YOU CAN BE AN ‘ANDREW’

MEMORY VERSE: And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. John 1:42

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Corinthians 1-3

BIBLE READING: Matthew 28:18-20

Why should we talk about our Christian faith to our unsaved friends, families, work colleagues, etc? First, it is a command of Jesus himself. Mark 16:15 says,” And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Secondly, we tell people because there is a desperate need for people to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. If we were in the Sahara Desert and had discovered an oasis, it would be extremely selfish not tell the people around us who were thirsty where their thirst could be satisfied. Jesus is the only One who can satisfy the thirsty hearts of men and women. As a race we feel empty. Many have tried to fill that void unsuccessfully with alcohol, dress, sex, or money. Only Jesus can feel that void. Thirdly, we tell others because, having discovered the good news ourselves, we feel an urgent desire to pass it on. If we have received good news we want to tell others. Recently a sister shared with me that her younger sister had been cured of cancer. She was bubbling with joy hoping to share this testimony with anyone that cared to listen. This same applies to sharing the good news with our friends and family.

One of the most effective ways of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ is bringing people to hear the gospel explained by someone or invite them to Jesus. Many of us who have come to faith in Christ have lots of friends who have little or no connection with the church. This provides an excellent opportunity for us to invite them to church. There is no greater privilege and no greater joy than enabling someone to find out about Jesus Christ. A brother who stood out when it comes to inviting people to church was Brother Andrew. John 1:42 says, “And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” We don’t hear much about Andrew except that he was always bringing people to Jesus (John 6:8; 12:22). But Simon Peter his brother went on to be one of the greatest influences in the history of Christianity. 

Albert McMakin was a twenty years old farmer who had recently come to faith in Christ. He was so full of enthusiasm that he filled a truck with people and took them to a meeting to hear about Jesus. There was a good-looking farmer’s son whom he was especially keen to get to a meeting, but this young man was hard to persuade – he was busy falling in and out of love with different girls, and did not seem to be attracted to Christianity. Eventually Albert McMakin managed to persuade him to come by asking him to drive the truck. When they arrived,  Albert’s guest decided to go in and was ‘spellbound’ and began to have thoughts he had never knew knowing before. He went back again and again until one night, he went forward and gave his life to Jesus Christ. That man, the driver of the truck, was Billy Graham. The year was 1934. Since then Billy Graham has led thousands to faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot all be like Billy Graham, but we can all be like Albert McMaken- we can all bring our friends to Jesus.

NOTE: We cannot all be Simon Peters, but we can all do what Andrew did – we can bring someone to Christ.

PRAYER POINT: Father , make me an incurable soul winner.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

RIGHTEOUSNESS VS SACRIFICE

MEMORY VERSE: To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Proverbs 11:25

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 22-26

BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:23-24

Lovers love giving gifts to each other. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He did not give because He was held to ransom, No! His decision to give His son for our sins was motivated by love. Everything He does for us is motivated by love and mercy. So whenever we give back to Him, although we give out of the much He has given to us, no matter how small it is, He appreciates it. All Abraham did was host Him for few hours (Genesis 18). While He was there, He ate bread, meat and milk, and He said “thank you”. Abraham gave a meal and He received a son! Whenever you give to any child of God, I want you to know that it is God you have given to (not man) and He will say thank you no matter how small. When we give something big to Him, He responds and says ‘a big thank you’. Oh yes! King Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings to Him and He said thank you by giving the young man a blank cheque (1 Kings 3:3-13). Verse 5, “In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.” It is not so much the size of the gift but the cost of the gift. That poor widow in Luke 21:1-4 gave the least, yet the Lord said she gave the most. Why? All the big men in the church gave out of their abundance, but this poor woman gave all she had which was two mites. Regardless of the cost of the gift, one must give cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

God loves generous people. Proverbs 11:25 says, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” The key to financial prosperity is giving. When you look at countries that are prospering, e.g. England, although they are small in population, they give foreign aids to so many countries. Not only that, they give to the elderly and look after their citizens. While most of the countries that receive foreign aids from them  are struggling financially, they are wallowing in riches. The secret to their prosperity as a nation is giving. They give to charity a lot. Proverbs 21:3 says, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” The Lord is more interested in Christians living a life of purity and holiness than giving big offerings. No wonder He says peradventure whilst giving an offering, we remember a brother or sister who we are not in talking terms with, we should drop the offering, run to the person and be reconciled with the fellow. One cannot keep malice and expect God to accept his offering, No! One cannot fornicate and expect God to accept His service in the church, No!

NOTE; Obedience to the word of God is better than fat donations.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please bless me so that I can be a blessing to others.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

HOW GOD GUIDES PART 4

MEMORY VERSE: Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established. Proverbs 15:22

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 33-34

There are some very important points I will like to remind you of. Firstly, guidance springs out of our relationship with God. He has promised to guide those who are walking with Him. Before you look up to Him for guidance on any issue, first of all check your walk with Him. Secondly, His guidance is always in line with scriptures. He will not guide one to do something contrary to scriptures. As mentioned yesterday, one of the ways God speaks is through prophets. We find examples of this both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament (e.g. Agabus- Acts 11:27-28). He also speaks through pastors. Several months back I had a serious challenge at work. With the way things were back then, it was obvious that I was on my way out so I reported the matter to God. One evening I sat back to watch a live program over the internet. Whilst the man of God was preaching, he quoted Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Then he said, “God says I will help you, I will strengthen you and uphold you with my right hand.” Immediately he made that statement, something snapped in my spirit. I knew God was speaking to me. Several minutes later he repeated himself and said “God says i should i tell you, I will strengthen you and uphold you with my right hand.” I held onto it and God confirmed the word of His servant. As He promised, He helped me and i didn't lose my job.

He also guides through the counsel of the saints. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.” While seeking advice is very important, we need to remember that ultimately our decisions are between us and God. They are our responsibility. We cannot shift that responsibility onto others or seek to blame them if things go wrong. The ‘counsel of saints’ is part of guidance – but it is not the only part. Sometimes it may be right to go ahead in spite of the ideas of others. If we are faced with a decision where we need advice, whom should we consult? The best advisors are usually godly Christians people with wisdom and experience whom we respect. (It is also wise to seek the advice of parents whom we are to honour, even if we are past the age of being under their authority. Even if they are not Christians, they know us very well and can often have important insights into situations).

The people whom we ask for advice should not be chosen on the basis that they will agree with what we have already planned to do. Sometimes one sees a person consulting countless people in the hope that they will eventually find somebody who will endorse their plans. Such advice has little weight and simply enables the person to say, ‘and I consulted X and he or she agreed.’ We should consult people on the basis of their spiritual authority or their relationship to us, regardless of what we may anticipate their views to be. Another way God guides is through circumstantial signs. God is in ultimate control of events. Sometimes God opens doors (1 Corinthians 16:9) and sometimes He closes them (Acts 16:7). Sometimes God’s guidance seems to come immediately it is asked for (e.g. Genesis 24), but often it takes much longer: sometimes months or even years. Sometimes we hear God correctly, but we get the timing wrong. Sometimes, like Abraham, we try to fulfill God’s plan by our own wrong methods and get it into trouble.

NOTE: God is able to restore you to the years which the swarming locust has eaten (Joel 2:25). He is able to make something good out of whatever is left of our lives – whether it is a short time or a long time- if we will offer what we have to Him and co-operate with His Spirit.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

HOW GOD GUIDES PART 3

MEMORY VERSE: After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Acts 16:7

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 48-50

In Acts 16, Paul and his companions wanted to enter Bithynia to preach the good news but the Holy Spirit would not allow them to. So they went a different way. Verse 7 says, “After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.” The Bible did not tell us how exactly the Spirit spoke to them, but it may have been in one of a number of ways. Yesterday, we discussed one of the ways the Spirit speaks to us. He often speaks to us as we pray through a thought coming into our mind. Obviously such thoughts need to be tested (1 John 4:1). Is it in line with the Bible? Does it promote love? If it does not, it cannot come from a God who is love (1 John 4:16). Is it strengthening, encouraging and comforting? (1 Corinthians 14:3)? When we have made the decision, do we know God’s peace (Colossians 3:15)?

God sometimes speaks to us by giving us a strong desire to do something. Several years back, during one of our mid-week services in church, I had a very strong desire to bless a particular sister financially. Fortunately, I had some money on me (although not much) so I put it in an envelope, gave it to her and left. Several minutes later, my phone rang and I picked it up. It was the sister, crying and thanking me for allowing God to use me. It was then I knew God had just used me to meet her needs. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” As we surrender our wills to God, He works in us and often changes our desires. Sometimes people try to imagine the thing that they would least like to do and then assume that God will ask them to do exactly that. I do not believe God is like that. So don’t be frightened and say, “If i become a Christian, God will make me be a missionary.” If that is what God wants you to do, and your will is surrendered, He will give you a strong desire to do that.

God sometimes guides in more unusual ways. There are many examples in the Bible of God guiding individuals in dramatic ways. He spoke to Samuel as a small boy in a way in which he could hear with his physical ears ( 1 Samuel 3:4-14). He guided Abram (Genesis 18), Joseph (Matthew 2:19), etc, through angels. He often speaks through prophets both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament (e.g., Agabus – Acts 11:27-28). He guided through visions. For example, one night God spoke to Paul in a vision. He saw a man in Macedonia standing and begging him, “come over to Macedonia and help us”. Not surprisingly, Paul and his companions took this as guidance that God had called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). There are also examples of God guiding through dreams (eg, Matthew 1:20; 2:12-13, 22). When we become Christians we are not called to abandon common sense. Psalm 32:9 says, “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” It is true to say God’s promises of guidance were not given so that we could avoid the strain of thinking. Common sense is vital when considering God’s guidance about our jobs, careers, choosing a partner for life and so on.

NOTES: It is common sense to look at at least three very important areas when choosing a partner for life. Are we spiritually compatible? A Christian should only marry another Christian. Secondly, are we personally compatible? Obviously, our marriage partner should be a very good friend and someone with whom there is a great deal in common. Thirdly, are we physically compatible? By this i mean we should be attracted to each other.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me a hearing heart.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

HOW GOD GUIDES PART 2

MEMORY VERSE: After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Acts 16:7

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 1-4

We learnt yesterday that guidance springs out of our relationship with God. He has promised to guide those who are walking with Him. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” We also learnt that one of the ways God guides us, His children, is through ‘commanding scriptures’. God’s general will for all people, in all places, in all circumstances, is revealed in Scripture.

Another way God guides us is through ‘controlling spirit’. Guidance is very personal. When we become Christians, the Spirit of God comes to live within us. When He does so, He begins to communicate with us. We need to learn to hear His voice. Jesus said that His sheep, His followers, would recognize His voice (John 10:4-5). We recognize a good friend’s voice immediately on the telephone. If we do not know the person so well, it may be harder and take more time. The more we get to know Jesus (through regular study of the Word, praying in the Holy Spirit, spending time with Him in fasting and praying and so on), the easier we will find it to recognize His voice. Paul and co planned to go to Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus would not allow them to (Acts 16:7). So they went different ways. The bible did not tell us how exactly the Spirit spoke to them but it could be a number of ways.

Briefly, let us look at some of the ways in which God speaks by His spirit. Firstly, He often speaks to us as we pray. Prayer is a two-way conversation. After praying, tabling our requests or bringing issues to Him, we must take time to listen to what He has to say. One of the common ways He speaks after prayer is through a thought coming into one’s mind. This thought may come as ‘impressions’ or ‘feeling it one’s bones’. To feel something in one’s bone simply means to be certain that something is true or will happen, without having no proof. I remember the weekend before the Monday I was suspended from work several years back. I felt it in my bones, throughout that weekend, that something was about to happen to me but I didn't know what it was. Please know that such thoughts and feelings need to be tested. 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Is it in line with the Bible? Does it promote love? If it does not, it cannot come from a God who is love. 1 John 4:16 says, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him". Is it strengthening, encouraging and comforting? 1 Corinthians 14:3 says, “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” When we have made the decision, do we know God’s peace? Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” God also speaks to us by giving a strong desire to do something but we will look at that tomorrow if the Lord tarries.

NOTE: As you pray, pay attention to the thoughts that come into your mind. As you lead prayers in a group, pay attention to prayer points, verses of the scripture or thoughts that come into your mind. It is better to also have a pen and paper at hand to jot down things and review them after prayer.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me a hearing heart.

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HOW GOD GUIDES

MEMORY VERSE: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 13-14

One of the basic differences between living things and non living things is that living things make decisions whilst non living things don’t. Even plants make decisions – they bend towards light. This is called Phototropism. (Phototropism is the growth of a plant as response to a stimulus, and Phototropism occurs when a plant responds to light bending in the direction of light). We, human beings, have to make decisions in life. We are faced with small decisions and big decisions. In many cases, it is of the utmost importance that we make the right decisions – for instance in our choice of a marriage partner. To make the right decision we need God’s help.

Guidance springs out of our relationship with God. This is why we must run from anything that could soil our relationship with Him. This is why we must do away with everything called sin. The Most High God has promised to guide those who are walking with Him. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” God has a plan for each and every one of us. According to Jeremiah 29:11, He plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Not only that, He plans to give us hope and a future. If we are to find God’s plan for our lives, we need to ask Him about them. God guides us when we are prepared to do His will rather than insisting that our own way is right. According to Psalm 25:9, He guides the ‘humble’.

Given that we are willing to do what God wants us to do, in what ways should we expect God to speak to us and guide us? There are various ways in which He guides us. Sometimes God speaks through one of the ways set out below; sometimes it is a combination especially if it is a major decision. The first way He guides is through ‘commanding scripture’. God’s general will for all people, in all places, in all circumstances, is revealed in Scripture. He has told us what He thinks about a whole range of issues. From the bible we know that certain things are wrong. Therefore, we can be quite sure that God will not guide us to do these things. God will not lead any man to leave his wife or any woman to leave her husband to start a new relationship with another man or woman. God has already made His will clear on that when He said “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). In many other areas God has revealed His ‘general will’. We do not need to ask His guidance; He has already given it. If we are not sure, we need to ask someone who knows the bible better than we do whether there is anything on that issue. Once we have discovered what the Bible says, we need search no further. Please note that although God’s general will is found in the Bible, we cannot always find His particular will for our lives there. The Bible tells us that it is His general will for people to get married. Although singleness is a high calling, it is the exception rather than the rule (e.g. 1 Corinthians 7:2). God’s general will is that Christians are only free to marry other Christians. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” God still speaks today through the scriptures. He may speak to us as we read. Psalm 119:24 says, “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellers.” That is not to say we find God’s will by opening the Bible anywhere at random and seeing what it says. Rather, as we develop the habit of regular, methodical Bible study we begin to find it quite extraordinary how appropriate each day’s reading seems to be for our own particular circumstances in which we find ourselves.

NOTE: Sometimes a verse seems to almost leap out of the page at us and we sense God speaking through it. This was certainly my experience, for example, when i had a big challenge at work some years back. 'Christ in me the hope of glory', Colossians 1:27, leaped at me in the midst of this challenge and i knew that was God’s word for me. I held unto it and God gave me victory.

QUESTION: Do you still have time for regular bible study? When was the last time you sat before the Lord with your pen and paper, waiting for Him to speak to you through His word?

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

ENDING WELL

MEMORY VERSE: Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 13-14

It is one thing to start (at all); it is another thing to finish. It is one thing to begin a journey; it is another thing to complete the journey. It is one thing to start a course; it is another thing to finish the course. It is one thing to be joined together in Holy Matrimony; it is another thing to die at a ripe old age still married to the same person. It is one thing to become a champion; it is another thing to die as a champion. It is one thing to be zealous for the Lord now; it is another thing to be zealous for the Lord in forty years time or zealous for the Lord until death. It is one thing to be known as a child of God today, it is another thing to be known as a child of God on one’s death bed. It is one thing to be relevant today; it is another to be relevant in fifty years time (if Jesus tarries).

The ‘beginning’ of a thing is immaterial. The fact that you started small does not mean you will end 'small'. Job 8:7 says, “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.” Many of the great people, we read about in the bible and in history books, started very small. Take for instance Elijah the prophet. The Jews are  proud of their heritage. When they want to write about a great figure e.g. Jesus, they will start with the family genealogy. This is why we have a lot of genealogies in the bible. When they want to write about people especially influential people or an important personality, they will start by mentioning the person’s name followed by the father’s name (for men) or husband’s name (for women). For instance, the bible introduced Elisha the prophet as Elisha the son of Shaphat (1 Kings 19:19) and Deborah the prophetess as Deborah, the prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth (Judges 4:4). Elijah’s father must have been so poor and insignificant in their community that the author of 1 Kings did not even bother to mention his father’s name. Yet this man ended as one of the greatest prophet in the Old Testament.

Starting big does not guarantee ending 'big'. According to Ecclesiastes 7, it is possible for one to start as a slave and end up as a wealthy prince. It is also possible for for one to start as a wealthy prince and end up as a slave. Verse 7 says, “I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.” There is nothing wrong in starting well; actually starting well in life is advantageous. What matters is not how one starts but how one ends his or her race on earth. Ecclesiastes 7:8 says, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” The Most High God is not so much interested in how a brother or a sister starts. He is not so much interested in where you are today, or what you are currently doing in the body of Christ - as of now. What He is interested in is how you end. No wonder He says, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). In other words, he that finishes well. It is not unusual to be talented or gifted. There is nothing new in starting well. There is nothing spectacular about being the head at the beginning. Many started very well. Many started shining. Many started very hot for the Lord. Many started as terror to the kingdom of darkness. Many started winning a lot of souls for Christ. Many started operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The truth is this, not many finished ‘well’. Not many finished ‘shining’. Not many finished their race on earth as a terror to the kingdom of darkness. Actually, many who started as terror to the kingdom of darkness ended up as victims because of their carelessness. Not many finished as they started. Many, many champions ended up as ex-champions.

NOTE: To finish well, one must be determined. Secondly, one must be hard working. Thirdly, one must embrace a life of holiness and purity. Lastly, one must ask for the grace of God.

PRAYER POINT: Father, help me to finish well in life.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

CALL TO INFLUENCE

MEMORY VERSE: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 9-12

Christians all other the world, Baptist, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic, Pentecostals, etc, are called, by Jesus, to influence the world. Jesus said to His disciples: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).” We are called to be different i.e. to live a radically different lifestyle from the world, so that we may be effective as salt and light in it.

How are we to influence the world? Firstly, by being the salt of the world. There are several uses of salts, but today we will look at the use of salt to prevent decay. Many centuries back before refrigeration was invented salt was used to keep meat wholesome, and to prevent decay. As Christians, we are called to stop society going bad. One way to go about this is by our words. We need to speak out about moral standards, and moral issues. Some of the things that used to be a taboo twenty years ago are now normal today. It used to be a shameful thing several years back to be caught fornicating, or committing adultery, but today people fornicate, or commit adultery and even record it on their mobile phones to share it with their friends. It used to be a shameful thing to go to prison years back. Actually people used to dread prison but now, it is normal. Especially amongst our youths, once you go to prison you become a celebrity. We can also use our influence to bring about God’s standards in society around us. As we play our part as citizens aiming to create better social structures, working for justice, freedom, and dignity for the individual, and by helping to abolish discrimination, we can stop society going bad.

Secondly, by being the light in the world. Jesus calls us to be light – to allow the light of Christ to shine through us. We do this by what Jesus calls ‘your good deeds’ – everything that we do or say because we are Christians. Living out the Christian life is the most appropriate way of passing on the good news to those who live in very close proximity to us. This certainly applies to our family, colleagues at work, and flatmates. If they know we are Christians, that fact alone puts them under a degree of pressure. To be continually speaking about our faith may backfire. They are more likely to be affected by our genuine love, and concern. At work people should notice our consistency, honesty, truthfulness, hard work, reliability, avoidance of gossip, and desire to encourage other people. At home, parents, family and flatmates will be influenced by our service to others, our patience, and our kindness, far more than our words. Being ‘lights in the world’ does not just involve our lifestyle. It also involves our lips. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

QUESTION: Are you promoting decay or preventing decay by your speech, conduct and lifestyle?

PRAYER POINT: Father, help me to be light and salt in this world.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

WISE BUILDERS

MEMORY VERSE: Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 26-31

Proverbs 14:1 says, “Every wise woman.......” The phrase ‘every wise woman’ informs us that there are foolish women, or unwise women. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus talked about five wise virgins, and five foolish virgins. Who is a wise woman? Firstly, she is a builder not a destroyer. Proverbs 14:1 says, “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” A wise woman knows the difference between her needs, and her wants. She knows that a good education for her children is a need, and the latest fashion bags,shoes,Chanel earrings, etc are just wants, and she puts her needs before her wants. A wise woman will not use her children’s tuition fees to buy bags, or shoes. Neither will she use the money meant for her children’s upkeep to buy gold bracelets, or plait hair. A wise woman prioritizes her needs. She knows that just as it is important for her children to get to school early in clean uniforms, so also her children needs to get to Sunday school early. No wise woman promotes division in her household. Luke 11:17 says, “But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.” No wise woman will report her husband to her children. Neither will she put down her husband in front of her children, family, friends, etc. Also on the subject of knowing-her-priorities-and-putting-them-in-the-right-order, a wise woman puts her children before her career. In addition, a wise woman puts her family before her ministry. A wise woman knows these three things: building a thing takes time, it involves a lot of work, and patience is required.

Secondly, a wise woman recognizes that God is the main builder. Hebrews 3:4 says, “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.” She recognizes that without God she cannot build anything. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Thirdly, a wise woman builds on the Rock which is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). Matthew 7:24 says, “therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” Christ is the foundation of her household.  She does not build on emotions or feelings. She builds on the sound doctrines of Christ. Fourthly, a wise woman builds according to God’s  pattern. Hebrews 8:5 says, “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” It is unfortunate that many are building their household according to the patterns they see in soap operas, or reality shows on TV. There is a pattern for marriage in the bible. Ephesians 5:22-23 says, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” A wise woman trains up her children. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” She trains them in the fear of God. She trains them up to be diligent, and hardworking. She trains them on how to keep things. She trains them to respect the elderly. She trains them to have integrity.

QUESTION: Are you a builder? Are you a wise builder? Are you building according to God's own pattern?

PRAYER POINT: Father, the Great Builder, help me build my household.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

BELIEVERS AND TONGUES

MEMORY VERSE: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.Mark 16:17

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 9-12

Mark 16:17 says, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;” What are tongues? The word for ‘tongues’ is the same word as that for ‘languages’, and it means the ability to speak in a language you have never learned. It may be an angelic language (1 Corinthians 13:1) which presumably is not recognizable or it may be a recognizable human language (as at Pentecost). The gift of tongues has brought many great blessings to many people. Not all Christians speak in tongues nor is it necessarily a sign of being filled with the Spirit. It is possible to be filled with the Spirit and not speak in tongues. Nevertheless, for many, both in the New Testament and in Christian experience, it accompanies an experience of the Holy Spirit and may be the first experience of the more obviously supernatural activity of the Spirit.

Speaking in tongues is a form of prayer (one of the many different forms of prayer found in the New Testament). Paul says, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:2). Every one of us is limited by language. There are times we experience frustration in that we cannot truly express what we really feel when we talk to people. We feel things in our spirit but we don’t know how to put them into words. This is often true also in our relationship with God. This is where the gift of tongues can be a great help. It enables us to express to God what we really feel in our spirits without going through the process of translating it into our native language.

There are three areas in which we will find the gift of tongues very useful. Firstly, in the area of praise and worship. In our praise and worship of God we can often find language limiting. We long to express our love, worship and praise of God, particularly when we are filled with the Spirit. The gift of tongues enables us to do this without the imitation of human language. Secondly, it can be a great help when praying under pressure. There are times in our lives when it is hard to know exactly how to pray. It can be because we are burdened by many pressures, anxieties or griefs. A brother was in a staff meeting in church, some years ago, when he received a message that his mother had a heart attack and was in hospital. Whilst in the taxi, he desperately wanted to pray but felt too shock to form any sentence. He didn't know where to start and what to say, so he began to pray in tongues and the situation was brought under the control of God. Lastly, the gift of tongues can be a help when praying for other people. It is hard to pray for others- especially if you have not seen them or heard from them for some time. The gift of tongues can be a real help when praying or interceding for pastors, church members, our singles, the unemployed, people looking for the fruit of the womb, students, people who are yet to give their lives to Christ and so on. Also, the gift of tongues is a gateway for one to receive other gifts of the spirit. If you have the gifts of tongues, pray in tongues daily as it awakens other gifts of God that are lying dormant in you.

CONFESSIONS: Father, i thank you for the gifts of the Spirit in my life.

ACTION: Set out time to pray in tongues daily.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

FEAR THOU NOT; FOR I AM WITH THEE

MEMORY VERSE: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Mark 11-12

Isaiah 6:3 says, "and one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." What does it mean to say the Lord is holy? (Permit me to quote from a wonderful Sunday school manual I read). "The basic idea of the word ‘holy’ is that of being separate or set apart. When God is declared to be holy, the word expresses all that sets him apart and makes him different from his creatures. The threefold ‘holy, holy, holy’ in Isaiah 6:3 is a Hebraic way of emphasizing that God is very holy." In addition, when we say the Lord is holy, it means He is morally upright, just, transparent, pure, sinless, etc. Asides His purity, He has integrity. He says what He means and means what He says. If He makes a promise, He will do everything possible to fulfill the promise.

Because of His holiness, once He says ‘I will do something’, be rest assured that He will do what He has promised to do. Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness". If the Lord says He is with you, be rest assured that He is with you. The fact that you don’t feel it does not mean He is not with you. The fact that the hair at the back of your neck don’t stand does not mean He is not with you. Actually, He is closer to you than the cloth on your neck. If He says in His holy bible that He is with you, then He is with you. That fact that God is with you does not mean you will not face challenges. No! In Mark 4:36-39, Jesus was in a ship with His disciples when a mighty storm arose and threatened to destroy the ship. The fact that the Lord is with you does not mean the enemy will not come after you. The pillar of fire and cloud that hovered above the children of Israel everywhere they went was visible for everyone to see and know that God was with them, yet the Egyptians chased after them ( Exodus 14). The fact God is with you does not mean you will not experience lack. No! No! No! In Mark 6:30-44, five thousand men not counting women and children were with Jesus and they experienced lack. The fact that the Lord is with you does not mean you will not face challenges. No! The good news is storm may arise, but Jesus will ‘still’ the storm. The enemy may come after you to harm you but they will not be able to do you any harm. Jeremiah 15:20c says, "for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord." In your walk with God, you may experience lack but it will be a temporary thing. The five thousand men not counting women and children ate and there were left- over. Although the journey may be rough, the Lord will see you through. It does not matter how tough the battle is, He will see to it that you come out victorious.

NOTE: If He is grieved, He may leave. If one continues to live in sin and refuses to repent, He will leave.

ACTION: Thank the Lord for being with you and pray that He will never leave you.

GOD’S WORD IS A SEED.

MEMORY VERSE: But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Jeremiah 12-16

READ: Luke 8:4-8

To help us appreciate the word of God, its potential and what we stand to benefit when we spend quality time reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on it, Jesus likens the word of God to a (viable) seed. Luke 8:11says, “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” (Viable simply means that the seeds can germinate and sprout i.e. they are ‘live’ seeds that will grow.) The word of God is alive. Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63)”. Just as (viable) seeds have potentials, the word of God has potentials. Because of the life in the seed, it has the potential to grow into a tree that can serve as a ‘wind-breaker’; a tree that can bear fruit for food; a tree that can serve as shelter or shade from heat; a tree that can produce other fruits that can be planted; a tree whose wood can be sold or used to build houses and so on. Also, because of the life in the word of God, it has the potential to grow and bear fruits in our lives. One of the fruits it bears is good success (Joshua 1:8).

However, a seed does nothing until planted. The word of God will not do us any good if we don’t open our bibles and study, read, memorize or meditate on what is written in there. Not until we plant the Word in our heart and mind, it will not produce any results in our lives. Putting our bibles underneath our pillows or beds and sleeping on them will not benefit us in anyway. Actually doing so will only destroy the bible cover. Not until we speak the Word to our situations, the changes we are praying for may not come. Not until we learn to use the Word as a sword, we will not be able to confront the enemy. Jesus used the Word as a sword to finish the devil in Matthew 4:1-11. Just as a seed is powerful, the word of God is also powerful. Hebrew 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful...” As a seed begins to grow, it will push up dirty, rocks, etc. So also, whatever the obstacles are, God’s Word planted in our heart will push them out of the way. A seed needs a good soil to germinate and produce fruits. A seed planted in the Sahara desert will be a waste. The word of God will not germinate and produce result unless planted on a good soil. The soil where the word of God is planted is our hearts. It will not grow on hard ground i.e. heart hardened by sin. It will not grow on stony ground i.e. the heart of a fellow who professes delight in the Word but whose heart is not changed. Neither will it grow on a thorny ground i.e. heart that is full of riches, pleasures, and lusts.

A seed takes time to grow and bear fruit, so also the word of God. You will not reap results the day you plant it in your heart. It will take time. The growth of the seed is in the secret (underground). When the Word starts to grow in one’s heart, it is not immediately obvious but with time the results will show. Also, the seed grows from within and shoots out. The Word grows from your heart and manifests outside. A seed is small than what is produces. The problem you face may seem huge. In comparison, a scripture may seem very small. But when planted, that Word will grow in you and overcome that problem. A seed will stop growing without nourishment. The same with the Word of God, quote it, speak it to your situation, pray on what you have read, etc. The seed thrives on heat underneath the soil to grow. So also, challenges are part of the heat required to hasten the growth of the Word you have stored in your heart. A seed produces after its kind. Whatever you need, or desire, find scriptures relating to that. Then plant those scriptures inside you in abundance. Those seeds will grow up and produce a harvest of what you need or desire. A seed is not affected by other seeds. The more seeds you plant, the larger your harvest will be. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

QUESTION: How much time do you dedicate to the study of the word of God?

ACTION: Get a bible reading plan and add the Word of God to your daily diet.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

UNSURE ABOUT YOUR SALVATION?

MEMORY VERSE: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 29-30

What individuals experience after giving their lives to Christ or after rededicating their lives to Christ vary greatly. Pastor Willie Mullan in his book ‘Tramp after God’ said he felt a tremendous urge to tell someone what had just happened to him – how the Lord had just saved a tramp like him. He was very excited and could not keep still. Another fellow said he was so full of love that he felt like hugging everyone. I remember when I gave my life to Christ, all I felt like doing was praying. The urge to pray was so great. Some immediately know a difference in their life. For others it is more gradual. I want you to know that what matters is not so much the initial experience but the start of a new relationship with God. The fact that you didn't feel anything, probably a tingling sensation in your tummy after saying the sinner’s prayers or after confessing your sins and asking the Lord to come into your life, does not mean you are not saved. No! If we were to rely on our feelings we could never be sure about anything. Our feelings go up and down depending on all sorts of factors, such as the weather or what we have had for breakfast. They are changeable and deceptive. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

The assurance of our relationship stands on these three things: the word of God, the work of Jesus and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Firstly, the word of God. The promises in the Bible, which is the word of God, do not change and are totally reliable unlike our feelings. There are many great promises in the bible that assures us that once we open the door of our hearts to Jesus, He will come in and dine with us (Revelation 3:20). In addition, He has promised to be with us until the end of the world (Matthew 28:20). He went on further to promise us eternal life (John 10:28), which is a quality of life that comes from living in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ (John 17:3). Secondly, the work of Jesus. What Jesus did on the cross enables Him to give us eternal life as a gift (John 10:28). We do not earn a gift. We accept it with gratitude. On the cross, He took all our wrong-doings upon Himself. This had been clearly prophesied in the Old Testament in the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” What the prophet was saying is that we have all done something wrong and those wrong-doings have caused a separation between us and God (Isaiah 59:1-2). This is why at times God can seem remote. On the other hand, Jesus never did anything wrong. There was no barrier between Him and His Father. On the cross, God transferred our wrong-doings onto Jesus. That is why He cried out on the cross, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' ( Mark 15:34). At that moment He was cut off from God – not because of His own wrong-doings but because of ours. This made it possible for the barrier between us and God to be removed. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Lastly, the witness of the Spirit. When someone becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit comes to live within them. When the Holy Spirit comes in, He transforms from within. He produces the character of Jesus in our lives which are also known as the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We become more loving, more joyful, more peaceful, etc. Also there will be changes in our relationships- both with God and with other people.Asides these changes which can be noticed in our lives, the Holy Spirit also brings an inner experience of God. He creates a deep, personal conviction that we are children of God. ( Romans 8:15-16). This is the third way in which we are assured of our relationship with God, and that we are forgiven and have eternal life.

NOTE: It is one of the privileges of being a child of God: to be able to be absolutely confident about our relationship with our Father, to be sure of the fact that we are forgiven; to be sure that we are Christians , and to know we have eternal life.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.