these persons ask ‘God, Why me‘? when they swim in successes and abounds in His goodness.
Indisputably, challenges and trials confront us in life. It is only of the mercies of God that we are not consumed in them, for God’s love for us is new each passing day. Bearing this in mind, during overwhelming times, God expects us to understand that; “it is not of him that wills, nor of Him that runs, but of God that shows mercy” – Romans 9:16
Have you ever asked ‘God why me’? – For making you see a new day. Have you asked Him, ‘God why me’? – that Jesus shed His blood to redeem you from the bondage of Satan. Have you asked God why me?, that you are not in prison (many people are there without even committing any crime) Have you asked ‘God why me’? – for healing you of illnesses that killed other persons. Have you asked ‘God why me’? – For rescuing you from disasters that consumed many other people. Have you asked ‘God why me’? That you can see with your eyes, breath normally without a life-support, you are mentally healthy, you can eat normal food, you have access to clean drinkable water, etc. Many persons dream of what you have, but, aren’t anywhere close to possessing them.
If you can begin to ask, ‘God why me’? in a positive manner, that is, remembering and acknowledging God’s goodness, it will amaze you what God did, does and is doing in your life. For once, ignore whatever it is that is keeping you awake through the night and start celebrating the faithfulness of God in and all around you. By so doing, you will develop an attitude of thanksgiving to God, and in return, He will melt off all your problems.
WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?
So then, every one of us shall give account of him/herself to God. Romans 14:12.
A life can only become fruitful when it fulfills or is fulfilling God’s purpose for creating it. Everything in life has a purpose, and God in His infinite wisdom designed all things to function in its place while bringing glory to Him.
The spoon in your kitchen is fulfilling its purpose anytime you eat with it. The chair in your home is fulfilling its purpose anytime you sit on it. Now, can God boast of you that, He is enjoying the benefits of creating you, the same way you are enjoying the things you bought with your money?
Come to think of it, water is created for drinking, fire is there to cook our food, the trees gives shield, brings forth fruit and is a source of wood for us, the sun brightens our day and night come so we can have rest. All the animals in the forest and the fishes in the sea remain purposeful, meeting the demands of their Creator. How about you? What are you living for?
Romans 8:19 says “For the earnest expectation of the Creature is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. You are created specifically for something very unique. You are created to be a solve a need. Have you discovered it? The reason for frustrations in life is basically, as a result of functioning in a different purpose. A life that is not fulfilling its purpose has a vacuum, it has a longing, and it is never satisfied. Even the objects that men designed have their specific purposes, how much more, men and women who are made in the image and likeness of God.
When you desire to find out the purpose and uses of a particular product, you contact the manufacturer for information. In the same way, God is the only One who can reveal your divine purpose to your heart. Do you have a relationship with Him? Do you have faith in His saving grace? Can God rightly say you are living out your purpose here on earth to please Him?
There is no time to procrastinate further. Today is that day, have a rethink, come to the Lord now and start fulfilling your purpose of being here. Let your life count for eternity.
Send an email to icarediscipleshipcenter@gmail.com to speak with a mentor for further guidance.
LESSONS FROM THE FIG TREE.
Anchor Verse: Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ (Luke 13: 6-9)
The story of the Fig tree is very instructive and evenly related to our lives. The fig tree was extremely important for both nutritional and economic values in ancient times. The bible used fig tree severally in the bible to depict the prosperous times and times of famine in Israel. See (1 Kings 4:25, Jeremiah 5:17).
It is important to note that, the Fig tree in our text was planted for the sole purpose of bearing fruits. When the owner of the vineyard came to take fruits from the fig tree, he was not happy that the tree had no fruits. So, he ordered the keeper of the vineyard to cut down the tree as it was using up the soil for nothing.
Coming to your own life today, are you fruitful or is your life like the fig tree? You do not exist by mistake you know, but to be purposeful and live meaningfully.
Similar to the disappointment displayed by the vineyard owner, God is displeased when we do not bear fruits expected of us. Will you be happy if you plant a tree and it fails to bear fruits for you? I bet you won’t.
Jump into action today, prepare and work towards impacting your generation positively. Do not live behind your shadows, there is more to life than just passing by. God wants you to use those skills and talents He deposited into you to change lives and build the world. Don’t wait to start tomorrow, the time is NOW!
Be fruitful with your life while it is day, for night will come when you cannot work again.
Love (2)
Anchor Verse: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12-13)
Walking in love is synonymous with walking in light. When we light up our corners, the world becomes a better place. God requires us to love one another as we love ourselves but that is truly not always the case in action. Sometimes, we see ourselves despising more than we love. When believers walk in love towards everyone, this world will become warm and habitable. You know why? Whosoever you love, you will not kill, slander, hate, reproach, backbit, steal from, spite, disdain or humiliate.
Love is truly the ultimate. Walking in love overcomes and wins evil. If we must be like Jesus, we must endeavour to love like Him.
Sadly, many Christians are waxing cold in their love towards fellow men. This may be as a result of wickedness which is prevalent in our world today. You may ask, how can I love someone who frustrates my efforts each time I want to express love or care towards him/her? Lets see 2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.“ You have to depend on Gods grace to help you to love others. On your own human effort, it is entirely difficult.
Jesus clarifies it better in the story of the Good Samaritan. (kjkk) The traveller was left deeply wounded and would have died if not for the compassion of the Samaritian, who we could refer to as a sinner. Do you extend a hand of care to those in need around you? How would you want to be loved? Extend same love to someone today.
Take Action: Make a list of all those persons who you really do not love, whose characters irritate you. Pray over their names and ask God to remove hatred/unforgiveness in your heart towards them. Ask God to help you to show them practical love.
Love Wins!
Striking Life Lessons: The Story of the Gibeonites (2)
Anchor Verse: The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. (Joshua 9:14-15)
Many lives have been trapped in danger, and hopes dashed, because people no longer ask God for guidance before embarking on a project or taking a decision. Joshua, the leader of the army of Israel was caught up in this web. Should we attribute it to negligence or insensitivity? Maybe he felt it wasn’t really a serious matter, like it was something he could well handle alone without bothering God for direction. Even in little matters, God wants us to inquire of Him. Human beings are limited in knowledge and understanding, hence the need for God at all times. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5, 6
Numerous persons have gotten into destiny-destroying situations because they alienated God from their decisions. Time and again, The Lord calls us to involve Him in our lives, as He sees more than we see and knows more than we know.
Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which thou knoweth not. Jeremiah 33:3.