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. 

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.

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

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.