DANGERS OF FREEDOM

MEMORY VERSE: take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls, Matthew 11:29

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 11, 2 Cor 4, Ezek 18, John 19 

BIBLE STUDY: Genesis 34:1-2

BACKGROUND: Dinah was bored at home; there was no one to play with, no one to chat with, and no one to have fun with so she decided to go out to see the daughters of the land. On her way Shechem took her and raped her. Later Shechem was killed. 

ANALYSIS: Dinah was safe at home. Her Dad had several guards who watched after her and the family. If she had remained at home, she would not have become a victim of rape. Because she wanted a bit of fun, she left home (a safe territory) to see the daughters of the land (an unsafe territory) and was attacked. Dinah saw staying at home as living under a yoke, but she failed to realize that living under that yoke afforded her safety.

The day you give your life to Christ, He puts His yoke on your neck. You are no longer free to do whatever you want to do. You are no longer free to dress the way you want to dress. You are no longer free to say the things you want to say. At times people will talk to you rudely and you want to respond but you can’t because of the yoke of Christ on you. You know as a Christian you are not allowed to be rude. At times you want to take revenge but you can’t because of the yoke of Christ on you. You know as a Christian you are not allowed to take revenge. At times you want to relax with a pint of beer but you can’t because you know Christians don’t drink beer. At times you are so stressed and you desperately need a fag or smoke a cigarette but can’t because you know Christians don’t smoke. The yoke of Christ restricts in a lot of ways. You want to go to clubs but you cannot. You want to do the things your friends do but you cannot. Brethren, I want you to know that the yoke of Christ may restrict you but it keeps you from a lot of harm. The Christian life maybe boring, but it keeps you safe. That is why you will never hear that the police arrested a believer for a drink driving offense because a true Christian does not consume alcohol. That is why you will never hear a true Christian having sexually transmitted diseases because a true Christian will not fornicate. You will never hear that a true Christian was stabbed at the club because he won’t be there in the first place. It is impossible to hear that a Christian lady got pregnant and the man refused to accept the baby because a Christian lady will not have sex until she is married. Inside Christ your marriage is safe and it is almost impossible for the man to cheat. Where is the time to cheat? He will go to work, attend all the church programs and come back home tired. Where is the time to cheat when he is concentrating on winning souls for Christ?

POINT: The Christian life maybe boring but it gives peace of mind.

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world for Jesus.

THE PART OF PRAYER

MEMORY VERSE: but ye, beloved, building you yourself on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Jude 20.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Sam 21-22, 1 Cor 3, Ezek 1, John 2

Prayer is a FEAR/ ANXIETY DESTROYER. In Acts 4:31 the disciples of Jesus gathered to pray, as they prayed the ground shook and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. By the time they had finished praying, all the fear in them (fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of death, fear of the future, fear of men e.t.c) had disappeared. Prayer also gives one the ability to walk on water (water denotes problems). Through prayers natural laws are suspended. In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus prayed till the early hours of the morning , when He got to shore there were no boats around to take Him to his disciples so He temporarily suspended the law of gravity and began to walk on water. Prayer not only suspends natural law, it also suspends human laws. There is always a deadline date for project submission in the university, once you miss it you have to wait till the next semester – this is human law. Due to one reason or the other when I was writing my final year project, I missed the project deadline by six working days. After praying I walked into the office to submit my project, without been asked any question the lady at the desk accepted my project praise God.

Prayer is an IDEA GENERATOR. To be successful in marriage, business, ministry e.t.c we need ideas. To be a force to reckon with in this generation we need ideas. To solve problems we need ideas. To become the head and remain the head all through our life we need ideas. To take the gospel to the uttermost part of the world we need ideas. Many Christian Scientists have testified that the ideas behind most of their inventions came during their prayer walk or when they were on their knees praying. One of the greatest inventors in American history – George Washington Carver got the idea of three hundred uses of peanuts during his prayer walk. From peanut he created peanut butter, diesel fuel, gasoline fuel, lubricating oil, insecticide to mention a few. The idea that unified the gentiles and Jews came when Peter was praying, Acts 10:9-16. How about medical science? One of the fastest growing branches of medical science is Herbalism or herbal medicine. People prefer herbal medicines to drugs because of the side effects. Do you know the idea for herbal medicine came whilst praying? If you don’t believe me please read Isaiah 38:21

The only accepted means of making withdrawal from an ATM machine is by using an ATM card. Do you know that you can have a billion in your bank account, except you use your ATM card withdrawal will be impossible? You can cry by the ATM machine all day, if you don’t use your ATM card you will not be able to make withdrawal. The same thing applies to spiritual things. The only means of withdrawal from your heavenly account is prayer. The only means of asking for help is prayer. The only means of doing anything is prayer. We can complain from today till tomorrow, we can sit and discuss about how bad the economy is if we don’t pray it will only get worse.

ACTION POINT: Use prayer today to inform heaven of your situation.

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world for Jesus.

HAGAR VS ESTHER PT4 - ATTITUDE TO THE LAWS OF THE LAND MATTERS

MEMORY VERSE: All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live, Esther 4:11a.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 10, 2 Cor 3, Ezek 17, John 18

In part three of these series, we saw that one of the factors behind Hagar’s failure as a wife was her attitude to rebuke. We also saw that her attitude to the poor or less privilege played a significant role in her demotion. Hagar lost her advantage as a result of her attitude to those who were not as favored as her. The Lord decided to demote her and promote those she considered as less privileged.

We have be comparing and contrasting the life of two young women – Hagar and Esther. Both from humble beginning rose to prominence. Hagar lost her advantage but Esther was elevated. While one was demoted, the other was celebrated. One of the reasons behind Esther’s success as a queen was that she used her position to bring joy. Haman hated the Jews with a passion. Since he was close to the king, he used his position to petition the king to pass out a law that will give everyone the right to kill the Jews. Esther got a wind of what Haman was up to, she went before the king and pleaded for mercy. Been a merciful king he agreed and permitted the Jews to defend themselves also. The Lord was with the Jews and they destroyed all their enemies. In the case of Hagar, she used her position to cause pain. She used her advantage as a means to torment Sarah for been childless. The Lord decided that if this is how she is going to use her advantage, I will demote her and promote someone else. She was demoted and the person she was victimizing was promoted.

Another reason behind Hagar’s failure was her attitude to the law of the land. In the days of Abraham it was acceptable for mistresses to raise children through their maid servants. On no occasion should a maid servant disrespect her madam. Hagar disobeyed the laws of the land by disrespecting her madam. Romans 13:1 -2 says all governments are ordained by God, by refusing to obey the laws of the land one is refusing to obey God. Hagar refused to obey God by refusing to obey the law of the land and she was relegated. Esther on the hand respected the laws of the land. The first thing she said when Mordecai prompted her to go before the king was the law of the land states that on no occasion should any one go before the king except he calls them , Esther 4:11a. The fact that one is in position does not mean he can do and undo. Men may not be able to discipline a fellow for transgressing the law but the God who instituted the law can. Because Esther respected the laws of the land, the Lord used the laws of the land to deliver her and her people from the hands of evil Haman.

NOTE: Failure to obey the laws of the land is failure to obey God

HAGAR VS ESTHER PT 2

MEMORY VERSE: so Esther’s maid and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them, Esther 4:4

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 7, 2 Cor 1, Ezek 15, John 16

Hagar and Esther started as slaves in a foreign land. They both enjoyed God’s favor –. Out of all the maid servants Hagar found favor before Sarah. Out of all the virgins in the land Esther found favor before king Ahasuerus. The both rose to prominence- Esther became the wife of a great king and Hagar became the wife of one of the richest man at that time. Later in life, Hagar was sent away with nothing from her husband’s house but Esther was celebrated. In these series we will be investigating the reasons behind Hagar’s failure and Esther’s success.

In part one of these series; we discussed one of the reasons that led to Hagar’s failure and Esther’s success. James 4:6 says God gives grace to humble but resists the proud. Immediately Hagar got to the top she became proud. Sarah became despised in her eyes. On the other hand the higher God took Esther, the humbler she became. Before you know it Hagar fell from grace and was sent out of the house while the king held a big feast for Esther.

Another reason behind Hagar’s failure was she never appreciated her helpers but Esther did. The Lord used Sarah to lift Hagar up; when she got to the top she became a thorn in her flesh. It got to a point; Sarah had to report Hagar to Abraham. When Esther got to the top, she appreciated her helpers. She heard that Mordecai (her helper) was sitting at the king’s gate in sackcloth, she quickly sent him garments. Esther 4:4 says so Esther’s maid and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them. Brethren, no one is obliged to help you. They are within their rights not to but when they do appreciate them. No matter how small the help appreciate your helpers. The fellow who rendered a small assistance today has the potential to render a bigger one tomorrow. Appreciate those the Lord has used to bring help to you. You may think you will never need them again and later need them at a crucial hour. When Abraham finally decided to send Hagar away, the only person who could have pleaded for her was Sarah but she could not to turn her because she failed to appreciate her earlier.

REMEMBER: You may think that you will never need that fellow’s help again, but something might happen in the future that will require you to run back to him for help.

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus

IT SHALL TURN TO YOU FOR A TESTIMONY

MEMORY VERSE: and it shall turn to you for a testimony, Luke 21:13.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 6, 1 Cor 16, Ezek 14, John 15

BIBLE STUDIES: Luke 21:10-13

The fact that we have given our life to Christ does not exempt us from the challenges of life. Actually as a Christians we will face challenges . According Psalms 30:5, we will face many but the good thing is the Lord will deliver us from them all. One of the signs of the end times is we will be persecuted. We will face unusual challenges at work, school, business, ministry e.t.c. At times the unexpected will happen just like it happened to me sometimes last year. I got to work and one of the senior managers called me into a room for short talk. We got into the room and he handed me a letter of suspension; I was at home for over three months.

In Christ there will be challenges. John 16:33 says these things I have spoken unto you, that it me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. One of the things that bring me joy is that Christ has overcome the world for me and I believe He did the same for you too. I remember after one particular prayer meeting during my suspension, a brother walked up to and said ‘Bro Sam, It shall turn to you for testimony’. It did turn to me for a testimony.

Just as Jesus assured His disciples in Luke 21:13 that whatever they may go through it shall to them for testimony, I am also telling you that whatever you may be going through at the moment ,friend it shall turn to you for a testimony. Without trials there will not be a testimony. Without big challenges, there will not be big testimonies. Without fire, there will not be gold. Are you battling with the repossession of your house? It shall turn to you for a testimony. Is your child’s behavior or conduct at school causing you to worry? It shall turn to you for a testimony. I was once suspended from school but today my parents rejoice over my salvation. Several years ago I was giving a month to leave the country; today it has turned to me for a testimony. Some months back I had a big financial challenge. During that period I received a letter from an organization that I had to settle a debt, failure to settle it will result in a court case. The Sunday before the Monday they were going to take me to court, the Lord settled the debt. I want you to know that the challenges you are facing is a divine opportunity from God to give you a testimony. Small challenges births small testimonies but big challenges births big testimonies. 

PRAYER POINT: Father, let all that I will face in the remainder of this year turn to me for a testimony.

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world Jesus

Guard your heart pt 2

MEMORY VERSE: keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life, Proverbs 4:23

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 4-5, 1 Cor 15, Ezek 13, John 14

In part one of these series, we discussed on the need to guard our hearts. The heart is the most important part of the body. It controls everything that we do. The heart is like a little rudder that controls the whole ship. Pride is a thing of the heart, so also humility. The heart informs our speech, actions, decisions, and emotions. The heart is under constant attack because of its value and importance. The enemy is aware that the Lord loves holiness. Since the heart informs everything we do, he attacks the heart and suggests evil thoughts so that an individual can sin against God.

To make it to heaven one needs a pure heart. Matthew 5:8 says blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. It is obvious that if the enemy gets hold of a fellow’s heart, he can turn the fellow against his Maker. If he gets hold of a sister’s heart, he will cause her fight in public and young men will start to run from her. If he gets hold of a brother’s heart, he will cause him give up at the edge of a major breakthrough. If he gets hold of a minister’s heart, instead of the minister to work with his subordinates, he will cause him to fight them to the detriment of his ministry. 

To guard your heart, you need to check what you listen to and watch on TV or surf on the internet. The eyes and the ears are the windows to one’s heart. Romans 10:17 says so then faith cometh by hearing. Do you know that fear also cometh by hearing? Another way to guard your heart against attack is by meditating on the word of God. Psalm 119:11 says your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you. One of the advantages of meditating on the word of God is that the Holy Spirit will always bring to your remembrance words to counter the attack of the enemy with . For example if the enemy brings suicide thoughts, out of the blue I shall not die but live and declare the glory of God will (Psalm 118:17)  flash through your mind. Jesus meditated on the word of God so much that when the devil tried to tempt him, he blasted him away with the word of God, Matthew 4:1-11.When you meditate on the word of God regularly, your heart becomes saturated with the word of God to the extent that attacks will have no effect.

ACTION POINTS: Meditate on at least two chapters of the bible daily. Also meditate on one chapter of proverbs per day to increase your wisdom.

Bro Samuel - Reaching in the name of the Lord

GUARD YOUR HEART PT 1

MEMORY VERSE: keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life, Proverbs 4:23

 BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Sam 3, 1 Cor 14, Ezek 12, John 13

 No one guards a valueless item. No one put measures in place to secure a worthless item. The only part of our body the bible encourages us to guard with all diligence is our heart not our eyes or ears or tongue. Proverbs 4:23 says keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Why do we need to guard our hearts with all diligence? We need to guard our hearts with all diligence because of its importance. Why is the heart so important? It is important because thoughts are formed in our hearts and our thought defines us. Proverbs 23:7 says as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Sickly thoughts will express themselves through a sickly body.

 Our heart reveals our identity. No wonder the bible says the Lord looks at the heart not the outward appearance, 1 Samuel 16:7. Our heart is where we keep our dreams, goals, passion, vision and so on. It is our heart that God connects to not our brain. When Jesus wants to come into a life, He comes through the heart. This is why He knocks at the door of every heart, seeking entry, Revelations 3:20. Our heart is also where people connect to.

 Another reason why one needs to guard his heart is because it is the source of everything we do. Our heart controls our speech and determines our confession. Matthew 12:34 says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Our heart informs our action. A wise man once said the ancestor of every action is thought. 

Before a man gives to God, he must have first thought about it. Our heart informs our decision. The process of sanctification takes place in the heart. The Lord takes away the heart of stone (the unrepentant heart, heart full of evil devises and schemes) and replaces it with a heart of flesh, Ezekiel 36:26. The main reason why we need to guard our heart is because it is always under attack. The enemy is always attacking it to take possession of it and control it. The enemy knows that once you have the heart of an individual, you have the individual. He knows that once you take possession of a fellow’s heart you can determine the end of such fellow. This is why he attacks the heart and the way he does it is through evil thoughts and suggestion.

 PONDER: We need to guard our heart because the enemy wants to take possession of it though evil thoughts and suggestion.