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.
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.
JESUS: OUR MODEL
Anchor Verse: The one who says he abides in Jesus ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (1 John 2:6)
Modeling our lifestyle after someone implies showcasing the characteristics of the individual. As Christians, our standard model is Jesus Christ. Therefore, being a Christian means being Christ-like, that is, living out the lifestyle of Jesus.
The word Christian was first mentioned in Antioch when Paul the apostle and other disciples of Jesus were preaching the gospel. The disciples were called Christians because; their lifestyle and general characteristics represented that of our Lord Jesus. As they preached the gospel and embarked on their daily businesses, the life of Christ was seen in them.
At times, we can say that a child’s attributes and mannerism depicts that of his father or his mother. This is so because; the child had carefully emulated his father or mother’s lifestyle as the case may be. On the other hand, a tree is known by the fruits it bears. We can differentiate one tree from another not necessarily by its leaves but; by its fruits. A mango tree cannot bear an apple fruit nor would a lion give birth to a foul. As much as it is with nature; so it is with the life we live as Christians.
It is quite unfortunate that some believers need to introduce their identity to people because; there is truly nothing to differentiate them from others. Jesus in Mathew 7:16 says; “you shall know them by their fruits” Here, Jesus explains that, mere interacting with a Christian; his conduct will speak for him not the reverse.
Now the question is; as a Christian, are you modeling your life after Christ? It is important that we get this right; being a Christian is much more than being a regular church goer, being a worker in the church or observing religious activities. Being a Christian means that the life of Jesus will be seen in you. Unbelievers around you should be able to behold through your conduct that Christ lives in you.
Striking Life Lessons: The Story of the Gibeonites
Anchor Verse: Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they [e]did not ask counsel of the Lord. 15 So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the congregation swore to them. (Joshua 9:14)
During the sojourn of the Israelites to the land of Canaan, God wrought many astounding miracles for them. Some of which were; the crossing of River Jordan and the fall of Jericho. Hearing their exploits, and much more that they will do, the Gibeonites; a nearby nation, disguised and craftily manipulated Joshua to make a league with them and not kill them with the other nations. Unknowingly to Joshua, that was a trap. However, Joshua agreed to keep them as servants among them, thereby, sparing their lives. The truth about the Gibeonite’s true identity was later discovered by Joshua and his men, but the deed was already done. It could not be reversed. So, the children of Israel had to live with strangers against their will. This is so because Joshua didn’t bother to first inquire of the Lord before entering into a treaty (sealed by an oath) with the Gibeonites. (Please read up the story in Joshua 9:1-27)
Deception is a tool of the devil to destroy lives.
Right from the early times, deception has been a major tool used by satan against believers alike. It was a tool used against Eve to plunge the world into sin. Deception is eating badly into the world like a plague of worms. Many people walk around in deception and total falsehood. There is a fear of who to even trust. Many people appear godly, but deep inside, they are ravening wolves. Deception is one of the characteristics of the end time. There are product’ deception, business deception, character deception, parental deception, emotional deception, religious deception among many others.
Take heed that no man deceive you” (Luke 21:8)
MAINTAIN FOCUS AMIDST POPULAR ACCOLADES
Anchor Verse: When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world. (John 6:14)
The miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry on earth drew multitudes to him. As is peculiar with humans, they praised him, some worshiped and followed him from one point to another to receive more of his care, not necessarily the Good News that he preached.
In the heat of the moment, some of the Jews nursed the thought of making him a king. John 6:24, explains that Jesus, having perceived their intentions, moved away from them, went to the mountain and abode there alone.
One can easily wonder, why did Jesus move away from them? What is wrong with the Jews making him a king?
He moved away because he needed to maintain focus on the reason why he was on earth – To Redeem Mankind. He is already the King of kings and the Lord of lords, no need of giving in to what is already established. His sole purpose on earth is to reconcile men unto God. Anything aside from that, is a distraction.
Have you allowed popular opinion to derail you from your God-given purpose and direction? Luring you into what is not God’s perfect plan for you? Sometimes, some of those things may seem sincere and harmless but is that your direction at this time?
Something stood out for me in the above passage; Jesus knew his purpose, so it was easy for him to identify a misalignment. Do you know your purpose on earth?
Popular accolades are good but they become harmful when you allow them to drag you into pedition.