May 10, 2021 |
First, let’s ask the LORD what to do.
Jehoshaphat was now very rich and famous. He signed a treaty with King Ahab of Israel by arranging the marriage of his son and Ahab’s daughter. One day, Jehoshaphat went to visit Ahab in his capital city of Samaria. Ahab slaughtered sheep and cattle and prepared a big feast to honor Jehoshaphat and the officials with him. Ahab talked about attacking the city of Ramoth in Gilead and finally asked, “Jehoshaphat, would you go with me to attack Ramoth?” “Yes,” Jehoshaphat answered. “My army is at your command. But first, let’s ask the LORD what to do.”
2 Chronicles 18:1-4 (CEV)
When close friends ask you to join them in ventures, what do you do?
It may not be a business venture.
It could even be spiritual projects.
What is usually your response to suggestions from trusted and respected friends?
Jehoshaphat had everything going well for him at this time.
Joining an inlaw in the battle against the enemy?
Seems the right thing to do.
He was flattered by the honor and reception they gave him.
Do you succumb to flattery and ego massage?
However, he knew God up to the level of asking for directions.
You may ask why a good person is associating with a bad one?
Sometimes we are attracted to the opposite character in us.
Even though the counsel of the Lord was given :
Jehoshaphat still went to war alongside Ahab.
Do you also do things under the pressure of friendship?
Are there some people in your life you can not say NO to?
It was apparent to Jehoshaphat that this venture was hazardous.
He still went.
You don’t need to expend the Grace of God as he did.
He escaped death by whiskers.
What relationship are you in today that makes you compromise?
The Holy Spirit is available for you to ask for directions.
First, ask God what to do.
Receive Grace too to carry out what HE tells you.
“But first, find out what the Lord’s word is in this matter.”
May 7, 2021 |
God is with You.
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matt. 28:20. (KJV).
What do you tell your friends?
Do you tell them about Jesus?
Do you teach them to keep His commandments?
The last instruction Jesus gave was to teach all nations about Him.
When He gave this instruction, He also gave a promise.
He will be with us until the end of the world.
The world did not end yet.
Jesus is still with us.
Keep the commandments of Jesus.
Teach them to all nations.
Tell your friends and teach them to observe the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus will be with you.
When He is with you, He guides you in the right direction.
Can you follow the instructions of Jesus?
What prevents you to?
Application to the Christian life:
Tell everybody you meet about Jesus.
Let your friends know that you are Jesus’s person.
Don’t hide your faith.
Tell the about His Love for you.
Share with them some of the things He has done for you.
Teach them His commandments.
Be obedient and follow Jesus.
Be an example of the Believer.
May 5, 2021 |
Act in Fear of the Lord.
“And he commanded them, saying, “Thus you shall act in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a loyal heart: “ 2 Chronicles 19:9
Amongst the many reforms that Jehoshaphat had to do was appoint some of the Levites and priests, and some of the chief fathers of Israel, to handle the judgment of the Lord and for controversies.
However, their compass was the fear of the Lord.
The King, in challenging them to do their work right, asked them to fear the Lord.
When we too act in our daily lives with the fear of the Lord, we will make the right decisions concerning our relationship with
Him and with other people.
Apostle Paul spoke about his own navigating compass too….
“ I always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” Acts 24: 16
How are you looking at issues today?
Do you readily know the mind of God on the issues you are facing?
Once you know the mind of God, are you faithful and loyal to stand on what is right?
Paul gave the rare proper insight into how he acts in fear of God.
He ensured that Both God and men cannot fault him.
He was steadfastly faithful and loyal to God and fair to all men.
What can we say about you?
Do you act in the fear of the Lord?
Are you Faithful to Him?
Are you like the Hebrew children that said, “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O King. But if not, let it be known to you, O King, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18
Those three Hebrew children responded to the King with the fear of God in their heart,
Faithful and loyal even to the point of death, but God came through for them.
As you act in fear of the Lord, HE will show up for you.
Posted 5th July 2017 by DESTINY EMPOWERMENT
May 3, 2021 |
THE LORD’s servant
“Moses, the LORD’s servant, was dead. So the LORD spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, who had been the assistant of Moses. The LORD said:”
Joshua 1:1 (CEV)
We all know Moses as the Lord’s servant.
Whose servant are You?
Can you be described as the Lord’s servant?
Do you hear from God daily and consistently do what you are asked?
“For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the truth, having great patience toward the immature.” 2 Timothy 2:24 (TPT)
Is your lifestyle in sync with what Paul defines as a faithful servant of the Lord.?
Don’t be full of arguments.
Be gentle towards all.
All means all
Skilled in helping others see the truth.
Great patience towards the immature.
Can you really tolerate others who are not as knowledgeable as you?
Or are you quick to cut them to size?
“They claimed to be servants of the God who rules heaven and earth. And they said they were rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago by one of Israel’s greatest kings” Ezra 5:11 (CEV)
When they were reporting the servants of the Lord rebuilding the temple.
It was said of them that they were focused on working on the temple.
Are you strengthening the body of Christ, or are you pulling it apart?
Faithful servants of the Lord use every available opportunity to advance the kingdom.
Are you about your own personal agenda or God’s agenda?
“I am your servant. Help me understand so that I may come to know your written instructions.” Psalm 119:125(GW)
As a servant of God, continuously depend on Him to guide and direct you.
Whose servant are You?
Apr 30, 2021 |
Forgive
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matt. 6:12. (KJV).
Did you know your sins will not be forgiven unless you forgive those who sinned against you?
Maybe you think this is wrong.
Look at the text.
When praying the Lord’s prayer, you ask God to forgive you your sins.
You also ask God to forgive you your sins in the same way you forgive those who sinned against you. ‘As we forgive our debtors.’ Compare verses 14 and 15.
It is therefore essential to make peace with those who harmed you.
It is important to forgive the wrong that was done unto you.
Faith and Forgiveness go hand in together.
As you get spiritual and grow in faith :
So also, you should increase your propensity to forgive.
What offense has someone committed against you?
Don’t hold on to it as unforgivable.
God forgave you all.
HE still forgives you.
Can you forgive your debtor?
Application to the Christian life:
Be humble.
Be a peacemaker.
Learn to be like Jesus.
Forgive your debtors.
Ask God for Grace to Forgive.
