THE EXPENSIVE DECISION
Anchor Verse: Choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
Making a decision is one of the most difficult things to do in life.
You know why?
There are many attractive alternatives to choose from. So, your decision to select a particular option eventually becomes your life.
God has given us the freewill to make our own decisions. He does not compel us to His choices. We are free moral agents.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:12 “I have the right to do anything,” but not everything is beneficial to me. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be a slave of anything.
Daily, some people make destructive decisions. Decisions that will hunt them all the days of their lives. Decision that will alter the cause of their lives forever.
Why make those decisions when you have the liberty to make other right choices?
Ask yourself, though I have the right to take this decision today, will it be beneficial to me?
Your future, will largely be determined by the decision you would make today.
Sampson decided to partner with a harlot and sold out the secret of his power, despite a standing instruction from God never to do so, he paid with his life. On the other hand, Daniel decided to serve God despite being a slave in an idolatrous Babylon.
For me, I have decided to serve the Lord all the days of my life. How about you?
Again, one decision taken either carefully or out of carelessness can shape your present life and that of your unborn generations.
The first and most important decision is to accept Jesus in your life. Have you done that? He loves and cares for you.
BEWARE! IT DESTROYS!
Anchor Verse: Can a man take fire to his bosom, And his clothes not be burned? (Proverbs 6:27)
There are such things we can really play with; fire is definitely not one of them. Who can play with fire? Do you know of anyone?
Despite its supposed attractiveness, sin is as destructive as fire. It ruins lives and causes eternal damnation, sadly, many persons are not afraid of sin as they are afraid of fire.
We live in a dispensation that the enemy has made sin to look ordinary and acceptable. He has beclouded the minds of individuals to think there is nothing wrong with it; which is why millions are failing into it daily.
Dear child of God, just to reiterate what you already know, sin is not fun, it destroys!
To overcome a consistent life of sin, ask God to help you to overcome the besetting life of sin through His abounding grace. Grace will divinely enable you to do what you cannot do on your own. You can’t fight sin on your own, you need a higher power to help you.
Sin is the enemy’s bait that attracts and destroys lives. Beware, for behind it lies an everlasting agony. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23.
WHAT IS IN A NAME?
Anchor Verse: Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name. (Philippians 2:9)
A name defines and helps form one’s identity. A name therefore, is an integral part of a person’s embodiment. Names carry authority, they are symbolic and wields prestige. Everything in life has a name attached to it, whether a living or non living thing. Today, we will be looking at the importance of a name which has been highly lifted above every other name in heavens and on earth. That name is JESUS!
In most societies, royal names are very influential and nobody dares to toy around with them. People buy into a concept or idea not because they totally agree with the idea but because of the name associated with it. Some names carry power and are mostly used as symbols. For example, “the young man is a lion”. This signifies how strong the young man is. Others may say “she is just a dove” meaning she is very gentle and calm.
Now, above all the symbols, influence, power and authority that most names possess, God gave His Son Jesus a name that is above every other name in this world. As a result, all authority and power is vested solely upon Him. That is, anytime the most influential name in the world is mentioned, such a name is subject to the name of Jesus.
You know what? Most Christians do not understand the power behind the name of Jesus, if they truly do; they will not be fidgeting at any slightest shake up from the wicked one. The bible tells us in Philippians 2:10-11 At the name of Jesus every knee would bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Oppression is a name but it is subject to the name of Jesus. Cancer is the name of a sickness but the name of Jesus is greater than it. Adversity is also a name but Jesus is greater than it. Understand this, the name of Jesus is a strong weapon in your hands, if only you recognize and use it appropriately. Have you ever wondered why, whenever you encounter an evil personality in a dream, and shout JESUS! Such a thing immediately leaves you. It is because; you mentioned a name that is stronger and greater than it.
Do you actually understand the privilege you have to gain access to the name of Jesus? Are you applying it in your life and situation? Or do you just have head knowledge of the name? I enjoin you today to start utilizing the priceless weapon that has been given freely to you. When you are faced with a challenge or you are being oppressed, confront it with the name of Jesus. Mentioning the name of Jesus against any work of satan is like placing a plastic container against a blazing fire, what do you think will eventually happen? It will melt away.
Morris Chapman’s song “Your Name” explains it further:
Jesus, Your name is power,
Jesus, your name is might
Jesus, Your name will break every stronghold
Jesus, your name is life
Jesus, Your name is holy
Jesus, Your name brings light
Jesus, Your name is above every other
Jesus, Your name is life
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!
SPEAK PEACE TO THAT STORM
Anchor Verse: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21:)
From almost every corner of the globe, we see ragging storms laced in different shapes, colours and sizes. Terrorism, pandemic, poor governance, famine, addiction to drugs, terminal illnesses – name it.
These challenges have turned into storms in most people’s lives both at the global and personal levels. Leaving them with no choice but brace an attitude of reaction to their challenges.
No, you do not react to storms, you speak to them!
We should learn from our Lord Jesus because He spoke to every single storm that was brought to Him.
To the lame He said, Rise up and walk. (John 5:8)
To the blind, He said, open your eyes and see. (Mark 10:51.52)
To the dead, He said, arise and live. (Mark 5:41)
To the wind, He said, Peace Be Still. (Mark 4:39)
Reacting to storms – crying, frustrated, depressed, transferring aggression, drinking alcohol, snapping at kids, leaves the child of God defeated, helpless and weak.
Speaking the word of God to storms instead of reacting to them causes a shift to happen. That shift stirs up the spirit and builds hope. It removes the eyes from a physical fact to a supernatural Truth.
Its time to arise and speak to that storm you are experiencing:
- I know that my redeemer lives!
- By the stripes of Jesus, I am healed.
- I dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the almighty.
- Though the world gets darker, my life will continue to shine brighter.
- In Christ, I am a winner, Through Jesus, I overcome.
Beloved, your mouth is your spiritual weapon, Use it today. Use it always.