AND THINE EARS SHALL HEAR A WORD BEHIND THEE

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 3- 7

Recently I wrote a devotional about ‘lies’ and ‘shedding innocent blood’. After writing, I proofread it and corrected all the grammatical and spelling errors. I proofread it the second time and found no errors. As I proceeded to proofread for the third time before posting, I heard a voice in my spirit, which said, “go and shower and proofread again.” Meanwhile this was very early in the morning, I had just finished praying, and I wanted to get the writing out of the way before taking my shower. I obeyed and went to shower. When I returned to proofread again, I saw that I had put down ‘sharing innocent blood’ instead of ‘shedding innocent blood’. I changed it and posted the message. If I had disobeyed the Holy Spirit and proofread the third time before bathing, I would not have seen that error and this would have resulted in a big embarrassment. The Holy Spirit is our Guide. John 16:13 says howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Obeying the voice of the spirit saves one from of embarrassment. I cannot count the number of times I have burnt my food whilst preparing it because I delayed when prompted by the Holy Spirit to go and check what I was I was cooking. Thank God, I am wiser now.

A lot of mishaps, road accidents, problems, etc, could have been avoided, if only we obeyed the voice of the spirit. I heard how the Lord saved a brother during the September 11 (9/11) terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. Whilst working on his computer, he heard “run”. He did not question the Holy Spirit; he just started making his way down the building. As he stepped out of the Twin Tower, the first jet struck. Another brother was with his daughter in the Twin Tower. The daughter requested for McDonalds snack, as he was about to tell his daughter to wait a bit, he heard the Holy Spirit telling me to take the girl to McDonald. He left what he was doing and quickly proceeded to the McDonalds nearby. Whilst there, He had that there was an attack on the Twin Tower. If the Spirit of God is leading you to do something or make a move, please do it as soon as possible because you do not know what might happen next. If He says stand, please stand up first before asking why. If He says sit, sit first before asking why. If He says, make a call; do not ask why before making the call. Two things that could hinder one from hearing the audible of voice of God are bitterness and disobedience. At times out of anger, you may want to say something, the moment you spirit says do not say it, just keep quiet. If you disobey and say it, the Holy Spirit will be grieved. If He continues to tell you not to do something and you keep doing it, He will stop speaking and that is not dangerous.

PRAYER POINT: Father, Your word says I will a hear voice behind me guiding me; please heal me of spiritual deafness so I can hear your audible voice.

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

ADVANTAGES OF PRUNING

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Songs of Solomon 3 - 6

The reason why many of us are operating below our abilities is because we don’t like stress. Meanwhile, it is the stress in the catapult that pushes the stone forward. A lot are where they don’t want to be simply because they cannot endure discomfort. What is hindering many of us from making progress is because we don’t to leave our comfort zones. There maybe one or two reading this devotional who can’t endure hunger, a lot cannot fast from 12am to 3pm, yet they want to command mountains to move. There are some mountains that will not move except you fast. You can decree as much as you want, you can bind, loose, cast away, etc. Unless you fast, they will not move.  When the disciples of Jesus asked Him why they were unsuccessful in casting out a demon, He told them: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).” To pass an exam in flying color, one would need to subject himself to a bit of discomfort e.g. the fellow would need to read at night while everyone is sleeping. 

To become who God has created you to be, you must be ready to endure pain. In John 15, Jesus told His disciples that for them to become fruitful, the Father needs to prune them. Pruning in Agricultural Science, basically involves the removal of a part of plant, bush or tree in other to improve it. There are one or two things we need to know about pruning. Firstly, pruning improves the health of the trees. When you remove the dead or dying branches, the plant put its energy into new growth instead of directing it to the dead branches. Secondly, it protects the branch structure. Each cut will stop the plants growth in one direction and redirect it in another, guiding the shape and size of the plant. Thirdly, it prevents the spread of disease. By removing dead or damaged branches will decrease the chance of disease entering through the dead wood and spreading throughout the plant. Fourthly, if done properly, it can improve the size and quantity of crop. Fifthly, it improves air circulation and allow light to reach inner and lower leaves. It is important to thin dense growth periodically to improve overall shape and health. Pruning is advantageous to the plant but it is painful and it involves a lot of cutting.

Just as advantageous, pruning is to the plant, so also is pruning to our lives. Pruning adds value to our lives. Once the unproductive parts of our life have been cut off, our value will increase. Pruning refines us. Pruning creates growth and causes us to bear more fruit. When the Lord prunes, it can be very feel very painful, merciless and at times wasteful. He trims away what is harmful and bad for us, especially bad habits and ways of doing things. Pruning will lead to change and an average man or women don’t like change. For you and I to be pruned, we must learn to endure discomfort and pain. 

NOTE:  No pain, No gain. 

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

A CLOSER LOOK AT “JOHN 10:28

and I give unto them eternal l life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:28

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 8-11

Jesus said in John 10:28: “and I give unto them eternal l life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand”. A lot have read this verse of the bible and interpreted it as once saved, always saved. They even take it a step further and claim that one doesn’t have to live holy since sin cannot bring a Christian to his or her spiritual death. Firstly, let’s take careful look at John 10:28 and its immediate context. John 10:27-29 says my sheep hear my voice, and I know THEM, and THEY FOLLOW me: And I give unto THEM eternal life; and THEY shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck THEM out of my hand. My Father, which gave THEM me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck THEM out of my Father's hand.

Take a note of the word "follow" in verse 27. It is a continuous tense in Greek and it describes Jesus’ sheep. The plural pronouns "they" and "them" in John 10:28 and 29 refer back to verse 27. Hence, the only ones promised the wonderful NEVER PERISH SECURITY in verses 28 and 29 are the ones who CONTINUE to FOLLOW Jesus, in other words, those who do not turn from the teachings of Christ to the right or to the left.

To enter heaven, HOLINESS is KEY! Hebrew 12:14 says follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Sin can bring a fellow to his spiritual death. Ezekiel 33:13 says when I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. James 1:15 says then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The real truth is, after initial salvation a Christian is to make every effort to enter the Kingdom of God because many will not make enough effort to enter. Luke 13:24 says strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. This would include not sharing in sins of others but keeping oneself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22 says lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. It would include keeping oneself from idols ( 1 John 5:21) and from the spiritual pollutants of this world. James 1:27 says Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

PRAYER POINT: Matthew 10:22 says and ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Father, please help me to endure to the end

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

IS FAITH ALONE SUFFICIENT FOR SALVATION?

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matthew 24:13

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Ecclesiastes 4-7

The turning of water to wine in Cana of Galilee has been a subject of debate in many Christian circles. Some are saying the wine was a non alcoholic wine, others are saying we are not sure; it could have been an alcoholic wine. I have heard some school of thought say, it was actually a fruit wine – grape wine to be precise.  The bible did not tell us whether the wine was alcoholic or not and I don’t think, the author of the book of John intentionally kept that information from us to hide something. James 1:17 says every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Every gift Jesus gives is PERFECT and GOOD. If Jesus gives you a wine, you can be rest assured that the wine is not only good but perfect also. I post this question to you, is alcoholic wine good for your health? Is alcoholic beverage, perfect for your spiritual and physical growth?

Many of us have been deluded into thinking that FAITH alone can SAVE a man, we justify this with John 3:16 which 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. A lot are easily swayed by this convenient formula of salvation, all you need is accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior and you are sure of heaven. One has only to believe in the Son of God to gain eternal life. Is that what the bible teaches?  After you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, are you allowed to tell little white lies, purposely commit sin with the intention of asking for forgiveness later, etc?

Brethren, the bible do not sanction this belief neither can faith alone save man. James 2:14 says what doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? Faith would be useless if not coupled with works. We cannot claim to have surrendered all to Christ and still be keeping malice! FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS INSUFFICIENT.  James 2:17 says  even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. We cannot say we are saved and still accept bribes, abuse public offices or allow evil practices by pretending as if you don’t see it! Faith must be accompanied by works to make it perfect. Asides our faith, we need to do the will of God. Matthew 7:21 says not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. We need to accompany our faith with good deeds and obedience to the word of God. Philippians 4:15 says let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Everyone around us must know that we are different. No one has an excuse to misbehave! If you are struggling in one way or the other, ask the Lord to help you and He will help you.  Heaven will cost you something, but it is worth it!

ACTION POINT: Pray that the Lord will help you today in your areas of weakness! Also determine from today to stand out for Christ!

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus. 

IS PURGATORY BIBLICAL?

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Hebrews 9:27

 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 31 – Ecclesiastes 3

 

The tradition of purgatory teaches that, upon death, many souls enter a spiritual realm between heaven and hell during which sins are dealt with until they are prepared for heaven. Purgatory is a place where sin is “purged” before a person can enter heaven.  Furthermore this tradition encourages the living to do works on behalf of the dead in order to improve the situation of those in purgatory. It also encourages praying for the dead, indulgences, just to mention a few. Those who practice this tradition back it up with 1 Corinthians 3:15 which Say, if any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yes so as by fire.

 

Firstly, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 uses an illustration of things going through fire as a description of believer’s works being judged.  If our works are of good quality “gold, silver, costly stones,” they will pass through the fire unharmed, and we will be rewarded for them. If our works are of poor quality “wood, hay, and straw,” they will be consumed by the fire, and there will be no reward. The passage does not say that believers will pass through fire, but rather that a believer’s works pass through the fire.  1 Corinthians 3:15 refers to the believer “escaping through the flames,” not “being cleansed by the flames.”

 

Secondly, the bible speaks clearly of two options in the afterlife in Luke 16: 19-31 (the story of Lazarus and the rich man).  When the wicked rich man died, he went straight to hell. When Lazarus died, he went straight to heaven. Jesus makes it clear that after life has two options, and that both heaven and hell are eternal.  The end of the bible also makes clear God’s plan for the end of time. Revelations 20: 12 -15 says "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."Once again, only two choices exist, heaven or hell.

 

Lastly apostle Paul says in Hebrews 9:27, and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. The doctrine of purgatory is not anywhere in the bible.

 

ACTION: Let us remember all those who are yet to give their lives to Christ in prayer, that the Lord will touch their hearts. Let us also remember all those whose hearts are broken, that the Lord will comfort them.

 

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

ARE YOU A CHILD OR VISITOR IN THE HOUSE OF GOD?

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:18

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 24 - 30

Ephesians 1:18 says the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. In your prayer closet, please ask the Lord to enlighten the eyes of your understanding. When many of us have birthday celebrations, graduation ceremonies, child dedications, house warming, marriage ceremonies, wedding anniversaries, etc, we go to extra length to invite our friends and families. We give invitation cards to everyone we come across; we send texts , WhatsApp messages , Blackberry broadcasts but when it comes to the things of God i.e. special programs in church , church anniversaries, etc, we invite one or two people, this does not speak well of us. We are willing to invite everyone we know to our birthday parties but when it comes to God’s party, where people will have the opportunity to hear the undiluted word of God and give their lives to Christ, we invite two or three people, is that how much we love God?

A wise child sees to it, that his or her parent’s house is in order. He or she will clean and arrange it so that visitors won’t come in and find the house in a mess or untidy. Even if (S) he is married, (S) he will still put measures in place to ensure that his or her parent’s house is clean at all times. Some hire a house help to do the cleaning, others pay people to go and clean once or twice a week. It is the pride of every child that his or her parent’s house is neat, tidy and everything is running as it should be. A visitor on the other hand does not care about the tidiness or cleanliness of the house. Whether there is toilet roll in the toilet or not, is not his business. Whether the lawn is mowed or not, is not his prerogative. Whether the broken light bulb is replaced or not, is not his concern.

The same thing applies in the house of God. A visitor does not care about how the church is being maintained. Whether the church members are prayed for or not, is not his headache but a child in the house will be uncomfortable doing nothing in the church. She knows the church needs to be cleaned so she will join the sanctuary keeper; He knows the church needs intercessors who will be interceding for the church and the members so he will enroll as an intercessor; he knows the microphones, speakers and other church appliances cannot operate themselves so he will join the media team. Visitors come for the blessings, but the real children come to serve.

QUESTION: Are you in church for the blessing or to server God?

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.

FOR MAN LOOKETH ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.1 Samuel 16:7

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 17 - 23

One of the most MISUNDERSTOOD portions of the bible is 1 Samuel 16:7a, it says for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. A lot of us have read this and interpreted it as, all that matters is the HEART not the OUTWARD appearance. Firstly, the bible did not say that God ignores the OUTWARD appearance and focuses on the HEART.  He looks at both the HEART (1 Samuel 16:7) and the OUTWARD appearance.  1 Samuel 2:3 says talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. Secondly, what is inside will show outside. A lunatic is mad on the inside but it shows on the outside. How about demonic possession? The mad man of Gadara was mad on the inside, he had a legion demon residing in him and it showed on the outside (Mark 5:1-19). This man refused to live with humans; he chose the burial ground as his abode. He was so mad, no one could bind him. His problems were an internal one but it manifested on the outside.  

Likewise when one is filled with the Spirit of God, it will show on the outside. Saul was an aggressive Pharisee; he hated Christ with a passion, he committed a lot of his followers to prison for doing nothing but the moment he received the Holy Spirit, the whole world knew, by what they saw on the outside. Paul (former Saul) became an incurable soul winner; he went out and told everyone who cared to listen about Christ.  1 Samuel 19:7 says But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. When the Lord said for man looketh on the outward appearance, what He was saying is that, man (man and woman) judges by what they can see. The reason is that, they can’t see the heart so they look for the things they can see.  The only way, people around you will know whether you are lying or telling the truth about your salvation is by your OUTWARD appearance or what they can see e.g. the companies you keep, the way you talk, how you conduct yourself, your mode of dressing, etc.  An unsaved fellow knows he is not saved but he expects to see proofs that you have really given your life to Christ. If he is not convinced that you are saved, maybe because of the way you dress or your conduct, that means the Lord cannot use you to witness to him. What are we contributing to Christ if our lives can’t bring people to Jesus?

NOTE: If you claim that you are saved and the world cannot see the change in you, then you have work on your hands.

Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.