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.
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
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.