GRANULES OF SALT 2

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. Matthew 5:13

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 22-2 Kings 2

Matthew 5:13 says: ‘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.’ Salt has various uses – over 14,000 to be precise. Asides the obvious fact that salt is used for seasoning, it is also used as a cleaning agent. Salt is an excellent cleaning agent, either on its own or in combination with other substances. If an iron pan is dirty, you scour it with coarse salt and then rinse well to clean it. Our responsibility as Christians is to become a cleaning agent. The earth is very dirty; there is a lot of uncleanness; viz., defiling practices like pornography, masturbation, fornication, oral sex, bestiality, etc. Wherever we find ourselves, we must discourage these practices. We must not judge those who indulge in them but with love, pray for them and lead them to Christ.

Another function of salt is to hold back corruption. In the days before refrigeration, people preserved meat by salting it. Likewise, it is our responsibility to hold back the forces of corruption – moral corruption, social corruption, political corruption – until God’s purposes of mercy and grace have been worked out for this world of ours. Now, suppose we fail in our function as salt –to give flavour, to clean and to hold back corruption. Listen to what Jesus said: ‘…..but if the salt have lost his savour…. It is thenceforth good for nothing...’ If we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing, we become good for nothing! We might expect ‘to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.’ How would you feel if that happened? It is a sobering fact that millions and millions of people across the earth’s surface today would count it their greatest privilege to trample Christians underfoot – particularly, the Christians of England, America, Nigeria, etc. God is not going to come down and trample us underfoot Himself, but He will turn us over to those who hate Christianity and all that it stands for. And the most bitter reflection of such a moment will be, ‘we deserved it. Jesus warned us. We didn’t listen. He said that if we did not serve as salt, we would be thrown out and trampled underfoot.’

PONDER: If you look all around the world, this is gradually beginning to happen. This is a wake- up call to every Christian.

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

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GRANULE OF SALT

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. Matthew 5:13

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 17-20

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word ‘salt’ is 'seasoning for food.' Matthew 5:13 says: ‘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.’ There are over 14,000 uses for salt; our grandmas are probably familiar with most of them. Today, I will look at three main functions of salt: To give flavour, clean, and hold back corruption.

What do you do if a food is not tasty or somewhat bland? You simply sprinkle salt on it. The salt gives flavour to that which otherwise might be flavourless. Practising believers are the salt of the earth; as a matter of fact, we are little granules of salt sprinkled across the face of the earth. We have a responsibility to give the earth flavour for God. Our presence on the earth should make the whole world; viz., our communities, workplaces, homes, etc., acceptable to God in a way that it would not be acceptable to Him if we were not here as Christians living out our lives in His grace and love, worshipping and praising Him, and praying according to His will. Our presence makes all the difference as to how He (God) views the earth. Today, the earth may not know our value but I believe the earth will one day discover our value when God takes us all out in the great event known as the Rapture, but that day has not come yet.

Believers give this world flavour. Sodom and Gomorrah were flavourless, as far as God was concerned. The people in it were evil. When the day of destruction came, after consulting His friend (Abraham) the Lord said, "I will not destroy it for sake ten’s sake (Genesis 18:32).” The Lord decided to withhold Judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of ten righteous people i.e. ten granules of salt. Unfortunately, He could not find ten righteous people. You know the end of the story. For the sake of Paul (a granule of salt), the Lord preserved a ship, full of people, destined for shipwreck.

QUESTION: Friend, are you a salt of this earth? Are you a salt of your office? Can the Lord because of your service in His vineyard cause your children to find favour anywhere they go?

Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.

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PRAYER: A MASTER KEY

MEMORY VERSE: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:14-15

BIBLE READING: 1 Kings 5-8

There is a song we used to sing back in Nigeria: ‘Prayer is the key. Prayer is the key. Prayer is the master-key. Jesus started with prayer and ended with prayer. Prayer is the master-key.’ How true are the lyrics of this song? Jesus started His ministry with prayer (in the desert) and ended it with prayer (on the cross). One of the secrets of Jesus' success whilst He was on the earth was prayers. He prayed regularly. Prayer is a prerequisite for greatness.

Anyone who wants a change of story, a change of circumstances, victory, a breakthrough, etc., must pray. By praying for the sick, God can heal them. James 5:14-15 says: ‘Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.’ Fervent prayer can turn a situation around. James 5:16 says: ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ There was a conspiracy at work to get rid of me some years back. At a point, it was certain that I was going to be sacked because they recruited someone to replace me. I reported the matter to God and He turned the table around. The person that led the conspiracy was demoted and she left out of shame. Others were sacked. Prayer draws angels closer to you. Jesus prayed and angels came to minister to Him (Luke 22:39-43). Prayer diffuses fear and imparts unshakeable confidence. Acts 4:31 says: ‘And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.’ However, one thing is required for your prayer to be answered and that is faith. Hebrews 11:6 says: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’

NOTE: Prayer draws you closer to God.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

FOR THEY SAID, HE IS OUR BROTHER’

MEMORY VERSE: And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother. Judges 9:3

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 17-20

After the death of Gideon, one of his sons, Abimelech, hatched an evil plan to kill his brothers and become the king. Because he didn’t have the resources to carry out his evil agenda, he approached his mother’s relations for help (Judges 9:1-3). His mother’s relations spoke to the men of Shechem who agreed to help him because he was their brother (See Judges 9:3). These men contributed money and gave it to him. He hired some thugs and made his way to his father’s house. He killed his step-brothers; only Jotham, the youngest, escaped.

Judges 9:3 says: ‘……and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.’ His mother's relations knew that what Abimelech was about to do was wrong; however, they supported him because he was their brother. They knew that Abimelech was going to kill innocent people, but they supported him because he was their brother. They knew that Abimelech did not deserve to be the king because he was not the firstborn; yet, they encouraged him to carry out his evil agenda regardless. Don’t support an evil cause because it will favor your brother. Even, if that evil cause will favor a Christian and disfavor a non-Christian, please don’t support it. God is a righteous judge and He will not support evil. The men of Shechem could have rebuked Abimelech, instead,  they supported him because his evil action won’t affect them. Many of us don’t speak against evil practices because we will not be affected by them. If you are in the position of authority, and you are a Christian, God expects you to represent Him there. He expects you to be His mouthpiece, speaking against evil practices and fighting for the weak.

NOTE: You are indirectly supporting what you don’t speak against.

REMEMBER: What is wrong is wrong regardless of who is doing it.

Samuel Oluwatoki

A MEMORIAL FOR YOURSELF

MEMORY VERSE: And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. Judges 8:27

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 13-16

Everything God does is for His glory. Revelations 4:11 says: ‘Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.' As such, how we celebrate (things) matters. Gideon celebrated his victory over the Midianites by acquiring wives for himself (See Judges 8:30). Did that benefit God? No! One question we must always ask ourselves is this, 'how does this thing that I am doing benefit God.' A brother told me a few years ago that he would like to become the finance minister of his country. 'How will that benefit God', I asked; unfortunately, he could not give an answer.

There is nothing wrong with throwing a big party (if you have the money) to celebrate your birthday or your wedding anniversary or any other good thing; however, is God’s name glorified? How does that big party benefit God? Is it an avenue to bring souls to Christ? In addition, Gideon celebrated his victory over the Midianites by making a golden ephod (See Judges 8:27). He celebrated his victory by making a name for himself: the first man to make a golden ephod. His victory was meant to lead many to the true God; sadly, it turned many into idolaters. Your celebrations must turn the hearts of men to God, not away from God. Your celebrations must bring glory to God alone, not yourself.

NOTE: The day of your wedding, if you are single, is a day to glorify God. Look beautiful not sexy. May I remind you that God’s definition of beauty is clearly defined in 1 Peter 3:3-4.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT II

MEMORY VERSE: But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 1 Samuel 16:14

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 28-31

The Holy Spirit is a ‘MUST HAVE’ for every believer. Do you want to excel in your career? You need the Holy Spirit. Daniel through the power of the Holy Spirit excelled in politics. Do you want to excel in your studies? You need the Holy Spirit. A story that comes to mind is that of a Christian sister who was studying for her Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. Whilst studying a night before her Biology papers, a strange mosquito began to disturb her and she killed it. As she was about to put it in the bin, the Holy Spirit told her to study the mosquito. She opened her Biology textbook, read about mosquitoes, learnt how to draw and label mosquitoes, and went to the exam room. The next morning when she received her exam booklet, the first question was ‘draw and label a mosquito.’

To be fruitful at your old age, you need the Holy Spirit. To conquer the enemy, you need the Holy Spirit. To fulfil God’s plan for your life, you need the help of the Holy Spirit. Even to create wealth, you need the Holy Spirit. Deuteronomy 8:18 says: ‘But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.’ This brings us to the question, how do I receive the Holy Spirit? You receive the Holy Spirit when you give your life to Christ. Acts 2:38 says: ‘Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.’

NOTE: If you grieve the Holy Spirit, He will leave. As such, you must not grieve Him.  Because nature abhors  a vacuum; the moment He takes His leave, an evil spirit will enter and torment the fellow. 1 Samuel 16:14 says: ‘But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.’ One disturbing fact about the Holy Spirit leaving a man is that you won’t know when He takes His leave. Many a time, it is always too late before one realizes that the Holy Spirit has left.

PRAYER POINT: Holy Spirit, please help me never to grieve you.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

QUALITY (ALWAYS) TRUMP QUANTITY

MEMORY VERSE: And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. Judges 7:7

BIBLE READING: 2 Samuel 5-8

Judges 6:1 says: ‘And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.’ The children of Israel saw horrors in the hands of the Midianites. When the suffering became unbearable, the children of Israel cried unto God and He heard them; He raised a judge for them, Gideon. At first, Gideon was reluctant to lead the children of Israel against the Midianites, but the Lord demonstrated to him through various signs that He was going to deliver the Midianites into his hands. Gideon gathered 30, 000 men and went to war against the Midianites.

Judges 7:7 says: ‘And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.’ Out of the 30000, only 300 were quality soldiers. The other 29,700, as far as the Lord was concerned, were just numbers i.e. quantity. Their hearts were not right; they were fearful. No wonder, majority of them turned back when Gideon announced that anyone that is fearful and afraid to leave. With 300 men, the Lord delivered the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east, armies too much to number, into the hands of Gideon. A large army does not always guarantee victory as you saw in the case of Gideon and the Midianites. Also, military experience does not always guarantee victory. David, an ordinary civilian, defeated Goliath, the champion of Gath. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong (Ecclesiastes 9:11). As afar as you have God on your side, you can achieve much with a few. Jesus achieved much with a few (twelve quality disciples). It is not the number of children one has that matters, but what God does through the children. Old Elizabeth had only one child, John the Baptist. The Bible records that he is the greatest of all the Old Testament prophet (Luke 7:28).

NOTE: It is not the number of things you know how to do averagely that matters, but the number of things you know how to do very well. Many a time, they are very few probably one or two. Be a master at something!

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

THE HOLY SPIRIT I

MEMORY VERSE: But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. 1 Samuel 16:14

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 24-27

As believers, we are nothing without the Holy Spirit. We are empty, vulnerable, clueless, powerless, and hopeless without the Holy Spirit. Also, we can achieve nothing without Him. John 15:5 says: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Jesus, when He was on the earth, fully depended on the Holy Spirit. His miracles were often Spirit-empowered. Luke 5:17 says: ‘And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.’ The power that was present (with Jesus) to heal was the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ reliance on the Holy Spirit enabled Him to resist sin. Luke 4:1-2a says: ‘And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil.’ Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit, not will-power or New Year resolutions to live a life of holiness. If Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit to perform miracles and resist sin, how much more should we depend on Him? Praying (according to God's will), requires the help of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26 says: ‘Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.’ The Holy Spirit helped David, the underdog, to defeat Goliath. 1 Samuel 16:13 says: ‘Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.’

NOTE: The Holy Spirit is for believers, people who have given their lives to Christ. It is for those who have said goodbye to a life of sin and embraced a life of righteousness and holiness. Do you want to say goodbye to sin? Give your life to Jesus Christ. Let Him take over your challenges. Jesus never fails

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

BEHOLD, I THOUGHT

MEMORY VERSE: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 24-27

Naaman went to see Elisha, the prophet, for healing from leprosy. When he arrived, Elisha sent a messenger to tell him to go to River Jordan and wash seven times and he will be healed. 2 Kings 5:11-13 says: ‘But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?’

Naaman came to Elisha with an expectation of how he should be healed; he expected Elisha to lay hands on him but God had a different plan. Many have missed their healings or miracles because they came to God with an expectation of how He should heal them. Isaiah 55:9 says: ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ A lot have missed God because they expected God to operate in a certain way or answer their prayers in a certain way. Jesus cured leprosy in different ways. In Luke 5:12-13, a leper approached Him for healing; He laid hands on him and his leprosy disappeared. In Luke 17:11-19, some lepers approached Him; He told them to go and show themselves to the priests. Luke 17:14b says: ‘And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.’

NOTE: Don’t approach God with an expectation of how you want Him to provide a help meet (wife) for you or how you want Him to provide a husband for you. Don’t approach Him with an expectation of how you expect Him to solve your problem(s). When it comes to hearing from God, don’t expect Him to speak you in a certain way. Don’t expect Him to speak to you the same way He spoke to others. He might decide to speak to others through dreams and you, an audible voice. Don't limit the Holy One of Isreal in your thoughts!

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

CHANGED ATTITUDE, CHANGED STORY

MEMORY VERSE: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 20-23

Naaman had everything except for one thing, good health. 2 Kings 5:1 says: ‘Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.’ One day, the young slave girl who waited on Naaman’s wife witnessed to her. ‘Would God my Lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy,’ she said. Mrs. Naaman related the message to her husband. On hearing, he travelled to Samaria to meet the prophet of God. When he arrived, Elisha sent his servant to tell him to dip seven times in River Jordan.

Naaman went ballistic. He was angry because the prophet did not personally attend to him. Also, he was angry because he was told to dip himself in River Jordan, a dirty river. Whilst he was ranting and raving, his servants counselled him to do what the man of God told him to do; he listened and was healed. A change in attitude can lead to a change in circumstances, to breakthrough, to a change of story, and so on. With his initial attitude, Naaman would have died a leper!

NOTE: Your attitude matters! Regardless of the promises of God for your life, a terrible attitude or character can frustrate the plans of God for your life. From time to time, we say ‘if God be for us, who can be against us.’ The answer is you and me.

QUESTION: What is your attitude towards divine instructions? Do you argue with it? What is your attitude towards the things of God? What is your attitude towards challenges? Do you easily give up or throw in the towel? Do you make negative confessions when things are not going as planned? What is your attitude towards the progress of others? Do you get angry? What is your attitude towards the undiluted word of God? What is your attitude towards the ministry God has put in your hands?

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

WHAT INFORMS YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS

MEMORY VERSE: And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment. 1 Kings 3:11

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 16-19

People in love give gifts to one another. John 3:16 says: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…’ God gave us His son out of love. Out of love, Solomon gave one of the biggest offerings a man ever gave to God: a thousand burnt offerings (2 Kings 3:4-14). The Lord reciprocated the love by paying him a visit. ‘What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!’ He asked. Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God’s people. 1 Kings 3:10 says: ‘And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.’

Why did Solomon’s request please God? 1 Kings 3:11 says: ‘And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;’ God used the phrase ‘asked for thyself’ three times. He was referring to the fact that Solomon did not ask anything for himself. Rather, he asked for what will enable him to serve the people better. The prayer and requests of Solomon were not all about what he wanted for himself but what he wanted for others and God was extremely pleased. A request that you make to God that has in it, a focus on how you can be a blessing to others pleases Him more than those which is focused on what only you can get. Also, Solomon’s request was from a humble heart. Psalm 51:17 says: ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.’ Solomon, in his request, acknowledged that he didn’t have what it takes; viz., wisdom, an understanding heart, etc., to lead the people. When you accept that you are weak and you ask God for strength, He is pleased. Solomon’s request was motivated by nothing but love for the people of God. His request was not motivated by hatred, greed, anger, rebellion, or jealousy.

QUESTION: What informs your prayer requests? Do you ask for things from God out of envy or jealousy? Do you ask God for things of temporal value or eternal value?

NOTE: Ask for wisdom. Ask for understanding. Ask for power to create wealth rather than wealth. Ask for more of Him rather than more of things.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

A PRAYER THAT PLEASES THE LORD

MEMORY VERSE: And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. 1 Kings 3:13

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 12-15

Solomon did something no man had ever done and God responded in a way He had never responded. He offered a thousand burnt offerings to God; in return, God paid him a visit. I pray that God will inspire you and me to do something that will cause Him to pay us a visit. 1 Kings 3: 5 says: ‘In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, ask what I shall give thee.’ Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God’s people. 1 Kings 3:10 says: ‘And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.’

There are two basic types of requests: those that please the Lord and those that don’t. An example of a request that didn’t please the Lord was Israelite’s request for a king. 1 Samuel 8:6-7 says: ‘But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.’ The Lord granted their request even though it didn’t please Him; besides, it was not in His perfect will for them to have a king. The fact that God grants a request does not necessarily mean that He is pleased with the request. I pray that you will not have what God does not want you to have in the mighty name of Jesus,amen. Israel had what God did not want them to have; and as a result, they suffered. 1 Kings 12:4 says: ‘Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.’ Adam and Eve had what God did not want them to have and they died spiritually. Whilst some requests do not please God, some bring Him joy. Solomon's request pleased the Lord because it was in line with God's will for him. Any request that is at variance with His will displeases Him. You can know God's will through revelation; and by studying the Bible,also.

NOTE: When you pray in tongues, you are praying according to His divine will; therefore, it pleases the Lord.

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YOUR PRAYER REQUEST REVEALS WHO YOU ARE

MEMORY VERSE: And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 1 Kings 3:10

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 8-11

In 1 Kings 3:4-14, King Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings to God. The Lord was very impressed and gave him a blank cheque. Verse 5 says: ‘In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, ask what I shall give thee.’ If you give God what no man has ever given to Him; He will give you what He has never given to any man in return. King Solomon was the first to offer a thousand burnt offering to God; and, he was the first to receive a blank cheque from God. I pray that God will inspire you and me to do something no man has ever done, so we can receive something no man has ever received.

1 Kings 3:9-10 says: ‘Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.’ Someone once said, ‘I never ask God for anything because He knows my needs.’ God knows your needs, but He wants you to ask. Matthew 7:7-8 says: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ King Solomon's request was specific. He didn’t ask for everything or anything. Be specific with your request. Don’t act like the man who said, ‘God, my name is Jimmy and I will take whatever you gimme.’ King Solomon’s request reflected his priority, personality, vision, values, goals, etc. Your request says a lot about you.

NOTE: We can tell from King Solomon’s prayer request that he was a humble man. We can also tell from his prayer request that he was not a selfish man. He was a man who put the needs of others first.

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AN IDOLATER?

MEMORY VERSE: Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 4-7

Who is an idolater? An idolater is simply one who worships idols. What comes to mind when we hear the word 'idol' is a picture of a statue. An idol can be a statue; viz., the golden calf (Exodus 32:4). It can be a living thing or a non-living thing. An idol is simply anything we want more than God, rely on more than God, put before God, or look to for greater fulfilment than God. Exodus 20:3 says: ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’

While we generally see them as disgraceful, evil passions, it is important to note that idols can also be ‘good’ things that we have made into ‘ultimate’ things. For instance, an idol could be one's spouse. Adam put his wife, Eve, before God. In chapter 3, his wife offered him the forbidden fruit and he ate it. He disobeyed God and obeyed his wife. An idol could be one's children. Eli's children were his idols because he put them before God. Even, when God complained about the conduct of his children, he did nothing because he didn't want to offend them. Your ambition can become your idol if care is not taken. A young man whose ambition became his idol was Absalom. He was willing to kill his father to fulfil his ambition of becoming the king. Material things can become one's idols. An example that comes to mind is Achan. He was willing to disobey God to get rich. Culture and tradition can become one's idols. For instance, the Pharisees and Sadducees put their culture and tradition before God's word. Your favourite team or sport can become an idol. Recently, I saw a brother watching a champions league match during the sermon. If you are busy checking football scores whilst the pastor is preaching, then football has become your idol.

PRAYER POINT: Father, please reveal the idols in my life to me and help get rid of them.

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A CALL TO SERVE LEADERS PART 3

MEMORY VERSE: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. Exodus 18:21

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 15-18

Whenever you are faced with a decision, big or small, seek direction from God and follow it. The reason is this, not all good counsels are good in God's sight. The centurion, who was taking Paul and other prisoners to Rome, was faced with a major decision when the weather changed (Acts 27:9-14). He could either continue on the journey or abort the journey. As he wasn’t an expert in matters relating to sea travel, he turned to the captain of the ship for advice. The captain ok'd the journey and they continued. The captain's counsel was good; besides, he was the captain, an expert. Meanwhile, Paul warned them against the journey, but they didn’t listen. They ran into worse problems and lost all their wares.

Moses’ father-in-law, after observing how he carried out the task God had committed into his hands, counselled him to appoint qualified men who would bear the burden with him (Exodus 18:13-23). Each of them had to meet the following criteria: Firstly, they must fear God; secondly, they must be men of truth; and lastly, they must be men who hate dishonest gains. As a potential leader, do you fear God? Proverbs 16:6 says: “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Are you honest? What premium do you place on the truth? Do you like dishonest gains? Do you cheat people? Only a few are called to be General Overseers, Senior Pastors, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Bank Chairmen, etc. However, some of us are called i.e. appointed to serve under those God has called, to help them in their assignments. Moses was the one God called to lead the children of Isreal to the promise land. However, the newly appointed leaders were called to help Moses or serve under Moses. Exodus 18:21 says: “And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” God knows why He has picked you and me to serve under some leaders. Whatever God has called us to do, please let us do it with all our hearts.

NOTE: If you want Him to give you more work, simply go to Him and ask for it.

QUESTION: Are you making life easy for your leaders or you are a thorn in their flesh?

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A CALL TO SERVE LEADERS PART 2

 MEMORY VERSE: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Exodus 18:20

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 11-14

Moses’ father-in–law visited him and observed that he would sit all day judging the people, settling minor disputes, answering questions, teaching the people the statutes and law of the Lord, etc.( Exodus 18:13-23). His father-in-law counselled him to appoint qualified men, teach them the ordinances and laws, and make them rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Moses listened and did all his father-in-law advised.
There is a lot to learn from this story. Firstly, it pays to be open to criticism. No one knows it all. Nobody has a monopoly of knowledge, not even the professors at the leading universities in the world. Many of us are yet to realise our potential in Christ simply because we are not open to (constructive) criticisms. Many of us don’t like being told that we are wrong. If there is no one to tell you that you are wrong, how will you correct your mistakes? It will be difficult for anyone who rejects correction to have a breakthrough. Moses was open to criticisms. He didn’t mind being told that he could have done things better. Because Moses was opened to criticism, Jethro analysed his working methods and gave him a constructive feedback. Despite his 40 years military training in the courts of Pharaoh and 40 years at the back of the desert, there were still things Moses didn't know.

Another lesson we can learn from this story is that regardless of how close you are to God, at times, God will speak to you through people. God had been speaking to Moses all these while. On this particular occasion, He chose to spoke to him through Jethro. Please, don’t look down on anyone. Shortly before I re-dedicated my life to Christ, a friend of mine invited two ladies into my room. As we drank and they smoked "weed (marijuana)" , one of them, a non-practising Muslim, looked around my room and said, " Sam, you have a lot of books but you don't have a Bible." I bought a Bible the next day and not too long after that, I re-dedicated my life to Christ.

NOTE: Don't look down on anyone because God can speak to you through anyone.

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A CALL TO SERVE LEADERS PART 1

MEMORY VERSE: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Exodus 18:20

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 9-10

BIBLE STUDY: Exodus 18:13-23

Jethro (Moses’ father-in–law) was visiting when he observed how Moses was carrying out the gigantic task God had put in his hands. Exodus 18:13 says: “And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.” Jethro called him aside and gave him a piece of advice. Exodus 18: 18-22 says: “Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.” As advised, Moses appointed men to lead.

There are few things we can learn from this story. Firstly, right things can be done in a wrong way. Instead of appointing qualified men and training them to be leaders so that he could spend time seeking the face of God for direction, Moses did everything by himself; thereby, wasting the resources God had given to him. Many of us are guilty of this, too. At times, we go about leading sinners to Christ in the wrong way. For instance, we tell sinners to confess their sins before salvation. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The author, here, was addressing Christians, not sinners. It is the Christian, not the sinner, who is told to confess his sins. In the first place, it would be impossible for the sinner to remember them. Secondly, if we were to tell a sinner to confess his sins, we would be putting salvation on a basis of works. Salvation is not of works, but by faith. When a sinner wants to be saved, you do not tell him to get down and start working by confessing his sins. You simply point him to the Lord, Jesus Christ.

NOTE: All that a sinner has to confess is that he is a sinner and that he needs salvation. Remember, the publican cried: “God be merciful to me, a sinner ( Luke 18:13)”. He did not confess his sins. He simply admitted that he was a sinner and needed mercy.

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JESUS OUR SACRIFICE

MEMORY VERSE: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 9-12

In ancient Israelite sacrifices, death is not the primary focus. The killing of animals is a means to an end, not an end to a means. The animals were killed to make their flesh and blood available for special use. Today in our modern society, killing an animal is simply how it is made available for food. There are five main types of sacrifices in the Old Testament: the Burnt Offering (Leviticus 1; 6:8-13,8:18-21), Grain Offering ( Leviticus 2,6:14-23), Peace Offering ( Leviticus 3,7:11-34), Sin Offering ( Leviticus 4,5:1-13, 6:24-30), and Trespass Offering ( Leviticus 5:14-19,6:1-7).

When offering a burnt offering, the whole animal is burnt except the hide of large animals that had been skinned as part of the slaughter process (Genesis 8:20-22). The burnt offering is a way of calling on the Lord to pay attention to the needs, requests, and entreaties of His worshippers. It is also a means of expressing a worshipful response to the Lord (Leviticus 22:18-20). The grain offering is a gift, present, presents, tribute,etc., given to a deity. The peace offering signifies that all is well in the relationship between the Lord and His people. The sin offering is primarily a blood atonement offering in the sanctuary system of offering in which worshipers could receive forgiveness for their sins and deal with the degree to which they have contaminated the tabernacle. The guilt offering is offered when a person commits violation and sins unintentionally in regards to any of the holy things.

These sacrifices – burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering, sin offering, and trespass offering - are no longer in practice, but they illustrate the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ and stress the importance of a life of separation and obedience. As our burnt offering, Jesus' atonement is an acknowledgement of the sinful nature of man and it is required to renew our relationship with God. His death on the cross atoned for our sins and restored our relationship with God. The grain offering is often offered alongside a burnt offering. The burnt offering of Christ makes every other offering acceptable to God. As our peace offering, He made peace between us and the Lord. As our sin offering, He was made sin for us on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” As our trespass offering, He assumed the debt for our sins and paid for it.

NOTE: Jesus Christ was crucified to make His blood available for the atonement of our sins. Romans 3:25 says: “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.”

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ACCORDING TO HIS PATTERN!

MEMORY VERSE: And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount. Exodus 25:40

BIBLE READING: Deuteronomy 1-4

What is a pattern? According to Dictionary.com (Learner's edition), a pattern is a diagram or shape that you can use as a guide when you are making something such as a model or a piece of clothing. The Most-High God is a builder. Hebrews 3:4 says: “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.” You can't build without Him. Psalm 127:1 says: “A Song of degrees for Solomon. 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.” You need to a pattern to build a  house. Without one, you will end up with a building that looks like an amoeba. Also, building without a pattern leads to wastage of resources. God does not build without a pattern; as such, He has a pattern for marriage, ministry, etc.

Today, we will look at His pattern for solving problems. This pattern is carefully documented in Genesis 1:1- end. There was a big problem on the earth. According to Genesis 1:2, the earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. How did God tackle this problem? Firstly, He investigated the root cause of the problem. Why was the earth in the state it was? The earth was in the state it was because darkness had taken over. All sorts happen whenever darkness is allowed to reign. The next thing He did was introduce light to the equation. Genesis 1:3 says: “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” He introduced light for two reasons: firstly, to banish darkness; and secondly, to understand the problem. These two things – discovering the root cause of a problem and understanding a problem – are crucial to solving any problems. Who did the Lord send to carry out these tasks? The Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:2b says: “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Problem solving is impossible without the Holy Spirit. He is the One who will banish darkness and help you understand the problem. From Him comes wisdom to solve tough problems.

PRAYER POINT: Wonderful Spirit of God, I invite you into the issues of my life, please do what you alone can do.

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KEYS TO HEARING FROM GOD

MEMORY VERSE: As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:2

BIBLE READING: Number 33-36

As children of the living God; we must be able to hear when God, our Father in heaven, speaks. I decided early in my Christian journey that I will do everything to hear when God speaks. I thank God for His kindness; today, I can humbly say that I hear from Him from time to time. God’s word brings God’s peace. Philippians 4:7 says: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” One of the benefits of hearing from God is that His word brings about a peace of heart. The reason why many of us are worried is because we have not heard from God concerning the issues we are facing. I am not worried about my tomorrow because God told me that my tomorrow will be alright. I am at peace because the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Controller of seasons, the One who said, “let there be light and there was light”, said that my tomorrow will be alright. It does not matter what I am going through today.

One important reason why you need to do everything to hear when God speaks is this, your ability to hear when God speaks could save your life. Many years ago, some boys from one of the Baptist Churches in Ireland planned to watch the big Ulster Tourist Trophy race. They arranged to meet up at a good vantage point, Taylors Lamp, on one of the bends in the circuit. It was a spot everyone loved so they decided to get there by 4am so as to save space. As one of the boys was dressing up on the day of the race, the Lord told him to sit at home and read his Bible. Being a young man at the time, he argued with the Lord and then, obeyed. At exactly 3pm, he had a terrible bang. He knew where the sound came from so he ran to the circuit, to Taylors Lamp, where he was supposed to be standing. The scene was one of carnage. One of the racing cars had spun off the track and seven people lay dead. Right there at Taylors Lamp, he saw the appalling sight of a man’s severed head. He looked around for his friends but could not find them. Later, he heard that his friends had moved off to another spot when he didn’t turn up. Imagine for a second that this brother was spiritually deaf, what would have happened to him and his friends.

NOTE: Acts 13:2 says: “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said...”One of the keys to hearing from God is ministering to Him in praying and fasting. As you praise Him and worship Him regularly, He will speak to you.

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