Assault on God's Word Be persuaded to follow God's word

Read: Acts 17:1-9

 

 But the Jews, being moved with jealousy, took unto them certain vile fellows of the rabble, and gathering a crowd, set the city on an uproar.Acts 17:5

 

Good Morning!

As I read the Bible, I often contemplate how the Word would be received in today's world, striving to understand its contextual implications. We often question why certain people, like the Pharisees or some Jews, did not receive the Gospel from Christ himself or from the disciples who were spreading the Gospel and performing miracles. In real-time, they witnessed it. As Christians today, we read and accept it as the truth. 

 

 In Acts 17:1-9, Paul, Silas, and Timothy were continuing their mission to spread the gospel,  after their release from prison. Paul took every measure necessary to come into town and present himself and the Gospel accordingly. First, he met with the Jews. He ministered and taught on three Sundays. Due to the teachings, Paul attracted a multitude of devout Greeks and led women to follow the Gospel.

 

 Many Jews were not persuaded. They became envious, formed a mob, and caused an uproar. They wanted to run Paul and his crew out of the city. Unable to locate Paul, they seized a man named Jason, accusing him of being the instigator behind the city's chaos. 

 

 Today's society behaves no differently. An uproar occurs when something contradicts our true beliefs. Even when it may be the truth, committees, organizations, and government parties align to stand against it and cause an uproar. They try to turn things upside down.

 

 Not everyone is meant to receive God's word. Jesus knew many would not be receptive to his message, thus the reason he spoke in parables (Matthew 13:34-35). In Matthew 13:20-22, Jesus also compared his words to seeds, which could fall on various types of ground - stony, weeds, and fertile. Some will be glad to hear the word but it will not go down deep in their hearts, because when hard times come they will forget Christ.  There will be those who fall into the weeds. Because they prioritize worldly pursuits, their belief will be short-lived due to being easily overwhelmed and choked out. 

 

 Every year should be a year of growth. You will observe and experience different things throughout the year. Whatever that may be study and get an understanding. Don't take it for face value.

 

God's word is particularly significant. As you listen to your pastors or preachers on television as you read these devotions, pull out your bible, and study what you hear and read. Make sure it aligns with God's word as it has been written.  Follow the Gospel like the multitude who believed; do not be like the mob who sought to destroy it.

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A new prayer to Claim for the new year; The Prayer of Jabez

 

Read: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us Ephesians 3:20

 

Good Morning!

Understanding and appreciating who you are and where you come from is made possible by knowing your identity. A sense of belonging can be derived from one's identity. Some of us were named by our parents, after relatives, as well as after other people, places, and things. During biblical times, mothers frequently chose names for their children based on the challenges or hardships they may have experienced, thereby perpetuating a sense of "negativity" within the child. Powerful are the words that come from our mouths. Even when we do not intend to, the power of our tongue can speak life or death.

  Jabez, a member of the family lineage of Judah, is highlighted in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Jabez, born out of negativity, was his name. Jabez was named by his mother due to the pain she experienced giving birth to him. In a negative sense, Jabez is starting his life by hearing himself being called a pain. The words we speak can have the power to bring either life or death upon us.

  Despite his negative name, Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, as the word indicates. Does this sound familiar to you?  Do you constantly find yourself striving to do good and honorable things, only to be attacked, ridiculed, or talked about negatively?

  Refusing to accept his negative fate, Jabez took a stand. In search of blessings, he turned to God in prayer. Just like Jabez, there is nothing wrong with us praying and asking God for blessings. In his petition, Jabez asked God to protect him from evil and prevent him from causing pain.

  Daily, we confront evil. Regularly, we will face trials and tribulations, as even the Bible tells us. The difference is determined by how we respond to our evils. Jabez's request was to enlarge his territory. This implies that God's blessings extend beyond us. It is the actions we undertake for God's honor and glory that surpass our impact on others.

  Take time this year to seek God's blessing. Ask him to help regain your identity in him. 

  For a deeper understanding of this concise yet impactful prayer, I recommend exploring the book The Prayer of Jabez available on Amazon.

 

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Your setbacks are setups for God’s greatness

 

Read: Galatians 4:12-16

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

 

Good Morning!

Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the greatest composers. His nine masterpiece Symphonies have withstood the test of time and continue to be performed by numerous symphonies today. At the height of his career, this esteemed artist lost his hearing. Despite suffering from hearing loss, Beethoven's ability to compose music remained unaffected, although performing at concerts became increasingly challenging for him. Despite facing physical setbacks, he did not allow them to hinder his talent.

  The ministry of the Apostle Paul was accompanied by various challenges and hardships. In Acts 14:19-20, Paul was brutally beaten, stoned, and dragged by Jews, resulting in possible broken bones, cuts, and bruises. He was bitten by a snake on the island of Malta after a Shipwreck. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, we must remember Paul's proverbial thorn in the side. Adding to the existing problems, it seems that he was not a very good speaker either. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul admitted that the Corinthians church had many criticisms of his preaching, which they considered to be unimpressive.

  On his deathbed, Beethoven was quoted as saying, "I will hear in heaven." After reading this quote, I thought about people who often come up with excuses or create obstacles for themselves, preventing them from doing what they are capable of.

  Despite his inability to do anything else, Beethoven recognized his talents as a gift from God in the form of his ability to write music. Among the many things Paul endured and suffered from, he didn't allow them to hinder him from spreading the Gospel.

  As you create your New Year Resolutions, evaluate yourself to determine what is causing metaphorical deafness. What is the barrier preventing your progress?

 if Ludwig van Beethoven can write great musical scores without hearing, just think what you can do!

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Being Ungrateful in the New Year; Don’t forget God, Always be thankful

 

Read: Luke 17:22-19   

 

Good Morning!

As we approach the end of this year and anticipate the arrival of a new year, what blessings have you overlooked in expressing thanks and gratitude to our Lord and Savior?

Why are so many Christians ungrateful?

  In Luke chapter 17, the story of the ten lepers being healed is well-known to many. Due to their leprosy, these castaways have been isolated from the community. Recognizing Jesus, these men notice him as he passes through a small village. It is safe to assume these men prayed for a miracle, they hoped to be whole again. We don't know why Christ detoured, but

these ten lepers knew who Jesus was and heard about his miracle healings.

  As Christians, we profess to know Christ, just like these ten lepers did. We can also compare ourselves to them. In times of need, we pray in the name of Jesus. Our Savior often responds without asking questions, just as he did for the ten lepers. In Luke 17:13, the men shouted to Jesus, asking for His mercy. Jesus immediately instructed, without hesitation, "Go and present yourselves to the priest." Christ healed these men without asking any questions.

 Verifying their healing/cleansing, the trip to the Priest was essential.

 God's healing process took time to take effect. The manifestation took place while on the road to the priest. The Gentile, after being healed, stopped and returned to Christ to express gratitude for the healing. The others continued on their journey

.  Have you forgotten to thank God for what he has done for you this year? Have you asked for something and it has not yet manifested? Take time to thank God for past blessings and thank Him in advance for what is coming, regardless of the situation.

 

 In Deuteronomy  8:1-20, God reminds the children of Israel once you are satisfied don’t forget to praise the Lord. Don't forget God as the new year rings in and this year ends. Every blessing should be appreciated and valued. Increase your praise and gratitude towards God.

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The path of least resistance: It's a New Year of Opportunity

 

 

Read: Matthew 25:14-30

Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Luke 13:24

 

Good Morning!

The path of least resistance refers to a person choosing the easiest course of action with minimal difficulty or unpleasantness. The comparison of the road most traveled to uncharted paths.

  Mediocrity has the power to kill the spirit when individuals settle for the path of least resistance and become complacent in certain areas of their lives, hindering them from pursuing their dreams, goals, and aspirations.

  For instance, consider the Parable of the Five Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. The man with only one talent chose the easiest option. Instead of utilizing his "talent," he chose to become complacent and bury it. Simultaneously, the remaining individuals dedicated time to nurturing their existing skills. Was it difficult? However, despite their decision, they opted to prioritize the development of talents.

  "The Narrow Way" is another example that Jesus gave, as mentioned in Luke 13:23-30. During his teaching, Christ had many people who followed him, while only a few were his followers. The message and reward were appreciated by people, but they were unwilling to exert the effort required to acquire the prize. They also chose the path of least resistance.

 Living a life that is similar to Christ's can be difficult. Daily, we are engaging in a battle against sin. For us to enter the narrow gate to God, we must resist the temptation to take the path of least resistance.

 As we start the new year, let us combat complacency. Choose to revive those dormant dreams. Revisit your aspirations. Set new goals and incorporate seeking God into the process. 

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Love is always kind. It never hates. Babies are born with the ability to love unconditionally.

Read: 1 John 4:7-11

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

                                                                                              

Good Morning!

Babies possess inherently pure and loving hearts at birth. With most they encounter, they have an innate ability to express true love. Unconditional is their love.

  Chapter four of 1 John reminds us of knowing God through love. As Christians, we should love one another, because love is of God.

  Love tends to be the most challenging area for people when it comes to obeying God's commands. People's disdain for others based on factors such as skin color, nationality, religion, sexual preference, or countless other reasons has been proven over time. According to 1 John 4:8, those who do not love do not know God, which is contrary to popular belief.

  What if God reacted to us as we react to our fellow man?  The way we treat each other and the lack of love varies, whether it's within our families or at work, with strangers, or even with our government leaders. Would God cease to love us due to our lack of love or past transgressions?

  In Matthew 18:3, Jesus reminded the disciples that entering the kingdom of heaven is only possible if we are converted and become like little children. Unconditional is God's love for us. Out of immense love, He gave us His son Jesus, who would atone for our sins. Why can't we love one another if God loved us so much?

  Professing our love for God, despite the fact we have never seen God. Loving others doesn't require being close friends with everyone. If we try to love one another as Christ does, God will dwell in us and perfect His love in us through Jesus.

  As the New Year starts, I want to echo the late Mister Rogers,  "I think everybody longs to be loved, and longs to know that he or she is lovable, "find ways to extend love more to others." Being loved is important, but equally important is for us to be loving. So, remember that. Extend love to both family and strangers.

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Your PATIENCE can be a Virtue: Seek God and wait

Isaiah 40:31- 29

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Good Morning!

Patience is a virtue, as the old saying goes, which I'm sure we've all heard in our lifetime. When one hears this quote, the question arises: what exactly is patience? The quality of being patient is defined as the ability to endue provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaining, losing temper, or getting irritated. Now, I don't know if it's the same for you, but for me, it has taken a lifetime to acquire some of these qualities. 

 Now, virtue is defined as moral excellence, goodness, righteousness, conformity of life and conduct to moral and ethical principles, uprightness, and rectitude. Many of you have virtues, but your misfortunes, pains, or irritations hinder your ability to develop patience. 

 Despite life's dangers,  be encouraged there is still hope. By putting in some effort, you can build endurance, which will provide you with the strength, to navigate through storms, face life's challenges, or conquer difficult obstacles. The reward is reserved for those who patiently wait on the LORD, as He will renew your strength. You will soar high with wings like eagles, and you will be able to run without getting tired and walk without getting weak. Isaiah 40:31.

 Why is it difficult for individuals to develop patience or perceive waiting through difficult times as a hurdle toward achieving their goals? Society's conditioning has led us to believe that we can obtain immediate gratification, resulting in a quick and simple answer. 

 What impact does this have on our living habits and Christian beliefs? It causes us to become less sensitive to the extent that we anticipate and seek for all aspects of our lives to react in the same manner. When we pray, our desire is for an immediate response from God.  In cases where there is no reply, some have even gone as far as to get angry   with God. When our patience wears thin because of the lack of a response, it often leads many to abandon the Father and handle things themselves. 

 Regardless of how bad the situation may appear, it is important to remember that God, who is the Father, does not operate on our schedule. The Lord will turn to you and hear your cry if you remain patient and wait on Him, as the word says. Psalm 40:1.

 What it takes to strengthen our patience is summed up in James 1:3-6. Rephrased: When you come across different trials, you should consider it a joy, my brothers, because you know that when your faith is tested, it develops endurance. 

 To make this story more realistic, there was a man who observed a caterpillar as it progressed through the subsequent stages of development. This man calmly waited while the process of change unfolded. After the completion of the metamorphosis, the butterfly started to break through the chrysalis. Feeling obligated to help, the man gently cut away the casing that allowed the butterfly to free its wings. The man, thinking he had done a great deed, caused a disaster with his impatience, resulting in the butterfly being unable to fly.  The great effort it takes a butterfly to break out of its cocoon is necessary for building wing strength, which in turn allows for flight. 

 

We must learn from the butterfly story and don't be like the impatient man. Turn your virtue into a necessity by seeking God through prayer, thereby enabling you to improve a challenging or dissatisfying situation. You can achieve victory by maintaining your faith, cultivating patience, and persistently trusting in God.

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What Makes you happy? Holiday Traditions

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

 

The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” 1 Samuel 13:1

 

Good Morning!

The task of each day, which is arduous, combined with holiday traditions, has a tendency to suffocate joyful times in our life. We frequently neglect the simple joys that brought us happiness or the ways in which we can make others smile.

 

Despite the fact that many pastime delights may be perceived as childish, it is undeniable that these simple pleasures from the past did provide some level of mental and physical stimulation, no matter how frustrated or angry one may have been.

 

What can we do to bring happiness to God Can we make God happy? We can indeed make God happy.

 

David was declared by God to be a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14, Acts 13:22). David knew how to make God happy.

 

The amazing thing about David, he wanted to imitate God, which is what made him God's apple of the eye. He had love in his heart. Even after death, he ensured that his love for Jonathan would be carried on with his offspring.

 

Regardless of Saul's disdain for David and the many opportunities David had to harm Saul, David still treated him with grace. David,  He was a man who showed grace and patience towards the faults of others. He was willing and ready to offer his enemies another opportunity. David spared Saul's life twice, despite the opportunities  to strike him down.

 God is a God who offers redemption. David's act of forgiving his enemies and sparing Saul's life is an illustration of bringing happiness to God.

 

As you get ready for the holidays, consider what brought you joy and laughter and also how you can bring happiness to God.

 

I would be interested in learning about the holiday traditions or activities that bring you joy. Your moments of enjoyment are not restricted solely to the festive season. Jot down a few items and share your list of things that make you happy.

 

Listening to music alone is what makes me happy. It provides me time for meditation, introspection, and even tap into my creativity. To me, music often evokes both a feeling of joy and a sense of peace.

 

Find moments to be happy and also make God happy too, so you can enjoy!

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No one escapes death Are you prepared?

 

Read: John 11

“I am the resurrection and the life” John 11:23-26

 

Good Morning!

Death is inevitable. When I think of it, I often think of the story of Lazarus. Not so much of his death but of what Jesus said to Lazarus’ sisters Mary, and Martha in John 11:25.

 Until it hits home, we typically do not give much thought to death. I recently experienced the loss of a cousin, whom I grew up with. The impact her transition had on me was greater due to our close age.

 After battling her illness for more than two decades, it had finally taken a toll on her. In our last conversation, her present condition has led her to contemplate the mistakes she made towards others and seek forgiveness  I told her time would not allow to forgive everyone, but you have to first start with self-forgiveness.

 As we grow older, how do you address the inevitability of death?  Are you prepared? Are you fulfilling all of the things that Jesus instructed us to do? Are you acting as a disciple? Are you ministering to others? Are you feeding the sick? helping the homeless? Visit those in prison? Are follow the Ten Commandments. Are you letting your light so shine that others can see your good works?  Are you doing these things in the name of Jesus? We all have fallen short of the glory of God but we strive to be like Christ.

 In the Bible Story of Lazarus (John chapter 11), Jesus reminded Martha “I am the resurrection and the life”.  He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.”

 I asked my cousin, “Do you believe in God the Father, God the Son, and  God the Holy Spirit? Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross, rose on the third day and He died for your sins?” She said yes to everything. Through your asking of God’s forgiveness and repenting of your wrong, according to God’s word, you are forgiven. In my heart, I want to stand on Jesus’ words to Martha…. “I am the resurrection and the life”.  He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.”

 Each day that passes brings us closer to the presence of the Lord. Let's make good use of our time.  We get caught up in our jobs and things we think are most important to us. God is oftentimes an afterthought.

 All of us, including me, need to prepare ourselves for that day. What are we doing to be ready for when God calls you home?

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